Love Walked In (1997) - full transcript

[♪♪]

HOWARD:
Matt?

Matt?

It'’s me, Howard!

Matt?

Matt?JACK: It'’s been said

that in the case
of good and evil,

we'’ve only heard one side
of the story God'’s.

Matt? You down here?

What would the devil'’s version
have to say?

Chapter one:



Like most people,

Howard didn'’t choose
his nature.

He was born an innocent...What are you doing?

...and might have stayed
that way if he hadn'’t met

his brilliant
and charismatic cousin, Matt.

[♪♪]

[HOWARD SCREAMING]

Jack?

You'’re writing?

Yeah.Jack, you'’re writing.

Yeah.What is it? A mystery?

Ah.

Come on.

Let'’s go back to bed.



Big opening night tomorrow.

Well, as big as they get
for us.

[PIANO PLAYING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

Good evening,
ladies and gentlemen.

My name is Jack Hanaway.

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

[FEEDBACK]

[CHATTERING STOPS]

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

[PLAYING PIANO][INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

Well, while you'’re out there
drinking and...

fondling the partners
you'’ve chosen

or hired for the evening,

I'’ll be up here,
trying to entertain you.

Basically talking
to the air.

Let me tell you
a little about myself.

I was born on the other side
of the tracks,

in love with the songs
of Gershwin and Irving Berlin,

but stuck here
in the late 20th century

surrounded by grunge
and techno-pop.

MAN:
Yeah.

So, what do I do?
Do I go with the flow?

No, that would make
too much sense.

Instead, I hunker down
and swim upstream,

writing second-rate
Gershwin-esque

for an audience
that no longer exists.

So while Michael Bolton
and Eddie Vedder sit at home

counting their millions,
I sit here,

waiting for Harry Connick Jr.
to have a heart attack.

[CROWD CHUCKLING]

I guess I'’m nothing special
is what I'’m trying to say.

But then again...

neither are you.

You play it safe.

Accepting life
on life'’s terms.

Growing up the sons
and daughters

of lawyers and dentists
to become the Lawyers II,

Dentists, Jr.,
Architects: The Sequel.

Comfortable, assured.
Every once in a while

you find yourself
in a place like this.

A resort. Palm Beach,
Palm Springs, the Hamptons.

What'’s the difference?
Living the great American dream.

Hey, why not?
Hell, you earned it.

Me? I'’ll be back
season after season,

tormented by the mediocrity

you people have made
so popular in this country.

And you will go on
making and spending,

making and spending.

And then when you'’re gone,
all you'’ll leave behind...

is a trust fund.

Now, where does he get
such unmitigated gall,

you'’re asking yourselves.
Well...

it'’s because
of my better half.

My secret weapon.

Botticelli beautiful,
whip smart.

A good singer
on her way to being great.

Please welcome,
ladies and gentlemen,

the fabulous
Miss Vicki Rivas.

[CROWD CLAPPING]

Right now we'’d like to perform
an original song for you

written by yours truly.

[PLAYING PIANO]

♪ At the bitter end

♪ When the smoke
Has cleared ♪

♪ And your timeless friends

♪ All have disappeared

♪ Come the bitter end

♪ When you feel betrayed

♪ I'’ll be waiting there ♪

♪ For the final fade

♪ Because as time goes by

♪ I get more naive

♪ And I'’ve never learned ♪

♪ When it'’s time to leave ♪

♪ You could chalk it up

♪ To my wide-eyed youth

♪ But the sad sweet truth

♪ I comprehend

♪ That'’s why
I'’m here still ♪

♪ Right until the bitter

♪ End

[PANTING]
[SHUSHING]

[VICKI PANTS]
Mm.

[EXHALES]

[MOANS]

[EXHALES]

Nothing like opening night,
huh?

Mm.

[KNOCKS ON DOOR]

BOTH:
Mm.

JACK:
Mm.

Mm.

[KNOCKS ON DOOR]JACK: Yeah. Just a sec.

JOEY:
I got something for you.

Miss Vicki.

From Mr. Moore, one of our
better-heeled customers,

maybe you heard of him,
renovated half this town.

He'’d like the both of you
to join him for a drink.

Tell him he could see us
tomorrow night, onstage.

JOEY:
That'’s not very nice.

Let'’s have a drink,
maybe you'’ll feel better.

No, thanks,
but don'’t let us stop you.

Oh, you'’re so nice.

Jack, we have water, OJ,

tonic...[KNOCKS ON DOOR]

[EXHALES]

Who do you think you are?Nobody.

Right.
Who do you think I am?

Somebody?Right again.

And I do not want you insulting
the audience in my club.

I wasn'’t insulting them.

I was bringing them
to a higher level.

Oh, cut the bullshit.
You know the drill here.

Nice hot meal
plus pleasant conversation

plus easy background music
equals the Blue Cat.

That'’s some
mathematical equation.

Believe me, I'’m very proud
to be a factor in it too.

Yeah, well, you'’re not.

You'’re fired.

All right.

It'’s not gonna happen again.

You'’re fired.

I said
it'’s not gonna happen again.

And I said you'’re fired.

JOEY:
Someone liked the show,
Mr. Shulman, words and all.

This is from Mr. Moore.

He'’s invited both of them up
for a drink,

and, uh, both
cordially accepted.

I don'’t know what counts
for taste.

You run out there
and tell Mr. Moore--

No, wait a minute, I'’ll go...
I'’ll go, you wait outside

and when they get done dressing,
you bring them up, all right?

[GROANS]

MR. MOORE:
I like truth, especially
when it makes me laugh.

Not everyone does that'’s why
they didn'’t always appreciate

what you said.
You'’re tough but true.

I liked that.JACK: Your Shulman didn'’t.

Well, he owns the place.
I don'’t have that problem.

Uh-uh. No, thank you.

It'’s Crystal.I know.

You don'’t like it?I love it.

How do you know?
You haven'’t tried it.

I'’ve tried
a lifetime'’s worth.

[CHUCKLES]

I love a sardonic pianist.

It'’s so...

Some people might say
old-fashioned,

but I prefer classic.

Even down to the glamorous
torch singer.

[CHUCKLES]

What, you ain'’t legal?

I don'’t drink.

My stepson'’s
very health-conscious.

He takes after his mother.
So tell me, Jack,

do you improvise your routine

or is it scripted?

I think it'’s sort of, uh,
half and half.

Whatever comes to me.He'’s a great writer, though.

Oh? Published?

Yeah, of course.Once.

Jack likes to write
about villains and bad guys.

The publisher keeps writing
to him.

So, Jack,
why don'’t you write anymore?

My hand got tired.[VICKI CHUCKLES]

VICKI:
If Jack can'’t be Kafka,
he'’d rather not write at all.

[CHUCKLES]

The fact that he'’s not Gershwin
hasn'’t stopped him

playing the piano.LENNY: You can say that again.

Who asked you?

Well, I'’ve got an early game
tomorrow.

Nice meeting you.

Hope to see you again soon.

Bye.

You must come out to the house.
It'’s fun.

My wife prefers
to stay in town,

but I love to see
interesting faces

at the weekends.

Well, we'’re uh...No, we'’ll find the time.

We need some air,
don'’t we, Jack?

How about Saturday?Yeah, great.

Great, then it'’s settled.

[TYPEWRITER CLACKING]

JACK:
"Interesting faces
at the weekends."

Chapter two:

Matt teaches Howard
that being bad

can feel pretty good.

[MUSIC PLAYING OVER SPEAKER]

Pity the rich.[TYPEWRITER CLACKING]

They suffer
levels of boredom

the rest of us
can only imagine.

That'’s why they love to see

interesting faces
at the weekend.

Stop! Everybody stop.

Who'’s gonna be
my dance partner?

Aunt Ethel had the most
interesting set of faces

money could buy.

Ah...

She was rich, bored...

and very human.

Howard.

I'’m sorry, Aunt Ethel, I'’m...
I don'’t dance.

Year after year
he endured the abuse.

Favored by misfits,
animals and old ladies.

Howard hated
any social gathering.

Get up, you fool!

[SCRATCHES][WOMAN GASPS]

AUNT ETHEL:
Aah! What are you doing?

Let him go.

Whereas Matt, well...

he always managed

to have himself
a very good time.

[GASPS]

MAN:
Ooh.

[GASPS]
Go ahead. Try it.

[WHIMPERS]
[WHIMPERS]

No.
[YELPS]

[ENGINE RUNNING]

[♪♪]

Hey, Jack.

Come on, Jackie.

Jacko!

It'’s me.
Eddie.

Co-founder
of the Mosholu Parkway

Sinner'’s League.
Eddie Bianco.

I wouldn'’t have recognized
you in a million years.

Why? It'’s the same old me,
only more, uh, to love.

How are you? You look great.[LAUGHING] God.

You look the same. You must have
sold your soul to the devil.

This is your car?

Yeah, it'’s an antique.

You'’re an antique.
It'’s a fossil. Come on in.

Nice place.Yeah.

Abe Lincoln, eh?

Well, they rent it
for the gigs.

It'’s not like--It'’s a nice place.

It'’s a lot of light.

It'’s free.

It hasn'’t been a walk
in the park for me.

And I compromised.

Uh-huh.
What are you doing now?

Selling insurance or what?

No, no,
you better watch your step.

Eddie Bianco,
private investigator.

Got a badge and everything?

Ah, you know,
regular old shit.

Uh, nothing special.

Divorces, illegal sublets.
Strictly meat and potatoes.

So everything Philip Marlowe
wouldn'’t do, you do.

Beats grabbing fare jumpers
and pointing tourists

to Windows on the World.VICKI: Do you believe it?

I got all the way to the
post office and realized--

JACK:
Hey, honey, look.

Can you believe
who showed up?

What are you doing here?Look at you.

It'’s a miracle.
I was out here on business.

When I saw the sign
at the Blue Cat,

I couldn'’t believe it.That'’s just rehearsal

for our big debut
at Carnegie Hall

in October.
Coffee?

Oh, no, no.
I mean, none for me.

I-- What I'’d really like
is a drink.

We serve coffee here, Eddie,
and that'’s all, I'’m afraid.

Well, why don'’t you and I,
we'’ll go out and get a drink?

Perfect.Perfect.

Because, uh...
you had that thing anyways,

right?
What thing?

That thing that you, uh...

I thought you had that thing?No.

You-- You don'’t trust me, right?No, I don'’t.

Honey, I'’m not 7, okay?

Okay?

If you'’re going shopping,
you take some money--

Yeah, I'’ll go shopping.Take some money.

No.
Honey?

Honey?

VICKI:
See you later, Eddie.

Uh, see you.

Women. Creatures of paradox.
If you begged her to come,

she'’d have preferred shopping.I know.

You still writing,
huh, Jack?

Yeah, well,
you know what they say,

Jack-of-all-trades,
master of none.

I always said you could do
anything you put your mind to.

Let me throw some stuff on
and we'’ll go.

Good morning, madam,
how are you today?

Regular, black.

We roast our own beans.

Congratulations.

You look like you need
freshening here.

Maybe I can interest you in
a little lemon poppy muffin...

MR. MOORE:
May I?

Oh, hi. Please.

WAITER: We roast our beans...WOMAN: All right.

MR. MOORE:
Uh, a pot of espresso
and a pitcher of steamed milk.

So I'’d say
what a nice surprise,

but... there are very few
surprises in this town.

It'’s hard to walk down
Main Street this time of year

without bumping
into absolutely everyone.

But a nice surprise anyway.

Thank you.

Did you cheat on her?

[SCOFFS]

Please, look at me.

What took her so long
would be a better question.

It was never like you
and Vick.

I mean, we weren'’t exactly
soul mates to begin with.

Yeah, but Eddie,
you gotta lighten up.

Taking everything
so seriously.

You'’re gonna kill yourself.

Things can change.That'’s what I'’m saying.

Look,
I came out here on a job.

I'’m tailing a guy.Yeah?

Same old shit.
Suspicious woman, late 50s,

looks every minute of it.

But she'’s loaded
and married.

And don'’t tell me,
jealous, right?

This is life, Jack.

It doesn'’t have to be
original.

He takes good care of her,
handles her money,

and he lives like a king.

I'’m starting to like him
already.

I wouldn'’t be so sure.What do you mean?

His name is Fred Moore.

We love Manhattan,

but Jack kind of burned
a few bridges up there.

He had a little...

I guess you could call it
love affair

with alcohol for a while.

We got through it, though.

Took some time,
but he'’s okay now.

The reputation'’s harder
to recover.

So you helped him through
his love affair with alcohol,

moved out here with him...

I can'’t believe a woman like you
hasn'’t had her offers.

Either you love him deeply
or you'’re very stupid.

Do you think I'’m stupid?

I'’m sorry, I--
You said it.

Do you think I'’m stupid?

No, I don'’t think you'’re stupid.

He'’s not cheating on her
or nothing.

Not even a hooker.
The guy hasn'’t jerked off

in the two months
I'’ve been tailing him.

I was losing all hope
till last night.

I saw you and Vicki
and Moore.

I notice...

he can'’t keep his eyes
off her.

He can'’t keep his eyes
off Vicki.

If he cheats on his wife,
it'’s worth a lot to him

to make sure
she doesn'’t find out.

Eddie, what the fuck? I mean,
what happened to you, man?

Look, I know--
I know it'’s not easy.

This doesn'’t come natural to me
either, but...

I was up all night
thinking about it.

He'’s a creep.

He married this woman
for her money

and used it to his advantage.
I don'’t think you know

how much money
we'’re talking about here.

You see this place?

He owns it.

The restaurant, the view,

that showroom piano

gathering dust
in the corner in there.

Remember poverty, Jack?

Well, it haunts me
like a motherfucker.

The clock'’s ticking, Jack.

Let'’s face it,
neither of us is living up

to our potential here.

I saw your gig.

Verdict'’s in, buddy.
You crapped out.

I'’m offering you
a second chance.

Come on, Jack,

tell me you wouldn'’t like to be
in his position.

Tell me you wouldn'’t like
to have

what this cocksucker
takes for granted.

Come on, man, why not?

Tell me one good reason.

Vicki.

[SIGHS]

Listen, just ask her,
see what she says.

If I thought this would come
between the two of you,

I'’d never dream of it.
But you got the real thing.

All you need is a little dough
to complete the picture.

It'’s a lot of dough.

She doesn'’t have to fuck him,
just make out.

Enough for me to get
three good shots. That'’s all.

I'’m not a crook.You weren'’t a pianist either

until you started playing--

You know, I'’ve got an ex-wife
and three kids to feed.

[BAND PLAYING]

MR. SHULMAN:
I don'’t want you
looking at them.

I catch you slinging
any more of that

about owning this place,
that'’s it.

Get out.
Don'’t let me see your face

until it'’s time to take out
the garbage, you mook.

Hey, Hanaway, how you doing?

Hey.

Listen, I know you heard,

but thanks
for pretending you didn'’t.

All right.

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

Right here, sir.

Can I get you anything?

Hey, come over here.

[PLAYING PIANO]

[BANGING]

WOMAN:
What'’s wrong?

There, that'’s better.

You know, folks, here on earth
there'’s two kinds of people:

the haves and the have-nots.

I was born
into the second category

and never really managed
to work my way out of it.

The best way to become a have
is to marry one.

And I came very close,
believe me.

Her name was Frieda.

She was 50-something,
not very good-looking,

but very, very rich.

I was myself, as usual.

JACK:
I was playing for my supper
at a party on...

You guessed it...
Park Avenue.

The haves are nothing
if not predictable.

Frieda liked what she saw
and what she heard.

Anyways,
like in the old movies...

cut to her place, drunk,
later.

She says, "Let me slip
into something comfortable."

Reappears on the steps
a few minutes later

in a pink negligee.

She says, "Do you like it?"

[INHALES]

I'’m a gentleman.
I say, "Yes."

She kisses me on the mouth.

Shows me
a huge diamond ring.

Says, "Do you like it?"

I don'’t answer.
She leads me to the bathroom.

She tosses the ring
into the toilet.

Says, "You want it?
It'’s all yours."

I look at her,
then at the ring

and I flush.

[CROWD LAUGHING]

Needless to say,
she was not too happy.

[CROWD LAUGHING]

Cut to my place two weeks later.
She calls me.

She says she admires what I did,
wants to see me again.

Can she come over?

At 10:00...

the doorbell rings.

It'’s...

Vera. My friend.

Vera, who, uh, got into a fight
with her boy friend,

he kicked her out.
She needed a place to stay.

I said, "Well, I'’ve got
a woman coming over."

She steps
into my walk-in closet, says,

"I'’ll sleep here.
I won'’t bother you."

Frieda arrives
right on time.

Enters the apartment like she'’s
a queen entering the stable.

Says to me,
"Play your cards right,

"everything I have
can be yours.

"What I have is three houses
in New York, one in L.A.,

one in Paris
and a pied-à-terre in Venice."

[LAUGHS]

Pied-à-terre.

Me? I come from a pied-à-terre
in the Bronx.

[CROWD LAUGHING]

So I say, "Well,
that'’s what you have, huh?

Let me show you what I have.
I have a girl in my closet."

[CROWD CHUCKLES]

Never heard from Frieda
again.

[CROWD LAUGHING]

That was 10 years ago.

I said this story
happened to me, but I lied.

Because I'’m not the same guy
I was 10 years ago.

Because I had that opportunity
today, by some miracle,

if I had that chance,
I'’d reach into that toilet

[PLAYING PIANO]and I'’d grab that ring.

Vera or no Vera.

And I'’d be a have.

And I'’d have a Mercedes
and stocks and bonds.

But it'’s too late
for that now.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

JACK:
Chapter three:

the real thing.[TYPEWRITER CLACKING]

Years went by and Howard forgot about his cousin, Matt.

Howard did his homework,

followed all the rules
and was duly rewarded

with the fine position
of filing clerk at a law firm.

Surely life has more to offer
than brown bag lunches

and the Dewey decimal system,
right?

Ah, Vera.

Hello.

She loved him for himself.

In her eyes, you were already
a big success, right, pal?

We'’re sweethearts now.

JACK:
Alone together
life was a fairy tale.

But the outside world
cast a long shadow.

If only you could stay
in the light,

sunning yourself
in Vera'’s smile.

Hmm.

Mm...

Mm.

Hi.Hi.

I was, um, doing
some thinking.

I know,
always a dangerous thing,

but I'’ve been thinking
that we deserve more, you know?

What do you mean?

I mean, like, you know,
a house, a nice car,

you know,
things that normal people have.

We'’ve never been
just normal people.

I know.[CHUCKLES]

But here'’s the thing...

we can.

It doesn'’t bother you?

Of course it bothers me.
It'’s just...

You know, uh, I think...

it bothers me more
that I have to watch you

live the way we live
year after year, and...

Besides, it'’s not real.

And how far do you want me
to let it go?

Well, you know,
take him someplace,

make out with him a little bit,
maybe, uh...

let him
feel you up a little bit.

Feel me up?

Top, bottom, second base,
third, home run?

No, really, tell me.

That'’s okay. If you don'’t
wanna do it, it'’s okay.

Do you want me to do it?

[EXHALES]

I think it'’s a good idea.
I mean--

Well, then,
we'’re on our way to normal.

[KNOCKS ON DOOR]

[♪♪]

[BANGING ON DOOR]

Eddie. Hey.

[BANGING CONTINUES]

Yeah, I wanted to apologize
to you about that too.

[LOCK CLICKS]

Well, that'’s why I'’m calling.
I talked to her.

Hello, cousin.

We'’re in.

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

Hi.
Hi.

Thank you.Oui,madame.

Mr. Moore is waiting for you
on the veranda.

[MUTTERING]

Hey, nice car.

[CHUCKLES]

I told him
I'’d take care of it.

Don'’t worry about it.Hello.

Hi.
Hi.

Gosh, you look different
in the daylight.

You can see the crows feet
now.

Ah.
[CHUCKLES]

Tell her she looks
even more stunning.

This place is stunning.

I have no words.
Great.

Oh, excuse me.

Um, Vicki, Jack,
this is my friend,

Jim Zamsky.Nice to meet you.

How are you?
Nice to meet you.

Nice meeting you too.

Jim and I have
some projects here.

[LAUGHS]
A few.

Why don'’t you show Vicki
the grounds?

Sure.
All right.

Come on. Follow me.

I wouldn'’t mind seeing
the, uh...

I wanna talk to you.

What can I fix you to drink?

How about a seltzer?
That'’d be great.

Sure. Lemon, lime?

Um... lemon.

I really liked your monologue
the other night.

Oh, thanks.

So do you think
I qualify to be a have?

Depends on what you have.

A lot.

I can'’t think of anything that I
ever wanted that I don'’t have.

Really? Well, I guess
you must be pretty lucky.

It'’s not luck.

Well, I didn'’t, uh...

I didn'’t mean anything
by that.

[CHUCKLES]

Don'’t worry about it.

Besides, I'’m sure even you
have shoved your hand

in the lavatory
once or twice, Jack.

Hey, Fred, didn'’t we get
that 18th-century chandelier

from those, uh, projects
you built last year

in Atlanta, right?

Yeah, sure.

Actually, we found it
in a chateau in Aix-en-Provence.

Ever been?

The bas-relief
were hand-carved

by an American artist
especially for this house.

VICKY:
Your wife has excellent taste.

She does.

We found it in Europe.

Actually,
it'’s a really funny story.

VICKI:
Is that a closet?

MR. MOORE:
Can'’t have enough space
to put things.

VICKI:
Jack, come.
It'’s bigger than the apartment

we have in New York.You mean the pied-à-terre.

[LAUGHS]
Yeah, the pied-à-terre.

JIM:
The wiring in this house

was a nightmare
when we first found it.

Everything had to be gutted.

[PLAYING PIANO]

MR. MOORE:
Just been tuned.

I have a birthday on Friday,
so I'’m giving a party.

You dog, you.
Really?

MR. MOORE:
To which, of course,
you'’re all invited.

VICKI: Thank you. {PLAYING PIANO]

Whoo!

JACK:
Chapter four: it'’s not luck.

You know, Howard, I hope
that promotion comes through,

then maybe we can throw
a little meat in the sauce.

Howard was just another
nice guy,

destined to finish last.

MATT:
What the hell is going on?

HOWARD:
Calm down. I'’ve got candles.
It'’s an old building.

JACK:
"At his salary,
Howard should feel happy

to get anything,"
said the landlord.

"This slumlord should feel
lucky

to get a nice chump
like Howard," said Matt.

...sell the building.

You'’re such a good boy,
Howard.

[♪♪]

JACK:
The landlord would understand.

Howard believed
that a reasonable argument

and a smile
could work wonders.

[MAN GASPS]

[GRUNTS] Matt did not.

MATT:
Come on, get in here.
Let'’s get him inside.

[LAUGHING]

JIM:
Bravo! That was great.

When did you learn to do that?Very nice.

Wow.

That was wonderful.

[PIANO PLAYING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

WOMAN 1:
Oh. Wasn'’t it?

WOMAN 2:
That was beautiful.

It'’s time to play.
"I'’m Craving," okay?

WOMAN 3:
Good job.

[PLAYING PIANO]

♪ I'’m wishing and fishing
And trying to hook ♪

♪ A mankind
Like you'’d find in a book ♪

♪ I mean a modern Romeo

♪ I do not want a phony-o

♪ Phony-o ♪ Phony-o

[CROWD LAUGHS]

♪ He may be the baby
Of some vamp, oh, babe ♪

♪ At vamping and lamping
I'’m the champ ♪

♪ And if once I got him

♪ Why, I'’ll just set him ♪

♪ Beneath my parlor lamp

MAN 1:
Ooh.

♪ And let him

♪ Kiss me MAN 2: Oh, yeah.

♪ Kiss me, kiss me [CROWD WHISTLING]

♪ With his tempting lips

♪ Sweet as honey drips
Caress me, caress me ♪

♪ Caress me
To his love embrace ♪

♪ While I gently rest

♪ Breathe
Those tender sighs ♪

♪ While I gaze
Into his eyes ♪

♪ Eyes
That really hypnotize ♪

[HOWLING]

♪ And while you whisper
Whisper ♪

♪ Whisper to me
Soft and low ♪

♪ Something nice and low MAN 3: Oh, yes, indeed!

♪ Honey, honey, honey Oh.

♪ When you know there'’s
No one near my honey dear ♪

♪ Who will huddle me, cuddle me
Sing to me, cling to me ♪

♪ Cry to me, sigh to me
Move me, swoon me ♪

♪ Huddle me and cuddle me [INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE]

♪ Who will move me

♪ Consume me

♪ I'’m craving ♪

MAN 4: Yes!MAN 5: Come on, baby!

♪ That kind of

[WHOOPING]

♪ Love

[CHEERING AND WHISTLING]

[CHEERING]

[CLAPPING]MAN 6: Brava!

Thank you.

VICKI:
Fred? Hi, it'’s Vicki.

I'’m fine.

Well, actually,
I have a bit of a problem.

I'’m sorry
to be bothering you,

but I didn'’t know
who else to call.

Jack'’s in the city
with an old friend.

[CHUCKLES]

I know
I'’m probably crazy, but...

It'’s so quiet here,
and I'’m not used to it.

I keep hearing noises
outside.

Yeah, it sounds like there
might be someone out there.

I'’m sure it'’s nothing, but--[GLASS BREAKS]

There. Did you hear that?

They'’re already locked.

Okay, hurry.

What'’s wrong with you, huh?It'’s not my fault.

Bottle was wet.It'’s supposed to be.

You'’re stepping in that.

Move back. You'’re dragging it
all over the kitchen.

Shoes off.You don'’t want me

to take my shoes off.Shoes off.

[CLINKING]

Fred,
I'’m so glad you'’re here.

I'’m just gonna check--No, no, no, it'’s okay.

After we hung up
a patrol car came by.

I guess I panicked.

They found some footprints
in the sand,

but whoever it was took off.

You okay?Yeah, I'’m okay.

Sure?Yeah, sure.

He'’s in.

He'’s in, all right.

Just stay down.
Calm down and stay down.

Let me handle this now.

I know what I'’m doing.Oh, excuse me, Mannix.

[♪♪]

What are they doing?

Nothing.

They didn'’t get there yet.

You have to smoke, right?

What are you doing?I'’m welding.

Well, I'’ll put this to bed and
then I'’d better be getting home.

No, don'’t leave so soon.

Let'’s talk.

We'’ve barely had a chance
to get to know each other.

MR. MOORE:
That'’s true.

JACK:
There he is. Getting it?

He'’s not doing anything.Just get it.

EDDIE:
They'’re not making
any contact.

You'’re gonna miss it.
Stop talking, start shooting.

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

JACK: Shoot the whole thing.[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

Where'’s he going?

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

Where'’s she going?These aren'’t good. These are--

I never felt I'’d be happy
out of New York.

But I'’m really getting
to like it.

[♪♪]

I can'’t do this.

[CHUCKLES]

You must love your wife a lot
or you'’re very stupid.

I just keep my end
of the bargain.

I met Judith when I first
arrived in the States.

All I had was one suit
and a dressing gown.

Now I have my businesses,
my properties, and my wife.

If I screw up one,
I screw up them all.

You'’re a lovely woman.

If I can help you in any way,
I want to.

But, please...

don'’t embarrass me
or yourself.

Don'’t worry.

What? What?

He'’s gone.

Hey, maybe they went
to the bedroom.

Hey, that'’s a good thing.

[DOOR CLICKS]

Huh?

What happened?

He turned me down.

God.

What are the odds?

[PHONE RINGING]

Are you deaf or what?

[RINGING CONTINUES]

Hello? Oh, hi.

[MAN SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY]

[VICKI SPEAKING IN SPANISH]

Mm-hm.

Mm-hm.

[VICKY SPEAKING IN SPANISH]

JACK:
So, what did dear mama
have to say for herself?

The same thing she'’s been saying
for the last 10 years.

If I wanna come home,
she'’ll send a ticket.

Just tell her
send the money instead.

Hm. Very funny.

JACK:
Chapter five:

The real thing gets realer.

VERA: I should go.Vera?

JACK:
Vera said you seemed different.

VERA:
Please let me go.

JACK:
Change was inevitable.

Listen.You'’re hurting me.

But still, hard to take.Vera.

Even when invited in.

[♪♪]

I don'’t really have
much time.

I told Jack
I was going shopping.

Couldn'’t you have told him
you were seeing a friend?

It'’s not that easy
to lie to Jack.

It'’s not a lie.

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

When I left your house
the other night,

I realized you were right.

We haven'’t really had a chance
to get to know each other.

Which is probably
just as well.

I'’ve given it a lot of thought,
thoughts I can'’t afford.

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

What I'’m trying to say is,

I think we should get it out
of our systems.

Well, that'’s ironic.

Where are you going?VICKI: Back home.

MR. MOORE:
I'’ll drive you.

VICKI:
I have my own car, remember?

I'’ll see you at the party.

MR. MOORE:
I have to see you before then.

We'’re still friends, right?

Friends can have lunch.

Can'’t we have lunch?
Tomorrow?

Okay.

[CAMERA CLICKING]

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

Right this way, Mrs. Moore.
Come on in, please.

Please make yourself
comfortable.

Here, sit. Sit down there.Thank you.

Oh, what a lovely scent.[EXHALES]

Sorry, I apologize,

as the cleaning lady'’s
a little late.

Can I get you anything?

No, thank you.

Any news?

You married a very smart man,
Mrs. Moore.

He covers his tracks
very well.

[CHUCKLES]

There'’s been
some indication,

nothing
that I can prove yet,

but some indication that--Some indication.

Unfortunately, yes.

Your husband
might be seeing somebody.

Late-night outings,

a mysterious disappearance
for two hours a week ago.

Mr. Bianco,
I'’m about to fire you.

Excuse me?

I pay you good money to
investigate my husband'’s affairs

and I have to find out the truth
from my son,

the last person
I want to involve here.

What are you talking about?
When?

Yesterday.

He was at the beach house.
Where were you?

I told you about it.

And I find out he was there
all afternoon with a woman.

Do you have any idea
who she might be?

She'’s no one.
What'’s--? I don'’t know.

I don'’t know,
my son said some...

Spanish singer, Vicki Perez.

But you know, Mr. Bianco,

I cannot have my son
skulking around

like some amateur detective,

and particularly not when
I'’m paying you to do that.

I am gonna give you a chance to
redeem yourself, earn a reward.

Believe me,
you won'’t be sorry.

But I have to see that proof
for myself.

This could be a little fling
I don'’t know, something.

It'’s quite possibly something
that I can just...

MR. MOORE:
I was gonna wait until
the renovations were finished

but the Broken Ivory'’s
booking entertainment now.

Do you know the club?
No.

It'’s nice. It'’s a bit more
up-market than the Blue Cat.

And, um, I just happen to know
the owner, me.

[CHUCKLES]

I'’d love to book you there
for all of next season.

It'’s not, you know, charity
or anything.

It'’s something
that'’s been on my mind

since I first heard you
sing.

[BELL CLANGING]

I'’ll run it by Jack,
we'’ll see.

Why do you stay with him?

You'’ve no marriage.
You have no obligations.

I'’m sure you'’d have no trouble
finding someone else.

People who care about each other
stay with each other.

You might become fat
or bald or sick

or maybe just not so amusing
anymore.

Somebody loves you, they'’re
there with you, no matter what.

I'’d love to be with you.

Fred, it'’s much better if
we don'’t see each other again.

[♪♪]

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

[HORN BLARES]

[SIGHS]

Uh, maybe it'’s better you
you go home now.

I'’ll, um...
I'’ll walk you out.

[♪♪]

EDDIE:
Jack?

Jack?

Hey, Jacko.

JACK:
Hey.

What do you think, huh?
Friday night.

It'’s perfect.
I mean, look at this tree

This tree is so front
and center, like a house seat.

Give him the rope,
he'’ll hang himself.

He doesn'’t think anybody
could put anything over on him,

especially schmucks like you and
me, but I got the perfect plan.

Friday, around 11:00,
at the party.

Vicki, looking great
like we know she can

she pulls Moore aside, says,
"Gotta talk to you upstairs.

I been thinking about you
all week." Right?

Now, she takes him up
to the bedroom.

You'’re there in the tree,
right?

She takes him up to the bedroom
they'’re kissing, whatever.

They get up there,
she works him over to the bed,

she gets him on the bed, starts
kissing him, bang, on the bed.

Start shooting your pictures,
we wallpaper his coffin.

EDDIE: Listen.It'’s the perfect plan.

We couldn'’t have designed it
better if we built the house.

Jack, you were right.It'’s great.

But it'’s a stupid plan.

You'’re second-guessing yourself.I'’m idiot.

You always do this. Listen.Forget it.

We'’ll go back to New York,
we'’ll give it another shot.

Will you please take a look?
Look at this.

Look how simple this is,
huh?

Jack, I'’m not gonna do it.

Why?

I can'’t. I-- I'’ll never be able
to get on the grounds.

Look, I hide you in the trunk,
right?

I drop you off by the tree.
Nobody'’s gonna notice that.

You climb up in the tree.
You can hide a choir in that--

I'’m out of it.

I'’m done.
You should get out of it too.

Grab your things, get Vicki,

go back to New York,
and forget you ever saw Moore.

This is out of our league,
Jack.

Hey, I'’m sorry I...

I'’m sorry
I ever dragged you into it.

So you, uh, made a deal,
right?

What are you talking about?You made a deal, right?

What'’d you take, 5 grand?

Jack.
Huh?

Twenty-five hundred? What?

Have another drink.Blame it on the booze.

I want you to look me
in the eye

and tell me
you didn'’t make a deal.

Come on.

Yeah, I thought so.

You'’re a fucking loser,
Eddie.

You'’re the first guy
to open your mouth,

get everybody excited.

First sign of trouble,
you'’re the first to run.

Your balls shrink up
like little peanuts.

Back off! Jack.

You didn'’t have the balls
for all the shit we did.

You didn'’t have the balls
to be a cop, for your wife.

Shut up!Isn'’t that the problem?

Your dick wouldn'’t get hard?

Enough.Ah.

I'’ll fucking kill you.
All right?

I'’ll kill you.
Now shut that up.

Go ahead, go ahead, go ahead.[GUN CLICKS]

Squeeze the trigger, Eddie.
Go ahead. Huh?

Come on, come on,
do it, do it.

Huh? Come on.

You don'’t have the fucking balls
for that either.

Go ahead, run away like
a little baby now. Go ahead.

But you'’re still fucked.
You know why?

I'’m gonna take the photos
and go after the big money.

When he gives me the big money,
he'’s gonna blame you

because he already gave you
the small money.

You fat fuck!

I still love you, though.

JACK:
Chapter six:

[♪♪]

It'’s out of our league,
Howard.

You wanna believe in people...So?

...against all odds.How did it go?

HOWARD:
I didn'’t get it.

You deserve a promotion.

But that'’s what makes life

such a goddamned crapshoot,
pal.

I got fired.

Watch it now.
Here it comes.

Harold? The bullshit.

I'’m glad I ran into you,
Harold.

Uh, it'’s Howard.
It'’s Howard.

"So sorry,
couldn'’t work it out,"

Blah, blah, blah.

In the meantime,
keep your chin up, hmm?

Happy now?

MATT:
That'’s her, isn'’t it?

No wonder
you didn'’t get the job.

Thank God for Matt, huh?

We'’ll take care of him.

What do you mean Eddie'’s out?[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

JACK:
He chickened out.

Fuck him. We don'’t need him.

What are we gonna do?

Same thing.[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

Business as usual.

You can'’t do it.
Everyone will be watching you!

Honey, nobody'’s interested
in me, okay?

Except maybe you.

[SCOFFS][CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

[PHONE RINGING]

Hello? Hi.

Why are you calling me?

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]No, I can'’t.

Okay, I'’ll try.

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

Some salesman.

Come on.

[♪♪]

[CLEARS THROAT][CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

[SLURPS]

[BAND PLAYING]

Hey, Jack, how you doing?Hey.

I thought you were
on the wagon.

One drink'’s not gonna kill me.You okay?

Yeah. Still waiting
for my partner.

Twenty minutes before showtime,
she'’s still out gallivanting.

You gonna give us
one of your sermons?

I don'’t think so.

It'’s a pity.
I'’m gonna miss them.

I got a sense of humor.Yeah, well, your boss doesn'’t.

He might ask you
to lean on me.

I'’d hate to do that.

Yeah, but you'’d do it,
right?

Jack, a job is a job.

I wouldn'’t enjoy it
while I was doing it.

Oh,
that'’s a lovely sentiment.

Come on, huh? Loosen up.

Fine.Pulling your chain.

I hung up the brass knuckles
a long time ago.

Yeah, after
an illustrious career. Right?

Hey, I had my moments.

Before you say anything,
what do you think?

On sale, 50 percent off.

[SIGHS]

Forgive her.
Done.

[PIANO PLAYING]

♪ Love comes unexpected

♪ Walks in

♪ When least suspected

♪ Who'’d have thought
That I'’d get caught ♪

♪ Hey, love
I wasn'’t ready for you ♪

♪ One look

♪ So inviting

♪ One touch

♪ So excited me

♪ But what you put me
Through ♪

♪ Hey, love
I wasn'’t ready for you ♪

♪ Now if I had a nickel

♪ For every dream
That'’s left me ♪

♪ I'’d be a millionaire ♪

♪ And even if I got back

♪ All the love I'’ve wasted ♪

♪ I'’d still be in the red ♪

♪ But you'’d still be ♪

♪ In my bed

♪ So do I stay

♪ Or do I scatter

♪ Heads or tails

♪ It doesn'’t matter ♪

♪ Which I choose

♪ '’Cause win or lose ♪

♪ Hey, love

♪ I wasn'’t ready ♪

♪ For you

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

[PIANO PLAYING]

Hey, Joey.

JOEY:
Hey, Hanaway.

Would you come by,
help me write a song?

Write a song?
I can'’t write my fucking name.

[CHUCKLES]

Hey, what do you say
about a shot, huh?

No, no, I got something
I gotta do, Jack.

Come on, one drink, right?
One drink.

Come on,
I gotta do this thing.

Come on.

Fuck it.
I ain'’t punching the clock.

That'’s right.

Hey, your boss is a dick,
anyways.

I saw him take you over

to Moore'’s table,

what, to introduce you, or...?Ah, nah.

This fucking jerkoff, he'’s
lending me out to his friend.

To who? Moore?

Yeah, I gotta go pay somebody
a visit.

[EXHALES]

Yeah?

Maybe I'’ll go with you.
I could use a change of scenery.

It ain'’t gonna be too scenic.

What are you gonna do,
kill somebody?

They couldn'’t meet my rate.
You really wanna come?

Yeah.
All right.

One more?
Yeah.

This is to Mr. Shulman.

Fuck him.
Fuck him.

[MAN SPEAKING IN SPANISH
OVER RADIO]

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

[MAN SPEAKING IN SPANISH
OVER RADIO]

Mrs. Moore! Here!

Hey. Hey, come here...

We got the best table
in the place.

[EDDIE & PEDRO
SPEAK IN SPANISH]

[IN ENGLISH]
Have a seat.

Would you like a drink?No, thank you.

We should have met
at your office, I think.

Don'’t worry. It'’s fine here.

It'’s safe. These Dominicans
are nice people.

They'’re so colorful.[SIGHS]

Okay, Mr. Bianco,

what information
do you have for me?

Well, let'’s see.

Well, let'’s say I did have
an important piece of news

how much would it be worth
to you?

You'’re already being paid.

You said if I got the proof,
I wouldn'’t be sorry.

Well, I do and I am.
I'’m very sorry.

So, what are you gonna do
about it?

Fifty thousand dollars.Fifty large.

[LAUGHS]

A toast.

Too... too little.

JACK:
This is the big night out?

Hey, you want it,
you got it.

Relax, it'’ll grow on you.All right.

Listen, wait here.
I'’ll be right back.

I'’ve gotta do this thing.Let me come.

I'’m, uh...

I'’m good at things.

Relax,
I got it under control.

Ah, shit. It'’s the wife.

Whose wife?

What the fuck is she doing here?Whose wife?

Your buddy, Moore.

Hey, Jack, listen,
why don'’t you go run over

and get a couple six-packs
for us? My treat.

Believe it or not, I'’m not
really thirsty right now.

All right, listen,
I'’m going over.

Sit tight.
Huh?

Mrs. Moore, to find out
the truth about somebody...

it'’s priceless. Really.Really? Really?

I don'’t mean to say
that it doesn'’t have a price.

How much?
I just mean

that 50 grand isn'’t even--How much?

A hundred.
[EXHALES]

You'’re crazy.

Right. A hundred and fifty.[EXHALES]

Well, I will just go
to another detective.

I'’ll tell your husband
you'’re on to him,

you'’ll never get
a clean divorce.

Now, how much is that
worth to you?

Oh, I love rum.
It'’s so Hemingway.

Fine.
A hundred and fifty thousand.

I consider it a small price
to pay to find out

Now, what do you have
for me?

Nada.

Nada? What do you mean, nada?Not a thing.

He'’s clean.
He didn'’t cheat on you.

You are lying.

He paid you, didn'’t he?

What do you mean he paid?He paid you.

What,
we'’re all corrupt puppets

on a string?Yes, I do.

Hey, come back here.

Get over here!

CHAUFFEUR:
Back off. Back off!

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING][EDDIE GROANS]

[♪♪]

CHAUFFER:
Get in the car.

EDDIE:
So you don'’t believe
I'’m an honest man, huh?

MRS. MOORE: Keep him away.You don'’t believe I'’m clean?

I told you to back off!What do you believe in?

You think everything
I touch turns to shit, huh?

You think I'’m for sale?

Well, I'’m not wearing
a price tag today, lady?

You can take your 150 grand

and shove it up your ass!
You can'’t afford me!

I'’m out of your league!

I'’m out-- Ugh.

Listen to me, fat boy.

You start minding
your own business

or you'’re going
on a crash diet, huh--

[JOEY GROANING]Hey. Eddie.

It'’s not what you think.Hey. What is this?

Get away from me.
Wait!

Get away from me!
Eddie!

What are you crazy?
Get away from--

Eddie.

Hey! You'’re a fucking liar!
That'’s what you are!

JACK: Out of the way.JOEY: Open this door!

Open this door!

JACK: You'’re scaring him.That'’s it! Come on!

Fucking shit kicked me
in the nuts!

You scared the shit
out of him.

I'’ll scare him!
Leave him.

[TIRES SQUEALING]

Eddie!

Eddie!

JOEY:
Ah, shit!

[GROANING]

Eddie?[HORN HONKING]

Eddie?

Eddie?JOEY: Jack, come on.

Let'’s go, man.
Come on! Let'’s go!

Hey, don'’t make me
leave you here, huh?

Hey, Jack! We gotta go!

[♪♪]

Let'’s go, Jack! We gotta go![HORN HONKING]

Come on, man! Let'’s go!

I can'’t take a fucking pinch
for this.

Oh, man.

He'’s dead.

Fuck.
This is so fucking bad.

Look at this. Fucking shit!

That fucking Moore
wouldn'’t even shake my hand.

[BIRD SQUAWKING]

What'’s up, sweetie?

Turn around.
I wanna show you something.

For the party.

It works.
How do I look?

How do you look?

Gorgeous and guilty.

Lee Remick,
Days of Wine and Roses.

But you have to come in
for a closer inspection.

JACK:
Good evening,
ladies and gentlemen.

Tonight I'’d like
to propose a toast,

to Eve
who hung out with Adam

and alone destroyed
that utterly boring place

called paradise.

I'’m sure even God
must have admired her courage

and her beguiling
disobedience.

Because after all

that'’s how human history
unfolded.

So... to Eve.

Thanks for the apple.

MR. ANDERSON:
Good night, Vera.

Good night, Mr. Anderson.

JACK:
A little story.

Once upon a time,

there was a very nice
little girl

named
Little Red Riding Hood.

Took a shortcut
through the woods,

went to her grandma'’s house,
both sat down

and had a very nice
little lunch.

The end.

Boring, right?

Because the wolf,
didn'’t show up.

[♪♪]

Without the wolf
we have no story.

Oh, by the way,
our fabulous host, Mr. Shulman.

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING][CLAPPING]

[PLAYS PIANO]

Don'’t get worried about this

because I can guarantee
it'’s gonna be my last.

Because I quit.

So I guess
what I'’m trying to say is...

that we shouldn'’t be afraid
of the bad guy.

I'’m not saying
the bad guy is always

the most interesting person,

but every story
has to have one.

[GRUNTING]

We all need a villain.

If we can'’t find the villain
outside,

we need to find the villain
inside.

Wake him up, embrace him...[GRUNTING]

...and travel with him
down that darker path.

As for me,
my decision is made.

My bags are packed.

[GRUNTING]I'’m ready to roll.

I'’m going to be, for once...

[SCREAMING]

...the wolf.

[PLAYING PIANO]

What were you doing?
What took you so long?

Picking out this tie.

That'’s the point, isn'’t it?

You got the camera?
Mm.

I got the camera.

[♪♪]

JACK:
Great, the window'’s open.

Perfect.VICKI: Yeah.

Are you okay?Yeah, I'’m fine.

[GRUNTS]

Just remember...

[GRUNTS]

...you know, make out with him,
make your move,

so I can get
that final shot.

Yep.

[BAND PLAYING][INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

There he is.Where?

There.

[SIGHS]

Vicki, how nice to see you.

Happy birthday.
The party'’s a hit.

MR. MOORE:
Ah. A couple of celebrities
and a few paparazzi

never fails with this gang.

Happy birthday.Thank you, Jack.

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

Fred, darling, a moment.

Ah, excuse me, um...

I'’ll catch you later.

Nice suit, Jack.

Must be the lady, huh?

Pretty well-preserved.

Why don'’t you, uh, go mingle,
keep an eye on him?

Hmm.

[♪♪]

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

[EXHALES]

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

[♪♪]

[EXHALES THEN HISSES]

JOEY:
Hey, Hanaway!

Hey.

Horn player
sounds like Gunga Din, huh?

Well, I think Gunga Din
would show up on time, though.

What are you doing? Working?

You got a house full of people
like them on the inside,

you need people like me
on the outside.

We take care of them,
they take advantage--

I mean,
they take care of us.

Right. You'’re turning into
a real philosopher, aren'’t you?

JOEY:
Yeah, just a notch above stupid.

Yeah.

Listen, why don'’t you
go inside?

At least for tonight,
you'’re one of them.

Yeah, okay.

All right. Thank you.

Hey, Hanaway!

Why don'’t you play a number
later on?

Even from out here,
I like to hear you play.

All right.

[♪♪]

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

You look so...

JIM:
Hey, Fred! Ha-ha!

Vicki, I wanna say
you look beautiful tonight.

Fred, happy birthday,
you old man, you.

Go take care of your guests.

Yes.

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

Hi.

Where were you?

You'’re still hungry?

What am I supposed to do?
He disappeared.

Any problems?

No.

You should eat something
too.

All that booze
on an empty stomach.

What do you mean?Come on, Jack.

What?

I can'’t do anything
with that window like that,

the curtains closed.

Why not?What am I gonna say to--?

What am I supposed to say
to Mrs. Moore?

"This blur is your husband,
this is the girl"?

Then why don'’t you just
go upstairs

and open the goddamn window
yourself?

Don'’t get drunk, okay?
You gotta keep your wits.

It'’s not for my wits.
It'’s for my courage.

Smart-ass.

[INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE]

[♪♪]

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

Excuse me.
I'’ll see you later.

Sure, sure.

MR. MOORE:
Perhaps I will.

Excuse me, Fred.
I need to talk to you alone.

Hold that thought.

Not here.

MRS. MOORE:
That there...

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

That was redone,

repainted by an American artist.Yeah?

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

JACK: Really? This whole thing?MRS. MOORE: Yes.

That one over there,
of course...

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

I'’m gonna run
to the men'’s room.

[MRS. MOORE CHUCKLES]

[THUNDER CRASHES]

Don'’t close the door.

Why?

I don'’t wanna get you
in trouble.

I don'’t mind.

What?

Getting into trouble.

[♪♪]

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

MAN:
Hey, Jack, how'’s it--?

Hey, Jack.
Awful party, huh?

Yeah. Your, uh, stepfather

seems to be having a good time.[CHUCKLES]

Yeah.
Hey, you gonna play

a little piano for us tonight,
maybe?

Uh, no.
Tonight'’s really

sort of strictly
a pleasure thing with me.

I'’m leaving.

I'’m leaving for New York
on Monday.

Oh.

What are you up to anyways?

Nothing.
I'’m just gonna get some air.

You okay?

Fine.
Sure?

Yeah.
Okay.

You know, you, uh...

You might wanna try
focusing your attention

on something more worthwhile,
maybe, I don'’t know...

Maybe a woman?

So you'’re back
to the big city.

It'’s a great gig.
Great money.

You deserve it.

Before I lose you
to the glittering lights...

I'’d really like to tell you
what you'’ve meant to me.

Feelings I'’ve had...

[♪♪]

My dear cousin.

Come in.

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

We'’ve done
so many things together.

I feel like you and I...

like we'’re one, huh?

[MR. MOORE CHUCKLES]

Sometimes I even feel
as if I'’m lovable

when I'’m with you.

Makes all this
so meaningless.

[GRUNTING]

MATT:
It made me so proud, Howard.

You'’ve come so far.

But your mind is still weak.[GRUNTS]

[GRUNTS]

MATT:
It may not seem like it now,
but it'’s for your own good.

You'’re gonna thank me for this,
Howard.

You'’re gonna thank me
forever.

You know,
whether you stay or go,

I can'’t go back to my wife.

I'’d ask you to come away
with me, but...

But?

[THUNDER CRASHES]

[♪♪]

MR. MOORE:
Well, there'’s nothing left
for me to say.

It'’s up to you now.

You know that, don'’t you?

MATT:
It'’s time, Howard.

[WHIMPERING]

MATT:
Be strong.

[♪♪]

Wait.

[♪♪]

You see?

There'’s your lovely,
virtuous girlfriend!

A whore like all the rest!

Why would she be any different, huh?

VERA: Don'’t listen to him.MATT: Because you loved her?

She showed me
what your love was worth.

VERA: Don'’t!MATT: That'’s right, Howard.

She begged me for it.

She begged like a mangy mutt
begs for scraps.

VERA:
No, it'’s not true!

It'’s true! Don'’t lie!No, it'’s not!

VERA:
Howard, please.

MATT: You have no choice.VERA: Don'’t do it. Please.

MATT:
For you, Howard.

For us.VERA: No!

Don'’t, Howard!MATT: That'’s right.

Please!MATT: We can change the world.

MATT: Just you and me.VERA: Don'’t! Stop!

MATT:
Be a man for the first time
in your life!

VERA: Don'’t!MATT: Finish them!

[VERA CRYING]

Do it, Howard! Do it!
The landlords, bosses, traitors!

Come on! Everyone who made
your life the waste that it is!

One throat at a time!

Come on.
We can change the world!

[YELLING]We can change the

[HOWARD YELLING]

[GAGGING]

[PANTS]

[PANTING]

[GAGGING]

LENNY:
Jack! Jack, what the fuck
are you doing up there?

[PANTING]

LENNY:
Jack, what is that?

Is that a fucking gun,
you son of a bitch?

You trying to rip off
my mother'’s house, you fuck?

Hanaway, I told you.

[JACK GRUNTS]

What, you think you'’d get away
with that, you piece of shit?

[JACK GRUNTS]

Jack Hanaway,

great fucking pianist!Don'’t hurt his hands.

I said,
don'’t hurt his hands!

JACK:
Fuck you.

LENNY:
Fuck you!

Get the fuck out of here!

[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]

[BIRDS SQUAWKING]

VICKI:
You should get that examined.

It doesn'’t look good.

I never liked that kid.

He'’s a little crazy.

[♪♪]

I asked Fred.

Anyway, he gave me something
for you.

It'’ll help to...

You know, go to a doctor
and get that examined.

It'’s good money.

Ten grand.

Something to help you
get started.

Come on, Jack.

Just think of it
as the ring in the toilet.

[SNIFFLES]

If you'’d take it
from that woman...

you can take it from me.

[SNIFFLES]

[♪♪]

[DOOR CLOSES]

[GROANS]

[ENGINE STARTS]

[CROWD LAUGHING]COMEDIAN: Oh! Oh, my goodness.

Now, this is a nice.
Very classy place.

I play all over.

I just got back
from Puerto Rico. Yeah.

Actually it was the Bronx,
but it'’s the same place.

Oh. So I'’m like 6'’3".

Short people are always
coming up and asking me,

"Hey, Sasquatch,
how'’s the weather up there?"

I don'’t know. Why don'’t
you check the thermometer?

Oh, yeah.

What can I get you?

Uh, seltzer would be fine.

[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

COMEDIAN:
You guys have been great.
Thank you. Thank you.

[CLAPPING][INDISTINCT CHATTERING]

So... I hope your ex-wife
doesn'’t take you

to the cleaners.ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen,

I'’ll manage.Miss Vicki Rivas.

[BAND PLAYING]

Here'’s a little something
to help you get started.

[CROWD CLAPPING]

[CLAPPING]

[BAND PLAYING]

Thank you.

[INDISTINCT SINGING]

Who'’s the big hand for?

The new singer.

Vicki Rivas?Yep.

She that good?

Nobody like her.

[♪♪]

JACK:
Epilogue:

I'’d like to tell you
that Howard learned something

from this experience,

but unfortunately,

every hero is limited
by his creator.

You start out
by trying to spin a tale

and it ends up
spinning you.

Because however badly
you want to believe

that you are the writer,

the truth is...

you'’re only along
for the ride.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

["THE BITTER END" PLAYING]

♪ At the bitter end

♪ When the smoke
Has cleared ♪

♪ And your
Timeless friends ♪

♪ All have disappeared

♪ Come the bitter end

♪ When you feel betrayed

♪ I'’ll be waiting there ♪

♪ For the final fade

♪ Because as time goes by

♪ I get more naive

♪ And I'’ve never learned ♪

♪ When it'’s time to leave ♪

♪ You can chalk it up

♪ To my wide-eyed youth

♪ But the sad sweet truth

♪ I comprehend

♪ Love won'’t make me quit ♪

♪ Not until

♪ The bitter

♪ End