Original subtitles

(creature hooting)

(horn sounding)

(percussive drums and booming)

(wind blowing)

(tense drumming)

You think he'll listen to you?

We've been trying to talk him down

for the past half hour.

What did he do?

Why do you want him so bad?

Does it matter?

We're trying to save his life.

Save his life?

Look, I am supposed to believe what your men

told me in the car on the way over here.

Why the hell should he wanna be saved anyway?

Those are not my men.

I'm just a detective trying

his life.

Now come on, talk to him, please.

Go on.

(funky music)

Hey, baby.

10 and three?

Oh man, why you got to put me through all this?

You know the going rate is 20 and three.

20 and three?

Okay, 20 and three.

Where do I go?

Around the corner.

You know where.

And hey, watch out for the man.

Right.

Cheap whitey and his giant ass 10 and three.

Bitch who the hell do you think you're talking to?

What you mean, daddy?

I mean if you come around and quote him

one less than 20 dollars I'ma take my wig off my head

and beat you to death!

And get on out there make me some money!

You sure know how to handle your women, daddy.

How do you know that Hefer was lying?

Quit worrying about other folks' business

and get out there and make me some money!

♪ Daddy's in the kitchen, yeah

♪ Working on an overdose

♪ Well

♪ Dirty funky filled street

♪ Children left with nothing to eat

♪ And daddy's in the kitchen

♪ Working on his overdose

When I come back,

I want plenty of money money!

♪ Children on the street got no place to go

♪ Trauma's in the kitchen getting all overdosed

(tires screeching)

Damn, man, didn't I tell you about driving

them big cars to the pickoff point?

Them big cars bring the man.

What does it look like driving a big ass car like that

to a dump of a motel like this?

(radio chatter)

(laughing)

Oh god.

Clem.

Yeah, I agree with you on that.

And also that it's awful hot in here.

You ain't lying.

Look, we're gonna have to tell the connection

to come on time next time.

I'm tired of this waiting.

Dig it, dig it.

I'ma open up this window.

(cars zooming)

Charles!

[Charles] Yeah?

Charles!

[Charles] What?

Ain't that the jeep that done run at Veda's hair

from the across the street from me the other day?

[Charles] What?

Look at the jeep!

N.D., that's the man now.

Look up the connection coming here, we are dead.

Tell you what.

Look, you'd want to get out of here, man.

We plan to leave them all.

No we're gonna walk out here

and walk up the streets.

Now when I give you the signal to run,

hit it then we're gonna run in different directions,

you understand me?

Yeah I got you.

Okay come on.

Let's hurry we got here before the connection gets in.

Let's go, come on.

(chill music)

Oh man.

In your ass, motherfucker.

'Cause you all been your ass, man!

Fuck you!

(men arguing)

Motherfucker, when I say hit it, hit it.

Now kiss my ass!

My ass.

Hit it!

(screaming)

(clanging)

(children chattering)

Hey man, next time you see your partner

you tell him for me that he missed his calling.

Man, he should have been a priest or a preacher or something

'cause I ain't never seen nobody make nobody

get down on their knees and pray

as much as he did this pig a few minutes ago.

Yeah I'll say so.

Hey come on!

Hey, white motherfucker, get away from me,

goddamn cop!

[Bald Man] I'm gonna kick your ass, bitch!

(man and woman shouting over each other)

Fuck it, fuck it!

What the hell's the matter with him?

Is he crazy?

Go on, just take off.

Just a little one, huh?

That's a girl over there.

[Detective] Now, now, just take it easy.

Now go.

What do you mean?

Just leave, go, go!

Hey don't come near me, pig.

I'm not gonna hurt you.

I just wanna give you my jacket.

Not gonna bust me?

No I'm not gonna bust you.

Now here, see?

Now go on.

Go on.

Go on, just walk.

Goddamit!

All we want.

Hey, come on!

Hey, just stop it!

Hey get that faggot away from me, man.

Please partner, get out of here.

You're gonna start a riot!

Now just stay there.

All right.

Stop it!

All right!

Now hold it.

Hold it baby.

You drive.

I'm getting in the back.

(funky music)

Hey Jim, where the hell you going?

To the station to book this crumb, where else?

Where else?

Man this nigger here almost got us killed

and you ask me where else?

Look, pull over an asshole alley

while I straighten his black ass out.

Come on Free, what you wanna do?

Kill the poor bastard?

Hey look, just go on down.

[Jim] You're gonna start something back there.

All right, look.

Will you just knock it off, huh?

Just pull over in that alley,

go out and have yourself a smoke or something, huh?

If this job is getting too much for your stomach.

Oh wow, man, I ain't never had Mr. Charles

all go on me like this before.

Shit times must be getting better, baby.

Progress, progress!

(laughing)

Did you hear that, nany?

And you're gonna take this nigger to the station.

You get your ass over that alley

and let me straighten his black ass out, Jim, baby!

(mumbling)

Hey, Free, cut it out.

Come on, get out!

Hey, where are you going, Pontius Pilate?

There ain't no water or wine can wash

that dirt off your hands, man.

You better stay, motherfucker

because it's gonna take two well old whities

to kick Frank Kazinga's ass!

Well I got one, motherfucker!

Here's one, here's another one.

Go ahead, scream, baby!

Fight!

Now you tell me where he is, huh.

You tell me where that black ass rabbit friend of yours,

motherfucker, huh?

Where is he, where is he?

Come on, come on.

Speak up to me, nigga.

Come on, nigga.

Find him yourself, motherfucker!

Find him yourself!

You better kill me, motherfucker.

You better make sure I'm dead, man.

Come on, come on.

Get off me, motherfucker!

Get off me!

Is that what you wanna do, nigger?

You tell me nigger, guess what I'm gonna do?

Tell me nigger!

Tell me!

(men screaming in car)

Dammit, he's gonna kill him in there.

Free, Free, oh my god, you stop it!

(bashing)

Ah.

(exhaling)

(mumbling)

I'll fix you.

I'll fix it so you won't be able

to bring any more of the likes of you

in this unsuspecting world.

(screaming)

If you ask me,

this Avedas assignment is a bunch of crap.

Yeah this guy's supposed to be the biggest

black we've turned down.

Well that don't say nothing.

Like that's just strictly pain in the ass.

Look.

Twelve of those idiots together,

and you ain't good enough to make one good

Italian supplier.

Hey come on, Free.

If anyone tries to touch you with me,

gotta get out that state of expergation.

Exper-what?

Expergation.

You know, parched, dry.

Sort of like your wife isn't giving you any lately.

(laughing) Very funny, wiseguy.

You know it ain't that.

The damn heat.

Damn that and plus those kids of mine.

Damn those boys and summer camp.

Damn, summer camps cost money.

You should have put your foot down.

I did!

Oh I'm telling you she can really be a bitch

when she wants to be.

Damn.

So what do they do?

What?

The kids, when do they leave?

Oh, they left this evening.

(tense music)

Oh, wow.

What's that?

These black guys might be dumb

but they do pick the prettiest white girls

to do their freakout.

Where?

Let me take a look at that.

(can clanging drowning words out) the wrong business.

Pretty girl I know got a face

like you'd like to pump.

Gimme, gimme that binoculars.

Goddamit, turn your ass around.

(chill piano music)

Goddamit!

What's the matter?

Hey what you doing, what's wrong?

How'd you happen to get away?

Well, the kids went to summer camp last night.

Oh, they did, huh?

I'm gonna kill that fucking piece of wire.

Hey come on, now Free look

you know I'd go to hell and back with you

but I mean we can't blow this up.

The other guys have been working on it for months.

Now come on, we can't blow.

[Man On Radio] Unit 17, Unit 17.

Bomb threat at municipal airport.

Dispatch immediately.

Unit 17, 10-4, we'll be right there.

Goddammit!

(tense music)

Okay.

First step's done.

I got the case open.

(moaning)

Don't you blow, you bastard you.

(moaning)

All right, I'll do it.

Yeah tell me what to do.

Oh, oh.

There it goes.

(woman moaning and plane zooming)

(pumping)

[Announcer] Dr. Pearl, Dr.Pearl.

Dr. Rewudis, wanted at EMT.

Dr. Rewudis, wanted at EMT.

Christina!

Oh Jim, I came just as soon as I got the call.

How is he?

He's fine.

Look, I would have called you if it was serious.

Who called you?

Oh I don't know, someone from the precinct.

What is the matter, Jim?

Nothing, look, look sit down.

Like I said it's no piece of matter.

It's just that Harry's been through a lot today, that's all.

And then they figure he should have a checkup.

I tell you one thing, that's some hell of a guy you got.

I don't understand, Jim.

The man on the phone said something about Harry

coming into contact with some radiation?

Ah, they get all excited there.

Like I said, there's nothing serious.

It's just a routine checkup.

The men just felt like after what Harry's been through

that he should come and have a checkup.

Well he's in there with the doctor right now.

You'll be okay.

I'm gonna make it?

I think so.

Thanks a lot.

No big thing.

Well I'm glad he's okay.

He's fine.

Look, you look great.

You must be Mrs. Freeman.

Oh.

Oh I was so worried, an officer called.

What were you worried about, huh?

What do you mean what was I worried about?

An officer called and said you'd been exposed

to some sort of radiation

and you ask me why I was worried?

I'll get it, all right?

I can take care of myself.

Well, you shouldn't have got excited, huh?

I mean there's nothing to worry about.

I'm not the one that's contaminated.

What do you mean by that?

Nothing.

Get me my coat, will you?

Tell me.

How long have you been in the hall

waiting for me, huh?

Just arrived.

Jim's still out in the waiting room.

I see.

Free.

Just talked to the doctor.

Always knew you got an ass like lead.

Gold, baby, solid gold.

Are you ready, dear?

Ah, you just go on home.

I'll ride with Jim to the precinct

and pick up my car.

But honey,

But don't but honeys.

Just do as I say, all right?

Look after him, Jim.

Hey Jim, I never heard you,

Hey look, you just mind your business too, all right?

Oh, look I'm sorry.

I don't know what's the matter.

Let me just check out and get some rest, huh?

Why don't you turn on the TV, honey.

Maybe there's a report about your case on the news.

I know what happened.

I don't need no broadcaster to tell me.

[Christina] Oh, what's that?

Oh, nothing.

Nothing at all.

Anything interesting in the Times?

Yeah.

Yeah there is a story here.

Maybe a little gory for you.

What, another vicious rape case?

I don't know.

Much worse than that.

Well nothing's worse than rape.

Wanna bet?

[Christina] Well, if you're thinking of murder.

No, no.

No, I'm not thinking of murder.

Not yet, anyway.

Come on, tell me what is it?

You sure you wanna know?

Oh come on.

Better yet, give me the paper.

Uh uh uh.

Well (clearing throat)

It's about this guy.

He's married.

Married a few years.

Two kids, nice house, couple of cars.

You know, all the things that make up a nice

happy home life.

But the little wifey, she was dissatisfied.

Did she come to hubby about her dissatisfaction, hmm?

She goes out

and shacks up behind his back.

And you wanna know a trauma part?

The guy she was shacking up with

turned out to be a dirty stinking

no good dope pushing nigger!

Dirty slimy bastard!

You didn't have enough manhood

to face me straight off.

No, you had to go through some goddamn

Philly pantomime because you're not enough of a man.

That's why I need a man the first chance I get.

Because no matter how many Mickey Mouse bombs you disarm,

it isn't gonna make you any more of a man

than that shriveled up thing down there declares you.

I'm not man enough for you now, huh?

I'm not man enough for you, huh, woman?

Now you go down for me!

I'm not good enough for you?

Too gory for you, huh?

Is that better?

You missed it, huh, this good enough, huh?

Is this man enough, huh?

Jesus, Christina.

Come on baby, wake up.

Come on.

Look, I'm sorry baby.

I'm sorry.

You okay, honey, huh?

Get the hell away from me and stay away.

Look, look, look, see.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean what I was doing.

I don't know what I'd done.

Well I knew what I was doing.

And I meant every word I said.

Keep your goddamn hands off me.

[Harry] What is it you want?

It's not what you've done,

it's what you haven't done.

Oh what haven't I done, huh?

Get up, will you?

You think you're such a man

and you didn't even have the guts

to destroy the object of your humiliation, me!

(sighing)

Also, Freeman you state in previous testimony

that the defendant's accomplice attacked you from behind

as you were attempting to assist your partner

and was being assaulted by the defendant,

Charles Murray, is that correct?

Does he have the suspect in custody?

No sir, he's not.

How'd he get away?

Ah so you see when the defendant over here,

hit my partner over the head with a brick

and knocked him out,

all I could think of was going to his aid.

So I subdued the other accomplice as quick as possible

and I rushed over and took care of the other.

I mean, the defendant.

So they wouldn't hit my partner with the brick again.

I see, and this is when the other suspect

made his getaway.

Yes sir.

Before you're cross-examined, Officer Freeman,

I'd like to take this opportunity to commend you

for your fine exhibition of unselfish

and calm action to help your friend

and fellow officer in time of desperate peril.

What this community needs is more Officer Freemans.

More Officer Freemans that have the guts

to stand up for what's fine and decent in this country.

This is a perfect case to cite for the bleeding hearts

that would have certain maniacs like the defendant

loose to crack the collective skull of society

with their devilish bricks,

to shoot down innocent people in the streets

with their diabolical gun.

That devil?

I'm a devil?

He's the goddamn devil, man.

[Judge] Order!

What kind of giant motherfucking shit

is this, man?

You the goddamn devil with all of your goddamn lies!

Now this devil dare to call me a devil!

I will have (drowned out by shouting)

And tell all them goddamn lies!

Oh go to hell, stupid mother!

Take him out! (drowned out by shouting)

Take him out!

[Charles] See what that fairy motherfucker did to me!

Now if we can have some order we'll continue.

Officer Freeman I think you're to be commended

for your restraint as this man was hurling

those indecencies at you.

You may step down.

Officer Cunningham I think you're to be congratulated

for having such a loyal partner as this

for all these many years.

(footsteps clacking)

(chains clinking)

(horn blowing)

(heart beating)

(snoring)

(ominous music)

(screaming)

(bird hooting)

(banging)

(chaotic music)

(chill relaxed music)

(birds chirping)

(knocking)

Yeah?

What do you want?

How are you, Mrs. Simpson?

I'd like to see Twyla.

Twyla ain't here.

And she'll never be here for the like of you.

Now please Mrs. Simpson, I know you don't like me

but I've changed since I've been away.

I've just got to see Twyla.

Well you've come from all changes for the worse.

Now get away from me!

Now please, Mrs. Simpson.

Just tell me she's all right.

Please just tell me that.

I know who ain't gonna be all right

if you don't get his foot out of my door.

Just tell me that she's all right, Mrs. Simpson.

Please, just tell me.

(sighing) Yeah, she's all right.

If you can call the life she's been living

since she met the likes of you all right.

Now get your damn foot out of my!

(funky music)

♪ Little children on the streets

♪ Ain't got no place to go

♪ Momma's got a whole lot of money

♪ Putting it up her nose

♪ And daddy's in the kitchen yeah

♪ With another overdose

♪ Well

♪ There ain't nothing but junkies pimps

♪ Ooh

♪ Nothing like this too

♪ Junkies, pimps

♪ Trying to get next to you

♪ Trying to get next to you

♪ Look at all the dudes

♪ Just a rattle red

♪ Sell a sister's soul

♪ Just to make that bread

♪ An old trick's a new trick

♪ So it's all been said

♪ Well

♪ Ain't nothing but junkies, pimps

♪ Ooh not your over do

♪ Junkies pimps

♪ Trying to get next to you

♪ Trying to get next to you

♪ Tell me

♪ Little girl

♪ Is your life

♪ Really as bad

♪ Really as bad

♪ Really as bad

♪ Is this bad

How much you paid, man?

[Man] 20 dollars, 30 dollars.

Deal me your bank now, deal me your snap.

Deal me all your snaps.

Deal with that.

All lay down now.

Got a straight.

They don't beat a straight realize two dollars.

I think it ain't gonna beat it.

(men chattering over each other)

Keep rolling.

Deal me five.

You gonna win for five.

Yeah nigger cut that I'ma beat him in the head.

(chattering)

(knocking)

[Man] Yeah who is it?

Hey, Charles.

[Man] Charles?

Yeah, me, Charles.

Charles?

Hey wait a minute, man,

this ain't the Charles I know.

Hey baby, what's happening?

Hey man, you telling me to wait man,

look the biggest dope push in all of sunny

Southern California out on the streets again?

Hey baby, bam!

Yeah, it's good to see you, Peanut.

But those days is gone, man.

I'ma be cool now.

Hey man, what you mean?

Folks like us ain't got but one way to go

and that's back to the bag.

We didn't burnt up all the bridges.

(laughing)

Same old Charles bullshitting his ass off.

I'm not bullshitting a pound, Peanut.

When I was lying up there doing my time, man

I made up my mind.

I'm not about to spend the rest of my life

on the white man's installment plan.

What is it, five here, 10 there,

maybe another seven and a half

until you can make that final payment

on some slab in some whitey's morgue?

Uh uh.

Uh uh.

I know what you mean, man.

See I hear on the grapevine that Twyla

didn't give up one visit the whole three years.

You didn't mention her in your letters.

She liked it.

Where she at now?

No I went by her mother's house

but she never could stand my guts.

Haven't you heard?

Heard what?

Twyla's working bottomless over at the Pioneer.

You've got to be bullshitting me.

Charles.

Look I never make it a practice

of stepping into nobody's business.

'Cause I learnt a long time ago,

the most you get is stepping into shit.

But I'll lay this one thing on you.

It's best to leave that girl alone.

A lot could happen in three years.

You smell it?

(sniffing)

Smell what?

That shit you just stepped in.

(laughing)

(light funky rock music)

And just what do you want back here, dude?

[Charles] Oh, you're taking a hell of a chance

cutting out money in a bar like this.

You must be new right here 'cause if you knew

who the boss is, you,

Charles!

All right I lose.

I was thinking you don't even know how to say my name.

Charles!

Okay now we see how best you know me.

Now ask me to sit down.

Sit down.

When did you get home?

I didn't know you're on the street.

Yeah, I just got home today.

Anyway, your mother's looking for you.

Yeah, I had to cut that tripper loose.

You know she's deep off into this religious bag now

and she's trying to push all this old crap on me.

I packed right after,

Yeah, right after I went top prison.

And you took up with my best friend N.D.

Or rather who I thought was my best friend.

How did you know, who told you?

Look, never mind who told me.

Is it true?

I didn't wanna hurt you, Charles.

I always say never mind, huh?

You know that's not true, Charles.

Otherwise you wouldn't be here.

Hey look, baby, you were my first man.

My only man and you protected me so that I was lost.

And I had nowhere to turn baby

and I wasn't about to turn to Jesus like mama wanted.

N.D. came right after you got busted

and he told me that you and him had been together.

But you let got caught.

Baby I was scared and I had nowhere to run.

N.D. offered me comfort and protection.

Yeah now all that make sense.

But why didn't you write just one letter?

Just one letter to let me know something.

Hey, how come you're drinking beer, bro?

This is a time for a celebration.

I mean, get a setup of Chivas Regal

for me and my man so we can get down.

Oh man, how come you didn't let me know you was back?

Blood, damn!

You know you supposed to let your boy know.

Well, what we all standing around for?

Just sit down, sit down.

Well look man, I knew that when you was in the slam

you was calling me all kinds of dirty dogs and things

but I want you to know things ain't always like they seem.

No, uh uh.

No N.D.

Now when I call names, my man,

I call them right to a person's face.

Now look I did think that

perhaps something's a little strange

when you didn't show up with a lawyer and the bail money.

Yeah but now I know why.

What do you mean by that?

I mean while the cat's away, my man,

the mice will play.

You got part of that right, brother.

But this time the mouse was away.

All right let's quit this fucking ring

around the rosies, man.

Look man, here's the Chivas.

Let's get on down.

I mean after all, we got the future to think about.

I know that's what's happening, ain't it baby?

That's a fact.

Yeah the point is,

in the future's gonna be whipped.

Now look, Charles.

You've been away for three years in the slam.

And a lot of changes have gone down

since you been gone, you dig?

Including your past affection

for this pretty little lady over here.

Now look I'm willing to share a little bit

of territory with you.

But I'm in the driver's seat

and I'ma carry this pretty little fox here

there with me, you dig?

If I were you, N.D.,

I would let Twyla speak for herself, bruh.

I speak for Twyla.

And I speak for you too, chump.

Now I say you can look.

But your touching days is over, you dig?

Just who the hell do you think you're talking to?

Hey yo!

I'm coming back, you hear?

I'm coming back!

To kick your ass, man!

Class.

Now that's what I got.

That's how come I got you, baby.

Next to an ass like Charles I'm like

this Chivas Regal was to that stale beer

he was drinking when I first came in here.

You ain't gonna let a crumb like that

get you down, are you baby?

He wasn't a crumb three years ago, baby.

Is it your turn next?

You gotta teach your friend a few lessons in etiquette.

Mind if I join Chivas Regal some company?

Yeah I mind, brother.

Tell John to give you what you want.

Hey look here, don't get drunk

'cause we might have more business

to take care of tonight, you dig?

You mean your buddy.

I don't think we'll be seeing him no more.

I won't be too sure of that.

What was that?

Nothing, nothing honey.

Pour me a drink will you,

I completely lost track of my accounting.

(somber harmonica music)

(knocking)

Mama, Mama, it's Charlie boy!

It's Charlie boy, he's hurt!

He's hurt bad!

Lord, oh lord, you done finally sent my oldest son home.

Good Lord why'd you have to send him in this condition?

Oh he's bleeding, let me wipe some of it off, Lord, Lord!

Oh mom, leave the Lord alone.

What Charlie boy needs now is some washing

and a doctor!

No doctor, no doctor.

I'll be all right.

I can take care of myself.

From the looks of you

don't look like you done did such a good job.

Mama, don't start on him already.

At least he's home.

Charlie boy, don't try to get up.

Next thing we know you'll be trying

to get out of here for some another.

Well it's the truth.

And all any of us can do is tell the truth

as we see it.

Charlie boy, don't try to sit up.

Hey, Charlie boy.

You're all right, man, you all right.

Yeah, I'm all right.

You know I can't help but be all right

with a couple of beautiful people like you all

to care whether I live or die.

Don't say that, Charlie boy.

There's plenty people that care about you.

Yeah, sure, sure, ma.

That's why I came in here bleeding all over your carpet.

I mean they love me to death out there.

With that type of love, mom, who needs hate?

Oh don't be angry, son.

That's what I was afraid of.

That stay in prison was gonna make you bitter and angry.

Specially after Twyla deserted.

I don't wanna hear about that, mom.

I'm sorry, baby.

Look I'm just a bit jumpy.

I'll be all right now.

I'm not angry.

Boy, you sure getting big,

you know that?

I bet you think you're a man now, don't you?

Well come on, we're gonna see how much of a man you are.

Charlie, Charlie, what's the matter, man?

You need a doctor.

No, man, no doctor now.

Look, I can take care of myself.

I'll be all right now.

Just get me in the bathroom, let me wash up, please.

It's good to be home.

(somber harmonica music)

Damn, Teto, I can wear your clothes now,

you know that?

I want you to,

[Mom] I know you don't plan to head out

go out here so soon, Charlie boy.

Damn Teto, ain't nothing happen

to mama's hearing for years, has it?

Woman can still hear whisper through

two or three walls.

(laughing)

Hey Charlie boy.

You're not planning on leaving right away, are you?

I don't think you're in shape to.

Look, I'll decide that.

Now really Teto, I'm all right.

It's good to know that you're concerned, man.

Who did this to you?

You can't go out there and face them all by yourself.

Check this out, why don't you let me get

a few of my boys?

Boys, what boys?

Look, don't tell me you're involved in a gang, baby.

Oh, Charlie, what we all did.

You know what's happening going on around here.

You either in or you out

and there ain't no future in being out.

What future, man?

There damn sure ain't no future in a gang, baby.

Look, you can't take it from me.

Bears maybe cut out for it

but human beings ain't cut out for hibernation, man.

And that man's hellhole called prison.

Right, you right brother.

I know what's happening.

I know where you get off.

Oh you know where to get off?

Well once you get on baby, there ain't no getting off.

You mean you supposed to just let people

mess over you?

You gonna let those dudes that messed over you

get away with it?

I mean I'm gonna do whatever it takes

to stay on these streets!

[Mom] Teto, Teto!

You all come in here and get something to eat.

Yeah, man.

I'm really ready for some of mama's

good old cooking.

Yeah man, you know it.

I can hardly think about anything else for three years.

Wait a minute.

Almost nothing else.

(laughing)

Come on.

(funky music)

A man after my own heart.

(laughing)

But you told me this is a swinging club.

Ain't nobody asked me to dance all night.

Don, why don't you ask Gloria to dance?

[Gloria] Where's your man?

I can dance with this.

Hey baby, can I have one of them cigarette please?

What can I get for you, sir?

A beer.

Well I'll be goddamned, Teto.

That'll be 10 dollars, sir.

That'll be 10 dollars, sir.

10 dollars?

I'll pay my tab before I leave.

I'm sorry sir but there's a 10 dollar limit on the tabs.

Where you coming with all that sir stuff from, baby?

My name is Charles.

Okay Charles.

Now please have the 10 dollars?

Oh baby, damn, look here.

I only got nine dollars on me.

Look, I must have left the rest of it at home.

You mean you don't have all the money?

Um, it's all right.

It's on my tab.

Okay, Carmen, whatever you say.

Hey, thanks.

This is my first day on the streets.

And yours is the first gesture of friendliness I received

since I got out the gate.

Three years is a long time.

How did you know I've been gone for three years?

September 20th, 1971.

That mean anything to you?

September 20th.

Hey.

You're the girl that tried to help me out

when those pigs busted me down there.

Hey, come here, mama.

Look here, hey come on, let's have a drink

together or something.

Hey, it's all right, it's on me.

That's cool.

I wondered what happened to you.

Hey, look, I got this friend

and she's got this place up on Santa Monica beach.

And she told me anytime I wanted to relax

I can come up there.

How about it?

You're right.

Hey, um.

If you're looking for who I think you're looking for,

you're looking for trouble.

Why, what you mean?

Twyla, the other dancer.

She just happens to be the property

of the notorious N.D.

Look, nobody's anybody's property.

Hey, I can dig it there.

But I sure wouldn't wanna be the one

to have to tell N.D. that.

Take it.

How about it, let's go.

It's not mine.

Yeah too bit too far to be cuffing, baby.

Oh, who said anything about cuffs?

I got everything.

Come on baby, let's go.

Why not?

(crowd applauding)

Come on baby, open the car.

Hey, what's going on here?

Damn Bill honey, what you trying to do,

scare all the tricks away?

Who the hell you think you're talking to?

That's Charles Murray.

He just got out the pen doing three years

and goddamit, I know he ain't no trick.

Gimme the goddamn keys and get out

and make me some money.

No, honey!

Look now, I'll kick your ass for telling my shorty,

you understand me?

(mumbling) What's wrong with you, baby?

Goddamn, I don't want the bitch.

You can have the bitch, now go on!

I don't want her man!

Punk ass motherfucker.

Come on baby, give me the keys.

Come on, come on.

Hey, get off the car, nigger.

Damn nigger this is a mighty gray.

Hello.

Oh hello Mr. Murray, we've been expecting you.

Have a seat and I'll call Dr. Dana.

Okay.

Dr. Dana?

Yeah send Mr. Murray in, will you?

You can go in.

Dr. Dana will see you.

Thank you.

Have a seat, will you Mr. Murray?

Well, blood pressure's a little high.

You haven't had any trouble with blood pressure

in your family?

Now what has the blood pressure got to do

with the symptoms I described, doctor?

It's just routine.

Just routine procedures.

Routine, just routine procedures.

Doctor, there ain't nothing routine about my case.

I got a specialist in mind that might be able to help.

Yeah.

Can't figure out why,

why didn't you tell the physician at the prison?

I've already told you.

My sentence was from one to 10.

The parole board probably wouldn't have let me off

had they have known about, about,

Doctor, you said you knew a specialist.

Yeah my secretary's gonna make an appointment for you.

He's a good man.

His name is Dr. Elliot Myerson.

Very capable psychiatrist.

Psychiatrist?

Now what do I need with a psychiatrist?

You don't believe me?

Of course I believe you.

But you know you did say at the time of the arrest

the arresting officer was actually trying,

Yeah, but what does that have to do

with the psychiatrist?

What, do you think I'm lying?

Oh only a fool will think you're lying.

After I looked at the scar tissue

staring me in the face?

[Charles] Then why?

Look, you yourself admitted

how much you hate this guy.

That kind of hatred brings on mania.

Look, I didn't come here to be called a maniac, doctor.

Now a man damn near cuts my manhood off.

Now what am I supposed to do, nothing?

Just what the hell am I supposed to do,

turn the other cheek?

Now I'm not gonna give him another chance.

Now when I find him, and I will find him,

I'll settle the score with him.

And I don't need some damn headshrinker

to tell me any differently.

(sighing)

Mildred, now get my Dr. Myerson on the phone

right away, will you?

Dr. Myerson, that's it.

Yeah, right away.

Hey baby, I'm home.

Hi baby.

Hey come on and give me a hand.

I got Chinese food.

Oh, honey.

Chinese food, mama?

Oh baby, one more bite of Chinese food

and I'm gonna try to be Mao Tse Tong, baby.

Look here, can't you cook soul food?

Yeah, I can cook.

Guess I'm just used to stuff that's fast and easy.

Hey come on baby, help me.

Oh I can't be bothered with no Chinese food.

Kel, now look here mama,

we got to get away from this quick and easy stuff.

I mean not anything that's worth anything

takes a little time.

Especially good food, baby.

Yeah I know but by the time I put in those day

at the restaurant, I am just too pooped to pop.

Come here.

Now we're gonna save the best for last, right?

Oh, Miller's angel.

You know I should be the one out there

bringing the bacon in, don't you?

I mean you go out.

First day you get a job.

I go out, what.

Two weeks and I can't even wash a car.

Oh, it's all right.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

You know what I can't understand is why I get so tired

so damn quick.

But I figured it out this afternoon.

What do you mean?

When I was turning tricks, I spent most of my time

flat on my back.

Well haven't I told you about making light

of yourself, baby?

Well it's better to make light of it.

At least it doesn't seem so bad.

Oh, I know it's tough, baby.

Okay Madam Wong, get Joan Lai's chow together

and be quick about it.

Let's see what's on the news.

[Reporter] Student groups that campus Saturday

has been violent.

Here's an on the scene beat count report

by John Simone.

The food's in the oven, I had to heat it up.

[John] In the university campus

with Officer Herman Freeman where a major drug bust

has just taken place in the dormitory

right behind me here.

[Harry] I'm sorry, I didn't hear you calling me.

My name's Harry.

Harry Freeman.

Well, who else would I have been calling, officer?

You're the man of the hour, aren't you?

All right, I wouldn't.

Look, let's just say I'm relieved and happy

that the results of the six month undercover investigation

proved successful, okay?

[John] Officer, now that your raid has proved successful,

what do you plan to do next?

Well the first thing I'm gonna do is get a shave.

I've been living with this beard for about six months.

My wife can't stand it.

[John] Exactly how much marijuana was recovered?

I remember.

That's the same bastard that busted us three years ago.

Charles, that's the same cop that put us

through all those changes three years ago!

I mean, put you through all those changes.

Charles, isn't that the same one?

Charles, Charles, answer me!

Charles!

(tense music)

(knocking)

Hello, may I help you?

Yes, we've had numerous complaints

that your phone is out of order.

And I'd like to take a calls that complain

if you don't mind, please.

Sure.

There's the phone.

Thank you.

Oh I'm cooking dinner but if there's anything

I can do to help, don't hesitate to call.

Yes ma'am, surely.

Oh Mrs. Freeman.

Yes?

(moaning)

(laughing)

I want you to listen to me.

I want you to listen very carefully.

(horn blowing)

(tense music)

Go and stand by the kids' bedroom door.

And don't let them leave under any circumstances.

(chaotic music)

(man screaming)

[Kid] Mama.

Oh mama, please, oh let us go.

Mama!

Mama, oh.

After I'm gone for 10 minutes,

I want you to call the police.

Now listen carefully.

This is exactly what I want you to tell them.

(upbeat music)

Can I help you, brother?

No, I'm all right.

I've been worried about you baby.

Where've you been since early this morning?

Early this morning, what do you mean

early this morning?

Early this morning, late last night,

what's the difference?

I heard you get up and leave about three.

You don't have to take care of me, sweety.

I can take good care of myself.

I know.

But why'd you have to go through all those changes

trying not to wake me up?

Maybe I was going to look for a job.

Sure, yeah, whatever.

Come on baby, let's go home

and get something to eat.

I got a surprise for you.

Don't tell me.

Egg Foo Young, right?

No, I promise, no Egg Foo Young.

Come on.

Come on.

(laughing)

Oh no! (laughing)

Oh god.

Now, okay I'm not jiving to tell you something.

Now I want my surprise.

And it better not be nothing

that vaguely remember Chinese food.

Okay.

You just wait right here, babycake.

(booming)

Oh no mama, what do we have here?

[Carmen] Close your eyes.

Okay.

Okay, open them.

Oh baby, now this is something.

I mean this is really something.

Well I sure enough dig this.

Well, at any rate, it's better

than Egg Foo Young, right?

Oh god.

I knew you'd like it.

Now baby, I know you've gotten to know me well

in the short time that we're together.

But how did you know I'd like something like this?

Haven't you heard?

All niggers like red.

Oh my god, now look here my dear,

I beg your pardon.

But just where did you come up with this outlandish idea

that I was a member of that negroid branch

of this fucked up human race you see?

Go try it on.

Yes my dear, I will. (laughing)

Oh wow.

(booming and guns firing)

You know, you never did tell me

where you were going this morning.

[Charles] No kidding.

Say baby, look here.

Let's not talk about anything but pretty things

tonight, all right?

And where you were this morning

isn't pretty to talk about, huh?

Look 'cause I do, this a pretty nigger

in this brand new pretty red outfit you got me.

Why I sure gotta go along with you on that.

Now I know why niggers love red.

Wow.

I'm gonna have to buy you a red suit more often.

Baby?

You know, the time I've spent with you

has been the happiest time of my life.

I never thought I'd be happy

working a 40 hour week waitress job.

But it is a good job.

It isn't even the money.

Outside the things that make people happy.

I'd be happy with you just digging ditches

if I thought you cared for me.

I do care.

God I do care.

But, you know,

ditch digging builds muscle strength

and I ain't never been known to be one of them

has no eye for no muscles.

Okay, I promise.

I will never pick up a shovel or a pick.

Now that's a deal.

(guns firing and booming)

Now don't you dare move.

I'm gonna cut off that TV

and put on some love music.

Now I put it on.

And I take it off.

If you promise you'll put it in.

Oh baby, that's a deal.

♪ I do

♪ Imagine you

♪ My love

Holy mama, holy.

Don't take it all off now.

Baby save some for me.

♪ Me loving you

♪ Can you imagine

♪ Me being true

Save some for me.

♪ I'll open up my heart

♪ And let you in

♪ It doesn't matter to me

♪ Who you love the way you've been

(moaning)

♪ 'Cause I do

♪ Imagine you

♪ I do, yes I do

♪ Imagine you

♪ My love

♪ I can keep you warm

♪ Comfort you in the night

♪ Help you to see

♪ Yes I can

♪ Wrong from right

♪ If it's love that you need

♪ Ooh we baby

♪ I'm gonna give it to you

Baby?

Yeah?

You know that beach cottage where we went

the first night that we met?

Yeah baby, how could I forget?

Even if I wanted to.

Well, the girl that owns it gave me a ring today

and she said that she was going back east

to take care of some business for a week or so

and she said I could use it while she was gone.

Yeah?

Well, how about it, just the two of us?

We can go away and pretend like the rest of the world

doesn't even exist.

(exhaling)

I don't know baby, I just don't know.

Why not?

I can get a couple of weeks off from my job and

we can just get away.

Why not?

That's just it, mama.

I mean I've got to find a job.

I got allowed on a service station attendant job.

They cats say be calling in a couple days..

That's what they tell you every time.

You get promises and promises.

Then they find out you have a record

and they just freeze up on you.

Look, something's got to give.

I've got to persevere.

You know, money really isn't any problem.

I mean, if we ever really need any money,

I can always go back to the old life.

Look, no woman of mine's gonna walk the streets,

you understand me?

I'm sorry.

I know how you feel about.

I won't mention it again.

Oh man.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

I know you're looking for a job.

But let me tell you something.

There ain't one thing worse than a pimp

and that's a dope dealer.

And I swore to myself when I was in the joint

that I was not going to sell my brother,

not nary another grain of dope.

And I'm damn sure not going to exchange one sinking pit

for another one.

(hypnotic music)

(moaning)

(horn blowing)

(eerie music)

[Man] Honey, is that you outside, honey?

Tell him to come downstairs.

Come down for a moment dear, please?

[Man] What's the matter, honey?

Just come down, please?

Okay.

What's the matter, honey?

Another one of those nightmares?

You're the goddamn nightmare.

You and all the all other foul fucking

filthy thieves like you.

Oh!

Oh, oh!

Oh damn!

Oh!

(screaming)

(chaotic music)

(screaming)

By the way, you didn't happen to see

any strange black men loitering around, or,

have you had any servicemen come to the door?

No, not that I really recall.

Why do you ask?

Not sure.

Just that, we've been investigating

a similar incident not too far from here.

Just put two and two together.

Well then you do suspect some foul play?

Please, Mrs. Masters.

Let me ask the questions here.

Well I hope you're almost through.

As a matter of fact, I am.

Must be pretty exhausted.

I'm really exhausted.

I mean I'm really exhausted.

As a matter of fact, I'm just about finished.

Well, Annabelle, I'll be calling you

with any future questions that I might have.

And meanwhile if you think of anything

that might shed some light on this,

please don't hesitate to call.

Oh I really will.

I really think this is all rhetorical because

no one killed Dave, I know.

Let's hope you're right now.

Goodbye.

No, it's all right,

I'll find the door.

Okay.

Thank you, officer.

Oh, Detective Cunningham, oh come in, come in.

Have a seat.

Oh, would you prefer the couch?

No.

The seat's fine.

I'm not ready for the couch yet.

That's where you're wrong.

I see that you like most people

feel that one must be completely off one's rocker

before a psychoanalysis is beneficial

or even necessary.

Even I myself, still undergoing analysis

and have been ever since I went into private practice.

Well, you're probably right, doctor, but,

I know, I know.

Nothing but facts.

Nothing but the facts, man.

Eh, you detectives are so dreadfully practical.

It's really quite boring.

Dr. Myerson.

All right.

Maybe I better,

maybe I should start from the top.

That sounds like a good place.

Well, you see, this young black man

had just gotten out of prison.

He went to see my friend Dr. Dana

complaining that before going to prison,

like at the very time of his arrest,

the arresting officer had attempted

to castrate this man.

You know, fortunately his sexual apparatus was saved.

But one night in prison,

he woke up from a nightmare

about the horror of this attempted castration

to find that his penis

had grown to, well frightening limits.

Doctor, are you trying to have me believe,

In his dream, the patient was using his overgrown organ

to strangle the officer who had attempted

to castrate him.

And,

you know the name of this patient?

Name?

Yes, the name.

Name, I have the name here.

Here.

Charles R. Murray.

Thank you doctor.

Thank you very much.

All right, all right.

Thank you very much.

It's ready, dear.

Come on.

Okay.

Ah thank you, Marge.

You know what, that were it not for tea

I would not be able to get your attention at all, would I?

Oh I don't know, dear.

There's always coffee.

Very funny.

Very funny.

So what is this, what's bothering you?

Justice is what the court seeks

and this boy won't get it, Marge.

He won't get it because somebody lied.

Somebody that was entrusted with the duty

of bringing people to justice

suddenly becomes the instrument of injustice.

(clapping)

Spoken like a true lover of mankind.

A real asshole of a phony.

What is this?

How did you get in here?

How did I get in?

Ask your lovely wife.

Marge, what is it?

What's the matter?

What have you done with her?

You won't get away with this.

Sit down.

I said sit down, old man.

What is it?

What do you want, money?

I don't keep much around the house

but whatever there is, you can have.

Money, money.

Yeah I want something that money can't buy.

I mean after all it was your ancestors that said

that there's no price tag high enough

to place on human life.

Marge, go to your room and watch television or something.

Marge, go to your room.

I don't expect you to believe this

but my hands were tied.

They were actually tied by the duties

incumbent upon me in this office.

Duty my motherfucking ass.

What kind of duty says that an innocent man

should go to jail?

What kind of duty says that a motherfucker

should get away with trying to cut off my manhood

because he wasn't man enough to hold his own woman?

Boy you white motherfuckers all bitch with your shit.

You know what, if I didn't know what a jive

dirty sticky motherfucker you are,

I might even believe you.

[Judge] I have failings as a man, yes.

But I can honestly say that I have always been

faithful to my duties as a judge.

You must be insane.

How the hell can you draw a line

between your life as a big time judge

and your life as a trick cruising the back alleys

of what, trying to fill your filthy lust.

You are gonna die, motherfucker.

Ain't no jury in the world convict me

for offing your ass if they heard what I just heard.

[Judge] But that's just it.

No jury's going to hear it.

And if they did hear it, they wouldn't believe it

specially coming from you, a nigger.

They'll believe it if we both tell them.

Oh, thank goodness you got here just in the nick of time.

Save your breath, judge, I've been here a long time.

Now you, come on, just sit down on the floor.

Face down, come on.

But surely you don't take it seriously.

All right, hold.

Get back, get back, get back.

Sit down.

Come on, get over, get over.

Come on, come on.

Beer and, by about one o'clock in the morning

I was up by about 13 dollars.

Hey hold it!

(tense active music)

(clicking)

Goddamn safety.

Motherfucker!

You boys stay the fuck away!

I just wanna talk.

All right, get back.

I'll jump, I'll jump!

[Jim] Hold it, I just wanna talk to you.

I wanna help you.

Like you helped me three years ago, huh, mother?

No you got me all wrong.

You don't understand, there was nothing I could do.

My hands were tied!

Yeah but there was something I could have done.

And you were next on my list.

I was saving your ass for last.

But what does that prove?

Our lives destroyed, huh?

Now there you go again, always thinking in terms

of proving something.

Trying to make some logic out of something

someone else does.

Get that punk back.

Get back.

Get him back.

But did you ever stop to think that nothing

you assholes do make any real sense anyway?

No, don't give me that sense shit.

I'm just a cop trying to do a job

and I'm trying to help you!

Now you save that shit for St. Peter!

If that's what having a job is all about

then I thank god I never had one.

Now get him back.

Get him back!

This guy has some screws loose.

We need to go find his next of kin and quick!

(tense music)

Jump!

(light music)

♪ Imagine you

♪ I do

♪ Imagine you

♪ My love

♪ Can you imagine

♪ Me loving you

♪ Can you imagine

♪ Me being true

♪ I'll open up my heart

♪ And let you in

♪ It doesn't matter to me

♪ Who you loved or where you've been

♪ 'Cause I do

♪ Imagine you

♪ I do, yes I do

♪ Imagine you

♪ My love

♪ I can keep you warm

♪ Comfort you in the night

♪ Help you to see

♪ Yes I can

♪ Wrong from right

♪ If it's love that you need

♪ Ooh wee baby

♪ I'm gonna give it to you

♪ All I ask in return

♪ Oh please please be true

♪ For I do

♪ Imagine you

♪ I do, yes I do and I do

♪ Imagine you

♪ My love

♪ I do, yes I do and I do

♪ Imagine you

♪ My love

♪ I do, yes I do and I do

(funky music)