Original subtitles

So many people got so many lives

They've all been tried And it's true

They've all got so many reasons For changing your mind

And there ain't none of them new

But there '5 just

80 little distance between me and you

I think we're two of a kind

And I won't tell you no lies

So tell me

How do you feel About fooling around?

What are you doing? This is my honeymoon.

You just bought some real bull.

When's the last time you bought any bull semen. pal?

This is a $100,000 bull right here.

Nobody said

It was gonna be easy

It's only as hard

As it seems

It started out three of us...

...me and Doc and Honey.

Doc and Honey got married...

...but it was still the three of us.

Honey got pregnant again.

And pretty soon, it was just me and Doc out there...

...hacking our way through show-biz hell.

I've seen the sweat streak The pain on your face

And you're caught like a clown In a circle of strangers

Who do you screw To get out of this place?

It's one for the money

And too far to go

Three fingers of whiskey

Good for the soul

-There you go. Doc. My pleasure. -Thank you.

Here you are

Get up and get out of here. that's all l-- You know who I meanl

-Everybody? -Yes. everybody!

-Everybody out? -Yes. everybodyl

-Everybody out. -You heard me!

The lady said everybody out.

Everybody out.

Everybody out.

Bye, Daddy.

-What am I doing wrong? -Do it like you did last night.

-But turn around? -Yeah.

Here we go.

Oh, hurry, honey.

Doc 's got a healthy imagination...

...which cost him a couple of wives and most of our money...

...before leading him to the stunning conclusion...

...that songwriting was making somebody a whole lot of bucks.

Since it obviously wasn't us, it had to be them...

...and he immediately quit the road forever to be a mogul...

...Ieaan it up to me and the boys to be keepers of the flame.

You want a statement?

Our relationship is gonna last forever, maybe longer.

Doc. This mean you're not gonna sing anymore? You'll just produce?

ls Blackie on his own?

Go break a heart

Doc's ace in the hole in this world full of wheelers and whackos...

...and dealers and old obligations and too little time...

...is a burning commitment to living by his wits...

...without stooping to work.

Well, good morning, Doc.

So far, he's semi-succeeded thanks to innocence, audacity...

...and a flat refusal to let himself be out-gangstered...

...by some fat guy in a suit.

This one fell asleep with his beer in his hand.

You see, in the music business, just like in real life...

...it's a day-to-daily war between the sorry and the soulful.

No rule says the righteous gotta win.

But I'm putting my money on a con man, gypsy, bad-ass...

...true-blue, legendary bandit hero.

When it's all over, they can say he did it for the love...

...but he was not above the money.

Well, you know, next party we have, we ought to get us a valet.

A valet with a mallet.

Nashville mobile operator. May I help you?

Hello, operator, get me the Ramada Inn in El Paso, please.

Hello, Ramada Inn.

Hello, get me Blackie Buck's room, please.

-Yo. -Hello, Blackie?

-I knew you'd still be up. -What time is it there?

How'd it go?

Full house. They got a little rowdy.

Bet you had nothing to do with that.

I did my second set with my back to the audience.

Glad you still have a sense of humor. Need anything?

Yeah, my old singing partner.

He went on to bigger and better things.

-Bigger? -If you hear of a girl singer...

...let me know. I'm looking for one to produce.

As a matter of fact, I got one with me here now...

...who sounds a little bit like Hoyt Axton.

In the heart of Nashville country, it's 57 degrees...

...with partly cloudy skies, clearing off later...

...to let the sun shine through. The high in Nashville...

...should be 62 degrees with an overnight low in the upper 40s.

Morning traffic report--

-Morning. -What do you want to hear?

-HoW'd I do on the drums? -They sounded great.

You played your ass off on bass.

-I can't play bass. -You did last night.

-Is my guitar hooked up? -Sure is.

-Good morning. Sorry I'm late. -You're always sorry and always late.

Always late

You're playing everything else in this super group.

-Why not fiddle? -Because you play it better.

And so I can stack fiddles when we're through.

Well, since it's just two of us, how about me naming the band?

-All right. -The Eleven Dixie Mudcats.

Elroy.

He said you have got to pay me $1800 a month, every month.

-Not just every now and then. -Now, how much do I owe you?

Five months, and your last check bounced.

-The bank must've screwed up. -I sent it back, it bounced again.

-l'l| write you another check. -How do I know it won't bounce?

I'm not intentionally writing checks that bounce.

What happens to all your money?

-Morning. -Drove my blind brother Tommy...

...2000 miles on prayers to God you'd listen to his song.

I'm listening. I'm listening. Hit it, Tommy.

Listen to me, Doc.

I'm talking about rent money, car payments, food and clothes.

I don't understand how I got behind on your alimony.

I bet you ain't behind on Honey Carder's alimony.

She never asked for any.

Doc, I think you loved me about 10 percent of the time...

...hated me about 10 percent of the time.

I never hated you.

-I couldn't hate anybody. -Yeah? You hate Rodeo Rocky.

I've never hated a real human being.

When you gonna grow up and be responsible?

I'm president of a publishing company, got my own studio.

How growed up do l have to be?

I think you and | just got married the wrong year and a half of our life...

...and I'm sorry it didn't work out.

Oh, Doc.

Why did I leave you?

Why did I leave you?

I left you.

Hey, Doc. That Cajun creep is here.

Right, Mulreaux. Send him in and get Hogan over here.

You take your ”C, deduct all the interest...

You take your ”C, deduct all the interest...

...you write off your fuel and maintenance--

I don't care. How much you talking about?

Hogan, you know Mulreaux. Mulreaux. Hogan.

Hogan, how you do, my friend?

-Chicken-fried German food to go. -Was a long time ago.

Doc, did you want to see me? I need to see you too.

Okay, write out a check to my friend Mulreaux here for $20,000.

Doc, I can't do that. That's corporation funds.

Rodeo Rocky put the clamp on the Cowbird Music money.

HoW'd he do that? I'm president.

-You sold him the company. -Bul|shit. He's just an investor.

That's not what the contract says. You sold it to him, he owns it.

-You work for him. -I don't wanna hear that.

-How about $15,000? -That's the best news I heard all day.

Here come the Campeche Queen.

Doc, I wouldn't trust him.

I wanna know why Anita's checks are bouncing.

Rodeo Rocky put a stop to the Anita situation.

-That son of a bitch. -You sold him the company.

Watch me repossess it.

You better keep both eyes on him, because he's crazier than you arel

Doc--!

-I wanna talk to you. -Yeah, well, go ahead.

Get this asshole out.

-He stays. -Who is he?

Lionel Purvis. He's the new comptroller for Cowbird Music.

-How come my checks are bouncing? -You're not living up to your contract.

-Who says? -I do.

He also turned down payment on the vouchers...

...for them invisible musicians in that super band.

Cut your expense accounts too.

He'll keep bouncing checks to your ex...

-...until you live up to our deal. -Some deal, more like an ambush.

Doc, you live in some kind of a Western fantasy.

You ain't Doc Holliday. You're Doc Jenkins.

-l'l| get you a drink. -I don't want one.

I want my goddamn contract back. How much?

Hey, Doc...

...remember when you and Blackie Buck first came to Nashville...

...in that old Buick?

You both slept in it.

-How young were we then, Doc? -How much?

Where you gonna get the money? We're talking seven figures.

Don't worry about itl I'm in a new business deal.

Let me guess, he's gonna raise the Titanic.

Doc, you work for me.

You start writing songs for me. Pronto.

You don't inspire me. I can't get in the mood.

The contract don't say shit about moodl

You work for me, or you got nothing!

Never mind your vouchers, your ex-wives, your invisible musicians.

I'll stop the $150,000 a year I pay to keep you in golf balls.

I still manage Blackie Buck, and you can't do shit about that.

The way he's living, his heart's gonna blow up before Halloween.

You work for me, Doc!

You run Cowbird Music for me!

How could you use his lawyer to negotiate your contract?

-You should've known he'd own you. -That wasn't the deal.

-What was the deal? -l'd put up the talent...

...he'd put up money, we'd split 50/50. We shook on it.

You shook hands on it? You didn't sign his hand.

-You signed a contract. -That's real funny.

Doc, you got cheated.

He has an exclusive on you. He owns you.

Do I own this building?

Yeah, and a management contract with Blackie Buck, but that's it.

A night to rememberl Blackie Buck returns to Austin.

-What'd he say? -He says we're going to Austin.

-Where are we going? -We're headed for Shreveport.

Hey.

-Damn, is you deaf, or what? -Wait a minute.

This guy says we're booked in the Austin Opry house.

That's another Dino production.

He tried to book us in there, but Doc turned down the son of a bitch.

It sounds like he ain't taking no for an answer.

We don't show and damn Dino takes the ticket money.

I'm losing my wonderful disposition, goddamn it. We'll get the blame.

We don't show up and Dino McLeish puts the money in his pocket.

I'm sick of Dino McLeish. Let's go stomp his ass.

Hell, let's go to Austin.

Tonight, at the Austin Opry House.

Only the great Dino Productions could present this fantach country show.

In a rare Austin appearance, Blackie Buck and the Roarers...

...at the Austin Opry House, 8:00 tonight.

Tickets, $ 10 at the Opry House--

-Dino, what are you doing home? -Hold it.

| wish the vision of how beautiful y'all are...

...could be painted on the Great Wall of China.

Man, I mean that.

I love you both.

We're family, you know.

Know what that means? Deep stuff.

So, what are you doing home?

| forgot something.

I'm glad you did. I kind of want to go hear Blackie Buck tonight.

We got some problems. Blackie Buck may not show up.

Besides, Buster's too dumb for nightlife.

Buster's got ears, you know.

He'll remember you said that, grow up and beat hell out of you.

-Say what? -I said, you promised.

Okay. Let's go.

Come on, Buster.

So who's your opening act?

I'm gonna make a fool out of myself.

Nothing to be scared of. Just do it like you did in front of the mirror.

Looks like your opening act got here, anyway.

Where's Blackie Buck?

I rented your hall, son. Let me worry about if Blackie shows up.

-Okay? -Okay, chief.

-They'l| love you, baby. -| feel sick.

You'll chop them down like dead limbs.

She's a little nervous.

All great stars get nervous before shows.

I'm not a great star.

-They paid to hear you. -They came for Blackie, you know it.

Yeah, but they gonna remember you, not him.

This little girl is shy and nervous.

Thank you so much for everything.

I'll see you in the parking lot.

Let's give her a great big hill country greeting!

Let's hear it for Gilda!

You shake my nerves And you rattle my brain

Too much love Can drive a woman insane

You broke my will Oh, what a thrill

Goodness gracious Great balls of fire

I left our love Because I thought it was funny

You came along And moved me, honey

I changed my mind This love is fine

Goodness gracious Great balls of fire

Great! They dig her, man!

Tell me the truth, so I can get ready.

Blackie Buck ain't really booked here tonight, is he?

Come on.

All right. In my office.

You're fine So kind

Got to tell the world That you're mine, mine, mine

l chew my nails And I twiddle my thumbs

I'm real nervous But it sure is fun

Awesome! Awesome!

Ain't she just great?

Dear friends, I love you so much.

I hate to be the one to always do this.

Sends you his love.

Hopes to see you soon. 'l've got the flu. Blackie Buck.‘

Tearing it up! Turn it up!

We want Blackie! We want Blackie! We want Blackie! We want Blackie!

All right, we really made it.

I'm getting to like you more than I want to.

Hey, make sure she's got some money.

And make sure she don't get back on.

-You got it. -Let's go.

I want my money back!

Hold it! Hang on!

-You want to see Blackie Buck? -Yeah!

I can't help if the son of a bitch is an alcoholic!

-There he is! -Blackie!

All right, Blackie!

Straighten up. I'm born again.

So how about 5000?

So take me anywhere you want me

Got a nice attitude, right?

I'll get a drink.

I don't want your sack of candy

Just some sweetness now and then

I got to get myself together

With someone who wants it too

Maybe I can learn to love you

While I'm getting over you

-No prisoners. -All right.

-You're all set. -Thanks, bro.

Hey, hey, hey.

You sing real good.

Thanks for keeping them warm. I'll see you later.

They loved you out there. You were great. That's Blackie Buck.

I've just got one more thing to tell you ignorant assholes!

I promised you...

...and I'll tell you something.

Dino delivers! Dig it?

Blackie Buck and the Roarers!

Hear that holy rolling thunder

Don 't it strip your feelings bare?

Smell the heartache and the hunger

And the danger in the air

There's a swollen moon arising

And salvation on the wind

And the dark is full of chances

That may never come again

Let's make this a night to remember

Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing here?

Would you tell me why

I've been a little too lost Just a little too long

I had a goal Andl thoughtl was getting there

It must have passed me by

I love you, Blackie!

If you don't like the deal Then you don't need to buy it

You ought to try it from me

Because darling It sure could be sweet

Yes, I'm here to impress you, girl I won't deny it long

I mean to knock you Right off of your feet

If you don't like the deal Then you don't need to buy it

You ought to try it from me

Because darling It sure could be sweet

All right!

-I ain't got $5000. -No, he don't have it.

If I want any shit out of you, I'll squeeze your head, okay?

-Come on, Dino. -I ain't got it.

You're acting fidgety, like a liar.

I've been working night and day. I took a couple uppers, that's true.

Put your hands out like this.

What's...?

What is this supposed to prove?

Don't shake.

-This test beats lie detectors all to hell. -You ain't gonna do that, are you?

Watch me.

-You fiinched. -Watch it, he's a big man.

Crazy son of a bitch.

-Did he flinch? -He flinched.

So what?

What you packing for lunch here, Dino?

Take another 500 out of there for Dino calling me an alcoholic son of a bitch.

The reason I drink is so people won't think I'm a dope fiend.

That's 5 and 5.

Listen, I'm putting on a big concert.

I got a spot for you, Blackie. This is gonna be the big one, boy.

Word's out about you, hoss. You don't pay your artists.

-Hi. -Oh, for heaven's--

Remember me? Young wetback from Brownsville.

Wait a minute, now.

The working girl's favorite and the housewife's companion.

Blackie.

-Hi, you. -Hel|o, honey.

You feel just like a homecoming queen.

Where's everybody else? In the bus, in the cold?

Cooper! Hog, get on in here!

We're staying with Honey.

Where can you get something to eat?

But, Doc, I never even thought about being a singer before.

Oh, sure, you feel like a singer to me.

Doc, call for you. It's Blackie. He's in Austin.

-That's really nice. -Hi, Blackie.

Dino tried to do his tap dance again.

-We negotiated. -Dino? Where are you?

-Excuse me. -Wait a minute.

-I want you to talk to somebody. -Who?

-Say hello. -Hello?

Honey?

Oh, hi, Doc.

What are you doing there?

It's my house, Doc. I'm home.

-I live here. -Honey, I miss you guys a lot.

I'd like to come down and hang out.

Listen, Doc. I gotta go now, okay? You take care.

Hey, you still looking for that girl singer?

| just talked to the world's best.

We worked with one there in Austin.

She's clean as an angel's drawers. Her name's Gilda.

Well, I was thinking about coming to Austin anyway. Wait for me.

Hell, I'm always waiting for you.

Y'all just make yourself at home.

To go on throwing good love

After bad

Oh, but the fools we've been

Ain't nothing like the fools we'd be

To keep believing dreams That don't come true

Oh, they never do

Because, you know It's never wise

To fall in love

To make believe

So I'll be leaving

lfit's all the same to you

Yes, I'll be leaving

Because it's all the same

To you

-Not bad at all. -Yeah!

Thank you.

Thank you.

I told you you were crazy to sign a deal...

...with anyone named Rodeo Rocky.

Sounds like some kind of ice cream, for Christ.

Why don't you just quit? Leave.

Let him sue you. What'll he get?

-My golf cart. -Well, what else?

I need that 150,000 for the kids and for Honey.

-Which she ain't asked for. -But nevertheless.

Do you make it harder just so you can stay interested?

Get yourself an hour's sleep before Shreveport.

-Your voice is getting raspy. -Hel|, I'm working on that rasp.

-Makes me sound soulful. -Hey, hoW's she doing?

You ought to go see.

The chick is mine. She's signed and sealed.

| just want to say hello.

Don't you try to steal Gilda from me, will you?

This is the ticket I've been waiting for all my life. Don't burn it.

Any deal you make with Gilda has got to come through me.

You dig?

| just want to say hello.

Hello!

Bo!

-Hey, Doc. How you doing? -Hey, this is Doc.

-Where's Gilda? -She's in there.

-How you doing, Doc? -Hey, Doc.

Look here. It's Doc.

-Great show. I loved it. -Gilda.

-Thank you. -You're good.

-This is Arly. -Thanks for coming down.

-Rodeo buckle? -Yeah. Calf roping.

-Can I get you a drink? -No, thanks.

-The regular? -Triple cc and seven.

Don't float the ice, pal.

You don't look like her or sing like her...

...but there's something about you that reminds me of Honey.

-You're kidding? -No, I'm not.

Honey Carder's the first woman I ever wanted to be like.

You'll be a greater star than Honey ever was, Gilda.

You're right to the point, Dino.

I've never been wrong about a singer.

-Dino, come on. -I'm gonna check on something.

Don't let Doc talk you out of your pants.

-That's very funny. -You know, he could be right.

-What are you talking about? -Well, not about the pants.

About you being a big star some of these days.

You really could.

Honey Carder could really sing.

Well, she still can, God bless her.

So Why'd she retire?

Well, she got tired of traveling.

Then the kids come along, and she just quit.

Write it down

What you found out

Songwriter

Don't let it all

Slip away

Speak your mind

All the time

Songwriter

Someone is listening

Today

So write on

Songwriter

Write on

Songwriter

Write on

Songwriter

Write on

Songwriter

Dino, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do.

I'm gonna give you the studio time and my time...

...with no producer's fee until Gilda's album has sold 100,000.

Not gonna charge me a fee. Bubba, I put this band together myself.

I found Gilda singing in the Pentecostal student center.

Gilda, I'm gonna pay you 5, $5000 cash up front.

Five thousand dollars? That's impossible.

-Gonna give us a million up front. -Dino ain't gonna do shit.

You'll probably wind up getting screwed, he'll get robbed.

I wanna book you across the country...

...places Dino couldn't get into with a ticket.

I haven't traveled much. I'd feel funny.

I can also produce a hit album for you. Dino can't. No offense.

-I don't know if I'm ready for an album. -l'l| be the judge of that.

-Those big concerts you wanna do? -Yeah?

I'll get the talent for you. People who wouldn't normally talk to you.

-What if it rains? -We'll go inside.

-What split do you want? -Fifty-fifty after expenses.

What about the T-shirts, posters, all the concessions?

-Same deal, 50l50. -Man, I don't trust you.

Gilda's worth more than one concert. She's a star.

I'm not a star.

Honey Carder's a star.

Pull over.

-You sell vacuum cleaners? -Yeah, they're on sale.

-What kind you got? -All kinds.

Nice suit. Like that.

How do you do? My name is Jenkins.

I'm with the American Research Institute of Technology.

I'm sure you're familiar with us.

We manufacture the powerful Paradise vacuum cleaner.

However, I'd like to put your mind at ease.

This has nothing to do with the normal purchase...

...of our powerful Paradise vacuum cleaner.

-Could I come in and explain? -Hold on a minute, mister.

A man who looked like you came to my door years ago...

...selling vacuum cleaners.

He knocked me up.

Must've been from our service department.

Excuse me, may I come in, please? Thank you.

Just as I thought.

This looks like a clean rug to the normal naked eye.

People think their babies can crawl on rugs like this.

But see what happens when I put my Paradise to work.

That's what that salesman who looked like you said.

Except they sent me a different model than the one I ordered.

-You feel good. -So do you.

Kids in school?

It's Saturday, Doc. They're outside playing.

You've been up all night, haven't you? Want a drink?

How about some iced tea?

-You not drinking whiskey? -Not for almost a year.

Blackie says you're moguling again.

Blackie don't know what he's talking about.

Well, you know what I'm talking about.

I'm the president of my own corporation, you know.

You've been an executive of losing corporations...

...most of your adult life, Doc.

Selling your soul is one thing, but your copyrights? How could you?

It's not that simple.

Yes, it is. It's that simple, and it's that wrong.

I mean, why don't you stop trying to outdo the Fortune 500...

...and just be what you are?

Which is a poet. What about all those things you...?

I need some help.

Well, okay.

Are you listening to me?

What about all those dreams? Come on, here.

All that talk years ago about following an artistic vision, huh?

Well, bankers don't care a lot about artistic vision.

They'd just as soon not talk to poets, anyway.

Well, the bankers, well, yeah....

Well, the bankers own all the art and the artists.

Don't think about anything but money.

-You ought to be writing, Doc. -I am writing.

As much as you're partying?

I bet your living room still looks like Elvis' wedding reception.

Don't tell me you can do any writing with them weirdoes...

...and freeloaders hanging around. It is not possible.

I bet you haven't picked up a guitar and written a song in so long...

-...you have forgotten how to. -Come here.

And on your way by, if you could help me pick up the guitar.

That always was the hardest part.

Thank you.

Would you have a seat, please.

Set that down for me.

A past that's sprinkled With the blues

A few old dreams That I can't use

Who 'll buy my memories

Of things that used to be

There were the smiles Before the tears

And with the smiles Some better years

Who 'll buy my memories

Of things that used to be

When I remember how things were

My memories all lead to her

I'd like to start my life anew

But memories

Just make me blue

A cottage small Just built for two

A garden wall With violets blue

Who 'll buy my memories

Of things that used to be

Who 'll buy my memories

Of things that used to be

You showoff.

Come over here with me.

What do you want from me, Doc?

There's not a day goes by that I don't miss you.

I make pretty speeches in my head to you all the time.

I should've thrown myself across the door...

...and kept you from leaving me.

Come home with me.

You're a hard act to follow, Doc.

God love you for being such a dreamer.

But you leave me out.

I love you.

But I can't live with you.

If you ever get tired of all the partying...

...me and the girls are here.

Come home with me, and I'll give you anything you want.

Will you really, Doc?

-I want Coke. -I want orange juice.

-Coke. -Orange juice.

-Daddy! -How you doing?

Wow! You're growing so much.

Here, I got something for you.

This one's yours. This one's yours.

Thank you.

Oh, it's pretty. Little pussy.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

-HoW's your music? -Good, I'll get my guitar.

Great.

-You're Doc Jenkins. -Yeah.

-Where to? -Eastern Airlines.

Can't you find some way to get back to Austin? We sure do miss you, Doc.

I've been thinking about that.

Excuse me. I'm looking for the phone. I'm looking for that phone.

-Excuse me. -Come on.

-l've got $50 riding on this. -Fantasy Island.

-There you are, dear darling. -Excuse me.

Hey, will you guys shut up? I think this is Doc.

-Where are you? -I want you to rent a U-Haul truck.

-Pack my stuff and drive to Austin. -Drive to Austin?

Don't tell the world. Call when you get to the Lakoway Ramada.

-You got that? -The Lakeway.

The Lakeway Ramada.

Doc, you can count on me.

-Hello. -Hogan.

Doc, is that you? Do you know what time it is?

I know what time it is. You sure I own the Cowbird Music building?

Yes, you own the Cowbird Music building.

-Hello. -Hogan.

We did have insurance, didn't we?

You ain't gonna believe this.

-'Fire destroyed Cowbird Music.‘ -What?

-'Fire destroyed Cowbird Music.‘ -What?

"Fire destroyed Cowbird Music. No one was harmed in the blaze."

Shit!

You're calling us heathens

With zero respect for the law

But we 're only songwriters

Just writing our songs And that's all

We write what we live And we live what we write

Is that wrong?

Well, if you think it is Mr. Music Executive

Why don't you write your own song?

Mr. Purified Country, don't you know What the whole thing's about?

Is your head up your ass so far That you can't pull it out?

The world's getting smaller

And everyone in it belongs

If you can't see that Mr. Music Executive

Why don't you write your own song?

Hey, I want the sign up by this afternoon. You understand?

I want it hanging, and I don't want wind blowing it down.

It's gonna be real ugly if it falls down.

It's gonna be ugly for you and me.

-Hi, Ralph. -Hi, Doc.

Doc, this is it.

-This is it. How you like the new sign? -It's the right state.

Oh, no. Just leave this stuff right here.

I'm gonna take care of it. What I need is the furniture--

Oh, that chair, just leave it right there. I'm gonna do Doc's office myself.

-Doc, hi. -Looks great.

-Where's my office at? -It's right around here.

Doc, I'm afraid we have one small problem.

-You got the loan? -That went fine. It was like you said.

-What's the matter? -It's the telegram you got.

-Who from? -It was from Rodeo Rocky.

Says he's gonna break your knees and poke out your eyes.

All right for Rodeo. It's a nice place.

-Where can I hide this? -Hide what?

I seriously think that this guy is mad enough to kill you.

What you need to do is give him a couple of songs.

That's the first place he's gonna look is right there.

Doc, I am really scared of this guy.

He is crazy. He's liable to come in here and do anything.

That man is a gangster.

Lone Star Music.

Hi! Yeah!

Yeah, Doc's here. Hey, Doc, it's Blackie.

Is something weird going on there that I should know about?

-How soon can you get here? -What the hell is Lone Star Music?

-l'l| tell you when you get here. -Playing hell with my schedule.

Blackie, I need you.

Relax a minute there, darling.

Blackie.

Where you going?

Blackie.

You good-looking son of a bitch. Don't you never die.

-I'm all finished. -No, you ain't.

Take this and hide it. Shoot the first son of a bitch that touches it, okay?

Get Gilda on the phone for me, please.

I've got the number in my office.

I love show business.

I can't take money for something I didn't write.

I don't think you should. You should take the credit. I'll take the royalties.

I can't put my name on your song.

Strange part of it is, I can't either.

-Why? -It's a business technicality.

I don't want to get into business stuff.

-I like to sing. -You should. You're the singer.

This song could take you across all boundaries...

...and make you a superstar all over the world.

Could you get me some doughnuts, please?

Yeah.

-Is it a ballad? -One of the prettiest l--

I don't do ballads.

We'll bring it up to the stuff you like.

Like-- What would you think? Maybe....

-I don't know, 'Great Balls of Fire.‘ -We start it there, bring it down a bit.

What do you think?

Maybe.

Goddamn it!

Lone Star, my dick!

Doc isn't here right now.

I hate Texas.

We would have been great, rich gentlemen...

...too, the both of us two.

All right, Doc. Now I'm gonna burn you.

Get out of here!

-Can I get anybody a coffee? -Yeah. Black.

-Black? -Black, Corkie.

-B|ack? -B|ack.

-Oh, black. -Rea| black.

-Lose your horse? -This ain't old Rodeo Rocky.

This is Marvin Rafshoon from the streets of Chicago.

I don't let no hick like you knock down...

...what I've fought my whole life to build up!

You owe me, Doc!

You owe me at least six albums. Seven years of your songwriting.

I don't care what name you put on your music company.

Lone Star, Lone Ranger-- Bullshit!

That fire did nothing but burn equipment.

I hope your associates hang you to a light pole.

You mess with me, you'll end up...

...with nothing but a spot where you stand.

You're in deep shit! You're a great songwriter!

You're a genius! What do you write for me? Nothing!

One song! One album! Something!

Something! Nothing!

Seven goddamn years! Prick didn't write nothing!

-Easy! -Rocky.

Have you ever heard of the OK Corral?

-I don't want no violence. -Is that the coffee you meant?

Let's be civilized.

Say hello to the president of Lone Star Music...

...Mr. Blackie Buck.

-What? -There ain't no more Cowbird Music.

-Mine and your contract is through. -Yeah, and I'm Marie Osmond.

You're not just talking to one of your shit-kicking friends.

You ever hear of a legal injunction?

I'll have you closed down within 60 days.

Come on.

You've been smoking your running socks again.

Now, be serious. You gotta help me.

You gotta front this company for me or else I ain't got no income.

-Jesus. -I really got a handle on it this time.

You always have a handle on it. What the hell is wrong with you?

Nothing a million dollars won't fix.

You never even have to come in to the company.

-That won't stop the injunction. -What choice have I got?

Besides, it's already bought us 60 days.

Come on inside. Come here. I want to show you something.

You treat yourself good for a bankrupt man.

This ain't my house. This is your house.

-| live in Nashville. -Rent's paid for six months, pres.

I'm not your pres. What are you up to? HoW'd you pull this off?

It was a short-term loan on a long-term lie.

-It's called 'high finance.‘ -It's called 'bull squash.'

-Look out here. -I don't care what's out there.

You asshole.

You rent me a new back swing too?

Get in. I'll take you for a ride.

I want the president of Lone Star Music...

...to work a few places here in Austin where he's already big.

Then I want him to go on the road as a superstar.

Not alone, but with an opening act.

-I'm gonna groom Gilda for that one. -Why?

I got cheated and I wanna get even.

Losers can't believe in

Anything at all

Hey, but never mind

What's the matter?

I can't get it right. I can't. I just can't get it right.

I'll come in there.

What's wrong?

My voice cracked, and it just didn't sound pretty.

It sounded great. Let me sing harmony for the bridge.

I can help with that phrasing part. Run it again from the bridge, Larry.

Think of all the love we made us

Since you used to be afraid of

Staring at those starry skies

Above our lives

Now you're free to Be the best

That you can be now

From here to eternity

Love me forever

-In your love -That was great.

-All right. -Let's record.

-Okay, I'll do it again. -From the top.

Hi, Blackie. Doc wanted me to drop this by.

-What time is it? -Did I wake you up?

-Not yet. -Oh, here.

-What is it? -It's Gilda's new song, I think.

I'm sorry I bothered you.

Listen, you can bother me anytime you want to.

-Bye. -'Bye'?

-How you doing, Blackie? -Hey, Ralph.

-Doc's feeling a little down tonight. -Well, this will cheer him right up.

-Need to talk to you. -What about?

Well, I listened to that tape of Gilda's new song.

Oh, yeah? What do you think?

I think she's a shitty songwriter.

Oh, yeah? We do need to talk.

Why are you putting Gilda's name on your songs?

Because I can't put mine on. Rodeo Rocky would get all the money.

-Why didn't you ask me? -Because you're a songwriter.

-That's the answer? -That girl's never written anything.

People who can't write can say they wrote something they didn't write.

You're a songwriter.

You can't say you wrote something unless you really wrote it.

-Say that again. -I can't.

You're getting real strange, Doc.

I'd put my name on one of your songs, if it'd screw Rodeo Rocky...

...providing you got another one that's as good as the one you gave Gilda.

Say that again.

-I can't. -You're getting real strange.

I'd put my name on one of your songs, if it'd screw Rodeo Rocky...

...as long as it was as good as the one you gave Gilda.

Say that again.

-I can't. -You're getting real strange, Doc.

I'd put my name on one of your songs, if it'd screw Rodeo Rocky...

...providing you got another one as good as the one you gave Gilda.

You got a deal.

And we can make love be The kind of mystery

And we can make love be The kind of mystery

And baby, you and I Will be making true love

Lying soul to soul Inside a hideaway

-And we can make it be -Got one.

Damn, Doc, I should've known it was you by the way the spit squished.

-HoW's it going? -Good, how you doing, Sammy?

-Good. -Sti|l take payola?

You bet. Payola ain't dead around here. It ain't even sick.

But I've been pushing old Blackie so hard, I'm about to get a hernia.

This is Gilda's first record. Would you play it?

-We'l| play it after this. -What's on now?

The Geezinslaws. You know what?

I known Gilda since the day she hit Austin.

This is the first time I knowed she's a songwriter.

-She wrote that one. -Learn something every day.

You certainly do. I think I like it already, Doc, you old rascal.

The more you play it, the more you'll like it.

Well, let's play it.

Talk about one that's breaking hot. Sweeping the country...

...Iike a brand-new broom, sung and written by Gilda.

'Forever In Your Love.‘ Take it away, girl.

Hello? Hello?

Turn on KVET.

-All right. -Oh, my God.

Oh, God!

This is great. Hey, Doc!

-Thanks, Doc. -That's okay.

That's why I get 90 percent, sugar. You take the credit, I'll take the money.

I don't care if the wheels of justice turn slowly.

Twist them.

No, I own him. I want him shut down.

-You know, she writes pretty good. -Better than Doc Jenkins.

Oh, shit.

-Rodeo Rocky called again. -Have anything new to say?

-No, it's the same message. -I know. If he finds me, I'm dead.

Torture first. See you later, Doc.

Okay, Corkie.

-Good morning. -Hi.

-How you doing? -I'm all right.

Look here. See right there? Number 15, 'Forever In Your Love.‘

Gilda, that's 15 in the whole, wide world.

Oh, God.

Look...

...you produced it, you arranged it, you hustled it.

-All I did was sing it. -You sang the shit out of it.

Now, that says 'Gilda' right there. That don't say 'Doc.'

Sooner or later, I'm gonna cause trouble for you, I think.

No.

Six-card push tiddle high-low, split the pile, shut for a buck.

'Spiritual masters from higher realms...

...reveal the true nature of God in the cosmos.‘

-That's pretty good. -You know, I think...

...it was Camus who said:

"Truth is secondary to existence."

-Kamoo the jungle boy? -l was only 13 years old...

-...but I cried all night. -No.

-Over a sheep? -What'd he say?

-Something about a damn sheep. -Nine times out of 10...

...they think people start this. But sheep is good, and they know it.

They'll flirt with you.

Hey, Dino. Your old lady says you ain't half bad.

Just remember, son of a bitch. The older the ram, the stiffer the horn.

When I first heard Gilda sing, I said, 'Dino, this chicks a natural.

All she needs is guidance from you and a good producer.‘

So naturally, man, I called Doc Jenkins. Dig it?

-Yeah. -Where the hell is Sam?

I don't know. I ain't seen him since the hotel.

He's probably back there making a house call.

Where's Doc? He's got the wheels.

I got locked out of my room. Could I use your passkey for a minute?

I'll bring it right back to you. Thank you.

Dino!

Dino?

Oh, shit.

Hi.

-Here you go, sweetheart. -Listen, I can explain. Th--

Now, Din....

Now, Dino, she told me that y'all had a plutonic relationship.

Take a right here.

It wasn't exactly entirely all my fault, goddamn it.

-Stop right there. -Better me than some asshole.

Take a swig.

-Put that right on top of your head. -Fixing to kill old Sam?

Trying to see whether my nerves are under control.

I'm afraid you stepped in it this time.

Doc, can you talk to him? That crazy son of a bitch.

I expect this'll be a good lesson for you.

Fuck!

-l underestimated you, Dino. -All of you son of bitches do.

Anyway, this is a song. We 're gonna do it for Dino.

For a lady who learned

All there is about living

She sure picked A hard way to go

But he loved her

Right down to her socks

And no further

And her feet were The last ones to know

This week's number 12, moan like a rocket...

"Forever In Your Love, " by Gilda.

Hey, we're number 12! Gilda, we're number 12!

-Did you hear that? -All right.

Congratulations, Doc!

Congratulations to you, too, Gilda.

Mean it. I'm really happy.

I'm happy for you.

Did you hear it? How about a raise?

Number 12, Jody.

-Been that high before? -Once.

-| wish that injunction would get here. -We got it.

-When? -Last week.

-Why didn't we serve him? -You're good with numbers.

You want 100 percent of nothing or two platinum albums?

-What do you mean by that? -That song that Gilda wrote...

...Doc wrote.

That song Blackie wrote, he wrote that too.

And he's writing a lot more. He don't think I know it.

We're gonna let that injunction earn interest before we slap him with it.

He's making us a lot of money. A lot of money.

No more time

No more chances

No more wars

Will be won

In the end

Only the losers

Know the land

Under the gun

-Hold the truth -Hold the truth

-Like a candle -Like a candle

-Let it shine -Let it shine

-Like the sun -Like the sun

All the love

That's left to believe in

In a world

Under the gun

Break a man

-Break a promise -Break a promise

Break a heart

-Break a home -Break a home

Take a long

Hard look at heaven

Gone to hell

Under the gun

Okay, y'all go home now. God bless you.

| just want you to listen to this.

I got the auditorium on a deal and only gave them 20 percent.

Only had to give 20 percent on the concessions.

They could've screwed us bad. They're gonna sell everything.

Belt buckles, binoculars, caps, T-shirts, piss-warm beer...

...programs, popcorn, peanuts, the whole shooting match.

We don't do nothing, just take the money.

Dino, you better take a nap. You been up since Korea.

Yeah, I stay up 25 hours every day...

...keeping my eyes on you son of a bitches.

The way you piss away money is phenomenal.

Promoting Gilda, you spend so much money, how you gonna break even?

Let me tell you about Gilda. She's number one in the whole world.

Doc, that Cajun creep is on the phone again.

Tell him I went to a weaver's convention in Itasca, Texas.

Hey, Doc. I wanna tell you something.

Listen, I used to hate you for it, but I'm glad you took Gilda on.

Dig it, Doc. It's a classic.

We put all our chips on a hysterical, neurotic, drunk woman...

...she's gonna make us rich, or dead.

You seen where Blackie is on the charts?

Number three, hey! Right behind Gilda.

Who is it?

Telegram.

Shit.

I'm coming.

How'd you find me?

Well, I went by your house.

And...

...Ralph told me.

So...

...what you hiding from, anyway?

Well, I was trying to write some songs...

...and it's not that easy with all the partying going on.

I sure wish you were into some hard, nasty drinking.

We could be the same kind of idiots tonight.

Look...

...I can't say I'm a songwriter. I'm not a songwriter.

I just don't want to do it anymore, say I'm a songwriter.

I don't write songs.

Maybe I'm not a mogul either.

Then it's all a game.

Come here.

Come on.

Come on.

When I was in fifth grade, there were always a couple of cute guys.

A brainy guy...

...tough guy....

And then there was...

...the guy that everybody thought was...

...the guy.

There was always the skinny little girl in the ballerina slippers too.

Why don't you tell me not to get drunk on stage?

Everybody else does. Dino does, Arly does.

I think everybody has to kill their own snakes.

Speaking of, where is Arly?

The trouble with Arly is...

-...l'm in love with you. -Oh, no.

-No, Doc, really. -Now, come on, I take love serious.

I do too. Really, Doc.

-You better go home, Gilda. -No.

-Not tonight. Not tonight. No. -You really better go home.

No, don't answer it. Don't get it. Don't, Doc, don't.

-He||o? -Don't.

-Hello? -Come on.

Oh, hi, Honey!

Honey, you remember Gilda, that new girl singer I was telling you about?

Gilda, Honey said to tell you hi. The one that sang so great?

She's over here. We's having a couple of drinks.

God, | wish you was here.

I miss you a lot. How the kids doing?

Straight A's. They got straight A's in school, Gilda.

Bye.

No, Blackie, I'm not losing it.

Why don't you come help me finish this song.

Maybe you can screw me out of half before it's over.

And I'll explain everything to you then.

You suppose a man's gotta be a miserable son of a bitch...

...all the time just to write a good song every now and then?

That's a terrible thought.

But from here to the end Is what matters, my friend

And you're right at the peak Of your form

You old bandit.

Still in the eye of the storm

Right on, man.

Because from here to the end Is what matters, my friend

Hello.

-What's up? -We gotta go.

Gilda OD'd.

Come on. Come on, get up. Oh, good. Help me.

She came over here to apologize for trying to seduce you...

...telling me what a saint you are.

She passed out while she was talking. She had the pill bottle in her hand.

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Y'all get out. Let me get her out of these clothes...

...so she doesn't get pneumonia. Okay? Go on out.

-Come on. It's okay, baby. -What's happening?

-Hey, you two. -Daddy, what's happening?

You come with me, here.

Gilda, come on, honey. Try to drink some of this. It's hot.

Be careful. Just take a little sip.

Okay? Is that good?

You're supposed to break their hearts. They're not supposed to break yours.

Gilda's gonna be okay.

You and Blackie go on home now.

We got a lot to talk about, Gilda and me.

Goodbye.

-Bye, Honey. -Bye.

Could I have your attention? I hate to break up a party...

...but it's late and I'm tired. I'd like to ask everybody to knock it off...

...and please go home. Thank you very much.

-Thank you. Appreciate it. -Catch you later.

-Good night, everybody. -Thanks.

-Take care, Doc. -Thanks a lot.

-Thanks again, good night. -Good night. Happy birthday, buddy.

-Thanks, Doc. -Good night, Doc.

Good night. See you. Good night, Terry.

-Good night. -Good night, Doc.

-Good night. -Good night.

-Bye-bye. -Good night.

-Thanks for coming. -Bye.

Hi.

I just came by to tell you that the party's over at my house.

| asked everybody to go home.

And the house is empty.

Real empty.

Now, I don't want you to say anything. I just wanted to tell you that.

Thank God You still got your feelings

And you're free To be easy and warm

Because from here to the end Is what matters, my friend

And you're right at the peak Of your form

You old bandit.

Still in the eye of the storm

Well, look who's here.

Look who's here. God, you're looking good too.

-How you doing? -Are you okay?

-Yes, I'm fine. -All right.

-How you doing? Good to see you. -Hey, Doc. Good, good.

Well, we drove up to Kingfisher and got married by Gilda's granddaddy.

Well, congratulations! I think that's fantastic.

Thank you.

There's something else we gotta tell you.

You probably ain't gonna like it.

You better tell him.

While we were in Kingfisher....

Ain't justice wonderful, Doc?

I mean, it's slow, but it sure does work.

You are closed.

And you owe me every dollar on the songs you wrote for Blackie...

...and the songs you wrote for Gilda.

I guess you got me.

I know when I'm licked.

I must be getting old and tired. Dropped a step somewhere.

At least I'm man enough to admit it when I'm whipped.

You always were stronger than me. Even back in Nashville. Have a drink.

Humility is a quality which becomes you, Doc.

I've been thinking about slowing down.

I think you are rapidly approaching wisdom.

I think it's the music industry. The concerts...

...Gilda's getting so big, I can't handle it. You deserve all that.

-For how much? -Two million, cash.

Was the ground cold this morning, Doc?

You want blood, find somebody else's neck, not mine.

I risked my life in the Nashville fire to save this tape...

...of the Eleven Dixie Mudcats. They're all yours.

I want your management contract with Blackie Buck.

No way. I want my songwriter's contract back. What good is that?

-I'm not writing songs. -Gi|da's not worth that.

She's worth more than 2 million to you.

You squeeze one number one single out of her, and she's a star.

I mean, I hear she's a bad drunk and a doper.

Why don't you go meet her and see if she is. Go to the concert.

If she is, we'll go back to my old shitty contract, but wait till you meet her.

Maybe I could come up with 1 million.

Two million is stealing from me.

You've always been pretty good at that.

One million. One million, and you throw in Blackie.

You got me in a trap. I'm gonna take the million for Gilda and the rest...

...but I'm keeping Blackie.

All right, bring her backstage, tomorrow night, 8:00.

You bring me the money, just like I like it. All cash.

Yeah. Put it in water.

It may explode.

We used to talk About the rock 'n' roll

That made it matter Not to sell your soul

Like a banner That we held so high

We weren't afraid to fall

Instead we rolled Into the warm inside

That we 're hitting In between the lines

That kept us rocking Till the break of day

All ready, break it all

We used to think about it Day and night

We tried to sing About the soul inside

-There you go. -Hey, man, that's the wrong pass.

-They changed it. -What do you mean?

I'm 'they,‘ Dino McLeish. I'm your boss, son.

Rodeo Rocky's my boss, asshole.

Oh, Mr. Rocky. Listen, I got this tape.

Now who's the asshole?

We could do no wrong

We'll never be the same again

But the show goes on

Thank you very much.

What do you say, Rocky? How you doing?

What are you gonna do with it if you get it?

I'm gonna sit on a mountaintop.

You are a hick, Doc, really a hick.

But I got a warm spot in my heart for you.

I mean, we've known each other for a long time. A long time.

You always were sentimental with your hand in my pocket.

--see the light We had to leave behind

It is 5 after 8:00. Where is Gilda?

She'll be here. Let me hold that. Must be getting heavy.

Oh, there she is. Right there.

Come on over, I'll introduce you.

Come on over, I'll introduce you.

Oh, thank you.

Hi there. How you doing, Gilda? This is Rodeo Rocky.

This is Gilda. Hey, Arly, how are you?

I've heard a lot about you.

But you seem to be a nice man anyhow.

Well, I am a nice man, anyhow.

-You have a positive sort of aura. -I do?

-You ain't been drinking? -No.

-I don't drink anymore. -She doesn't drink.

-Hi. I'm Arly. -This is Arly.

Well...

...it was lovely meeting you, Mr. Rocky.

-Call me Rodeo. -Rodeo.

-Yeah. -Would you excuse us, please?

Congratulations.

-Thank you. -Come on, darling.

-Well, what do you think? -She's sweet, Doc.

She's sweet and my gut feeling is she's honest.

You're right. Sweet, honest girl.

All right, you stick around, because the best is yet to come.

My own lawyer looked at this one. You got my songwriter's contract?

Thanks. You got the money?

-Yeah, give him the money. -Give me the money.

You know something, Doc?

-What's that? -I think I got myself a new star.

You just might. You just might.

-Big one. -Rea| big.

See you in Waco.

We got him.

So that's the way it is.

What are you doing up there, deer hunting?

-Something like that. -Well, good luck.

-You're taking off, are you, hoss? -Yeah.

-And you finally got him. -We got him.

We did it.

-Well, I love you, Doc. -I love you too.

God bless you.

-We'll have to have lunch sometime. -Let's do that.

Hey, Doc, here's that tape that you wanted.

Bye, Corkie.

-See you later. -Thanks for the warning.

Hi, Blackie.

-Hi, Blackie. -Hi, Blackie.

Hi, Blackie.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, the hottest act in country music...

...Gilda!

Thank you.

Thank you.

We didn't know whether to tell you this...

...but our good friend Doc Jenkins said we should.

Arly and I got married a couple of days ago.

Well, I think that's real nice, boss, don't you?

We have found something stronger than everything.

Something more satisfying than anything.

And as a result of this, we have decided...

...we won't be performing any more country or rock 'n' roll.

We have joined the Pentecostal church.

And we will be doing only gospel music from now on.

Doc says those disappointed can get your money back at the box office.

Sing along with us in joy and celebration.

There's a church in the valley

By the wildwood

No lovelier spot

In the dale

No place is so dear

To my childhood

I'm taking collections for Rodeo Rocky. Here's my authorization.

Right here. Just give me half.

Go on, now. Keep going. Come on. Get on the floor. Get on the floor.

Fucking aye, Rocky's shit-detail man. What are you listening to?

-I'm listening to Chopin, asshole. -Wel|, listen to that, asshole.

Too much bass?

Tell Rocky I wrote it just for him.

Come, come, come, come

Come to the church In the wildwood

Oh, come to the church in the vale

-How much did we get? -I did pretty good. You got robbed.

There's a lot of that going on. How many tickets did you sell?

-Seven thousand and two hundred. -Bui|ding holds five.

Shit, bubba, airlines do that all the time.

Boss.

-What happened to him? -I don't know, he just blacked out.

This will make him feel better.

It's a song Doc Jenkins wrote for him.