Sam Churchill: Search for a Homeless Man (1999) - full transcript

(inspirational music)

(ominous music)

(traffic passing)

(banging)

(shouting)

- [Man] Don't let
him get away, man!

(suspenseful music)

- [Man] Come on,
come on, come on!

(horn honking)

(truck smashing)

(speaking in foreign language)



- Man, we messed up.

(soft music)

(phone ringing)

(papers rustling)

(books falling)

- Speak to me.

Patty, Patty, I have got
a horrendous hangover.

Company, what do you want?

Who arrested her?

Well then who called you
and told you about it?

Alright listen, I want you
to get in touch with Rudy

and tell him everything, okay?

Alright, I'll meet you
down there right away.

Right away, I'll meet you.



- You alright?

- I feel like hell.

- Where are you going?

- My family has got some
trouble with my sister.

Well like my sister's
daughter, my niece.

She needs me.

She's absolutely
beautiful, Church.

Who is she?

Molly, Maggie, Mary, Madison?

Come on, Churchill, what
the heck was her name?

Sara, Allie?

Mandy, how are ya?

Katelynn?

Melissa?

Karen?

No.

(birds chirping)

Hey!

Simple possession,
half a gram of coke.

No, let Rudy handle it.

He's in there, leave him alone.

- This is crazy, she's a baby.

- Who's the guy she was with?

Rudy tells me he's 28.

- I don't know, Sam.

She told me she was going
to the mall with her friends

and then a party in Montecito.

- She's 16 years old, Patty.

I'm 38, she's got more
going on than I do.

And how could you not know
where your daughter is at night?

- Please don't lecture me, Sam.

Look, I've got a life too.

I work five nights a
week in that damn bar.

I've got the right to some fun.

- Having fun has never been
one of your problems, has it?

- Well look who's talking.

- Listen to me,
you've got a daughter

who gets thrown out of school,

she gets arrested
for pot and now this?

What's next?

She gonna be out turning
tricks on State Street?

What's up with you?

- I don't know what
to do anymore, Sam.

(sobbing)

Can't you talk to her?

- No.

That doesn't work, remember?

Alright, come here, I'll
talk to her one more time

but listen, you gotta remember,
you are her Mom, alright?

You're not just one
of her girlfriends.

She sees you entertaining
the troops night after night,

how can you expect anything
different from her?

I think they learn by example.

Hey.

- Church?
- Yeah.

- We gotta talk.
- Can't it wait?

I got something at
home that really can't.

Oh, what's the use,
it's too late anyway.

I need to call Burt?

Yeah.

- So what is it today?

Save the whales or
save the penguins?

- No, that's the
bluffs pipeline thing.

It's important, Burt,
leave 'em alone.

- Okay, so Rudy
got her released.

- Yeah, to my
custody, not Patty's.

But she still has
a chance to testify

against that lowlife
she was arrested with.

- She got caught with
the goodies, kid.

It sounds like his big
crime is contributing

to the delinquency of a minor

which the DA will
bargain that down to zip.

- You have not seen
Stacy in a while, Burt.

The only thing minor
about her is her IQ.

Jeez, would you give it a rest?

Come on, Burt, I'm sitting
here trying to get normal,

you're pounding 'em down
like it's Super Bowl Sunday.

- It's the hair of the dog,
Church, last night, whoa.

Last night was rough, okay?

- No!

- Wow.

- Alright.

Guy with a liver concession
at Cottage Hospital

is gonna love you.

- Bless him.

(laughing)

- So what do you say, pal?

Patty's basically broke.

Will you represent Stacy on
the old installment plan?

- I can do better than that.

I got a phone call yesterday,

some gal from out
of town needs help

tracking down her old man.

Sounds like your basic
runaway boyfriend case.

So if it happens
I'll do your legal

plus pay you a few bucks.

- Deal, I can sure
use the money.

- Well I wouldn't go on any
spending spree, not just yet.

- Burt, I haven't shaped
a board in a month.

Another week of this I'll
be polishing boat bottoms

and diving for dollars.

- Sammy, I pleaded
with you 20 years ago,

take it to law school,
you understood it.

You could've gone on--

- City College I majored in fun.

You taught an interesting
class, counselor,

but surfing was always
easier than studying for me.

- Here's to you, Church,

living proof that old
surfers never die.

You just go searching for urchin

and maybe a runaway
boyfriend or two.

(soft music)

- So by the time I
got back to my place

she was already gone.

- Bummer, bro.

- Yeah, maybe I hallucinated
the whole thing.

I was so hung, I guess I
can't drink tequila anymore.

- Oh, it's okay, Church,
you'll hook up again.

(horn honking)

Whoa, what's with
the geez, dude?

- Oh, might be a payday.

Hey Burt.
- Hey Sammy.

- What's up?

- You know the deal I mentioned?

Looks like a go.

I don't have all the details
but it sounds very promising.

- Great, what do
you want me to do?

- The basics, check the hotels.

Call Rudy, see if the
cops have anything.

Maybe we'll give this
girl some peace of mind,

make a few bucks,
everybody's happy.

You gotta meet her at
the pier, three PM,

she'll be on the sundeck
at Longwood's, okay?

- Alright, I'll call ya.

- Listen, Sammy, three
PM, don't be late, okay!

We're professionals!

- Hey Church.

What an outrageous blonde you
left with last night, man.

Bitchin' biscuit,
definitely worth it.

- Chelsea, another
day, another T-shirt.

Hey!

I'm Sam, Sam Churchill.

- You're also late, I believe
we had a three o'clock.

- Yeah, well low tide brought
some pretty decent waves

over to Hammond's, I guess
I just lost track of time.

Could I order you
something, Miss--

- Laura Anders.

And I'm not here to eat
or drink, Mr. Churchill,

I came to talk business and
truthfully I'm very upset.

- Yeah, about what?

- You, the attorney that
referred you, the police.

Actually the entire town.

I simply don't trust a place

where people live
because of the weather.

- Oh, just where is it
that you live, Miss Anders?

- A real city, Chicago.

- I understand the
weather in Chicago

is just lovely
this time of year.

Alright, so you don't wanna
eat, you don't wanna drink.

What do you say we
take a walk, huh?

- Well don't you have
an office or something?

- No, I'm, you might say in
between offices at the moment.

So we either talk here
or we talk at my place

and I got a feeling you
would really hate my place.

Alright Miss Anders,
what are you doing here?

- Didn't Mr. Geiger explain?

My father's disappeared

and I'm certain he's
here in Santa Barbara.

(laughing)

What?

- Burt thinks you're looking
for an old boyfriend.

- A boyfriend?

- Yeah, you know, as in
run off with another woman

kind of boyfriend.

- So I called Mr.
Geiger's office number

but the noise in the
background sounded like a bar.

No wonder he didn't understand
me, he was probably drunk.

- Look, would you
let me save you

some time and some
money, alright?

Miss Anders, call the police.

They're equipped to
handle missing persons,

Burt and I aren't.

- Listen, I already called
the police, alright?

The police don't give
a damn about my father

or anyone else without
a permanent address.

The homeless here are treated--

- Did you say homeless?

- You're obviously
not that experienced,

are you, Mr. Churchill?

I guess the attorney was
confused about that too.

- Well I'm not experienced
when you're talking about

finding some homeless guy
if that's what you mean.

Hey, listen to me.

I'm Sam Churchill, not
Sam Spade, alright?

I shape surf boards,
I paint boat bottoms,

I dive for urchins.

- Why are we talking?

- Well, because occasionally

I do some investigative
stuff for Burt.

I look for records,
I take pictures.

Alright look, the biggest
thing I've done ever

is repossess a motor home
from some guy in Lompoc.

(groaning)

- Well at least you're honest.

And more courteous
than the police were.

So I'll be honest with you.

Mr. Geiger was last
on the list, alright?

I have no choice here.

It's you or no one.

- Alright look, Laura,

why don't you tell
me about your Dad.

- Well, several years
ago my mother died

and it just devastated my father

and he began drinking heavily.

Just sitting in front
of the TV all afternoon

and I tried to get him out
but I'm so busy with my work.

Anyway, one afternoon
we went to the park

near Soldier Field and
he met some men there,

some vagrants actually
and they began talking

about their adventures
on the road,

their summers in California
and their winters in Florida

and the strangest thing
happened as he listened.

For the first time in
months he came alive.

I guess I shouldn't
have been surprised

when he decided to join them.

- So you went
along with it, huh?

- Well we had an arrangement.

See, once a month
every month he'd call

then I knew he was alright

and I'd forward him some of
his Social Security money.

- Doesn't sound too bright.

I wouldn't want a
pocket full of cash

if I was sleeping
out on the streets.

- My father's not an
idiot, Mr. Churchill.

Along with the others
he worked for his meals,

odd jobs, like what you do.

- What do you think happened?

- Well last month
Dad didn't call.

He had been in Los Angeles and
was headed for Santa Barbara.

In three years my Dad
never missed a call,

even if he was sick.

- Well maybe he's still
in LA, it's a big place.

- Nope, I know he was here.

See, this was dated
two weeks ago.

The man right there by the sign,

that's my father Arthur Anders.

Alright well, how
about the police,

what'd they say when
you talked to them.

- That there's
nothing they can do

which means there's
nothing that they will do.

- Hang on, a lot of
the cops around here

are friends of mine,
they're good guys.

- Oh come on, don't
you understand?

My father is doing this crazy
thing and I'm responsible.

I should've stopped him.

Whether he's alive
or, I've gotta know.

- Alright, I'll do what I
can but don't expect much.

Looking for a vagrant
in Santa Barbara.

- Together we can find
my father, I know it.

- Together?

No, no, no, listen, Burt and
I, we take care of business.

You just stay out of the way

and pray that we
get lucky, alright?

- Don't be ridiculous.

You've already told me
that you're no investigator

but you do know this area
and I know my father.

We'll work together.

Now listen, tonight, I'm
gonna drive around town.

I've noticed areas
where these men gather

and you should go
back to the police.

Maybe they'll treat
you more decently.

- Listen, I--

- And then tomorrow we're
gonna head out bright and early

and get a move on
this whole thing.

Everything's gonna be great.

I've got a good
feeling about this.

- Hey Rudy!

- Museum of Natural
History at 8:30 AM,

not your style Church.

No waves and no beach babes.

- Listen, I ran into
Jeb at Audrey's.

He said you'd be
up around to call.

What's going on?

- Break in.

Somebody got into the
chu-mash-berl relics.

- Listen, I'm doing
some snooping around

for one of Burt's clients.

Kind of a trade
off sort of thing.

Tell me what you know about
a fella named Arthur Anders.

- The missing vagrant.

Other than the fact
that his daughter's

a pain in the butt, not much.

- Yeah, well at the
moment she happens to be

my pain in the butt.

You guys gonna do anything
about his disappearance?

- What disappearance?

The young lady's working
off a blurred photo

in an out of town newspaper.

Even if the old dude was in town

he's probably moved on
to greener pastures.

- Get real, come on,
this is Santa Barbara.

For a bum it doesn't get
any greener than this.

- Politically incorrect, Church.

So far this year four street
people have been killed.

We have no answers
to those homicides

and there we had bodies.

If you have some ideas
on how to track down

the elusive Mr. Anders,
let me hear about it.

Right now, the SBPD
ain't got a clue.

- Thanks for your help.

(soft music)

Hi.
- Where have you been?

- Well, rim-con was happening
so I surfed for a while.

It was like
blatantly unexpected.

- This is your idea
of an investigation?

- Hey, I checked on some
things this morning.

Gee whiz.

- Mr. Churchill, if you
actually plan on helping me

it's a full time job.

I am paying for your
services, you know,

as ineffective as they may be.

- Look, the financial
arrangements are
between you and Burt.

- Listen, Peter Pan, my
agreement with your boss

is a day's work for a day's pay.

Now what about my father?

- Okay, one, I went down
to the police station.

As far as they're concerned

you're just one major
pain in the butt

so you can forget about
them being any help.

It's kind of hard to
drum up any sympathy

for a homeless guy who
wants to be homeless.

And two, I went down
to the news press

and got you a much
better picture

than that crumbled up clipping
you've been carrying around,

thank you very much.

And three, don't worry
about it, I've got a plan.

- Well I took a walk around
town today, a very unique place.

So many people don't seem to
do anything but just hang out.

- Well, it's not Chicago.

- Yeah, more like a
third world country,

you fit in perfectly.

Now what's your plan?

- Well, tomorrow Burt's gonna
check out every hospital,

mental institution and morgue
between LA and San Francisco.

- Can he handle that?

- Please, Burt can handle
anything when he's sober.

- Difficult to believe.

- And I figured I'd go
straight to the source,

see if dear old
Daddy did come here

he's probably got a friend
or two still around.

- I'm going with you.

- No, you're not.

- Listen Sam, I've got
to be involved, okay?

You can't stop me.

- You know what, I think
that is an excellent idea.

I really do.

I think you need to
see the kind of folks

your old man was hanging with.

It was dumb of him
coming out here

but I guess dumb kind of
runs in your family, huh?

(grunting)

- I wish there was someone,

anyone else in this horrible
town that could help me.

(train horn blowing)

And by the way, this
is a pathetic way

for a grown man to live.

(train bell dinging)

- Gentlemen, I'm
looking for this fella,

I was wondering if
you can help us out.

No?

Alright, thanks anyway.

- [Laura] This is
how my father lives?

- This is Santa Barbara,

they don't freeze to
death in the winter.

Looking for this fella here.

Or get mugged just
based on esteem, right?

Sir, can you help us out?

We're looking for this
guy here, you seen him?

- No, I haven't seen him at all.

- Well if you do find
me at that number.

- [Vagrant] Okay, I'll do that.

- Most folks in town try to
help out those who want it

but those boys over
there, hardcore.

- [Laura] Are they
military veterans?

- Well maybe a few of 'em.

Here you are, sir.

Looking for that guy.

If you see him give us a call.

For the most part a bottle
of wine, spare change.

Sure beats working.

- These aren't the type of men

my father left Chicago with.

- No, but these are the
type that are out there.

The strong ones pray
on the weak ones.

You wanted to come along?

Come on along.

- I told the cop, chief
of police in Fort Pierce,

to screw himself.

I told him just
where to stick it.

- Hey guys, I got some
pictures I want you to look at.

Jerkoff sent me, me,
to Belgrad for 90.

I did it too.

Every damn day of it.

(laughing)

But on the way out of town.

Left him something to remember.

I grabbed me a local girl
that was hitching to Miami.

Only about 15 but I
showed her how nasty.

(laughing)

- Alright, listen up.

- Who the hell are you?

- Looking for this man in
the picture right there.

Anybody gives us
any information,

we'll give you 20 bucks.

- Beat it!

20 bucks, I don't
care about 20 bucks!

- Hey, hey come on!
- Sam!

- Knock it off!

(punching)

(grunting)

Pay close attention to
the picture, gentlemen.

Anybody gives me the
right information,

there'll be a whole lot more
than 20 bucks on the back end.

Now listen to me, pigpen,
this is your lucky day.

I'm just a gentle soul
on a mission of mercy.

You understand me?
- Yeah.

- What?
- Yes sir.

- Good.

- Hey, you didn't
have to hurt that man.

- Yes, I did.

He'll get over it and
then go on to Florida.

She won't, she's 15 years
old, just like my niece.

- You didn't believe that story.

- Absolutely I believe it.

You better believe it
too if you're serious

about getting your father back.

(tense music)

AJ?

AJ, come on, what are
you doing back there?

- Hey bro, how is it?

- What's up?
- Just hanging, come on back.

- Hey guys.

- Join us for some classic
Miller Shore footage.

There's a reel up for the
pipeline with some dude

named Sam Churchill doing
some serious shredding.

(upbeat music)

- Actually I was hoping maybe
you had some work for me.

I'm tied to a gig at the moment

but I'm thinking about bailing.

- I'm dying here, man, no
custom jobs in a month.

And you shaped the last one.

- I was afraid of that.

- Yeah, but your man Burt's
got an APB out on you.

He called an hour ago,
maybe he's got something.

- Yeah, he's got
something alright.

(phone ringing)

(soft music)

- Burt Geiger, attorney at law.

Hey Sammy, how you doing?

Man, you sound a little uptight.

- Yeah, well I am
a little uptight.

I'm burnt, Burt, this
Laura Anders chick and I

are not simpatico,
you know what I mean?

Half a day with her,

I think I met every
bum in Santa Barbara.

I'm going fruit.

- Look, you just gotta
stick with it, kid.

If nothing else, it's
an invaluable lesson.

You don't always like your
clients in this business.

Yeah, that's the deal.

Alright it sound better, Sammy.

Listen, I looked everywhere,

nobody's heard of Arthur Anders.

No hospitals, no morgues, na-da.

Yeah, I got one
thing more going.

Buddy of mine up in Sacramento,

he's checking the state
computers for stiffs

that match this guy's
age and description.

Yeah, just a day or two,
maybe a little longer.

- No, a day or
two and no longer.

Please, Burt, I'll call you.

Who are ya?

What do you want?

- [Cory] Hey Church, Cory here.

It's breaking at K-39,
the Baja's happening.

- Cory, you're breaking
my heart, cut it out.

- [Cory] Call me if
you wanna go, see ya.

- [Patty] Hi Sam, it's Patty.

Listen, Stacy's acting up,
she refused to stay home.

She's in your custody, Sam, so
can you call me or come over?

Yeah, come over--

- You promised me
you'd talk to her.

- [Patty] You promised
you'd talk to her, Sam.

- [Man] I know about
the guy in the picture

but the money's gotta be right.

Go to the dirt road
next to the tracks

on the far side
of the bird pond.

There's a bridge, make it
5:30 and be sure you're alone.

(train rolling)

- Sorry fellas,
I'm a little short

on bread myself at the moment.

(suspenseful music)

(crashing)

(ominous music)

(laughing)

- What do you know?

It lives!

How's the head?

It's Sam, right?

He ain't saying much.

But you gotta believe
that his head feels like--

(grunting)

You punk!

(screaming)

(flames crackling)

- Ow, my leg!

- Where is he?

Where is he?

Find him, find him!

- Let's get!

(tense music)

- What the heck
happened back there?

- One half gallon
of Shell unleaded.

I heard them plotting after
you left this morning.

Figured you might
be needing a hand.

- Up and over, huh?

- No need, cuz.

As long as I've been around,

ain't too many
locks I can't pick.

- What is your name?
- Too Sweet.

- Too Sweet?

Anyway, I really
appreciate what you did.

Risked your life.

Those friends of
yours aren't exactly--

- Arthur was my
friend, not that trash.

And you trying to find him.

- Wait a minute.

Too Sweet, are you telling me
that you know Arthur Anders?

- We was traveling
companions and I owe him.

He helped me out more than
one time, I'm telling you.

Gave me this coat.

Bought me medicine in San
Diego when I was near dead.

He's a good man.

- Where is he?
- Damned if I know.

Come here, come here!

I don't think he seen us.

- Tell me about Arthur Anders.

- We was out at the polo field.

- What were you doing
at the polo field?

- Every year when I drive
up through this area,

I pick up some running money

shoveling mess from the stables.

I know this fella
that do the hiring.

It's Mexicans mostly but
it's got so even the wetbacks

ain't willing to stand
knee deep in horse crap.

- Tell me about Arthur Anders.

- One day Juan had something
special for Arthur,

work to do at some
rich folk's place.

- Who is Juan?

- That's who we
talking about, cousin.

He the man out there.

Juan Ochoa.

They call him Johnny A

and that bad boy is
making the long dollar.

He running errands
for the members.

Transports illegals
up from Mexicali.

- But I understand
Arthur had his own money

so why would he need to work?

- Can't say for certain.

Arthur is a funny one.

It ain't like he's
really one of us

but he always want
to do what we do.

- Well if I need to talk to
you again where can I find you?

- With Yancy and them on my
trail, and they will be--

(grunting)

- You can run but
you ain't gonna hide.

(punching)

(tense music)

(shovel smashing)

(shovel clanging)

- Too Sweet, Too
Sweet, you alright?

- I've been better, cuz.

- Call an ambulance!

Call the police, now!

(engine revving)

(tires screeching)

- Sam, Stacy didn't
come home last night.

- Patty, I didn't
come home last night.

- My God, you're bleeding.

- How you can stay
out till all hours

when you're employed
to find my father

is just beyond me, Sam.

Oh, you're bleeding.

- Yes, I know, I'm bleeding.

Now please, all of you, go away,

leave me, leave me alone now.

- But Sam--
- Patty!

If it can't wait talk to
Burt, he's at the Wildcat.

And you, meet me back
here at two o'clock.

No, three o'clock sharp.

- I just--

- Go!

(soft music)

Unreal.

- I've been wrong
about you, Sam.

I'm sorry.

- Hey, forget about it.

We're onto something now and
that's all that really matters.

- So, Yancy didn't
hurt my father?

- Too Sweet doesn't think so.

So until we learn
something different

we'll just have to keep
believing that your father

is alive and well.

Well, alive anyway.

- Well that's encouraging.

Kind of.

Now what?

- Now we ask questions.

Hey buddy, you know Juan Ochoa?

- No.

- Juan Ochoa, Johnny A?

- No, no.

- No.
- No.

- Senor, Juan Ochoa?

Senor, (speaking in foreign
language) Juan Ochoa?

Senor, (speaking in foreign
language) Juan Ochoa?

- Oh, come on, somebody here
has got to speak English.

- No, not to us they don't.

- Hey, Sam, this guy.

(speaking in foreign language)

- I hab-la just fine, thanks.

What can I do for you?

- We're looking for a
guy named Juan Ochoa.

Can you help us out?

- The boss man?
- Boss man.

Yeah, is he around
here somewhere?

- I haven't seen him.

And don't bother asking
the com-pas-inos.

- Actually, it's someone
that Ochoa hired.

He's an older man.

- I mind my own business, Miss.

And I give you the same advice.

- Please, it's my
father we're after.

- Try the Copacabana.

It's a bar in town.

- Yeah, on Milpas,
I know the place.

- He's usually
there, center court.

(speaking in foreign language)

Considers himself
quite a pool player.

- Thank you.

- I've done you no
favors, Senorita.

Watch yourself around Johnny A.

(billiard balls cracking)

(Latino music)

(laughing)

(speaking in foreign language)

(bell ringing)

- Ah, the congenial
atmosphere of the Copa.

- I felt more welcome
at the stables.

- Senor.

(speaking in foreign language)

- You play pool?
- Well--

- Guy in the suit,

he's our man.

All right, now that we've
passed the first test,

what do you say we mingle?

- What's the matter, amigo?

Don't you cheer for a winner?

- Well, it kind of looks
to me like you're playing

with yourself, amigo.

I don't see how you can lose.

- That sounds like a challenge.

Friendly contest,
say 20 dollars?

- No, thanks, I just
came for a beer.

- Oh, come on, Sam, play him.

- For the honor of this
beautiful senorita.

- Well, in that case,
we'll play partners.

- No, I don't think so,
maybe some other time.

- Well, senorita,
you and your partner

could not play against
(speaking in foreign language)

and there don't seem
to be no other ladies,

but wait, Migilito!

The na-no will be my partner.

(laughing)

(cheering)

- Yes!

- Just don't leave him a shot.

- Who are you, Willie Mosconi?

(ominous music)

- Where did you learn to
shoot shape like that?

- Midwest girls know
how to shoot pool.

- Chica, I'm talking to you.

What are you, some
kind of pool hustler?

No way I'm paying you 20 bucks.

- Listen, we don't want
your money, Johnny.

We just want some information.

- Oh, you know me?

I don't know you.

How you know me?

- Come on, Johnny A, Juan Ochoa?

Everybody knows who you are.

- Where you think
you are, asshole?

Some white bread
sports bar in Ventura?

Look around, man.

Mess with me, you won't
get out of here alive.

- Where's Arthur Anders?

- White haired guy in his 70s,

does odd jobs over
at the Polo Field.

- I don't know who
you're talking about.

I hire a lot of the old
winos for that stuff.

He sounds like most of them.

You gotta let me go!

- Listen, you can talk to
me or you can talk to them,

you got a choice.

- I got no knowledge
of this guy.

But I'll look into the matter.

Maybe he was out
there, I hire so many.

Meet me on the Polo Field
tomorrow, three o'clock

and come alone,
or you get na-da.

- Alright, that's good.
- Mm-kay.

- Don't forget.

Meet you back here in one hour.

I want to get to the shop

and pick up my car
before it closes.

- Okay, but don't you
think I should go with you?

- No, I don't.

- All right.

But hey, you be careful.

- I'll be careful.

Now go on, go on.

- All right.

(dramatic music)

(horses neighing)

- Holy cow!

(smacking)

Come on!

No.

(horn honking)

I'm coming!

- Sam!

Come on!

These men were
trying to kill you!

- No, Ochoa was
trying to kill me,

which means we're
on to something

and (speaking in
foreign language)

is running scared big time.

(phone ringing)

- [Sam] Sam Churchill
here, what do you want?

- [Burt] Morning, Sammy.

- [Sam] Oh, hey,
Burt, what's going on?

- [Burt] I got something,
your friend Ochoa?

- [Sam] Yeah?

- [Burt] Remember
that little guy Marty?

- [Sam] Not the guy that
sells phony designer jeans

in supermarket parking lots?

- [Burt] The very same.

- [Sam] Oh, come on, Burt.

He's the sleaziest
character you ever defended.

- [Burt] Thank you.

Anyway, he says he knows Ochoa,

and has done business with him.

- [Sam] Now, there's a
surprise. I can believe that.

- [Burt] Look, I set up a
meeting for three o'clock.

- [Sam] Where?

- [Burt] 718 Sycamore.

It's a long driveway, you'll
see my car at the end.

- [Sam] Sycamore?

What's the little chiseler
doing in the high rent district?

- [Burt] Selling real estate.

Can you imagine buying
a house from him?

- [Sam] You got
to be kidding me.

I hope the owners nailed
the furniture to the floor.

- [Burt] Marty's a hustler,
Sammy, and hustlers hustle.

See you at three.

- [Sam] Three o'clock,
I'll be there.

- It was a done deal.

One of my guys checked
out the merchandise,

said it looked good.

Thought I could turn a
couple of bucks on the stuff,

so I gave it a go,
should've known better.

- Marty was arrested.

- It was some kind
of sting operation.

Copped a plea, Burt got
me a reduced sentence.

It was the start of a
beautiful relationship.

- So why are you helping
me out with Ochoa, Marty?

Seems a little out of character.

- It's a barter deal, isn't it?

Counselor said you
need information, I
need the counselor.

- Marty got into trouble in L.A.

He goes to court next week.

- Not guilty.

Let them try and prove
I knew those shoes

were not Reebok originals.

- Marty says Ochoa has an
office on the east side.

- It's in a trailer
behind a warehouse.

It's off of South Sa-pue-des.

I was there once, picked
up a shipment out front.

- Picked up a shipment of what?

- Love films.

Quality stuff from Mexico.

- Right, right.

- I found the material
to be socially redeeming.

- I believe the D.A.
called it pornography.

- The man's a Phil-is-tine.

- Will you take me
to see Ochoa, Marty?

- That's sticking my neck out.

- You know, Marty, that
situation in L.A., I don't know.

I mean, I have to
burn a lot of favors

to keep you out of
County through appeal.

Oh, what a hassle.

- All right, look.

I'll meet you at the corner

of Garden and Haley
at nine o'clock.

We'll go from there.

We'll take your car.

I don't want to be seen in
that scumbag neighborhood

where anybody can recognize me.

- What, are you afraid
of Ochoa, Marty?

- No, bonehead, I do
business with these people,

I don't want them thinking
I'm ratting out a local.

You don't crap
where you eat, pal.

Showtime.

Hi!

You found the place!

Wonderful.

(ominous music)

- Nice place.

- Take a look around, pal.

It's not exactly Santa
Barbara beautiful.

- Sam, maybe this
isn't such a good idea.

(banging)

- Quiet, quiet!

The wrong people see us
here, we're in big trouble!

- Well, I just fell down.

- Why is she here?

(door creaking)

- [Sam] There's got to be a
light switch in here somewhere.

- [Burt] Oh my God.

- This is horrible.

- See anybody you know?

Hey, hey!

- It's done now!

- Sam, look at this.

- [Sam] Prescription drugs.

- Hey, I had nothing to do
with the pharmaceuticals.

Love movies, that's it.

- Sam, there's a lot
of gasoline containers

with a bunch of fuses.

- Pipe bombs.

- Gasoline?

- Arson, sweetheart.

Pills, porno.

The guy is a real
renaissance man.

- Hey, Burt, take
a look at this.

- These phone numbers
are all in Mexico.

- Wait a minute,
here's a 969 prefix.

That's Montecito, right?

- Yeah.

- Brander, that name mean
anything to you, Brander?

- Dr. Franklin Brander?

- That's the LNG Pipeline
property guy, right?

I wonder if he's got a
membership at The Polo Club.

- No, wait a minute, Sammy,
you are reaching here.

This guy is old money
and plenty of it.

Please, the consortium is
about to pay him, what,

26 million for his land.

Guys like that don't
get involved in this.

- Look, look, if Ochoa's
getting him something,

he's getting him a gardener,
he's getting him maids,

he's getting him something.

If his name is in the book,

then there's got
to be a connection.

- How about stopping
all the chit-chat, huh,

before somebody shows up?

- Wait a minute, I
smell something burning,

- Gasoline.

(intense music)

(chattering)

(banging)

(shouting)

(exploding)

- We might have been killed!

- You wanted to
come along, right?

Come on!

- Eats lunch here,
almost every week.

A moment of serenity in an
increasingly violent world.

- What's up with Ochoa?

- He's been a very lucky guy.

Five arrests, no convictions.

He's the reason people
want to close the borders.

- But those horrible pictures.

- Other than Marty,
there's no way

we can connect
anything to Ochoa.

- Not exactly what I
call a reliable witness.

- He's what I call
a career criminal.

So would the grand jury.

- So you still refuse to help?

- When we catch up with
Ochoa, your father will be

the first topic of
conversation, I promise.

Until then, there's
nothing we can do.

- Good, good.

Thank you, Rudy, thanks a lot.

I'll call you later.

- Adios, amigo.

- That man infuriates me!

I mean, his attitude is so--

- I've known Rudy for a
long time, he's a good cop!

- Well, then why
didn't you tell him

about the name in the book?

- Because if he gets involved,
then it has to be official

and I want to get to Brander,

but not with all the
baggage that comes along

with a police visit, all right?

- Will they see you?

- Well, Burt's got this friend

who does some legal
work for the family.

He's trying to set
up a meeting for me.

- Why don't--
- No.

I'll get maybe five
minutes with this guy

and I don't want
to press my luck.

There is something you
can do for me though.

- What?

- Have a girl to girl
talk with my niece Stacy.

- Oh, about her
all night parties

and her drug dealer boyfriend?

- Uh-huh.

- I don't think so.

- Hey, Sam.
- Burt.

- Meet Tully Corso.

Tully, this is my
associate, Sam Churchill.

- Good to meet you, Sam.

- What can I get you?

- Nothing, thanks.
- Fair enough.

Claire, one more, for me.

Tully set a meeting
this afternoon

up at the Branders for you.

- Great.

- Let me warn you
out front, Sam.

Word is Dr. Brander is very ill.

Hard to believe, because
I just played 18 holes

with the old pirate
two months ago,

he was driving the ball
180 yards off the tee.

Probably the pressure
from that pipeline deal

has got him down.

He's had several
business problems

these last couple of years.

Lost a fortune on a
medical start-up company.

- What time do I get
to meet the doctor?

- I'm sorry, Sam, I
thought you understood.

Dr. Brander isn't seeing anyone.

Sounds like he wouldn't
even make the hearings

unless his presence
was absolutely required

to finalize the sale.

I got you a few minutes
with Mrs. Brander.

The lady's alright,
a little different,

she and that son of hers.

But very gracious.

- Good afternoon, sir.

- Hi, Sam Churchill, I have
a meeting with Mrs. Brander.

- Identification please.

- You guys expecting some
kind of invasion or what?

- Thank you, sir,
I'll accompany you in.

- Fine.

(tense music)

(whistling)

- [Guard] This way, sir.

- Hey, is that Dr. Brander?

- Follow me please.

(gentle piano music)

- Mrs. Brander?

I'm Sam Churchill.

- Hello, Mr. Churchill.

- Hi, I appreciate you seeing me

especially on such short notice.

- The afternoon opened up.

Mr. Corso's call came
at a propitious moment.

Please, sit.

My son Randall's work.

- It's very unique.

- Randall is an original talent.

Misunderstood, as
creative people often are.

- I'll bet.

I was very sorry to hear
about your husband's illness.

Mr. Corso said--

- I'm not concerned

with my husband's
illness, Mr. Churchill.

Tully Corso shouldn't be either.

He'll get his damn fee.

- Oh, yeah, I'm
sure that he will

but that's not what I meant.

- I know what you meant.

You were being courteous,

which was nice, but unnecessary.

It's commonly known that
I loathe my husband.

We haven't been in the
same room for two years.

We've spoken only through
attorneys for three years.

We haven't slept
together for five.

He hates me and he hates my son.

We would have divorced years ago

but neither of us was
willing to give up this house

or what money there is left.

If there is a God in heaven,

he will make my husband's
current illness fatal

the minute the pipeline
property has sold.

Now, why are you here?

- I understand that you,

your family, is a
member of The Polo Club?

- I haven't been to
a match in years.

Randy goes
occasionally, I believe.

- There's a man
that does odd jobs

for some of the
members at the club.

His name is Juan
Ochoa, do you know him?

- [Mrs. Brander] No.

- He may be a broker
for your hired help.

Maids, servants here, a
gardener, groundskeepers.

- We have nothing
to do with him.

- Hello, Randall.

Mr. Churchill, this is my son.

- Mr. Ochoa has been employed

by numerous members at the club,

finding them barn help
and grooms and whatnot.

But no more.

- Well, maybe he's branched out.

- We wouldn't know.

Mother, why is this man here?

- Because Juan Ochoa
may be responsible

for the disappearance of
someone I've been hired to find.

- There are hundreds
of members at the club.

Why are you bothering us?

- Because your unlisted
telephone number was found

in Juan Ochoa's record books.

- If the number is unlisted,
how do you know it's ours?

- Because I called
the telephone number

and your maid
answered the phone.

- I want you out of here.

You're annoying me, and
you're disturbing my mother!

- If that's true, then listen,
I'm sorry, but I have to--

- Mr. Churchill.

Even though this really
isn't any of your business,

my stepfather is gravely ill.

We're involved in a
number of litigations,

these ridiculous hearings
which have put the family

under a considerable
amount of stress.

So won't you please do us
the courtesy of leaving now.

Unless you'd rather
I call security.

- No, thank you.

Thank you for your time.

- [Laura] Well, what
about the Branders?

- They have the house
set up like a fortress

and they have
rent-a-cops everywhere.

- Why?
- I don't know.

The Branders are rich,
eccentric people.

They can afford
to be left alone.

That's not all that
unusual in Montecito.

- But Sam--
- I'm sorry.

- Ochoa had their phone number.

- Ochoa had a lot
of phone numbers.

I think Burt was right.

I'm really--

(tires screeching)

(screaming)

(intense music)

- Now, I don't want to
hurt you, so sit back,

relax, enjoy the ride.

- Who are you?
- Where are you taking us?

- To see a fella, just to talk.

(dramatic music)

- How do you do?

- I've done better.

- I hope you weren't
too inconvenienced
by our invitation.

- Who are you?

- Nathan is the name.

Welcome to our camp.

- Why have you kidnapped us?

- My way of being
cautious, my dear.

More on that later.

Right now, we'll walk
and I'll explain.

Isn't that spectacular?

- All right, I've had enough.

What do you want with us?

- I apologize, but it was
imperative that we talk.

- A phone call would've
gotten my attention.

- You're right.

That would have been the
civilized way to do things.

But a number of people would
like to see me incarcerated.

I just need to know where
you stood on that issue.

- Okay, who are you?

- I'm the leader of
this ragtag outfit.

Earthkeep we call ourselves.

Folks back at the camp are
members of the local chapter.

- I read about you.

He's the environmental
terrorist.

- According to Time Magazine.

I've got nothing against
spiking the trees in the forest

or putting sugar in the
tank of an earth-mover.

That's eco-defense.

And if we don't do
it, who's gonna?

- Well, how about
The Sierra Club?

- Now, they're good people.

Often as not, they get used

by the same system
they're trying to change.

- Well, that's all
really great, Nathan,

but what's that
got to do with us?

- What's going on with
you and Dr. Brander?

- Nothing, I haven't
even met the guy.

- Yeah well, I
bet the two of you

will appreciate the beauty
of this point as much as do.

- Wait a minute.

Wait a minute, this is
Brander's property, isn't it?

Where the LNG refinery
is supposed to go.

You know, I surfed right
off this point once.

- Then you understand
it's value.

- Yeah, 26 million and change

according to the
paper this morning.

- So, this land is priceless.

Once they grade away the
hills, dam up the creek,

cut down the trees,
that's all she wrote.

You see, Brander knew that.

He committed the property
to a conservancy.

- Wait a minute, if
Brander is on your side,

I don't understand,
what's your problem?

- Well, I was hoping you might

shed some light on that subject.

The last time we
tried to contact him,

we got run off by a
bunch of armed guards

so we followed the stepson,
and the fellow he runs with.

Doc didn't trust that boy.

He trusted Ochoa even less.

- Ochoa?

- Ian was following his sidekick

when he saw you
folks at the trailer.

And when you drove out to the
estate and actually got in

he figured it was
time we talked.

- Nathan, I'm afraid you've
wasted a lot of time here.

I don't have any interest
in Brander or his property.

I'm after Ochoa, but it's for
an entirely different reason.

- Look, I need your help,
and maybe you could use ours.

I want you to go back
out to the estate

and talk to Doc Brander for me.

- I don't think I'm
very welcome there,

but sure, if it happens,
I'll see what I can do.

- Stakes are high here.

This is a fight we're
planning to win.

I'm going to give you the number

of one of our people in town.

If you need our
help, we'll be there.

(laughing)

- Hey, hey.
- Easy, easy big guy.

Shh.
- Shh, come on.

- Hi, Mom, we were just
leaving, I left you a note.

- Oh yeah?

And what did it say?

- It said that we
were going to a party.

- Oh, with your
Montecito friends.

- What is wrong with that?

- It's after midnight, Stacy.
- So?

- You are going
nowhere except to bed.

Your own!

- It's no big deal.

We'll be back in an hour or so.

- Hey, babe, let
her have her fun.

She's a big girl.

- No, she's 16 years old!

- Come on, I've
had it with this.

- Stacy--
- Hey, lighten up, honey.

You invited me over
for a drink, remember?

- One hour, Stacy.

That's it!

What are you doing?

- Nothing.

- Get out of there!

Get out of--
- Shut up!

- No, you leave my things alone.

Get out, get out of here!

(slapping)

(crying)

(dramatic music)

Stacy!

(door shutting)

Sam, she's gone!

Stacy's with that guy!

- [Sam] Rudy, hey!

Yeah, I know.

Listen, I wouldn't call if
it wasn't real important.

Yeah, I'm sorry.

Look, I need to the
address of the guy

who was arrested with Stacy.

Yes, now!

Get it, please, now!

(tense music)

(knocking)

- Private party, pal.

- Yeah, well, I was looking for.

What are you doing
with my niece, pal?

- Beat it, clown.

(punching)

- Stacy!

- What the hell is
going on in here?

This va-to has got
more lives than a cat!

Randy, Randy, Randy!

I got to talk to you.

- Brander?

- Do something.

- I've had enough.

Mess with me, man,
I cut her throat.

- You cut her throat
and I'll kill you!

- Leave the videotapes!

- My camera.

- Forget the camera!

- Ochoa, how do you
get this door open?

- Press the button, stupid.

- I just need the one--

- Shut up!

Okay, hero.

She's all yours!

Used goods.

(laughing)

(tires screeching)

- It's all right.

It's all right.

It's okay.

(banging)

(buzzing)

(curtain tearing)

(tapes breaking)

(jazzy music)

- Sam, listen, I know
I've been critical

but it really is time
to bring in the police.

- No.

Not if Stacy would
have to get involved

and she can't handle that right
now and neither could Patty.

- The trail comes
back here to Ochoa.

The cops blow it,
Ochoa goes to Mexico,

that's the end of it.

- I've got to get back on
the grounds of the estate.

Ochoa's there with
Randy, I just know it.

- Oh, good luck with that one.

- I just need some
help, that's all, Burt.

- Well, what about Nathan?

- If he can distract the
rent-a-cops long enough

for me to get onto the
grounds and into the estate--

- Us, get us onto the grounds.

- Forget it.

- No, wait a minute,
there's something going.

Listen to me, you said
the house was big.

If we all go in
together, we can pull--

- It's too dangerous, Burt.

Now, this guy has tried to
kill me three times already,

I'm not dragging her into this.

- Listen, we come along
or I'll call Rudy.

- That's extortion.

- Oh, come on, Sam.

Somebody's got to
look after you.

I mean, you're accident prone.

- All right, all right.

But you've got to do what
I tell you, both of you.

Laura, you can start by
getting Nathan on the phone.

Burt, I want you to call
Tully and see if he can get me

any information he can
find on the estate,

the grounds, the
house, something.

- And what about you, kid?

- Well, I hear
Hammonds is breaking,

I'm going to go surfing.

(suspenseful music)

(gun shooting)

- Jack, what the hell was that?

- [Jack] Maybe gas.

- You call the fire department?

- [Jack] They're sending
someone up there.

Keep your eyes open.

- Right.

(gate creaking)

- Hey, put that away
or you're out of here.

- I'm just having
a sip for courage,

sort of like the last
blast before the charge--

- Pocket.

- God.

- [Guard] Well?

- It was some kind of bomb.

They left these behind,

some tree hugger crap
about the pipeline.

- They may still be here.

If they are, I want them found.

And if they're found,
I want them hurt!

- Yes, sir.

- Hey, put it away.

- Sam!

- Every little
thing that happens

ain't because of Sam Churchill.

- I have had it, Ochoa!

Mother and I should just leave

until this whole
thing blows over!

- Quit sniveling, you sound
like a little sissy boy.

You ain't going nowhere
until this deal is done.

Don't blow it, Randy.

We're too close.

Come on and shut up.

- Fine!

- Too close to what?

- I don't know, but I'm
going to go find out.

- No, listen to me, these
guys are playing hardball.

We'll leave now, it's
simple trespassing, okay?

We call Rudy, we tell
him we found Ochoa

and that's the end of it.

You go into that house,
that's breaking and entering.

You are fair game, they
can legally shoot you.

- Burt, something is
going on around here

and Ochoa's right
in the middle of it.

Now, come on, we,

all right, do you
have your cell phone?

- Yeah.

- Keep your eyes
and your ears open.

If anything goes wrong,
then you call Rudy.

- I don't like this, Sammy.

- Stay here, come on.

Didn't I tell you it was cozy?

It's Mrs. Brander.

She won't give us any trouble.

You look down here, I'm
going to go on upstairs.

- Okay, what am I looking for?

- Something to do
with Ochoa, I guess.

I don't know, I'm not a
detective, just be careful.

- Okay.

(banging)

- [Dixon] This is Dixon.

I just heard something
in the living room.

- [Morton] Morton here.

I found a bunch of
leaflets by the pool house.

- How come you
don't have a label?

(door creaking)

- [Guard] Captain, there's
something at the garage.

Tracks in the mud.

Wait, I see them.

There's three of them!

- [Captain] All right,
everybody to the garage

on the double.

- [Dixon] This is Dixon,
10-four, I'm on my way.

- Oh, I'm sorry, I
didn't realize you were,

I mean, you're Dr. Brander.

Sir, I'm sorry, I didn't
mean to bother you

but there's someone
following me.

And of course, we
shouldn't be here,

in the house I mean, but
there are guards everywhere

and your stepson is with
that horrible Ochoa.

And see, I've been
searching for my father

and he's been missing for.

Father?

- Laura.

- Oh, I knew you were alive.

Oh, what have they done to you?

- Drugs.

- Oh, Daddy.

- Get help.

- Listen, Sam's here, okay?

I'll explain later.

But we're all going to
get out together, okay?

(knife slamming)

- Here's Johnny!

Sounds kind of corny,

but I always wanted
to say that to someone

to scare the hell
out of them like Jack

in that Shining thing.

Hey, Grandma, what's
up with the old dude?

He's mine.

I found him

and I'm keeping him.

Okey dokey?

- Sam!

Sam!

- Laura?

Laura?

Laura!

- Hero!

Have a nice trip?

(laughing)

- You couldn't leave us alone.

- I'm going to kill
you, you little weasel!

- That's how heroes
are heroic, man.

Always sticking their nose
in someone's business.

Let's go.

- Sam!

- Laura, are you all right?

- Sam, this is my father.

- Dr. Brander?

No, Sam, this is my father.

They've been holding
him here prisoner.

- Let's just call him
a reasonable facsimile.

Amigos, this one is slick.

Hold him tight.

- Where is Dr. Brander?

- Traffic fatality.

You know how unsafe
the roads can be.

- Ochoa!

- You killed Dr. Brander?

- No, man, that we do to
you and the pool hustler.

He forgot to look both ways
before crossing the street.

- Don't even mention that here.

- Oh, po-co squeamish, this one.

Not me though, I ain't
nearly so sensitive.

- Wait a minute, you
killed Dr. Brander

and you replaced him
with Arthur Anders?

- The old man was
in the wrong place

at the right time for us.

He ain't no twin brother.

- Hey!

- But he'll do.

- But why?

- The property, chica.

The old man was going
to give it all away.

- To Nathan.
- Right.

- We tried talking
some sense into him

but he wouldn't listen.

He had to be alive
to sign the papers

because if they look at his will

they see that Randy boy
and his Mama were finished.

- But you already
have so much money.

- No, not if Dr.
Brander's poor investments

make any difference.

Mining leases, futures
trading, real estate.

Dr. Brander's been losing
money big time for years.

- Ooh, right again, John Wayne.

- What about the porno
operation, Ochoa?

Was that just lunch money

until the refinery
deal came through?

- Chump change.

But I had the connections and
Randy's a very talented boy.

Besides, chi-qui-tas,
they were fine.

(laughing)

- No, Sam, come on!

- Okay, amigos, it's time!

Take them down to
the wine cellar

and may I suggest a cabernet.

It goes real good with a bullet.

- Dad, Dad, it's okay.

I'm gonna be right back, Dad.

- You can't kill
them in this house.

- Shut up!

Go to your Mama while I
handle the dirt like always.

- Sam?

- What the hell?

- Burt, get out of here!

(gun shooting)

(screaming)

- No more killing.

- You did this!

You did this to me!

I've got nothing without
this pig, nothing!

- Drop it, Ochoa.

(speaking in foreign language)

- Burt?

Oh, Burt, what
were you thinking?

- He even bleeds booze.

- I had to call Rudy, kid.

I couldn't stand the waiting.

- Don't try to talk.

We'll get you to a hospital.

- He shot me.

- Rudy, call an ambulance!

- We're gonna check you.

- Oh, that is a sign, Sammy.

That's it, I swear to
God, I'm over with that.

- If I'd have known that
all it took was a bullet,

I'd have shot you years ago.

(sirens chirping)

(chattering)

(soft music)

Can you believe they
almost got away with this?

- They had a lot
of people fooled.

- Hang in there, you old pirate.

There goes a good friend.

- So am I, Church.

That's why I'm going to tell
you how damn stupid you are.

You should have told me
the truth about all this.

- You're right, I'm sorry.

I don't know how you do it.

I take this stuff too personal.

I guess that's why I
wouldn't make a good cop

or a good lawyer.

- But you did get your man.

- Yeah, I did, didn't I?

Yeah.

(sighing)

- Sam!

- Hey!

I know, I know, I'm
sorry, I'm late.

- Let me guess, the waves.

- Yeah, at Stanley's,
consistent three and four.

- What's up with the
suit and tie, huh?

- Oh, I save this for
special occasions.

Real special.

Last time I wore it was
my high school graduation.

- Well, you look sharp.
- Thanks.

Hey, speaking of wardrobe,

you're looking pretty
sharp yourself.

- Oh, yeah, totally
Santa Barbara.

You know, at least until I
get back to the real world.

- Listen, do you really
have to go back now?

I mean, come on, another week

in Santa Barbara won't kill you.

I know a place you could stay.

- Responsibilities, Sam.

I've got a cat, an
apartment, a career.

- Yeah.

- But thanks for the offer.

I mean, I do have vacations,

and now that I'm tight
with one of the locals.

- [Announcer] 203 to
Denver and Chicago

now boarding at gate three.

Flight 203 to Denver and Chicago
now boarding at gate three.

(kissing)

- Bye Sam.

I'll miss you.

- Yeah, me too.

- Hi, Sam!

Nice suit.

- Hey, wait!

Look, hang on a second!

Next time you're in Chicago,
why don't you wear this, huh?

See you.

Ellie?

What is her name?

Hey, what's your hurry, come on!

Hey, hey, whoa, hold
on, hold the phone!

(soft music)

♪ Take a look inside,
tell me what you see ♪

♪ Is your heart content
and is your spirit free ♪

♪ This is what you get

♪ Don't go looking for a thing