Living Legend: The King of Rock and Roll (1980) - full transcript

(suspenseful music)

(thrilling music)

(van door creaks)

("Movin'" by Roy Orbison)

♪ Moving

♪ Moving down the
line, I'm moving ♪

♪ No longer keeping
time, yeah I'm moving ♪

♪ Moving down the
line, yeah I'm moving ♪

♪ Watching for that road sign

♪ Losin', almost
losin' your mind ♪

♪ Losin', losin'
all track of time ♪



♪ Movin', hurry up
and stay behind ♪

(airplane engine roaring)

♪ Moving on down the line

♪ Check into a hotel
hour' till showtime ♪

♪ Brother won't you
pass me that wine ♪

♪ And those front row women
are always lookin' so fine ♪

♪ Movin', take a
french bath quick ♪

♪ Movin', waiting
for the wine kick ♪

♪ Movin', countin'
every clock tick ♪

♪ Yeah I gotta
get on the stick ♪

♪ Groovin', stealin'
all the hot licks ♪

♪ Groovin', where
is my guitar pick? ♪

♪ Movin', ain't got
time to get sick ♪

♪ Movin' on down the road



♪ Finally make it backstage
ain't no dressing room ♪

♪ Done forgot our lastest
tune now the curtains risin' ♪

♪ And I think it's
20 minutes too soon ♪

♪ Tuning in a hurry gotta
make that booker worry ♪

♪ Will we hit the
stage on time? ♪

♪ This microphone's a live
wire goin' like wild fire ♪

♪ The feedback is
soundin' just fine ♪

♪ Movin', I think we
stole the show now ♪

♪ Movin', I guess
it's time to go now ♪

♪ Movin', I ain't got
time to slow down ♪

♪ I keep on feelin' low down

♪ Cruisin', headin'
for a show town ♪

♪ Cruisin', I know
what time I'll go now ♪

♪ Movin' which
way do we go now ♪

♪ Movin' on down the road

♪ Check into a hotel
hour 'til show time ♪

♪ Brother won't you
pass me that wine ♪

♪ And those front row women
are always lookin' so fine ♪

(people murmuring)

- Okay guys,

come on listen up alright?

We got a show to do tonight,
the limousines are ready

downstairs, let's load up.

You need an invitation again?

Come on, let's move it.

Let's move it.

(peaceful music)

(door handle rattling)

- Do come in Mr. Bergman.

My room, is your room.

- You better change Susan.

(knocking on door)

- I got everything going
okay over at the auditorium.

You feel okay Eli?

- Yeah, I'm fine.

- Well look why don't
you take a little rest,

we've still got a
little time here, okay?

- Okay.

(crowd murmuring)

- [Announcer] Ladies
and gentlemen,

for you that are going
to the upper levels...

- Susan, we're ready to go.

Okay the limousine's
downstairs, everything's ready.

How are you feeling Eli?

- Great, is everything set?

- Well everything except, Susan.

- How many times we have
to go through this Susan?

- As many times as it takes
to get the point across.

So run along, you have thousands
of people waiting for you.

- I don't play to thousands,
I can't related to thousands,

I play to one person, you.

- You relate to every
moon-eyed female

that gets in your way.

- Don't start that again.

- Now come on Eli,

we're running on a
pretty right schedule.

- You be there tonight.

♪ Give up

♪ Boy don't fight me

♪ I was born to win

♪ Now you come, yes come to me

♪ And you want to
walk out of the game ♪

♪ But I'm not the
girl next door ♪

♪ And most often is
what we are playing ♪

(crowds cheering)

♪ Give up

♪ I was born to win

(crowds cheering)

(upbeat funky music)

- Ladies and gentlemen,
Mr. Eli Canfield.

("Run for the Sun"
by Roy Orbison)

♪ I've heard some people say

♪ That you should
live just for today ♪

♪ And not let your life
just drag on and on ♪

♪ Now since you've come along

♪ I know that
they're not wrong ♪

♪ And together we'll
make a run for the sun ♪

♪ I've wasted my time
living line by line, ♪

♪ Taking it sure,
taking it slow ♪

♪ But since you touched my
hand, now I can understand ♪

♪ And I know why

♪ That we can fly and
we will have fun ♪

♪ While we make a
run for the sun ♪

♪ A run for the sun

♪ Too shy at the start

♪ To open my heart

♪ I couldn't chance
getting hurt ♪

♪ You showed me the way

♪ How to live for today

♪ You were the key

♪ You came to me

♪ And now I am free

♪ Now look what we've done

♪ We've had our fun

♪ We made our run all
the way to the sun ♪

♪ All of the way

♪ All the way to the sun

(crowd cheering)

- [Announcer] Ladies
and gentlemen,

Eli has left the auditorium.

- It's Dean Bergman, let
me have the manager please.

Yeah what's the situation
there, is it clear?

- The police are holding the
crowds back at street level.

But you must
understand Mr. Bergman,

should there be
any damages at all,

we must hold Mr. Eli
Canfield accountable.

- Mr. Canfield is
responsible for the top floor

and the top floor only, now
the rest of it is your problem.

- They can have them bring
some food up to the room.

- Right.

We'd like some food in the room

by the time we get there too.

Yeah about five minutes.

How you feeling Eli?

- Oh, okay.

- Good show tonight.

(upbeat funky music)

(crowd cheering)

- Tenants move the guys.

Alright, I know it Jack,
we'll talk about it upstairs,

police can't keep
the crowds back long,

we don't have much time.

Secure?

Okay good.

You okay?

- Where's the food?

- I don't know, it's
supposed to be here.

- Call room service, tell them
to get the food up here Dean.

- Check.

- Eli we have to talk.

- Talk, I can hear you.

- Out here dammit.

- Alright, I'm out here.

- Food's ready Eli.

- Good, I'm starved.

- Look I was wondering if you
wanted to sign some photos

down to the people in the lobby?

- Yeah, send the new ones down.

- Okay, now color shots
hadn't been autographed yet.

- Well, send the
black and white.

- Dean!

- Uh huh?

- I'd like to have
a few minutes alone

with my husband, please.

- Sure, I'll send
down the autographed

black and white glossy's okay?

- Good.

- Eli, we have got--
- Hey Eli,

you send for a bellhop?

- I did!

Ask him to wait please,
and close the door Chad.

- Yes ma'am.

- Not all of Eli Canfield's
fans could get in the concert

tonight, some of those
people are here at the hotel,

do you really think he's going
to put in an appearance here?

- I really hope so,

I've been waiting a
long time to see him.

- You might have to
wait a long time yet.

- I don't care, I'll wait
all night if if I have to.

- I'm not walking out on
you Eli, I'm running out.

I can't take it anymore.

- I know these concert
tours are hard on you Susan

but dammit they are me too.

- You have people waiting
on you hand and foot,

they bend over
backwards to please you.

I'm treated like another
piece of baggage but no more.

- Oh he's kind, thoughtful,
he's a perfect gentleman.

- They're nothing but pimps.

They supply you with
women everywhere.

- And just how in the hell
do you think I met you?

- [Susan] You son of a--

- Susan people
don't run out on me,

I get rid of 'em but
they don't run out on me.

- You're crazy, you know
that Eli, you're crazy.

- Well I think he's real
cool, 'cuz you know,

he's got it all together.

- I could almost feel
sorry for you Eli.

Goodbye Eli.

(people chattering)

- Okay, I'll see
you on the 10th.

That was Houston, some
kind of mix up with the ah,

hotel reservations.

- Oh, take care of that before
you go to bed tonight, okay?

- Working on it now.

Um, Susan's gone.

- You wanna run
that by me again?

- Susan's gone,

she and Eli had a hot
and heavy fight earlier,

she walked out, Eli hasn't
left the room all night.

- Son don't you ever
let anybody tell you

miracles don't still happen.

Here's how we're gonna
handle this thing.

(upbeat rock music)

Eli, you awake son?

- Yeah, come in.

- Well boy, turned them
away again tonight.

- Yeah, they were
lucky, I was lousy.

- Oh now don't say that,

you know you're your
own worst critic.

Listen, we got a bunch
of people out here.

- Susan left me.

- Yeah, Dean told me about that.

Listen I take no pleasure in
saying that I told you so son,

but I have been saying all
along that Susan's just in

this thing for what
she can get for Susan.

We gotta remember, that
this kind of life's

not for everybody.

It's hard on a person,
especially if you're not part

of the show like Susan.

Wears on a body, makes 'em mean.

Then next thing you know,
they're trying to tear you down.

You see, people like
Susan are fragile things,

they're not tough like we are.

- Should of taken
better care of her.

- No, listen, no woman ever
had it better than Susan.

You gotta remember,
she walked out on you,

you didn't leave her stranded.

Now I want you to get up from
there and fight this thing,

you gotta start
remembering who you are.

Now listen, get up
from there, come on.

I wanna take a look at you.

Right now, who are you?

You're Eli Canfield and don't
the whole damn world know it.

("You Better Stop"
by Roy Orbison)

(crowd cheering)

♪ Well I want you
to understand me ♪

♪ I don't want you
to be confused ♪

♪ I see through that line
you're trying' to hand me ♪

♪ And I don't like being used

♪ So I think you better stop

♪ And see what you're
trying' to do ♪

♪ Yes I think you better stop

♪ Before it comes back on you

♪ Well you're gifted
in your conversation ♪

♪ And you've got a rack
that's mighty strong ♪

♪ And I had you
in consideration ♪

♪ But you didn't
fool me for long ♪

♪ So I think you better stop

♪ And see what you're
trying' to do ♪

♪ Yes I think you better stop

♪ Before it comes back on you

♪ Well who am I to
tell you what to do? ♪

♪ I love you just enough
to tell you true ♪

♪ You better stop

♪ But if you're content
with a one night stand ♪

♪ Then go on, play the field

♪ But just make sure that
that's the way you really feel ♪

♪ You better stop, stop, stop

♪ Yes I think you better stop

♪ You don't really have
to change your lifestyle ♪

♪ Just stretch it
and let it go ♪

♪ And maybe baby,
in the meanwhile ♪

♪ We will fall in love,
and you will know ♪

♪ That you had better stop

♪ And see what you're
trying' to do ♪

♪ Yeah I think you better stop

♪ Before it comes back on you

♪ You had better stop

♪ Before it comes back on you

♪ You better stop, stop, stop

♪ Yes I think you better stop

♪ You better stop

♪ You better stop

♪ You better stop

(airplane engine roaring)

- You don't wanna go in there,

I'll keep you company.

(airplane engine roaring)

("Friday Night" by Roy Orbison)

♪ Well I was driving in my car

♪ With 14 women after me

♪ Down Fifth Avenue

♪ A Friday night
it just had to be ♪

♪ She was standing
on the corner ♪

♪ Thumbing a ride

♪ I said, "Hop in baby,
scoot closer by my side" ♪

♪ Honey let's go riding
you look so exciting ♪

♪ Where have you been hiding?

♪ Friday night, feeling tight

♪ Friday night,
think she might ♪

♪ Friday night, Friday night

♪ There's no telling
what you'll find ♪

♪ Cruising on a Friday night

♪ Cruising on a Friday night

♪ Cruising on a Friday night

♪ Cruising on a Friday night

♪ Cruising on a Friday night

(crowd cheering)

(funky music)

♪ And I'm his woman

♪ What was I dreaming,
I never want to know ♪

♪ 'cuz when they're
playing out tune ♪

♪ Just him and me and the moon

♪ Giving him everything
that's mine to give ♪

♪ Loosing myself in his kiss

♪ I never knew it
could be like this ♪

♪ I'm dreaming, this
is a dream to me ♪

♪ 'Cuz I'm a woman

♪ 'Cuz I'm a woman

♪ 'Cuz I'm a woman

(Eli clapping)

- Hey that's alright.

- [Jeannie] Oh thank you.

- You write that?

- Yes I did.

- Well it's pretty good.

- That's real nice sweetheart,
you got a nice voice,

but I prefer you do your
materiel on your own time okay?

Eli son, you ready?

Okay, let's cut a record.

("You Were There"
by Roy Orbison)

♪ You were there
when it started ♪

♪ I remember it all so well

♪ The lights for my stage
were coming on at last ♪

♪ I waited for so long to
have my chance at fortune ♪

♪ I guess I forgot about you

♪ The light from the
glitter blinded me ♪

♪ And I went after
all who came ♪

♪ There were many ladies
there all looking after me ♪

♪ They all seemed
to love my singin' ♪

♪ Their beauty kept
my head a-ringing' ♪

♪ I guess I forgot about you

♪ The lights that
were so bright ♪

♪ Started to flicker

♪ The ones that said they
cared slowly disappeared ♪

♪ But who was there
when I needed help? ♪

♪ The one I'd forgotten
all about, you were there ♪

♪ Yes you were there
through everything ♪

♪ You believed in
me from the start ♪

♪ I don't see how I could
have been so blind ♪

♪ It took me all this time

♪ To realize my fortune

♪ All along it was you

♪ All along it was you

- [Jim] Eli son,
that was fantastic,

that was good for a
first cut, really.

- Yeah?

Dean Bergman.

- Yeah Dean?

Okay just make 'em comfortable
and I'll be right in, okay?

- [Dean] Well of course you
realize that Eli's time is money

so it's more of a
concern for a record--

- Mr. Burke, Mr. West, no,
no keep you seats boys.

Good to see you.

- [Mr. West] Yeah, good
to see you Mr. Cannon.

- Well now boys,
shall we get started?

- I don't know which
was better that time,

your singing or my piano.

- Ah neither of us,
John on the guitar.

- Oh, that's low.

- Who's the girl?

- Her?

Oh that's Jeannie
Loring, nice huh?

- Better than that.

You know her very well?

- Not as well as I'd like to.

She says she'd rather be
friends, can you believe that?

- Oh!

(laughs)

- Oh I invited her to
stick around for the party,

is that alright with you?

- Any friend of yours.

- Have mercy on me will you?

Suppose we just lay it
all right on the table,

just what does Susan want
out of this divorce action?

- [Mr. West] Two million.

- Two million?

Thought you boys
were on our side.

- We're talking about a
flat settlement Mr. Cannon,

with all parties in full
agreement before we go to court.

Well considering
the original demands

that Mrs. Canfield's
attorney's made,

I think Mr. Burke
and I have worked out

a very compatible arrangement.

- And I'm in complete
agreement with my partner.

- Well now just purely as a
comfort to me to know you boys

are so damn pleased
with yourselves.

Dear lady, you were
right when you said

Susan'd break Eli's heart,

should of also added that
she'd try to rob him blind.

Every time I think about how
that gracious lady's heart

bleed because of the
way that little...

Because of the way
Susan treated Eli,

well it's just, that's too much.

That girl's a schemer boys.

Now she walked out on Eli
a year ago, down in Miami.

The poor boy, never had nothing,

just like his folks
before him, simple,

clean living, honest people.

Now she wants to rob him
of all the money that he's

worked his whole life for.

- Perhaps we could go back
to Mrs. Canfield's attorneys?

What do you think Mr. Burke?

- I think you and I have
just witnessed one of

the greatest performances in
Gentleman Jim Canon's career.

Now suppose we get Eli in here?

- You'll deal with me.

- You mean you handle
his personal life

as well as his career?

- They're one and the same,
Mr. Burke, one and the same.

(people chattering)

- Experience tells him
from that time we were

all exhausted and and Curley
broke his G string. (laughs)

Would you like for me to
show you around this palace?

- Oh no thanks Teddy, why
don't you get us a drink?

- I guess it's a start.

Hey Gordy!

- How you doing?

- [Teddy] Oh just
fine, just fine.

- What'll you have?

- It's for somebody special.

Sweeten 'em.

- Relax.

- How you making Teddy?

- Oh like a one-legged man
at an ass-kicking contest.

- Well, I'll say.

(door creaking)

- Hi.

- Hi, I hope you don't mind
my taking the grand tour.

- Not at all, is the
party getting dull?

- It's been dull all
night, you weren't there.

She must of been very special.

- She was.

Do you like the
house Miss. Loring?

- You know my name?

- Teddy told me.

- Well then, he must of
told you he invited me.

- Yeah but you're
not the type of girl

that Teddy usually
winds up with.

- Who said he's
wound up with me?

- Teddy's one of
my best friends.

- I hardly know him.

(upbeat country music)

- [Male Reporter] Mrs. Canfield?

- Do you have a statement
to make at this time?

Any statement at all?

They're coming out.

- [Female Reporter]
Mrs. Canfield?

- Ladies and gentlemen,
please, please,

now we're going to cooperate,
we're going to cooperate,

but we'd just like to have
these questions one at a time.

Please now okay?

- What was the judges decision?

- Well the judge
granted Miss. Canfield

a decree of divorce.

- What were the--

- Now wait a minute sweetheart,

wait just a minute,
let me finish now.

Furthermore I was gonna say
that all parties involved

are just totally in
agreement about this thing,

and I don't want you
folks to go printing

it was a bloody
fight in there now.

- [Darly] What were the ground?

Mental cruelty or infidelity?

- I don't believe I know
your name sweetheart,

what was it--

- Darly Fry.

- Darly Fry, well
listen sweetheart,

you and I both know that
those are just technical terms

and don't mean a thing now.

- Well how about
if Eli answers one?

- [Jim] Sure.

- We got word the night
your wife walked out

that you jumped into bed with--

- [Jim] Please now, calm down,

calm down!

- [Male Journalist]
Come on, come on.

- [Jim] Alright please,
ladies and gentlemen,

please, please, calm
down now, calm down.

Everything's fine.

- Eli please, will
you just calm down?

- Now come on folks,

let's just give us a
break here will you?

This whole thing has
been real hard on Eli.

I mean Eli's just
been heartbroke.

Now just, just be fair
with us, will you?

Haven't we always been
fair with you now, really?

(reflective music)

("Chain Gang Boogie"
by David Allan Coe)

♪ Hold me closer honey

♪ Make you feel so good

♪ Do me to it Mama

♪ Like you know you should

- This is it.

- [Jim] You think you can do it?

- He'll do it.

- I'll never trust
an ex-convict.

- [Television Announcer]
One of the new breed

of country singers, the
Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy,

David Allan Coe,
ladies and gentlemen.

Come on over here David Allan.
(audience clapping)

All I got to say is that was
really tremendous, well great.

- Thank you, how you doing?

- Fine.

- It's been a long time
since I've been here.

- Isn't that the song
from your latest movie?

- Yes that's from
Buckstone County Prison.

- Your career really
seems to be zooming now,

how about telling us about it.

- Well I've got a new book
out, about my life called,

"Just For the
Record", that I wrote,

and I'm working on
a new album now,

so I would say things are
looking up pretty well for us.

(audience clapping)

I thank you for the applause,

but you know there's
someone else that I feel

deserves the applause
a lot more than I do.

And there's something I
have to say here tonight,

and I hope that I don't offend
anybody or make anybody mad.

- Did I miss something David?

- No, as a matter of
fact with you permission,

you're not going
to miss anything.

- Okay David, you've
got my attention,

but take it away.

- You know I've been
really upset lately

about some things I've
been reading in the papers,

about a friend of mine.

I really don't think that he
deserves the kind of publicity

that he's been getting and
I know most people know

that I was in prison,

but what they don't know is
that there was a man involved,

helping me get out of prison,

and that man was Eli Canfield.

(audience murmuring)

I don't blame you folks, I
probably wouldn't believe it

either if I'd read all the
junk that I've been reading

about Eli in the papers lately,

and it's, it just doesn't
make any sense to me,

because I know Eli Canfield,
and I know he's a good man

and I'm really proud to
say that he's my friend.

(audience clapping)

- If I know the egomaniac
that runs that show,

this whole thing gonna be
on the wires by morning.

- What's that?

- You are now?

- Yeah I reckon so.

- [Eli] That girl
you're trying to put

to the make on recording studio.

- Jeannie Loring?

- [Eli] Yeah.

- Oh she's something ain't she?

- Know where she lives?

- [Chad] Yeah.

- Run over and pick her up,

think I'm gonna
take her to a movie.

- Yeah, sure.

- [Eli] And tell Dusty
to bring that guy in.

- Okay.

(tapping on briefcase)

Okay Dusty, bring him on in.

- Certainly is a pleasure to
be invited here Mr. Canfield.

- The pleasure's mine,

I appreciate you
coming out this late.

- I think you'll like this
selection Mr. Canfield,

oh these are nice,
all top quality.

- How much?

- Well for that one, are
we talking cash or charge.

Oh, I'm sorry, I'm just not
really used to dealing that way.

- [Eli] How much
for all of them?

- [Salesman] For all of these?

- Oh and you did bring
bullets didn't you?

- Yes sir, they're
right here in the case.

- [Dusty] Say when, one
hundred, two hundred,

three hundred, four hundred,

five hundred, six hundred,

seven hundred, eight hundred,

nine hundred--

- When!

I mean, that's going
to cover everything.

Ah, well Mr. Canfield,
thank you very much,

I hope you enjoy all of these
and you can keep the case.

It's been a real pleasure
Mr. Canfield, thank you.

Goodnight.

(Eli chuckling)

(gun firing)

- [Man] You Yankee bitch!

Listen here you mother, you
don't come into my village

and talk to my people this way.

If I came into your
village, you bull,

here is for your sisters.

(screaming)

You've got my brother!

(screaming)

Here's your other brother!

(screaming)

And your sisters too!

(screaming)

Here is...

- [Eli] Thanks Hal.

- [Hal] Sure Eli, any time.

- [Eli] See you later now.

- [Jeannie] Didn't I see
a whole movie theater

at your house?

- [Eli] Yeah.

- [Jeannie] Then why do you
bother coming out to see films?

- Well I can't always
get first run movies.

- You're lucky Jeannie,

usually we have to
watch his old movies.

- [Jeannie] Well I've seen them

and I thought they
were pretty good.

- [Eli] Another
unsolicited testimonial.

I like this girl, I
really like this girl.

Think I'll keep her around.

(car doors slamming)

- Hey Chad, see you can hit 80

by the time we get
to the highway.

- I got it if it don't jump.

(upbeat country music)

Whoa!

(tires screeching)

- Hey what are you doing?

- Who you think you
hollering at anyway?

- Are you out of your mind?

- You dogs leave him alone.

(people shouting)

- Hold it, hold it.

Chad they're right.

- What?

- You wrecked her car.

- Man that damn
thing was a wreck

before it ever got here.

- Wait on me in the car.

- You'll have to pardon him,

I swear I can't take
him anywhere anymore.

Well what we gonna
do about the car?

- Oh that's alright Eli,

it was a wreck ever
before I saw it.

- Hand me the keys.

What if you and I trade cars?

- You kidding?

- Even swap.

- [Boy] Are you crazy, take it.

- [Girl] Take it man.

- You'll have an original
Eli Canfield car.

- Yeah!

And I would of settled
for your autography.

- And you can have that
too, on the car tire.

Why don't you take
these girls home,

it's a little late for
them to be out isn't it?

- Yes sir!

- [Girl] Alright!

Hey, this is great!

- You guys don't mind
walking home do you?

- [Man] You gotta be kidding.

(laughing)

Son of a bitch.

- Anyone ever tell you
you had got cold hands?

- Yeah, and anybody
besides me ever tell you

to watch your weight, and
take it easy on the pills?

- Really falling apart huh?

- I mean it Eli,

you've got to stop
pushing yourself so hard,

you're not 20 anymore.

You still having trouble
getting to sleep?

- Yeah when I'm
working I'm alright,

when I'm not I just can't
get it all together.

I'm still taking those
pills you sent over though.

- I want you to try getting
to sleep without the pills.

- You through playing doctor?

- Okay, thank you
Solou, bye-bye now.

Well we got it all
nailed down son,

Solou's got the concert
halls all ready to go,

and the tour starts in London,
what do you think of that?

- Impressive.

- I want you to get
the plane ready,

for a flight out of here say,

a week before the
London concert.

Let's make it on the 15th.

- Ah we have a charity
concert on the 15th.

- Alright then we'll
do it on the 16th,

just take care of it.

- Alright.

Oh um, Dr. Bradley's waiting
to see you in the study.

- Been waiting long Doc?

Here, sit down, take
a load off your feet,

let me get you a drink.

- No thanks.

- My boy Eli's alright ain't he?

- Your boy as you call
him is 42 going on 60,

he's wound up tighter
than a cheap watch Jim.

- Alright then you give him
something to unwind him.

Just like you've done since
he was 22 going on 60.

("Heavy Load" by Roy Orbison)

♪ At times it seems too rough

♪ Things just drag me down

♪ It's hard to
find the strength ♪

♪ To just one more round

♪ When I need help,
I know where to go ♪

♪ 'cause you're the best
friend that I could ever know ♪

♪ Being taught the
words from you ♪

♪ Dividing wants
from what is true ♪

♪ Someone to share the pain
that I'm going through ♪

♪ And it's a heavy
load that I bear ♪

♪ And it's a heavy
crown that I wear ♪

♪ As I travel down this
road, it's a heavy load ♪

♪ It's a heavy load

♪ It's a heavy
load that I bear ♪

♪ And it's a heavy
crown that I wear ♪

♪ So help me one more time,
it's such an uphill climb ♪

♪ As I travel down this
road, it's a heavy load ♪

♪ It's a heavy load

♪ It's a heavy load

♪ Oh, it's a heavy load

- I thought I'd heard
all the new songs.

- That's not a new one, it's
an old one, did you like it?

- [Jeannie] Yeah.

- It's yours.

(peaceful music)

- How long have you
been standing there?

- Long enough to be certain
sure of what I've heard.

- And am I supposed to
know what that means?

- You know what
it means alright.

You just had to move
in with Eli didn't you?

- Did I need to ask
your permission?

- [Teddy] No.

- Well then, that makes
me feel much better.

- I guess I was wrong about you,

I wanted to believe
you was a real lady.

Watching you just now,

I see how moonstruck
you are by all this.

- Look if I wanted lectures,
I could visit my big brother.

I thought we were friends Teddy,

a friend would be happy for me.

- I don't wanna see you go
down the tubes like Susan did.

- I'm not Susan, I've been
on my own for a long time.

I can handle it.

(gun shooting)

(clapping)

(gun shooting)

- Hey Tut, bring me that M16.

(laughing)

(gun shooting)

- Alright.

- Now load it up again.

(clapping)

Hey Jeannie, come here a minute.

Wanna try that?

- No thanks.

- Okay.

Alright Tut, hey
Donna, come here.

Now you'd wanna try it,

you'd try anything
that moves, won't you?

Okay.

Let's go.

(gun shooting)

(clapping)

- You handled that real well.

- I better make you
one of the bodyguards.

- Hey, can I see your gun?

- Sure.

- Thank you.

(gun shooting)

(clapping)

- You never can tell when
a crazy will grab you,

you've got to learn how
to protect yourself,

common Norm show 'em
how to protect yourself.

Come on Norm.

Now there's a lot of
little things you can do

in case someone grabs you.

- [Norm] Oh!

- Come on Norm, let's
show 'em a few more moves.

- [Man] Could of
been out in an hour.

(laughing)

A lot of those guys, hi Johnny!

(laughing)

- You guys like Don Rickles?

- Oh he's okay.

- He's great huh?

- He's fantastic.

- I don't like it worth a damn.

(television crackling)

(dramatic piano music)

- Are you still handling it?

- Hi.

See you later.

- Who was that?

- Dean Bergman sent her over.

She's just another sacrifice
to the living legend,

don't worry about her.

(reflective piano music)

- [Man] Sheriff,
down at the lake,

we've got to check
it out, let's go.

(television playing)

("Poor Baby" by Roy Orbison)

♪ Glittery eyes, witchy smiles

♪ A good time is
all you are after ♪

♪ Sexy thighs,
little white lies ♪

♪ Put you in the center
of the laughter ♪

♪ Your reign of queen is over

♪ Your fortress has
been broken down ♪

♪ You're still the
center of the laughter ♪

♪ But your role has
changed to the clown ♪

♪ Ooh poor baby

♪ Someone broke
your heart in two ♪

♪ Ooh poor baby

♪ Who would have thought
it could happen to you ♪

♪ Poor baby

♪ A pretty face,
sweet talkin' ways ♪

♪ Got you a part of the action

♪ A come-over-touch,
glances and such ♪

♪ You always had to be
the main attraction ♪

♪ Now you're the
one who's crying ♪

♪ You lost at your
own lonely game ♪

♪ You're still the
center of attraction ♪

♪ But you're alone, you've
got yourself to blame ♪

♪ Ooh poor baby

♪ Did what you said
you'd never do ♪

♪ Ooh poor baby

♪ You let someone get
much too close to you ♪

♪ Poor baby

♪ Poor baby

♪ Poor baby

♪ Poor baby

♪ Poor baby

- [Dean] Chad.

- Huh, what?

Are we in Atlanta yet?

- [Dean] No but I could
use some help with Eli.

- Thought he was asleep?

- God I wish.

- I've been singing
20 years, 20 years,

the lyrics, I can't
remember the lyrics.

I looked for 'em, I tried,
I just can't concentrate.

I'll concentrate, I'll get 'em.

- Eli, why don't you
try to get some sleep?

- Atlanta's sold
out, that's tonight.

It's hot in here.

Remember that desert
movie we did in '55?

How can she sleep
when it's so damn hot.

Gentleman Jim wants me to do
a Christmas album, ho ho ho.

- Eli you oughta try
and get some sleep,

you need some sleep now.

- Hymns, I never done
a hymn in a movie,

that's a good idea,
I'll do a hymn.

- [Chad] Eli it's just a
few hours 'til the concert,

why don't you try
to get some rest?

- I wonder...

I wonder if it's changed,

I wonder Hollywood's
still the same,

after the tour, it's
back to Hollywood.

We'll hire the best writers,

the best director,
man I could pr--

- Eli, Eli!

- What's the matter?

- Get Dean in here.

- But what's the matter?

- [Chad] Dammit get Dean!

(tense music)

(sirens whirling)

- He just keeled over,
we're at the hospital now.

Yeah, well, I'm
trying to tell you.

The doctors said it was,
some kind of seizure.

- Was it a heart attack?

- No, no I don't
think so, a seizure.

Well how the hell should
I know, I'm not a doctor.

Yeah, yeah, exhaustion,
too little sleep,

too damn many pills.

- Listen you get hold of
whoever is in charge of

that hospital and you
tell 'em I wanna move Eli

to Nashville just as
soon as it's possible.

Alright, I'll call Dr. Bradly
and the hospital on this end,

and take care of that.

Now you listen to me
Dean, and you listen good,

you nail this thing down tight
on your end, you hear me?

Nothing, I mean nothing
is going to upset this

overseas tour, you
understand that.

- [Dean] You know where this
is all gonna end up don't you?

- Gentlemen, Jim Cannon,
the personal manager

of Eli Canfield said today
that rumors the entertainer

was hospitalized due
to a serious illness

are just that, rumors.

We have a report
now from Al Ramey.

- Eli wants to be
in tip-top condition

when he makes that
overseas tour.

Now we wouldn't lie to
Eli's fans, would we?

No sir, Eli is just
fine, he's just fine.

- So a reassuring report
tonight for the fans

of Eli Canfield, Scott?

- John elsewhere in Nashville
today we had these stories...

(reflective music)

- [Susan Voiceover] I'm
not walking out on you Eli,

I'm running out, I
can't take it anymore.

- [Dr. Bradley
Voiceover] I mean it Eli,

you gotta stop pushing
yourself so hard,

you're not 20 anymore.

- [Jim Voiceover] Now
we got a career here

to worry about son, and
that's all that's important.

- [Hospital Intercom] Emergency,

Dr. England, report
to Emergency Room B,

Dr. England, report
to Emergency Room B.

(peaceful music)

- Teddy?

About time you got
you butt up here.

(Teddy chuckling)

- I've been here every day,
they wouldn't let me in,

said you needed a rest.

- That's what they tell me.

- You have the
right to you know.

(Teddy sobbing)

- Is that for me?

- What the hell yeah, I
thought I'd lost you man,

I've seen dead men
look better than you

when they wheeled you in here.

- You thought your paychecks
were gonna stop huh?

- What the hell kind of
thing is that to say?

I've been with you from the
start, I'm Teddy Coborn,

I was there when they wouldn't
throw a dime in your cup.

That's the first time I've seen

that old ball of slick
back hair in a long time.

He's cock of the walk,
strutting around on stage,

strumming a 20-tar guitar.

You remember him?

- Vaguely, I wonder
whatever happened to him.

- Man his flat his ass
in the hospital bed.

You know Eli?

I think when you
get out of here,

we oughta go looking
for that boy.

Well, guess I'd best
sneak on out of here

before the sentries
start patrolling again.

You take care of
yourself now you hear?

I mean if you check out, who's
gonna take custody of me?

- Teddy, you're a
real good friend.

Probably the only
damn one I ever had.

- Looking great
sir, looking great,

you don't believe just 10 days
of rest is all you needed?

Listen, I got some
good news for you,

I'm gonna check you out of
this hotel, huh how about that?

Ain't nothing but sick
people around here anyway.

Get you back home,
where you belong.

What you reading there?

Listen don't worry
about a thing son,

I've been talking to the
booking agents on the phone

and we're gonna be able to
reschedule that Atlanta thing,

you ain't gonna miss a thing.

'Course you're gonna have
to do it after we get back

from the overseas tour but,

you know like I said,
don't worry about a thing,

everything's gonna be
alright, it's gonna be fine.

Listen son, I'm
gonna have to go,

I got a million things to
do, but I'll tell you what,

you're looking good, I'll see
you back at the house now,

okay, okay looking good
son, looking mighty good.

- Is Eli ready?

- Ready to go.

- Okay good look, go bring
the car around to the front

and wait there okay,
Gentleman Jim wants the press

and TV boys to catch Eli
leaving the hospital.

- Got you covered.

- Okay good, Norm's got the
car, Eli, you look great,

you about ready to say
goodbye to this place.

- Yeah, out of here and right
back on the tour, right?

- Right.

- Look like I'm ready?

- You really look better.

- Yes sir, top of
the world boss.

- Just what I though.

- Smiling and looking well,
Eli Canfield left the hospital

today, we talked with his
road manager, Dean Bergman.

Bergman told us that Canfield
for the last two days

has been working on
his European tour.

Reporting from Memorial
Hospital, this is Rust Debuke.

- Dusty?

Find Dean and tell him to get
into the office right now.

(upbeat funky music)

- Eli?

You've hardly said two words
since we left the hospital.

You're alright Eli.

You're back home and
I'll look after you.

I'll be here to look
after you from now on.

- You wanted to see me?

- Close the door.

- Is something wrong?

- Now you're a bright
young man, you tell me?

- Oh, I don't quite understand
what you're getting at.

- Alright suppose I
spell it out for you.

Just how in the hell
did this Jeannie Loring

get to be such a permanent
fixture around here?

- Oh it's Eli, you know
how Eli likes to have--

- I know what Eli likes.

Eli likes variety,
that's what Eli likes,

that's what he needs.

Now how many times do I
have to tell you that?

- Well I tired, I brought
in a couple of girls

but he still--

- Can't I trust anybody
in this organization,

the next thing you
know they're moving in.

No, don't tell me.

- [Dean] What was
I supposed to do?

I mean Eli told us to
bring her clothes in,

I can't tell him she's
not welcome here.

- Son of a bitch I can't
believe what I'm hearing.

Alright who brought her into
the house in the first place?

- Teddy.

- Well, I should of known that.

Alright I just gotta run a
loyalty check around here.

Alright you get Chad,
and you tell him

to get Teddy in here right now.

And I wanna show you
what I'm talking about

when I speak about loyalty
in this organization.

And you get out of here.

(county music)

- Oh hell, damn.

- Chad?

Chad son, is that you?

Hey what you doing man?

- I'm just leaving Teddy.

- Come on man, let
me in the car here.

Get your hand off there
you turkey I'm coming in.

Found it, I found it.

- What you find Teddy?

- Get your hands off
that, it's a surprise.

Come one man, let's
cruise down the street

see if we can't
find us another bar,

and find some leg, huh?

- Teddy my god you--

- That's right, me
Teddy, you Chad.

Come on, feed the
horses and let's go.

- Well might as well,

it was gonna happen
sooner or later anyway.

- You hear me don't you boy?

- Like siren notes on a bugle.

- Wait outside, I'll
call you if I need you.

- Oh, boy you're just a real
big disappointment to me.

- Does that mean I don't
get the car Saturday night?

- You brought that Loring
girl into the house,

and you're gonna
have to take her out.

Got to do it for Eli's career.

See that's all
that matters here.

Take her out son, or I'll
have to take you both out.

(door closing)

(tense music)

- Teddy?

- Alright it's plain to
me if you'd thought--

- Where's he at?

- What are you talking about?

- [Chad] Teddy, where's he at?

- He's in the study.

- Come on Dusty.

- Alright.

- Eli, you seen Teddy?

- No, what's wrong?

- Oh he's flying high
again, I can't find him.

- It's a big house, he's
around here somewhere,

we'll find him.

- You and Dusty check the house,

Jeannie and I will look outside,

probably roosting
in a tree somewhere.

(tense music)

- Anything?

- Nothing.

- Damn, just like the
one you started out with.

(Jeannie laughing)

- Teddy?

Come out, come out
wherever you are.

- Isn't he a little too
old to be playing this?

- Yeah, I think he is,
but you know how Teddy is.

(guitar strumming)

He's at the pool.

There he is.

Hey Teddy!

- Hey yourself!

Look what I found, I
found it man, I found it.

- He's gonna hurt himself Eli.

- Come on Teddy, get
down before you fall.

- Well don't you see?

It's the guitar.

Now we can go find
that skinny kid.

- I see it Teddy but get
down before you get hurt.

Come on Teddy,
don't fool around,

that thing's plugged in.

- Oh it won't work.

We'll never find you
again, I'm sorry.

I tried to find...

I tried...

(electricity sparking)
- Teddy!

(amp exploding)

- Get him, get him out.

- Get an ambulance, we've gotta
get Teddy to the hospital.

- It's no use.

- Get him to the hospital
it'll be alright.

- Eli, it's no use.

- What'd you do to him?

Well what the heck
did you do to him?

- You're talking out
of your head son.

Now just shut your mouth
a minute and take it easy.

I mean, my god, we
got a dead man here,

let's have some respect.

Alright Chad I
understand how you feel,

you feel responsible for him
because you brought him here,

but nobody blames
you for it son,

I mean, it was just an accident.

You saw it, everybody saw it,

it was just an accident,
nobody's responsible.

- Yeah, it was an accident.

(funky music)

- Eli, Eli son,
listen, listen to me,

now I know Teddy was
with us for a long time

but we just can't let this
thing get us down now okay?

Now listen, I wanna get
you upstairs, come on.

- I'll see to it that
he gets some rest.

- No, no, I'd like you
to wait here, we'll talk.

Come on son.

Hello honey this is Jim Cannon,

right listen, have
Dr. Bradley stop out

by the house will you?

Right, okay thank you now.

Well now Miss Loring, we
can have our little chat,

would you like to sit down?

Well, I'll tell you

I'm just afraid Eli's
taking this thing real hard,

him just being out of
the hospital and all.

We just may have to cancel
some of our commitments.

- Why don't you stop the phony
tears and get to the point?

- Well Miss Loring I was just
trying to be gentle with you

but ah, you're a
strong young lady

so I'll just lay it out for you.

Eli asked me to
express his gratitude

for all the things
you've done for him

and to let you know that--

- Oh no you don't.

No you don't!

(door slamming)

(guitar music)

- Eli, Eli please
unlock the door, Eli,

Eli, please, Eli!

Eli!

- That's the way
it is sweetheart.

You be sure to let me know
where you're gonna be now

and I'll send you things along.

(melancholy piano music)

(car horn honking)

- What do you want?

- Come on, let me in.

- I'm sorry Mr. Perkins,

my orders are that
you've been fired

and I can't let you inside.

(tires screeching)

- No, no listen, the
album is not done,

but listen, right, I understand
your point of view son,

but listen, you're not trying
very hard to understand mine.

Alright we do the
benefit tonight,

and then tomorrow we start on

the greatest overseas
tour of our career.

Right.

(door closing)

Alright, listen to me now,
there's something else

I want you to think
about while we're gone,

when we get back we got to
talk some new percentages.

Okay, right.

Well don't be bashful
Doc, just bust right in.

Alright you got an itch,
go ahead and scratch it.

- I want you to cancel
this benefit tonight,

and the concert tour.

- Why the hell should I do that?

- Because I'm readmitting
Eli to the hospital.

- No you aren't.

- Now shut up Jim, this time
you're gonna listen to me.

I can't continue
to treat Eli here,

he's gotta have full
hospital facilities.

And I don't care what you
say, this time you're not

gonna change my mind.

- Don't you think you're
blowing this thing

just a little out of
proportion doctor?

- My god, what does it
take to get thought to you?

Eli's killing himself with
pills, just look at him.

He's getting to a point,
he can hardly function.

Now against my better judgement
I've been treating him here

but no more, he's going
back into the hospital.

- There's nothing
wrong with Eli,

Eli's never been
in better health,

you know why, because
he's got a healthy career.

And that makes
him a healthy man.

- Then I'm through.

Find Eli another physician.

And Jim, I'd watch my blood
pressure if I were you.

- I got some furniture
here to be delivered,

where do you want it?

- Okay, go on in.

(upbeat funky music)

- Hurt my damn knees up,
knock all the skin off them.

- [Eli] Why'd Chad and
Jeannie walk out on me?

Why is everybody
walking out on me?

- Take it easy Eli.

- They walked out together
didn't they Dusty?

They left together.

- Look, why don't you try
and get some rest Eli,

you've got a concert tonight.

- I'll rest, after
we fix those two.

Jeannie fancies herself
some fancy singer,

we'll make damn sure
that don't happen.

Chad, we'll make sure he don't
work for anybody ever again.

Dusty nobody walks
out on me, nobody.

- Eli, son?

Dusty take a break outside.

Eli let me talk to you
son, come over here.

- Where's the band,
they get here yet?

- No, they're gonna be
at the concert tonight.

- But I need them here
now, I've got to rehearse.

I gotta remember the lyrics.

- Eli, Eli, son, listen to me.

I want you to get
control of yourself.

I want you to get all of
this junk out of your head.

Concentrate on your career.

See your career's
important 'cuz it's strong,

and it makes you strong.

Yourself, and your career,

that's what I want
you to remember.

- Mr. Cannon what's up?

- Get in here we gotta rehearse.

Come on hurry, we
ain't got much time.

(band murmuring)

- You um, wanted
to see the posters

we're gonna use in
the overseas tour,

so I had the printer
send one over.

Okay boys.

Well what do you think?

- I think that is the
gaudiest damn thing

I have ever seen, he'll love it.

Alright you boys
can just leave it.

(funky music)

- Wait a minute, wait a minute.

Who are you?

- Hey man I'm Jay Setser.

- Well let's get one thing
straight up front Jay,

people pay to hear me sing,

and not to hear you play.

Let's do it again.

Hold it!

What in the hell
you trying to do?

We're supposed to be
doing this together,

you're trying to
wreck my career,

you play like your
damn fingers are broke.

I can't even hear the bass.

And I asked you not
to play so damn loud!

- Hey man, dig it,
you understand,

'cuz it's not even worth it man.

- Come back, you come back here.

You don't walk out on me,
nobody walks out on me!

- [Jay] The whole
thing ain't worth it.

- Hell, get, get out
of here, all of you,

I don't need you, get out!

I need people round
me that are with me,

not against me, now get!

Get out, I don't want
you around any more.

Nobody, you can't trust nobody.

Get out of my house.

- Eli, what the
hell's wrong with you?

- [Eli] You walked out on me.

- Man that's what I come back
here to get straightened out.

- You walked out on me.

(crashing)

- Eli, don't get up.

(Eli panting)

Now you listen to me Eli.

I didn't walk out
on you, I was fired.

Canon got rid of me, just
like he got rid of Susan,

Jeannie and Teddy.

But you know something Eli?

Cannon's not your
worst enemy, you are.

("What Am I Worth"
by Roy Orbison)

♪ When I do things my way
for pride or for show ♪

♪ Deep down within me
I know, yes I know ♪

♪ When I hurt others
with things I say or do ♪

♪ With remorse my voice
calls out to you ♪

♪ It's me Lord, I'm
asking what I'm worth ♪

♪ Just a man made from clay
to return to the earth ♪

♪ Through shame I
hear you whisper ♪

♪ You may walk
through down in Hell ♪

♪ But faith can still
move mountains ♪

♪ Amazing grace
has never failed ♪

♪ When I want to do
right I do wrong anyway ♪

♪ But Jesus, I love you
always, yes always ♪

♪ You made it alone on
Calvary and you hold my hand ♪

♪ Alone I can't make it
but with you, I can ♪

♪ It's me Lord, I'm
asking what I'm worth ♪

♪ Just a man made from clay
to return to the earth ♪

♪ Through shame I
hear you whisper ♪

♪ You may walk
through down in Hell ♪

♪ But faith can still move
mountains amazing grace ♪

♪ Love and faith

♪ Will never fail

(crowd murmuring)

- Dusty don't call me back
unless you know where Eli is.

- I still think we
oughta call the police.

- [Jim] No cops, no!

- Did you see the study?

- I said no cops.

Eli, son!

What happened to you?

Where you been son?

The benefit's
already started boy.

Dean you go ahead, I'll
get Eli to the benefit.

See I don't think you
remember who you are son,

so I want you to
tell me, who are you?

- I don't know.

- I'm Eli Canfield, say
it son, I'm Eli Canfield.

- I'm finished.

- No son, now you listen to me,

you're not finished, you're
never gonna be finished.

You're right up there on top,

there's not anybody any bigger.

- I can't do it anymore.

- Yes you can.

You can do it, see we
can do it together.

Just like we've always done it.

- [Eli] No.

- Yes!

Yes, now I want you
to listen to me.

You're Eli Canfield,
you're number one,

and I've got the power
to keep you there.

Son, there are thousands
of people out there,

every day just
scratching and clawing

and trying to dig
their way to the top.

They wanna be up
there where you are.

But they ain't
never gonna make it.

- That doesn't last forever.

- It does, it does
now listen to me,

when you've got the power,
and I've got the power.

Alright, just let them
hurt, that don't matter,

see it's our career,
that's the important thing,

that's all that matters.

Son, you and me, we're a
team, we need each other.

And nobody else matters,
now come on son,

we've got a concert sold
out and waiting on us.

Come on, come on.

(funky guitar music)

And when the show starts tonight

and you're up
there on that stage

you're gonna understand
son, nothing else matters.

Alright, let me get
a look at you now.

You're Eli Canfield, and the
whole damn world knows it.

Listen to me,
you're Eli Canfield,

and the whole damn world
can't bring us down.

Alright let's go son,
they're waiting on us.

(door slamming)

Open the door son!

Let me in!

What are you doing, open
the door, open the door!

(crowd chanting)

("Run for the Sun"
by Roy Orbison)

♪ I've heard some people say

♪ That you should
live just for today ♪

♪ And not let your life
just drag on and on ♪

♪ Now since you've come along
I know that they're not wrong ♪

♪ And together we'll
make a run for the sun ♪

♪ I've wasted my time
living line by line ♪

♪ Taking it sure,
taking it slow ♪

♪ But since you touched my
hand, now I can understand ♪

♪ And I know why that we can
fly and we will have fun ♪

♪ While we make a run for
the sun, a run for the sun ♪