Original subtitles

mellow music playing

If it's magic

Then why can't it be everlasting?

Like the sun that always shines

Like the poets in this rhyme

Like the galaxies in time

If it's pleasing

Then why can't it be never leaving?

Like the day that never fails

Like on seashores there are shells...

Whoa. Hey, hey, hey.

Careful.

Hey, there's ice cream in the kitchen!

Tell your mother I said it's okay.

Thanks, Dad, the last thing they need is more sugar.

- It's a party. - The grandkids are going

to miss Hawk so much when we go to Milan.

I don't know what Kimberly's going to do.

Well, she'll ship them over in the diplomatic pouch.

I almost gave up my dream

of moving to Italy with the man I love.

In the end, she settled for going with me.

Behave.

Is that Marcus?

I didn't know he was in town.

Bring him over to say hi.

Yeah, I will.

Excuse me.

Marcus.

Hawk.

When did you get in?

Yesterday.

I didn't know you were having a party.

Oh, no, no. It's just a little celebration.

I've finally been posted to Milan.

Oh, congratulations on your new book, by the way.

I've been meaning

- to write you-- - Can we talk?

In private?

It's about Tim.

Yeah, let's...

Let's go into my office.

So, how are you?

How's San Francisco?

Fine. Uh, Hawk.

When Tim heard I was coming to DC,

- he asked me to drop by, and-- - Oh, how is he?

How are any of us?

You don't know from one day to the next who's...

Sorry. I'm just tired of going to funerals.

Tim's organizing his life, settling things.

Wants you to have this.

How bad is it?

How long does he have...

I'm not a fortune teller.

And you?

No, so far.

How about you?

Me?

It's not impossible.

- I'm careful. - Careful?

Is he with someone?

He's had a couple romances.

Nothing that lasted.

Something kept getting in the way.

I better go.

- Give my best to Lucy. - Do you have a number for him?

Yeah, I should at least call...

Hawk, Tim doesn't want to hear from you.

He asked me to make that clear.

You have a beautiful family.

A beautiful life.

I hope it was worth it.

big band music playing

Hawkins Fuller!

You're at the wrong party.

Your man's a Democrat.

I'm neutral, like Switzerland.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

What do you want?

What?

To drink.

- A glass of milk. - What?

Milk.

Milk?

To Hawk and Lucy,

the deputy consul of Milan

and the woman who makes it all possible.

classical music playing

Hooray!

And our letters tell him so

Nobody's for McCarthy but the people

And our votes will tell him so

Senator Joseph McCarthy!

Well, we did it!

We have a new president!

One who doesn't want

party-line thinkers or fellow travelers.

Ike will conduct the fight!

And together, we will make America safe...

...and strong again!

Oh, Christ.

It's a landslide victory

for the Republican Party.

Many believe that credit for Eisenhower's win belongs

to Senator McCarthy and his campaign against...

There you'll never be...

Can I have a smoke?

And if you sing this melody

You'll be pretending just like...

I'm Eddie. How about you?

Milton.

But my friends call me Uncle Milty.

Really?

Okay.

Listen, I know the score, okay?

I know a lot of my friends will trick with a guy

and then press him for money, but that's not me.

Okay? I got a...

I got a job at the State Department.

Didn't have you pegged for the Diplomatic Corps.

Just logistics.

Uh, you know, packing up offices,

moving furniture.

- Lighter. - Why?

What, you think I was gonna steal it?

No, this was fun. I mean...

You wanna give me your number?

Give me the lighter.

Just like me

The world is mine

It can be yours, my friend

Good night, Eddie.

So why don't you pretend

Four months after the landing at Anzio,

I was leading a squad of the 141st Regiment,

36th Infantry Division, when General Clark ordered

the offensive against the Nazis' Caesar line.

It had just been fortified.

We finally broke through at this little town.

Velletri. It was in shambles.

But slowly, the Italians came out of hiding.

Mothers, wives.

Crying, shouting, "Gli Americani sono qui!"

"The Americans are here!"

Look, fellas,

and this is what I want you to take back to your bosses.

The Voice of America is doing for our allies

what the 141st did in Velletri, and they need to remember that

when they're doling out the pork in HR3053.

I will ask you specifically.

Are you at this time a member of the Communist Party?

Senator McCarthy.

I've already said

that I must avail myself of my rights

under the Fifth Amendment and refuse to answer.

You refuse to answer that question...

Miss Addison will send over those tickets

to the City Series, won't you, darling?

Of course, Mr. Fuller.

You're gonna love the seats.

- Thank you. - The third baseline.

The Voice of America lives to see another day.

Good work.

It's a worthy program.

It'll be even better when they clean out all the Reds.

I'm running down to the commissary.

May I bring you anything?

Ah, you're a doll, but I'm on my way out. Thanks.

Okay.

Now, don't be jealous, Miss Johnson.

Don't flatter yourself.

Listen, if Morton asks,

I'm having lunch with Senator Smith.

I have to cool him down.

He's chomping at the bit to take on McCarthy and Cohn.

Well, someone should.

May I?

Election night.

That's right.

What were you doing at that party?

You had to know someone.

I worked on the New York campaign.

Oh.

I thought it would land me a good job in Washington.

Any luck?

I interned for three months at the Star.

Mm.

In the mail room.

I have a degree in political science and history.

I think I should aim a little higher, don't you?

Ah.

You've come to Washington to make a difference.

Are you making fun of me, Mr. Fuller?

You know my name?

I looked you up in the Biographical Register.

May I ask you a personal question?

All right.

Is this, uh...

Is this milk drinking a habit of yours?

I think my parents were hoping it would make me taller.

I'm Tim Laughlin, by the way.

Pleased to meet you, Tim Laughlin.

So, what kind of work you looking for?

What keeps you up at night?

Well, that's easy.

Stalin's plan for world domination.

For or against?

Now you are making fun of me.

The threat of communism is real.

Down, boy. I'm no Red.

I'm a war hero.

They include that in the Register?

They did.

Along with your degree from Penn,

and your work at the State Department,

the last two years in the Bureau of Congressional Relations.

Did you memorize my entry?

Give me your number.

You know, in case I hear of anything

in the Making the World Safe for Democracy department.

You make it sound like a bad thing.

Wanting to do some good in the world.

No. Not bad.

Just rare.

Now I have to go and you should be careful.

Look here. Behind you.

Don't stare.

Yeah.

It's park police.

It's the end of the month.

They have to hit their quota.

Quota of?

- Oh. - Oh.

I should leave soon anyway.

Job interview?

It's noon Mass at St. Joseph's.

Perfect.

I'll spend the afternoon picturing you

kneeling in prayer.

The witness has acknowledged

a youthful interest in some ideas that are,

to many of us, foolish or distasteful.

But I believe we all agree that,

as Americans, we are guaranteed the right

to hold ideas that may be offensive to others.

Is the senator from Pennsylvania

defending the idea that the American form

of government is evil and ought to be replaced

by the Soviet system?

Mr. Cohn, this witness

has not said that he signed any petitions or joined

any party or group.

He has clearly stated

that he was merely invited to a few meetings.

Meetings at which a member

of the National Committee of the Communist Party

was present, advocating for the overthrow

of the United States government by force and...

Who's the Randolph Scott-type sitting next to Cohn?

I want to ask you...

Gerard David Schine.

...organizations. First of all...

Roy's brought him on as an anti-Communist consultant.

Can't wait to hear his qualifications.

Heir to the Schine family hotel fortune.

If you're lucky enough to stay in one of their luxury hotels,

you'll find this pamphlet, authored by Mr. Schine,

in the nightstand by the Bible.

Apparently, the pamphlet caught Roy's eye.

Mm. Something caught his eye.

But I don't think it was the pamphlet.

Once again, are you at this time a member

of the Communist Party?

I refuse to answer that on the grounds

of the Fifth Amendment.

We are adjourned until the afternoon session.

McCarthy is sending Cohn and his sidekick to Europe

to expose commie influence in our overseas libraries.

In anticipation of their visit,

librarians have started burning books.

Now, that remind you of anything?

I'm just suggesting, sir, this isn't the moment

to take a noble stand against McCarthy.

He and Roy could blow up your career.

And that's not part of our plan.

Your plan, me in the White House in eight years.

Uh-uh.

Can't think of a man

who'd be better for our country.

I should be on my way.

Hawk.

Lucy's back from Europe.

Wonderful.

I'm sure she'd like to see you.

Tell her I'll call.

Thank you.

Look forward to hearing about her travels.

The unholy trinity.

Look at Cohn, fussing over that boy like a newlywed.

Turns a man's stomach.

It's an honor. Thank you. Thank you both.

- Senator McCarthy... - It certainly does.

Tim! Phone!

Some man for you.

Hello.

- Mr. Laughlin. - This is I.

I'm going to give you an address.

Mr. Fuller?

Took me a few days to find the right job for you.

Unless you've already found one.

No. I mean, I'm considering a couple of positions.

Start writing.

105 Russell. Constitution Ave.

Job's a junior assistant with writing duties.

Send your resume to the attention of Miss Jean Kerr.

Jean Kerr? She works for...

Your hero, Tail Gunner Joe.

I don't know how to thank you.

We'll work on that. Just remember,

you've been recommended by one of

Senator Smith's donors.

Although you think Smith is soft on Reds.

He is.

And watch out for Joe's hands.

big band music playing

I know I'd go from rags to riches

If you would only say you care

And though my pocket may be empty...

Good morning.

I'd be a millionaire...

How are we doing?

Well, the new fella.

How's he working out, Jean?

He's an eager beaver, Senator.

Could stand to improve his spelling.

You'll have to do this one again.

Oh. Sorry.

Isn't she beautiful?

She is. And very nice.

She tells me you're a good Catholic boy.

- I try, sir. - Don't try too hard.

The great thing about our religion, son,

we know our sins will be forgiven,

so you might as well commit a few.

Ah!

From Mr. McLeod in Security.

They're starting investigations in our division next month.

And not a moment too soon if you ask me.

Investigations?

Subversives and deviants.

Hello. Is Mr. Fuller in?

I'm afraid he's not.

Do you know when he'll be back?

I have something for him.

- I'll take it. - You can give it to me.

Oh.

Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe's a great writer.

Will Mr. Fuller know who it's from?

I wrote a note inside.

You'll be sure he gets it?

- Promise. - Thank you.

Hmm. He seems very artistic.

- Your front door was open. - Mr. Fuller.

I'm not allowed visitors.

You're gonna burn that.

I came by to see if you'd let me buy you supper.

You brought me a book.

That was to thank you.

Looks like you're already cooking something.

What is it?

Chicken noodle soup.

And I really shouldn't go out.

It's a sin to waste food.

Mortal or venial?

I spent half a year in Jesuit high school.

Didn't go well.

I'd say wasting a can of soup would be a venial sin.

What if you were to let me kiss you?

Would that be mortal or venial?

Mortal, I'm pretty sure.

Would you like me to kiss you?

No, Mr. Fuller.

Well, that one's got to be mortal,

if the size of the lie figures in.

You like working for your hero?

The Washington elite look down their noses at McCarthy.

And I know his tactics are rough.

But the Soviet threat is real, and so is the atomic bomb.

And, yes, I am happy working for him.

And grateful.

Maybe you could do me a favor.

Let me know what you're asked to research.

Keep your ears open.

What's the matter?

The job.

I didn't realize you had ulterior motives.

Welcome to the capital of ulterior motives.

It was my second year at Fordham.

I belonged to the YRC.

Of course you did.

Our faculty advisor was Father Gallagher

from the Religion Department.

Not much older than I was.

And we both loved the Church.

The liturgy, the rituals.

One thing led to another and then...

When it was over, I asked Bob,

that was his name,

if he thought God would forgive us

for what we'd done.

He said God would forgive us.

But he could never forgive God for making him what he was.

What about you?

Who was your first?

Is this all right?

Yeah.

May I?

Pull 'em off.

Trousers.

Fold 'em.

Fold them.

Who's my boy?

- Who's my boy? - I am! I am!

That was nice, Skippy.

But you need a radio.

Who's Skippy?

It's what I'm gonna call you.

Any particular reason?

It suits you.

Like the glasses.

Next time, we'll turn her toward the wall.

You turned the tables on me

And now I'm falling for you

You turned the tables on me

I can't believe that it's true

I always thought when you brought

The lovely presents you bought

Why hadn't you brought me more?

But now if you'd come

I'd welcome anything from

The five and ten cent store

You used to call me the top

You put me up on a throne

You let me fall with a drop

Now I'm out on my own

But after thinking it over and over

I got what was coming to me...

Aunt Bridget, the nun.

Uncle Daniel, the priest.

- This is Uncle Ronald. - Hmm.

The drunken designated hopeless sinner of the family.

I think you're giving Uncle Ron a run for that title.

Thanks to you.

You love your family.

And they love me.

Well, the part of me that they know.

I don't know anything about you.

You never talk about your family.

Or your politics.

What political party you belong to,

if you believe in God.

Anything else?

You never told me about your first lover.

Or any of your lovers, though I have heard rumors.

Do tell.

Jean Kerr says you're unofficially engaged

to Senator Smith's daughter, Lucy.

And it's a scandal

because you practically grew up in the same house.

It's late.

What, now you're angry?

I'm not angry.

But I don't like being questioned like a witness

at one of McCarthy and Cohn's show trials.

It's normal to want to know something about the person--

Fuck.

The person you fuck.

It's normal to want to know something

about the person I'm fucking.

- That sounds so ugly. - Okay.

Here you go.

I'm not engaged to anyone at the moment.

The first person I slept with, I didn't catch his name.

- I said first lover. - I'm a registered Republican.

But I don't vote because I really don't see the point.

And I feel pretty much the same way about God.

Feel free to pray for me the next time you're at mass.

I've stopped going.

Well, that's progress.

It's not funny.

I feel like a hypocrite going to church.

Especially when I'm supposed to be spying on my boss,

who's regarded as a saint by millions of Catholics.

Skippy...

I don't want you to do anything you don't wanna do.

Not for God,

not for me.

I mean it.

I just want to know you.

You know me.

- So nice talking to you. - Thank you for your time.

- Excuse me. - Thank you.

Tere. That's "Pleased to meet you" in Estonian,

which I learned from Congressman Lipp,

who's pledged to protect the V.O.A.

I see that promotion on the horizon,

to some foreign post, no doubt.

I'm thinking Athens.

Although the Aegean's a little rough for sailing.

How are you enjoying Look Homeward, Angel?

Immensely.

Although I have trouble finishing a book

before I want to start another.

He seems sincere, Fuller. Don't...

Hawk.

George. It's been a while.

Uh, Mary Johnson, George Bauers.

Which bureau is it, George?

Uh, Educational Exchange.

Hawk, um, do you have a minute?

Something I need to, uh...

- I'm sorry. - Of course.

Sure.

Why don't we step away?

I got ya.

Sorry I've been out of touch.

How's Sylvie?

I'm being investigated.

They had me followed

and caught me coming out of the Chicken Hut.

The Chicken Hut?

Christ, George.

Even my mother knows that place is queer.

I love Sylvie, and I adore my kids,

but I have needs. If anyone should understand, it's you.

Keep your voice down.

McLeod wants names.

Reds or queers in the Department.

If I don't produce names,

they'll go to Sylvie and tell her everything.

What am I gonna do?

- Give them a name. - I... I can't.

I wouldn't do that to you.

- Would you do that to me? - Give them the name

of someone with a low security clearance

who can survive being banned from government work.

I don't know anyone like that.

Shh! Think!

Any of your tricks?

I don't ask their names.

I can barely stand to look at them.

This is going to kill Sylvie. Just kill her.

Hey. Christ.

Stop! Stop!

Stop it. Here, here, here.

Look, just hold out as long as you can.

I'll see if I can put in a word for you.

You're lucky. You have all those war medals.

You're bulletproof.

My fellow Americans,

at 7:00 this evening, Eastern Time,

air and naval forces of the United States

launched a series of strikes against the headquarters,

terrorist facilities and military assets

that support Muammar Gaddafi's subversive activities.

Congresswoman Johnson.

Soon to be ex-Congresswoman.

Six years of Reagan has obliterated

any last vestiges of liberal idealism I once had.

I have a feeling you're calling about Tim.

I am.

You still in touch?

I talk to him when he's well enough.

Or his sister, when things get bad.

If you're thinking of seeing him,

you should do it soon.

He said he doesn't want to see me.

Of course he said that.

He expects that you won't show up,

and he doesn't want to be disappointed.

Wait. He's on the phone.

It's complicated.

Hawkins, he's not getting better.

There's no getting better.

Our government is letting people die.

I'm gonna give you his address.

1209 20th Street Apt.3

Thanks.

Give Phyllis my best.

Hawk, the kids want to know if you're ready for waffles.

Oh, am I ready for waffles?

Huh.

Pop, do you want maple syrup or whipped cream?

Do I want maple syrup or whipped cream?

Both, of course.

And I'm gonna eat 'em all before you get to 'em

if you don't go first, 'cause I am the waffle monster!

No, I'm gonna eat them.

I'm gonna eat ten of them.

Excuse me.

Hello?

Hello.

- Hello. - Small world, huh?

You work here, too?

I don't. I'm over at Commerce.

I have a meeting upstairs. Do we know each other?

Eddie. From the, uh, park.

Eddie?

Eddie Kofler. Remember? Gold lighter?

I'm sorry. I don't think we've met.

Who do you think you are, huh?

You stuck up son of a bitch.

You know exactly who I am.

I'm afraid you have me confused with somebody else.

suspenseful music playing

Good morning, Mr. Fuller.

George Bauers, please, in Educational Exchange.

Hello. George Bauers.

George, it's Hawk.

I have a name for you.

The President's engaging

in a little saber rattling. Nothing more.

He's cashing in on your cause, Senator.

Our cause.

We can't let Eisenhower hijack the subversives issue, Senator.

We have to get out in front of it.

We need to issue a statement

before the President signs that damn order.

It'll look like you forced his hand.

I own the subversives cause

and Eisenhower knows it. He needs my blessing.

Hell, he owes his presidency to me.

Skippy, get in here.

I heard something.

How'd you find my place?

You're in the directory.

"Hawkins Z. Fuller."

I'd love to know what the "Z" stands for.

Next time, you call from the phone booth on the corner.

I'm gonna go.

Relax, relax.

Can I get you a drink?

I'm all out of milk.

I'll have a beer.

Zebadiah.

- Zebadiah? - Don't start.

You going out?

Yeah, one of Joe Alsop's Sunday night drunks,

as he calls them.

Will there be important people at this party?

Joe only knows important people.

Hey, give me that.

Now, what'd you want to tell me, Skippy?

There was an argument at the office

about Eisenhower.

Take off your jacket.

The President is going to issue an E.O.

Whatever that is.

Executive Order.

Come here.

And they're worried Eisenhower is trying

to undermine them with it.

By taking the lead on the anti-communist crusade?

I think so.

Senator McCarthy wants to ignore it,

but Roy thinks that they should--

Roy? You're on a first-name basis?

Mr. Cohn thinks the smarter move

is to make people think that they, McCarthy and Cohn,

are behind the order.

That they forced Eisenhower to do the right thing.

Any idea what the executive order's about?

No.

I'm sorry.

What are you gonna do with this information?

You share it with Senator Smith?

Only if I have to.

I try to protect the senator from his own best impulses.

Here.

I have to get dressed.

I want to go to the party.

To Joe's?

I mean, don't get me wrong.

He would glom on to you like a jellyfish.

So take me.

You're not dressed for it.

And you don't have a date.

I'd be with you.

This is the real world, Skippy.

I'm your boy, right?

Hmm?

Well, well.

And your boy wants to go to the party.

How much does he want to go?

Not yet.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Open up. Yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Now, show me what my boy really wants.

Oh, yeah.

Does he walk into that fancy Georgetown party

with my smell on him? Hmm?

- Yeah? - Yeah.

Does he want to chat with the Kennedys and the Grahams

with the taste of me in his mouth?

I suppose I could loan you a tie and a topcoat.

Find you a beard.

Oh, yeah!

Oh! Oh, Jesus!

I made the terrapin soup myself.

You have to boil the turtle for hours,

adding heaps of butter to the broth,

a little sherry and cayenne pepper.

My wife says the aroma is somewhat reminiscent of feet.

I can promise you

it tastes perfectly marvelous.

You know, you'd be interested to hear

what their limo driver has to say about the two of them.

Okay.

It's true, Mr. Kennedy. Don't deny it.

Have you met Mrs. Smith?

She's just returned from Europe.

May I get you another drink?

Thank you, sir.

You are an attentive escort.

I'm sure your family is glad to have you back.

A champagne, please.

- Enjoying yourself, Skippy? - Yes.

Keep your eyes on the bartender.

Champagne cocktail.

I'll take you out later for some real fun.

Hawk.

Lucy wants to know

if you've gone to China for her drink.

Well, duty calls.

This is Marcus.

Don't tell him my secrets.

He's a stinking, rotten commie journalist.

- And a damn good one at that. - Ah.

Who do you write for?

I'm a stringer for The Courier.

The Black paper.

I think it's printed on white newsprint,

like all the rest.

Oh, God, I'm sorry.

- Relax. - That was so...

If that's the worst thing anyone says to me tonight,

I'll be doing just fine.

How do you know Mr. Fuller?

We belong to the same club.

Have the... Have the two of you...

In one respect, we're perfectly suited to each other.

How?

We prefer sex without emotional entanglements.

You've been warned.

Dad said you took good care of him

the entire time I was in Europe.

I did my best.

You know he has plans for us.

He only drops a hint about it several times a week.

Poor dad. He doesn't realize

I'm planning to marry the richest man I can find.

Good for you.

Even if he's ugly.

No, especially if he's ugly.

So I won't have to work hard to hold on to him.

When you were a kid, you said you'd only marry for love.

When you were a kid,

you said you were going to be a race car driver.

There's still time.

Ladies and gentlemen,

David Schine and Roy Cohn have arrived.

And Mr. Schine has brought Cubans.

- Here they are. - Cigars, that is.

Gentlemen, to the library,

ladies, cake and sherry in the dining room.

What do you say we get out of here?

Where we going?

Someplace way more exciting.

There is a land, they say

They say it's far away

I used to think that it was heaven above

But now it's my land

Of love

- Cheers. - Cheers.

Cheers.

I hope you're going to dance with me tonight.

I'll think about it.

Hey, buster,

see that red light on the cash register there?

That comes on,

you better make 12 inches of daylight

between you and your friend right here.

And do it fast.

Only takes three seconds for the cops to come downstairs.

And you.

You're responsible for them.

Oh, come, my love

And live

With me

More.

You all right?

I'm a little drunk.

You don't gulp scotch.

You sip it.

Okay, Hawk, I have to ask you a question.

Are you sure you have to ask?

What we're doing,

I've stopped thinking if it's right or wrong

or even sin, I don't care.

But there is one thing I don't think I could live with.

Hmm?

Are you going to marry Lucy Smith?

Christ.

Hawk!

What did I do?

You're drunk, so I'll let it go.

Can I get a black coffee, pal?

Yeah, you got it.

Hawk?

We had fun, didn't we?

- Yes! - It was a fun night.

We played a room full of Washington know-it-alls

for fools and we got away with it.

You were sweet. Really sweet.

But, Skippy, that's all it was.

That's all it can be.

I'm sorry.

Is there a problem?

No, no, there's no problem. Come on.

Drink your coffee, I'll take you home.

I committed mortal sins for you.

Oh, here we go.

I could go to hell.

Hell's a fantasy, Skippy.

So is heaven, the Trinity, democracy

and the holy war against communism.

Grand ideas that just get people killed. Now, come on.

- Why don't you sit down? - No, I don't wanna sit down.

Suit yourself.

I don't know how you do it.

Caring only about what you want.

What gives you pleasure at any given moment.

Here comes the sermon.

You let me know when I should genuflect.

I'm not ashamed to feel things.

That I need to feel things, believe in things.

You're the coward, not me!

Hawk, this just came for you by messenger.

Did you look inside?

Have I ever, in all these years, opened your mail?

No.

It's from your travel agent.

So I assume it's a plane ticket.

Yeah, I have to make a quick trip.

Just two or three days at the most.

I know where you're going. I heard you talking to Mary.

I wasn't trying to listen. It just happened.

The rental agent's coming on Friday.

I'd like you to be home for that.

I will.

Is it...

Does he have...

Yeah.

Is he dying?

I don't know.

- Lucy. - Hmm?

You're everything to me.

If I was everything,

you wouldn't be going where you're going.

You'll need your raincoat.

I think it's in the front hall closet.

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail...

If you don't mind me saying so,

you look a little troubled.

I suppose I am, Father.

I could hear your confession if it would help.

It would.

But I can't make confession today.

Why not?

Aren't we meant to come to confession

with perfect contrition?

If we've sinned, all God asks is that we be sorry for it.

Is there a particular sin weighing on your mind?

I've had...

carnal relations.

That's a serious sin.

Are you in love with the young woman?

It's not a woman.

Even for the gravest of sins,

if you are sincerely sorry,

God will forgive you and make you pure.

But that's the problem.

What is?

When I committed this sin,

I felt pure.

More pure than I felt in my entire life.

So how can I be sorry for it?

Hawk.

- Thanks for coming. - What do you want, George?

I cooperated, used that name.

They're going to let me resign quietly.

- I'm glad it worked out. - It didn't exactly work out.

That kid. The name you gave me, they picked him up.

Told him they were going to open an investigation.

Hawk, he tried to kill himself.

They had to pump his stomach.

- I owe the kid something. - Stay away from him.

They could still be watching you.

Go home, kiss your wife, hug your kids.

Be grateful for what you have.

How am I supposed to live with myself?

Christ, George, how the hell do I know?

The executive order that President Eisenhower

will sign tomorrow

will expand security investigations

to all branches of government,

facilitating the coordination of the efforts

among various agencies,

including the State Department's M unit,

the FBI's Sex Deviants Investigations unit,

and the Washington D.C.

Police Sex Perversion elimination program.

Those accused and investigated

will be judged by their trustworthiness

and whether they have committed criminal or immoral acts

that would leave them susceptible to coercion.

These are people the rest of us consider sad,

sick, even pathetic.

The investigations conducted

shall relate but not be limited to the following.

Any criminal, infamous, dishonest, immoral,

or notoriously disgraceful conduct.

Habitual use of intoxicants to excess, drug addiction.

Sexual perversion.

An investigation may be commenced

based on an accusation

by a fellow employee,

even if the employee

making the accusation prefers to remain anonymous.

One of my friends said the other day,

"McCarthy,

why worry about those individuals?

You don't claim they're all communists, do you?"

The answer is obviously no.

Some of them are very energetic,

very loyal Americans.

Some of them have that unusual affliction

through no fault of their own.

We're not disturbed about them because of their morals.

Were disturbed about them

because they are dangerous to this country.

Thank you.

God bless you,

and God bless the United States of America.

Skippy.

Do you have a minute?

Kenny.

That was his name. My first.

Remember, you asked?

Eleventh grade...

played on the tennis team together.

That paperweight that you saw in my apartment.

I was with Kenny when he picked it up on our senior trip.

You know?

Sweet Kenny. He loved beautiful things.

The other boys razzed him about it pretty bad.

And that's...

That's when I started putting distance between us.

I guess you could say...

I deserted him.

I went into the Army and Kenny signed up too.

I think he was trying to stay connected to me somehow.

Only I ended up in Europe

and Kenny was sent to the Pacific.

He died on the beach trying to take Luzon.

Tim...

I'd like to come up to your room.

I want to hold you tonight.

If you'll let me.

Hawk.

I'm afraid.

I imagine a lot of people are afraid tonight.

I don't mean the executive order.

I'm afraid of you.

I don't know what to do.

What should I do?

My advice?

Go inside,

shut that door

and lock it behind you.

Unfortunately, the lock is broken.

Hello?

It's Hawk.

I'm in San Francisco.

I'd like to see you.

I'm calling from a diner

just down the street from your building.

If you were able to see me,

would this be a good time?

I know this is out of nowhere.

I didn't want to call first

and have you tell me not to come.

I thought if I just showed up, maybe...

Tim?

You there?

I'm here.

All right.

I'll tell you what, I'm gonna give you a number.

I'd really like to see you.

Think about it.

I'll... I'll stay here and wait for your call.

They're open all night,

but I hope you won't make me wait that long.

somber music playing

I couldn't say it to your face

But I won't be around anymore

I couldn't say it to your face

But I won't be around anymore

I needed a place

So I walked in the door

I couldn't say it to your face

But I won't be around anymore

It's my world

It's my song

Didn't ask you to sing along

In my arms

You girl

You won't be here to say I'm wrong

I couldn't say it to your face

But I won't be around anymore