Street Smart (1987) - full transcript

OK. Cut it.

Just a couple more.

Five minutes, OK?

What do you think about this?

You take a truck driver

from Florida, right?

Some real redneck,

a real sweat hog kind of guy.

He comes to New York, right?

First time in the big city.

You go to

the meat market down there...

Tribeca, right?

And... it's really bizarre.

What does he do after

he unloads all his stuff?

What's he do with himself?

Where does he go?

Is he looking

to get laid, or what?

What's he do with his money?

And you do a New York angle on a

guy from out of town.

I got another one here.

What about a piece

on Lombardy on Staten Island?

You know, corruption bombs

going off all around this guy.

What is he, Mr. Clean?

You know he's got his hands

where they don't belong.

No, I don't think so, Jon.

OK, last one.

You remember all those

construction cranes...

that kept falling down

a while ago?

There were six people killed

in a couple of months.

I hate cranes.

There was all this talk

from City Hall...

about new inspectors,

tougher standards, and...

Weren't you working

on a service piece?

"Best pork sausage,"

wasn't it?

Yeah, that's right, Ted.

That ran three weeks ago.

I also did a little piece

on frying pans...

aluminum versus cast iron,

a side piece on teflon.

I am trying to write the kind

of pieces that I used to.

Then write

the way you used to.

Thanks a lot.

I'm not so sure about

Freddy's Times Square piece.

I haven't seen a word,

and he's in L.A.

What the hell's he doing

in L. A?

The issue closes Monday.

Probably chasing movie deals.

We're doing this great

Times Square piece...

"After the Cleanup."

If Freddy doesn't deliver...

it'll mean spiking

a page and a half of ads.

I could get you an interview

with a Times Square pimp.

Didn't we do that

a few years back?

No, no. This is a totally

different angle.

This guy is not just

a flesh peddler.

What is he,

a Methodist minister?

Ted.

Excuse me, Ted.

I'm talking about a guy my age

who's swimming in cash.

This guy goes through

ten grand a week like that.

I'm talking about

a lifestyle piece...

"Lifestyle of a Pimp."

How do you know this guy?

I get around.

I'd like to do 24 hours

in the life of a pimp.

You go into his house

and you find out...

what he thinks,

about things in general...

politics, religion,

who's his broker.

I don't know...

not the usual crap...

about his clothes and his girls

and all that stuff.

In 2,000 words, I am going to

look into this man's skull.

Do it.

Great.

But... you have it

on this desk Monday morning.

I'll walk you out.

Remember...

Monday morning.

Hi.

Hey, baby, want a date?

How about that Tyson, man?

You see that boy punch?

He put the lights out

on that chump so fast.

First round...

Bam! Bam-bam!

Mike T! Mike T!

Would you shut the fuck up?

Find out when the dude

is fighting again.

Maybe we'll go see him.

We get uptown, I want you

to drop me by Louise's...

then go to the cleaners and get

my black silk shirt out.

I ain't got no money.

That enough?

Two hundred? Just about.

You keep them shirts dirty, huh?

Just see that you do it.

I got it.

Slow down.

Come on, baby.

He do or he don't.

Make your move, bitch!

The chance of a lifetime.

There you go.

All right, bet.

Swing over by the Del Rio,

see whose tush is snappin'.

Yo, Willie.

What's happening, man?

Something's happening

down there.

Man, they're crazy.

What?

They're crazy!

Shit.

Hey, Reggie!

Come on!

You want it? Are you ready?

Knock that shit off.

You can get

your nub-dick money back.

Hey, come on, lighten up.

What the fuck

is wrong with you?

Come on, Shorty,

what's up with you, man?

What the fuck

do I look like to you?

I'm some sort of jerk-off?

What are you trying

to run past me?

Look, you're right, man.

This bitch is always

doing shit like this.

Where did you get

this bitch from?

I got her in San Juan,

but I'm gonna send her back.

You're sending her back?

What do you take me for?

What are you trying

to run on me here?

All right, man.

Let's be cool, OK?

It's all going to be

all right.

It's going to be cool.

Fuck.

This motherfucker's dead, man!

Oh, shit!

What are we going to do?

Fuck do I know?!

Throw him out the window

for all I care.

How's it going?

Kind of slow

out here tonight, huh?

They send you dudes out here

looking all kind of ways.

There's nothing

out here for you, Jack.

I'd just like to talk to you

for a minute.

Listen, man, you better

haul your ass on out of here...

before I cut your balls off

and shove 'em up your ass.

All right.

It's OK. It's cool.

Want a date?

Tell me what, I got it for you.

It's cool.

I go any which way.

You like it hard and dark?

I don't think so.

Want to go out?

What's the deal?

Sixty.

Are you going to

tell me your name now?

Where do you come from?

Where did you grow up?

You know,

when guys ask questions...

they're either scared

or they're cops.

You're not a cop.

I'm not scared, either.

Actually, I write

for a magazine.

Oh, yeah? I don't read

magazines too much.

No, really, I do.

I'm a reporter.

Excuse me.

You guys have a light?

Thanks.

Listen, tell me something.

You work for anybody

in particular?

Aw, come on.

You don't have a man?

You got to have somebody

who runs protection for you...

lines up the hotel,

buys you clothes, right?

No pimp. Just me.

I don't believe you.

I don't give a shit.

Why is it I can't get anybody

to talk to me out here?

I got to go.

So, this is it?

You want a tip?

For sixty bucks, you could get a

really good time.

I'm sure.

Next time, you ask for Punchy.

It's going great.

I've talked to a few of them.

I haven't narrowed it down

to the perfect guy yet...

but I think

I'm closing in on him.

Right on schedule.

In fact, maybe I'm

a little ahead of schedule.

I'll call you back tomorrow,

tell you more.

Right. Bye, Ben.

This is gonna be a great story.

It's nowhere.

I don't have one usable

piece of information.

I just heard you on the phone

with Ben. You said...

What am I gonna tell him,

I can't do it?

If I had enough time,

I know I could get this story.

What have you got so far?

So far, zip.

I can't get anybody

out there to talk to me.

Come on,

you're a smart guy.

It can't be that difficult.

Why don't you come out

with me tonight?

You'll see what

I'm talking about.

It might be

very interesting.

It'll be nice to have

somebody to talk to.

May I have a scotch

on the rocks, please?

Thank you.

How you doing, babe?

I'm doing fine, thank you.

Just fine.

Split.

You got to look out in here.

Some people might not be OK.

I'm just waiting

for a friend.

Your man?

No, a girlfriend.

Tell you what.

I'll buy you a drink.

We watch the door,

see if she comes in.

I seen a lot of

ladies in here...

but you look nice.

You could make

a lot of money.

Would you like that?

Sure.

You call me Solo...

because I'm the only one...

you ever gonna need.

You want that,

don't you, girl?

I don't know.

Don't answer like that.

Don't lie to Solo.

Tell me you want

to make men crawl...

lick your shoes,

and pay for more.

Torture a man.

Just look at him

and drive him...

Excuse me.

You don't go nowhere till I say

so, you understand, bitch?

All right. Up! Up!

What's your problem?

Out of the way.

You can't bust me.

I don't want to hear it.

I'm tired of your shit.

Oh, God.

He was just so awful.

That's all right.

You OK?

It just scared me.

I'm a moron.

I don't know why

I let you do that.

Just hold me.

I got you.

How about if

I run you a hot bath?

I love you.

You might want to have

second thoughts...

about this story.

This thing is too dangerous.

I can't quit.

But you saw those people

tonight.

That guy could have killed me.

I know that, and I'm sorry.

I'm going to stay up

and work for a while.

Morning.

This is fantastic.

Yeah? Think it's good?

Where did you

get all this stuff?

Easy.

You made it up?

That doesn't sound like you.

It was either that

or find a new job.

Jonathan, this is

really terrific.

You think he'll run it?

You're damn right he will.

I'll bet you he says

he's gonna make you a star.

It's wonderful! Listen...

Listen to this.

"Although he doesn't vote

and never has...

"Tyrone has no modesty about

his own political potential.

"'lf I was the President,'

he says,

"'I could fix the world

in 30 seconds.

"'I'd send everybody pussy...

"'then they don't have

no time for trouble."'

It's terrific.

It's first-rate.

It's a real breakthrough.

Better change "pussy"

to something else.

We got any art, photos?

That's a big problem.

Ted, these guys don't

do photo sessions.

So we'll go with drawings,

then. Why not?

Oh, wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

I don't know about this.

I should explain something.

You've got him working

an awful lot.

I hear these guys

sleep till noon.

You want me to change

how late he sleeps?

That would be good.

Wonderful.

What are you working on now?

You remember the piece about

the construction cranes?

Cranes! I love cranes!

That's a great idea. Do it!

Get him a researcher.

The seriousness of the charge

speaks for itself, Your Honor...

and in light of Mr. Smalls'

previous record...

the People ask that

no bail be granted.

Your Honor, Mr. Smalls

is a native of this city...

well known in the community.

He's never had a conviction.

We request that he be released

on his own recognizance.

Bail is set at $250,000.

Mr. Smalls can make bail.

Mr. Pike?

May I call you Leonard?

I'd like to suggest

a way out of this...

that's advantageous

all around.

I suppose you want to plead

to purse snatching.

The man had

a heart attack, Mr. Pike.

Your client has

a rap sheet a mile long.

He kicked a man's face in.

That was

involuntary manslaughter.

He's a menace!

The People are going to ask

for murder two.

Look, you and I can

settle this right now...

Murder two.

Involuntary manslaughter

carries time.

I'm sure that reasonable men...

can find

an accommodation here.

I'll see you in court.

Fucking asshole.

Yeah, I know.

Hi, honey.

Hi, Jay.

Oh, my God.

Congratulations.

I look forward to reading it.

Thanks. It comes out

on Monday.

I'll take

my coffee break now...

and we can do

those elevator specs later.

Thanks, Jay. Appreciate it.

See you later.

I see he's still trying

to grab your ass.

The man's harmless, Jonathan.

Right.

It's pretty wild.

I had no idea it would be

the cover, believe me.

How do you feel about this?

Well... I'm amazed

I got away with it.

I'm also ashamed

that I got away with it.

What the hell,

back in business, right?

I like this place.

I love this place.

You just remain

charming and beautiful.

You absolutely

have to try the...

[names French menu item]

It's unbelievable.

I wouldn't dream

of skipping it.

Actually, I was wondering

if we could have...

some more of those

little green things?

Hey, Teddy!

Marty! I want to introduce you

to Jonathan Fisher.

He did the cover this week.

Oh, right. "Tyrone:

Sheik of the Streets."

- Good story.

- Thank you.

The pimp story?

I'm Yvonne Saunders.

I know.

I see you on the news.

It had real authenticity.

Do they really have

those condos in Hawaii?

I don't know

about all of them...

but this guy does.

You really got the street.

That thing breathes.

You know anything

about TV news?

It goes on at 6:00 and 11:00.

Other than that...

Yeah, I go on

at 6:00 and 11:00.

You don't look the way

I thought you would.

How do you know so much

about this stuff?

Well, you know,

I'm a reporter.

Marty, I think

your table's ready.

We've eaten, Teddy.

Why don't you come over

to the station...

we'll run a tape on you,

make you a star.

He's already a star.

He's my star.

I forgot.

Why don't you just

make him an anchor?

Might do that, too.

Nice to meet you.

Call me.

Jonathan,

do you believe this?

I'm the flavor

of the week.

Since it's my week,

let's enjoy it.

Are you kids

having a good time?

We're barely managing.

We could do with some more

of the green things.

Waiter!

Some more green things.

You know, Jonathan...

I would really like

to do more with Tyrone.

He is

a great New York character.

I think that's

about it for Tyrone.

That's a terrific story.

I really think it's a wrap.

Jon, I'd really like

to meet him.

To Tyrone.

To you, Jonathan.

Jonathan Fisher?

Leonard Pike,

Assistant District Attorney.

Come on in, OK?

Shut the door.

Be right with you.

Marty, hi.

What did you think?

Great.

You did?

That's fantastic. Thank you.

Thanks a lot.

I was thinking, what if we

call it "Street Smart"?

You know, once

you're out on the street...

you never know

what you're gonna run into.

It's gonna be real exciting,

I promise you.

10:30 at the office?

I'll see you then.

I see you went to Harvard.

Is this going to be

an alumni meeting?

I didn't.

It's OK. You didn't

miss too much.

Have a seat.

You want some coffee?

No, thank you.

What's up?

Has Tyrone read your story yet?

I don't know.

I guess you have.

How did Tyrone like it?

Do I need a lawyer

here, Mr. Pike?

Everyone does

from time to time.

What do you want?

The District Attorney and I

have reason to doubt...

that the subject of your story

is actually named Tyrone.

You're the thought police.

You're going to arrest me

for getting a name wrong.

You're very clever,

Mr. Fisher.

Murder is a pretty serious

crime, wouldn't you say?

There's nothing in that story

about a murder.

No, not a murder.

A murderer.

As in killer

under indictment.

You and I both know...

that the subject of this story

is actually one Leo Smalls...

also known as "Fast Black."

No, I'm sorry, I don't know

who that is.

Don't jerk me around,

and don't protect a killer.

Just wait a minute.

That is a feature story.

You think that your pimp's

the only guy in town?

I want all

the information you have...

and I want to know

how you got it.

Whatever information I have

is right there in that article.

Don't give me that crap.

That might work

with the magazine.

I am prosecuting

a killer, Mr. Fisher.

That is a very real undertaking.

I'm sorry.

I can't help you.

You think a guy like this

only kills once?

Why don't you go out

and buy him a gun?

Would you just wait

a minute? Just stop.

We seem to be having

a terrible misunderstanding.

I don't have anything to do

with murder or murderers.

I don't think

you pulled a trigger...

but you're exploiting it,

and that's just as bad.

You think because you changed

the make of his car...

and you changed chocolate soda

into apple juice...

it makes him

a different person?

And this restaurant

you go on about...

is clearly Louise's

up in Harlem.

Look, Mr., uh, Pike,

right?

First of all, I don't know...

what the hell

you're talking about.

Second of all,

I would never do anything...

to impede

a criminal investigation.

Have you got that?

It was nice to meet you.

All right, look.

I just don't want a jury

thinking this guy's glamorous.

I have a good case, yes,

but it's not airtight.

Don't get in the way.

God damn, Joel, what the hell

you talking about, man?

This ain't me.

That's you.

Put some more sauce

on them ribs.

Tyrone is you.

That ain't me.

And don't be using that

lawyer tone with me.

I pay you.

I can stop paying you.

I'm the one that was

up there being arraigned...

while you was

pulling your dong...

so don't use that

schoolhouse tone with me.

You ever talk to anybody

from this magazine?

Yeah, Joel, I go on

"Meet the Press" once a week.

You ever talk to

any reporters?

He don't talk to nobody

below 110th Street.

No dealings whatsoever?

Look, if you don't

get to the point...

I'm gonna stuff those ribs

up your useless butt!

You are looking

at 15 years in the joint...

very possibly 25.

That makes you a pretty

shitty lawyer, don't it?

I'm gonna subpoena

this guy's notes.

So?

He'll refuse to give them up.

I can bet on that.

We'll say that his notes

will exonerate you.

So what? Who cares

if he gives them up?

That's not about me.

This ain't me.

The reporter will be

the guy on trial, not you.

And the heart attack will

confuse the jury all the more.

You're not making

any sense here.

It'll throw doubt and confusion

on your trial...

and right now,

doubt and confusion...

are the best friends you got.

If we play this right...

we can change this

from a murder trial...

to a constitutional

confrontation.

I know this guy.

What?

I know the guy

who wrote this article.

Look at you.

You got sauce

dripping all down you.

New Yorkers don't

usually agree on much...

and certainly not

on the social...

or aesthetic value

of graffiti...

but they can agree

on one thing:

today, it's everywhere.

They're gonna cut to me now.

This is Pablo.

If you get around the city,

you've probably seen his name.

Psychologists say

it's an attempt...

to establish an identity.

Is that what

you're doing, Pablo...

trying to sell your name

to the world?

Nope.

Somebody's been writing

your name on a lot of walls.

Some other kids.

He's funny.

He was tough.

They don't do it right,

all sloppy.

Like, got to have

big letters puffed out...

and good colors, all even.

What do you think

you'd be doing...

if you weren't

writing on walls?

I don't know,

but I'm famous all over.

Pablo 177. People know.

Graffiti's

an eyesore to many...

but to Pablo,

perhaps it's a lifeline.

In his case...

the spray can may have

taken the place of a knife.

This is Jonathan Fisher,

Channel 3, "Street Smart."

- That's him.

- There he is.

Jonathan, are you going to

give up your notes?

How far are you

going to take them?

Why did you

write the story?

I don't want this

to get messy.

How good to see you.

What's going on?

Jon, this is Art Sheffield,

our attorney.

"Our" attorney?

Take a seat.

Make yourself at home.

I enjoy your work.

I seem to be news

down there in the lobby.

Mr. Leo Smalls, Jr.

and his attorney...

have asked the court

to subpoena your notes.

They're claiming in effect

that Mr. Smalls is Tyrone...

and that you have knowledge

that is exculpatory.

Oh, Jesus.

You don't work

for the defense...

and you don't work

for the prosecution.

You work

for this magazine, and we...

Ted, if you don't mind.

Are they going to get

this subpoena?

Absolutely no calls.

New York has a shield law

that protects reporters...

but there are holes in it.

Mr. Smalls' attorney

is very good at exploiting...

this sort of thing.

Sell a thousand.

What would happen

if I said no?

If you refuse to comply

with the subpoena?

I'd say you'd be

in contempt of court.

The First Amendment

protects you.

But the Sixth Amendment

protects Mr. Smalls.

Can I go to jail for this?

You just think of some of the

great prisoners of conscience.

Martin Luther King,

Gandhi...

I'm going to jail.

Is he going to jail?

Thanks a lot, Joe.

It's great.

Just have to see if the station

will OK the money.

I'll call you.

See you later.

Hey, Willie, how you doing?

Same as yesterday.

Thanks.

Come on.

So what are you so depressed

about tonight, anyway?

I don't know.

I just don't want to

go home for a while.

Stick around.

I might do that.

How long

you been doing this?

I want to know.

I mean, I want to know

what it's like to be you.

You do?

I've been doing it a long time.

Did you ever do anything else

before?

Yeah, sure.

I was a beautician...

in this little town

in Pennsylvania where I grew up.

I went to Boston.

Oh, really? I did time there.

Four years at Harvard.

You went to Harvard?

So I ran into this guy...

who told me I could

make a lot more money.

And I do, you know.

I make a lot more money

than being a beautician.

I'll bet.

That's right.

The guys who come in here...

what do you think

they're looking for?

The Holland Tunnel.

I know they want

to get laid...

but do you ever get

really weird stuff?

Oh, yeah.

What's the weirdest thing

a guy ever asked you to do?

Talk.

Do you remember

what it was like...

your first time working?

You don't want to know

about the first time.

It sounds like I do.

I don't think you do.

You're funny, aren't you?

I'm young, you know?

I'm just off the bus

from Boston.

So, my friend, he says...

He says there's this guy

upstairs...

in the hotel

waiting for me... this trick.

I go up, and I see this guy.

He's just sitting,

straight up in bed.

Just sitting there.

Come here. I'll show you.

Sit down. Just sit there.

Put your legs

out in front of you

and cover them.

It turns out later

he's this Russian sailor.

His buddies brought him

in the bedroom...

and left him waiting.

So I went over to him.

The guy's got

two broken legs!

Can you imagine?

He's got casts

right up to there.

Shit.

So what did you do about that?

What could I do, really?

I did what I could do.

Wait. I forgot to tell you.

He had a bad back, too.

He couldn't sit up

for very long.

What did you do,

give him a freebie?

Oh, I forgot.

That's the best part.

Give me your wallet.

Let's see.

So I say to the guy,

"I get paid before the action.

"You know what I mean?"

Let's go.

And he goes,

"Ra ra ra ra ra!"

I said, "No joke.

"I get paid

before the action."

You know,

ra ra ra ra ra!

Do it.

Yeah, right.

Take him every place you go.

Public places.

Make him an expert on you.

I want everybody to know...

he wrote that story

about you.

This ain't going to work.

Just more lawyer bullshit.

Just do it.

The girls who work

these Midtown streets...

have learned to take just

about everything in stride.

Moving in and out

of cheap hotel rooms...

they do not discriminate

among their clientele.

One young woman gave an account

of her personal efforts...

to ease Soviet-American

tensions.

In an exclusive interview...

she referred to her graceless,

dilapidated walls...

as "Home, sweet home."

And maybe for her, it is.

This is Jonathan Fisher,

Channel 3, "Street Smart."

OK, that going to cut

with the "B" roll?

That'll be good.

Thanks a lot, guys.

I'll see you

on the next one.

Soviet-American relations?

Hi there.

That was great.

I liked that.

You liked that, huh?

I got to get back

to the station.

Listen, a friend of mine

wants to meet you.

He read your magazine.

I told him I knew you.

Your pimp?

If you call him that,

he's gonna kill you.

You watch out.

You're a tough woman, Punchy.

Big surprise.

Want to know something?

I really like you.

Meaning you finally

got laid enough...

to curl your hair.

Where is that girlfriend

of yours, anyway?

What's she do for you?

We've got a different

kind of relationship.

Pussy isn't any good, huh?

It's kind of a question

of applied ethics.

We'll work it out.

I love when you talk

that Harvard shit.

I knew it would come in

handy for something.

Taxi!

Show business.

How you doing?

I'm doing OK.

- What's your name again?

- Jonathan Fisher.

Jonathan! Right.

Come on in. Sit down.

Make yourself comfortable.

Can I get you some food?

This is fine.

How about

something to drink?

- No, I'm fine.

- All right. Good.

My man said to say hi to you.

Who's that?

My lawyer.

Cat named Joel Davis.

Mean anything to you?

Whoa. Now, wait a minute here.

You mean to tell me...

What's the matter, boy?

This ho said

you wanted to meet me.

Well, here I am.

What the hell you think

you're doing?

What?

There's money to be made

on the street.

Get it snappin'!

You're him, right?

You're "Fast Black,"

aren't you?

To some people.

My mama always called me Leo.

Leo Smalls, Jr.

I don't believe it.

You figured it out, huh?

Smart boy.

I want you to meet my editor.

Oh, yeah? What for?

'Cause he thinks

I'm writing about you.

He does?

Set it up.

I mean, hey, you can write

about me now for real, right?

- Huh?

- Yeah.

Hey, Christine, give

this boy some ribs.

I got to tell you, homey,

you don't know shit.

I read that magazine.

- Your dude...

- Tyrone.

This dude is stupid.

He wouldn't last

twenty minutes out here.

A lot of people liked it.

A lot of people got

their head up their ass.

I will show you

the streets, brother.

This is where I hang out.

What's happening, Fast?

Thought I'd play

a little ball.

When you going

to take me downtown?

They got dudes like him

down there, wall to wall.

So?

So? So they would chew

your young ass up...

and spit you

all over 42nd Street.

I been there.

Get out of here.

What you doin'?

You playing basketball

or jerking off?

Come on, baby.

Pretty man is here.

He moves to the basket.

He lays it up there.

Everybody play! Come on!

He fakes them out

of their jocks.

What's wrong with you, man?

You stealing my shot?

Nobody gets in my way,

you understand?

I'll put your ass through

that motherfuckin' hoop!

Who the fuck do you

think you are?

I'm sorry.

Do you know who

you're fucking with?

Do you know who I am?!

Sorry, man.

Fuck it, man. It's cool.

Hey, look, why don't

you do me a favor?

Run over to Chicken City.

Get me, uh...

Get me some ribs, barbecued

chicken, and some pies.

All that good shit, OK?

Yeah. Sure!

Yo, bro.

Keep the change, all right?

Yeah, sure. Thanks, man.

Who got my glasses?

Thanks.

All right. I'm here.

I'm here.

Give me the ball, baby!

We don't like to lose.

Hey, Harriet!

Oh, man, what the...

Harriet!

Hey, come on!

What?

I want you to meet

my man here.

He's going to put me on TV.

This is Harriet, bro.

You got some food.

What you been doin',

sleeping again?

I was collecting last night.

I'm tired.

Ooh, what you got?

We some got some chicken,

we got some ribs...

we got a pie.

You got any coffee?

We got coffee.

God damn, make some!

What you leanin' on me for?

I don't make coffee.

All you get is dirty dishes

and lousy coffee.

Whatever happened

to that dishwasher...

you was supposed

to be buying me?

What happened to

that little item?

What the hell you gonna

do with a dishwasher?

You don't ever cook nothin'.

If I had a dishwasher,

maybe I would.

I'm not gonna

mess up my nails.

Hey, man, get me

a new shirt, OK?

It's OK. I don't

want any, thanks.

Who the fuck are you?

I just told you who the man was.

What he want, a TV? What?

What is your problem?

I don't have a problem.

You got one.

Bullshit.

Not no more I ain't.

You got a new one.

Now what?

Darlene.

She thinks she's your partner.

A hundred, a hundred fifty

a night.

I'm gonna have to talk

to this bitch.

Cut her loose.

That ain't gonna do it.

I'm gonna have to talk to her.

You can't do it 'cause

you're into poppin' her.

That's your new piece,

all set up.

You don't know what the fuck

you're talking about.

You wipe the floor

with everybody else...

but you kiss Darlene's ass.

Keep it up. Let me catch her.

Move your foot.

OK, I got something

for both of you.

Keep playin' with me.

All right?

Just keep it.

Just keep on.

Why don't you clean

this place up sometime?!

Ask Darlene!

I'm not your maid.

What you going to do, man?

I don't know. That's tough.

Tighten up, Reggie.

Let's ride.

Come on.

Bring the chicken.

What do them TV broads make?

What do you mean?

Them broads that tell the news,

what do they make?

You watch the news?

Hell, yeah, I watch the news!

I hit the streets...

I got to know what the fuck

is going on, right?

Them TV broads, man.

I know dudes that would

pay five grand a night...

just to fuck

one of them broads.

I ain't lying!

You know that blond one...

the one that talks

through her teeth...

wears them big-ass glasses?

"Over on Flatbush Avenue

two guys got off..."

I know motherfuckers

that would kill...

to fuck this bitch, man.

I'm telling you.

They don't make

two grand a night, do they?

No. They make a lot...

they don't make

that kind of money.

I can give them two

and keep three for myself.

Brother, if I had a couple

of them TV broads...

I would fuckin' retire.

You know what I mean?

Honolulu, here I come.

Look out. You know?

I think maybe I ought to

mention this to them.

Yeah! Do that.

Hey, look, do you

know this D. A?

How come the guy's got

such a fuckin' hard-on for me?

I don't know.

Can't tell you.

Where does he get off

talking about murder two?

That ain't fair.

I don't know.

Between the law and the outlaw,

fair ain't even in it.

There she is.

Pull over.

Yo, Darlene!

Get your tushy

snappin' over here.

Get in.

This side.

How you doing, baby?

How'd you do last night?

What'd I give you, 450?

Try maybe 550 or 6.

I give you all I got.

Good.

I take the bread.

The whole loaf, you understand?

You want money,

you come to me.

You try going into business

for yourself...

you'll be one dead whore.

Not my face, please.

It's not your face, bitch.

It's my face.

My tits and my ass!

- Take it easy.

- Yeah?

- Whose girl are you?

- Yours.

Yours, baby.

Now get out of here.

You look a little

paler than usual, boy.

You play rough.

It ain't all basketball

and dishwashers out here.

Move it out, Reg.

I took a cab out out of

the Charles Street garage...

this morning

and spent the day driving.

It meant traffic snarls,

lost tempers...

but a new respect for

the cabdrivers of New York.

At the intersection

of 23rd and Roosevelt...

I was pulled over

by Charles McGrath...

inspector with the Taxi

and Limousine Commission.

What's the problem here?

You dropped a guy back there

and you're off meter.

I didn't have anybody

in the car.

I saw you.

Give me a break.

I'm trying to make

a living here.

I understand that.

But I got great news for you.

You can avoid all the paperwork

and pay the fine right here.

Fifty bucks cash and bye-bye.

I got news for you.

You see the van right there?

You're on TV.

Have a nice day.

You son of a bitch.

This is Jonathan Fisher,

Channel 3, "Street Smart."

What?

I'm sorry. He's gonna

have to call you back.

He can't come

to the phone right now.

Just a minute.

Who is it?

Punchy.

I better take it.

This isn't

a real good time to talk.

I'm in the bath.

It's East 68th Street...

between Park and Lex,

number 110.

See you out there about 8:00.

Is that OK?

So we're all set

on that, right?

They forgot the directions.

It's bad enough you hanging out

with these people.

I really don't like them

calling here.

Right.

I'll tell them not to.

Do you really think

this is such a good idea?

Yeah. I think it's gonna be

a hell of a mix.

Hey, kids.

How are you doing?

Tyrone, at last!

How you doing?

So this is what you really

look like, in the flesh.

In the flesh.

We are delighted to have you.

And this is Punchy.

Come on in.

Everybody wants to meet you.

The whole world is here,

except Henry Spussen.

Oh, I know him already.

Really? How do you know Henry?

Hey, everybody!

The guest of honor!

Can I get you a drink?

You got a chocolate drink?

A chocolate drink?

You know, with no fizz.

A chocolate drink, no fizz.

Just the way

Mommy used to make it.

I'll take a bourbon.

You've got bourbon.

Come on.

We'll squeeze our way through.

Hey, you really did it.

I really did it.

Punchy.

Teddy Bear.

Are we gonna have to

stay here a long time?

This is great.

Look at him go.

Nice to meet you.

How you doing, man?

Isn't this fun, Alison?

You like it?

It's yours

for twenty-five grand.

You mean to tell me...

this dumb motherfucker paid

twenty-five Gs for this shit?

I read in Jon's article

that you have a condo in Maui.

You're not

going to believe this...

but you and I are neighbors.

Now, ain't that a bitch?

So, you do the TV news?

Lady, I could change

your life forever.

Trish, I'm sorry.

Trish, I know you'd like

to meet Jonathan Fisher.

How do you do?

Alison Parker.

Excuse me, got to pee.

Is he really her pimp?

Oh, God. Can I meet them?

Oh, Trish, you can take them...

to the Southampton

horse show if you like.

Do you wear sheer

black underwear?

Oh, honey, I don't

wear no underwear at all.

Have you met my wife Sheena?

Do you want to see

something really beautiful?

Excuse me.

You don't turn those notes

over to anyone, Jonathan.

I'll back you up.

I'll go to the wall for you.

That's good to know, Ted.

Excuse me.

You want to hear something

really interesting?

Do you know you've got...

the prettiest titties

I have ever seen?

The whole town wanted

to be invited to this one.

Party of the year.

He really has put it

all together, hasn't he?

You know, he's too good

for television.

He belongs in print.

I guess so.

You must be very proud of him.

I'm thrilled.

Would you excuse me?

Would you excuse us

for a second?

Sure.

Thank you.

I'm leaving.

Oh, come on, we just got here.

You can tell stories

to that magazine...

but don't bullshit me.

Wait a minute.

Let go of my arm.

What's the matter?

I know you're fucking that girl.

Is something wrong?

Yes and no.

I could do things for you, lady.

Ted, thanks a lot.

I think it's time to go.

But we've got a ton of sushi.

They're so nice.

You're one dumb asshole, Punchy.

You know that?

Some people

was laughing at you.

Can't you see nothin'?

You're some kind of

fucking joke to them.

I had a good time. Come on.

He's right.

They were patronizing you.

There you go talking

that Harvard shit again.

You did fine. I thought

you guys were great.

Who do you think

you're patronizing now?

She might take that shit, man.

I don't.

I don't have to go to Harvard

to know what you're doing.

You know what I'm trying

to say to you?

Yes, I do.

Then shut the fuck up.

You don't tell me

how people react to me.

I know what people are doing

no matter what they say.

'Cause I read minds, you dig?

I don't take

no shit off of you.

You're lying through

your fuckin' teeth.

I know it, you know it,

and this fuckin' whore know it.

Come on, leave him alone.

Night's over. Come on.

What are you doing?

Whatever the fuck I want!

Get in the car!

Alison, you are overreacting.

I know I made a big mistake.

So did I.

It didn't mean anything.

It just kind of happened.

You make me sick!

I don't need this shit!

Jesus, I don't even

know who you are anymore.

And what I see,

I don't like.

You suck up to Ted...

you go around with

these disgusting people...

and you don't even care.

Don't say that to me.

You can say

anything you want...

but... don't say that,

because I do care.

Yeah, right.

Alison, let's not

throw this away, please.

Where are you going?

To Susan's,

if she'll take me back.

Susan's? World's worst roommate.

No. You're the world's

worst roommate.

Under the Constitution,

Mr. Smalls has a right...

to a fair and speedy trial.

Mr. Smalls' freedom is at stake.

A conviction...

We're not interested

in your lectures...

anymore, Mr. Sheffield.

Your Honor,

this is a blatant attempt...

to obfuscate the issue.

If there's

an evidentiary reason...

for the defense

to see Mr. Fisher's notes...

let them state it clearly.

I have no intention of

allowing this matter...

to either obfuscate

or delay.

However, if there is

evidence bearing on this case...

the court will hear it,

from whatever quarter.

Mr. Fisher, you will

assemble your notes...

and all pertinent documents

with or about Mr. Smalls...

and present them to the court

for in-camera examination.

Your honor, Mr. Fisher

would like permission...

to address the court

if he may.

Briefly, Mr. Fisher.

Briefly.

Your Honor, I would ask

the court to recognize...

the difficulty of the choice

that confronts me.

No speeches. The court's

order is clear.

Are you ready to comply?

Your Honor, I don't think that

I have a choice in this matter.

I can't surrender my notes.

The choice you have made

is to seek publicity...

and I will not have it.

That's an unfair assumption...

You're in contempt,

Mr. Fisher...

and I sentence you

to be incarcerated...

until such time as you purge

yourself of that contempt...

and comply with

the court's order.

Your Honor, we would like

time before the sentence...

to put Mr. Fisher's

affairs in order.

We wish to file an appeal.

You may file all

the appeals the law allows...

but I will not

stay the sentence.

No one, absolutely no one...

refuses to comply

with my subpoenas...

or withholds

evidence from my court.

Remove the prisoner.

Mr. Fisher.

Newsstand sales are up

eight percent.

It's you, Jonathan.

Your moral courage

sells magazines.

Ted, what about the appeal?

Sheffield's working on it.

You know, that assistant

district attorney...

he has been all over us...

trying to make you

give up your notes.

No way.

Oh, "Newsweek."

"Newsweek's" talking about

putting you on the cover.

Sorry, "Newsweek" what?

They're talking about

putting you on the cover!

Except you might get out of here

before the issue closes.

You're not going to hold up

the appeal over that, I hope?

I want you to keep a diary.

What?

A diary!

"The Prison Diaries

of Jonathan Fisher."

It would be good if they

wore uniforms in here.

Ted, would you just

get me out of here?!

Would you just hurry up

and get me out of here?

As soon as possible,

Jonathan.

You ignored the shield laws?

You guys want to give me

a break? Thanks.

I'm sorry. There's gonna be

a statement later.

Can't you give

your own statement?

No, I'm sorry.

Did you make a deal

to get out?

I'm out pending an appeal.

My position hasn't changed.

I don't think it will.

A lot of people think that man

should be behind bars.

Well, that might be.

That's certainly not

the issue here. Excuse me.

Why did you choose a subject...

that embodies the worst

of black people?

You can't pretend that people

like this don't exist, can you?

It might not be

conscious racism...

but it is racism.

We've been talking

with Jonathan Fisher...

released today from the

Queens House of Detention.

What's happening?

This ain't bad, man.

What's this, a social call?

He wants to see you.

That's too bad.

I'm in the middle of something.

He wants to see you now.

He barks and you jump?

I don't know how you

put up with that all day.

So how was it inside?

I wasn't crazy about it.

Right.

I've been there, Jack.

It ain't heaven.

I'll quote you.

What I got on you...

I could blow you

out of the water.

Wouldn't help you much,

would it?

So I got us a new plan.

You're gonna write them notes...

that everybody's

been asking for...

but in them you're gonna say...

that on the day that

that dude bought it...

you and I were in Rockaway

somewhere having a hot dog.

See, that way, you get off

the hook, and so do I.

The court won't buy that.

I don't know.

They tell me you're

a very skilled writer.

It's called conspiracy.

Fuck that.

You fuck with me on this,

I'm going to get you.

And not only you, brother.

I'm gonna reach out and get

everybody around you.

Don't you threaten me.

You listen to me, asshole.

I got a very good nose on me...

and right now

there's two smells.

The first one says I do fifteen

to twenty years in Attica.

The other one says I walk.

I ain't taking

no fucking vote on this.

You got me?

I'm not going to do that.

We'll see about that.

Pull the fucking car over.

The irony here is that

while city officials...

say there are alternatives

for the homeless...

the ACLU continues to defend

their right not to go.

This is Jonathan Fisher, Channel

3, "Street Smart."

Cut it.

Those guys really

make my job tough.

Hey, Punchy,

how are you doing?

You got a minute?

Yeah, what's up?

Oh, Jesus...

Fast?

He left the face alone

this time so I could work.

You better get out of town.

You need money?

He'd just come after me.

I've been through worse.

If I leave,

I break the rules.

You better give him

what he wants.

I can't do that.

Then you're going to be next.

I got to go. Take care.

What do you mean,

people are getting hurt?

Just believe me.

I'm telling you this guy

is totally unpredictable.

What am I supposed to do?

Why don't you

come home with me?

I'm not ready for that yet.

I want you to stay here,

out of sight.

I have a job.

You're going to

have to call in sick.

For how long?

Until I can get

this thing settled.

I got an appointment with

Sheffield tomorrow at 10:00.

I'm going to try to do it

as fast as I can.

Can I go with you?

That would be good.

Say good night

to Susan for me.

You be careful.

I will.

Want a date, Mr. White?

I got an ass on me

like a Mississippi mule.

I'll rock it and knock it off.

Fall for me, baby.

I got what you need.

Hey, business suit.

Come here.

Hey, come on, sugar.

What do you say,

want to go out?

Let's go.

My place, all right?

I don't know about that.

Why not?

Where do you live?

I'll pay you double.

My usual's a hundred.

Hundred?

It's worth it.

All right.

Nice crib.

There's a waiting list

to get in.

I got the same problem.

Don't touch me, all right?

I'm sorry. I didn't

have time to...

Don't worry.

You won't be here long.

Is that a boast?

Would you like a drink?

Yeah, sure.

I'll take a bourbon,

straight up.

What's going on?

I think you know.

Get the feeling you didn't bring

me here 'cause you're horny.

That's right.

I think you should know

I'm in a position...

to have you arrested

if I want to.

It's not hard

to get me arrested.

What do you want?

I'm prosecuting

a friend of yours.

I'm going to get

another drink.

Who would that be?

I've been watching you,

and sometimes you're dumb...

and sometimes you're smart.

Let's make this

one of the smart times.

Where did you

get those clothes?

You worried about the good taste

patrol or something?

The what?

What are you supposed to be,

Winston Churchill?

Look, I want to know...

what the big deal is

about these notes.

What notes?

Your friend the reporter.

Jonathan Fisher.

Him.

I give him head.

I don't know what

he writes down. I don't care.

I don't believe that.

I don't know what

to tell you, then.

Think of something.

I think you probably

like it kinky.

Don't try to change

the subject.

You think I got something

that will help you?

Well, I do.

I know what you really want.

You want to do

things to me. Hmm?

You want to maybe

hurt me a little bit?

Don't you?

Come on, you can face it.

It's OK.

Face what you want.

It's fine. I know you.

I know you better

than you think.

I know what

you dream about.

Look, maybe you

should just go.

Baby, I got everything

you need right here.

You should just leave.

Out!

Just relax.

It's all right. Look...

Don't start that shit.

You paid for it.

I didn't know...

Out.

All right.

Now.

Just cool out.

I'm going, see?

Wait a minute. Would you...

Oh, please.

Would you zip that up?

Oh, shit.

You've got a good case.

I don't mind saying...

that I'm very I'm pleased

with our position.

What are we

talking about here?

Are you being threatened?

Yes, I am.

Well, Jonathan, there are

legal remedies for that.

We could always

apply to the court...

to have his bail revoked.

Art, that's just part of it.

This is more than a question

of legal maneuvers now.

Then procedurally,

I think it would be best...

if you give me the notes,

tapes, whatever.

I'll make copies of everything.

You're not getting me.

I'm trying to tell you

there aren't any notes.

There's no notes.

No tapes, nothing.

He made the whole thing up.

It's fiction.

I'm the only other person

who knows what happened.

And I want

to end this thing right now.

You're finished.

This is

the most outrageous lie...

I've heard in over twenty years

on the bench.

Sir, I apologize to the court.

And I apologize

to the rest of the press...

and to the public.

I had no idea

this would go so far.

Mr. Sheffield,

have you discussed...

the laws of perjury

with your client?

Mr. Fisher is prepared...

to stand behind his statement,

Your Honor.

I, however, find myself...

facing an irreconcilable

conflict of interest...

in this matter...

and I would ask the court's

permission to allow me...

to withdraw from the remainder

of these proceedings.

I'll take it

under consideration.

Young man, you baffle me.

You may continue

your original appeal...

but this

preposterous subterfuge...

is equally culpable

and contemptuous of this court.

The prisoner will be detained...

until he has purged himself

of this additional contempt.

I can see right through you.

I'm telling the truth.

I haven't got any notes.

What did you tell him?

I told you, I didn't

tell him anything.

I don't know nothin'.

She knows plenty.

Don't play no...

Would you shut up!

I don't want you to go

near that D.A., you understand?

I don't want to go near him.

The problem is your pal

the reporter.

He's in jail,

so he's no problem.

I've been thinking.

I'd like to do something else

for a while.

Oh, really?

Like what, a brain surgeon

or something?

Look, you're doing what you do.

The problem is

you ain't been doing it...

too swift here of late

'cause of your pal the reporter.

He's not my pal.

He thinks he can

hide from me in jail?

I can reach him anywhere.

And you trying to play

all sides, just like him.

No, I'm not!

What, are you raising

your voice to me now?

Just leave me alone.

I told you to shut up!

What's going on here?

Are you going to start running

this outfit or something?

I just wish I could have some

time to figure some stuff out.

But why now?

I thought that was my job.

What, are you

changing positions?

Can't you just leave me alone?

You want me to leave you alone?

Are you crazy, girl?!

Sit.

You bitch.

You crazy, crazy bitch.

You got a problem, baby.

You got a serious problem.

I'm sorry.

I think you need to be punished.

I'm sorry.

That is what I truly believe.

I know there ain't enough things

I can do to you...

but right now, I got a taste for

a little piece of you.

You're a good

little piece, ain't you?

Yes, baby. Just for you.

Just for you.

But that's not the piece

I want right now.

I could rip out your nose...

or I could

snip off your lips.

But you been looking

where you shouldn't...

so it's your eyes

that should be punished.

So I'll tell you

what I'm going to do.

I'm going to take an eye.

Just one eye.

You tell me which one

you want me to take.

The left one?

You want me to

take the right one?

What, the left?

I'm sorry. Please...

I'm gonna take the left eye.

- No!

- The right?

The left? Well, which one?

You want me to take 'em both?

I don't know!

You want me to take them both?

Left! Left!

Go on. Get out there.

Do me a good night's work.

You think that's

going to fix her?

She's gonna keep on

making trouble.

You still want to talk?

You talk, I'll listen.

A little side business?

What do you want?

Punchy's dead.

What are you talking about?

I'm talking about she's dead.

I saw just her at the morgue.

I don't believe you.

Now you see what

your principles have done?

What did I tell you

about him?

Don't worry. I'll nail him.

She told me what Fast

wants you to do.

Don't do it.

If you tamper with evidence...

if I even think you're

tampering with evidence...

I'm gonna put you

so far away...

you won't even remember

what the streets look like.

I told you that

I don't have any notes.

Is that right?

Is that gonna help

the next one he kills?

Goddamn fucking asshole!

I'm telling you!

Get your hands off me!

Enjoy yourself here.

I forgot the apples.

Would you get me

one of those bags?

God, people are

so damn rude around here.

Oh, my God!

What happened?

Alison, are you all right?

Can I help you?

Could you...

I think we need an ambulance.

She'll be all right.

She's got the best doctors,

thanks to Ted.

You get me out of here.

Which is it, Jonathan,

do you have notes...

or don't you have notes?

I have notes.

Since when?

I don't think you know

what you've got.

Let me tell you something.

If it wasn't

for my responsibility...

to Ted and the magazine,

I would not be here.

You just tell the judge

I'll give him the notes.

It's all right.

I love you.

All right, you win.

I'm ready to talk.

Well, Mr. Ain't-Got-No-Notes.

Jail break?

I said I'm ready to talk.

Now, ain't that nice?

Let's find some privacy.

You're about to get

flushed down the toilet.

I ought to blow your

brains out right now.

I'll do what you want,

but nobody else gets hurt.

You fuckin' "a," man,

'cause if you don't...

I'm taking you out and

everybody around you.

Do you understand me?

Don't threaten me. You need me.

Fuck you, man!

I know what you do.

You scare the shit

out of everybody...

then you give them a reprieve.

What's the matter?

You don't believe it?

You don't believe I'll blow

your goddamn brains out?

You got me scared.

Now you can put it down.

Do you ever think

about dying, man?

Do you ever think about it?

If I'm dead, you're dead.

You're real good with words,

ain't you?

You mix 'em up real good.

But I got your ass now.

You think about it.

No notes... you're going away

for a long time.

Why are you giving me

the notes now?

You know why.

What you going to say?

You and me were out in Rockaway

having a hot dog...

when the guy got took out,

just like we talked about.

I'll make it look good.

They'll believe me.

See?

I told you you could do it.

Ah, shit, you all right.

Come on. I'll buy you

a cup of coffee.

Mr. Smalls, were you

surprised at the acquittal?

No.

Absolutely not.

There never was anything...

but vague,

circumstantial evidence.

In this country, a man can

still receive a fair trial...

no matter what

his race or background.

Justice has been served.

Just a minute.

Just a minute, all right?

Look, I know you lied.

I don't know what

your deal is with him.

I don't care.

Tampering with evidence

is illegal.

It carries time,

and you're going to do it.

Let me ask you something.

What's it going to get you?

Satisfaction.

Over here. Come here.

Why don't you go on?

How you doing?

How come you're not

working tonight?

I could start right now.

It's OK.

I want you do me a little favor.

It depends.

Reggie's in there.

I got two hundred bucks.

You give it to him.

But you tell him

it's from Fast. Got that?

I don't know about this.

I don't want Fast on my case.

Why don't you give it

to him yourself?

Listen, I think

you owe me one.

All right,

but this is it. We're even.

Thanks a lot.

All right, Steve, roll it.

Get in close.

Make sure you see the money.

I'm right on the money.

And when he comes out...

you rewind and get ready

to drive.

You got it.

Well, Mr. TV.

You're starting to

like it up here, huh?

I want to show you something.

Hop in. Take a look around.

Hey, man, this is slick.

Watch this.

Look at that.

I'm on TV.

You know what that is, Reg?

That's a picture

of you taking money...

from one of Fast's girls.

So what?

Use your brain, Reggie.

Looks to me like you're going

into business for yourself.

I know what you did,

God damn it!

I can't prove it,

but I know you cut Alison.

I'm going to get you.

I'm going to show that tape

to Fast in about 15 minutes.

You can't do that.

He's gonna kill me.

Looks like you got

a little problem.

Don't be stupid, Reggie.

Don't be stupid.

You better start running.

Nobody likes

to have their car towed.

It's expensive and inconvenient.

We like it even less

when cameras or tape decks...

disappear along with the car.

In answer to viewer complaints

about lost items...

we left a radio

in the front seat...

of an illegally parked car.

Look at my man.

Look at him.

Put that down.

That's private property.

That's right,

I'm talking to you.

You're on TV.

Everybody is watching you.

Put the radio down.

Get out of the car

and shut the door.

Walk to your truck

and drive away.

This is Jonathan Fisher,

Channel 3, "Street Smart."

That's my man.

Hey, Fast!

Move your car.

You got me blocked.

- What?

- Move your car.

Wait a minute.

Move my car?

I can't get out.

God damn.

Christine,

you ain't seen Reggie?

He ain't been around.

Right. He come in here...

you tell him

I'm looking for his ass.

You want a cup of coffee?

Hey, man, you gone crazy?

Reggie, what the hell you...

Tonight on a Harlem

back street, Leo Smalls, Jr...

a street pimp

known as "Fast Black"...

was allegedly gunned down

by a suspect...

police have identified

as Reginald Liggens.

Liggens, twenty,

described as an employee...

was apprehended a few blocks

from the murder scene.

Smalls had recently

been acquitted...

of a Times Square murder

in a controversial case.

In the streets

of this neighborhood...

the justice meted out...

isn't always the kind

that's taught in school.

Tonight, the court of the street

found a man guilty...

where a court of law didn't.

For Leo Smalls, Jr...

a man who trafficked

in death and violence...

the punishment dealt out tonight

was both fitting and absolute.

This is Jonathan Fisher,

Channel 3...