Original subtitles

JOHNNY SUEDE

Some people call me a teenage idol

Some people say they envy me...

Some time near the end of the XXth century, in the depths of a large American city...

...there lived a young man named John Beaman. No one knew where he came from really...

...or where he was going. But it was clear, at least to him, he was going somewhere.

John had just about everything: the look, the hair, the clothes... everything...

except one thing... shoes.

And this made him feel incomplete. As if he lacked one final crucial thing.

Like a car without wheels, like a rocket without fuel...

...like a man without shoes. Everyone else seemed to have it, everyone else seemed complete.

Everyone except him. So he kept looking for this one thing.

Night after night... Wandering... searching...

This is the story of what happened when he found it.

- Hey, man! - What!?

- Come in! - Why!?

- Come and get the stuff! It is good. I'm telling you!

- What's wrong with her? - She's all right. She's digging it, man!

- Hey, baby! - See that, man?

- She wants it, man! Come on over here!

- Yes? Police. - Something funny going on...

..on the corner of Lincoln and the 46.

Some people call me a teenage idol. Some people say...

they envy me. I guess they got no way of knowing how lonesome I can be.

I need somebody to be my baby Someone to tell my troubles to

I've got no time to ever find her Cause I'm just passing through.

I travel around from town to lonely town.

I guess I'll always be just a rolling stone...

If I find fortune and fame and lots of people know my name...

That won't mean a thing if I'm all alone...

- Suede is a funny thing.

It's rough, but soft... Is strong, but quiet...

It doesn't wrinkle and it doesn't crack...

And it doesn't stand up so much in the crowd of the leather...

You don't notice it at first but once you do you can't take your eyes of...

and you wonder how the hell could you overlook it in the first place?

- Who is it? - It's your father!

- Hi, Mr. Clepp. How you doing?

- I'm not bothering you? - No, I've just practiced on my guitar and stuff...

That's good.

Know, I wrote a song once...

It's called The Rent Song. Did you ever heard The Rent Song?

The Rent song? No, I don't think so.

It goes like this: hey, hey, today is the day those that pay will get to stay.

Those that don't, I hate to say, they got to pack the shit...

..and move, move away...

Practise that, Caruso.

- Hey, Johnny!

I'm sorry I missed you last night I was on the way to club but it's three girls...

pull up to me, asking me to take them to the tunel...

The next thing I know, they're going through the tunnel...

..with me still in the car. Ain't that.. they've parked in the woods. Ain't that interesting...?

So how about you, you scored last night? - What the fuck was I doing, man? Playing hockey?

- Jesus, what's the matter with you? - What's the matter with me!? I just pawned my guitar, that's what.

- Why!? - So I have something else to eat besides...

goddamned cabbage! I tell you, if I had a gun, right now...

- I'd do something! - Like what!?

- Like what? See that barber's shop over there? I bet there's 300 dollars in the register. We walk in...

..show him the gun and he gives us the cash, right?

- Yeah... Hey, that's not a bad idea, Johnny! - I know! I can get my guitar back!

- I can get me a new keyboard! - I would to start the band!

- So when are we gonna get the band started? - I just told you, as soon as we get a gun.

Listen! I know the guy, he is a apartment painter. So like you help me, I split with you 50/50?

- 50/50?

No. These hands weren't made to hold a goddamned paintbrush!

- All right, you know what's the case! - I do.

- All right, see you later tonight in the club! - No, I'm not going.

Hey man! Come on, come about 7, sooner or later.

Johnny? Johnny Suede?

- Freak! - Slick.

- We need to talk... Really, we need to talk.

- I'd like to talk to you too, Slick, but not right now? - What do you man can't right now? When?

- I don't know, man. I'm totally booked! This record company (...) is on my ass to get this album out.

- I need my money. I mean I need my money!

- Yeah, well, I'm sure you do.

- You know with that shoehorn, you remind me of a prince in a faery-tale?

- Well, with this dress remind me of a strawberry ice cream!

- Looking for something? - Yeah, I just ordered a beer and now it's gone.

- I'll buy you one. May I have a beer, please! - Thanks.

- Are you with the band?

I knew it! They had a show last week.

- No, we can't play there yet. - You should. I know my mom's a...

- a records distibutor. - Really?

- Yeah, but ... because I write a poetry ..anyway I'd like to say that music and poetry...

- ...are alike - I've always thought so.

- What's the name of your band again?

- I'm not supposed to go to that club - Why not?

- It really upsets, my boyfriend.

- Who is Flip? - He is my boyfriend.

Glooming darkness like constant shadows...

where'er I go to shores afar, a prince of dreams on horse of white...

please, bring me a blinding beams of light.

- God, that's beautiful! Listen, I'd better be going - Why?

- I don't feel right here with your boyfriend and all...

- Yeah, he is pretty jealous He'd get crazy if he finds you here.

- Is he coming over? - I hope not. I'm a little affraid of him.

- Why? - He hits me sometimes.

- Do you think maybe you could stay?

- What about her boyfriend? - She's gonna dump him.

But she's got to take it easy because the guy's got a temper.

You know, he hits her and shit, has black and bluemarks on. - Jesus!

- What's his kinda problem? - I don't know, he's just crazy I guess.

- He's famous photographer, Flip Doubt. - Flip Doubt?

- It's what she said. - What a fucking idiot, man!

- Yeah, and a fucking idiot lives right across the street.

- Too bad, Johnny! I mean now you've got to start sneaking around and shit, man.

- Are you finished? I don't sneak around, you know that. Come on. We worked out a schedule. He'll see her...

on Monsday, Wednesday and Friday and I will see her, on Tuesady, Thursday and Saturday. See?

- What about Sunday? - Well, she's leaving for herself(???), you know.

I was thinkng, if you loan me $40,00 I get back my guitar and we will have rehearsal on Sunday.

- You're serious? - Said I'd start the band, that's what I'm gonna do!

- Yep. You got any songs? - No!

- No? You better get on it. I got a couple, but we got it, we got it going.

I didn't tell you the best part. Ready? Toile's mom...

works for the High Tone Record's producer!

- That's smooth Johnny! - But I'm not gonna push it...

- you know me, Mr. Easy-Going. - Just let it come to you, Johnny.

- Let it come to you. - You're so right. Like a little bird...

...a beautiful little bird.

Poor guy...

Doing fine before I came on.

Well, Flip, got to say it, the game only started...

Don't you know...with an open end?

Hi, babe!

- Has anybody ever swept these stairs? - No, no since I've been here.

- This is for you.

- Oh! Wow!

They are really beautiful. - I should go now.

- Why!? You just got here! - I don't feel well.

- Are you sick? - No, I am not sick.

- Then what's the matter? - Flip slapped me again last night.

- What for!? - No reason.

- That's it. I'm gonna teach that fucking scum back about slapping women! I'm gonna kick the shit out of him!

- He's got a gun!

This is for a never-girl. The girl I never knew... the one that I pledge to love...

I promised to be true.

The one who will never hurt me. Ear. That one that never...

I thought about kissing, pleasing...

And if I ever find her, I know just what I say.

What I will say. ...to take you far away.

Not bad! But why we just like gas a tempo, Johnny, like...

...it is right now, like: hey, hey...

This is for a never-girl. The girl I never knew; The one who never... I promised to be true...

- I'll never, I'll never. I'l never..!! - No! Hey!

Ok...

- It's a lovesong, man - Yeah, I know it's a love song but it's, you know, it's sound is oldfashioned and we must have new, right? I mean, you know...

- No, wrong! You know I mean I'm not into it now! Now it's a...

voice fared in the wind...

I mean my music just comes out of me, anytime, anywhere

It's got no date on it!

mumble

- So you're in love, huh? - Why you said that? - You just said it's a love song.

- This song is not about me, man! I just made it up..

Yeah... let's take a break.

- Ok.

- Where did you get that plant? Darlette...

She's.. redoing my apartment, man for free..! whole thing..!

- That's nice! - Yea! And I guess she told old lady about me...

Now she wants to meet me.

- Yeah, yeah.. that's cool, you know.. but be careful, man this one thing I learned from experience, that..

if your girlfriend mother likes you, chances are...

- ..it's serious, ok? - Thanks, man. I gotta remember that.

- Who is this? - are you kidding?

Mick Nelson. Great voice, huh?

Yeah... some people say I sound like him.

- Is it something else you can play? - Sure is.

Don't you have anything else?

- You don't like it? - Well, it's boring...

Well, hey, I just take it off than..

- Jeremy Freak Storm! - Who?

- Freak Storm. He's great! Flip has his records.

- Never heard of him. ..said this plant didn't need much attention.

- Well have you been watering it?

- Of course I have been watering it! I think it was dead when you gave it to me.

- I wouoldn't give you a dead plant! - Does this plant look dead or not?!

- Where are you going?

- To grab a beer. - I will wait up the stairs until you come back...

- If you want...

- Where are you from, Johnny? - Oh no particular place, lady.

- I assume you were born somewhere? - Dakota. I only lived there a month.

Like a Rolling Stone. You know, with Dakota being primarily settled by Swedish emigrants

I'm wandering if the original pronunciation of your name isn't Swede. Ian Swede.

No, it's Suede, Mr. Fontaine. Always has been and always will be.

- Dalton is not Mr. Fontaine, Johnny. - Is not?

..I'm... I'm a friend, John. I'm ... friend.

- Where is your dad? - Gone.

- Gone? - Mr. Fountain disappeared shortly before Darlete's 15th birthday.

But a month later the divorce papers arrived post marked 'Buenos Aires'..

..and I haven't seen him ever since.

Well, he's probably living in a tree house somewhere surrounded by a bare breasted...

...young. (??)

- See I was kind of a lone wolf my day - Oh yeah?

- Yeah. I randled wild, ...loved hard - Do you know what I say? - I do.

Oh, I know you do...

To the lonely wolf.

- What they are you toasting? - Animal behaviour, my dear.

- Have some coffee. - Right.

Mrs. Fontaine, is that Nancy Sinatra in that picture there?

- No, that's me - That's amazing, becasue I thought... you look just like Nancy Sinatra!

- What are you doing with Frankie Lindou? - Frankie gives High Tone his first record

-"Let's Live on Love", right? - ... I thought he was before your time.

- Well, Mrs. Fountain, good music has no time. That's my philosophy.

Darlette tells me that you are musician yourself? What kind of music do you play?

Well I actually don't have a name for it. I just pick up my guitar and play whatever comes out as what it is.

Kind of free form, experimentals.. That's what you're saying, John?

- Not exactly. - Johnny has a beautiful voice and...

...and he writes songs. - How sweet... You've already got a fan. I assume you have a tape?

- ... - Well send it to me next weekend...

Maybe I can persuade Jack Collins, our director, to give it a listen.

- Thank you very much, - THere's only one thing I ask in return...

It's to let me try on one of those beautiful shoes...

- Babe, what's the matter? - Darling...

I told you she hates me. She always has. Wants to take you away from me.

- No way, babe! Never happen! - My father didn't disappear...

She drove him away!... Because she knew how much I loved him.

When I was young I remember staring at the door, praying that it would open...

..and he'd be there to take me away forever - Oh babe, I'm never gonna leave you, I thought...

Will you take me home..?

Babe... you look so beautiful, right now

Thanks.

- Anymore crackers? - No...

No?

Got anymore tea?

- Did I ever show you this picture? - No.

- Wow, that's a great picture! Who took it? - Flip.

We had so much fun dressing up and taking pictures of each other.

Yeah..? Babe, it's a little hard to me to understand how you could be having so much fun with...

- a guy who's supposed to be beating a shit out of you? - Well, I'm sorry Johnny! But we had fun.

- What do you want me to say? - Well maybe I should slap you a couple times...

- and we'll have some fun too? - I can't believe that you said that!

- I was just joking. I'd never... - It's over, Johnny.

- What!? - I can't pretend anymore. I don't love you.

I'm sorry Johnny but I won't be able to see you again.

- No! - Good bye, Johnny!

- So you're in a relationship yet? - No, not yet, but I'm working on it.

- Good for you. It's just a matter of time.

- Oh yeah, she's out there... somewhere...

- Know what? You're right, she is out there. In fact I just saw her in the next train-coach,

dressed up like Cinderella, asking everybody if he's seen a stupid fucking idiot who looks like you.

- Hey! What the hell are you doing? Huh?

- Man! I'm gonna get you for that. - Shut up!

- You wait, sucker! you better die! - Next time you keep your nose out of other people's bussines.

- Hey! you alright? you ok? - Keep away your fucking ass, pal!

- What!? - You're .. fucking man, picking up a little goddamned hands!

- That wasn't a kid that was a guy trying to get up your dress! - Get the fuck out of here!

- He got an antenna trying to lift up your dress! - I haven't seen any fucking antenna! Where?

You didn't see any antenna and nothing happened here and your underwear, excuse me for saying so..

...is not white with a little blue rabbits on!

Hey!

- Hey, what!? - I'm sorry, ok? I'm sorry I thought that...

- you pushed him down the stairs, I'm sorry - No, I didn't push him. He trooped over my foot.

Good he haven't got any knife you know?

I'm not worried about knives. But these shoes are pretty light...

- What are these, bedroom slippers? - No, they are not bedroom slippers. Look!

One of the kind - black suede shoes. My name is Suede, by the way.

- Johnny Suede. - You're kidding me, right?

- No, I'm not kidding.. why would I be kidding? - Yvonne!

- Ok!

- That's a name you got, Yvonne? - Yes. What, what about it?

Yvonne...

I knew a girl named Yvonne. She was a dancer in the Blue Bar.

- Yvonne! - I gotta go.

- Who is that guy? - It's...

..a friend.

See, I was just gonna say you looks kinda like a friend.

I gotta go. My band's practising cross the street.

Ok.

Maybe you'd like to come by? - I am, but I can't. I gotta go.

Alright. But do me a favor, try to be a little more careful because I hate to say it there are guys around here..

..that would like to do a lot more that looking up your dress.

Take care.

Hey, guys, I'm sorry I'm late, you're not gonna believe what happened.

I'm going in in the subway, this crazy guy pulls a nailbomb this long...

- What you do man? - Kicked that fucker right down the stairs!

- ...got man pushed down the train last night.

- Killed? - Cut his arm off!

- I've seen a cat cut in half, once. - Saw it happened?

- No, but I've seen putting him in the bags, though - Alright boys, let's make some music!

We start at...

One and two...

Hold it guys.

Hi! You showed up! Have a seat!

Guys, this is this is Yvonne. Yvonne this is B-Bop, a baseman, over here we got Conan...

..the King of Acordeon, and over here is Deke my right-hand man... ok?

Deke, give me some rocky beat.

- You're coming, Johnny? - No, I'm gonna stick around. I call you later!

- So what do you think? - Is there a phone round here? I really should call my friend!

- Come on, I can take criticism... - Well... I don't... really...

Forget it. I know what you're trying to say. I agree with you.These guys are terrible!

Even Deke, he's no help... He thinks being in band is all fun and games!

I write all the songs, I set up all the rehearsals, God...

- I mean the way I feel right now I'm ready to give all the thing up!.. - Don't you dare!

- Why not? - I liked the song. I'm not really sure...

..what is it about, but I liked it. I just say you guys need a little more practise, that's all

- You've got a pretty good voice! - Yeah?

I think so.

Yeah... yeah, you're right! I am being too hard on these guys!

Yeah... I just can't help it, I mean, this is my life!...

You know what I can tell about you? You really got good head on the shoulders.

- Do I? - Yea, I like that...

Seat down pal, I've got a secret news! Corina's brother's getting married...

..and wants us to play on the wedding! 50 $ a piece!

That's great, man! That's great! Eee.. The B-bop called you?

No, why?

Cause he's saying he's got this kick on a cruiseship and he's like leaving tomorrow...

- For how long? - Three months.

Unbelievable!

Just when things are starting to click, you know..!

- Yea, but can't we do a gig without? - No, I'm not playing without a goddamned base-player!

I guess, I can tell the photographer that we will paint the studio?...

- Without me - I'm sick of that shit! - Well I guess it's a time we took a trip

- to a barbershop... - What are you talking about, man?

Barbershop? ...have some good news!

That's what I'm trying to tell you, Johnny!

Is it loaded?

No, I didn't have any bullets.

Ok. We got to find a bullets...

..for 38. That'sa plan, ok?

- ...hold on to it - Ok...

So let's go to the club tonight knowing that you're free man again!

- I got plans tonight. - You're seeing Darlette?

- Yvonne. - I just think I will place tonight and have dinner...

You know, I met a schoolteacher once, man - She's a not schoolteacher!

She works with retarded kids and shit. I mean that's a big difference.

He said that he was gonna divorce his wife but waited for the right time, you know...

..years later, he was still waiting so I just left, I didn't even

say goodbye, leave a note or anything Did you ever lived with anybody?

Yeah, sure! Say, this is some good meal, you know!

- It's not even done! - Of course it is done!

- I put it back in the oven.

- Know what? That's ok! Because...

..it's getting late and I should be moving along!

- It's 9:30! - Hard to believe, isn't it?

- Did I say something wrong? - No... no!

I just have lot on my mind, that's all.

...B-bop is really upseting and...

- Oh well, ok. Well, thanks for coming up. - Thank you! I will call you and...

we'll do it again, sometime... How come you got black and blue marks on you?

- Kids. They're carried away sometimes - Kids did that to you?! I hope you smacked them back!

- That's it, you know... popped as I am.. - No, you didn't?! God! It's really funny!

I guess I'm in a funny mood.

- Ok... So Long! - So long!

(??) ...real kissing.

Mine as well.

- So I'll see you! - Bye.

- I find that I obtain, girl -Eee? Hold on a second. - Why?

My turn.

Ok.

- Eee... hold it..! - What!?

- What are you doing? - What's it feel like I'm doing?

- Well, it feels like you're trying to pick up a watermelon, see... - Well, do it your-damned-self, than!.

- Come here. - What!?

_ Come here, give me a hand... Come here...

- Ok, you feel that? - Yes.

That's my lip.

Ok?

You feel that?

That's it.

This is it... and this is not it..!

- This is it but this is not. - Yes.

See, what I made my mistake with Darlette is I let her see my hand...

I mean as soon as she found out that I like her...

- ...she flew like a goddamned bird. - She will sit on the ground one day.

- I know she will. But my point is that I learned an extremaly valueable lesson here...

- now with Yvonne, I can take it or leave it. - Yes, man, that's right, that's the way it is, Johnny! Just let them come to you.

I went to the class the other day, you know, just to take a glimpse of her lifestyle...

...and the moment I went in the kids start crawling all over me, messing up my clothes, messing up my hair...

...and than this girl comes up, with no reason reaping my favourite shirt! You know, I was so pissed. I just get out of there...

- I didn't even say goodbye, you know - Take it or leave it, right?

- Exactly! And that's the way I'm handling this one, man!

- You're not making love? - Of course we're making love!..

- You just see me the other night, man I was like a wild man, I was doing all kinds of things! - Like what?

- Like, well... she showed me where that little button is inside there, you know... - You didn't know where that was?

Yeah, I knew where it was. But know I can find it in the dark if I have to! And that...

..is a good thing for a guy to know!

- You know, Johnny, I'm glad we had this conversation. - Anytime.

I'm sorry man, I didn't mean to laugh but... I am really glad we had this conversation..

Me to.

Turn on your TV, quick! There's a cowboy movie on with nobody adult?

That's only kids, man!

- Yeah man, wven the horses are matched! - I'll look...

Damn! You just missed it! It's over.

Yea, I'm almost ready.

You didn't tell anyone of the meeting? Not? Good.

Just yell up to the window when you get here...

- Who is it? - Yvonne!

God!

I'm coming.

Hi! What a great surprise!

- Am I disturbing you? - No! Go in.

I'm just getting ready to go out with friends You just happened to be in the neighbourhood?

- No, I planned this actually. - Good.

- Hairdrier? - Yeah, doesn't work though.

- Too bad. Listen, are you avoiding me? - Why would I be avoiding you? No, god!

- Cause I haven't heard from you in a week. - Well I've been really busy! you know...

...practicing! Are you still pissed about Ginger reaping your shirt?

No, no... I mean I was pissed, you know for a second, it's my favourite shirt.

Well... she made this for you.

It's really nic-... SORRY I RIP YOU SHIT

Now, it's not funny. She reaps my shirt and calls me a shit. Chocking.

It's supposed to by shirt, you see: I'm sorry I ripped you shirt.

Oh, that's very nice.

And this is from me and rest of the class...

- Johnny?! - Just a sec...

Hey, Steve, I'll be down in a second!

Come on! The girl's legs are getting cold!

Hi!

- What happened to your friends? - I remembered I didn't like them very much.

And I thought: hell, I haven't seen you for a while , maybe I can go up here and take a ride...

- Oh, thanks but I've already eaten - Oh no, I meant dancing!

- No, I get to get up in the morning - We'll not stay late and I'll have you home in a flash..

I'll wait out here while you get dressed..

What are you fucking choir-boy (?) ?

Ok!

- Ready? - What!?

- Don't you wanna put that black stuff around your eyes? - Eyeliner?

- All the girls wear it in the club. Pretty sexy.

- Well I don't wear eyeliner. - Really? Why not?

I don't like it.

That's a pretty good reason.

- Which shoes should I wear? - One you want.

- Do you like these? - Yes, they're alright.

Or do you like these better?

Babe, you were dressing yourself long before I came on so why stop now?

- Only asking which of these you like - And I'm just saying. Wear the ones you like best, ok?!

- Why just you don't tell which shoes you like better? - Cause I guess I don't like either ones.

Those are fucking shoes that I have, ok? This is the way I dress and you know, goddamned what I wear...

- ...shit around my eyes! - Ok!

- What's the big deal? - No big deal.

- Let's just stop seeing each other, right? - Why!?

- Because it's very obvious to me there's nothing about me that you wants!- If it is so obvious, what the hell am I doing standing here, than?

- I don't have any idea. - Well, I guess I have to spell it out for you! I'm standing here...

..because I like you!

...it's a funny way you're showing it.

- It is ok? - No.

Sabe?

You've got kind of eyes that don't need any make-up at all!

- Shut up. - I'm serious.

Look, hey! I'm serious. You're beautiful.

I'm sorry I've threw a shoe at you.

It's ok. It's all right. Just please don't do it again cause I hate when people throw shoes at me.

I won't.

Wise person who was missed...

- Get a smoke? - No, I'm out.

You Freak Storm, huh?

That's right. I've seen you before! What's your name?

John. Johnny Suede.

- What are you doing back here, Freak? - Meet someone that I wanna see.

- Nice shoes you have here, Johnny. - Thanks. I like your boots.

- Where did you get them? - I found them when I was living in Wyomming.

- What were you doing in Wyomming? - I've been all over, man.

- Me too - Yeah?

- I was born in a goddamned motel room - Really?

- Your dad was a traveling sellsman. - Daddy?

I don't know too much about my daddy, man except he was shot 5 minutes after I was born.

- Wow, you're kiddin! - No, I am not fucking kidding.

Even tried to write a song about it, once. But I just didn't finish it.

It goes like this...

I was born in motel room When my daddy lost his job.

Just after one He pulled a gun and blew the brain down the...

They call me mamma'.. they call me mamma'...

The call me mamma's boy. But I don't care.

I'll be a mamma, I'll be a mamma's boy!

Since daddy get the electric chair!

- Pretty music, Freak. - No, it ain't. It's all piece of bubble.

- No man, you should finish it. - I can't, it's too very personal.

Did your daddy really get a chair?

- Well Johnny I don't really like talking about that. - I can understand that.

- You really liked that song Johnny? - Yeah, I do like...

- You can have it.

- Thanks!

Thanks, Freak.

- You know I'm trying to start a band myself. - You do that? - Yeah!

The High Tone was interested for a while but that didn't go through.

- I sympathize with that - It's hard you know.

- I sympathize - Sometims I feel like giving up

- Do you, Johnny? - Yea, I do Freak.

I like you. Wanna turn you on for something. Check this out.

What is it?

MAKE YOUR OWN HIT ALBUM - $20 - CALL RUDY AT HIT-12345

This guy, Rudy, is a friend... to my first album.

You got a tape?

-Well send it to him right away, make sure you send cash (...)

Wait a minute!

I'm gonna go and see this guy tomorrow. If you give me the money than I can give it to him.

Hey, that's great! That's fine by my!

I got it!

- You give it to him, man - Why!?

I don't want to bother with that... Oh hell I'll give it to him! I'll tell him you're a friend of mine.

- Special treatment. -Yes...

Thanks. That's great!

Don't mention it! Maybe one day you can make me a favor.

- Here! Have some chicken! - I can't, Freak! I gotta split.

- You have to split?

I start your fucking career for you and you gotta split?!

That's why your life's going fucking nowhere Johnny! Cause you gotta show a little bit goddamned gratitude!

- No, I am grateful, Freak! Really!

I am.

- This is good chicken. - It should be man I only found it this morning.

Just kidding.

I was born in motel room When my daddy lost his job.

Just after one He pulled a gun, his brain out...

Cops pulling me down the... (...)

That was the day my mamma told, since I could understand

...could take no pride, and the daddy killed a man.

They call me mamma..mamma...mamma's boy.

But hey, I just don't care! I've been a mamma...mamma..mamma's boy...

Since daddy got the electric chair.

- I'll make some tea.

- She still loves you...

- Does she? - She talks about you all the time.

- I told you I'd get you, didn't I?!

- Johnny...

- How do you feel? - Terrible.

- What's that smell? - I made some soup. Do you want some?

- What type? - Vegetable.

- What type of vegetables? - Do you want some soup or not?

- Ok, I'll have some soup.

- Aren't you supposed to be in school? - Yeah...

I took a day off.

- I hope you know shaving the face is not like shaving legs - Why it says this?

- Already made this before? - Once or twice...

- With that married guy? - Why are you so curious?

- Have you guys been in tub? - No, we were in a jacuzzi.

- Anything else you wanna tell me? - Only this: you keep asking me a stupid questions...

- and I'm gonna smack you! - Big talk for a girl..!

- ...

...

God...

Funny...

- I hope you know shaving a leg is not like shaving a face.

...I've done this a million times...

- You're going a wrong way. - Look, lady.

You go your way, I go my way.

I love you, Johnny.

Thanks.

Certain.

- For moving... ...against moving.

I'd suggest that you start with the reasons for moving ???.

- So let me have a couple! - Ok...

- She's got a color TV. - Here you go! Color TV... Next?!

- She's got an extra room. She says I can play my guitar in , kind like my own private room.

- That's nice!... private room...

- Next! - She's always got things around to eat...

like nuts, come crackers and shit...

- Hey, why you watch TV? You know what I'm saying?

- Yeah... - So.. we call it snacks!

- Anything else?

- Nope, no. - Let's proceed to the reasons against!

- I'd move into, I'd be locked up for 24 hours a day! You know, go to bed...

there she is, wake up - there she is again!

- So you say you're feeling like a... - ...like I was in prison!

- Ok... prison.... -similarities!

- Good. - Next..?

I couldn't do any of the things the guys does, you know... I mean... say, I wanna walk around in my underwear!

No, say I had to make a fart! I'd have to go to my private room just to make a fart!

Yeah, you probably would..! Ok, things a guy does!

- Ok, next? - She threw a shoe in me once..!

That's bad, that's very bad...! Shoe-throwing things.

- How many is that? - It's tied up, 3 and 3.

- Ok... Let's face it: she is probably the exact opposite type of girl I'd normally met, you know!

She's got weird job, she dresses funny, she can't even put on make-up!

- Opposite types. - That's us!...

- Here it is, pal! Three reasons for, four reasons against!..

- ... - Numbers don't lie!

- And hey, just because I don't move in doesn't mean I can't still see her, right?

- I don't know, man... - I mean... I DO like a girl...

Sometimes when I'm sitting around... she keeps grabing my ear really soft... I like that.

- That's not a reason for, man! - I don't know man, I mean the way you described it...

makes me wanna meet a girl like that.

- Tied up again, Johnny... - I know!...I gotta think!...

Ok. See that, color TV, never watch it!

- Are you sure? - Absolutely.

Now I just gotta find a way to break it to her...

- What is it you're thinking about?

- Well I guess I was thinking about a few things...

What I wanna say, is...

shouting

- He better give up calling me "Pain"..! ?

- I don't know maybe thought you'd paint a place... -...

- If you don't like it why just you don't go home?

- Can I help you with something? - Yes, sir, you can get out of way so I may open the door.

- I prefer that you don't use this bathroom... - Ok, which one should I use?

- Well, if I'm not mistaken, there's a close little gas station around...

- Fine, thanks... - You'll find a rear door.

- The scum doesn't want me to use his bathroom...

- Relax, piss in the bucket.

- Where? - In the closet.

- Deke! ... a gun! - ...?

- Where did you get that?

- What are you doing? - Shit.

- What?!

- Just talking! - That's nice.

- I can't believe it! - What!?

- This wall is covered with nips. - What are nips?

- This little item is a nip. ...

...my walls. Here's one... and here's another...

- We haven't paint it yet, man! - You're gonna to still this down and repeat for entire...

- the thing I detest is little nipes on the wall...

- Sucker!

- What did you say? - He said Mark those nips!

- He did not! He said Suck my dick! - No, no, he said Mark those nips!, that way we

- ...can start painting right away, sir!... - ...

- Come on man, it was just a joke! - Tomorrow, man, just, just don't even look at the guy, man, just...

paint a wall so we get the hell out of there!

Alright.

Health.

- Today is my birthday. - Happy birthday...

- Come on...- Look, I might ask Boccelli now... ?

- I joined a band.

- When? - Last week. I got tired wailing around, man.

- You pissed off? - No... no!

- Why should I be pissed off? - When are we gonna start one together, you know..?

- Forget it. Hey man, you got $5 I can borrow? I got to pick some things up on my way home...

- Guess you're doing a shopping now..? - That's... really funny, man...

- Why!?

- You know what? I'll tell you something, I'm getting sick of you...

- Look man, I'm just trying to make some conversation. You don't like it? Go talk to someone else...

- You have a beer, that's 2 dollars, pal!

- I can't believe it, man!

- It's my fucking birthday! And some guy who's supposed to be my best friend can't buy me a fucking beer!

...really gonna sound silly and I hope you don't take this wrong way but I saw you in a train...

...and I just wanna tell you you have the most beautiful legs I've ever seen.

- Thanks for everything, I had a lovely time!

- Wait a second..! - What?

cursing

- Yvonne! - Honey! ?

- Glad I see you! - Where have you been?

- You're not gonna believe this! - What? Are you alright?

Yeah, I'm ok, but just fored a guy in a train...back guy got shot!...

- Oh god, oh my God! Was he killed?

- No, but he was hurt pretty bad! Of course cops kept everybody down there asking...

- the same questions, over and over again! - Well, why didn't you call me?!

- I tried! I said "Cops, I gotta use a phone!" they even wouldn't let me make a call, can you believe it...

- Fucking asshole! - I know! I ran all the way home...

- as I knew you'd be worried! - Oh, you must be starved. I'm glad you're ok...

- ...I've got a dinner in the fridge.. - yeah, I need to take a shower!..

- All right. - You bought me a cake?

- No baby, I made it! - You made me a cake?

- Are you sure you're ok? - Yeah, I'm ok.

It's just horrible to see a man going down...?

- Look at all the presents! What is this, Christmas?

- Open it!

- Yeah? No, I'm gonna wait til we have our cake. I can't believe that you made this for me! It's perfect!

- What have you done? - Me? Nothing! Deke must have put those there...

...as some kind of birthday joke!... . I tell you that guy...

- ...has got sick sense of humour... - Stop it, Johnny. I could smell it all over you...

- since you've been walking thru' door! - I don't know what you smell, but I smell a guy's been working all day!

- You fucked somebody, ok?! I cut your shit!

Why!? Why?! You just tell me why you did it!

- Only thing I can say is I know you're gonna think this is stupid.

But...

It felt like something was behind me all day, you know, pushing me and shoving... Do you know what I mean?

- No.

- Like a giant hand... pushing me from behind and I couldn't stop it.

And I started following this girl, nothing special about her, really, but every time I tried to stop...

the giant hand gave me another shov. And... somehow I ended up in her kitchen and we did it...

- So, she cooked you dinner? - Yeah, see what I mean? The whole thing is like a dream...

...and than we were in bed... But it's not like I enjoyed it or anything!

But for the first time in my life, I felt like I was home..!

- Well, Johnny, that's the biggest pile of shit I ever heard in my life!

- I tried to explain how I feel and you don't even try to understand!

- Oh, no, I understand! You saw a girl, you fucked her, she made you feel at home...

- and than you lie to me about the whole fucking... - When I said she made me...

- ...feel at home, I said, it felt like I was home! - Get out!

- What? - I can't even look at your fucking face, get out!

- I'm out of here, man. You think I need this shit? No!

- I am my own man! - You are a lying piece of shit!

- You know what I am?! I'm stupid for ever letting you talk me into moving into this scope in the first place! I got places...

I wanna go, I got things I gotta do!.. You think I want to be stacked here with a chick...

...who can't even put a fucking make-up?! No!

- Did I tell you about throwing shoes?! Did I?!

- Hey...

- Hi...

- I've been looking all over for you. Deke saw you from across the street.

Have been asking everybody if he's seen a guy who wears a suede shoe that looks like this...

- Where did you find it? - On the roof of the car.

- I looked all over 20 minutes for this thing! I can't believe you found it!

- What happened to you? - I don't know.

- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! - Alright.

- No... - Calm.

- Yvonne, sorry...

And so our story ends. Did she forgive him?

Did they stay together? No-one knows.

And the one thing he was looking for...

Some people say he found it.

Other people say it ended up on side of the road...

somewhere just outside of Delaware.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust

Women don't get you The whiskey must

He was a good man.

Sure enough he was. He's gone but not forgotten.

- Amen. - Amen.

- We'll always remember him. - Sure enough we will.

- Yes, he's gone. - Good man gone.

- We'll never forget him. - Amen.

Yes, he was a good man.

Glory.

He rambled and he rambled till the butcher cut him down.

All right, that'll do it. Let's go let up some air.

Blow through that a while.

We need time to count it. Sugar can.

How about it, Pete? Next set on the drums.

It's all right with me. Get Joey's vote.

If you're looking for a new way to grow old, this is the place to come.

17 Cherry Street, Kansas City.

It's a speakeasy one flight down.

It was a brownstone at first. After that an undertaker had the place.

But he went to Chicago to get a piece of the flu epidemic...

and Rudy Shulak took over.

Rudy got a booze contract out of Joplin and bought some tablecloths.

It's been a gin bin ever since.

There's even a little business on the side for shut-ins.

Rudy's a puny little guy.

Sew an extra button on his vest, he'd fall down.

But he's all right.

The beer's good, the whiskey's aged, if you get here late in the day.

On top of that, he knows where to spend money.

He knows where to save it.

And he's good to the help. He pays scale with a $5 kickback.

I play cornet and run the band.

We play from 10 till 4 with a 20-minute pizza break.

The hours are bad but the music suits us.

There's one other thing about Rudy's and that's trouble.

You can get it by the yard, the pound, wholesale or retail.

Like one Tuesday night.

A lot of people were busy that night.

- Rudy wants to see you. - What have you got in there?

Milo Violets, Deities, Sweet Caporals. Anything you want.

You going by the Plantation later? Bennie Moten's in.

I don't know. Pack some lunch. We'll see.

Go in my office. Have a talk with Fran McCarg.

- Who's she? - It's a he.

Go light. He's downstate gun for Colissimo.

We're out of champagne. You gotta squeeze.

- What's this McCarg doing up here? - I heard some 22nd Ward business.

- What's he want with me? - Huh?

What's he want with me?

Maybe he wants you to run for something. I got no idea.

But you'd better see him.

I don't know why you let people like that in here.

In Topeka I let in three nice old ladies. They took out an ax and broke every bottle.

What's that got to do with it?

Stuck up a sign, said I was a disgrace to fatherhood.

They know I didn't have no kids.

Now, don't tell me stuff. Just go talk to McCarg.

All right, Dad.

Hey, wanna go to a party? Two hundred people, Ivy's house.

- Bring the band. - If the party was so good, why'd you leave?

To get more people. It's the only reason to leave. Have a drink.

Hey, you coming or not?

Not.

- Quite a fighter, Johnny Risko. - He'll do.

I'm Fran McCarg. You know Guy Bettenhouser?

- You've got a nice band, Kelly. - Thanks. We finished together.

That's why I'd like to do something for you.

- Cigarette? - This what you had in mind?

- No, an agent. - We got one.

I'm going into business handling a few bands. I'd like to sign you.

We got an agent, Phil Mishkin.

I know, but you don't want him, he's a bungler.

We got a contract. We can't break it.

And we can't pay two commissions.

Get that lump out of your throat.

We're already on short dough. The fellas, they got families.

Everybody's got them.

They can't come up with 10 percent. They got families.

Look, the only guy who didn't was Adam. How long did he come up empty?

So don't tell me your troubles.

Point is, I'm starting a list of clients, I want you on it.

I can't answer for the whole band.

Line them up and count noses. I'll be back at closing.

Kelly, just so you know, we give services.

Not 10 percent, it's 25. We got a big overhead.

Yeah. I noticed him.

We should add a baritone. Plenty of bands got them.

- Too muddy. No bite. - No, it wouldn't hurt.

Couldn't we add something on the low end?

Maybe.

What about "Tin Roof Blues"?

In the morning, that phonograph does "Tin Roof," all right?

- You listening, Pete? - It'll keep.

How'd you boys like another manager? Fella named Fran McCarg.

We got an agent.

I covered all that. It's a shakedown, he wants 25 percent.

- Serious? - Waiting to hear from us.

Tell him no, you can tell him now.

- You get in touch with the union? - Not yet.

Guy must be crazy. Rudy don't pay us nothing now.

I don't mind working free, but I don't wanna pay commission.

- What about the rest of you? - When it's late at night, pay off.

- He's not talking about tonight. - That's what I say, when it's late, pay off.

Bedido?

Maybe Joey's right. Get a few bucks ahead, you don't wanna give it all away.

We're getting ahead. Enough to buy new drums and coats that match.

- You tell us we gotta cut ourselves out. - I'm not telling you anything.

You wanna vote? We don't need no vote. Tell this guy no.

- Do you know who McCarg is? - No, I never met him.

Do you know? You?

- You? - I don't care who knows him.

If the band throws in with him, I'll go to the Blue Devils.

He'll get to them. He'll get to every ragtime outfit in town.

Then I'll go with the Salvation Army.

That's the truth, Pete. I'm rather be second drummer for them.

We can't argue all night. What do I tell McCarg?

Everybody's had a say. Now you say.

I don't wanna break the band up.

If Joey's on the level, let's say no and see what happens.

Joey.

Salvation Army wouldn't have worked.

You gotta be able to read music.

Al, what do you think about McCarg?

Will he cause any trouble?

I don't see how. He'll kill one of us. That's no trouble.

All right, let's do some Scott Joplin. How about "Pineapple," all right, Al?

- Yeah, if I can find my fingers. - Kelly.

I don't care what the menu says. Spaghetti separate from meatball, charge for both.

You can pack up. I promised you'd go to a party.

We gotta be around for closing. McCarg's coming.

- I'll tell him. - Where will we be?

- Her name's Ivy Conrad. - Not that open furnace. I told her no.

- I already told her yes. - How much?

We're in trouble. I gotta see McCarg and explain.

I made a deal, she wants you to do a favor.

- What kind of favor? - She lost her hat.

Bring it to her.

A few minutes after, we borrowed Rudy's car and got started.

We were late because Joey said he wanted to change his tie.

My name's Kelly. If a call comes in, will you let me know?

She's a real eggbeater, isn't she?

Put this in your pocket, will you?

Hey, let's you and me be a big secret.

No. Not now.

I've got plenty left, Ivy.

Catch, Kelly.

Oh, no, let me stay. I'll pay rent.

This is Kelly, everybody. He's a musician.

You don't like me, do you?

I don't know much about you except what's in the papers.

- Oh, the kidnapping. - Huh?

I was kidnapped once.

- What happened? - They turned me loose after three days.

- Yeah? - Couldn't stand me.

I wish they'd play "Roses of Picardy."

Wouldn't it be wonderful to go there, Kelly?

Run off to some romantic spot.

Capri or the Dardanelles.

Some romantic place like that.

Have you ever thought of it?

I once spent a weekend at the Muhlebach.

If I ever go to the Dardanelles, I want you to go too, Kelly.

I'll get the horn.

Mr. Kelly. Phone call. Mr. Pete Kelly.

Here.

- Phone call. Mr. Pete Kelly. - He's busy. I'll take it.

Hello?

No, this is Joey Firestone. Who are you?

Oh, well, I can tell you, Mr. McCarg. The answer is no.

If he was here, he'd tell you the same thing.

Go get a ticket to nowhere!

That's telling him, fat lady?

Come here, everybody. Kelly's gonna toot for us.

- They're having too good a time. - You're supposed to play.

I got ordered to a party, not a concert.

- You won't play, so Johnny will play. - Put down that horn, buster.

- I'll just play one tune. - You'll play it off your tonsils.

- Give me the horn. - We'll throw it in the pool.

Maybe the fish will play.

Give me the horn. Give it to me.

Don't catch cold.

Come on, Pete, get a bar in.

Now, calm down. There's somebody following us.

He must have banged out right through the windshield.

We'd better get up to the road and stop a car.

You go that way. Let's try to get to a phone.

He didn't bang out, he floated out.

- That sounded pretty good. - Yeah.

How was it?

Think you'll like that. I'll play it back.

Yeah, mac, let's hear it.

- It was a good chorus, Al. - Thanks.

Can I talk to you, Pete? Outside.

Sure.

I was wondering how soon you could spare me.

Never. Unless you're serious, Al.

And if you are, anytime.

Then I guess I'll mosey on.

All this trouble, I'm not rested up for it.

It'll blow over.

You've been with the band the longest.

You and I, what's it been? Six, seven years?

It won't blow over.

You're playing with a cold deck, but I don't blame you, Pete.

You wanna keep the band together, you've gotta fight back.

You could hang on for a while.

No.

I'm older than the rest of you. Lots older.

I've been through the band wars, too many of them.

I was thrown out of hotel rooms because I had an instrument case.

If it had been a machine gun, it would have been all right.

But nobody wanted a clarinet player around.

There was all that time trying to get people to keep their word.

They'd book you in and play you for a week...

and then say you were drunk and dump you without a cent.

I've had too much trouble, Pete. I don't want any more.

Where do you think you'll go?

East, maybe.

Thought I might try to catch on with a big outfit.

Goldkette, somebody like that.

Paid up, you got train fare?

Well, I'll catch a bus into St. Louis.

I ought to be used to it by now.

I bet I spent half my life in bus stations.

Isn't that the dangest thing?

Sure wish you'd go along, Pete.

You would do good with somebody like Goldkette.

Who's playing the horn there?

Bix, I guess.

I'm safer here, Al.

I'll see you around, Pappy. Hope you get a good man.

Oh, I'll get someone, don't worry.

But he'll never sit all the way down in that chair.

We're going right into town. We'll give you a lift.

I'll thumb a ride.

Well...

We'll play one for you every now and then.

Don't do that. I'm tired old folks.

Take five for me sometime.

That drummer of yours.

- So? - We had words.

Do you know who that was?

- You're always asking if I know... - Guy Bettenhouser. He's McCarg's.

I get the drift. He made a grab for me.

- What happened? - Joey took a beer bottle to him.

Joey, you're a fool, a real fool.

- Where's McCarg? How do I get in touch? - Run an ad.

Operator, get me the 22nd Ward Club.

- What are you doing? - Trying to call off the dogs.

Twenty-second Ward? I wanna talk to McCarg.

Where can I find him?

Well, isn't there some way to run him down? It's important.

When will he be back?

The minute he comes in, tell him to call Kelly at Rudy's. It's important.

- It's not important to me. - Go on home for the night.

- I get paid to play drums. - You're not.

I'll sit at the bar. I don't start trouble, but I ain't afraid of nobody.

- You remember that. - You remember it.

- I need a favor, Cootie. - I'm eating. Somebody left good meatballs.

I'll buy you dinner. Get out and hit the clubs, dig out Fran McCarg.

You think I can find him, Pete?

You found some leftover meatballs.

I knew it was silly to send Cootie.

He had some savvy once, but he got shell-shocked...

and after that, he couldn't set fire to a bucket of kerosene.

He was our only chance, though.

Cootie didn't show up and McCarg didn't call in.

It got to be 2:00. I thought we might make it.

We almost did.

- Hey. - Joey.

On your way. I'll stop them here.

Joey, look out!

Clear the place. Get somebody to help bring Joey in.

- What's the matter? - It's raining on him.

Later on, they came and took Joey away.

I cleaned out his locker and started for home.

This is a single. You got the wrong gutter.

I'm sorry.

Rudy gave me the address.

- What are you doing? - Making tea.

Could I have some?

You won't like it, I'm using water.

I don't blame you for being mad.

I don't feel good. If you got tanked up and lost track of the party...

go down to the street and start another one but don't bother me, I'm tired.

- I came to apologize. - You have.

And I was lonesome. Were you ever lonesome?

It shouldn't be any trick for you. Hire a stadium and fill it with people.

Wouldn't it be wonderful?

Except that's when you feel the most lonesome of all, with so many people.

- You might try an empty stadium. - Just two people.

That's the only time you're not lonesome.

One time, when we lived on Bellafont, there was a boy down the street.

- We built a cave. - Yeah.

I wasn't lonesome at all.

Wouldn't you know, it rained and ruined the cave...

and after that, he moved away.

Do you know what happened to him?

I couldn't guess.

He went to France and got killed.

When I read it in the paper, I could have cried.

I only knew him a week or so...

but I could have cried.

You better have the tea and wander on.

What's that?

What's it look like? It's a bird.

Well, isn't it beautiful?

A lady gave him to me. She was potted.

It's beautiful. What's its name?

Fred.

What's that all about?

You're not mean, if you're that nice to a bird.

I'm nice to him because I may get hungry someday and have to eat him.

In a meantime, he can hit G above high C, so I keep him around.

Doesn't he fly away when you leave the window open?

- Doesn't seem to. - Here's to us.

It's your drink.

I don't wanna leave. I'm like Fred.

Look, I never took Fred by the seat of the pants...

and threw him down the stairs.

I know Fred.

He'd walk back up.

McCarg must've been pushing hard with all the bands.

Because that night, the word went out.

We were all gonna meet at a roadhouse over on the Kansas side.

A place called Fat Annie's.

It was a grog shop and there was pressure to close it.

So far, none of the Prohibition boys had been able to find it.

Oh, she is sweet as sour milk.

There's a cop looking for you by the window.

So sorry to hear about Joey Firestone.

So am I.

It's all right, I suppose. I guess he's gone to the good Lord.

If he can take his drums.

- The boys here yet? - Yes, up in the still.

- I say we're ready. - Yes.

We have to get ready.

- There's no plan. - There is.

I say if we're gonna vote...

- We're voting. - On what?

- Getting protection. - We'll send out for a gun.

- You think that will scare McCarg? - It might kill him.

Ever hear of Mike Sloan?

Two, three years ago, he sent to St. Paul for a $5000 hoodlum.

- Yeah? - Fella took the 5...

missed his man and left with Mike Sloan's wife.

- I don't know you felt like joking. - I don't.

- What's it mean, then? - What's it sound like?

- It sounds like you'll go along with McCarg. - Anything wrong with that?

Well, I suppose not.

After what happened to Joey, we figured you'll fight him.

- We figured wrong. - Who are you? I never saw you before.

Listen, I got an outfit. I got a right to vote.

- Take it easy, he's new. - Tell him to roll down his sleeves.

- I didn't come to hear some banjo player. - All right, Pete. All right.

Joey was in your band. He was a friend of yours.

Joey's seen the man, I can't pull him back. I lost a clarinet, best chair I knew.

I'm tired. I don't want any more of it.

And that's how I feel.

If you go along, we'll all have to.

Suit yourselves.

You don't have to run away, you can stay and talk.

There's nothing to talk about. It got said last night.

Bring it back and sit down.

George Tenell.

Suppose they'll go along with McCarg.

I guess.

I want your help on him. I got some pictures.

The law was there last night, I told them all I know.

- Different branch. - I told them. Leave me alone.

- Go steal an apple. - You're scared, Kelly.

I don't think you know it but you are.

Don't let it bother you.

I'm going after McCarg and you can join up...

if you get anything in back of your belt buckle.

You won't get McCarg.

- No? - He's not poor enough.

Don't ever say that again.

Just a minute.

I told them 10 times, one anchovy is plenty.

Cut it up, one's plenty.

- What's the idea, having a kid play drums? - Get him a higher stool.

I'm gonna talk to that union. I pay full salary, I'm entitled to a grown-up.

- How do you think it sounds? - All right.

- Don't lose your head. - I said, all right.

- The kid? - Rushes the beat.

- Where's the clarinet from? - Mound City Blueblowers.

If they used him, it was to carry beer.

- I guess we got a deal. - Good.

You know what I'd like to do, Kelly?

Start fresh. We ought to be friends.

You're too moody.

Talking about last night? That was Bettenhouser's show.

One of your men jumped him. He didn't like it.

That shouldn't bother you or me. I like you.

I can do you some good.

You couldn't give me a cold.

In a month, I'll have 30 club bands here.

Another 50 in St. Louis, and spread out as far as Indiana.

And it's not just bands.

There's food supply, laundry service.

You could get a hunk of that. Aprons, tablecloths, towels.

- Do you ever count all the dirty faces? - Cut another side.

You need time to cool down. I don't know what you heard.

You've been to prison twice. You got a due bill at McAllister.

Downstate, they're not as nice.

They say you got rubber pockets so you can steal soup.

We'll still get along because you're not like these bums.

You don't wanna go through life with crumbs in your bed.

Don't worry. We'll hit it off.

Now, I'd like you to meet someone.

Pete Kelly. Rose Hopkins.

- How are you? - Hello.

- You give her a tryout. - What?

- She's a singer. Tell him. - You just did.

- We don't carry a singer. - What do you mean?

- It's jazz. People come for the noise. - He's right. It's not that kind of band.

She's good. Have the boys play something.

- They broke for the night, going home. - I'll hold them.

I wonder if I could have a drink.

Thanks.

I'm sorry.

About the singing, I mean.

Did you ever sing before?

Sometimes in clubs and one time for a road show.

That's when I met him. I was singing.

Were you any good?

Couple of people said I was.

Even talked about New York.

But I got sick and had to go away.

It was a long time back. Only he won't forget it.

Keeps saying, all I need is a good start.

Yeah.

When you're 35, the only start you need is for home.

Come on.

After you.

Don't worry, Fran, I can't climb that high anymore.

All right, that's it. Goodbye, now.

Come on.

- You're not gonna take her? - We may have to.

Look, Pete, we don't need a singer, we agreed.

She sounded good but we can't afford a singer.

Why not?

If I want a postcard, I gotta buy it on time.

- We can't afford her. - Don't worry about that.

She comes free.

- All set? - I don't know.

She'll need some help.

Here's 25 bucks a week for you.

Go ahead and take it.

You got a girl or something, you can use it.

We all set?

I suppose so.

Ten years he's known me, and all he can say is, "She comes free."

But I guess that covers it.

Rose came every night to sing.

McCarg came every night to listen.

Before he came and after he left, Rose drank.

The way she went at it, the bartender was gonna have to get an iron jigger.

Even Rudy was getting tougher.

He fired the cook for using fresh peas and started to cut the whiskey more.

Down on 12th Street, they said Rudy was gonna be a rich man someday.

He'd learn how to cut water.

But he was good-hearted.

That's one thing you could say for him.

In the meantime, McCarg got us outside work.

On our night off, he booked us at the Everglade Ballroom...

over on 10th and Locust.

I heard McCarg had a piece of the place but I don't know why.

It was dark three nights a week.

They had a player piano for three more.

Whatever night it was...

you could put the crowd in a bathtub and have room to splash around.

The only good thing was Ivy.

Say, fella, that's some music.

- Take it from me. - That's right, George has a good ear.

Oh, gotta have, I'm on it all the time.

Here, have a cigar.

Go on, light it up and be somebody.

Hello.

How about a smoke?

- You can dance to this, you know. - Can you smoke to it?

- Don't you want the cigar? - It's all yours.

It's nice and warm.

I love it this time of year, don't you?

I never bothered to rate it.

But I like April better. Or June.

No, April. April's my favorite.

If you like it that much, I'll get it for you.

No, thanks. The ring's enough.

You see? I'm engaged. You said it was all mine.

- Very pretty. - The good thing, it's different.

You go out for lunch, it's not like all the other rings you see.

Ivy, you're wonderful.

When will we get married?

Let's do it on your 10th birthday.

I'll tell you what.

If I can make you say, "I do," is it all right to get married?

It's a game.

For instance, what color is the American flag?

Red, white and blue.

Who was the first president?

George Washington.

What's the largest...?

- Oh, you don't wanna play. - Sure.

- You don't even understand the game. - Of course I do.

There, you said it. "I do."

I used to play it all the time.

Only I never cared how it came out.

Why don't we get married, Pete?

I don't know.

We'd look a little silly, that's all.

Tramp musician, I don't know where my next meal is coming from.

You skating around to Spain and France.

Don't know where your next country is coming from.

We just look silly together.

I don't think we look any more silly together than by ourselves.

Ask anybody, ask them what they think.

Us sitting in a rocker with a lot of gray hair.

- But that's 40 years away. - Suppose it is.

Well, I don't know.

Except we could have fun.

And I'd love you the whole time.

I don't think we'd look so silly.

Hey.

Don't flood out the joint, we still got another set to play.

I won't.

Except it's true.

And after 40 years, if you don't like the idea...

you can have your cigar band back.

- Can I keep the ring, Pete? - Sure.

But don't expect a fur coat too.

What did you get, a bleacher seat?

Wanna ask you a couple of questions.

If it's about Joey, ask Bettenhouser. They had the beef.

- I can't find him. - That's too bad.

- Yeah, it is, I can't find anybody. - What do you mean?

- You know a guy named Cootie Jacobs? - Yeah.

You sent him on an errand the night Firestone was killed?

- That's right. - He never got back.

I thought you might tell me why.

Come on in. I'm celebrating.

Celebrating what?

You and Ivy. That's wonderful.

Get married and have kids.

That's what anybody ought to do.

- Care to celebrate? - No, thanks.

Grab a chance when you get it.

That's what I should have done.

Grab it and have a little girl.

Why didn't you?

That's what I always wanted.

What do they called it, "the patter of little feet"?

Well, there will never be no patter of little feet in my house.

Unless I was to rent some mice.

Here's to you and Ivy.

Go easy, we're only gonna get married once.

But there's two of you doing it.

Do you ever hear McCarg mention Cootie Jacobs?

- Why? - I just wondered.

Don't worry about anything with McCarg.

Leave him alone. He's too mean.

- I'm not worried. - You don't know him, Pete.

He'd do anything in the world that's mean.

He'd shoot crap on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Just the same, I'd like to know about Cootie.

Stay away from him.

It's a real favor I'm telling you.

I'll mark it down that way.

But if you gotta know about this Cootie, I'll poke around.

Thanks, Rose.

I owe you a kiss, maybe a couple.

You couldn't make it an even dozen?

We better go.

Do you wanna skip tonight? It's a tough house anyway.

No. No, I'll be fine. I'll be fine.

Be right along, as soon as I have a nightcap.

Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?

I always start around noon, in case it gets dark early.

I knew it was a mistake the minute Rose got out there.

She'd had bad crowds before but never like this.

They wouldn't pay attention to a naked girl yelling, "Fire."

Rose tried but she couldn't handle it.

I guess she was feeling that soup a little too.

McCarg quieted down a couple of people but there was no way to cover the room.

Besides, the way he was acting, you'd think it was Rose's fault.

"Somebody Loves Me," all right?

Happy birthday, folks.

They don't wanna hear it.

They do if you sing right. Act sober and sing.

Everybody here, quiet down.

I said, everybody.

Out in the kitchen too.

She's gonna sing, you're gonna listen.

All right. Go ahead.

All right, keep it going. One, two.

- Where's Rose? - Up to her dressing room.

- Why don't you order them out of here? - I don't know them good enough.

I'm sorry, Kelly.

- It wasn't your fault. - It's not hers either.

She didn't even try.

I wanted to give her a start. She didn't even try.

[DOOR OPENS

Rose. Rose.

Later that week, we got a job playing a stag party.

I went outside to find some clean air.

Somebody beat me to it.

- Hello, Pete. - Al, Al.

You look skinny. Don't they feed you there?

Yeah, but it's thin spaghetti.

I heard about you in Goldkette. What's it like?

It's big. Hit that bandstand is like walking into some out-of-work local.

We got a good section. I get a solo now and then.

- No fooling? - We did a record.

- I bet you robbed big Ed. - I know the right bank.

- We're having a pour. - Yeah, they said downtown.

What are you doing here?

- Wichita, I laid over for the night. - You can stagger. Come in.

- Great bunch. - Anybody I know?

Not too many but what's the difference?

Anybody you know?

I guess that's true, a thing like this, a bunch of freeloaders and drifters.

Who'd you expect, Joey Firestone?

I guess you didn't hear.

Right after you left, that night, Joey Firestone...

I heard about it.

- Then why the nudge? - You were talking tough at first.

Said McCarg couldn't lay a glove on you.

When he laid one on Joe, you quit your band, ducked out.

You came all that way just to tell me this?

No, I came for my mouthpiece.

Mouthpiece?

A long time ago when you were first getting started I gave you a mouthpiece.

It belonged to the bugler in my outfit.

When he ran out of legs one night, I gave it you.

I liked him. I don't want you blowing on it anymore, so give it back.

Al, I don't see why it has to finish like this with you and me.

Maybe I was a little off base, but how can that ruin all the old times...

when we did anything to keep going?

Like the night Bedido broke his bow...

and you told him to beat the base the way you saw him do in Algiers.

The time we stole that crate of oranges, only it was marked wrong.

We had to eat turnips all the way from Memphis clear up past Davenport.

All the good times.

I don't see how you can forget them because you don't like one thing.

I want the mouthpiece.

If that's how you feel, see if I care.

Dust off. Get the night boat to Phoenix, go on.

- Go on. I'm ready to wave goodbye. - You can't wave goodbye to anybody.

- Huh? - You're too busy shaking hands with McCarg.

Get in.

It won't fit a clarinet.

Al was back. I made up my mind.

I went to see George Tenell. We tried to figure up a plan.

Each time it came out Bettenhouser. He ducked out of town.

There was only one person who'd know where to find him, Rose Hopkins.

Your friend Rose is down at Cedardale.

- Where is that? - State home for the insane.

- What'd you find out? - I checked with the doctors.

Some kind of a mix-up.

She's wandering around with the brain of a 5-year-old...

and she'll never get past there again.

That's awful.

I don't know. Maybe she made a good trade.

Cream and sugar?

On the house.

- Ls this yours? - There's 70 bucks in there.

- Take 55 and close us out. - Huh?

That'll get you through next Wednesday. Your last commission.

- We don't need you anymore. - You're tired.

- Go home and sleep. - As long as you know where you stand.

- Where do I stand? - In the middle of a hole, that's where.

- Well, well, who plugged you in? - Joey Firestone.

You're late, Kelly, the worms got him. He's on the menu.

What can you do?

Wait a minute.

- You're looking for a war? - Put it anyway you like.

I think you ordered up Joey and I'll prove it.

- If that's war, we got one. - I don't think you're that tough.

Give me an empty, a beer bottle. Hurry up.

Go ahead. Let's see how tough you are.

You got one free swing, right or left hand.

Go ahead, you got a bonus.

Pick it up and get tough.

I didn't think so.

You made a mistake, Kelly.

Because I'm gonna keep on taking that 25 percent.

The very next time you open your mouth or look sideways or even talk to me...

I'll put you down for good.

That's the truth.

- Don't you ever go to bed? - Hi.

I have wonderful news.

Tommy's letting us have his lodge for the honeymoon.

- Who's Tommy? - Oh, you don't know him.

But he's got this place near some bighorn sheep.

He won't be using it for the next two weeks.

We can't get married right now and run off.

- Why not? I told everybody. - Then you'll have to UN-tell them.

- You said it was up to me, you didn't care. - I know, but something's come up.

What?

It's about the band. I can't go into it now, but we'll have to wait.

- What's so important you can't tell me? - What's so important about bighorn sheep?

- Why can't we wait? - For how long, three weeks?

Six months, 15 years? I don't think you'll ever know.

You'll wanna play another set or hire a new piano player.

I don't wanna argue. If that's the way you feel, that's the way you feel.

I don't blame you. I guess I tricked you into it.

- That's not the point. - That's the whole point.

You don't wanna get married, Pete.

Unless you find a girl who looks like a cornet.

I'm short three valves. I might as well pack up and move someplace else.

Sure, that's what you've always done. Light out for Paris.

How long do we have to wait, Pete?

I don't know, but it won't be forever. You know that.

Thanks, but I don't wanna be an old lady when I get married.

- I don't want the rice to knock me down. - Stop it, will you?

If that's the way it's going to be we might as well say goodbye right now.

Suit yourself.

See you around.

That's the way it would be, isn't it?

According to you. Goodbye, Ivy.

Gosh, I'm sorry to see me go.

This is my baby. Would you like to say hello?

Does your baby have a name?

Amy.

That's her name for today.

- She has different names. - Oh?

One for every day.

Sometimes she wakes up sad, and then her name is Dolores.

But if she's happy, I call her Penny.

Rose, you and I were once friends.

My name is Kelly.

Are you a nice man?

If you're not, my baby will know.

You once knew a man name McCarg.

He was mean to my baby.

Do you remember him?

Do you remember him? McCarg.

She's cold.

It's always chilly in the afternoon.

He was a bad man.

Do you know about his friend? His name was Bettenhouser.

You know where he is?

After the baby's had her nap, we can have tea.

- Would you like that? - Yes, I would.

- Were we good friends? - I hope so.

I have so many good friends.

All the people here.

Amy is so sleepy.

She's a very beautiful baby.

Is there a place called Coffeyville?

In Kansas. Is that where he went, McCarg's friend?

Don't ever go there.

It's full of bad people.

Is that where he went? Coffeyville?

We can have biscuits with the tea, and I'll put on another dress.

This is not my nicest dress.

It's a very pretty dress.

It's time for Amy's nap.

You've been very good to us.

Goodbye, Rose.

I have so many nice friends.

I got in touch with Tenell.

He wired the police at Coffeyville, Kansas.

But I didn't have time to wait on an answer.

Somebody said there was a message for me in the band room.

Maggie Jackson wanted to see me.

It was important.

Up in the still, somebody waiting for you.

- Well, who is it? - I don't know. A friend, I guess.

- Not these days. - Huh?

If I wanted a friend, I'd have to send to Sears Robuck.

Thanks for the message.

One good kick, put your head in the basement. We agree on that?

I've come to talk a deal.

Talk it.

To begin with, I didn't kill your friend Firestone.

- He'll be glad to hear it. - It was McCarg's, he brought a gun.

You ready to say that?

I'd last an hour. There's another way.

- Can you get next to $1200? - Why?

No 1200, no deal.

I'll tell you where you can get papers...

canceled checks, everything you need for McCarg.

I can get rid of the car.

Sell my watch and borrow. When do you need it?

By morning, I've gotta take it and get out.

It doesn't hang right, friend. Why would you wanna dump McCarg?

- I can use $1200. - Get it from him.

He doesn't owe me anything. He won't advance anything.

He claims the whole thing was my fault.

- Maybe it was. - Maybe, maybe not. It's his wash now.

Twelve hundred, I can get part of a rum boat out of Detroit.

Gotta make the move, I can't stay in Coffeyville the rest of my life.

Your life may not amount to much.

It will if you cover me. McCarg doesn't have to know who pointed the finger.

- Are we talking a deal? - I can't gamble 1200.

How do I know about these papers and canceled checks?

Take a look. I'll tell you where.

If they work for you, you deliver 1200 by 6 in the morning.

- If they don't, I'll shop somewhere else. - Where are they?

- Is it yes or no? - Yes.

- In McCarg's office. - At the 22nd Ward Club?

Another office at the Everglade Ballroom in the back. Take a crowbar.

- Where will you be? - Right here, I can't afford to go out.

- I'll see you. - You better.

I don't get 1200, you'll be looking for something to put your hat on.

You understand?

- Some ducks out front? - I'm going to the Everglade.

Dark tonight, isn't it?

I got a chance to take the skin off McCarg, some papers and things.

- Good, I'll go along. - Keep your seat.

This is none of your business, Al. Besides, it won't be any trouble.

Fine. I wouldn't go otherwise.

Now, listen, there's one way to keep you here.

You wouldn't hit me again, would you, Pete?

No, I guess not.

- Hello, Pete. - How's Paris?

- I wonder if we could talk. - I'm busy, Ivy.

- Can we have a dance, one little dance? - Please.

Even if it's the last one?

Ivy, I've got a lot to do. I got till morning to do it.

I was wrong about things.

- If we could just talk... - Some other time.

I'm busy. Rudy says you are too.

You don't have to be mean. I missed you, that's all.

Not even a dance?

We had one, remember?

I wish I hadn't used it up.

See, I never give up.

Get out of here, Ivy.

- I followed you over. - I can see that. Now, please get out.

Not till we dance.

Don't be a fool. This is no time for a drunken stunt, go on home.

Not till we dance, and it's not a drunken stunt.

If we dance once, then will you go?

Maybe.

Let them get comfortable.

I got nothing to gain.