Midnight Warrior (1989) - full transcript
A TV news cameraman, hailed as a hero for pulling a woman from a burning car, finds that his ratings-hungry boss is deliberately placing him in dangerous situations in a quest for even more ratings.
[music playing]
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO): Unit 7,
19, and 63, robbery in progress
of Night Time Liquor Store.
13544 8th and Magnolia.
Suspects are black, male,
40s, armed and dangerous.
Approach code 9.
SAM: That sounds good to me.
NICK: Come on, Sam.
We can do better than that.
It's a bullshit call.
We don't even know
if the guy's dead.
SAM: It's the best thing
that's come through in hours.
NICK: Some old men in a liquor
store taking a few bullets?
Who gives a shit about that?
The majors won't bite.
You couldn't even get 25
a pop from cable news.
I'm holding' for a sure sell.
[inaudible]
SAM: Nick, what the
hell do you want?
NICK: Shh.
Quiet.
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO): Unit 15.
Unit 15.
Two-alarm fire out of
Hollywood [inaudible]
Station number 41 responding.
SAM: That sounds good.
NICK: Wait a minute.
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO):
No entries on scene.
Fire in abandoned building.
NICK: There, you see?
Now, who's going to buy shots
of an empty building burning?
Huh?
Sam?
Nobody.
That's who.
It's gotta be big, Sam.
Just be patient.
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO): Unit 15
and all others in the vicinity,
chopper at 267
Hollywood Boulevard
requests backup and assistance.
Please respond no sirens.
[inaudible] in progress,
267 Hollywood Boulevard.
I repeat, no sirens.
SAM: For Christ sakes, that's
right around the corner.
Is that good enough?
NICK: Let's move.
Come on, bitch, jump.
[music playing]
WOMAN: Stop right there.
Don't come any closer.
What is wrong with you?
Are you stupid?
I said, stop.
All right.
It's OK.
Now, just try and
relax, all right?
Just like the rest of them.
Why doesn't anyone
want to listen?
I'm Sorry
What are you, a cop?
NICK: No, I'm with the news.
So I-- I'm going to be on TV?
Maybe.
WOMAN: They said they'd
put me in a movie.
My husband didn't believe them.
I believed them.
That's why I did it.
What did you do?
I was alone with him.
All I wanted was to
be on television.
[laughs]
ONLOOKER: Show us those tits.
I wanted my kids to
see me on television.
They lied to me.
They all lie.
What are you doing?
Nothing, I--
You got closer.
No, I didn't.
Yes, you did.
Is that camera on?
No.
It's off.
WOMAN: Liar.
Liar.
I can see the red light.
All right, look.
The camera's down.
All right?
It's off.
Just like them.
You're just like all of them.
Bunch of liars.
No, I'm not.
Look, I just want to help you.
You want to help me?
Come here and push me.
See?
You don't want to help me.
NICK: Look, whatever it is,
whatever happened to you,
it's not this bad.
Oh, really?
They tied me up, and
then they took turns.
They said they were going
to put me in a movie.
They said they were going
to put me on television.
Was five guys.
Young, old, white,
black, for seven hours.
They were fucking
me for seven hours.
I was bleeding for
the last two hours.
And then they showed it back.
And with me tied up,
they-- they played
it back on their big screen.
They yelled, hey, honey.
Look, we put you on television.
Now, we got something
to remember you by.
And they laughed and laughed.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
You gonna help me, or not?
'Cause if you're not
going to help me,
you might as well
put your camera
back on because
I'm going to give
those bastards another chance to
see me on their big screen TV.
I'd rather have them
remember me this way.
It was nice meeting you.
NICK: Oh god, no!
No!
[crowd yelling]
Oh, Jesus.
[police radio]
Hey, did you get anything?
Did you get the
start of the fall?
Come on, talk to me,
for Christ's sake.
Did you get something?
No, I didn't.
What the hell you
been doing up there?
I got some great stuff of
her cracking to the ground.
My god, If you had something we
could splice it together with,
[inaudible] be perfect--
(YELLING) I don't.
HUSBAND: Sorry, gentlemen,
I heard you to talking.
I hope you can help me.
We're a little bit
busy now, buddy.
We got problems here.
The woman, she was my wife.
Hey, I'm really sorry--
I saw you.
I saw you were filming.
What will you do with the tape?
- That's our business.
Come on.
Give him a break.
I didn't say anything.
We sell footage
to the networks,
and since we're the only ones
here, they buy it from us.
No, please.
You can't.
The children, I can't
let them see this.
Please.
Give him the tapes, man.
Ah, you must be crazy.
I'll pay you whatever
you get for it.
What the hell you doing?
Get out of here.
Thank you.
What the hell, are you stupid?
I don't bust my ass in
this hell hole for nothing.
You get off of me.
Now, if you had been
there and heard her,
you would've done
the same thing.
Oh, yeah?
Well, the hell I would've.
Listen, kid, you can't take it?
Get the hell out.
I'm thinking about it, Sam.
I've been thinking about it.
Pick up my shit.
Pick up your own shit.3
What else did she say to you?
It's just like I told you.
That she wanted to be on TV?
Yeah
Did she mention
the guy's name?
No.
OK.
Well, let's look at the footage.
Well, I didn't
shoot any footage.
Oh, come on, Nick.
Give me a break.
Look, even if I did, I
wouldn't show it to you.
I mean, where the
hell were you, anyway?
She's not the only psycho
in this city you know.
Go on.
Get out of here.
Nick?
What?
You really did try to
save her, didn't you?
Well, what's the difference?
It didn't do any a good.
[tape rewinding]
Hey, what the hell's that?
Oh, I got a few seconds with
the woman before she jumped.
I thought you said
you got nothing.
It's almost nothing.
Ah, For christ sakes, Nicks,
that just enough to piece
together with what I got.
Oh, jeeze.
You know, I got a real sick
feeling that you just gave
away the store, Santa Claus.
WOMAN (ON TAPE): So,
I'm going to be on TV?
DISPATCHER (ON
RADIO): Unit 19 4 34,
we have a hostage situation
at the corner of--
Come on.
Let's see if we can get
something out of this.
You think we can try this
one without giving it away?
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO):
Code 3, the man is armed.
Shut up, Sam.
Yeah.
[music playing]
Where's my wife?
I'll kill her.
I swear to god, I'll kill her.
Where's my wife?
Hey, Johnson, is
this guy for real?
If you're asking me if
I think he'll shoot,
I'd have to say yes.
You get any background
on this wacko?
The hell's he doing
with this broad, anyway?
What'd she do, put too much
garlic in his sauce, or what?
He's been fucking this waitress.
His wife finds out, tells
him she's taking the kids
and moving back to Palermo.
And Jaime Roth is
pissed at Michael
for mussling Mo
Green out of the drop
because he slapped
Freddie around.
Jeeze.
What's the situation now?
Ah, we sent a
car for his wife.
He says he won't let girl
go until he can apologize
for being so disrespectful.
Gotta be kidding me.
Hell are we doing here?
This guy needs a fucking priest.
[laughs] A few Hail
Marrys, he'll be fine.
MAN: Where's My wife?
Gloria.
Gloria.
Christ, what took you so long?
Jimmy.
Don't get any closer.
It's too dangerous.
He won't shoot me.
All right.
Go in there and talk
to him, but be calm.
Don't get him nervous.
- All right.
I won't upset him.
All right.
Don't want anybody getting hurt.
You get a clear shot at him,
shoot the son of a bitch.
Yes, sir.
All right.
I'm here.
What do you want?
You understand what happened?
Look, I understand.
Let her go.
We're going to go home.
We're going to talk
about this, OK?
- Let me explain.
- Explain?
Explain?
What the fuck is
here to explain?
Well, what the fuck
do you want from me?
I work all day long
like an animal.
All you do is spend
like American women.
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
I think she's
calming him down.
Fuck yourself, Branca.
WIFE: [speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
I'll kill her.
I swear to god.
I 'll kill her.
[speaking spanish]
All right, sweetheart.
Just a little more to your left.
Little more.
That's it.
Audios, mother fucker.
[gunshot]
WIFE: No, Jimmy!
No.
SAM: We should have shot that.
NICK: You know, when it
rains, it pours for you, Sam.
Why don't you just
slice me open and dump
some salt in the wounds?
[police scanner transmitting]
Hey, Buddy.
Hey, buddy.
WAITRESS: Hi.
Hi.
Could I get a couple
of hard-boiled eggs?
WAITRESS: Sure.
Blue plate special.
WAITRESS: OK.
Why don't you have
the t-bone steaks?
Eddies buying.
The guy you handed the
story to, assholes.
[music playing]
I've been listening
to his story all night.
I was praying that the two
assholes he was referring to
weren't you two assholes.
Buddy?
If you'd been there,
you'd understand.
Understand?
Understand?
What do you want from me, guys?
I sit here and listen to
these radios all night just
like you guys.
I hear calls in certain
sectors of the city.
I check the map, see
it's in the sector
the best team I got out
there, and I started
rooting and cheering inside.
You see?
I visualize my men
driving, weaving
in and out of traffic just
to get to that great story.
My heart pounds with
excitement, and I get a feeling,
a little knot down deep
in my gut, that tells
me that cameras are rolling.
And then I sit back, and
I wait for my first string
to come through that door,
smiling, and sit across from me
and tell me all about it.
But tonight, some hot
shot comes in here
and starts shooting off his
mouth about two assholes
who handed him a $10,000 story.
Don't you ever, ever humiliate
yourselves or me again.
You understand?
Hey?
Case closed.
Buddy, for God's sakes.
Closed.
WAITRESS: Here, I
brought you a Band-Aid.
Oh, no.
That's all right.
Oh, come on.
Could I have a cup
of coffee, please?
[music playing]
Oh, how's it feeling?
Hurts.
Yeah?
Let me see it.
Ow.
Oh, come here.
Let me kiss it.
Make it all better?
Is that better?
Yeah, a lot.
Yeah?
Yeah.
This'll make it a lot better.
SAM: Hey, you're in early today.
Hey, yeah.
You got an aspirin?
What?
You got a headache?
No, Sam, I'm asking
you because I'm hungry.
Cute.
Rough night out
with that waitress?
Yeah.
Why don't you just gave me a
couple of your leftovers, eh?
You can have them all, Sam.
What did this girl do to you?
No more one-nighters for me.
I'm settling down.
Oh yeah?
Well, that'll last about a week.
You wanna bet?
Come on.
Let's go to work.
[music playing]
(SINGING) Goes out
about midnight.
Out into the city lights.
If it's your turn to pace
and do, here comes the crew.
Midnight warrior.
To take on your blues,
make you the news.
They unfold in the
story, your soul.
Show no mercy.
If it's hot, it will be told.
They're warriors.
Midnight Warriors.
Midnight warriors.
Warriors.
Midnight warriors.
For the news.
Midnight warriors.
In the streets, where
life is so hard,
the warrior faces, sometimes,
sometimes a dividing call.
Warrior.
To bring to us all.
[music fading]
[car starts]
[shouts]
You're going to have to get
up awfully early in the morning.
I saw you pull up.
Why don't you park
in the driveway?
That's what it's there for.
Yeah, but then I wouldn't
get a chance to scare you.
Well, you didn't
scare me anyway.
Give your mother a kiss.
Why don't you stay for dinner?
We're going to have spaghetti.
You'll love it.
Oh, nah.
Oh, come on, Nicky.
- All right.
- Stay.
You talked me into it.
As long as I'm here.
OK.
So what's the matter, son?
There's usually two reasons
why you come to see me,
because you have a problem or
because you have a problem.
So what's your problem?
I don't have a problem.
I just wanted to see you.
Look at me.
Look at me.
work?
No
Friends?
No.
Girls?
See?
I told you to stop seeing
those models and actresses.
A nice girl like Mrs. Matuse's
daughter would be perfect.
Mom, don't do that.
I don't want you to
fix me up with a girl.
A girl?
No.
A neighborhood girl, yes.
Forget it.
I don't need any
help with girls, mom.
Just last night, I
had a wonderful date
with a lovely girl.
What does she do for a living?
She's a waitress.
Oh, that's OK.
I used to be a waitress
for your Uncle Joey.
I didn't know Uncle
Joey had a restaurant.
He didn't, but I used to wait
on the bastard hand and foot.
So what did you two talk about?
Talk?
Your date.
You and the waitress.
Oh, yeah.
We talk.
We talk a lot.
I know what you talked about.
You know, Angelina
Matuse, that's
a girl you could talk to.
Ma, why do you keep talking
about Angelina Matuse?
You make her sound like
she teaches blind kids.
I bet you $200 you
forgot the waitress's name.
[doorbell rings]
Yeah, well, I gave
up gambling, ma.
Why don't you answer
your doorbell?
ROSE: Angelina.
Hi.
I made these stuffed
eggplants for you.
ROSE: Come on in.
Have I got a surprise for you.
Oo.
Nicky?
NIcky.
I'd like you to meet Angelina.
[angelic music playing]
Hi.
Uh, it's nice to meet you.
[laughs nervously]
[laughs]
I heard lot about you.
[inaudible]
[laughs] All good, I hope.
Yeah.
Uh, all good.
Oh, let me get that for you.
Oh, no.
It's OK, really.
No, honestly,
I'll do it for you,
What is it you do?
I work at a school,
and I teach blind kids.
[laughs]
Give me the keys, Charlie.
CHARLIE: Yeah?
Where are we going?
- I'll let you know.
Wait till they see what we're
going to bring in tonight.
They are going to shit.
See?
See?
What did I tell you?
One right move, [claps] and
you're worth your weight.
Yeah, well, you still got to
prove yourself in the field.
Nick is real good, you know.
Hey.
Hey.
He's got no edge, huh?
He proved that
giving me the tape.
He's got the best territory.
I plan on sharing it with him.
[snaps] Get in.
[car starts]
What the hell is this?
That's it.
What?
Take it, Sam.
Still got the best
of the old sector.
You want us to
increase our numbers,
and at the same time, you--
you cut our action into thirds?
Come on, Sam.
Bring me some hot numbers,
I give you your sector back.
[scoffs]
Hey.
You and Nick?
The greatest.
But the word is,
the kid's gone soft.
You see it.
You know.
Now, toughen him up.
The few swings you guys
got in on Eddie last night,
it's a start.
Jesus, you're not fair at all.
I never said I was.
And who is, anyway?
Wake up, Sam.
Wake the kid up.
Now, come on.
Get out of my face and
go bring me a story.
We don't find any
news out there,
we're going to have to
start making it ourselves.
[laughs] Right?
SAM: Son of a bitch.
That- that piece of shit.
I can't believe that guy.
NICK: Yeah, but you gotta
learn to relax, buddy.
SAM: What are you
talking about, relax?
He cuts our sector by third,
and now he wants more sales?
NICK: We're going
to give it to him.
I'm going to make sure that
piece of shit, Eddie Colfax,
never gets a chance
to turn his camera on.
SAM: Yeah?
Well, how are we
going to do that?
We'll cross the sectors.
Ah, Come on, Nick.
We can't cross sectors.
Why not?
If we cross sectors and miss
a story in our own sector,
we'll be in deep shit.
That's why.
It'll never happen.
Oh yeah?
Well, what if it does.
Sam, we're not going to be
the only ones crossing sectors.
You sure?
Yeah.
Ah, jeeze, only one cookie left.
You want it?
- No
- Good.
I got a Twinkie.
I got a Snicker.
You can have anything you want.
Nothing.
But thanks anyway, Sam.
Ah, all right.
[police scanner broadcasting]
Sam.
Come on.
Let's make a move.
Oh, come on.
It's a quiet night.
Let's just sit here and wait.
It's never a quiet night.
Let's make a move.
Come on.
Where the hell
do you want to go?
I don't know.
I just know that something's
happening somewhere
and we're sitting here.
Come on.
Oh, come on.
We've got the radio so we don't
have to waste money on gas.
Sam, I got this feeling we're
not going to waste anything.
All right.
You got a good feeling.
I got a good feeling.
Let's go.
[music playing]
(SINGING) Midnight warrior.
Midnight Warriors.
Midnight warriors.
Midnight Warriors.
Midnight Warriors.
[music fading]
SAM: What are we hearing, Nick?
A half a dozen rapes and a
hit and run on the freeway?
You can't even hook a
couple of DBs together.
(SINGING) Warrior.
Midnight warrior.
NICK: A cop.
Follow the cop.
SAM: Why so I can see him
give some guy a ticket?
If you something else,
follow the guy [inaudible]
SAM: All right.
I'll follow him.
Oh, hell.
There he goes.
I can get him.
I can get him.
I got him.
I just wish I knew why.
[sirens]
[tires squealing]
[music playing]
[tirs screeching]
[tires screeching]
Spread 'em.
Come on.
Come on.
POLICE OFFICER: The both of
ya, get the hell out of here.
It's gonna blow up.
- There's A woman in there.
It's too late.
Give me your hand.
Come on.
[inaudible] hand now.
Take it.
They're taking her out of there.
NICK: Come on.
SAM: Come on.
[inaudible] buddy.
Way to go.
All right.
You got her.
[explosion]
[explosion]
SAM: [inaudible] [laughs]
Way to go, buddy.
Way to go.
[phone rings]
SAM: Yeah?
Yeah, yeah.
That's right.
Dammit.
Got Every last
little bit of it.
Uh huh.
Yeah.
No problem.
Hey, thanks a million, Jerry.
Just got our first order in.
Jerry over at national.
Right.
Hey, how much
longer you gonna be?
I should have it cut in 15.
[phone rings]
Hello?
Scoop of the month
club, Sammy speaking.
May I help you?
Oh, Yeah.
Yeah, that's right.
Yeah, the whole story.
Yeah, that's right.
No, we were the only ones there.
Oh, come on.
Do you want it or not?
Hey, great.
We'll swing it by in 45.
It was Sauly right?
Only Sauly from The Marigold
would give you shit.
Am I right?
Ah, he can be such a prick.
Good old Sauly down for what?
Yeah.
Well, my friend,
that's two for three.
If Arthur calls, we get the
hat trick on the majors.
[phone rings]
Hey, no sweat.
You want to grab that?
Hello?
Arthur.
How the hell are ya?
Oh, [laughs] yeah.
Out Great.
Well, OK.
That's no problem, babe.
We're going to take care of ya.
Hey, great.
Thanks a million.
Bye bye.
We're flying tonight, babe.
Yeah, we sure are, buddy boy.
[tape squeaking]
The hell's going on there?
There's only one
way to find out.
Mr. Weinstein, tell
us a little bit more
about Nicholas Branca.
Nick?
NIck's a great kid.
You know, he's got the largest
and the toughest sector
in this town.
There's no one that I have more
respect for in my organization
than Nick Branca.
Hey Nick, congratulations.
Come on over here.
Say a few words to
the beautiful lady.
REPORTER: Mr. Branca,
how does it feel?
How does what feel?
Well, you've been
touted by the mayor
as a prominent,
courageous citizen.
The police commissioner's
office has awarded
you a citation for valor.
The station's being
flooded with calls
from every political
official in the state.
What are you going to do now?
Going to Disneyland.
[crowd laughs]
I'm just doing my job.
You know, in video journalism,
we report a lot about death.
In fact, death is
probably the staple
of all our financial success.
It's really great to
be able to nail a story
about someone's life
being saved as opposed
to someone's life being taken.
It was nothing.
I mean, I'm sure if
anyone else was there,
they would've done
the same thing.
Oh, heroes are hard to
come by, but modest heroes?
Very scarce.
I'm glad to hear that this
unsung hero's song is being
heard all over the country.
This is Liz Brown reporting
from downtown Los Angeles.
How'd it look, guys?
CREW MEMBER: Great.
- OK?
Good.
That's a wrap.
[sighs] Nick, it's
really nice to know guys
like you are working
behind the scenes.
Oh, thank you, Liz.
Come on, Nick.
We've got to talk.
Just a minute buddy.
So Liz Brown, what are the
chances of me seeing you again?
Other than on the news.
Well, um--
BUDDY: Nick, we got to go--
I'm coming, Buddy.
I think you better get going.
What the hell's going on?
Oh, she just
tried to pick me up.
Yeah?
Well, keep your head on your
shoulders and out of the girls
pussies for the next
couple of weeks.
We got a busy
schedule ahead of you.
What are you talking about?
In between
accepting certificates
and medals and plaques, you're
going to be nailing stories.
Buddy, look.
I just do what I do.
All right?
- Oh, not anymore, kid.
We're going for
the big time now.
You're a hero.
Heroes can't just
do what they do.
Heroes can't die.
Heroes stand up and
salute the flag.
People love heroes.
Hell, a story reported
by you now is worth two,
three times what it was before.
Wait a minute, all right?
Don't you think you're
blowing this a little bit
out of proportion?
No, I don't.
You're hot, kid.
You're on fire, and
it's my job to make sure
that the flame don't go out.
But don't worry, kid.
I'm on your side.
I'm going to make sure that my
hero gets to report the news
that's fitting for a hero.
See you tomorrow, Buddy.
Hey, get some sleep, kid.
Well, nice going, hero.
Hey, I'm proud of you.
Proud to be your partner.
Cut the shit, Sam.
Go home.
[laughs]
[music playing on record player]
[shower running]
Mom?
Is that you?
Who told you you
could play my records?
Congratulations.
Thanks.
For what?
Your new assignment
with the network.
Nick Branca, a hero's
look at the new.
Your own spot on the network.
So Are you my
welcoming committee?
You might say that.
Could've done flowers.
[music playing]
ROSE: Nicky.
Hi, ma.
Got you a tree.
ROSE: The last time you got me a
tree was the back of your bike.
You wanted a car.
What do you want this time?
It's a small favor, ma.
It's--
You want another car?
Ma, I got three cars.
I don't need another car.
Well, what do you want then?
You know that girl
who teaches blind kids?
Yeah.
I want to go out with her.
Well, why look at me?
Why don't you ask her?
Well, you said yourself.
I only know how to talk
to models and actresses,
and I figured you--
ma, you got me into
this, you know.
This is--
Hey, now, wait a minute.
What do I look
like, dial a date?
Do you really like this girl?
Yes, I do.
You know, since
you moved away,
Angelina's been like
a daughter to me.
I really worry about her.
And I don't want to start
anything unless you're serious.
You know, you really
got to start making
some decisions in your life.
Now, if you're not serious,
I'm not going to call her.
I understand, ma.
Make the call.
And what happens
if she says yes?
I'll take her out.
Where?
I don't know.
I'll take her-- I'll take
her to the beach, camping.
No way.
Camping is like a
motel room on wheels.
You'll take her to
that Chinese restaurant
that your father took me
the first time we went out.
OK, I'll take her to
the Chinese restaurant.
And you promise
not to get her drunk
and take advantage of her?
Why would I do that?
You promise?
I promise.
OK.
I'll make the call.
Ma, thank you.
[laughing]
NICK: All right.
Pick a card.
Any card.
Pick one.
You pick one too.
Come on.
Just pick one.
[inaudible]
Don't show it to her.
[girls laugh] Put the card in.
Anytime you want to, put
the card right there.
Now, put it in there.
OK.
You're never gonna
figure this out.
OK.
I'm gonna give it a magic
twist and put it my pocket.
Whose card is that?
Mine.
Whose card is that?
Mine
And whose deck is this?
- Yours.
- That's right.
[girls laugh]
All right.
Give me the cards.
You know any card tricks?
GRANDMOTHER: Huh?
Do you know any card tricks?
Eh, carriage?
- Card tricks, do you know any?
- No.
No?
Well, here.
Make one up.
You play with the
girls and I'm going
to sit over here and relax.
Excuse me.
I'm gonna sit right down here.
[sighs] Hi.
Hi.
How about you?
You know any card tricks?
You know any jokes?
GRANDMOTHER:
[singing in spanish]
[girls laugh]
[music playing]
You like it, kid?
Oh, yeah, I like it.
What the hell are we doing here?
Smell it, kid.
[sniffs]
[laughs] Smells green
in here, doesn't it?
[laughs] I can smell
George Washington.
[sniffs] Millions of
George Washingtons in here.
[laughs] 30 years, I've waited.
We've made it to the
show kid, the majors.
Hell, I know what
I'm talking about.
I'm going to make
you a millionaire.
A million dollar reporter.
You're going to
do all this for me?
Well, I'd be lying if I said
I was just doing it for you.
But it's not just the money.
What about all those
fringe benefits?
HARRY: Nick Branca, it's a
pleasure to finally meet you.
You remember Liz
Brown, don't you?
Uh, no.
I'm Sorry.
We met after your
heroics a few weeks ago.
Don't you remember?
A lot has happened since then.
You understand.
Of course.
Well, you know each other
now, and we hope to have
a very long relationship.
Liz and I have come up with
your first feature report.
We think it's a great
way to get started.
Harry, me and Nick
were just talking
before you came in about how
excited he was to get started.
Right, Nick?
Oh.
Yeah.
I'm excited.
Good.
Liz?
OK, our first segment
is for high visibility.
The governor heard
about it and requested
Nick for sole coverage
of the groundbreaking
of the new government offices.
We'll be the only network there.
How did they hear
about us so soon?
I told them.
Good job.
Nick, my door is always open.
Oh, thank you.
Mm-hmm.
Nick.
And thank you.
SAM: The hell was
that all about?
Buddy just sold my
soul to the majors.
SAM: What do you mean?
What I mean is
starting tomorrow,
we got exclusive
coverage for the networks
of the governor's fundraiser.
[laughs] You gotta be kidding.
Why would he waste us on
some stupid black tie affair?
Money, Sam.
Lots of money.
I can see the greed in his eyes.
I think if he was
in his mother's will
for a dollar he'd kick her
down a flight of stairs.
You know, between you and me, a
couple more bucks in the bank,
and I'm out of this.
Well, that old story
sounded kind of serious.
Why so sure?
Love, Sam.
Who?
That poor Liz Brown?
No.
That angel, Angelina Matuse.
Tell you she teaches blind kids?
What?
Only about five times.
[laughs]
Shut up.
[crowd chatting]
GOVERNOR: What are we doing
here in the rain, anyway?
The groundbreaking for
the new capital building.
Here's the speech, Sir.
What's at two o'clock?
We have the fund raiser for
the homeless of this city.
GOVERNOR: Why
don't they just get
jobs and work for a
few dollars, and they
can get a place to live?
AIDE: That's the
holiday spirit, Sir.
I mean, them people have been
forced out of their homes.
I mean, some of them
do work, but they
can't make enough money
to own their own dwelling.
I mean, you know, some of them
live in the street on boxes.
With the winter months
coming, their lives
could be in serious jeopardy.
Well, what are we going to do?
Give them more money
for to buy a bigger box.
Whatever the people want, just
make sure I get reelected.
So how does it feel to be
the only news crew in town
invited by the governor himself
to his own groundbreaking
ceremony?
Well, like Buddy says, it
can only happen to a hero.
I'm just happy you're
here to remind me, Sam.
Kiss my ass, hero.
I wouldn't know
where to start.
Ah, come on.
Let's go to work.
ANNOUNCER: Ladies
and gentlemen, may I
have your attention please?
First of all, I'd like to
thank you all for being here
today and let you know
the governor has arrived.
[applause]
Governor Nelson T. Jennings.
[applause]
I don't know if
this is significant,
but just as I arrived,
the sun came out.
[laughs] My friends,
once again, welcome.
I'm reminded of a story
that my grandfather
used to tell me when
I was a little boy
growing up in this state.
Now, this is when the freeways
were the farms that we planted.
[laughs]
Well, he kept a
candle in my room.
He lit the candle every
night to read to me.
He said, if the
light of the candle
goes out and leaves
you in the dark,
keep your eyes open
because even in the dark,
as long as you're not
alone, you can see.
But you, my friends, helped
me see when I'm in the dark.
[helicopter flying]
You-- you help keep a
light burning inside.
A light of hope.
A light of understanding.
And a light of a new day.
[applause]
HELICOPTER APPROACHING]
[inaudible] Let's go.
[gunshots]
[gunshots continue]
[explosion]
[crowd screaming]
Sally, come in, please.
BUDDY: You want a drink?
Help yourself.
Yes, Miss Brown?
Sally, tell Marty to wait
for me in edit bay one.
And when Nick gets
here, we'll cut the tape
for tonight's programming.
Anything else?
Yeah.
write a closing.
Something interesting.
That's it.
Where the hell is he?
He was supposed
to be here by now.
He'll be here.
He just phoned.
I know he'll be here.
NICK: Hey.
Here he is.
[laughs] Thanks,
Hero.
Nicky, Nicky,
I was dying here.
I thought you weren't
going to get here on time.
Why the hell didn't you call me?
Buddy, I just got shot at.
Well, you're all
right, aren't you?
Of course you're all right.
You want a drink?
[laughs] I'll get you a drink.
Nicky, my friend,
you are going to see
a check with more
zeros on it than you
have ever seen in your life.
[laughs]
That's it.
I'm out.
Oh, what the hell
are you talking about?
This is just the beginning.
Well, maybe it is the
beginning for you, Buddy,
but it's over for me.
That's take was your
going away present.
No charge.
I'm going to go away somewhere
and have two point five kids.
You can't.
I have an obligation.
Hey, you said the magic word.
"I".
How can you sit here,
sipping bourbon,
while I'm out there
getting shot at?
All you care about
is the fucking check.
Well, the banks are
closed on Sundays, Buddy.
They're closed.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah, you're right, Nick.
You're right.
You know, I'm going to make
sure that you get assignments
that are less dangerous.
But you see, Nick,
I need your name.
The network wants you, not me.
You're the hero.
What are you talking
about, less dangerous?
How less dangerous does
a do-nothing governor
groundbreaking get?
What happened?
I'm going to take
care of you, kid.
I made you a hero,
so I'll protect you.
We're guaranteed ratings, Nick.
I make the news exciting,
and you report it.
Nick, come on, dammit We've
made it to the game now.
We tasted it.
Come on, Nick.
I can't help you, OK?
I'm sorry.
Don't you walk out on me.
SALLY: Is everything
all right, Mr. Arnstien?
Yeah.
Yeah, sure.
Everything's fine.
Fine.
[ominous music playing]
[tape rewinding]
Holy shit.
Let me see that again.
[tape rewinding]
Shit.
God, they're going to love this.
OK.
Make sure you get
the governor in there
at least a couple of times.
Get the helicopter.
Get the explosion.
Get all.
Run it over to control.
I want to get it on the
air within the hour.
Where's Nick?
We lost him.
What do you
mean, you lost him?
Don't worry about it.
I'll take care of it.
Without Nick, you can
kiss your contract goodbye.
We signed for two years.
You'll have him for two years.
I'm not so sure about that.
He has a mind of his own.
Personally, I don't think
he's going to play the game.
And I don't like that.
One night in bed
with the guy and you
think you know what
makes him tick?
I know what makes the news.
The phones are lit up
like a Christmas tree.
The response to the
hero's look at the news
is going to put us at the top.
Now, I'm not going to
jeopardize that because Nick
Branca's having a bad day.
Don't lecture me, sweetheart.
I was hustling the streets of
Reno with a beautiful broad
on each arm while you were still
kicking your mother's stomach.
I can handle Nick Branca.
I've handled
tougher and smarter.
It's not going
to be that easy.
Easy?
[laughs] Easy?
Easy as looking into
someone's heart.
And if you don't like
what you see in there,
you reach in with your
hands, you rip it out,
and you throw it in the garbage.
I'll deliver Nick Branca.
Just stay out of my way.
[ominous music playing]
Let me see that again.
[phone ringing]
[answering machine answers]
Hi, you've
reached Nick Branca's number.
Leave your name, number,
and time, if possible,
after the beep, and
I'll return your call.
[beep]
ROBERT (ON ANSWERING
MACHINE): Nick, this
is Robert down at the network.
Where are you?
Buddy's having a shit fit.
Says you won't return
any of his messages.
Please, Nick.
Call us.
[tires screech]
[music playing]
AGNELINA: Excuse me, can
I help you with something?
Oh, hi.
I'm Buddy Arnstein.
Friend of Nick's.
You must be Angelina, right?
Yes.
[laughs] Pleased to meet you.
Thank you.
You know, Nick works for me.
Ah, he used to work
for me, anyway.
Nick around?
No, he's not.
But he should be
here any minute.
Ah.
A nice place you got here.
Thank you.
You know how he
got this place?
First big assignment
that I ever gave him.
He put 10 grand down
right on this place.
[laughs] And you know what he
got for a second assignment?
He was so good that I bought
him a big midnight blue Lincoln
that he keeps in his garage.
[laughs]
And then he bought
himself a Porsche, and--
see, Nick made an awful
lot of money because of me.
And now, because of you,
he's throwing it all away,
Why don't we both help him out?
Can't say as I blame him,
pretty girl like you.
I need him back at work.
Think about it.
I'll get him the message.
That a girl.
[music playing]
You know, every time
I see that movie, I cry.
I like the part when
the tree lights up
and the puppy jumps
out of the box.
You wold like that part.
You like dogs?
I don't know.
I never had one.
Do you?
No, I like birds.
Birds?
[laughs] birds.
Yes, I like birds.
Birds are--
[music playing]
Feathers are so
soft and so beautiful.
So many colors.
When they open
their mouth to sing,
it's God's music that comes out.
And that's all it is.
They fly so high.
So high in the air.
So free.
I just-- so free.
They remind me of you.
God, Nicky.
I love you.
Tell you what I'm going to do.
I'm going to serve
you dinner in bed.
Oh, [laughs]
All right, so why don't
you go and wait for me,
and I'm gonna whip something up.
- OK.
- OK?
- Sounds Good.
- All right.
[sings to himself]
[sighs] [laughs]
[glass breaks]
[screaming]
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO): Respond
to multiple stabbing homicide
at 1328 Maple Drive, Hollywood.
Victim, female, Caucasian.
Black-- [inaudible]
Did you find any fingerprints?
Mm, lots of them.
Whose are they?
Yours.
I'm a suspect?
I'm afraid so, Nick.
[whispering]
[music playing]
[screaming]
Take that with you.
I know who did it.
Who?
Buddy Arnstien.
Do you have any proof?
I found that in her hand.
A cuff link?
They make hundreds of
thousands of these a year.
Yeah, well, that's his.
Why didn't you tell me this
when we picked up the body?
I'm telling you now.
Now, are you going
to help me or not?
Nick, I can't get
a search warrant
on what you're telling me.
I-- I'll-- I'll see
what I can do, OK?
Sure you will.
Oh, and, uh, NIck, I wouldn't
leave town if I were you.
[doorbell rings]
Nicky, what are
you doing here?
- You OK?
- Yeah.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
Come on in.
Come on in now.
Oh, [inaudible]
All right.
I gotta to go.
All right?
What's the matter?
I went by the coffee
shop, and Sam told me you
were working out of here now.
I still go back and forth.
You all right, kid?
Never better.
[liquor pouring]
I guess you know why I'm here.
No.
Well, I just wanted to
tell you that I'm sorry.
You were right.
I do belong in the street.
It's in my blood.
Everyone's been
waiting for you.
Contract's still got
your name on them.
Ain't even dusty.
[scoffs] Yeah, well, the
hell with the contracts.
I just can't wait to
get back out there
and nail my first story.
Everyone at the
network is going
to go nuts to hear you're back.
If you want, I think I can
even get them to renegotiate.
You know, play hard to get.
Squeeze a few more
GWs out of them, yeah?
No, let's nail
a big story first.
And then we'll move in
for the kill, right?
Right.
You know, I can't stop
thinking about when we met.
When we first met, your
father had just died,
and you were some crazy kid.
Yeah, but you gave me a job.
You put money in my pocket.
I didn't give you anything.
You worked for it.
No big deal.
It was a big deal to me.
Gave me a new life.
Ah, come on.
I'll always remember
how we used to sit,
and you'd listen to
me talk about cars
for a thousand hours.
[laughs] You must've
talked about that
Continental for almost a week.
I figured the only way to
get you to stop talking
about it was to buy you one.
[laughs] And then
you drove it home,
and you put it in the
garage, and it's got,
what, 20 miles on there?
22.
22.
That car is classic.
That car is very
important to me.
Car symbolizes what
you mean to me.
Ever since my father died, I've
always had you to count on.
That's what friends are for.
You what I'll
always remember is
the sound of the Continental
keys hitting the counter.
How you just strolled in, walked
over, reached into your pocket,
and drop the keys
right in front of me.
[keys clank]
What's that?
This is 22 miles.
This is the Continental, as new
as the day you gave it to me.
And now, it's my gift to you.
Oh, you can't.
Oh, yes, I can.
And I will.
Now, I've never refused
anything from you.
Now, don't insult me.
[laughs] You know?
This is funny.
The day I bought the car,
I was driving it home
from the dealers, you
know, over the bridge,
and, uh, I almost
kept it for myself.
[laughs] Isn't that funny?
[scoffs] Well, that
just goes to show you.
What comes around goes around.
Here is to a new beginning.
A new life
[together] A new beginning.
And a new beginning.
[music playing]
Yeah, Buddy.
It's Nick.
Listen, I got the
greatest story ever,
but I'm gonna need your help.
Yeah, meet me at the
fourth street bridge.
Look, don't ask any
questions, Buddy.
It's worth a lot of
GWs, so just be there.
I'll be right there.
Buddy, you're late.
Oh, you should not have
turned that car on, Buddy,
because that classic
piece of gift machinery
will never start again.
You're probably
wondering why I called
you here this lovely evening.
Am I right?
Well, to tell you
know the truth,
I called you here to
give you the greatest
story you or I have ever seen.
Oh, It's not here on tape yet.
But it will be, OK?
So you get nice and comfy.
Can you hear me, Buddy?
If you can hear me, smile.
Buddy, you're not smiling.
That's OK, Buddy.
I can hear you.
I can hear every
breath you take.
All right, what the
hell is going on here?
What kind of game is this?
A game?
Why, it's truth or consequences,
and I'm your MC, Nick Branca.
I got nothing to say.
Why don't you pack up
your toys like a good boy
and go home before
someone gets hurt
[buzzer sound] Wrong answer.
I guess that means
you gotta die tonight.
Are you crazy?
I don't scare easy.
What the hell is going on here?
I didn't do anything.
Buddy, I just have
one question for you.
Was it really worth
all that money?
Did she have to die?
I don't know what the
hell you're talking about.
Your mistake was
not killing me.
You're crazy.
Let me out this car, god dammit.
I didn't do anything.
You gotta believe me.
NICK (ON CAR STEREO): Check
the glove compartment, Buddy.
Open it.
Look familiar?
Bye, Buddy.
I did it for you.
For both of us.
It was business.
No.
This is business.
Get-- get me out of--
[explosion]
DISPATCHER (ON
RADIO): [inaudible]
San Fernando train tracks.
Amtrak derailed after
[inaudible] fire in progress.
Multiple [inaudible]
[radio goes off]
NICK: Now, the story that
you've just seen is what sells.
Anything less is not
acceptable and is
subject to possible
suspension or termination.
Do you have any questions?
JOHNNY: No.
No.
NICK: What's your name?
Johnny.
NICK: Johnny.
You don't look so good, Johnny.
You going to be all right?
Just a little nervous.
I'd be a fool to say I wasn't,
being this is my first night.
That's a good answer.
The cocky ones scare me.
They're the ones that
think they know too much.
They're also the ones that
aren't around too long.
Stick with me, kid.
I'll make you a hero.
What's your name?
Chuck.
You don't look so good, Chuck.
I'm going to be just fine.
You get the South Central LA.
Move it.
[music playing]
(SINGING) In the streets,
where life is so hard,
the warrior faces,
sometimes, oh sometimes,
sometimes a dividing call.
A dividing call.
Warrior.
What to bring to us all.
Midnight warrior.
He may lose to a higher
cause, the rating,
where he unfolds, in
his stories, his soul.
Oh, his soul.
Show no mercy.
Show no mercy. 'cause it's
hot, It's got to be told.
It's got to be told.
'Cause they're warriors.
Midnight warriors.
Midnight warriors.
Midnight warrior.
Warrior.
Midnight warrior.
And they pay their dues.
Midnight Warriors.
To bring out the--
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO): Unit 7,
19, and 63, robbery in progress
of Night Time Liquor Store.
13544 8th and Magnolia.
Suspects are black, male,
40s, armed and dangerous.
Approach code 9.
SAM: That sounds good to me.
NICK: Come on, Sam.
We can do better than that.
It's a bullshit call.
We don't even know
if the guy's dead.
SAM: It's the best thing
that's come through in hours.
NICK: Some old men in a liquor
store taking a few bullets?
Who gives a shit about that?
The majors won't bite.
You couldn't even get 25
a pop from cable news.
I'm holding' for a sure sell.
[inaudible]
SAM: Nick, what the
hell do you want?
NICK: Shh.
Quiet.
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO): Unit 15.
Unit 15.
Two-alarm fire out of
Hollywood [inaudible]
Station number 41 responding.
SAM: That sounds good.
NICK: Wait a minute.
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO):
No entries on scene.
Fire in abandoned building.
NICK: There, you see?
Now, who's going to buy shots
of an empty building burning?
Huh?
Sam?
Nobody.
That's who.
It's gotta be big, Sam.
Just be patient.
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO): Unit 15
and all others in the vicinity,
chopper at 267
Hollywood Boulevard
requests backup and assistance.
Please respond no sirens.
[inaudible] in progress,
267 Hollywood Boulevard.
I repeat, no sirens.
SAM: For Christ sakes, that's
right around the corner.
Is that good enough?
NICK: Let's move.
Come on, bitch, jump.
[music playing]
WOMAN: Stop right there.
Don't come any closer.
What is wrong with you?
Are you stupid?
I said, stop.
All right.
It's OK.
Now, just try and
relax, all right?
Just like the rest of them.
Why doesn't anyone
want to listen?
I'm Sorry
What are you, a cop?
NICK: No, I'm with the news.
So I-- I'm going to be on TV?
Maybe.
WOMAN: They said they'd
put me in a movie.
My husband didn't believe them.
I believed them.
That's why I did it.
What did you do?
I was alone with him.
All I wanted was to
be on television.
[laughs]
ONLOOKER: Show us those tits.
I wanted my kids to
see me on television.
They lied to me.
They all lie.
What are you doing?
Nothing, I--
You got closer.
No, I didn't.
Yes, you did.
Is that camera on?
No.
It's off.
WOMAN: Liar.
Liar.
I can see the red light.
All right, look.
The camera's down.
All right?
It's off.
Just like them.
You're just like all of them.
Bunch of liars.
No, I'm not.
Look, I just want to help you.
You want to help me?
Come here and push me.
See?
You don't want to help me.
NICK: Look, whatever it is,
whatever happened to you,
it's not this bad.
Oh, really?
They tied me up, and
then they took turns.
They said they were going
to put me in a movie.
They said they were going
to put me on television.
Was five guys.
Young, old, white,
black, for seven hours.
They were fucking
me for seven hours.
I was bleeding for
the last two hours.
And then they showed it back.
And with me tied up,
they-- they played
it back on their big screen.
They yelled, hey, honey.
Look, we put you on television.
Now, we got something
to remember you by.
And they laughed and laughed.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
You gonna help me, or not?
'Cause if you're not
going to help me,
you might as well
put your camera
back on because
I'm going to give
those bastards another chance to
see me on their big screen TV.
I'd rather have them
remember me this way.
It was nice meeting you.
NICK: Oh god, no!
No!
[crowd yelling]
Oh, Jesus.
[police radio]
Hey, did you get anything?
Did you get the
start of the fall?
Come on, talk to me,
for Christ's sake.
Did you get something?
No, I didn't.
What the hell you
been doing up there?
I got some great stuff of
her cracking to the ground.
My god, If you had something we
could splice it together with,
[inaudible] be perfect--
(YELLING) I don't.
HUSBAND: Sorry, gentlemen,
I heard you to talking.
I hope you can help me.
We're a little bit
busy now, buddy.
We got problems here.
The woman, she was my wife.
Hey, I'm really sorry--
I saw you.
I saw you were filming.
What will you do with the tape?
- That's our business.
Come on.
Give him a break.
I didn't say anything.
We sell footage
to the networks,
and since we're the only ones
here, they buy it from us.
No, please.
You can't.
The children, I can't
let them see this.
Please.
Give him the tapes, man.
Ah, you must be crazy.
I'll pay you whatever
you get for it.
What the hell you doing?
Get out of here.
Thank you.
What the hell, are you stupid?
I don't bust my ass in
this hell hole for nothing.
You get off of me.
Now, if you had been
there and heard her,
you would've done
the same thing.
Oh, yeah?
Well, the hell I would've.
Listen, kid, you can't take it?
Get the hell out.
I'm thinking about it, Sam.
I've been thinking about it.
Pick up my shit.
Pick up your own shit.3
What else did she say to you?
It's just like I told you.
That she wanted to be on TV?
Yeah
Did she mention
the guy's name?
No.
OK.
Well, let's look at the footage.
Well, I didn't
shoot any footage.
Oh, come on, Nick.
Give me a break.
Look, even if I did, I
wouldn't show it to you.
I mean, where the
hell were you, anyway?
She's not the only psycho
in this city you know.
Go on.
Get out of here.
Nick?
What?
You really did try to
save her, didn't you?
Well, what's the difference?
It didn't do any a good.
[tape rewinding]
Hey, what the hell's that?
Oh, I got a few seconds with
the woman before she jumped.
I thought you said
you got nothing.
It's almost nothing.
Ah, For christ sakes, Nicks,
that just enough to piece
together with what I got.
Oh, jeeze.
You know, I got a real sick
feeling that you just gave
away the store, Santa Claus.
WOMAN (ON TAPE): So,
I'm going to be on TV?
DISPATCHER (ON
RADIO): Unit 19 4 34,
we have a hostage situation
at the corner of--
Come on.
Let's see if we can get
something out of this.
You think we can try this
one without giving it away?
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO):
Code 3, the man is armed.
Shut up, Sam.
Yeah.
[music playing]
Where's my wife?
I'll kill her.
I swear to god, I'll kill her.
Where's my wife?
Hey, Johnson, is
this guy for real?
If you're asking me if
I think he'll shoot,
I'd have to say yes.
You get any background
on this wacko?
The hell's he doing
with this broad, anyway?
What'd she do, put too much
garlic in his sauce, or what?
He's been fucking this waitress.
His wife finds out, tells
him she's taking the kids
and moving back to Palermo.
And Jaime Roth is
pissed at Michael
for mussling Mo
Green out of the drop
because he slapped
Freddie around.
Jeeze.
What's the situation now?
Ah, we sent a
car for his wife.
He says he won't let girl
go until he can apologize
for being so disrespectful.
Gotta be kidding me.
Hell are we doing here?
This guy needs a fucking priest.
[laughs] A few Hail
Marrys, he'll be fine.
MAN: Where's My wife?
Gloria.
Gloria.
Christ, what took you so long?
Jimmy.
Don't get any closer.
It's too dangerous.
He won't shoot me.
All right.
Go in there and talk
to him, but be calm.
Don't get him nervous.
- All right.
I won't upset him.
All right.
Don't want anybody getting hurt.
You get a clear shot at him,
shoot the son of a bitch.
Yes, sir.
All right.
I'm here.
What do you want?
You understand what happened?
Look, I understand.
Let her go.
We're going to go home.
We're going to talk
about this, OK?
- Let me explain.
- Explain?
Explain?
What the fuck is
here to explain?
Well, what the fuck
do you want from me?
I work all day long
like an animal.
All you do is spend
like American women.
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
I think she's
calming him down.
Fuck yourself, Branca.
WIFE: [speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
I'll kill her.
I swear to god.
I 'll kill her.
[speaking spanish]
All right, sweetheart.
Just a little more to your left.
Little more.
That's it.
Audios, mother fucker.
[gunshot]
WIFE: No, Jimmy!
No.
SAM: We should have shot that.
NICK: You know, when it
rains, it pours for you, Sam.
Why don't you just
slice me open and dump
some salt in the wounds?
[police scanner transmitting]
Hey, Buddy.
Hey, buddy.
WAITRESS: Hi.
Hi.
Could I get a couple
of hard-boiled eggs?
WAITRESS: Sure.
Blue plate special.
WAITRESS: OK.
Why don't you have
the t-bone steaks?
Eddies buying.
The guy you handed the
story to, assholes.
[music playing]
I've been listening
to his story all night.
I was praying that the two
assholes he was referring to
weren't you two assholes.
Buddy?
If you'd been there,
you'd understand.
Understand?
Understand?
What do you want from me, guys?
I sit here and listen to
these radios all night just
like you guys.
I hear calls in certain
sectors of the city.
I check the map, see
it's in the sector
the best team I got out
there, and I started
rooting and cheering inside.
You see?
I visualize my men
driving, weaving
in and out of traffic just
to get to that great story.
My heart pounds with
excitement, and I get a feeling,
a little knot down deep
in my gut, that tells
me that cameras are rolling.
And then I sit back, and
I wait for my first string
to come through that door,
smiling, and sit across from me
and tell me all about it.
But tonight, some hot
shot comes in here
and starts shooting off his
mouth about two assholes
who handed him a $10,000 story.
Don't you ever, ever humiliate
yourselves or me again.
You understand?
Hey?
Case closed.
Buddy, for God's sakes.
Closed.
WAITRESS: Here, I
brought you a Band-Aid.
Oh, no.
That's all right.
Oh, come on.
Could I have a cup
of coffee, please?
[music playing]
Oh, how's it feeling?
Hurts.
Yeah?
Let me see it.
Ow.
Oh, come here.
Let me kiss it.
Make it all better?
Is that better?
Yeah, a lot.
Yeah?
Yeah.
This'll make it a lot better.
SAM: Hey, you're in early today.
Hey, yeah.
You got an aspirin?
What?
You got a headache?
No, Sam, I'm asking
you because I'm hungry.
Cute.
Rough night out
with that waitress?
Yeah.
Why don't you just gave me a
couple of your leftovers, eh?
You can have them all, Sam.
What did this girl do to you?
No more one-nighters for me.
I'm settling down.
Oh yeah?
Well, that'll last about a week.
You wanna bet?
Come on.
Let's go to work.
[music playing]
(SINGING) Goes out
about midnight.
Out into the city lights.
If it's your turn to pace
and do, here comes the crew.
Midnight warrior.
To take on your blues,
make you the news.
They unfold in the
story, your soul.
Show no mercy.
If it's hot, it will be told.
They're warriors.
Midnight Warriors.
Midnight warriors.
Warriors.
Midnight warriors.
For the news.
Midnight warriors.
In the streets, where
life is so hard,
the warrior faces, sometimes,
sometimes a dividing call.
Warrior.
To bring to us all.
[music fading]
[car starts]
[shouts]
You're going to have to get
up awfully early in the morning.
I saw you pull up.
Why don't you park
in the driveway?
That's what it's there for.
Yeah, but then I wouldn't
get a chance to scare you.
Well, you didn't
scare me anyway.
Give your mother a kiss.
Why don't you stay for dinner?
We're going to have spaghetti.
You'll love it.
Oh, nah.
Oh, come on, Nicky.
- All right.
- Stay.
You talked me into it.
As long as I'm here.
OK.
So what's the matter, son?
There's usually two reasons
why you come to see me,
because you have a problem or
because you have a problem.
So what's your problem?
I don't have a problem.
I just wanted to see you.
Look at me.
Look at me.
work?
No
Friends?
No.
Girls?
See?
I told you to stop seeing
those models and actresses.
A nice girl like Mrs. Matuse's
daughter would be perfect.
Mom, don't do that.
I don't want you to
fix me up with a girl.
A girl?
No.
A neighborhood girl, yes.
Forget it.
I don't need any
help with girls, mom.
Just last night, I
had a wonderful date
with a lovely girl.
What does she do for a living?
She's a waitress.
Oh, that's OK.
I used to be a waitress
for your Uncle Joey.
I didn't know Uncle
Joey had a restaurant.
He didn't, but I used to wait
on the bastard hand and foot.
So what did you two talk about?
Talk?
Your date.
You and the waitress.
Oh, yeah.
We talk.
We talk a lot.
I know what you talked about.
You know, Angelina
Matuse, that's
a girl you could talk to.
Ma, why do you keep talking
about Angelina Matuse?
You make her sound like
she teaches blind kids.
I bet you $200 you
forgot the waitress's name.
[doorbell rings]
Yeah, well, I gave
up gambling, ma.
Why don't you answer
your doorbell?
ROSE: Angelina.
Hi.
I made these stuffed
eggplants for you.
ROSE: Come on in.
Have I got a surprise for you.
Oo.
Nicky?
NIcky.
I'd like you to meet Angelina.
[angelic music playing]
Hi.
Uh, it's nice to meet you.
[laughs nervously]
[laughs]
I heard lot about you.
[inaudible]
[laughs] All good, I hope.
Yeah.
Uh, all good.
Oh, let me get that for you.
Oh, no.
It's OK, really.
No, honestly,
I'll do it for you,
What is it you do?
I work at a school,
and I teach blind kids.
[laughs]
Give me the keys, Charlie.
CHARLIE: Yeah?
Where are we going?
- I'll let you know.
Wait till they see what we're
going to bring in tonight.
They are going to shit.
See?
See?
What did I tell you?
One right move, [claps] and
you're worth your weight.
Yeah, well, you still got to
prove yourself in the field.
Nick is real good, you know.
Hey.
Hey.
He's got no edge, huh?
He proved that
giving me the tape.
He's got the best territory.
I plan on sharing it with him.
[snaps] Get in.
[car starts]
What the hell is this?
That's it.
What?
Take it, Sam.
Still got the best
of the old sector.
You want us to
increase our numbers,
and at the same time, you--
you cut our action into thirds?
Come on, Sam.
Bring me some hot numbers,
I give you your sector back.
[scoffs]
Hey.
You and Nick?
The greatest.
But the word is,
the kid's gone soft.
You see it.
You know.
Now, toughen him up.
The few swings you guys
got in on Eddie last night,
it's a start.
Jesus, you're not fair at all.
I never said I was.
And who is, anyway?
Wake up, Sam.
Wake the kid up.
Now, come on.
Get out of my face and
go bring me a story.
We don't find any
news out there,
we're going to have to
start making it ourselves.
[laughs] Right?
SAM: Son of a bitch.
That- that piece of shit.
I can't believe that guy.
NICK: Yeah, but you gotta
learn to relax, buddy.
SAM: What are you
talking about, relax?
He cuts our sector by third,
and now he wants more sales?
NICK: We're going
to give it to him.
I'm going to make sure that
piece of shit, Eddie Colfax,
never gets a chance
to turn his camera on.
SAM: Yeah?
Well, how are we
going to do that?
We'll cross the sectors.
Ah, Come on, Nick.
We can't cross sectors.
Why not?
If we cross sectors and miss
a story in our own sector,
we'll be in deep shit.
That's why.
It'll never happen.
Oh yeah?
Well, what if it does.
Sam, we're not going to be
the only ones crossing sectors.
You sure?
Yeah.
Ah, jeeze, only one cookie left.
You want it?
- No
- Good.
I got a Twinkie.
I got a Snicker.
You can have anything you want.
Nothing.
But thanks anyway, Sam.
Ah, all right.
[police scanner broadcasting]
Sam.
Come on.
Let's make a move.
Oh, come on.
It's a quiet night.
Let's just sit here and wait.
It's never a quiet night.
Let's make a move.
Come on.
Where the hell
do you want to go?
I don't know.
I just know that something's
happening somewhere
and we're sitting here.
Come on.
Oh, come on.
We've got the radio so we don't
have to waste money on gas.
Sam, I got this feeling we're
not going to waste anything.
All right.
You got a good feeling.
I got a good feeling.
Let's go.
[music playing]
(SINGING) Midnight warrior.
Midnight Warriors.
Midnight warriors.
Midnight Warriors.
Midnight Warriors.
[music fading]
SAM: What are we hearing, Nick?
A half a dozen rapes and a
hit and run on the freeway?
You can't even hook a
couple of DBs together.
(SINGING) Warrior.
Midnight warrior.
NICK: A cop.
Follow the cop.
SAM: Why so I can see him
give some guy a ticket?
If you something else,
follow the guy [inaudible]
SAM: All right.
I'll follow him.
Oh, hell.
There he goes.
I can get him.
I can get him.
I got him.
I just wish I knew why.
[sirens]
[tires squealing]
[music playing]
[tirs screeching]
[tires screeching]
Spread 'em.
Come on.
Come on.
POLICE OFFICER: The both of
ya, get the hell out of here.
It's gonna blow up.
- There's A woman in there.
It's too late.
Give me your hand.
Come on.
[inaudible] hand now.
Take it.
They're taking her out of there.
NICK: Come on.
SAM: Come on.
[inaudible] buddy.
Way to go.
All right.
You got her.
[explosion]
[explosion]
SAM: [inaudible] [laughs]
Way to go, buddy.
Way to go.
[phone rings]
SAM: Yeah?
Yeah, yeah.
That's right.
Dammit.
Got Every last
little bit of it.
Uh huh.
Yeah.
No problem.
Hey, thanks a million, Jerry.
Just got our first order in.
Jerry over at national.
Right.
Hey, how much
longer you gonna be?
I should have it cut in 15.
[phone rings]
Hello?
Scoop of the month
club, Sammy speaking.
May I help you?
Oh, Yeah.
Yeah, that's right.
Yeah, the whole story.
Yeah, that's right.
No, we were the only ones there.
Oh, come on.
Do you want it or not?
Hey, great.
We'll swing it by in 45.
It was Sauly right?
Only Sauly from The Marigold
would give you shit.
Am I right?
Ah, he can be such a prick.
Good old Sauly down for what?
Yeah.
Well, my friend,
that's two for three.
If Arthur calls, we get the
hat trick on the majors.
[phone rings]
Hey, no sweat.
You want to grab that?
Hello?
Arthur.
How the hell are ya?
Oh, [laughs] yeah.
Out Great.
Well, OK.
That's no problem, babe.
We're going to take care of ya.
Hey, great.
Thanks a million.
Bye bye.
We're flying tonight, babe.
Yeah, we sure are, buddy boy.
[tape squeaking]
The hell's going on there?
There's only one
way to find out.
Mr. Weinstein, tell
us a little bit more
about Nicholas Branca.
Nick?
NIck's a great kid.
You know, he's got the largest
and the toughest sector
in this town.
There's no one that I have more
respect for in my organization
than Nick Branca.
Hey Nick, congratulations.
Come on over here.
Say a few words to
the beautiful lady.
REPORTER: Mr. Branca,
how does it feel?
How does what feel?
Well, you've been
touted by the mayor
as a prominent,
courageous citizen.
The police commissioner's
office has awarded
you a citation for valor.
The station's being
flooded with calls
from every political
official in the state.
What are you going to do now?
Going to Disneyland.
[crowd laughs]
I'm just doing my job.
You know, in video journalism,
we report a lot about death.
In fact, death is
probably the staple
of all our financial success.
It's really great to
be able to nail a story
about someone's life
being saved as opposed
to someone's life being taken.
It was nothing.
I mean, I'm sure if
anyone else was there,
they would've done
the same thing.
Oh, heroes are hard to
come by, but modest heroes?
Very scarce.
I'm glad to hear that this
unsung hero's song is being
heard all over the country.
This is Liz Brown reporting
from downtown Los Angeles.
How'd it look, guys?
CREW MEMBER: Great.
- OK?
Good.
That's a wrap.
[sighs] Nick, it's
really nice to know guys
like you are working
behind the scenes.
Oh, thank you, Liz.
Come on, Nick.
We've got to talk.
Just a minute buddy.
So Liz Brown, what are the
chances of me seeing you again?
Other than on the news.
Well, um--
BUDDY: Nick, we got to go--
I'm coming, Buddy.
I think you better get going.
What the hell's going on?
Oh, she just
tried to pick me up.
Yeah?
Well, keep your head on your
shoulders and out of the girls
pussies for the next
couple of weeks.
We got a busy
schedule ahead of you.
What are you talking about?
In between
accepting certificates
and medals and plaques, you're
going to be nailing stories.
Buddy, look.
I just do what I do.
All right?
- Oh, not anymore, kid.
We're going for
the big time now.
You're a hero.
Heroes can't just
do what they do.
Heroes can't die.
Heroes stand up and
salute the flag.
People love heroes.
Hell, a story reported
by you now is worth two,
three times what it was before.
Wait a minute, all right?
Don't you think you're
blowing this a little bit
out of proportion?
No, I don't.
You're hot, kid.
You're on fire, and
it's my job to make sure
that the flame don't go out.
But don't worry, kid.
I'm on your side.
I'm going to make sure that my
hero gets to report the news
that's fitting for a hero.
See you tomorrow, Buddy.
Hey, get some sleep, kid.
Well, nice going, hero.
Hey, I'm proud of you.
Proud to be your partner.
Cut the shit, Sam.
Go home.
[laughs]
[music playing on record player]
[shower running]
Mom?
Is that you?
Who told you you
could play my records?
Congratulations.
Thanks.
For what?
Your new assignment
with the network.
Nick Branca, a hero's
look at the new.
Your own spot on the network.
So Are you my
welcoming committee?
You might say that.
Could've done flowers.
[music playing]
ROSE: Nicky.
Hi, ma.
Got you a tree.
ROSE: The last time you got me a
tree was the back of your bike.
You wanted a car.
What do you want this time?
It's a small favor, ma.
It's--
You want another car?
Ma, I got three cars.
I don't need another car.
Well, what do you want then?
You know that girl
who teaches blind kids?
Yeah.
I want to go out with her.
Well, why look at me?
Why don't you ask her?
Well, you said yourself.
I only know how to talk
to models and actresses,
and I figured you--
ma, you got me into
this, you know.
This is--
Hey, now, wait a minute.
What do I look
like, dial a date?
Do you really like this girl?
Yes, I do.
You know, since
you moved away,
Angelina's been like
a daughter to me.
I really worry about her.
And I don't want to start
anything unless you're serious.
You know, you really
got to start making
some decisions in your life.
Now, if you're not serious,
I'm not going to call her.
I understand, ma.
Make the call.
And what happens
if she says yes?
I'll take her out.
Where?
I don't know.
I'll take her-- I'll take
her to the beach, camping.
No way.
Camping is like a
motel room on wheels.
You'll take her to
that Chinese restaurant
that your father took me
the first time we went out.
OK, I'll take her to
the Chinese restaurant.
And you promise
not to get her drunk
and take advantage of her?
Why would I do that?
You promise?
I promise.
OK.
I'll make the call.
Ma, thank you.
[laughing]
NICK: All right.
Pick a card.
Any card.
Pick one.
You pick one too.
Come on.
Just pick one.
[inaudible]
Don't show it to her.
[girls laugh] Put the card in.
Anytime you want to, put
the card right there.
Now, put it in there.
OK.
You're never gonna
figure this out.
OK.
I'm gonna give it a magic
twist and put it my pocket.
Whose card is that?
Mine.
Whose card is that?
Mine
And whose deck is this?
- Yours.
- That's right.
[girls laugh]
All right.
Give me the cards.
You know any card tricks?
GRANDMOTHER: Huh?
Do you know any card tricks?
Eh, carriage?
- Card tricks, do you know any?
- No.
No?
Well, here.
Make one up.
You play with the
girls and I'm going
to sit over here and relax.
Excuse me.
I'm gonna sit right down here.
[sighs] Hi.
Hi.
How about you?
You know any card tricks?
You know any jokes?
GRANDMOTHER:
[singing in spanish]
[girls laugh]
[music playing]
You like it, kid?
Oh, yeah, I like it.
What the hell are we doing here?
Smell it, kid.
[sniffs]
[laughs] Smells green
in here, doesn't it?
[laughs] I can smell
George Washington.
[sniffs] Millions of
George Washingtons in here.
[laughs] 30 years, I've waited.
We've made it to the
show kid, the majors.
Hell, I know what
I'm talking about.
I'm going to make
you a millionaire.
A million dollar reporter.
You're going to
do all this for me?
Well, I'd be lying if I said
I was just doing it for you.
But it's not just the money.
What about all those
fringe benefits?
HARRY: Nick Branca, it's a
pleasure to finally meet you.
You remember Liz
Brown, don't you?
Uh, no.
I'm Sorry.
We met after your
heroics a few weeks ago.
Don't you remember?
A lot has happened since then.
You understand.
Of course.
Well, you know each other
now, and we hope to have
a very long relationship.
Liz and I have come up with
your first feature report.
We think it's a great
way to get started.
Harry, me and Nick
were just talking
before you came in about how
excited he was to get started.
Right, Nick?
Oh.
Yeah.
I'm excited.
Good.
Liz?
OK, our first segment
is for high visibility.
The governor heard
about it and requested
Nick for sole coverage
of the groundbreaking
of the new government offices.
We'll be the only network there.
How did they hear
about us so soon?
I told them.
Good job.
Nick, my door is always open.
Oh, thank you.
Mm-hmm.
Nick.
And thank you.
SAM: The hell was
that all about?
Buddy just sold my
soul to the majors.
SAM: What do you mean?
What I mean is
starting tomorrow,
we got exclusive
coverage for the networks
of the governor's fundraiser.
[laughs] You gotta be kidding.
Why would he waste us on
some stupid black tie affair?
Money, Sam.
Lots of money.
I can see the greed in his eyes.
I think if he was
in his mother's will
for a dollar he'd kick her
down a flight of stairs.
You know, between you and me, a
couple more bucks in the bank,
and I'm out of this.
Well, that old story
sounded kind of serious.
Why so sure?
Love, Sam.
Who?
That poor Liz Brown?
No.
That angel, Angelina Matuse.
Tell you she teaches blind kids?
What?
Only about five times.
[laughs]
Shut up.
[crowd chatting]
GOVERNOR: What are we doing
here in the rain, anyway?
The groundbreaking for
the new capital building.
Here's the speech, Sir.
What's at two o'clock?
We have the fund raiser for
the homeless of this city.
GOVERNOR: Why
don't they just get
jobs and work for a
few dollars, and they
can get a place to live?
AIDE: That's the
holiday spirit, Sir.
I mean, them people have been
forced out of their homes.
I mean, some of them
do work, but they
can't make enough money
to own their own dwelling.
I mean, you know, some of them
live in the street on boxes.
With the winter months
coming, their lives
could be in serious jeopardy.
Well, what are we going to do?
Give them more money
for to buy a bigger box.
Whatever the people want, just
make sure I get reelected.
So how does it feel to be
the only news crew in town
invited by the governor himself
to his own groundbreaking
ceremony?
Well, like Buddy says, it
can only happen to a hero.
I'm just happy you're
here to remind me, Sam.
Kiss my ass, hero.
I wouldn't know
where to start.
Ah, come on.
Let's go to work.
ANNOUNCER: Ladies
and gentlemen, may I
have your attention please?
First of all, I'd like to
thank you all for being here
today and let you know
the governor has arrived.
[applause]
Governor Nelson T. Jennings.
[applause]
I don't know if
this is significant,
but just as I arrived,
the sun came out.
[laughs] My friends,
once again, welcome.
I'm reminded of a story
that my grandfather
used to tell me when
I was a little boy
growing up in this state.
Now, this is when the freeways
were the farms that we planted.
[laughs]
Well, he kept a
candle in my room.
He lit the candle every
night to read to me.
He said, if the
light of the candle
goes out and leaves
you in the dark,
keep your eyes open
because even in the dark,
as long as you're not
alone, you can see.
But you, my friends, helped
me see when I'm in the dark.
[helicopter flying]
You-- you help keep a
light burning inside.
A light of hope.
A light of understanding.
And a light of a new day.
[applause]
HELICOPTER APPROACHING]
[inaudible] Let's go.
[gunshots]
[gunshots continue]
[explosion]
[crowd screaming]
Sally, come in, please.
BUDDY: You want a drink?
Help yourself.
Yes, Miss Brown?
Sally, tell Marty to wait
for me in edit bay one.
And when Nick gets
here, we'll cut the tape
for tonight's programming.
Anything else?
Yeah.
write a closing.
Something interesting.
That's it.
Where the hell is he?
He was supposed
to be here by now.
He'll be here.
He just phoned.
I know he'll be here.
NICK: Hey.
Here he is.
[laughs] Thanks,
Hero.
Nicky, Nicky,
I was dying here.
I thought you weren't
going to get here on time.
Why the hell didn't you call me?
Buddy, I just got shot at.
Well, you're all
right, aren't you?
Of course you're all right.
You want a drink?
[laughs] I'll get you a drink.
Nicky, my friend,
you are going to see
a check with more
zeros on it than you
have ever seen in your life.
[laughs]
That's it.
I'm out.
Oh, what the hell
are you talking about?
This is just the beginning.
Well, maybe it is the
beginning for you, Buddy,
but it's over for me.
That's take was your
going away present.
No charge.
I'm going to go away somewhere
and have two point five kids.
You can't.
I have an obligation.
Hey, you said the magic word.
"I".
How can you sit here,
sipping bourbon,
while I'm out there
getting shot at?
All you care about
is the fucking check.
Well, the banks are
closed on Sundays, Buddy.
They're closed.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah, you're right, Nick.
You're right.
You know, I'm going to make
sure that you get assignments
that are less dangerous.
But you see, Nick,
I need your name.
The network wants you, not me.
You're the hero.
What are you talking
about, less dangerous?
How less dangerous does
a do-nothing governor
groundbreaking get?
What happened?
I'm going to take
care of you, kid.
I made you a hero,
so I'll protect you.
We're guaranteed ratings, Nick.
I make the news exciting,
and you report it.
Nick, come on, dammit We've
made it to the game now.
We tasted it.
Come on, Nick.
I can't help you, OK?
I'm sorry.
Don't you walk out on me.
SALLY: Is everything
all right, Mr. Arnstien?
Yeah.
Yeah, sure.
Everything's fine.
Fine.
[ominous music playing]
[tape rewinding]
Holy shit.
Let me see that again.
[tape rewinding]
Shit.
God, they're going to love this.
OK.
Make sure you get
the governor in there
at least a couple of times.
Get the helicopter.
Get the explosion.
Get all.
Run it over to control.
I want to get it on the
air within the hour.
Where's Nick?
We lost him.
What do you
mean, you lost him?
Don't worry about it.
I'll take care of it.
Without Nick, you can
kiss your contract goodbye.
We signed for two years.
You'll have him for two years.
I'm not so sure about that.
He has a mind of his own.
Personally, I don't think
he's going to play the game.
And I don't like that.
One night in bed
with the guy and you
think you know what
makes him tick?
I know what makes the news.
The phones are lit up
like a Christmas tree.
The response to the
hero's look at the news
is going to put us at the top.
Now, I'm not going to
jeopardize that because Nick
Branca's having a bad day.
Don't lecture me, sweetheart.
I was hustling the streets of
Reno with a beautiful broad
on each arm while you were still
kicking your mother's stomach.
I can handle Nick Branca.
I've handled
tougher and smarter.
It's not going
to be that easy.
Easy?
[laughs] Easy?
Easy as looking into
someone's heart.
And if you don't like
what you see in there,
you reach in with your
hands, you rip it out,
and you throw it in the garbage.
I'll deliver Nick Branca.
Just stay out of my way.
[ominous music playing]
Let me see that again.
[phone ringing]
[answering machine answers]
Hi, you've
reached Nick Branca's number.
Leave your name, number,
and time, if possible,
after the beep, and
I'll return your call.
[beep]
ROBERT (ON ANSWERING
MACHINE): Nick, this
is Robert down at the network.
Where are you?
Buddy's having a shit fit.
Says you won't return
any of his messages.
Please, Nick.
Call us.
[tires screech]
[music playing]
AGNELINA: Excuse me, can
I help you with something?
Oh, hi.
I'm Buddy Arnstein.
Friend of Nick's.
You must be Angelina, right?
Yes.
[laughs] Pleased to meet you.
Thank you.
You know, Nick works for me.
Ah, he used to work
for me, anyway.
Nick around?
No, he's not.
But he should be
here any minute.
Ah.
A nice place you got here.
Thank you.
You know how he
got this place?
First big assignment
that I ever gave him.
He put 10 grand down
right on this place.
[laughs] And you know what he
got for a second assignment?
He was so good that I bought
him a big midnight blue Lincoln
that he keeps in his garage.
[laughs]
And then he bought
himself a Porsche, and--
see, Nick made an awful
lot of money because of me.
And now, because of you,
he's throwing it all away,
Why don't we both help him out?
Can't say as I blame him,
pretty girl like you.
I need him back at work.
Think about it.
I'll get him the message.
That a girl.
[music playing]
You know, every time
I see that movie, I cry.
I like the part when
the tree lights up
and the puppy jumps
out of the box.
You wold like that part.
You like dogs?
I don't know.
I never had one.
Do you?
No, I like birds.
Birds?
[laughs] birds.
Yes, I like birds.
Birds are--
[music playing]
Feathers are so
soft and so beautiful.
So many colors.
When they open
their mouth to sing,
it's God's music that comes out.
And that's all it is.
They fly so high.
So high in the air.
So free.
I just-- so free.
They remind me of you.
God, Nicky.
I love you.
Tell you what I'm going to do.
I'm going to serve
you dinner in bed.
Oh, [laughs]
All right, so why don't
you go and wait for me,
and I'm gonna whip something up.
- OK.
- OK?
- Sounds Good.
- All right.
[sings to himself]
[sighs] [laughs]
[glass breaks]
[screaming]
DISPATCHER (ON RADIO): Respond
to multiple stabbing homicide
at 1328 Maple Drive, Hollywood.
Victim, female, Caucasian.
Black-- [inaudible]
Did you find any fingerprints?
Mm, lots of them.
Whose are they?
Yours.
I'm a suspect?
I'm afraid so, Nick.
[whispering]
[music playing]
[screaming]
Take that with you.
I know who did it.
Who?
Buddy Arnstien.
Do you have any proof?
I found that in her hand.
A cuff link?
They make hundreds of
thousands of these a year.
Yeah, well, that's his.
Why didn't you tell me this
when we picked up the body?
I'm telling you now.
Now, are you going
to help me or not?
Nick, I can't get
a search warrant
on what you're telling me.
I-- I'll-- I'll see
what I can do, OK?
Sure you will.
Oh, and, uh, NIck, I wouldn't
leave town if I were you.
[doorbell rings]
Nicky, what are
you doing here?
- You OK?
- Yeah.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
Come on in.
Come on in now.
Oh, [inaudible]
All right.
I gotta to go.
All right?
What's the matter?
I went by the coffee
shop, and Sam told me you
were working out of here now.
I still go back and forth.
You all right, kid?
Never better.
[liquor pouring]
I guess you know why I'm here.
No.
Well, I just wanted to
tell you that I'm sorry.
You were right.
I do belong in the street.
It's in my blood.
Everyone's been
waiting for you.
Contract's still got
your name on them.
Ain't even dusty.
[scoffs] Yeah, well, the
hell with the contracts.
I just can't wait to
get back out there
and nail my first story.
Everyone at the
network is going
to go nuts to hear you're back.
If you want, I think I can
even get them to renegotiate.
You know, play hard to get.
Squeeze a few more
GWs out of them, yeah?
No, let's nail
a big story first.
And then we'll move in
for the kill, right?
Right.
You know, I can't stop
thinking about when we met.
When we first met, your
father had just died,
and you were some crazy kid.
Yeah, but you gave me a job.
You put money in my pocket.
I didn't give you anything.
You worked for it.
No big deal.
It was a big deal to me.
Gave me a new life.
Ah, come on.
I'll always remember
how we used to sit,
and you'd listen to
me talk about cars
for a thousand hours.
[laughs] You must've
talked about that
Continental for almost a week.
I figured the only way to
get you to stop talking
about it was to buy you one.
[laughs] And then
you drove it home,
and you put it in the
garage, and it's got,
what, 20 miles on there?
22.
22.
That car is classic.
That car is very
important to me.
Car symbolizes what
you mean to me.
Ever since my father died, I've
always had you to count on.
That's what friends are for.
You what I'll
always remember is
the sound of the Continental
keys hitting the counter.
How you just strolled in, walked
over, reached into your pocket,
and drop the keys
right in front of me.
[keys clank]
What's that?
This is 22 miles.
This is the Continental, as new
as the day you gave it to me.
And now, it's my gift to you.
Oh, you can't.
Oh, yes, I can.
And I will.
Now, I've never refused
anything from you.
Now, don't insult me.
[laughs] You know?
This is funny.
The day I bought the car,
I was driving it home
from the dealers, you
know, over the bridge,
and, uh, I almost
kept it for myself.
[laughs] Isn't that funny?
[scoffs] Well, that
just goes to show you.
What comes around goes around.
Here is to a new beginning.
A new life
[together] A new beginning.
And a new beginning.
[music playing]
Yeah, Buddy.
It's Nick.
Listen, I got the
greatest story ever,
but I'm gonna need your help.
Yeah, meet me at the
fourth street bridge.
Look, don't ask any
questions, Buddy.
It's worth a lot of
GWs, so just be there.
I'll be right there.
Buddy, you're late.
Oh, you should not have
turned that car on, Buddy,
because that classic
piece of gift machinery
will never start again.
You're probably
wondering why I called
you here this lovely evening.
Am I right?
Well, to tell you
know the truth,
I called you here to
give you the greatest
story you or I have ever seen.
Oh, It's not here on tape yet.
But it will be, OK?
So you get nice and comfy.
Can you hear me, Buddy?
If you can hear me, smile.
Buddy, you're not smiling.
That's OK, Buddy.
I can hear you.
I can hear every
breath you take.
All right, what the
hell is going on here?
What kind of game is this?
A game?
Why, it's truth or consequences,
and I'm your MC, Nick Branca.
I got nothing to say.
Why don't you pack up
your toys like a good boy
and go home before
someone gets hurt
[buzzer sound] Wrong answer.
I guess that means
you gotta die tonight.
Are you crazy?
I don't scare easy.
What the hell is going on here?
I didn't do anything.
Buddy, I just have
one question for you.
Was it really worth
all that money?
Did she have to die?
I don't know what the
hell you're talking about.
Your mistake was
not killing me.
You're crazy.
Let me out this car, god dammit.
I didn't do anything.
You gotta believe me.
NICK (ON CAR STEREO): Check
the glove compartment, Buddy.
Open it.
Look familiar?
Bye, Buddy.
I did it for you.
For both of us.
It was business.
No.
This is business.
Get-- get me out of--
[explosion]
DISPATCHER (ON
RADIO): [inaudible]
San Fernando train tracks.
Amtrak derailed after
[inaudible] fire in progress.
Multiple [inaudible]
[radio goes off]
NICK: Now, the story that
you've just seen is what sells.
Anything less is not
acceptable and is
subject to possible
suspension or termination.
Do you have any questions?
JOHNNY: No.
No.
NICK: What's your name?
Johnny.
NICK: Johnny.
You don't look so good, Johnny.
You going to be all right?
Just a little nervous.
I'd be a fool to say I wasn't,
being this is my first night.
That's a good answer.
The cocky ones scare me.
They're the ones that
think they know too much.
They're also the ones that
aren't around too long.
Stick with me, kid.
I'll make you a hero.
What's your name?
Chuck.
You don't look so good, Chuck.
I'm going to be just fine.
You get the South Central LA.
Move it.
[music playing]
(SINGING) In the streets,
where life is so hard,
the warrior faces,
sometimes, oh sometimes,
sometimes a dividing call.
A dividing call.
Warrior.
What to bring to us all.
Midnight warrior.
He may lose to a higher
cause, the rating,
where he unfolds, in
his stories, his soul.
Oh, his soul.
Show no mercy.
Show no mercy. 'cause it's
hot, It's got to be told.
It's got to be told.
'Cause they're warriors.
Midnight warriors.
Midnight warriors.
Midnight warrior.
Warrior.
Midnight warrior.
And they pay their dues.
Midnight Warriors.
To bring out the--