My Old Man (1979) - full transcript

**

(birds chirping)

(man)
"The Lord is my shepherd.

"I shall not want.

"He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures.

"He leadeth me
beside the still waters.

"He restoreth my soul.

"He leadeth me in
the paths of righteousness

"for his namesake.

"Yea, though I walk through

"the valley of the shadow
of death



"I will
fear no evil.

"For thou art with me.

"Thy rod and thy staff,
they comfort me.

"Thou preparest
a table before me

"in the presence of
mine enemies.

"Thou anointest
my head with oil.

"My cup runneth over.

"Surely goodness
and mercy

"shall follow me
all the days of my life.

And I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever."

Amen.

Phoebe.

The rectory door
is always open to you.

Thank you, Reverend.



Hello, Matt.

Phoebe.

What are you
doing here, Frank?

You don't belong here.

I come for
my daughter, Phoebe.

Em wanted her with us

and that's
where she's staying.

A daughter ought to be
with her father

before an
aunt or an uncle.

(man)
He's not wrong, Phoebe.

He ain't got
no rights to her.

I want her, Matt.

She's my flesh and blood
and I want her.

You ain't a fit father.

What are you
gonna do for her?

Drag her from race track
to race track?

Shh.

What's wrong
with that?

She'd have fun.
Hmm.

It's summer.

Kid ought to have fun
in the summertime.

Come on, Jo.

Matt.

You shouldn't
have come here, Frank.

(dog barking in the distance)

What are you doing?

She needs some lunch.

Let her be.

She didn't have
any breakfast.

She needs to eat.

What she needs
is some time alone.

(birds chirping)

(knocking)

(door opening)

You can't come in here.

(Frank)
I got something
I want to give her.

You can
give it to me.

I'll give it to her.

I want to give it
to her myself.

It's something of Em's.

Let me have a minute
on the porch with her.

Come on, Phoebe.

(whispering)
I don't trust him.

Come on!

(dog barking in the distance)

(clearing throat)

Well, ya-- ya look like
I thought you would.

Yeah, so do you.

About a foot
taller maybe.

A foot?
Yeah.

See, that's the only
picture I ever had of you.

(chuckling)

She sure was pretty.

Yeah, your mother
gave me that

just before we split up.

I thought you
ought to have it.

I'll be right back.

(door opening)

(door closing)

Where do you think
you're going?

I'm going with him.

Oh, no, you're not.

Just for the summer.

I'll be back
by school.

You're not going
any place with that man.

He's no good.

Goodbye, Aunt Phoebe.

Bye, Uncle Matt.

Thanks for everything.

Uh, you sure you're
doing the right thing?

I'm doing
what I need to do.

Thanks a lot.

Come back.

You know, if it
doesn't work out.

Okay.

Bye.

**

How come you're
staring at me?

How come you
forgot about me?

I didn't
forget about you.

Then how come you
never came to see me?

Your mother
wouldn't let me.

But you did try?

Yeah... once.

Once?

Yeah.

She wouldn't
let me in the door.

Once?!

You call that
trying, huh?

Aw, I thought you'd
probably be better off

bein' with her.

Why?

Oh, I don't know.

She was your mother.

And you were my father.

How come you came along if
you're gonna be mad at me?

I made a big mistake.

So, turn this thing around
and take me back.

Hey, I came a long way
out of my way to get you.

Well, tell me
something about yourself.

Like what?

Well, I don't know
nothing about you.

Terrific.

So, what do you
want to know?

Well...

... what grade
you in at school?

You don't know that,
huh?

I bet you don't even
know how old I am either.

16?

Right?

Bingo.

(sighing)

Mmm!

How come you drink
while you're driving?

Well, I haven't had
an accident yet, honey.

(tires screeching)

What's going on?

We better eat
something.

I'm not hungry.
Well, I am.

I didn't have
any dinner.

You know, maybe you
ought to eat something

and sober up
a little bit.

Listen, kid.

Don't ever tell me
what I ought to do.

(fizzling)

I didn't order this.

It's okay, I did.

You drink coffee?

When I want to
stay awake.

Your mom
let you drink coffee?

No.

Bring me a glass of
milk here, ma'am.

Hey, what's wrong
with coffee?

'Cause you ain't got
no reason to stay awake.

Where are we
sleeping tonight?

In the van.

Where do you think?
In the van?

That's a horse van.

That's right.

Mmm.

Got any money?

$5.
Why?

Well, let me have it.

How come?

'Cause I ain't got
no small bills on me.

Miss?

Here you go, baby.

Keep a buck
for yourself, huh?

(woman)
Okay, thanks.

(cash register dinging)

(breathing heavily)

Sure smells in here.

You'll get used to it.

So, how am
I supposed to change?

(horn honking)

What do you mean?

I usually
sleep in a nightgown.

Oh...

well, it's, uh,
it's pitch black in here.

Nobody gonna look at ya.

I'm your father,
for cryin' out loud.

So, where's
the bathroom?

This ain't a motel.

You go back to the diner
or go outside.

That's what I do.

You always
live in this?

You mean the van?

Yeah.

Yeah.

When I got money,
I stay in motels.

You and mom
live in this thing?

(horn honking)

When we first
got married...

(horn honking continues)

... it was about
half this size.

We had fun.

Nobody minded.

You're drinking again.

I need it to
help me go to sleep.

I don't think I'm gonna be
able to sleep either.

Just get your
clothes off.

Well, we could
talk or something.

About what?

We got a lot to
talk about, right?

You want to cover all
those years tonight?

Huh?

Come on.

**

Did you love Mom?

Yeah.

More than anybody
ever knew.

Then how come
you left her?

I didn't leave her.

She kicked me out.

She tell you
I left her?

She said you didn't wanna
be tied down anymore.

Hmm.

Well, I tried.

She said she didn't
wanna go on living

the way
you'd been living.

She wanted me to have
a normal life.

Well, I didn't
want to lose her.

So, I quit the horses.

I pumped gas
for a while.

That didn't work out.

Stocked groceries
for a while

and that
didn't work out either.

She said it was
the gambling.

That you couldn't quit.

Is that all she said?

That's about it.

She ever say anything
good about me?

Well, she said
I had your temper.

But she used to smile
when she said that.

She used to get worried

because I liked
horses so much.

She used to hate it
when I'd go out and ride.

Well...

... when I first met her,
she loved horses.

I remember we had
this exercise boy once.

I was training my
first champion

for a very
important race.

She caught this kid

whipping
the horse real hard.

So I had to
fire him.

Your mom took over.

And I want to tell you,
she was the best exercise kid

I ever had in my life.

You ride?

You any good at it?

Pretty good.

How good?

**

(Jo)
You mean you haven't
even seen him yet?

(Frank)
That's right.

I know one of them's
a two-year-old colt

and the other's
a four-year-old filly.

And that's all you
know about them?

I told you.

Trainer quit.

I heard they were
looking for someone,

so I called up the owner
and he told me come on.

Is that how you
always do business?

I was expecting you
earlier.

Yeah, I know.

I had to stop,
pick up my daughter.

Oh, how'd you do?

Jo, this is
Mr. Kiley.

Hi.
Hi.

This is my
son Roy.

Can I ask you something,
Mr. Butler?
Sure.

About Little Sister.

When she won
the big race in 1966,

is it true she had
a bum ankle?

Now, where'd you
hear that?

I read it somewhere.

(laughing)

That's just hype, son.

(chuckling)
I knew it.

My son's
a horse scholar.

'Round our house we say he's
full of horse sense.

(laughing)

What about the big race
Skippy Yellow won

at Pimlico,
Mr. Butler?

What about it?

Did you know
you had a winner?

Well, son, I tell ya,

I can pretty well
tell a winner

as soon as
I lay eyes on 'em.

A look's about all I need.

He's got it in him to make
Phi Beta Kappa.

All he wants to do
is hang around here.

Ha.

Well, track's not
a bad place to be.

It's a waste of time for
a lad with a brain like his.

Now, this is Cousin Doris.

My personal favorite.
Mm-hmm.

Made me a bundle
in the past couple years.

That's a good-looking
horse.

Hey, Frank.

Look at this one,
he's beautiful.

Now, this one's
called Gilford.

He's been giving me
a lot of trouble.

He's a little wild.

He's not living up
to his promise.

Isn't he something?

Now, you be careful.

He's temperamental.

Aw, he wouldn't hurt me.

Would you,
Gilford, huh?

(Frank)
Not winning
for you, huh?

My last trainer
said he's a rogue.

Nah, he doesn't look
like a rogue to me.

What's a rogue?

A horse that
hates humans.

He's not a rogue.

Beautiful.

I'll be needing
some kind of advance.

What you have in mind?

Oh, 500 bucks.

I'll give you
a hundred.

(horse neighing)

A lot of people think
I'm nuts to use you.

A hundred bucks sure doesn't
go very far these days.

You'll have to manage
until the end of the month.

I hope you're not planning
to use that for whiskey.

I don't drink
anymore.

Good.

Glad to hear it.

Roy!

I'm counting on you,
Frank.

Don't let me down.

(horse neighing)

It's a real pleasure
to meet you, Mr. Butler.

Nice meeting
you too, Roy.

Would it be okay if I sort of
hung around with you

while I'm on vacation?

Well, that's up
to your dad.

Thanks.

Hey, look who I found!

Frank.
(man)
Frank.

(crowing)

How you doin',
Rooster?

I'm doing okay,
Frank.

Glad you're back.

Thanks.

(man)
Hey, Frank.

Hi, Mule.

Can't sit at
the bar, honey.

You gotta be 18.

Go on over there and sit down
at the table, honey.

Want a hamburger
or something?

No thanks.

What are you
drinking, Frank?

Soda.

Soda?

Yeah, I'm on the wagon.

(laughing)
On the wagon?

How about the kid?

I'm on the wagon too.

All right.

Two sodas,
one draft beer.

She don't look a thing
like you, Frank.

You sure he's
your father, honey?

Hey.

Watch out how you talk
in front her, will you, Mule?

Just kidding.

She just lost her mother,
for crying out loud.

Hey, Frank.

Remember Tamburlaine?

Good horse.

You rode the hell
out of him.

You remember where?

Glen Island.

You remember
how much the purse was?

25,000 smackeroos.

Yeah.

You remember
what year?

1959.

Right!

(laughing)

Ah, we were living high off
the hog back in those days.

Huh, Rooster?

Yeah.

I wasn't even married.

How is your wife?

Didn't you hear?

She ran out on me,
Frank.

Couldn't take the life.

Well... some stick,
some don't.

Hey, let Shimmy know if you
want me to ride for you.

(crowing)

I sure will, Rooster.

See, Rooster
leans right in a race.

He crows like that when he's
passing another jockey.

That's why they
call me Rooster.

Hello, Frank.

Let me buy you
a drink, Frank.

No, thanks.

What are you mad about?

No matter what you think,
I'm still your friend.

Yeah, some friends.

Well, I always
ask about you.

Don't I always ask
about him?

George here rode
all your winners.

Didn't he?

He's the best
jockey you ever had.

Let's go, Jo.

Huh?

Let's go now.

So, what was that
all about?

Don't worry about it.

I'll be right out.

Your flask
is empty again?

Hey, listen.

If you don't like
what you see,

why don't you split?

I don't know if I want a kid
tagging around after me,

putting me down for
everything I do anyway.

What are you
mad at me for!?!

And remember this...

you're the kid,
I'm the father!

Get over here and sit down.

You wait there
'til I come out.

**

(birds chirping)

Hey, Doc!

Morning, Frank.

What do you think about
my new horse

out there, Gilford?

He's a beauty,
ain't he?

How's his temperament?

Oh, he's been
real gentle, Doc.

Good, that's good.

Say, who you gonna bet in
the race this afternoon?

I'm only
placing one bet today.

Scarsdale Hannah
in the fourth.

Oh... thanks.

(man on TV)
... first, it's first.

Dale Hannah in front
by a length,

Smarty Marty is second by
three quarters of a length.

Intermezzo third, moving up on
the outside...

Come on,
Scarsdale Hannah!

Come on!

Now it's Smarty Marty
in front.

Scarsdale Hannah
is dropping back.

Smarty Marty in front
by a head.

Intermezzo is second
and Scarsdale Hannah.

Intermezzo on the outside
and Smarty Marty.

Intermezzo.

Smarty Marty.

Scarsdale Hannah
and Perry Guard.

Intermezzo and Smarty Marty.

And Intermezzo
is the winner by a head.

Smarty Marty second.

Scarsdale Hannah...

(crowd cheering)

I had some information from
a very reliable source.

You get great
information.

Nine ball
in the corner pocket.

(man)
Nice shot, Robert.

Care to play
another one, Frank?

Just a minute.

Got any money on ya?

No.

That's it.

Let's go, Jo.

And even if I did have
any more money on me,

I wouldn't give it
to you anyway.
Why not?

Because you're
always losing.

My luck will change.

And I don't like
gambling either.

(birds chirping)

She's fantastic!

Just keep the time.

A minute,
three and four tenths.

That's more like it.

You were right about
the blinders.

You bet I'm right.

Okay, I'm gonna
enter him.

(laughing)
All right.

**

You want some help?

You muck stalls?

(chuckling)

I've mucked
stalls before.

You have, huh?

Since I was a kid.

Okay.

You looked pretty good
riding Gilford today.

Yeah, we're good together.

We understand
each other.

Women jocks are
the coming thing.

Oh, no.

I promised my mom I'd be
a school teacher.

The day I graduate
from college

I'm gonna be back
here training horses.

I want to be
first class.

Like your old man.

Did he ever tell you about
a horse called Skippy Yellow?

No one believed in her
except for him.

He couldn't even get
a jock to race her.

She won
a classic race.

$40,000 purse.

You really think I look
good riding Gilford, huh?

Terrific.
Thanks.

(man)
Oh boy...

I'm gonna see you
one buck, Chubby.

Hey, Shimmy.
Huh?

I'd like to use Rooster
in a couple of races.

Which ones?

Let's see.

Second on Wednesday
and the eighth on Saturday.

Give me a minute
and I'll check my book.

Give me one.

Hiya, Frank.

You guys must be hard up
for card players.

You let anything
play with you these days.

Hey, let it go,
Frank.

The past's the past.

Not for me.

You got your man for
the two races, Frank.

Who's gonna see
my ten bucks?

I'm entering Gilford...

second race on
Wednesday.

Horse wearing blinkers.

Who's riding him?

What's, uh,
Rooster's real name?

I forgot.

Clyde Barrett.

Clyde Barrett,
that's my jock.

**

(horse neighing)

(horse whinnying)

(man on PA)
Two-year-olds
in the second race

may now move to
the paddock area.

That's you, boy.

Let me have him.

Come on.

**

Good.

Mr. Kiley.
Hey, Doc.

Doc.

(horse neighing)
Whoa.

Whoa, whoa.

He'll calm down,
Doc.

Don't worry about it.

You think he'll
come in on the money?

I don't know,
Mr. Kiley.

It's a horse race.

He'd better.

Okay.

Now, um, watch him
in the turns.

Right.

Now, hold back.

I know.

Get your riders up!

Go.

(crowd cheering)

(Rooster)
Easy, boy.

Easy, easy,
there you go, easy.

(bell ringing)

(man on PA)
And there they go!

Golden Apple is going to
the front.

Rigor Mortis is second.

Pie in the Eye
is third.

Quick Fire is fourth.

Julie K, fifth.

Gilford is sixth...

Out on the back stretch is
Golden Apple

in front by a head.

Rigor Mortis
is second by a neck.

Pie in the Eye is third on
the outside.

Quick Fire is fourth.

Julie K fifth
and Gilford.

Going in to the far turn it's
Golden Apple in front by a leg.

Rigor Mortis is second,
Pie in the Eye third.

Come on, come on,
Gilford.

And there goes
Gilford moving up strongly

on the extreme outside.

Turning for home we have
Golden Apple

in front by a neck.

Rigor Mortis
is second by one leg.

Quick Fire now moving...
Come on, come on!

(crowd shouting)

Now it's Golden Apple
in front by a neck.

Quick Fire in second
and now takes the lead.

It's Quick Fire in front.

Golden Apple
and Rigor Mortis...

Oh, Gilford is just
gonna stay there!

I know it.
Come on, Gilford!

Come on!

What's wrong
with him?!

Forget it.

Quick Fire on the outside.

Golden Apple on the way
with Pie in the Eye

and Quick Fire is
the winner by a half length.

Golden Apple is second

with Pie in the Eye
finishing third.

All right, Rooster,
what happened?

He wouldn't move, Frank.

He wouldn't respond to
anything I gave him.

And I gave him
everything I know.

You got any ideas?

He's temperamental,
Frank.

Is that my fault?

Rooster was saying

the track
was very slow today.

Yeah, and the sun
was at the wrong angle

and the clouds were in
the wrong place.

I know all about it, Frank.

Come on, you gotta
be patient, Mr. Kiley.

Truth is the jock
is in a slump.

Now, come on, Frank.

The jock's
only 10%.

The rest is the horse.

You know that
better than me.

I need more time.

I didn't
expect him to win.

I just expected him to come
in on the money, that's all.

Now, come on,
he's a good horse.

Just give me some more
time with him.

Maybe your winning days
are over, Frank.

Oh, what do you mean
by that?

I mean, I'm giving you
one more chance.

**

**

(coughing)

So what's up, Frank?

Well, it ain't me,
baby.

You depressed about
the race, huh?

The owner's depressed.

Ah, you heard him.

Owners...

they got more money
than they got sense.

They want everything to
happen right now.

Pressure, pressure!

Well, I don't
work that way.

If I ever saw a horse that
needed more time it's Gilford.

If he was my horse,

I'd give him all the time
in the world

and I'd make the-- I'd make
a big winner out of him.

I mean,
a really big winner.

Maybe you ought to
get another jockey.

Who?

Roy Kiley says you
ought to get George Gardner.

Who says?!

Roy Kiley.

He don't know
nothing about jockeys.

Are you kidding?
He knows a lot.

He reads everything.

Well, you gotta do something
more than reading, honey,

to be an expert.

What's the last thing you
read besides the race form?

I'm beginning not to
like your attitude.

Roy says
Gilford is subtle

and that he needs
to be handled.

And Gardner's
the only jockey

at our track who can
ride him.

Is that right?

Well, let me
tell you something.

George Gardner ain't
never gonna

get on no
horses of mine.

He can go to
hell first!

What do you got
against him?

None of your business!

Did something
to me once.

Yeah, well,
that's just fine.

Because even if he did
something

and it was rotten,

I'd still tell you to let
Gardner ride Gilford

because Roy says
he's the best jockey in town

and Roy knows a lot more
than you think.

Well, that's what
you know!

And let me
tell you something.

I got a little more
experience in this game

than your boyfriend.

I'm the best
there ever was!

And you can tell your
boyfriend that too.

My boyfriend?

Yeah, your boyfriend!

Look, we'll go get
something to eat, okay?

There.
Okay.

Gosh.

Hello, Marie.

(sighing)

Is it really you?

It's me.

Do you know how long

I've been waiting
for this to happen?

Well, it's happening now.

I heard you was in
California.

Then I heard
you was back.

Then I didn't hear.

Well, everything's
okay now, Marie.

I'm back in business.

Oh.

Who is she?

She's an old friend
of mine, honey.

Well, why is she mad?

You looking good,
Marie.

Looks like you
took off a few pounds.

Why didn't you
call me at least?

For cryin' out loud.

I thought you
was dead.

Hey, what you
getting mad about?

I mourned for you.

(chuckling)

I cried my eyes out
like a widow for you,

and look at you.

I-- listen,
we ain't alone.

This here's
my daughter.

That's Jo.

Your daughter?

Yeah, I told you
I had a daughter.

Well, I always
pictured her a baby.

She ain't a baby
no more.

Take a look at her.

How are you, honey?

Fine.

She's a real
good rider, Marie.

She could be
a jock.

A jock?

Yeah,
she's a natural.

She sure is pretty.

Looks just like
her mama.

Yeah, but she's
got your eyes.

Hey, Marie, when you finish
your personal life,

could I have
a cup of coffee?

All right.

Keep your pants on.

(sighing)

Come on,
you drink your coffee.

I'll get you menus.

You know how long
I've known that woman?

Since before
you was born.

Hmm?

How many horses
you got, Frank?

Huh?
Two.

Two?

Good ones.

Well, how can you
live off just two?

I remember when you
trained 12 and more.

Well, it's gonna
happen again, Marie.

Only this time...

I'm going to
own 'em.

**

You still got the same
dream, don't ya?

It's going to happen.

You watch.

I wish you luck.

You know I do.

I finally got one of my
big dreams, Frank.

I got me
a real nice house.

No kidding.

Yeah.

I bought myself
a little one.

(chuckling)
It's real little.

But I just love it.

That's wonderful,
Marie.

I'm real glad for you.

You-- you gotta come over
and see it

when you
have some time.

I sure will.

Oh, and your kid's
welcome too.

Can we eat now?

Oh, sure.

Uh... here's the menu.

(sighing)

What'll you have,
huh?

Mom was nicer.

You didn't like Marie?

Mom had more class.

Marie's classy.

Not like Mom.

You want to know
something about Marie?

Let me tell you,

no matter what was
going on with me,

she never lost
her respect for me

and she never stopped
caring about me.

Now, to me, that shows
a lot of class.

I'm not saying Marie
didn't have any good points.

She's probably a very
nice person.

All I was saying is
that I think Mom was nicer.

That's all.

Well...
I'm gonna go to sleep.

(snoring)

(man on PA)
Gilford is third
between horses by a neck.

True Devotion fourth
by a length...

Come on, Gilford!
Come on, Gilford!

(man on PA)
Going into the far turn it's
Lovely Lana in front

by a length and a half.

MTB is second
by a neck.

March's Calm
in third by a half length.

True Devotion
is now fourth.

Gilford fifth.
Come on,
you can do it!

You can do it!

Turning in for home it's
Lovely Lana in front by a head.

MTB is second.

March's Calm
is third.

And True Devotion and...

Lovely Lana
in front

and MTB moving up
on the outside.
Come on!

Lovely Lana,
MTB, and True Devotion.

Now MTB on the outside
and Lovely Lana--

it's a driving finish.

And MTB is the winner
by a neck.

Oh, he's giving up.

Oh, what is this?

Enter him in
the claiming race.

I paid 10,000 for him.

I'll settle
for seven.

He's worth
more than that.

No, I want to
get rid of him.

Chances are, someone
will claim him

first time out
at that price.

I think you're
making a mistake.

I've had it with throwing
away good money after bad.

(horse neighing)
So, you're just gonna
let someone claim him?

Well, what can I do?

The horse
is not performing.

Well, you said yourself
he just needs more time.
(horse neighing)

Well, it's not
up to me.

(dog barking in the distance)

(horse neighing)
Here, you take him.

**

Means that
much to you, huh?

Yeah.

I don't know how...

... but we got
connected.

You know?

I can't explain it...

but I don't
want to lose him.

Well, I'll tell you what.

What if I buy
Gilford for you myself?

With what?

I don't know.

I'll think about it.

**

(Andy)
How are you, Frank?
Hi, Andy.

How you doing, Frank?

Okay, Mule.

How's yourself?
Good.

How 'bout a...

Soda?

Yeah.

Buy you a drink?

I don't drink
with you, George.

Frank, can't you
let go of the past?

No.

I can't forget that

a couple of friends
of mine framed me.

That was
three years ago.

You know what those
three years

were like, George?

I heard.

Couldn't get no work.

I know, I heard.

What else
did you hear?

You were drunk
most of the time.

No, I wasn't.

I drank a lot but I never
could get drunk.

Okay.

So, what do you want,
Frank?

Nothing.

I don't want nothing
from you or Chubby.

(scoffing)

There's nothing I can
do about what happened.

It's done.

That's right.

Tell you what, though.

I'm riding a horse
called Kazar

in the third
race Saturday.

Bet him.

Can't lose.

(crickets chirping)

**

Where you going?

See you in the morning.

You staying out
all night?

I got some business
to take care of.

With that
waitress lady, huh?

Go back to sleep.

Have a good time.

Thanks.

(door closing)

(Marie)
You like it?

Isn't it pretty?

Isn't it pretty!?!

It sure is, Marie.

See, I painted it.

I painted it myself.

(FranK)
You're kidding me.

You climbed up there?

(chuckling)
Huh?

4-8.

I'm gonna bet
that tomorrow.

Ah, Marie.

You're a terrific-looking
woman.

You don't look no older
than before I left.

Yeah?

Hmm...

Skin's just as soft.

You're just
as pretty.

Oh, come on.

No, I mean it.

You like the house,
Frank?

Hmm?

It's a real
nice place, Marie.

Isn't it pretty?

This house was
only half of my dream.

You were
the rest of it.

Say, Marie...

... how'd you like to
make some...

... big money
really fast?

Huh?

Lend me $2,000

and I guarantee
I'll double it for you

in a couple of days.

Are you kidding?

No, I got a sure winner
on Saturday.

Well, Frank, I don't
have that kind of money.

Well, uh...

... what happened
to your savings?

Well, I put it
all into this house.

All of it?

Well, yeah.

I mean, that's what
I was saving for after all.

Don't you remember?

Well, you...

got your house and you
could borrow against it.

Oh, Frank.

No.

No, you don't want me
to risk my house.

It ain't no risk.

No, I-- I-- I saved
all my life for this place.

Ain't no risk, Marie.
No.

No, this place means
more to me than...

Hey, hey, Marie.

There ain't no risk,
I'm telling you.

Oh, Frank,
I want to trust you.

I really do.

But, I mean, eh, you're--
you're the-- the guy

who went away
and never called.

I mean, after all.

Never mind.

I'll get the money
somewhere else.

(sighing)

Okay, Frank.

Okay, what?

I'll get you
the money.

I'll get you
the money.

Oh, Marie, baby.

Oh, Marie.

**

(horse neighing)

Good morning, honey.

Where you going?

Let's go get some
breakfast.

I'd rather eat with
Gilford.

(chuckling)

**

Are you sure about
this Kazar, honey?

Oh, he can't lose,
I'm telling you.

Well, how do you
know that?

Well, now, look.

Let me give you
a lesson in handicapping.

First thing you wanna do
is look up the history

of the horses' wins
and losses in this column.
Hey, Frank.

Yeah?
Can I see you a minute?

Sure, Andy.

Hold onto that,
I'll be right back.

What do you want,
George?

You placed
your bet yet?

No.
Good.

Bet Kircubbin.

Huh.

Kazar's the best horse
in this race.

Kircubbin's gonna win.

You sure?

Come here, Frank.

Put this on it
for me.

That's how sure I am.

This makes up for the past,
don't it, Frank?

We'll see.

(man on PA)
Horses are on the track now

for the third race
at six furloughs.

Attention,
Mr. Robert Bowers,

Mr. Robert Bowers.

Please report
to the first aid.

The horses are
at the gate.
That Kazar
is a real beauty.

The only other horse that
holds a candle to him

is number two, Kur-Coobin.

Cubbin-- Kircubbin.
Kircubbin, cubbin.

(man on PA)
They're entering
the starting gate.

(Marie)
And Jo says Kazar
just far out classes him.

Mm-hmm.
Did you bet?

I bet.

(man on PA)
The flag is up.

Please, God, just make
me a rich woman.

That's all I ask!

(bell ringing)

(man on PA)
There they go.

Kazar...

Right there,
right there!

Dolly's Love
is second.

Lindsay Baby third.

Kircubbin is fourth.

Come on, Kazar!

Come on, Kazar!
Yeah!

Come on,
hang in there, baby!

At the far turn it's
Kazar in front by a neck.

Dolly's Love in second
by a half length.

Kircubbin
third by a head.

Lindsay Baby
is fourth.

Then Tommy Tucker and...

Aww!
... coming into the stretch.

He sure knows
his business.

... Kazar in front by a head.

Dolly's Love
is second by a neck.

Kircubbin third.

Now moving up strongly
on the outside.

Lindsay Baby
and Tommy Tucker.

Now it's Kazar in front of
Kircubbin.

Kazar on the inside.

Six to one.

Kazar...

Come on, Kazar!

Oh, yeah.

Hey!

Oh, hey...

(man on PA)
... Kazar and Kircubbin.

It's gonna be close.

Kazar and Kircubbin
and it ends!

It was Kazar, wasn't it?
In the chance of
photo finish,

please retain all
mutual tickets...
I don't know,
we'll find out.

... until the results
are declared official.
It was Kazar,
wasn't it!?!

Oh my God, what...
what if he didn't even win?

Oh my God!

Just take it easy,
Marie.
What do you mean?

Can't you tell me
whether he won or not?

My God!
I'm not sure!

What do you mean,
you're not sure?!

Oh my God!
What, did you have a lot of
money on-- on this race?

I had $2,000
on this race.

$2,000?
Yes!

What?

(man on PA)
The result of the photo,
number two Kircubbin is first.

Number one,
Kazar is second.

Oh my God!

My little house!

(laughing)

Hey, hey!
You no-good bum!

Why'd you have to come
back into my life for?

Stop it there!

I was doing great
without you!
Marie!

What are you
carrying on for?
What do you mean,
what am I carrying on for?!

Marie?
Yeah.

Uh-huh.
Stop it,
now, settle down.

Oh, you settle down!
Ow!

I'm ruined!

Your old man
ruined me!

You are, you're a bum!

(laughing)

Quit!
Stop, stop!
What?

What does that say?

Huh?

Well, that's number two!

That's Kir-coobin.
Kircubbin.

Yeah!
Right, we won,
we won!

Well, why didn't you
tell me that?!

Well, you never let me
tell you nothing!
Oh, you...

(laughing)

Didn't I always tell you he
was a genius with the horses?

Huh?

Oh, Frank!

My God!

(laughing)

Hey, I don't understand
something about

the handicap.
What?

What is-- what is
that all about?

Well, there's handicapping,
then there's tips.

Did Andy
give you a tip?

Huh?
Yeah, sort of.

So, we won, we won.

(Jo)
So, what are you gonna
do with the money, Frank?

Yeah?

Well, first off,
I'm gonna pay Marie

what she's got
coming to her.

That's $4,000.

I'm gonna buy myself
a washing machine

first thing tomorrow.

And then I'm gonna
get you a present.

A present?

A horse.

Gilford?

Gilford.

(chuckling)
Gil...

Oh, thank you!

Yeah, yeah.

Gilford!

**

Hey, pal,
give me one of those.

Let's go.

**

(crowing)

(all cheering)

Hey, hey!

What did I tell you?

My little girl
wanted a horse,

so I got her a horse.

If my little girl
wanted the moon,

I'd get her
the moon too.

Hey, I'll settle for
just the horse.

(laughing)

She's got her old man's
sense of humor, don't she?

Huh?

I want to buy everybody
in here drinks.

Step up.

You satisfied, Frank?

More than satisfied,
Chubby.

So, when are you gonna say
"thank you" to George?

You won some money
thanks to him, right?

Thanks to him,
my foot.

Stay out of this,
Marie.

That's right, Chubby.

What do you want,
Chub?

What are you
trying to say?

I'm saying that Frank
owes my boy a thank you.

Any objections to that?

Thanks, George.

(George)
You're welcome, Frank.

That's better.

Well, what was that
all about?

What'd you
thank him for?

I would have spit
in his eye.

Hey, come on,
forget it.

Let's dance.

Come on.

That's too fast
for me.

I need
something slow.
Oh, you don't.

I been on my feet
all day.

You're a good dancer,
don't worry about it.

Come on.

Jo, play something
slow, honey.

For the old man.

Hey, hey,
hey, hey.

Let it go.

**

**

Dance?

How come you're here?

I wanted to
celebrate with you.

Come on.

You know how to
dance like that?

No, but we can fake it.

Well, you're going
the wrong way.

Yeah, I know.

(crickets chirping)

If I couldn't have
Gilford,

I'm glad you do.

Me too.

(crickets chirping)

(whispering)
Frank.

Frank.

(train whistle blowing
in the distance)

Dad?
Huh?

Are you sober enough
to talk?

What's going on?

I need to
talk to someone.

Oh.

What time is it?

Okay, shoot.

Do you think Roy's
too good for me?

Huh?

Roy.

You know, he goes to
college and he's rich.

You been
messing around with him?

No!

Then what's going on?

Nothing's going on.

Forget it,
go back to sleep.

No, I saw the way the two
of you was dancing tonight.

I said never mind.

I don't want to
talk about it anymore.

Well, I do.
I don't.

Well, then what did
you wake me up for?

I didn't think you
was sleeping.

Well, you said you wanted
to talk to somebody.

Well, I do.
Well, talk.

It's not easy.

You been fooling around
with him,

you better cut it out.

You're too young
for that.

I don't believe this.

And from now on,
I don't think you and me

ought to be sleeping in
the same bed either.

That's just fine.

Where do you
want me to sleep?

You know... I think
I made a big mistake.

You living around
a track like this.

I love the track.

What are you
talking about?

All I know is that
you and me ought not be

sleeping in the same bed!

You just...
stay on your side.

This will be like
the old days, Andy.

I got me another champ.

You gonna throw some of your
big parties again, Frank?

(chuckling)

You bet.

Bigger than ever.

You'll see.

You remember
the time you hired

the all-girl band
for one of them?

(laughing)

Yeah.

Remember the drummer?

I remember
the bass player.

(both laughing)

Yeah.

Mind if I join you,
Mr. Butler?

Son, have you been messing
around with my daughter?

No, sir,
I haven't.

How old are you?

18-and-a-half.

Well, don't mess around
with my daughter.

She's just a kid.

Do you understand?

Yes, sir.

Go on, sit down.

Thank you.

(birds chirping)

I can't live off
no woman.

I never have
and I never will.

(Marie)
But you won't be
living off me.

You'll just be
living with me.

The house
is too small.

No, it's plenty
big enough now.

Jo will never
go along with it.

Well, let's ask her.

She just lost her mama,
for cryin' out loud.

That's right,
and she needs a real home.

Doesn't she?

(Frank clearing throat)

Hey, that's terrific!

So, what'd you think?

I thought it was
real good, honey.

He felt real good
in the turns too, huh?

Yeah, that's the way
to teach him.

You just keep
pulling his head back.

Uh...

(horse neighing)
(clearing throat)

Marie wants us to live in
her house with her, Jo.

What?

You'll have a room
all to yourself, honey.

Uh, with a nice bed and--
it's hardly ever been used.

I like it
where we are.

A horse van-- that's no place
for a girl.

I like it.

You shouldn't be
sleeping with your daddy.

Neither should you.

I'm not his
daughter.

And you're not
his wife either.

Well, well, that's a real
old-fashioned attitude.

Now, isn't that
old-fashioned, Frank?

If you want to live in
her house, that's fine.

Go ahead.

But I'm staying
in the van.

Oh, please, honey,
don't ruin it for me.

I'm crazy about
your daddy.

I've been dreaming
of living with him

ever since
I've known him.

And now I got the place.

I'll take real good care of
the two of you.

Honest to God I will.

I'll make you
real happy.

(Marie)
You know, we'll be like a--
like a real family.

I told ya.

**

I'll take her, son.

She's just tryin' to
do us a favor.

I don't know why you
gotta be nasty to her.

She doesn't
care about me.

All she wants is you.

I'm just part of
the package.

If you want Frank,

you gotta take
the kid too, right?

Well, you got it
all wrong!

She wants to make a home
for you, for cryin' out loud!

You don't want it, okay.

Seen my flask
around anywhere?

I threw it away.
What?

Look, if it means that
much to you to move in

with Marie, fine,
we'll move in with Marie.

How come you
throw my flask away?

Because I hate it.

Don't bug me.

**

(birds chirping)

I got your room
all ready for you, Jo.

Well, I hope you
like flowers.

Yeah.

I used to help my mom plant
flowers during the spring.

I planted
all of these myself.

Maybe next time I plant,
you can help me.

Why don't
you come inside?

I'll show you your room.

Let me get
the door for you.

Now, uh, your room is

right up the stairs,
honey, on your right.

So-- so where
you gonna sleep?

He'll sleep with me.

Where do you think
he'll sleep?

Come on.

You like it?

It's great.

You mean it?

Yeah.

It's great.

I, uh, I made these
curtains myself, see?

Yeah, they're nice.

Now, if there's anything
that you want to change

or move around or anything,

then you just--
you just feel free

because this is
your room.

Thanks, Marie.

Thank you, honey.

Well, it doesn't matter.

I want to give
the horse another week.

(humming)

He don't need
another week.

Roy says he needs
George Gardner.

I'm his trainer.

I ride him.

I know him
better.

Oh, you know
him better, do you?

It's my horse.
Excuse me, honey.

Oh.

Help Marie.

It's okay, Frank.

Help Marie
clear the table.

Why don't you
help her?

It's okay,
I don't need any help.

Help her,
I said!

You help her!

I don't want any help.

I'm a waitress and this is
just second nature to me.

No, I want her to
get up off her fanny

and help out.

That's what
kids do in a family.
Lay off her, Frank.

What?

Just lay off her.

Listen,
I'm the father.

She does what
I tell her to do.

Look, I want her to be
happy living here.

I want her to like me.

So, you just
get off her back.

Now, I'll clear the table myself
and I'll do the dishes myself.

You two just keep on
arguing about Gilford.

* When whippoorwills call

* And evening
is nigh *

* I hurry to

* My blue heaven

* A turn
to the right *

* A little bright
light *

* Will lead you to

* My blue heaven

* You'll see
a smiling face *

* A fireplace,
a cozy room *

(laughing)

* A little nest

* That's nestled
where *

* The roses bloom

* Just Molly
and me *

* Just Molly and me

* And the baby
makes three *

* How happy in

* My blue heaven

* Heaven *

Hey, Jo.
Hi.

Can I talk to you
guys for a minute?

It's Frank's kid.

Yeah, I know.

I want you
to ride Gilford

in the seventh race
on Saturday.

Oh, yeah?

How come your old man sends
you to do his negotiating?

My old man
and I are partners.

Well, uh,

tell him we paid him
what we owe him.

We don't
owe him nothing else.

What do you mean?

I don't want to
ride your horse.

How come?

(scoffing)

Because
I don't like him.

He's a good horse.
I don't like him.

Oh.

Tell your old man that
Chubby said...

"We did him a favor
and the slate is clean."

What favor?

You think George lost
that race by accident?

I don't know what
you're talking about.

Just tell him
what I said.

He'll understand.

You're talking about
the Kazar race, huh?

Just tell him.

(birds chirping)

Where you been, honey?

Come on, we got
a lot of work to do.

I've been talking to
George and Chubby.

Oh, yeah?
Yeah.

George says
it was no accident

that Kazar lost
that race.

He told you that?

Yeah,
he told me that.

Let's get
something straight.

George gave me a tip,
that's all.

He told me to bet
Kircubbin over Kazar.

Got it?

You telling me
the truth?

Wait a minute.

Are you?

Where do you get off
calling me a liar?

Did I ever lie to you?

Didn't I give you
a horse?

Ain't we got
ourselves a nice home?

What's the matter with you?

Mama always taught me
to be honest.

She wouldn't stand
for anything else,

and I bet you that's
the main reason

she kicked you out.

'Cause she found out
you were such a cheat.

That's not so!

I just wanted to
give you Gilford.

That's all.

So, you stole him
for me, huh?

I wanted to make up
for all those years

when I wasn't with you.

I wanted to show you
I was a winner.

A winner?

That's very funny.

How can a drunk
be a winner?

What?!
Don't touch me!

(horse neighing)

**

Don't!
Stop!

(horse neighing)

Gilford, stop!

Arthur, come!

(horse neighing)

Help him,
help him!

Someone get an
ambulance!

Someone
get an ambulance!

Dad!

He's still breathing.

Mrs. Butler?

So to speak.

And I'm his
daughter.

He's in
the recovery room.

We won't know the results of
the surgery for a while.

Maybe a week or so.

His vital signs
are all good.

Did you find
anything, Doctor?

We relieved
the pressure on the brain

and removed a blood clot.

We won't know if there's been
significant brain damage

until he
regains consciousness.

Well, when can
we see him?

Maybe tomorrow.

Thank you.

It's gonna be okay.

I know Frank.

Is the operation over?

Mm-hmm.
It's all my fault.

Oh, it's not
your fault, honey.

It's the horse's fault.

Come on,
let's get out of here.

We can't see him
'til tomorrow, huh?

Okay, well let's
get out of here.

Come on, Marie.
No, you go on.

I'm gonna just
stay here just in case.
Come on, Marie.

Just go on
without me, huh?

Okay.

(birds chirping)

Have you seen
Gilford?

Is he okay?

There's a problem
with Gilford, Jo.

What do you mean?

(sighing)

They're saying
he's a rogue horse.

That's crazy.

Now, it was
my fault.

I yelled.

Gilford got
a little scared.

He jumped and it was
an accident.

Yeah, well, you better
talk to the vet.

(Jo)
He's not a rogue.

You gotta believe me.

I know that
horse.

The horse has
a history, Jo.

His last owner said
he was wild.

I yelled,
he got scared.

Now, you can't kill
him for that.

How's your father
doing?

Not so good.

Because of the horse,
right?

My old man
believes in that horse.

He wouldn't want you
to put him to sleep.

He's been waiting for
a winner for a long time.

I was gonna enter Gilford

in the seventh race
on Saturday.

At least let him
race one more time

before you make any
final decisions.

Please.

Okay.

Thanks.

(machine whirring)

**

(sniffling)

Um, I'm just sure...

he's not ready to
pack it in yet.

He's got too much
life left in him.

He looks so peaceful
lying there.

Yeah.

He doesn't look
that much different

from when I first
met him.

His-- his beard's
a little grayer, though.

I remember
when he, uh,

walked into the diner
and...

and he ordered the most
expensive entrée on the menu.

He acted like
he was a king.

(laughing)
And then...

when it came time to
pay his bill,

he didn't
have any money.

Well, it didn't matter

because he was
Frank Butler.

He's the best.

So, the bosses
trusted him for the money.

Oh, he used to talk about
you all the time.

He didn't know
anything about you

but he was sure you
were special.

Most people don't know
how loving Frank can be.

Oh, God, I hope
he don't die.

I ain't nearly
had enough of him yet.

No.

Not nearly.

Hey, Stanley?
Hi, Jo.

Hi.

I was wondering if Zack
could race Gilford

in the seventh
race on Saturday?

Saturday?
Yeah.

It's a little late to
start booking for Saturday,

isn't it, kid?

Yeah, well,
you know how things are.

We'll book that race.

It's a pretty
big one.

Yeah.

Do you know if
Lefty's in that race?

Hey, Luther.

Your boy riding
seventh on Saturday?

You mean the big one?
Yeah.

Yeah, we're riding.

Yeah.

Okay, thanks.

Hey, Shimmy.

How's your
old man, kid?

Same.

Hey, do you know
if Rooster's riding

in the seventh race
on Saturday?

Rooster is racing out at
Glen Meadows

for the next
couple of weeks.

Okay, thanks.

**

(sighing)

This is my old man's
special recipe,

this poultice.

I know.

You do?

He told me.

Oh.

There's one thing
about your old man.

(chuckling)
He's not modest.

Yeah.

That's one of the things
I like best about him.

Stop staring.

I can't help it.

Well, then go back
to work.

I'd rather
stay with you.

You know, maybe you shouldn't
come around for a while.

I mean,
until after the race.

'Cause I'm not getting
any work done.

I'm leaving for school
Wednesday.

I don't know when
I'm gonna see you again.

In that case,
you can stay.

(man on PA)
Jo Butler to the gate.

Jo Butler come to the gate,
please.

Come on,
I'll drive you.

The hospital called.

They want Jo as quick
as she can make it.

Did they say why?
Nope.

(tires screeching)

I didn't know
if they reached you.

What happened?

Didn't they
tell you?

No, is he dead?

Dead?

No, he woke up!

When?

Well, he was awake
when I got here.

He isn't talking yet.

But he seems to know
everything that's going on.

Jo, didn't I tell you?

Everything is
gonna be all right.

Hi, Dad.

Jo.

Did you see that?

Didn't I tell you?

He knows
what's going on.

He's gonna be fine.

(whispering)
Welcome back.

You feeling better?
You feeling okay?

The doctor said he
should get plenty of rest.

You know, we shouldn't

overdo talking to
him today.

Yeah, that's right.

We sure did
miss you.

That's putting it
mildly.

Gilford.

Gilford's just fine.

I wanted to enter him
in the big race on Saturday

but I can't find
a jockey.

I've talked to everybody.

I've talked to Zack,
I've talked to Rooster.

There's no one
who'll do it.

You ride him.

What?

You ride him.

What are you
talking about?

I don't have a license.

I'm not a jockey,
I can't do that.

You are Gilford's, Jo...

Don't tax yourself,
sweetie.

Come on.

(groaning)

Don't talk about it
anymore, Jo.

Now, that horse has
done enough damage already.

(whispering)
Okay.

We'll let him
get some rest now.

We'll see you
tomorrow, Dad.

(grunting)

You ride Gilford, Jo.

I'm not a jockey.

(groaning)
(woman)
Please go.

He shouldn't have
company now.

He's much too weak.

(air pumping)

So, what do you think of
George Gardner?

I hate his guts.

How come?

Don't you know?

No.

Didn't your daddy
ever tell ya?

Well, I asked him
once but he wouldn't say.

Yeah, well, he probably
doesn't want you to know.

Well, Marie,
I really need to know.

And you're the only one
that can tell me.

Well, honey, if he
doesn't want you to know,

then I'm not telling you.

But-- but it's real
important that I know.

I have to know.

You've gotta tell me.

George... and Chubby,

they drugged a horse that
your old man was training.

You know, they-- they-- they
speeded him up, you know?

And the horse,
he won a big race.

But then the-- the commission

they ran some tests
on the horse

and they found out
about the drug and, uh,

George and Chubby

denied responsibility
and they framed Frank.

Frank did a real good job
defending himself

but then Chubby
says to the steward,

"Are you gonna believe
a drunk?"

And the steward,
he listened to him.

So, they suspended Frank
for three years.

He was like
a lost soul.

He just disappeared.

I tell you, I...
I'll never speak to

either one of those
guys again

for as long as I live.

Was he a drunk?

No.

He always liked to
drink, like a lot of guys,

but he was never
a drunk.

Yeah.

Thanks for telling me.

Well, I figure
it's better you--

you know the truth.

I don't want you hearing
a different story

from somebody else.

Thanks, Marie.

(Roy)
When are you
gonna tell him?

(Jo)
I don't know yet.

Well, when are you
gonna know?

When I'm talking to him.

Oh.

I'll be out in
a few minutes.

Right.

How's the old man
doing, kid?

Not so good.

Keeping my fingers
crossed for him.

(man)
We're all rootin' for him, Jo.

I want to ride Gilford in
the seventh race on Saturday

and I want to ride him
in your name.

Have you popped
your cork, kid?

Look, if you don't
agree to it,

I'm gonna go to
the track official

and I'm gonna tell him what
happened with Kazar.

Your old man could get in

a lot of trouble
for that too.

Look, my old man is lying
in a hospital bed right now

and he might not be able
to work ever again.

What more
can they do to him?

You stand to lose
a lot, though.

Huh, George?

How 'bout if
I ride Gilford?

Uh-uh.

I'm the one
who has to ride him.

You could get into a lot of
trouble if they find out.

That's a chance
I have to take.

Because I owe it
to him.

And so do you.

I paid him back.

You could never pay him
for what you took from him.

What do I get
for doing this?

Whatever piece of
the action we get...

you get.

And it's like right before
we come out of the turn

I can feel him.

He wants to
go for it.

Uh-huh.

Let him.
Yeah?

Yeah, let him.

You're probably
reading him right.

Okay.

Time to go, Jo.

Oh, what are you
talking about?

Come on.

She can stay
as long as she wants.

(chuckling)
Come on.

Kiss Daddy goodbye.

It's time for you
to rest, Mr. Butler.

Who says?

Doctor.

Too much excitement.

That's why you're
having headaches.
Mmm...

Headaches?

It's nothing.

Come on,
say goodbye.

Come on,
give me a kiss.

(whispering)
Goodbye.

(whispering)
Bring me my flask.

That's not funny.

Goodbye.

Don't worry about
nothing.

You hear?

(sighing)

It's after 2:00, honey.

We need to
get some sleep.

I can't sleep.

Well, your daddy said

you should get plenty of
rest before the race.

I can't sleep!

So, what do you
want me to do?!

Well, you don't
have to yell at me.

Well, then stop
nagging me.

Okay, I'm sorry.

Okay.

I guess I'm a little scared
about the race tomorrow.

Sure.

That's what I think too.

I keep going over
everything in my head.

Over and over.

I know
what you mean.

That happens to me
all the time.

(sighing)

Sometimes I even wake up in
the middle of the night,

you know, at 5:00
in the morning or so...

and my mind's going
over and over

all the problems
I ever had in my life.

I'm worried about him.

I know, honey,
me too.

(whispering)
I gotta win for him.

And you will.

You will.

I'm even gonna
bet on you.

(chuckling)

Want me to stay with
you for a while?

Huh?

While you fall asleep.

Don't have to.

Yeah, I know
I don't have to.

But I'll be happy to do it
if you want me to

'cause I know--

I know what it's
like to be so scared

you can't sleep.

You're still a baby,
for cryin' out loud.

You still need
a mother.

So, let me
be your mother.

What's the big deal?

(humming lullaby)

**

Jo's here, sweetie.

Huh.

(whispering)
The headaches
are worse, honey,

and, uh, they don't know if
they can operate again.

Hi.

I got something
I want to tell you.

Shoot.

I'm not sure
if I can say it right.

I got this feeling for you

that I've never had
before in my life.

It's, uh...

... it's a real
special feeling.

I've never had it
for anyone else.

It's about
being a father.

I like everything
you do, Jo.

You're a winner.

I'm proud
you're my daughter.

I'm thankful you
came into my life.

Yeah, me too.

How's Gilford?

(crying)
The vet says
he's gonna be fine.

Mm-hmm.

Well, you remember to
talk to him when

he's comin'
out of the turns.

Yeah, yeah, I will.

When's the--
what time's the race?

In about an hour.

Mmm...

Well, you better
get going.

Yeah.

You don't wanna
be late, you know.

Yeah, okay.

Goodbye, Jo.

Goodbye.

Good luck.

I love you.

I love you too,
sweet honey.

(birds chirping)

You the trainer?
Right.

(horse neighing)
Easy, boy, easy, boy.

Nothing to be
afraid of.

Good luck, Jo.

How you doing?

Scared.

Here.

There's something else
I brought you.

For good luck.

Thanks.

It's... it's beautiful.

(sighing)

I'm shaking.

I've got total
confidence in you, Jo.

Thanks.

Bye.

Go.

(static blaring)

(man on radio)
The day is important
for another reason.

Here we go.

... in the race, Gilford is
being ridden by George Gardner.

The race reunites Gardner

with Gilford's trainer
and owner...
Hey.

... Frank Butler.

That's Gilford he's
talking about, Frank.

... as a team,
Gardner and Butler came before

the racing commission on
charges of drugging a horse.

Butler alone was found guilty
of the charge

and suspended from
racing for three years.

Butler's partner

is his 16-year-old daughter
Joanna...

Joanna.
... who's been preparing
Gilford for this race...

**

(man on PA)
Get your riders up!

(onlookers applauding)

(man on PA)
The horses are coming on
the track now

for the seventh and feature
race of the afternoon

at six furlongs.

Number one, Secret Pride,

is owned by Durban Griefman
of Griefman farms.

He's trained by Jane Winston.

The rider:
Stanley Burton.

Number two, Blue Danube, is
owned by Carl Whitman...

is trained by Nancy Jane.

And the jockey:
Gene Cowlton.

Number three, Gilford, is owned
by Frank and Joanna Butler.

Frank Butler
is the trainer.

The jockey: George Gardner.

Number four, Bottoms Up,
is owned by David Johnson,

is trained by Jesse Bart...

I put $500
on Gilford, Frank.

Number five, Evelina,
is owned by Sheldon Carson.

Trained by...

Michael King.

And the jockey,
Johnny Frank.

Number six, Apple Tart, is
owned by the Appletree Farms.

Is trained by Bob Winter

and the jockey is
Pedro Gomez.

Number seven, Take Two,

is owned by
Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Casper,

is trained by Vicki Palmer

and the rider:
Anthony Keller.

And number eight,
Prince Joy,

is owned by Cecil Smith,

is trained by Jack Perrier
and the jockey is Jose Nunez.

Easy, Gilford, easy.

The horses are entering
the starting gate.

(gate clanking)

(horse neighing)

(gate clanking)

(horse whinnying)

(gate clanking)

Whoa, whoa.

(horse whinnying)

(gate clanking)

(man on PA)
The flag is up.

(bell ringing)

And, there they go.

Blue Danube
is going to the front.

Apple Tart is second.

Bottoms Up third.

Evelina is fourth.

Take Two, fifth.

Gilford is sixth.

Then Secret Pride
and Prince Joy.

Down the back stretch it's
Blue Danube in front by a leg.

Apple Tart is second
by a neck.

Hold back, Jo,
hold back.

... take Two,
fourth by a leg.

Gilford is fifth,
racing up....

Come on, we can do it,
Gilford!

... Pride
and Prince Joy...

We got to!

Into the far turn
is Blue Danube

in front by a length.

Apple Tart
is second.

Gilford is now third,

moving up on
the outside.

Take Two is fourth.
He's third, Frank,
he's third!

Bottoms up is fifth...
Come on, Gilford!

Come on, Gilford!
... and Secret Pride.

Around the far turn
it's Blue Danube...
Come on.

... in front of
the rail by one length.

Apple Tart is second by...

Come on,
we can do it!
... Gilford is now third.

Racing on
the extreme outside...
Come on, Jo!

Come on, Gilford!

They're turning into
the stretch.

It's Blue Danube in front
on the inside by a neck.

Apple Tart
is second by a head.

Here comes Gilford racing in
the middle of the turn.

And, Bottoms Up.

Come on, Jo,
come on, come on.
Now, it's
Blue Danube in front.

Gilford is second,
moving up on the outside.

Now they're
neck and neck.
Frank, they're
neck and neck.

Blue Danube on the rail
of Gilford.

Now they're
head and head.

Nose and nose.

Apple Tart
is third.

Now it's Gilford on
the outside in front.
Frank?

Gilford by a half length,
by one length.

Frank?
Gilford, going away.

Running easily.

Nurse!

Nurse!

Nurse!

**