The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) - full transcript
Thomas Jerome Newton is a humanoid alien who comes to Earth to get water for his dying planet. He starts a high technology company to get the billions of dollars he needs to build a return spacecraft, and meets Mary-Lou, a girl who falls in love with him. He does not count on the greed and ruthlessness of business here on Earth, however.
(Constant electronic beeping)
(Thunderclap)
(Explosion)
(Grunting and groaning)
(Horn blares)
Hey, fella!
Come on. Hey. Come here.
Hey, fella. Come here.
(Alarm bell rings)
(♪ Jazz music playing)
(♪ LOUIS ARMSTRONG:
"Blueberry Hill")
♪ I found my thrill
♪ On Blueberry Hill
♪ On Blueberry Hill... ♪
- Can I help?
- Yes. I hope so.
I want to sell this.
Where'd you get this ring?
It's mine.
My wife gave it to me.
Look.
The initials are on the inside.
Yes?
"T. J. N."
Do you have your ID?
I'm British. I have a passport.
"Thomas Jerome Newton."
- This is not a pawnshop.
- I beg your pardon?
If I buy this ring now,
you can't redeem it later.
- Understand?
- I understand.
$20.00.
- $20.00?
- Take it or leave it.
(♪ Plays jazz)
Oliver?
Oliver.
Oliver, Mr Newton is here.
I'm Oliver Farnsworth.
Would you like a scotch and water
or something, Mr Newton?
Oh, a glass of water.
- Fine. Would you like a scotch?
- Yes, please.
Are you all right?
Just tired.
I'm sorry I didn't have time to see you
at my office today, Mr Newton.
I had hardly even 10 minutes.
(Phone rings)
What's this?
Some kind of bribe?
I'm paying you for your time.
As from now, I want at least
10 hours at $1,000 an hour.
Mr Newton, this kind of money buys
more than 10 hours even of my time.
What exactly do you want?
I want a lawyer
who's well versed in patents.
That's me.
Here.
Electronics.
Read the file.
(Phone rings)
May I keep it overnight?
I'm sorry,
I can't leave it with you.
It's not that I don't trust you.
All right, I'll read it.
If you want to put
a record on, Mr Newton,
music doesn't disturb me.
Oh, no, thank you.
Well, if there's anything you want,
just ask.
(Clock chimes)
(Police sirens)
(Buzzing and humming
of electronic machines)
(Oliver) 'I don't believe it.
'I can't believe it.
You have nine basic patents here.
'Nine.
'That's basic patents.
Do you know what that means?'
(Newton) 'Yes, I think so.'
(Oliver) 'Do you really?
I wonder.'
It means, Mr Newton,
that you can take RCA, Eastman Kodak
and DuPont, for starters.
In, say, three years,
what would this be worth to me?
I'm a lawyer, not an accountant,
Mr Newton.
But I'd say it must be
something in the area of...
$300 million.
- Not more?
- More?
- I need more.
- What the hell for?
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean it to sound like that.
It's just I'm trying
to adjust my mind to all this.
I'll offer you 10% of my net profits,
plus 5% of all corporate holdings.
I must think about it all.
I'll ask Trevor to take you home.
I don't drive.
Thank you.
I have my own driver waiting.
All night?
If you take this assignment,
you'll have complete authority, below me.
I don't want to have contact
with anyone except you.
When you take this position,
Mr Farnsworth,
you'll be able to replace
your antiquated sound equipment
and buy some of mine.
- Buy it?
- At cost, naturally.
(Oliver) 'Perhaps you're not
so different after all, Mr Newton.'
- Arthur, would you please slow down?
- We're only doin' 45, Mr Newton.
It's making me feel dizzy.
Keep to 30, please.
My father used to say,
"Oliver, when you get a gift horse,
"walk up to it, pat it,
quiet the animal down,
"and then, using both hands,
force open its jaws
"and have a damned good look
in its mouth."
I'd say that was good advice.
Yes.
But my father was always wrong.
(♪ Rock soundtrack over dialogue)
(♪ Tinkling percussive music)
(Blades swoosh)
Hello.
I just marked your paper.
How'd I do?
- Don't worry about it.
- I won't.
(Growling)
(Giggling and screaming)
(Laughter)
(Man) Oh, you! Aargh!
(Screaming and laughter)
Oh, shit!
Wait a minute. Wait a minute!
(Grunting)
(Groaning)
(Giggling)
(Blades swoosh)
(Grunting and moaning)
(Woman screaming)
Do you want to see
what they look like?
I don't believe this. No.
No, it's impossible.
(Girl) That one. Clever, isn't it?
(Oliver) 'It happened literally overnight.
'When Mr Newton
came into my apartment,
'my old life went
straight out the window.
'In no time at all,
I got a brand-new life, and I like it.
'Maybe I'm not my own boss
the way I used to be, but...
'So what?
'Oliver, you're the president of one
of the largest corporations in America.
('Chuckles')
'I'll tell you one thing.
It's never too late.
'I didn't think
a man could change at my age.
'I still can't believe it.'
Yes, that's possible.
We can do that.
Are you sure this is the right moment,
Mr Newton?
You know that this one
has virtually no bottom?
(Sighs heavily)
(♪ Soft piano melody)
(Seagulls squawk,
waves ebb and flow)
No. No.
I want you to begin negotiations
with Eastman Kodak immediately.
(Oliver) 'We've been together
a long time now,
'and I don't see why you'd even
consider selling off this division.'
Well, I mean, if I owned
a copyright on the Bible,
I wouldn't sell it to Random House.
It's what I want.
I'm on my way to New Mexico now.
I shall be staying at a hotel
near the border.
I can't tell you yet.
I'll be in touch.
Results are results, Nate,
and your class is way below par.
I have the computer statement
right here,
and er... it's kind of sad.
The campus computer, I gather?
- That damn thing doesn't have a mind.
- It's not meant to have a mind.
That's what makes it perfect
for this place, right?
The company that made
that self-developing film
that I showed you a while ago?
They've made this announcement.
They're dumping computers.
They're installing human beings.
- Oh, really?
- Want to know why?
They want to bring back human error
because that's the way you get new ideas,
by making mistakes.
Back to man and his imagination.
If you can't spot a piece of bullshit
commercial publicity when you hear it,
you're even more naive
than I thought.
Keep your mind on your job.
- That's my advice.
- That's your advice to me?
You're so fucking smug and ignorant,
you don't know what's going on.
- Oh, really?
- These kids are bored.
They're bored with you
and these fucking textbooks.
They're five years out of date.
I mean...
What they need is some real stimulus,
ideas to pursue.
Yes, well, we've had enough
of your pursuits.
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about the things
you pursue, Nate.
Young things.
I don't know, maybe it's your age.
You've become a novelty freak,
and you're not that young anymore.
You don't even get it, do you?
I'm younger than most of those kids.
They're already middle-aged
because that's what they're taught.
Well, I want out.
- That's the fact.
- Face the facts!
What the hell else
can you do now except teach?
Nothing.
Not a goddamn thing.
Why don't you go get a job
with that great company of yours?
I believe I will!
I believe you won't.
(♪ JOHN PHILLIPS:
"Boys From The South")
♪ All the boys from the South
play the guitar
♪ Dance to town, gonna sing
♪ They stand when a lady
enters the room
♪ They won't let her do a thing
♪ All the boys from the South
went to boarding schools
♪ It didn't hurt them none... ♪
Weird-lookin' one.
That's got a New York number.
Shall we check it?
- Yeah, might as well.
- Run an NCIC.
89 Artesia. 10-4.
Request NCIC check.
New York licence plate:
1-5-8, zebra, boy, boy.
Morning. How are you this morning?
Er... Sussex.
I have a reservation.
Oh, yes, Mr Sussex.
We've been expecting you.
Room 505, please.
Boy, that sure is a fancy-lookin' pen
you got there.
When shall I call for you, sir?
I'm not sure.
Sometime tomorrow. I'll let you know.
(Radio) '1-5-8, zebra, boy, boy.
New York...'
No. No, I'll take that.
- No, I'll take the stairs.
- It's five flights.
(Groans)
- Do you want me to go back...?
- No. Keep on going.
Oh! Oh, God!
Oh, God! God!
Oh! Oh. Oh.
Are you all right?
It's all right.
You're all right now.
We're on the fifth floor.
Oh, God!
Oh, Lord.
Oh. You're gonna be OK.
Oh. Oh.
Oh, Lord. This good?
You OK? Oh.
Oh.
(Train whistle blares)
Mister?
Mister? Mister?
Are you OK?
- Are you OK?
- I must have fainted.
Fainted?
I thought you were dead.
I'll call a doctor.
No, don't call a doctor.
(Retching)
(Groans)
Hello.
- You're not at all like my father.
- I'm glad about that.
You know, you're not a bit
like my father.
I'm glad about that.
You've got more little wrinkles.
You have a lot of lines
on your forehead and wrinkles.
(Distorted woman's voice)
'And things...'
And things.
- And more things.
- That's why you torment me.
- I'm probably older than your dad.
- Probably so.
That's why you tease me
so much, isn't it? Huh?
Well, I'm not a lecherous old man.
You're a lecherous little girl.
But no one would ever believe it!
Come on.
Nobody would ever believe you.
Fuckin' A!
Yeah! Yeah!
(Bryce) Professor Canutti...
Fuck Professor Canutti!
Fuck you!
(Bryce) 'Fuck you!'
Yeah! Yeah!
(Bryce) Fuck Canutti.
(Girl) 'Yeah.
Nobody would believe you.'
Do you think I could have
something to drink?
Are you sure you should drink?
- I'd like a glass of...
- Gin?
A nice gin and tonic,
with four cubes of ice
and a slice of lime.
- How's that sound, mister?
- Just a glass of water.
No, no. I'll get it.
Do you want me to go down
and get some medicine?
Maybe you should have
something with your water.
Some kind of pill maybe?
Just the water.
What's your name?
Sussex.
Erm... can I leave now?
I've got some cleaning to do.
I'll come back in a little while, OK?
You go ahead. I'm all right.
(Door closes)
And then, when I was 15,
I worked in this pharmacy
in a hospital,
delivering medicine to all the floors.
It was a real responsible job.
Boy, you're really hooked
on water, aren't you?
One of these days
you oughta try one of these.
Am I talking too much?
Maybe I oughta go.
Oh, Lord, it's after 3:00.
I guess you're tired.
Well, I'll just finish this up
and then...
And then?
And then I think
I'll have another one.
You know,
I really like you, mister.
What do you do?
For a living, I mean.
- Oh, I'm just visiting.
- Oh, a traveller!
- Could you help me up, please?
- Sure.
Oh!
You know, mister,
I don't think you get enough to eat.
If you don't mind
my saying so...
...I think you're too thin.
You're very thin.
You're too thin!
(Clatter)
Do you come from a city?
No, I come from the country.
Ah. I wish I lived in the country.
(Water flushes)
You know,
this is a very unhealthy place.
Water here is all polluted.
They put all kinds of chemicals in it
to keep people from gettin' sick.
A very unhealthy place.
I think it just takes getting used to,
that's all.
It sure does.
Anyway, I...
I wonder... if you'd mind,
Mary-Lou, if I rested now.
Lord, no.
I was just leaving anyway.
I'll come back and see you tomorrow,
if you want me.
I'd like to see you tomorrow.
Perhaps you could arrange
to bring me a television.
TV? Nothin' easier.
Well, I'll be seeing you then, Mr..
- Sussex.
- Sussex.
I don't know why, but I'll never
be able to remember that name.
Good night.
Good night.
Thank you, Mary-Lou.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
(Mary-Lou) 'They always seem
to lead such interesting lives,
'people who travel.
'People who write stories must lead
kind of interesting lives, too.
'I know I'll never be like
a character in a story.
'I'll just be like everybody else.
'Well, maybe, maybe, maybe.
I don't know.
'Maybe someday...'
(Oliver) 'There are now six subsidiaries
under the holding company.
'I don't know how accurate
you want the account figures,
'but they change hourly.
'Yes, we receive bank statements
on each company twice a day.'
I want the total figure by tomorrow.
Give it to me
to the nearest $50 million.
'And utilities dropped very slightly.
'The volume: 11,850,000 shares.
The average issue's up...'
The more secretive you are
about your life,
the more it arouses people's interest.
We've had some chemistry professor
from Chicago,
who's been calling and writing.
(Newton) 'That's not so terrible,
Mr Farnsworth.'
Why don't you talk to him?
Don't be unfriendly.
- Mary-Lou...
- (TV) '686 issues up. 568 down.'
My life is not secret, Mr Farnsworth,
but it is private.
(TV) 'Among the most actives today
is World Enterprises.
'Up five points on the day,
trading over 300,000 shares.
'Wall Street analysts
and company officials report
'they know of no reason
for the sudden interest...'
(Bryce) 'For a whole year
I concentrated equally on two things.
'Fucking and World Enterprises.
'It was neck and neck.
Well, I have to admit that I...
'It began to look like Canutti was right
because World Enterprises was evasive,
'they were slow to reply
to my persistent letters and calls.
'Suddenly, I got this letter
from Farnsworth.
'I'd landed a job in the research
department of the fuel division.
'Strangely, after that,
'I gradually began to lose my
interest in 18-year-olds.
'I don't know what happened to me.
I'm not sure.
'But my mind had developed
a libido of its own,
'and I didn't need the stimulation
of legs and so forth.
'The salary was terrific, too.
'It was three times
what I'd been getting.
'The first thing I did
is I ordered a French car.
'This upset Canutti
more than anything else!
'Last time I remember
feeling so exhilarated
'was 10 years back when I'd been
experimenting with heat photography.
'It came to nothing, of course,
because academia got in the way.
'But this time,
'I knew I was gonna be given
a proper chance.
'And you know, I knew that
because I had faith in myself.
'What I didn't know then
'was someone else
had faith in me as well.'
Dr Bryce, I'm Oliver Farnsworth.
Erm... I thought you
were based in New York.
New York?
Oh, er, not anymore.
I still keep an apartment there.
I've come to like it out here.
I think you will, too.
It's got a lot of...
...space.
That means freedom.
You know what I mean?
Yes, I do.
Then there's the job itself.
It will entail certain... er...
Well, you won't live in quite
the same way as you did before.
Of course, there's the salary.
- Another adjustment.
- I know this is what I want.
I hope so.
(All TV sets blaring)
(Woman on TV)
'I'm rather glad you're leaving tonight.'
- (Man on TV) 'You are?'
- 'Makes everything so much simpler.'
'That's the way it should be,
no involvements, no complications,
'no danger.'
'None at all.'
Hello, Tommy.
I got that white wine you like
from Reichman's.
It's not cold.
You want me to pour you a glass?
Why not?
(Man on TV) 'Most girls are
sentimental about their first love.'
(Woman on TV) 'Oh, I suppose so.
'Like their first pair
of high-heeled shoes.'
I don't understand how you can
watch them all at the same time.
You know, Tommy,
you're really a freak.
I don't mean that unkindly.
I like freaks.
That's why I like you.
I really like you.
(Man on TV) 'People get too attached
to each other, things drag on.
'Scenes, tears.
Everything gets so maudlin.
'People should always behave as
though they were between planes.'
- 'Very sound, Mr Flannagan.'
- 'Face it...
"'He who loves and runs away
lives to love another day."'
(Mary-Lou) But it's not enough.
(Woman on TV) 'I must remember that.'
I don't know why
you're living with me. Oh!
- You don't need me.
- Yes, I do.
First we'll have a drink.
Then I'll have a bath.
And tomorrow,
we'll go to church.
It's all a little blurry.
Lord, I love gin.
- I can't go to church.
- Oh, come on, Tommy.
It's a real good church.
You won't feel out of place.
Makes me feel so good.
Gives me something to believe in.
Everybody needs that,
a meaning to life.
I mean, when you look out
at the sky at night,
don't you feel that
somewhere out there,
there's gotta be a god?
There's gotta be.
(♪ Sombre jazz violin)
They're so strange here,
the trains.
Damn cheap rinses.
You can come in, Tommy.
Don't be embarrassed.
Are you hiding out?
Well, then how come you told me
your name was Mr Sussex?
I didn't know you then.
- Are you married?
- Yes.
Thought so.
What's she like, your wife?
Is she like me?
No.
Didn't think so.
Well, I guess I'll do for now,
won't I?
We've handed song sheets out today
of an old English hymn,
which I'd like you all to try
and attempt to sing
for a friend of ours.
Stand, please.
(♪ Organ starts playing)
♪ And did those feet in ancient time
♪ Walk upon England's mountains green
♪ And was the holy Lamb of God
♪ On England's pleasant pastures seen
♪ And did the Countenance Divine
♪ Shine forth upon our clouded hills
♪ And was Jerusalem builded here
♪ Among these dark satanic... ♪
(♪ THE KINGSTON TRIO:
"Try To Remember")
♪ Try to remember
the kind of September
♪ When life was slow
and oh so mellow
♪ Try to remember
the kind of September
♪ When grass was green
and grain so yellow
♪ Try to remember
the kind of September
♪ When you were young
and a callow fellow
♪ Try to remember
and if you remember
♪ Then follow
♪ Follow... ♪
(Howling winds)
(Train whistle blares)
Tommy. Tommy, look. A train.
I like trains. I remember when
mama used to put us on the train.
I was about 10.
And we'd go to Oklahoma City
to visit granny.
The trains were really nice then.
They had concession stands
and they would sell, uh, magazines,
candy bars and sodas and...
Then, about six years later,
I rode the train again,
and the concession stands
were gone.
'There weren't too many people
on the train.'
There weren't any dining cars,
and the seats were all shabby.
It's a shame.
I used to like trains.
What do you want to take
a picture of that for?
For my scrapbook.
I love our rides in the country.
Don't you, honey?
(♪ Banjo music)
(♪ Banjo music stops suddenly)
- What?
- Nothing.
Pa! Look at that! Pa! Look!
(♪ Banjo music starts again)
Lord, I never knew
America was so beautiful.
This is beau-ti-ful.
How did you find this place?
- Shall we build the house here?
- The house?
Oh, yes, yes.
Definitely yes.
It's perfect.
It is perfect.
Perfect.
It's perfect.
You all right, Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy?
(Echoes) Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy! Arthur!
Arthur!
What was it? What did you see?
You saw something.
(Arthur) You all right, sir?
(Mary-Lou) We ought to get Mr Newton
back to the car. He's not a well man.
What was that?
Are you sure?
Tomorrow morning
I want you to start work
on a completely new project,
Mr Farnsworth.
I want the complete resources
of World Enterprises at my disposal.
What is the nature
of this project, Mr Newton?
You'll have to recruit
some new men.
Get yourself some sleep,
Mr Farnsworth.
Good night.
What does that mean?
- It's fantastic.
- What is?
Starting tomorrow,
we are embarking on some sort
of space programme.
Space programme? What for?
- I don't trust him.
- I don't trust you.
That doesn't alter my feeling for you.
Has he ever been wrong?
No, but he's a freak.
- What do you see in the cards?
- Nothing.
(Helicopter rotors)
(Chuckles)
Don't forget your bag.
- Hey, thanks. That was great.
- OK, sure.
- That all?
- That's it.
- Dr Bryce?
- Yeah.
Your car's right outside the gate.
- Dr Bryce?
- Yeah.
I've come to take you
to your laboratory and quarters.
Uh, I thought I was gonna work here.
It's not far, sir,
and it's much more comfortable.
I've been shuttled around so much
by this corporation,
I should be used to it by now.
- Is that Mr Farnsworth's house?
- No, sir. That belongs to Mr Newton.
I can't seem to get dry.
Mmm. I'm still wet.
- I've got something for you.
- Oh, yeah? What?
A present? You know
you don't buy people presents.
Call it a prize.
A prize? What for?
I don't know.
Come on. I'll show you.
What kind of prize?
- It's yours, Mary-Lou.
- Oh, my Lord!
Move over.
Oh, it's beautiful.
Let me look.
- Let me dry that.
- Hair's sticking up.
I know. You saw me looking
in that magazine, didn't you?
It's all dark.
I love you.
You're such a nice man.
- Mmm!
- No, I'm not.
Can you feel the touch?
Yeah, just...
(Moaning)
You want it puffy or tight?
- Puff it out a bit more.
- OK.
I don't know if it looks good tight.
These are hard to stick in.
- Mmm. Where, where, where?
- What?
- Here?
- What? Oh!
What?
(♪ Electronic music plays)
A new suit came in.
It's not your colour. It's blue.
- No.
- It's exactly the same style.
No, no.
- Damn it.
- No, I don't like it.
All right. Well, I'll send it back.
- Come on, you've had enough.
- I don't want to talk to anyone.
Tommy.
Tommy, what's happened to you?
What's happened to me?
What is this music Farnsworth
keeps sending me? I don't like it.
Some German composer.
I'd like to hear people singing.
Let's have... singing.
- Find some singing.
- People singing.
(♪ ROY ORBISON: "Blue Bayou")
♪ I feel so bad
I've got a worried mind...
Let's talk.
♪ I'm so lonesome all the time... ♪
Oh, don't turn on those damn TVs!
Come on, Tommy.
Talk to me!
Oh, I can't stand what's
happening to you, whatever it is.
Why don't you just tell me?
I hate...
No, I don't!
(Mixed audio signals
from TV sets)
(Man on TV) 'I love you.'
(TV) 'The court sentences
the aforementioned William Budd
'of the Royal Navy'
'to die by hanging on the first watch
of the day, following these proceedings.'
(Pilot) 'All right. Here we go.'
(Jet engines roar)
(Mixed voices on TV)
(Crowds shouting and jeering)
(Man) 'Up against the wall, mother...'
'Holy Moly!'
'Prisoner, have you anything to say?
'If you have nothing to say,
the sentence will be carried out.'
'You know
I'm looking for you, baby!'
'So we modified our body
and our engine
'and used someone
who didn't weigh much to drive,
'and we got 84 miles per gallon.'
'Wrong? This man is completely
insane! That's what's wrong.'
Get out of my mind, all of you!
(All TV sets blaring)
Leave my mind alone!
'By authority of His Gracious Majesty,
George Rex...'
'I'm putting the stick forward.'
Stay where you belong!
Go away,
back where you belong!
'God bless Captain Vere!'
Back where you came from.
'What the hell do you think
you're doing, you maniac?'
All of you!
(Phone rings)
Hello?
Mr Farnsworth.
Yeah, it's Bryce.
Is everything all right?
Well, uh, to tell you the truth,
I'm baffled.
I've been here for so long,
and I don't know
what I'm supposed to be doing.
Oh, uh, and Mr Farnsworth,
about this liquid gas problem,
'I really must tell you, I can't...'
I'm afraid I know nothing
about liquid gas, Dr Bryce.
What I've called to tell you is that
Mr Newton will be visiting you
the day after tomorrow.
Yes. Wednesday.
He will be able to answer
all of your questions.
No, I'm afraid...
he's away at the moment.
Ah. Well, thanks for calling,
Mr Farnsworth.
- Tomorrow, Dr Bryce.
- Huh? Who are you?
Don't be suspicious.
- Hmm?
- Mr Newton sent me to collect you.
This way, Dr Bryce.
Mr Newton has been away,
hasn't he?
Yes, sir.
He come in this morning.
Mr Newton is waitin', sir.
Dr Bryce? I'm Newton.
We've met before. I...
Mm-hmm.
How are you getting on?
Have you found your feet yet?
Well, not yet.
Not... not really.
Well, I'm here to help you.
I believe we share a common interest,
Mr Newton: photography.
Hmm. My interest is energy.
- Transference of energy.
- Oh.
- Transference of energy.
- Yes.
Well, I know it's gonna be very exciting
working with you.
I've looked forward
to meeting you.
I've thought about you
once or twice.
This is some kind
of space vehicle, right?
Well, what for?
Is it a solar probe?
I want you to think beyond that.
I want to show you this because
I value your contribution to my work.
Well, I'm not certain
what that's to be.
Fuel conservation, Dr Bryce.
It may be the key to our project.
- Ask me.
- What?
The question you've been wanting
to ask ever since we met.
Are you Lithuanian?
I come from England.
Oh, that's not so terrible.
Is this a weapon?
- A weapon?
- It's too small for interplanetary travel.
You assume that it's a weapon?
- Does that matter to you?
- Yeah.
If I thought that you were
building a weapon,
you were employing me to help you,
I'd have to quit the project.
Don't be so suspicious.
I know people think me
unnecessarily secretive.
If I were you,
I'd be secretive.
Would you be comfortable in here?
I think I'd last about 20 minutes.
And then?
I'd start screaming.
Wouldn't everyone?
Last night, I was watching television.
I saw these ex-astronauts.
Some of them are basket cases now.
Television.
The strange thing
about television is that...
it doesn't tell you everything.
It shows you everything
about life on Earth,
but the true mysteries remain.
Perhaps it's in the nature
of television.
Just waves in space.
- Do you trust me, Dr Bryce?
- I think so.
- That's not good enough.
- It's the best I can do.
Let's put it this way.
Uh, I want to.
Mr Newton, I'm kind of a cliché.
I'm the disillusioned scientist.
Like the cynical writer, the alcoholic actor
and the spaced-out spaceman.
A man like you wouldn't understand
a guy like me.
I'll try to, Dr Bryce.
Well, anyhow, uh...
"Per ardua ad astra."
I beg your pardon?
That's Latin.
- Latin?
- You must know that in England.
- Royal Air Force, their motto.
- Yes.
"Per ardua... ad astra."
"Through difficulties, to the stars."
(Peters) It's very hot today.
(Oliver) I appreciate your coming
all this way to see me.
Would you say we're getting close
to an understanding?
I'm afraid not, Mr Peters.
That's a pity.
We seem to have spent
so much time on this question.
You must understand,
World Enterprises sees itself as a loner,
a pioneer, if you will.
We have that get-up-and-go spirit.
Frankly, what you're suggesting
sounds like interference.
I beg you to reconsider,
Mr Farnsworth.
The world is ever-changing,
like our own solar system,
and a corporation the size of yours
has a duty to recognise that fact.
One must keep up,
Mr Farnsworth.
The way I see it,
Mr Peters, I'm way ahead.
It's going to be hard.
I'm concerned about
the recovery program.
Don't be.
"Don't be"?
Mr Newton, are you crazy?
(♪ Country & Western banjo)
(Indistinct radio transmission)
Same as before?
(TV) 'So many good and worthwhile
products from World Enterprises...'
Gin. Neat, no ice.
- Right?
- That's it.
(TV) 'We help you to a better life.
'WE Film turns a little moment
into a great event...'
(Distorted TV commentary)
'The colours are beautiful.
'The film is WE.
'It has to be.
'We do it for you.
Free camera with each 12-pack.
- 'A division of World Enterprises.'
- Turn it off.
'WE Film is self-loading,
self-focusing,
'self-exposing, self-developing,
no light necessary...'
- Is there a malfunction?
- No, I don't think so.
May I see it?
Sometimes it doesn't seem to work.
I gotta get some ice.
'And remember, don't throw
your WE camera away.
'If your camera should break,
drop it in your nearest WE litter bin.
'It will be recycled for you.
'World Enterprises works for you,
for us.
'It's a great partnership.
WE and US.
'World Enterprises
and the United States, together.'
'...the same cold front brought heavy snow
to the Rockies earlier this week.
'Hardest hit by the wet weather
have been the Southwestern states...
- May I look at it?
- Hmm? Oh, sure.
Seems to be all right now.
Why does the guy on the
WE commercial look like you?
Does he?
He's just a family man.
Our WE Products appeal to families.
Are you a family man?
- Where are they?
- They live in Los Angeles.
Why aren't you with them?
I'm separated from my wife,
but I see my daughter.
A man should spend time
with his family.
(Thunderclap)
(Man) In these circumstances,
we have to take action.
Well, I talked with Farnsworth.
He just cannot, or will not,
see it our way.
The problem with this corporation is
that it is technologically overstimulated.
And the economic trouble
stems from that fact.
Then you must go further.
They have to take a wider view.
What kind of measure
would you say is appropriate?
Well, we're flexible.
Something, uh, elastic.
But, remember,
we're not the mafia.
This isn't an archaic Italian joke.
We're determining
the social ecology.
This is modern America,
and we're going to keep it that way.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm. OK, OK.
Tell me. How long will it take
to complete the fuel tank?
You mean... to construct and all?
- Everything. How long?
- About 15 months.
That's too long.
It's too long.
Why? Why is it too long?
You put alcohol in my drink.
Fuck!
(Newton) You can stay on here.
The house is yours.
I've transferred enough
to your bank account.
I don't want the house or your money.
I want to be with you.
I can't explain it
to you completely.
But if I stay here...
...I shall die.
What do you mean?
Take me with you.
I'll see you don't die.
I can't stay.
You're an alien!
Do you know what would happen
if they found out your visa had expired?
You don't know.
How could you? You're simple.
You don't understand
how we live here.
Oh, come on, Tommy.
Don't go now.
Give us another chance.
You won't find
anyone else like me, you know.
You won't find anyone who'd do for you
like I've done for you.
It's your wife, isn't it?
I bet you she's no bloody good.
Ooh.
I don't care what you are
or who you are, I...
No! I can't let you go! Not now!
(Alarm ringing)
Oh, Tommy.
Tommy?
Tommy!
(Knocking)
Tommy?
Are you all right?
Are you all right?
Tommy, can you hear me?
- Tommy! Let me in!
- (Banging)
(Catch slides open)
(Screams)
(Groaning)
(Glass smashes)
I lifted you up once.
You must believe it, Mary-Lou.
(Screams)
Why?
Oh, why?
'Why? Why?'
(Mary-Lou) You must hate me.
No, I don't.
I don't hate anyone.
I can't.
Your wife's out there somewhere.
She's waiting for you, isn't she?
And your children,
they must miss their dad.
What are they like,
your children?
They're like children.
Exactly like children.
(Horses galloping)
(Gunshot echoes)
(Native American war cries)
(Gunshot)
(Gunshots)
Fuck!
(Switches off TV)
- Hello, Mr Newton.
- Hello, Dr Bryce. I'm glad you came.
I hoped you would.
I realise you've made
certain assumptions about me.
I can see the flash
of an X-ray camera.
- It's blinding.
- Why'd you come here?
Where I come from,
there's a terrible drought.
We saw pictures
of your planet on television.
We saw the water.
In fact, our word for your planet
means "Planet of Water".
You watched it all on television?
Where exactly do you come from?
Well, I'm not an astronomer, but...
Somewhere down there.
Are you the... the first?
The first what? Visitor?
There have always been visitors.
On my own planet
we found evidence of visitors.
- You must've seen them here.
- No, I don't think so.
Well, I've seen them.
I've seen their footsteps
and their places.
I've seen those things.
We've all seen them. That's for theorists.
- I'm a scientist.
- Well, I'm not a scientist.
But I know all things
begin and end in eternity.
What are you gonna do?
- You mean, Dr Bryce, what's in my mind?
- Yeah.
What's in your mind?
Don't worry.
I don't want to hurt you.
(Water dripping)
(♪ Classical orchestra playing)
Turn that down, will you, Trevor?
Would you like a drink?
No.
I don't like to see you like this.
Get out. Now.
Leave the company, Oliver.
We don't need Newton.
I feel sorry for him.
Sorry for him? Why?
Because he can't help it.
(Moaning)
Well, you know Mary-Lou's
still living in the house.
I've seen her a few times.
How is she?
She knows, doesn't she?
Mmm.
I trust you both.
(Newton) What's the time?
(Bryce) It's late, past midnight.
(Newton) Is time on my side?
(TV Reporter)
'This is a unique moment
'in the history of space exploration.
'Never before has one man planned
to travel single-handed to the stars.'
(Man #2) 'It isn't a question
of one man, Alan.
'It's the head of World Enterprises
himself manning the spacecraft.
'This has given rise to speculation
about possible repercussions.
'That is to say, if anything
should happen to Mr Newton...
'Over to our economics advisor
in Washington...'
(Mary-Lou) I don't want the money.
I want my Tommy.
- (Oliver) Here's the cheque, Mary-Lou.
- I don't want it.
No. No!
How do you feel about the progress
they're making here?
Well, I think it's quite fantastic.
It's a breakthrough, a real breakthrough.
(Man) There it is.
He's coming now toward the gate.
He's coming, surrounded
by his fellow men, his workers.
He seems to be in a jubilant state.
(Reporter) 'There's feeling that
Mr Newton's experiment is wasteful.'
- This is the amount.
- No! I don't want it!
(Reporter) '...result in any special
benefit to the nations of this Earth.'
(Clamour of voices)
I don't want it! I want Tommy!
(Clamour of shouting)
- Good luck. I wish I could go with you.
- Thank you.
Tommy! Oh!
(Reporter) '...Farnsworth as
to the purpose of Mr Newton's mission.
'All that anyone has yet said about it,
'and that was said by Mr Newton's
associate, Dr Nathan Bryce, was...'
I want Tommy.
I want him.
(Shouting and cheering)
(Reporter) Are you confident
that you'll be a success?
(Mary-Lou sobs)
(Reporter) '...all seems to heighten
the whole enigma of Mr Newton himself.
'This amazing man is not only
the owner of World Enterprises,
'but he's also the inventor
of its most exceptional products.
'Where he comes from is
as mysterious as where he's going...'
I've got an hour.
Take me back to the house.
(Reporter) '...he's the bearer
of a British passport.'
Thank you, Mary-Lou.
(Reporter) 'But from research by
my colleagues in the UK, it's unclear...'
I want Tommy. Tommy.
(Reporter) 'I hesitate to say this is
an important moment in our history,
'but it is certainly
an extraordinary one.
'There's no parallel to be found
with what this man is doing.
'It's difficult to compare him
with anyone. He is unique.
'We have all, strangely enough,
relied on Mr Newton, who is, after all...'
- How many does she take?
- Thirty-five.
Don't bother.
Oh...
(Sports radio blaring)
Arthur.
Arthur, can you hear me?
- Arthur!
- I haven't got the time now.
(Door intercom buzzes)
Hello, Mr Farnsworth.
Well, I knew it had to come.
It had to come, didn't it?
What are you doing?
What? Don't take my...
Those are my eyes!
Wait a minute now. Wait!
People will know! They'll talk!
Let me see you!
(Phone rings)
Stop a minute!
- There you go.
- (Oliver) No... more!
I won't believe it.
- Listen, I haven't got...
- Give me his other arm.
I haven't got the time. Wait!
It's not that different.
Won't you let me see your face?
(Man) Goddamn it.
- I'm sorry.
- Don't worry about it.
(Sports radio still blaring)
I've changed my mind.
(Man) There's nothing to worry about.
(Oliver) I know who you are!
Where are you taking me?
(Heartbeat pulsating)
Now we're gonna put
you guys to bed.
Here we go, big guy.
Oh. You got a kiss for your dad?
Huh?
OK.
I wonder if we do and say
the right things.
To the children?
No. Everything.
(TV) 'He's just been appointed
special advisor to the new administration
'on matters of economic development
in the chemical industry.
'Professor Canutti, are there
any major new developments
'that have taken place recently,
Professor?'
'Well, as we all know,
a giant corporation...'
- Good morning, Mr Newton.
- Good morning, Albert.
'...ran into financial difficulties.
The main reason for this was...'
- I feel so tired.
- How about a nice, refreshing martini?
'...relied on that two-headed monster:
innovation.
'The American consumer
can assimilate
- 'only so many new products...'
- Just the way you like it.
- Not too cold.
- 'And then no more.'
There.
Now, it's a beautiful day.
Oh...
(Sighs)
Oh, thank you, Arthur.
You know, if all of you drank less,
we'd get better results.
Take my advice, stick to mineral water.
Keep your perspective.
I'll talk to him.
I know he'll be all right.
I'm not sure. We've got a serious
unemployment problem on our hands.
The media are beginning
to hint at a... fraud.
People need reassuring.
And they've got a right to the facts.
- I understand, Mr Peters.
- I'm not quite sure you understand...
...how all this might affect you.
Nate. Help me, Nate.
Don't worry, Mr Newton.
You're perfectly normal.
(Newton) Help me, Nate!
(Bryce) I do. That's a fact.
That's a fact.
It's been such a long time, Nate.
Do you really think I look nice?
It's really good to get out, you know.
Have you seen him?
No, I, uh...
They're keeping us away from him.
'You have seen Calloway.
What are you two doing?'
'Well, they... they asked me
to help take him.
'I'm helping.'
(♪ Zither music from
"The Third Man")
- 'Poor Harry.'
- "'Poor Harry."
"'Poor Harry" wouldn't even lift
a finger to help you.'
Poor Tommy. We haven't
helped him much, have we?
I think maybe we have
a chance now. They...
They might let you, uh, see him.
Alone, that is.
I don't want him anymore.
I don't want to see him, hear him,
but he's still a part of me. That's a fact.
I don't want to hurt him anymore.
Poor Tommy's been hurt enough.
I know, but, well, I might be able
to arrange for you to talk to him.
Maybe you, uh...
you can save him.
Save him? From what?
Good evening, Mr Newton.
Would you take off
your pyjama jacket, please?
How long will I have
to stay in this place?
I have no idea. It probably depends
on why you're here.
I'm a surgeon.
This is just a little test.
Would you drop your trousers,
please?
I've told you everything.
- You're just gonna hurt me again.
- This won't hurt. Trust me. Hmm?
Nurse.
OK, Mr Newton.
Point your toes in, please.
OK. Take a nice, deep breath now.
OK, hold it.
- That's fine.
- I told you before, I came alone.
I came alone. Nobody saw me.
Oh, Tommy.
My sweet baby.
Oh, I never thought
I'd see you again.
Oh, you look so beautiful
to my eyes.
Oh!
- Do they know?
- Know what?
About you.
How did you get in here?
Through the front doors.
The double doors?
Where are you...
Where are you going?
(Grunting)
You never get sick.
What happens to you
when you drink?
I see things.
What things?
Bodies.
Bodies? Women?
- And men.
- Men!
Men?
Mmm! Bad boy!
I want it.
I've been dreaming of it.
Please.
Do you know what I think?
What?
I think...
you know too much about me.
What do you mean?
I can do anything...
now, you know.
I can kill you.
Right here on this bed.
Then I could phone room service.
And they'd... they'd take
your body away,
and then I'd have them
send up another girl.
Oh, Tommy. Tommy.
I just want it to be like it was.
Me, the two of us.
You. You.
The way you were.
That's the way I am!
It's too late, Mary-Lou.
I can't trust you.
Yes, you can. Yes, you can.
- Good-bye, Mary-Lou.
- No.
- Sleep well!
- No! No!
(♪ "Hello Mary-Lou")
♪ Hello, Mary-Lou...
Won't they come in?
The noise!
♪ Sweet Mary-Lou
I'm so in love with you...
No. They gave me the gun
and the blanks. I asked for them.
- I asked for you, and here you are.
- Oh. Ooh.
(Moaning)
(Mary-Lou) Please. Please.
♪ Flashed those big brown eyes
my way
♪ How I wanted you
♪ For ever more...
Bite it!
Why are they doing that,
giving you everything?
(She cackles)
They're not really giving me anything.
I'm paying. I'm...
- I'm rich!
- Yeah.
I can afford anything.
- Oh!
- You like that?
- (Newton) Push.
- Let me get up. Let me get up.
(Mary-Lou) Here, you shoot.
You shoot.
- Yes, higher. Come up here.
- I like that. Oh!
- (Newton) Yes.
- Please.
Oh, please, O noble sire.
Oh, that's good.
♪ Good-bye, heart
♪ Sweet Mary-Lou
I'm so in love with you...
(Mary-Lou) Oh, don't you...
♪ So, hello, Mary-Lou...
- (Mary-Lou) Oh. Ah!
- Yes.
(Mary-Lou) Say your prayers, boy.
Give me a kiss.
Mmm. Mmm.
(Ping-pong ball bouncing)
(Mary-Lou) You don't want to go back.
Not really.
You've got everything here.
Tell me one thing
that you have on your planet...
Whoo!
...that we don't have on ours.
Come on. Tell me one thing.
You don't have any money.
You don't have any water.
You don't have any grass.
You don't have any booze.
What do you want to go
back to a desert for?
If you want desert,
we got deserts here.
This country's rich.
We got everything.
All right.
I know.
Your wife and your family.
But by the time you get back,
they'll probably be dead.
I mean, how long is it gonna take you
to get back from here, Tommy?
How many years?
Light years, or whatever
you want to call 'em.
How many?
All I'm trying to say,
Tommy, is that...
if you could just prove
who you really are, you'd be free!
Don't you understand?
They don't understand you.
They don't believe you.
Believe me,
they think you're one of us.
They think
you're a freak or a fake.
I know you're not.
All you have to do
is just prove it to 'em.
Let 'em see you
as you really are.
Listen.
Nate could probably
make a deal for you.
I'll bet you
you could probably go back.
They'd probably let you go back.
I'm sure they would!
You could get into that little
rocket ship of yours and go back!
Huh?
No.
- What do you mean, no?
- No.
Come on, Tommy.
Show 'em.
Prove it to them.
Come on.
- Prove it.
- No, I don't want to. I've proved enough.
I've proved everything I'm gonna prove.
I've gone as far as I'm going.
I don't love you anymore.
And I don't love you.
You're gonna die like an animal.
Just an animal,
a stupid creature.
I want to give you something.
Here you are.
It's my last present.
It's the only thing
that's really mine to give.
I don't want it.
Why not?
It doesn't fit, Tommy.
It doesn't fit!
It doesn't fit!
(Sobbing)
Now we're going to take
some photographs of you.
- That's all right, Nurse.
- Very straightforward.
The first picture will be
a routine photo of your retinas.
That's for a simple identification
of your blood vessel pattern.
And the other is
an equally straightforward X-ray.
So we can see the ridges
on the inside of your occipital...
You don't understand.
The flash of an X-ray...
- (Doctor) This won't hurt at all.
- There's no flash with an X-ray.
- You can't see an X-ray.
- I can.
- I can see X-rays.
- Here, drink this.
I can see something.
Are you wearing contact lenses?
- I can see something inside there.
- Please don't hurt my eyes.
Tweezers, please.
No, you won't be able
to take them out.
I've been dealing with lenses
for 20 years. It won't hurt.
I'll do it.
Don't touch my eyes.
Give me the tweezers, please.
- Hand me the tweezers.
- No, I can't let you do it. I can't.
Give Mr Newton another drink.
Please don't do it.
Please. I beg you.
- Please don't be excited.
- Call Dr Bryce. He knows.
- Call him.
- I don't know who Dr Bryce is.
- I want to go home.
- Yes, yes, of course.
- I want to go home.
- Very soon now.
- Finish your drink.
- Please don't do it...
- All right, Doctor. When you're ready.
- Mary-Lou!
- I'm ready.
- Help me! Don't!
No. No!
They're stuck. They're stuck.
I'll never get them off.
(Tannoy) '20, 19,
'18, 17,
'16, 15,
'14, 13,
'12, 11...'
(Man) Can you imagine the cost?
Spaceships!
Why do they have to build
these things anyway?
- Stand by. Five seconds.
- It's such a waste when people...
- It's such a waste of money.
- Destruct!
(Bells chiming)
(Clock ticking)
(More clocks ticking)
(Ticking intensifies)
(Alarm bells ringing)
(Church bells pealing)
(♪ Orchestral version of
"Silent Night")
- I'd like another one, please.
- All right.
Honey, I'd like to try this.
(He chuckles)
Oh, I'll get it.
- How much, please?
- 26.86.
Thirty.
Change.
- Thank you. Merry Christmas.
- Uh-huh.
One...
Two. Want a drink?
Mmm. Why not?
Three.
Four.
Oh, shoot!
I believe Christmas
is less commercial this year.
I'd like to go someplace
for Christmas where it's real hot.
Tropical.
I guess I must be feeling the cold.
Could I listen to a track off this?
Yeah. Let me see.
Yeah, sure.
Come this way.
(Waiter) There you are.
Thank you.
Mr Newton?
- Nathan Bryce.
- That's right.
May I sit down?
Hmm? Go ahead.
Strangely enough, I was thinking
of you just the other day.
How did you find me?
Your record.
- Hmm?
- It took me a while, but I traced you.
- Did you like it?
- Not much.
Oh. Well, I didn't make it
for you anyway.
Who'd you make it for then?
For my wife.
She'll get to hear it one day.
On the radio.
We hear most everything
on the radio these days.
Do you see anything of Mary-Lou?
Not much.
I don't want her to get lonely.
She must still have enough money.
Don't you feel bitter about it,
everything?
Bitter? No.
We'd have probably treated you
the same if you'd come to our place.
Is there no chance then?
Of what?
Of course there's a chance.
You're the scientist, Dr Bryce.
You must know
there's always a chance.
Do you need money?
Let me know if you do, will you?
I may not see so well anymore.
I still have money.
- (Glass falls)
- Oh!
I think maybe Mr Newton
has had enough, don't you?
I think maybe he has.
Ah...
(♪ ARTIE SHAW: "Stardust")
(Thunderclap)
(Explosion)
(Grunting and groaning)
(Horn blares)
Hey, fella!
Come on. Hey. Come here.
Hey, fella. Come here.
(Alarm bell rings)
(♪ Jazz music playing)
(♪ LOUIS ARMSTRONG:
"Blueberry Hill")
♪ I found my thrill
♪ On Blueberry Hill
♪ On Blueberry Hill... ♪
- Can I help?
- Yes. I hope so.
I want to sell this.
Where'd you get this ring?
It's mine.
My wife gave it to me.
Look.
The initials are on the inside.
Yes?
"T. J. N."
Do you have your ID?
I'm British. I have a passport.
"Thomas Jerome Newton."
- This is not a pawnshop.
- I beg your pardon?
If I buy this ring now,
you can't redeem it later.
- Understand?
- I understand.
$20.00.
- $20.00?
- Take it or leave it.
(♪ Plays jazz)
Oliver?
Oliver.
Oliver, Mr Newton is here.
I'm Oliver Farnsworth.
Would you like a scotch and water
or something, Mr Newton?
Oh, a glass of water.
- Fine. Would you like a scotch?
- Yes, please.
Are you all right?
Just tired.
I'm sorry I didn't have time to see you
at my office today, Mr Newton.
I had hardly even 10 minutes.
(Phone rings)
What's this?
Some kind of bribe?
I'm paying you for your time.
As from now, I want at least
10 hours at $1,000 an hour.
Mr Newton, this kind of money buys
more than 10 hours even of my time.
What exactly do you want?
I want a lawyer
who's well versed in patents.
That's me.
Here.
Electronics.
Read the file.
(Phone rings)
May I keep it overnight?
I'm sorry,
I can't leave it with you.
It's not that I don't trust you.
All right, I'll read it.
If you want to put
a record on, Mr Newton,
music doesn't disturb me.
Oh, no, thank you.
Well, if there's anything you want,
just ask.
(Clock chimes)
(Police sirens)
(Buzzing and humming
of electronic machines)
(Oliver) 'I don't believe it.
'I can't believe it.
You have nine basic patents here.
'Nine.
'That's basic patents.
Do you know what that means?'
(Newton) 'Yes, I think so.'
(Oliver) 'Do you really?
I wonder.'
It means, Mr Newton,
that you can take RCA, Eastman Kodak
and DuPont, for starters.
In, say, three years,
what would this be worth to me?
I'm a lawyer, not an accountant,
Mr Newton.
But I'd say it must be
something in the area of...
$300 million.
- Not more?
- More?
- I need more.
- What the hell for?
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean it to sound like that.
It's just I'm trying
to adjust my mind to all this.
I'll offer you 10% of my net profits,
plus 5% of all corporate holdings.
I must think about it all.
I'll ask Trevor to take you home.
I don't drive.
Thank you.
I have my own driver waiting.
All night?
If you take this assignment,
you'll have complete authority, below me.
I don't want to have contact
with anyone except you.
When you take this position,
Mr Farnsworth,
you'll be able to replace
your antiquated sound equipment
and buy some of mine.
- Buy it?
- At cost, naturally.
(Oliver) 'Perhaps you're not
so different after all, Mr Newton.'
- Arthur, would you please slow down?
- We're only doin' 45, Mr Newton.
It's making me feel dizzy.
Keep to 30, please.
My father used to say,
"Oliver, when you get a gift horse,
"walk up to it, pat it,
quiet the animal down,
"and then, using both hands,
force open its jaws
"and have a damned good look
in its mouth."
I'd say that was good advice.
Yes.
But my father was always wrong.
(♪ Rock soundtrack over dialogue)
(♪ Tinkling percussive music)
(Blades swoosh)
Hello.
I just marked your paper.
How'd I do?
- Don't worry about it.
- I won't.
(Growling)
(Giggling and screaming)
(Laughter)
(Man) Oh, you! Aargh!
(Screaming and laughter)
Oh, shit!
Wait a minute. Wait a minute!
(Grunting)
(Groaning)
(Giggling)
(Blades swoosh)
(Grunting and moaning)
(Woman screaming)
Do you want to see
what they look like?
I don't believe this. No.
No, it's impossible.
(Girl) That one. Clever, isn't it?
(Oliver) 'It happened literally overnight.
'When Mr Newton
came into my apartment,
'my old life went
straight out the window.
'In no time at all,
I got a brand-new life, and I like it.
'Maybe I'm not my own boss
the way I used to be, but...
'So what?
'Oliver, you're the president of one
of the largest corporations in America.
('Chuckles')
'I'll tell you one thing.
It's never too late.
'I didn't think
a man could change at my age.
'I still can't believe it.'
Yes, that's possible.
We can do that.
Are you sure this is the right moment,
Mr Newton?
You know that this one
has virtually no bottom?
(Sighs heavily)
(♪ Soft piano melody)
(Seagulls squawk,
waves ebb and flow)
No. No.
I want you to begin negotiations
with Eastman Kodak immediately.
(Oliver) 'We've been together
a long time now,
'and I don't see why you'd even
consider selling off this division.'
Well, I mean, if I owned
a copyright on the Bible,
I wouldn't sell it to Random House.
It's what I want.
I'm on my way to New Mexico now.
I shall be staying at a hotel
near the border.
I can't tell you yet.
I'll be in touch.
Results are results, Nate,
and your class is way below par.
I have the computer statement
right here,
and er... it's kind of sad.
The campus computer, I gather?
- That damn thing doesn't have a mind.
- It's not meant to have a mind.
That's what makes it perfect
for this place, right?
The company that made
that self-developing film
that I showed you a while ago?
They've made this announcement.
They're dumping computers.
They're installing human beings.
- Oh, really?
- Want to know why?
They want to bring back human error
because that's the way you get new ideas,
by making mistakes.
Back to man and his imagination.
If you can't spot a piece of bullshit
commercial publicity when you hear it,
you're even more naive
than I thought.
Keep your mind on your job.
- That's my advice.
- That's your advice to me?
You're so fucking smug and ignorant,
you don't know what's going on.
- Oh, really?
- These kids are bored.
They're bored with you
and these fucking textbooks.
They're five years out of date.
I mean...
What they need is some real stimulus,
ideas to pursue.
Yes, well, we've had enough
of your pursuits.
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about the things
you pursue, Nate.
Young things.
I don't know, maybe it's your age.
You've become a novelty freak,
and you're not that young anymore.
You don't even get it, do you?
I'm younger than most of those kids.
They're already middle-aged
because that's what they're taught.
Well, I want out.
- That's the fact.
- Face the facts!
What the hell else
can you do now except teach?
Nothing.
Not a goddamn thing.
Why don't you go get a job
with that great company of yours?
I believe I will!
I believe you won't.
(♪ JOHN PHILLIPS:
"Boys From The South")
♪ All the boys from the South
play the guitar
♪ Dance to town, gonna sing
♪ They stand when a lady
enters the room
♪ They won't let her do a thing
♪ All the boys from the South
went to boarding schools
♪ It didn't hurt them none... ♪
Weird-lookin' one.
That's got a New York number.
Shall we check it?
- Yeah, might as well.
- Run an NCIC.
89 Artesia. 10-4.
Request NCIC check.
New York licence plate:
1-5-8, zebra, boy, boy.
Morning. How are you this morning?
Er... Sussex.
I have a reservation.
Oh, yes, Mr Sussex.
We've been expecting you.
Room 505, please.
Boy, that sure is a fancy-lookin' pen
you got there.
When shall I call for you, sir?
I'm not sure.
Sometime tomorrow. I'll let you know.
(Radio) '1-5-8, zebra, boy, boy.
New York...'
No. No, I'll take that.
- No, I'll take the stairs.
- It's five flights.
(Groans)
- Do you want me to go back...?
- No. Keep on going.
Oh! Oh, God!
Oh, God! God!
Oh! Oh. Oh.
Are you all right?
It's all right.
You're all right now.
We're on the fifth floor.
Oh, God!
Oh, Lord.
Oh. You're gonna be OK.
Oh. Oh.
Oh, Lord. This good?
You OK? Oh.
Oh.
(Train whistle blares)
Mister?
Mister? Mister?
Are you OK?
- Are you OK?
- I must have fainted.
Fainted?
I thought you were dead.
I'll call a doctor.
No, don't call a doctor.
(Retching)
(Groans)
Hello.
- You're not at all like my father.
- I'm glad about that.
You know, you're not a bit
like my father.
I'm glad about that.
You've got more little wrinkles.
You have a lot of lines
on your forehead and wrinkles.
(Distorted woman's voice)
'And things...'
And things.
- And more things.
- That's why you torment me.
- I'm probably older than your dad.
- Probably so.
That's why you tease me
so much, isn't it? Huh?
Well, I'm not a lecherous old man.
You're a lecherous little girl.
But no one would ever believe it!
Come on.
Nobody would ever believe you.
Fuckin' A!
Yeah! Yeah!
(Bryce) Professor Canutti...
Fuck Professor Canutti!
Fuck you!
(Bryce) 'Fuck you!'
Yeah! Yeah!
(Bryce) Fuck Canutti.
(Girl) 'Yeah.
Nobody would believe you.'
Do you think I could have
something to drink?
Are you sure you should drink?
- I'd like a glass of...
- Gin?
A nice gin and tonic,
with four cubes of ice
and a slice of lime.
- How's that sound, mister?
- Just a glass of water.
No, no. I'll get it.
Do you want me to go down
and get some medicine?
Maybe you should have
something with your water.
Some kind of pill maybe?
Just the water.
What's your name?
Sussex.
Erm... can I leave now?
I've got some cleaning to do.
I'll come back in a little while, OK?
You go ahead. I'm all right.
(Door closes)
And then, when I was 15,
I worked in this pharmacy
in a hospital,
delivering medicine to all the floors.
It was a real responsible job.
Boy, you're really hooked
on water, aren't you?
One of these days
you oughta try one of these.
Am I talking too much?
Maybe I oughta go.
Oh, Lord, it's after 3:00.
I guess you're tired.
Well, I'll just finish this up
and then...
And then?
And then I think
I'll have another one.
You know,
I really like you, mister.
What do you do?
For a living, I mean.
- Oh, I'm just visiting.
- Oh, a traveller!
- Could you help me up, please?
- Sure.
Oh!
You know, mister,
I don't think you get enough to eat.
If you don't mind
my saying so...
...I think you're too thin.
You're very thin.
You're too thin!
(Clatter)
Do you come from a city?
No, I come from the country.
Ah. I wish I lived in the country.
(Water flushes)
You know,
this is a very unhealthy place.
Water here is all polluted.
They put all kinds of chemicals in it
to keep people from gettin' sick.
A very unhealthy place.
I think it just takes getting used to,
that's all.
It sure does.
Anyway, I...
I wonder... if you'd mind,
Mary-Lou, if I rested now.
Lord, no.
I was just leaving anyway.
I'll come back and see you tomorrow,
if you want me.
I'd like to see you tomorrow.
Perhaps you could arrange
to bring me a television.
TV? Nothin' easier.
Well, I'll be seeing you then, Mr..
- Sussex.
- Sussex.
I don't know why, but I'll never
be able to remember that name.
Good night.
Good night.
Thank you, Mary-Lou.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
(Mary-Lou) 'They always seem
to lead such interesting lives,
'people who travel.
'People who write stories must lead
kind of interesting lives, too.
'I know I'll never be like
a character in a story.
'I'll just be like everybody else.
'Well, maybe, maybe, maybe.
I don't know.
'Maybe someday...'
(Oliver) 'There are now six subsidiaries
under the holding company.
'I don't know how accurate
you want the account figures,
'but they change hourly.
'Yes, we receive bank statements
on each company twice a day.'
I want the total figure by tomorrow.
Give it to me
to the nearest $50 million.
'And utilities dropped very slightly.
'The volume: 11,850,000 shares.
The average issue's up...'
The more secretive you are
about your life,
the more it arouses people's interest.
We've had some chemistry professor
from Chicago,
who's been calling and writing.
(Newton) 'That's not so terrible,
Mr Farnsworth.'
Why don't you talk to him?
Don't be unfriendly.
- Mary-Lou...
- (TV) '686 issues up. 568 down.'
My life is not secret, Mr Farnsworth,
but it is private.
(TV) 'Among the most actives today
is World Enterprises.
'Up five points on the day,
trading over 300,000 shares.
'Wall Street analysts
and company officials report
'they know of no reason
for the sudden interest...'
(Bryce) 'For a whole year
I concentrated equally on two things.
'Fucking and World Enterprises.
'It was neck and neck.
Well, I have to admit that I...
'It began to look like Canutti was right
because World Enterprises was evasive,
'they were slow to reply
to my persistent letters and calls.
'Suddenly, I got this letter
from Farnsworth.
'I'd landed a job in the research
department of the fuel division.
'Strangely, after that,
'I gradually began to lose my
interest in 18-year-olds.
'I don't know what happened to me.
I'm not sure.
'But my mind had developed
a libido of its own,
'and I didn't need the stimulation
of legs and so forth.
'The salary was terrific, too.
'It was three times
what I'd been getting.
'The first thing I did
is I ordered a French car.
'This upset Canutti
more than anything else!
'Last time I remember
feeling so exhilarated
'was 10 years back when I'd been
experimenting with heat photography.
'It came to nothing, of course,
because academia got in the way.
'But this time,
'I knew I was gonna be given
a proper chance.
'And you know, I knew that
because I had faith in myself.
'What I didn't know then
'was someone else
had faith in me as well.'
Dr Bryce, I'm Oliver Farnsworth.
Erm... I thought you
were based in New York.
New York?
Oh, er, not anymore.
I still keep an apartment there.
I've come to like it out here.
I think you will, too.
It's got a lot of...
...space.
That means freedom.
You know what I mean?
Yes, I do.
Then there's the job itself.
It will entail certain... er...
Well, you won't live in quite
the same way as you did before.
Of course, there's the salary.
- Another adjustment.
- I know this is what I want.
I hope so.
(All TV sets blaring)
(Woman on TV)
'I'm rather glad you're leaving tonight.'
- (Man on TV) 'You are?'
- 'Makes everything so much simpler.'
'That's the way it should be,
no involvements, no complications,
'no danger.'
'None at all.'
Hello, Tommy.
I got that white wine you like
from Reichman's.
It's not cold.
You want me to pour you a glass?
Why not?
(Man on TV) 'Most girls are
sentimental about their first love.'
(Woman on TV) 'Oh, I suppose so.
'Like their first pair
of high-heeled shoes.'
I don't understand how you can
watch them all at the same time.
You know, Tommy,
you're really a freak.
I don't mean that unkindly.
I like freaks.
That's why I like you.
I really like you.
(Man on TV) 'People get too attached
to each other, things drag on.
'Scenes, tears.
Everything gets so maudlin.
'People should always behave as
though they were between planes.'
- 'Very sound, Mr Flannagan.'
- 'Face it...
"'He who loves and runs away
lives to love another day."'
(Mary-Lou) But it's not enough.
(Woman on TV) 'I must remember that.'
I don't know why
you're living with me. Oh!
- You don't need me.
- Yes, I do.
First we'll have a drink.
Then I'll have a bath.
And tomorrow,
we'll go to church.
It's all a little blurry.
Lord, I love gin.
- I can't go to church.
- Oh, come on, Tommy.
It's a real good church.
You won't feel out of place.
Makes me feel so good.
Gives me something to believe in.
Everybody needs that,
a meaning to life.
I mean, when you look out
at the sky at night,
don't you feel that
somewhere out there,
there's gotta be a god?
There's gotta be.
(♪ Sombre jazz violin)
They're so strange here,
the trains.
Damn cheap rinses.
You can come in, Tommy.
Don't be embarrassed.
Are you hiding out?
Well, then how come you told me
your name was Mr Sussex?
I didn't know you then.
- Are you married?
- Yes.
Thought so.
What's she like, your wife?
Is she like me?
No.
Didn't think so.
Well, I guess I'll do for now,
won't I?
We've handed song sheets out today
of an old English hymn,
which I'd like you all to try
and attempt to sing
for a friend of ours.
Stand, please.
(♪ Organ starts playing)
♪ And did those feet in ancient time
♪ Walk upon England's mountains green
♪ And was the holy Lamb of God
♪ On England's pleasant pastures seen
♪ And did the Countenance Divine
♪ Shine forth upon our clouded hills
♪ And was Jerusalem builded here
♪ Among these dark satanic... ♪
(♪ THE KINGSTON TRIO:
"Try To Remember")
♪ Try to remember
the kind of September
♪ When life was slow
and oh so mellow
♪ Try to remember
the kind of September
♪ When grass was green
and grain so yellow
♪ Try to remember
the kind of September
♪ When you were young
and a callow fellow
♪ Try to remember
and if you remember
♪ Then follow
♪ Follow... ♪
(Howling winds)
(Train whistle blares)
Tommy. Tommy, look. A train.
I like trains. I remember when
mama used to put us on the train.
I was about 10.
And we'd go to Oklahoma City
to visit granny.
The trains were really nice then.
They had concession stands
and they would sell, uh, magazines,
candy bars and sodas and...
Then, about six years later,
I rode the train again,
and the concession stands
were gone.
'There weren't too many people
on the train.'
There weren't any dining cars,
and the seats were all shabby.
It's a shame.
I used to like trains.
What do you want to take
a picture of that for?
For my scrapbook.
I love our rides in the country.
Don't you, honey?
(♪ Banjo music)
(♪ Banjo music stops suddenly)
- What?
- Nothing.
Pa! Look at that! Pa! Look!
(♪ Banjo music starts again)
Lord, I never knew
America was so beautiful.
This is beau-ti-ful.
How did you find this place?
- Shall we build the house here?
- The house?
Oh, yes, yes.
Definitely yes.
It's perfect.
It is perfect.
Perfect.
It's perfect.
You all right, Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy?
(Echoes) Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy! Arthur!
Arthur!
What was it? What did you see?
You saw something.
(Arthur) You all right, sir?
(Mary-Lou) We ought to get Mr Newton
back to the car. He's not a well man.
What was that?
Are you sure?
Tomorrow morning
I want you to start work
on a completely new project,
Mr Farnsworth.
I want the complete resources
of World Enterprises at my disposal.
What is the nature
of this project, Mr Newton?
You'll have to recruit
some new men.
Get yourself some sleep,
Mr Farnsworth.
Good night.
What does that mean?
- It's fantastic.
- What is?
Starting tomorrow,
we are embarking on some sort
of space programme.
Space programme? What for?
- I don't trust him.
- I don't trust you.
That doesn't alter my feeling for you.
Has he ever been wrong?
No, but he's a freak.
- What do you see in the cards?
- Nothing.
(Helicopter rotors)
(Chuckles)
Don't forget your bag.
- Hey, thanks. That was great.
- OK, sure.
- That all?
- That's it.
- Dr Bryce?
- Yeah.
Your car's right outside the gate.
- Dr Bryce?
- Yeah.
I've come to take you
to your laboratory and quarters.
Uh, I thought I was gonna work here.
It's not far, sir,
and it's much more comfortable.
I've been shuttled around so much
by this corporation,
I should be used to it by now.
- Is that Mr Farnsworth's house?
- No, sir. That belongs to Mr Newton.
I can't seem to get dry.
Mmm. I'm still wet.
- I've got something for you.
- Oh, yeah? What?
A present? You know
you don't buy people presents.
Call it a prize.
A prize? What for?
I don't know.
Come on. I'll show you.
What kind of prize?
- It's yours, Mary-Lou.
- Oh, my Lord!
Move over.
Oh, it's beautiful.
Let me look.
- Let me dry that.
- Hair's sticking up.
I know. You saw me looking
in that magazine, didn't you?
It's all dark.
I love you.
You're such a nice man.
- Mmm!
- No, I'm not.
Can you feel the touch?
Yeah, just...
(Moaning)
You want it puffy or tight?
- Puff it out a bit more.
- OK.
I don't know if it looks good tight.
These are hard to stick in.
- Mmm. Where, where, where?
- What?
- Here?
- What? Oh!
What?
(♪ Electronic music plays)
A new suit came in.
It's not your colour. It's blue.
- No.
- It's exactly the same style.
No, no.
- Damn it.
- No, I don't like it.
All right. Well, I'll send it back.
- Come on, you've had enough.
- I don't want to talk to anyone.
Tommy.
Tommy, what's happened to you?
What's happened to me?
What is this music Farnsworth
keeps sending me? I don't like it.
Some German composer.
I'd like to hear people singing.
Let's have... singing.
- Find some singing.
- People singing.
(♪ ROY ORBISON: "Blue Bayou")
♪ I feel so bad
I've got a worried mind...
Let's talk.
♪ I'm so lonesome all the time... ♪
Oh, don't turn on those damn TVs!
Come on, Tommy.
Talk to me!
Oh, I can't stand what's
happening to you, whatever it is.
Why don't you just tell me?
I hate...
No, I don't!
(Mixed audio signals
from TV sets)
(Man on TV) 'I love you.'
(TV) 'The court sentences
the aforementioned William Budd
'of the Royal Navy'
'to die by hanging on the first watch
of the day, following these proceedings.'
(Pilot) 'All right. Here we go.'
(Jet engines roar)
(Mixed voices on TV)
(Crowds shouting and jeering)
(Man) 'Up against the wall, mother...'
'Holy Moly!'
'Prisoner, have you anything to say?
'If you have nothing to say,
the sentence will be carried out.'
'You know
I'm looking for you, baby!'
'So we modified our body
and our engine
'and used someone
who didn't weigh much to drive,
'and we got 84 miles per gallon.'
'Wrong? This man is completely
insane! That's what's wrong.'
Get out of my mind, all of you!
(All TV sets blaring)
Leave my mind alone!
'By authority of His Gracious Majesty,
George Rex...'
'I'm putting the stick forward.'
Stay where you belong!
Go away,
back where you belong!
'God bless Captain Vere!'
Back where you came from.
'What the hell do you think
you're doing, you maniac?'
All of you!
(Phone rings)
Hello?
Mr Farnsworth.
Yeah, it's Bryce.
Is everything all right?
Well, uh, to tell you the truth,
I'm baffled.
I've been here for so long,
and I don't know
what I'm supposed to be doing.
Oh, uh, and Mr Farnsworth,
about this liquid gas problem,
'I really must tell you, I can't...'
I'm afraid I know nothing
about liquid gas, Dr Bryce.
What I've called to tell you is that
Mr Newton will be visiting you
the day after tomorrow.
Yes. Wednesday.
He will be able to answer
all of your questions.
No, I'm afraid...
he's away at the moment.
Ah. Well, thanks for calling,
Mr Farnsworth.
- Tomorrow, Dr Bryce.
- Huh? Who are you?
Don't be suspicious.
- Hmm?
- Mr Newton sent me to collect you.
This way, Dr Bryce.
Mr Newton has been away,
hasn't he?
Yes, sir.
He come in this morning.
Mr Newton is waitin', sir.
Dr Bryce? I'm Newton.
We've met before. I...
Mm-hmm.
How are you getting on?
Have you found your feet yet?
Well, not yet.
Not... not really.
Well, I'm here to help you.
I believe we share a common interest,
Mr Newton: photography.
Hmm. My interest is energy.
- Transference of energy.
- Oh.
- Transference of energy.
- Yes.
Well, I know it's gonna be very exciting
working with you.
I've looked forward
to meeting you.
I've thought about you
once or twice.
This is some kind
of space vehicle, right?
Well, what for?
Is it a solar probe?
I want you to think beyond that.
I want to show you this because
I value your contribution to my work.
Well, I'm not certain
what that's to be.
Fuel conservation, Dr Bryce.
It may be the key to our project.
- Ask me.
- What?
The question you've been wanting
to ask ever since we met.
Are you Lithuanian?
I come from England.
Oh, that's not so terrible.
Is this a weapon?
- A weapon?
- It's too small for interplanetary travel.
You assume that it's a weapon?
- Does that matter to you?
- Yeah.
If I thought that you were
building a weapon,
you were employing me to help you,
I'd have to quit the project.
Don't be so suspicious.
I know people think me
unnecessarily secretive.
If I were you,
I'd be secretive.
Would you be comfortable in here?
I think I'd last about 20 minutes.
And then?
I'd start screaming.
Wouldn't everyone?
Last night, I was watching television.
I saw these ex-astronauts.
Some of them are basket cases now.
Television.
The strange thing
about television is that...
it doesn't tell you everything.
It shows you everything
about life on Earth,
but the true mysteries remain.
Perhaps it's in the nature
of television.
Just waves in space.
- Do you trust me, Dr Bryce?
- I think so.
- That's not good enough.
- It's the best I can do.
Let's put it this way.
Uh, I want to.
Mr Newton, I'm kind of a cliché.
I'm the disillusioned scientist.
Like the cynical writer, the alcoholic actor
and the spaced-out spaceman.
A man like you wouldn't understand
a guy like me.
I'll try to, Dr Bryce.
Well, anyhow, uh...
"Per ardua ad astra."
I beg your pardon?
That's Latin.
- Latin?
- You must know that in England.
- Royal Air Force, their motto.
- Yes.
"Per ardua... ad astra."
"Through difficulties, to the stars."
(Peters) It's very hot today.
(Oliver) I appreciate your coming
all this way to see me.
Would you say we're getting close
to an understanding?
I'm afraid not, Mr Peters.
That's a pity.
We seem to have spent
so much time on this question.
You must understand,
World Enterprises sees itself as a loner,
a pioneer, if you will.
We have that get-up-and-go spirit.
Frankly, what you're suggesting
sounds like interference.
I beg you to reconsider,
Mr Farnsworth.
The world is ever-changing,
like our own solar system,
and a corporation the size of yours
has a duty to recognise that fact.
One must keep up,
Mr Farnsworth.
The way I see it,
Mr Peters, I'm way ahead.
It's going to be hard.
I'm concerned about
the recovery program.
Don't be.
"Don't be"?
Mr Newton, are you crazy?
(♪ Country & Western banjo)
(Indistinct radio transmission)
Same as before?
(TV) 'So many good and worthwhile
products from World Enterprises...'
Gin. Neat, no ice.
- Right?
- That's it.
(TV) 'We help you to a better life.
'WE Film turns a little moment
into a great event...'
(Distorted TV commentary)
'The colours are beautiful.
'The film is WE.
'It has to be.
'We do it for you.
Free camera with each 12-pack.
- 'A division of World Enterprises.'
- Turn it off.
'WE Film is self-loading,
self-focusing,
'self-exposing, self-developing,
no light necessary...'
- Is there a malfunction?
- No, I don't think so.
May I see it?
Sometimes it doesn't seem to work.
I gotta get some ice.
'And remember, don't throw
your WE camera away.
'If your camera should break,
drop it in your nearest WE litter bin.
'It will be recycled for you.
'World Enterprises works for you,
for us.
'It's a great partnership.
WE and US.
'World Enterprises
and the United States, together.'
'...the same cold front brought heavy snow
to the Rockies earlier this week.
'Hardest hit by the wet weather
have been the Southwestern states...
- May I look at it?
- Hmm? Oh, sure.
Seems to be all right now.
Why does the guy on the
WE commercial look like you?
Does he?
He's just a family man.
Our WE Products appeal to families.
Are you a family man?
- Where are they?
- They live in Los Angeles.
Why aren't you with them?
I'm separated from my wife,
but I see my daughter.
A man should spend time
with his family.
(Thunderclap)
(Man) In these circumstances,
we have to take action.
Well, I talked with Farnsworth.
He just cannot, or will not,
see it our way.
The problem with this corporation is
that it is technologically overstimulated.
And the economic trouble
stems from that fact.
Then you must go further.
They have to take a wider view.
What kind of measure
would you say is appropriate?
Well, we're flexible.
Something, uh, elastic.
But, remember,
we're not the mafia.
This isn't an archaic Italian joke.
We're determining
the social ecology.
This is modern America,
and we're going to keep it that way.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm. OK, OK.
Tell me. How long will it take
to complete the fuel tank?
You mean... to construct and all?
- Everything. How long?
- About 15 months.
That's too long.
It's too long.
Why? Why is it too long?
You put alcohol in my drink.
Fuck!
(Newton) You can stay on here.
The house is yours.
I've transferred enough
to your bank account.
I don't want the house or your money.
I want to be with you.
I can't explain it
to you completely.
But if I stay here...
...I shall die.
What do you mean?
Take me with you.
I'll see you don't die.
I can't stay.
You're an alien!
Do you know what would happen
if they found out your visa had expired?
You don't know.
How could you? You're simple.
You don't understand
how we live here.
Oh, come on, Tommy.
Don't go now.
Give us another chance.
You won't find
anyone else like me, you know.
You won't find anyone who'd do for you
like I've done for you.
It's your wife, isn't it?
I bet you she's no bloody good.
Ooh.
I don't care what you are
or who you are, I...
No! I can't let you go! Not now!
(Alarm ringing)
Oh, Tommy.
Tommy?
Tommy!
(Knocking)
Tommy?
Are you all right?
Are you all right?
Tommy, can you hear me?
- Tommy! Let me in!
- (Banging)
(Catch slides open)
(Screams)
(Groaning)
(Glass smashes)
I lifted you up once.
You must believe it, Mary-Lou.
(Screams)
Why?
Oh, why?
'Why? Why?'
(Mary-Lou) You must hate me.
No, I don't.
I don't hate anyone.
I can't.
Your wife's out there somewhere.
She's waiting for you, isn't she?
And your children,
they must miss their dad.
What are they like,
your children?
They're like children.
Exactly like children.
(Horses galloping)
(Gunshot echoes)
(Native American war cries)
(Gunshot)
(Gunshots)
Fuck!
(Switches off TV)
- Hello, Mr Newton.
- Hello, Dr Bryce. I'm glad you came.
I hoped you would.
I realise you've made
certain assumptions about me.
I can see the flash
of an X-ray camera.
- It's blinding.
- Why'd you come here?
Where I come from,
there's a terrible drought.
We saw pictures
of your planet on television.
We saw the water.
In fact, our word for your planet
means "Planet of Water".
You watched it all on television?
Where exactly do you come from?
Well, I'm not an astronomer, but...
Somewhere down there.
Are you the... the first?
The first what? Visitor?
There have always been visitors.
On my own planet
we found evidence of visitors.
- You must've seen them here.
- No, I don't think so.
Well, I've seen them.
I've seen their footsteps
and their places.
I've seen those things.
We've all seen them. That's for theorists.
- I'm a scientist.
- Well, I'm not a scientist.
But I know all things
begin and end in eternity.
What are you gonna do?
- You mean, Dr Bryce, what's in my mind?
- Yeah.
What's in your mind?
Don't worry.
I don't want to hurt you.
(Water dripping)
(♪ Classical orchestra playing)
Turn that down, will you, Trevor?
Would you like a drink?
No.
I don't like to see you like this.
Get out. Now.
Leave the company, Oliver.
We don't need Newton.
I feel sorry for him.
Sorry for him? Why?
Because he can't help it.
(Moaning)
Well, you know Mary-Lou's
still living in the house.
I've seen her a few times.
How is she?
She knows, doesn't she?
Mmm.
I trust you both.
(Newton) What's the time?
(Bryce) It's late, past midnight.
(Newton) Is time on my side?
(TV Reporter)
'This is a unique moment
'in the history of space exploration.
'Never before has one man planned
to travel single-handed to the stars.'
(Man #2) 'It isn't a question
of one man, Alan.
'It's the head of World Enterprises
himself manning the spacecraft.
'This has given rise to speculation
about possible repercussions.
'That is to say, if anything
should happen to Mr Newton...
'Over to our economics advisor
in Washington...'
(Mary-Lou) I don't want the money.
I want my Tommy.
- (Oliver) Here's the cheque, Mary-Lou.
- I don't want it.
No. No!
How do you feel about the progress
they're making here?
Well, I think it's quite fantastic.
It's a breakthrough, a real breakthrough.
(Man) There it is.
He's coming now toward the gate.
He's coming, surrounded
by his fellow men, his workers.
He seems to be in a jubilant state.
(Reporter) 'There's feeling that
Mr Newton's experiment is wasteful.'
- This is the amount.
- No! I don't want it!
(Reporter) '...result in any special
benefit to the nations of this Earth.'
(Clamour of voices)
I don't want it! I want Tommy!
(Clamour of shouting)
- Good luck. I wish I could go with you.
- Thank you.
Tommy! Oh!
(Reporter) '...Farnsworth as
to the purpose of Mr Newton's mission.
'All that anyone has yet said about it,
'and that was said by Mr Newton's
associate, Dr Nathan Bryce, was...'
I want Tommy.
I want him.
(Shouting and cheering)
(Reporter) Are you confident
that you'll be a success?
(Mary-Lou sobs)
(Reporter) '...all seems to heighten
the whole enigma of Mr Newton himself.
'This amazing man is not only
the owner of World Enterprises,
'but he's also the inventor
of its most exceptional products.
'Where he comes from is
as mysterious as where he's going...'
I've got an hour.
Take me back to the house.
(Reporter) '...he's the bearer
of a British passport.'
Thank you, Mary-Lou.
(Reporter) 'But from research by
my colleagues in the UK, it's unclear...'
I want Tommy. Tommy.
(Reporter) 'I hesitate to say this is
an important moment in our history,
'but it is certainly
an extraordinary one.
'There's no parallel to be found
with what this man is doing.
'It's difficult to compare him
with anyone. He is unique.
'We have all, strangely enough,
relied on Mr Newton, who is, after all...'
- How many does she take?
- Thirty-five.
Don't bother.
Oh...
(Sports radio blaring)
Arthur.
Arthur, can you hear me?
- Arthur!
- I haven't got the time now.
(Door intercom buzzes)
Hello, Mr Farnsworth.
Well, I knew it had to come.
It had to come, didn't it?
What are you doing?
What? Don't take my...
Those are my eyes!
Wait a minute now. Wait!
People will know! They'll talk!
Let me see you!
(Phone rings)
Stop a minute!
- There you go.
- (Oliver) No... more!
I won't believe it.
- Listen, I haven't got...
- Give me his other arm.
I haven't got the time. Wait!
It's not that different.
Won't you let me see your face?
(Man) Goddamn it.
- I'm sorry.
- Don't worry about it.
(Sports radio still blaring)
I've changed my mind.
(Man) There's nothing to worry about.
(Oliver) I know who you are!
Where are you taking me?
(Heartbeat pulsating)
Now we're gonna put
you guys to bed.
Here we go, big guy.
Oh. You got a kiss for your dad?
Huh?
OK.
I wonder if we do and say
the right things.
To the children?
No. Everything.
(TV) 'He's just been appointed
special advisor to the new administration
'on matters of economic development
in the chemical industry.
'Professor Canutti, are there
any major new developments
'that have taken place recently,
Professor?'
'Well, as we all know,
a giant corporation...'
- Good morning, Mr Newton.
- Good morning, Albert.
'...ran into financial difficulties.
The main reason for this was...'
- I feel so tired.
- How about a nice, refreshing martini?
'...relied on that two-headed monster:
innovation.
'The American consumer
can assimilate
- 'only so many new products...'
- Just the way you like it.
- Not too cold.
- 'And then no more.'
There.
Now, it's a beautiful day.
Oh...
(Sighs)
Oh, thank you, Arthur.
You know, if all of you drank less,
we'd get better results.
Take my advice, stick to mineral water.
Keep your perspective.
I'll talk to him.
I know he'll be all right.
I'm not sure. We've got a serious
unemployment problem on our hands.
The media are beginning
to hint at a... fraud.
People need reassuring.
And they've got a right to the facts.
- I understand, Mr Peters.
- I'm not quite sure you understand...
...how all this might affect you.
Nate. Help me, Nate.
Don't worry, Mr Newton.
You're perfectly normal.
(Newton) Help me, Nate!
(Bryce) I do. That's a fact.
That's a fact.
It's been such a long time, Nate.
Do you really think I look nice?
It's really good to get out, you know.
Have you seen him?
No, I, uh...
They're keeping us away from him.
'You have seen Calloway.
What are you two doing?'
'Well, they... they asked me
to help take him.
'I'm helping.'
(♪ Zither music from
"The Third Man")
- 'Poor Harry.'
- "'Poor Harry."
"'Poor Harry" wouldn't even lift
a finger to help you.'
Poor Tommy. We haven't
helped him much, have we?
I think maybe we have
a chance now. They...
They might let you, uh, see him.
Alone, that is.
I don't want him anymore.
I don't want to see him, hear him,
but he's still a part of me. That's a fact.
I don't want to hurt him anymore.
Poor Tommy's been hurt enough.
I know, but, well, I might be able
to arrange for you to talk to him.
Maybe you, uh...
you can save him.
Save him? From what?
Good evening, Mr Newton.
Would you take off
your pyjama jacket, please?
How long will I have
to stay in this place?
I have no idea. It probably depends
on why you're here.
I'm a surgeon.
This is just a little test.
Would you drop your trousers,
please?
I've told you everything.
- You're just gonna hurt me again.
- This won't hurt. Trust me. Hmm?
Nurse.
OK, Mr Newton.
Point your toes in, please.
OK. Take a nice, deep breath now.
OK, hold it.
- That's fine.
- I told you before, I came alone.
I came alone. Nobody saw me.
Oh, Tommy.
My sweet baby.
Oh, I never thought
I'd see you again.
Oh, you look so beautiful
to my eyes.
Oh!
- Do they know?
- Know what?
About you.
How did you get in here?
Through the front doors.
The double doors?
Where are you...
Where are you going?
(Grunting)
You never get sick.
What happens to you
when you drink?
I see things.
What things?
Bodies.
Bodies? Women?
- And men.
- Men!
Men?
Mmm! Bad boy!
I want it.
I've been dreaming of it.
Please.
Do you know what I think?
What?
I think...
you know too much about me.
What do you mean?
I can do anything...
now, you know.
I can kill you.
Right here on this bed.
Then I could phone room service.
And they'd... they'd take
your body away,
and then I'd have them
send up another girl.
Oh, Tommy. Tommy.
I just want it to be like it was.
Me, the two of us.
You. You.
The way you were.
That's the way I am!
It's too late, Mary-Lou.
I can't trust you.
Yes, you can. Yes, you can.
- Good-bye, Mary-Lou.
- No.
- Sleep well!
- No! No!
(♪ "Hello Mary-Lou")
♪ Hello, Mary-Lou...
Won't they come in?
The noise!
♪ Sweet Mary-Lou
I'm so in love with you...
No. They gave me the gun
and the blanks. I asked for them.
- I asked for you, and here you are.
- Oh. Ooh.
(Moaning)
(Mary-Lou) Please. Please.
♪ Flashed those big brown eyes
my way
♪ How I wanted you
♪ For ever more...
Bite it!
Why are they doing that,
giving you everything?
(She cackles)
They're not really giving me anything.
I'm paying. I'm...
- I'm rich!
- Yeah.
I can afford anything.
- Oh!
- You like that?
- (Newton) Push.
- Let me get up. Let me get up.
(Mary-Lou) Here, you shoot.
You shoot.
- Yes, higher. Come up here.
- I like that. Oh!
- (Newton) Yes.
- Please.
Oh, please, O noble sire.
Oh, that's good.
♪ Good-bye, heart
♪ Sweet Mary-Lou
I'm so in love with you...
(Mary-Lou) Oh, don't you...
♪ So, hello, Mary-Lou...
- (Mary-Lou) Oh. Ah!
- Yes.
(Mary-Lou) Say your prayers, boy.
Give me a kiss.
Mmm. Mmm.
(Ping-pong ball bouncing)
(Mary-Lou) You don't want to go back.
Not really.
You've got everything here.
Tell me one thing
that you have on your planet...
Whoo!
...that we don't have on ours.
Come on. Tell me one thing.
You don't have any money.
You don't have any water.
You don't have any grass.
You don't have any booze.
What do you want to go
back to a desert for?
If you want desert,
we got deserts here.
This country's rich.
We got everything.
All right.
I know.
Your wife and your family.
But by the time you get back,
they'll probably be dead.
I mean, how long is it gonna take you
to get back from here, Tommy?
How many years?
Light years, or whatever
you want to call 'em.
How many?
All I'm trying to say,
Tommy, is that...
if you could just prove
who you really are, you'd be free!
Don't you understand?
They don't understand you.
They don't believe you.
Believe me,
they think you're one of us.
They think
you're a freak or a fake.
I know you're not.
All you have to do
is just prove it to 'em.
Let 'em see you
as you really are.
Listen.
Nate could probably
make a deal for you.
I'll bet you
you could probably go back.
They'd probably let you go back.
I'm sure they would!
You could get into that little
rocket ship of yours and go back!
Huh?
No.
- What do you mean, no?
- No.
Come on, Tommy.
Show 'em.
Prove it to them.
Come on.
- Prove it.
- No, I don't want to. I've proved enough.
I've proved everything I'm gonna prove.
I've gone as far as I'm going.
I don't love you anymore.
And I don't love you.
You're gonna die like an animal.
Just an animal,
a stupid creature.
I want to give you something.
Here you are.
It's my last present.
It's the only thing
that's really mine to give.
I don't want it.
Why not?
It doesn't fit, Tommy.
It doesn't fit!
It doesn't fit!
(Sobbing)
Now we're going to take
some photographs of you.
- That's all right, Nurse.
- Very straightforward.
The first picture will be
a routine photo of your retinas.
That's for a simple identification
of your blood vessel pattern.
And the other is
an equally straightforward X-ray.
So we can see the ridges
on the inside of your occipital...
You don't understand.
The flash of an X-ray...
- (Doctor) This won't hurt at all.
- There's no flash with an X-ray.
- You can't see an X-ray.
- I can.
- I can see X-rays.
- Here, drink this.
I can see something.
Are you wearing contact lenses?
- I can see something inside there.
- Please don't hurt my eyes.
Tweezers, please.
No, you won't be able
to take them out.
I've been dealing with lenses
for 20 years. It won't hurt.
I'll do it.
Don't touch my eyes.
Give me the tweezers, please.
- Hand me the tweezers.
- No, I can't let you do it. I can't.
Give Mr Newton another drink.
Please don't do it.
Please. I beg you.
- Please don't be excited.
- Call Dr Bryce. He knows.
- Call him.
- I don't know who Dr Bryce is.
- I want to go home.
- Yes, yes, of course.
- I want to go home.
- Very soon now.
- Finish your drink.
- Please don't do it...
- All right, Doctor. When you're ready.
- Mary-Lou!
- I'm ready.
- Help me! Don't!
No. No!
They're stuck. They're stuck.
I'll never get them off.
(Tannoy) '20, 19,
'18, 17,
'16, 15,
'14, 13,
'12, 11...'
(Man) Can you imagine the cost?
Spaceships!
Why do they have to build
these things anyway?
- Stand by. Five seconds.
- It's such a waste when people...
- It's such a waste of money.
- Destruct!
(Bells chiming)
(Clock ticking)
(More clocks ticking)
(Ticking intensifies)
(Alarm bells ringing)
(Church bells pealing)
(♪ Orchestral version of
"Silent Night")
- I'd like another one, please.
- All right.
Honey, I'd like to try this.
(He chuckles)
Oh, I'll get it.
- How much, please?
- 26.86.
Thirty.
Change.
- Thank you. Merry Christmas.
- Uh-huh.
One...
Two. Want a drink?
Mmm. Why not?
Three.
Four.
Oh, shoot!
I believe Christmas
is less commercial this year.
I'd like to go someplace
for Christmas where it's real hot.
Tropical.
I guess I must be feeling the cold.
Could I listen to a track off this?
Yeah. Let me see.
Yeah, sure.
Come this way.
(Waiter) There you are.
Thank you.
Mr Newton?
- Nathan Bryce.
- That's right.
May I sit down?
Hmm? Go ahead.
Strangely enough, I was thinking
of you just the other day.
How did you find me?
Your record.
- Hmm?
- It took me a while, but I traced you.
- Did you like it?
- Not much.
Oh. Well, I didn't make it
for you anyway.
Who'd you make it for then?
For my wife.
She'll get to hear it one day.
On the radio.
We hear most everything
on the radio these days.
Do you see anything of Mary-Lou?
Not much.
I don't want her to get lonely.
She must still have enough money.
Don't you feel bitter about it,
everything?
Bitter? No.
We'd have probably treated you
the same if you'd come to our place.
Is there no chance then?
Of what?
Of course there's a chance.
You're the scientist, Dr Bryce.
You must know
there's always a chance.
Do you need money?
Let me know if you do, will you?
I may not see so well anymore.
I still have money.
- (Glass falls)
- Oh!
I think maybe Mr Newton
has had enough, don't you?
I think maybe he has.
Ah...
(♪ ARTIE SHAW: "Stardust")