My Old Man (1979) Movie Script

**

(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.

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.

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!

(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!

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.

(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!

... 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!

**

My Old Man (1979) - full transcript