Streets of Rage (1993) - full transcript

[ Artillery ]

[ Helicopters ]

[ Panting ]

>> Look, I don't care

what you have to do.

Gag orders don't mean crap

half the time.

We'll have legal

take care of it.

Yeah. Yeah, I know.

Yeah.



Look, I'll call you back.

Melody, you're late.

>> I'm sorry, sir.

>> What did you find out?

>> Well, apparently Manila

had a rap back east in '82.

His lawyers got

the records expunged after.

>> Okay. Good.

Okay, guys, look,

see if you can find anything

that's useful out of this stuff.

But get me a story

by 8:00 A.M. tomorrow.



>> Uh, may I suggest, sir,

that if I went along with them

and were right on hand

with my own research,

perhaps it might tie

things up quicker.

>> Not a bad idea, Harrison.

She's got moxie.

>> I don't have a problem

with it, sir.

>> Manila's lawyer, line one.

[ Clearing throat ]

>> Yeah, Harrison.

Yeah, Robert, listen.

How's that coming?

>> Going on with you, Nick?

I mean, what, all of a sudden

my calls don't get returned?

I just need to know

what's going on. Okay?

>> Look, I just need

a little time.

>> Time? You've had two weeks.

How much more time do you need?

>> I don't know.

Time, you know, time to find

myself, gonna do a little

soul searching, I guess...

>> Wait, this is good.

Let me run and get my violin.

>> Hey, Max, you want to

stay out of this, please?

>> Max, he's your partner.

Maybe you can tell me why

I waste so much

damn time with him.

>> I don't know

what's your excuse.

Me, he was assigned

to me by Harrison.

>> That's right, Max.

Look, you got better things

to do with a deadline breathing

down our necks than

to stand around bullshitting

about who's sleeping with who.

>> That's whom, Mr. Harrison.

But, seriously, sir, I really

I feel I could help if I...

>> Forget it, melody.

Look, you've been

research assistant

for less than a year.

If you want to be a reporter

on my staff,

you're gonna have to pay

some serious dues first.

>> Look, sweetie, I've been

in this business

most of my life.

Hell, I was a copy boy

for six frickin' years

before I got my credentials.

But nobody gave me a break,

so I started digging up stories

so good they had to print them.

There's a story on every corner,

but it's not gonna come to you.

You gotta go find it.

And with your brains and

that big heart of yours,

it's a cinch.

>> Look, baby, I gotta run now.

I'll call you tonight. Okay?

>> A.M. means before I get in.

And the answer's still no.

And I want all of

that fire commission stuff

on my desk before I get in

tomorrow morning, young lady.

>> Yes, sir.

[ Knocking on door ]

>> Hi, there.

Is Josie Wilson here?

>> Maybe in there.

>> Thanks.

[ Overlapping arguments ]

>> Don't touch me.

I don't need shit from you,

so why don't you stop fuckin'

following me around.

>> Look, you two, it's your turn

to clean the place.

Everyone has to do it.

If you want to stay here,

you've gotta play by the rules.

>> Hey, nobody told me

to stay here. Okay?

I was put here, and I ain't

gonna clean no shit hole.

>> You expect US to scrub

the toilet and the floors

where those slob guys

pissed all over?

>> Excuse me.

Uh, is this the Hudson house?

>> Yes, it is.

I expect you to clean

where everybody pissed all over.

But I got good news, girls.

You don't have

to use your hands.

We've got gloves and brushes

and mops.

You know what a mop is.

What can I do for you?

>> Even when I was living

in the street, wasn't nobody

making me mop up shit.

>> Yeah, in the streets,

nobody made US mop up nothing.

>> You're both right.

And we can discuss

the profound spiritual

and philosophical ramifications

of such an irony right

after your chores are complete.

>> That's telling them. Hi.

I'm melody sails.

I was wondering if I could

take a couple interviews

with the kids,

uh, for an article I'm doing.

>> Article?

>> Yeah.

>> For who?

>> For the post.

>> Sure.

We can use a little exposure

from the post.

>> Um, it's an article

I hope the post will print.

>> Oh.

>> Knock, knock.

>> How can I help you, son?

>> Think I could

crash here a while?

>> I'm afraid not.

We're all filled up

for the moment.

But I'll be happy

to get some information

on your situation

and put you on the list.

>> List? What list?

>> State welfare agency.

That's where we get our funding.

>> Look, I just need a place

to crash for a few days.

>> I'm sorry.

That's the rules.

And we're filled up

past the limit anyway.

>> Screw the rules.

And screw you.

>> Doesn't it just

break your heart

to send them away with nothing?

>> Look, miss reporter,

or whatever you are,

we get hundreds of kids

that walk in here

wanting something every day,

more than we can

possibly handle.

Do you give to every

homeless person you run across?

Of course not.

You'll be broke.

>> But he was so young?

>> Well, we try to give them

an option to sign up.

I didn't tell him

to go running off and.

>> I'm not mopping up shit.

>> That's it, you two.

I'm sorry.

I really got work to attend to,

but you can come back

next week if you like.

>> Okay. Thank you.

[ Overlapping dialogue ]

>> Man, you got two seconds

before I tear that little

pretty boy face of yours off.

>> I don't have any money.

>> Leave him alone, guys.

He doesn't have anything.

>> You think we're stupid?

>> Look, what'd you say, huh?

[ Shouting ]

>> Hey, hey, hey!

Cool it, guys.

Don't be picking on a young boy.

What's your problem?

>> What you want, lady?

>> What are you gonna do

about it, lady?

>> What you gonna do about it?

>> Come on.

>> You're history now, bitch.

>> Jesus, who are you,

wonder woman?

>> Get the hell out of here!

Didn't I just see you

at the Hudson house?

>> Yeah?

>> You okay?

Why'd you run off like that?

>> 'Cause they don't

do nothing for anyone.

>> That's not so, lady.

He ought to try

to sign up there.

>> You know, I'm doing

interviews about all this stuff.

>> You're not a social worker,

are you?

>> No, just a wannabe reporter.

>> I can do an interview,

I guess, as long as

you call me by

a different name.

>> That's no problem.

No problem at all.

>> Business is off today anyway,

at least for me, that is.

>> What are you

looking at, lady?

>> Oh, shit.

He's watching.

My butt's back to work.

>> We're not so bad.

>> So what do you say?

>> How old are you?

>> I'm as old as you

Want me to be.

>> You don't do that, do you?

>> Hell, no, lady!

>> So you sit around

on your ass, giving my money

to some street hobo kid.

Flash, haven't I always

looked after you, hmm?

When I first met you,

you had nothing.

You were nothing.

Now, look at you in your

clothes, money in your pocket,

supply of anything you need,

and someone who loves you.

I think you've got the world

at your feet, don't you?

>> Name's melody sails.

>> Steven bur--

I mean, Steven Jones.

>> Hi.

>> I just panhandle

for spare change,

but a lot of other kids

around here do all kinds

of other stuff.

>> Think I could take you

to dinner tonight

and hear all about it?

>> You saved my life, lady.

I'll buy you dinner.

>> Where will you be

at around eight o'clock?

>> A pizza place,

right down the street.

>> Okay. I'll be there.

And we'll argue

about the check later. Okay?

>> Okay.

>> Talk to you later.

>> Come on.

You can't turn me down.

>> I--i don't know.

It might be a little too...

>> What'll it take?

Anything you want.

>> Flash, you have

to go out there

and work harder

than you have been.

And I don't want to see you

giving my money to some

despicable little tramp

too lazy to work for a living.

Do you understand?

>> Okay, lunar.

But I don't think

I can do this much longer.

>> Oh, really?

Don't you?

>> No.

>> Jesus, you look like

you've seen a ghost.

>> Come on with me.

>> What's the matter, honey?

>> Oh, my god.

Jesus. Steven!

>> We don't have

half enough cops

in this city to stop

all the rapings, muggings,

and murders that go on

round the clock,

let alone worry about

following up on some

little hooker's o.D.,

an o.D. That Mr. and

Mrs. Taxpayer probably

don't give a damn about.

>> So you don't even

want a description of the kid?

>> No.

>> How the hell can

you rule out foul play?

>> I never rule out foul play.

>> But this girl couldn't have

been more than 16 years old.

For chrissake, officer,

what the hell is it gonna take

for you to give a damn?

>> Personally speaking,

I do give a damn.

Right now, I've got

other things on my mind.

Thank you, young lady.

>> Don't you young lady me.

My name is melody sails, and

I'm a reporter from the post.

You haven't heard

the last of me yet.

>> Where the hell do you get off

calling the police commissioner

and telling him how

to do his job?

And then claiming to be

a reporter from the post?

All these years of gates

stonewalling,

this paper finally gets

a little rapport

with the new police chief.

And what do you do?

You screw it all up.

Where the hell is all

that fire commission stuff?

And I need it today.

Christ almighty, does the word

deadline mean anything to you?

I'd fire you today if I didn't

need that fire commission stuff.

>> But, Mr. Harrison--

>> get out!

>> So what'd he say?

[ Sobs ]

>> What do you care

anyway, Nick?

>> Well, I care about you.

>> No, you don't.

>> Yes, I do.

>> No, you don't.

>> Won't this be easier if

I just put you on his shoulder?

>> Shit, I gotta run...

>> Nick, we need to talk.

>> I'm busy till tonight.

Okay?

>> Dinner at my place tonight.

>> All right. Sounds great.

I'll try and make it.

I'll call you. Okay?

>> Oh, Max, what am I gonna do?

>> About Nick or about Harrison?

>> I don't know,

just about everything.

>> Well, Nick, I think it's time

the both of you sat down

and had a talk.

Uh, Harrison, that all depends.

>> Depends on what?

>> Depends on how much

this street kids article

means to you.

>> Max, I feel like

I'm learning from the best.

>> Oh, heh heh.

>> What was that

old story again,

the one where you and Harrison

snuck into the function

and went under the limo

just to hear what

the chauffeurs had to say?

[ Laughs ]

>> You do what you gotta do.

You just be careful. Okay?

>> Okay.

[ Phone rings ]

>> Hello?

>> Hi. Is Nick Houston

working tonight?

>> Hold on.

No, I'm sorry.

He's not here.

>> Okay. Thanks.

>> Okay.

>> Melody, huh?

[ Laughs ]

>. Nick...

>> Steven.

>> Who's that?

>> Oh, um, has anybody seen

a kid named Steven around here,

about 12 years old,

curly blondish hair?

>> Sorry, lady.

>> I know who he is.

Think you could

spare some change

so I could get something to eat?

>> Sure.

You get right down to it,

don't you?

>> You have to be that way

if you want to survive.

>> You think you could

help me out first, though?

>> What do you want me to do?

>> Uh, I'm looking for Steven.

I really need to talk to him.

>> Are you his mother?

>> Get out of here, girl.

No. I'm doing interviews

for a newspaper article.

>> Wow.

Well, will you interview me?

>> Yeah. I'd love to.

Any idea where we can

find Steven first, though?

>> Maybe. I mean,

I know some of the places

he hangs out in sometimes.

>> Here, kid, go get

yourself something to eat.

>> That's okay.

I just ate. Thanks.

>> You ever think about

getting a job or something?

>> Oh, I don't know.

I don't have an I.D.

And I don't have an address

to put down in case anyone

wants to contact me.

>> Tell you what.

Your job now is to find Steven.

I'll meet you here

tomorrow night, same time. Okay?

>> Okay.

>> Smile.

>> Oh, what the fuck?

>> Took our picture.

>> I know she took

our god damn picture.

Give me that camera, bitch.

[ Gunshots ]

>> I can kill her

with my bare hands, sir.

Why do you want me

to scare her off?

>> Oh, I don't know, gokor.

She fascinates me,

an enchanting tigress.

I suppose we'll have

to murder her or marry her.

Quite a trophy either way.

>> You look like

you could use a cocktail.

My word.

Ever consider

a 12-step program, honey?

>> Oh, you mean

a one-step program.

>> I'm terribly sorry.

>> You always get this excited

in the presence of art?

>> No. It's just that

I had to rush through

some terrible traffic

to get here.

>> Oh, I flew in here

myself this evening.

>> Oh.

Um, if you'd excuse me...

>> Hey, Kevin and Debra, gee,

it's been a while since

I've seen you guys.

John pochna, this is my gallery.

>> Oh.

>> Don't be silly.

John, how you been?

Me and Debra, well,

we don't get out too much

since the baby.

>> Guess this beats

going home to

an empty apartment

with a burned chicken.

>> Burned chicken?

>> Debra writes poetry.

>> Oh, going home to an

apartment with burned chicken.

That's very nice.

Well, I'll see you later.

>> Yeah, bye.

Heh heh.

Quite a joker,

aren't you, Kevin?

>> It's Scott, Scott toe.

Though joker might be more

appropriate this evening.

May I enquire as to your name,

my lovely lady?

>> It's melody, melody sails.

>> Sailing, sailing,

over the ocean's main.

[ Laughs ]

>> I really should be going

before I get any more buzzed.

>> Oh, but how may

I contact you, melody,

now that we're acquainted?

>> Aren't we getting

a little familiar?

>> Honestly?

>> Yeah.

>> Uh, I feel as though

we met before.

>> Is this Scott talking,

or is this the joker?

>> Does it matter?

>> I honestly don't

know anymore.

>> What does that mean?

>> Here. That's my work number.

You figure it out.

>> Hi, honey. It's Nick.

Sorry I couldn't show up

for dinner tonight.

I got wrapped up

in this assignment.

Time just seemed to slip by.

You know how it is.

Always have to be on top

of that story.

Take a rain check on dinner

and, uh, dessert.

I'll see you in the morning.

Love you.

So Tuesday night dinner's on me.

>> No. Forget it, Nick.

>> Come on, honey.

You know as well

as I do how this business is.

>> They call this a business?

You, young lady,

call the police.

>> Okay.

>> So what do you say,

Tuesday night, sweetheart?

Hey, why should

she call the police?

>> Well, it's regarding

this story I'm writing.

>> You're writing a story?

>> That's right, Nick.

I mean, you don't care

what's going on

in my life anyway, just as long

as I'm there

when you whistle, right?

>> Look, I know I've been

a self-centered asshole.

>> That's right.

>> What can I say? I'm sorry.

But I do care about you.

Listen, I'm not ready

to lose you yet.

>> Phone, Mel.

>> Uh, take a message.

>> It's not over between US.

>> Nick.

>> Name's Scott talbert.

>> Did he leave a number?

>> No. He said he'd call back.

>> Oh, shit.

>> Who was that?

>> Wouldn't you like to know?

>> Yeah. As a matter of fact,

I would like to know.

>> Well, me and

my cousin Emmanuel

were driving on the 405,

and this cop pulls US over.

And he tries to make US

get out of the car.

So my cousin Emmanuel

pulls his gun out,

and he shoots his ass.

The reason why I'm here

and not in juvi

is 'cause they let me off easy.

The rap was pretty heavy.

They were gonna try

to charge me with manslaughter.

But then they

took it easy on me,

so now I have to stay here

till I turn 18.

>> Bet your mom's hurting

from all this, isn't she?

>> My mom is dead.

>> I'm sorry.

>> Okay. She died from aids.

Guess the drugs get

to you after a while.

>> How was your relationship

with your parents?

I mean, how was your home life?

>> I didn't have no parents.

I didn't have shit.

Just me and my mom,

if you can call her that.

She would go out, pick up guys

and bring them home.

They would hang out for

a few days and get fucked up.

Then she would pass out,

and they'd come into my room

and try to make me

do things I didn't want to do.

>> I mean, I wouldn't say

my life was, like,

perfect, but, I mean,

I wouldn't say it was

too bad either.

I mean, it's just it was awful.

I just had to get out of there.

>> Why did you run away?

>> I didn't get the good

treatment from my mom.

I didn't get the good

treatment from my step-dad.

I mean, everything was

just all piled into one.

>> Okay.

>> That alley is

a notorious shooting gallery.

Now, what did you expect

junkies and drug dealers

to do when you took

their picture?

>> Smile?

>> Very funny.

You should know better than

to go wandering off alone

in the dangerous neighborhoods.

>> Look, I was doing

an investigative story.

>> The only story

was the one you told

about being a reporter.

>> I know.

I'm really sorry about that one.

It's just that these street kids

are so torn and abused.

It just breaks my heart

that more can't be done.

And this is my only way

I can help them out.

>> Or is it the only way

you can get

your press credentials maybe?

>> Look, that one

was below the belt.

>> But I'm trying

to impress upon you

how dangerous this

whole thing is,

dangerous not only to you

but to the police officers

who might have to save

your naive skin one dark night.

You're lucky, miss sails.

Whoever took that shot at you

was trying to warn you off

rather than kill you.

>> Yeah, I know. I can tell.

>> Right.

What do they teach you

that in the girl scouts?

>> No. I've had some

military experience.

>> Yeah, well, so have I.

>> Special forces commando,

prisoner retrieval unit,

three purple hearts,

five valors.

>> RotC, claremont college.

[ Laughs ]

I guess I made a jackass out

of myself over that one.

>> Uh, that's okay, officer.

I mean, it was me who made

a jackass out of myself

the other night.

I really want to

apologize for that.

And I do appreciate you

skipping your lunch break

and taking my report here.

>> No problem.

Well, my name's Ryan.

>> Officer Ryan, call me Mel.

>> Mel.

>> Hey, wonder woman.

>> Looks like I did good

first day on the job.

>> How you doing, guys?

Little hungry?

>> I am. I must have had

five candy bars today,

and that's all I could afford.

>> Oh, Jesus.

Here.

>> What did you say

your name was again?

>> Melody.

>> Melody, why you

so nice to US?

>> Because I like you,

and I very much want

to be your friend.

>> Well, will you be

a real friend

and let me stay

at your place tonight?

I could sleep on the floor.

>> You want to stay

at my house tonight?

>> Could I stay, too?

>> I don't know.

I have to think about

that one for a minute.

>> We promise not to be

a bother.

It's just that it gets

cold late at night

after the hangouts close down.

And it would be really great

to sleep indoors

for just one night.

>> I don't even need a blanket,

just a warm floor.

>> Don't be silly.

Of course I have space.

Just for one night, right?

>> Sure.

>> Yeah.

>> Okay.

>> Cool.

>> Hey, great place.

>> Oh, hey, it's okay.

I'm not touching anything.

>> You can touch.

Just don't break, dear.

Um, candy, that couch

there makes out into a bed,

and a sleeping bag

for you, young man.

You guys can deal with that?

>> Yeah.

>> Is it okay if I have a drink?

>> Yeah, the kitchen's right

in there. Help yourself.

>> Great.

>> Sandwich okay?

>> Okay.

>> Here.

Honey, it's getting late.

You think we could do

the interview in the morning.

>> It's okay. We can do it now.

I gotta get on the street early

before lunar's girls.

>> Okay then.

Let's go over to the kitchen.

So, uh, tell me. Who's lunar?

>> So, uh, you make

a lot of money on this job?

>> You kidding?

I'm lucky if I can pay my rent.

Back to this lunar character,

who is he?

>> Flash's creep boyfriend.

>> She thought.

He had this smooth line,

took her out to eat,

bought her some terrific stuff.

She was crazy about him.

But you hear it from

the other girls, you know.

They all got the smooth talk,

and they all ended up

turning tricks on the street.

>> How old are you, candy?

Where you from and what

brought you out to the coast?

>> I'm just going on 19.

>> Try 16 going on 19.

>> I'm 12, going on 19.

>> Twelve.

God, what are you guys doing

out in the streets?

>> Well, I lived with my mom

back in a small town in Texas.

But she was out of work,

drinking all the time.

I mean, I was the one

taking care of my brother.

Then one day, we wake up,

and she's gone.

We get thrown into

a foster home.

He's in one.

I'm in the other.

I mean, I can't

even find out where he is.

What was I supposed to do?

I hated it in that place.

And so I hitched

a ride out here.

Flash wanted to take me

to live at lunar's,

but I didn't like

what was happening to her.

And I gotta be free, okay?

So the streets are where I live.

I never met lunar.

He's got his eyes

on those girls.

I feel him staring

at the back of my neck

sometimes, makes my skin crawl.

>> Well, it's late.

Why don't we finish

the interview in the morning?

>> Okay.

>> Hi, honey.

It's Nicholas.

I just want to say

I really miss you.

I'll come over and spend

the night if you want.

All you have to do is whistle.

>> Ooh, baby.

Heh heh heh.

>> Melody, Scott talbert here.

I got your number from work,

and I hope I'm not

being too forward.

But I've been thinking about you

and really love

to see you again.

I'll be settled in by tomorrow,

and I'll give you a call then.

>> Uh, number two.

>> Ooh.

>> Melody, this is Ryan mccain

calling on totally

unofficial business.

I know you may think

this is off the wall,

but would you like to have

lunch with me tomorrow?

We could take a little picnic

to Bronson park maybe.

Give me a buzz in the morning.

Bye.

>> Damn, woman.

What's your secret?

>> I swear to you,

my horoscope totally

must have changed today.

>> I know mine did.

Hey, uh, which guy

do you like best?

>> You. Now go to sleep.

Good night, guys.

>> Are those the men

that did it?

Gokor, would you be so kind

as to have a polite word

with those two gentlemen

regarding their recent

lack of manners with

my darling Billie?

>> I will have a word

with them, sir.

>> Sweet baby doll,

did they hurt you?

There, there,

darling sweetheart.

Does baby need to feel better?

>> What's up, man?

What do you want?

>> What's going on, man?

>> Hey, what's

that all about, man?

>> I'm taking my little baby

home to lunar's house

to be my favorite sweetheart.

Would you like that,

darling, mm?

>> Yeah, lunar.

I'd like that.

>> Gokor, can't you see

that they're still moving?

Now, go back there

and cripple those

heathen bastards so that

they never walk again.

>> Yes, sir.

>> And he cooks, too.

>> Hi-ya!

[ Clearing throat ]

>> Good morning.

>> I wish I knew how you did it.

>> Hey, where'd candy go?

>> She left a note.

She said thanks and

you're real nice and stuff.

You know, I think so, too.

>> Thanks.

So--

oh, my goodness.

What happened to you?

>> Oh, it's okay.

It's nothing.

>> Yeah, some big nothing.

>> That was aunt Rosie.

She was pretty big

on discipline.

>> What'd she do it with,

a razor strap or something?

>> Hey, you don't want to know.

>> You bet I want to know.

A lot of people want to know.

They want to know what

drives you kids to the streets.

>> I didn't get driven.

I ran.

My folks are high

most of the time

or out trying to find

the money to get a fix.

My aunt really took care of me.

You know, I was a smart mouth.

I guess I still I am.

And her arm wasn't

strong enough,

so she found something stronger.

Look it, if you write this story

and they find out how old I am,

they'll send me back.

>> They'd never do that.

>> Lady, you don't know nothing.

Anyhow, I was crazy about

Clint Eastwood, you know.

I figured I'd meet him

or something.

He'd let me work

around the house.

That guy is so cool.

No one puts

that man down, never.

>> You know what?

I'd never print anything

that would get you

into any kind of trouble.

Tell me what you know

about flash.

>> What I know,

you don't want to know.

We both want to keep on

breathing, right?

>> You know what happened

to her, don't you?

>> She was so nice.

She always gave me

a couple bucks for dinner.

But I saw this guy's car in

the alley before I found flash.

He's always around.

Like, seems like everyone

works for him.

He's got them hypnotized

or something.

You know, I wish I could

fight like you.

Then no one would put

anything over on me.

>> I mean, what does he

have on everybody?

Is he some sort

of drug dealer or something?

What does he look like?

>> He's always in the car,

like, never gets out.

He's got all these people

around him do his dirty work.

>> So nobody has ever seen him?

He's just a voice?

>> And he talks kind of funny.

>> What do you mean?

>> You know, la Dee da.

He's got an accent.

>> What kind of accent?

>> I don't know,

English, I guess.

Look, I'm telling you,

just stay away from this creep.

>> You're scared, Steven.

>> I don't know.

I think he might

have killed flash.

>> Then let's go to the police.

>> No way! Are you crazy?

They'd have me back

to aunt Rosie's in a minute.

Or lunar will find out.

Look, I got business to do,

so you think I could stay over

at your house again tonight?

I'll do anything.

I'll fix my own breakfast.

I'll fix you breakfast,

anything.

>> Eight o'clock.

You got a deal.

[ Telephone rings ]

>> Line one, Mr. Harrison.

Will you take the call?

>> Yeah, Harrison. Right.

>> Will you excuse US

for a minute?

>> Yeah, John, uh, listen...

>> Listen, about that night.

>> You didn't even call.

>> Yeah, I did call.

>> Yeah, after midnight.

>> I know.

Listen, I get so overwhelmed

in my work sometimes.

You know, I was all the way

across town on an assignment.

And I didn't get back

until well after midnight.

>> Not a good enough

excuse, Nick.

>> Look, Mel, um,

I've been going through

some personal dilemmas

the last few weeks.

You know, but I'm starting

to get things worked out.

>> Yeah, who is she?

>> Hey, you know

how I feel about you.

>> I know.

I just can't go through

that rollercoaster

you're putting me

through anymore.

>> Well, why don't you cook me

a chicken tonight

and I'll bring over

a bottle of dom perignon?

>> That's not fair, Nick.

>> Can't resist a good bottle

of champagne, huh?

I bet that's not all

you can't resist.

>> That guy talbert again, Mel.

Want me to take a message?

>> No. I'll take it.

Hi, Scott.

Uh, no, I seem to be

a little bit tied up

for dinner tonight.

Oh, you know,

just an old friend.

Yeah. I'll tell you what.

I'd love to have drinks

with you before dinner.

Oh, I know this great little

cafe on sixth and la brea.

You know it? Sounds good.

I'll see you at 7:00.

>> Harrison's off the phone.

>> Bye.

>> Tell you what.

You be in front of

your apartment

at eight o'clock sharp.

All right?

Or it's finished between US.

Okay?

>> Finished between you?

>> Did I miss anything good?

>> Shut up, Max.

>> Ow.

>> Now, where's the rest of

that stuff on the ex-fire

commissioners?

>> It's right here, sir.

>> Oh. Oh, very good.

I'm glad I didn't fire you

the other day.

>> A detective mccain

on the phone for melody.

>> Tell him I've already

talked to his chief.

Everything's okay.

Not to worry.

She's not gonna

bother him anymore.

>> No, you don't understand,

sir.

>> What don't I understand?

>> Says it's his only day off,

melody, and he spent all morning

fixing lunch for a picnic.

>> Dinner's off.

>> The plot thickens.

>> So my compliments

to the chef.

>> Thanks.

I'm told I have a way

with tuna fish sandwiches.

So, melody, you're telling me

this kid saw something?

>> No.

I'm telling you a 12-year-old

boy might know something about

a murder.

A hooker's killed

because she wants

to leave the streets,

and a creep named lunar

may have done it.

>> So did this kid see it?

I mean, could he identify

this lunar guy?

>> No, he'd never do that.

He's a runaway from

a really abusive home,

so he's probably better off

on the streets.

The authorities get

a hold of him,

they're just gonna send him

right back home.

>> You want to talk

about authorities.

The judge is gonna book you

for contempt of court

you withhold

this kind of evidence.

>> I'll tell you what.

You don't seem like the kind

of guy that would

pull that over me.

[ Chuckles ]

>> All right.

Let's get back to the kid.

Now, he saw it

or he thinks he saw it?

What is it?

>> Oh, well, he knows the car.

And he may have seen

a body dump from the car.

>> But I'm not gonna know

who this kid is, right?

>> I have my journalistic

ethics to uphold.

>> And I have the god damn

law to uphold.

>> So what's next?

>> This.

>> Ryan.

>> Sorry.

Don't know what I was thinking.

>> That's okay.

You just kind of caught me

by surprise.

>> Did, um, did I blow it?

>> No. It's just that

I'm sort of maybe

in the last stages of

a yearlong relationship.

>> Are you dating anyone yet?

>> No, not really.

>> Are you withholding evidence

from me?

>> No. It's just that

I'm going out to drinks

tonight with some guy

I met at some wacky art opening.

That's about it.

>> Some underground hippy type?

>> Texas oil millionaire.

>> Ouch. Hard to compete

on a cop's salary.

>> I wouldn't count

myself out so fast.

>> I didn't.

>> You know, you're kind of

a hard guy to figure out,

Ryan mccain.

Ryan.

>> God damn it.

Oh, melody, melody, melody.

>> Oh, Scott,

you shouldn't have.

Oh.

>> Gorgeous.

I bet he's quite a charmer.

>> Two white wines, if that's

all right with this lovely lady.

>> That's okay.

They are really beautiful.

>> And so are you, melody.

So are you.

>> Well, I just don't know

quite what to say.

>> These are on me.

>> Gee, thanks.

You seem to do all

the right things.

Why don't you tell me something

about yourself, Mr. Talbert?

>> I will, over dinner tonight.

>> I don't know.

You've kind of popped

into the scene

in a pretty crazy week for me.

>> Crazy from

all the newspaper work

or crazy from all the men

who'd like to be in your life?

>> And wouldn't you

like to know?

>> So how's your story

coming along?

>> Okay, Mr. Psychic.

How do you know so much

about me?

>> Well, you work at the post.

It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes

to figure out you're a reporter.

>> Mm-hmm.

You're wrong about that one.

>> Not a reporter.

>> No, but I plan to be

very, very soon.

>> How's that?

>> Well, I'm doing

my first real story.

And it kind of started out

with some few simple interviews

with some street kids.

Now I'm on to something much,

much bigger.

You wouldn't believe me

if I told you.

>> Sounds fascinating.

>> And very exhausting.

I'm just a research assistant

by day.

>> Brenda starr by night.

>> Which reminds me,

I can't stay too much longer.

>> What about dinner tonight?

>> I'm gonna have to take

a rain check on that one.

>> Tomorrow night then, mm?

>> I don't know.

>> Now, hold on here.

I won't take no for an answer.

>> Uh, well, I guess

if it's an early evening.

I really do have to work

on my story after dinner.

>> To your story.

>> To my story.

>> Melody, listen,

I have to tell you,

I'm not sorry at all.

Actually, I'm not sorry at

all that I did what I did.

Actually, I'm sorry what I did.

I apologize for--

god.

Melody, you're really

blowing it, babe.

You should be here

right now with me.

And instead you're out

doing something

you shouldn't be doing,

and here I am sitting here

waiting like a total schmuck.

Shit! I'm sorry.

>> So I guess i--oh, hey, Nick.

>> Hey, thought we had

a date tonight.

>> Well, last I heard,

it was called off.

>> I didn't--

no, I really didn't mean--

>> which one is this one?

>> Oh, Nick, this is candy

and Steven.

>> Hi.

I'm melody's new boyfriend.

>> Is he the cutest?

Or are the others cuter?

>> Um, I didn't really expect

a party tonight.

Well, I don't really know

what to expect

from you nowadays, melody.

>> Well, that's right, Nicholas.

Maybe you should start

getting used to that.

>> What's that supposed to mean?

>> I believe she is inferring

that your status as the one

and only man in her life

is undergoing, or perhaps

has already undergone,

a serious reevaluation.

>> Can I date him if you guys

are broken up?

>> Listen, can you tell

your little friends

to run along so

we can sit down and talk?

>> Will everybody

please come inside?

>> Oh, shit.

>> Here we are.

>> Mm-mmm.

>> You know, it's a little, um,

it's a little difficult

to talk in here.

>> Candy and I did our research

today, but, uh, you think

we can talk around this guy?

>> I don't know.

>> All right. That's it.

I'm outta here.

Little shit.

>> Oh, did I blow it?

[ Door closing ]

>> No. That's okay, honey.

Seems like my life needs

a little shake out

right now, and gonna let

the chips fall as they may.

[ Shouting ]

>> Can I get you

anything else, sir?

>> Mm, yes.

My telephone, sweetheart,

and a glass

of chocolate milk

for Billie here.

I'm very proud of you,

Billie darling,

sweet little Billie.

You've made

a wonderful recovery,

and wonderful contributions

to the family funds

this month, unlike that

little bitch, flash.

Thank you, sweetheart.

Billie's going back to work

tomorrow now that she's rested

from her nasty little incident.

>> Dinner was really

great, melody.

You're really cool

for letting US hang out here.

>> I hadn't had dinner

like that in a long time.

>> You're welcome.

[ Phone rings ]

>> You want me to get it?

>> No. I'm exhausted.

Let the machine pick it up.

>> Okay.

>> Hi. This is melody sails.

Leave a message for me.

Thanks.

>> Melody, Scott here.

I just wanted to say how

lovely you were this evening.

I do look forward

to our dinner tomorrow.

I'll be thinking of you

'til then.

>> Wow.

Is that the flower guy?

>> That's him.

>> So who's the lucky guy, uh,

me, ahem, flower guy,

or the cop?

I already scratched

Nick off the list.

>> I don't know at this moment,

you little rascal.

A 12-year-old boy,

beaten in body

but not in spirit,

runs to Hollywood

seeking an impossible dream,

only to find himself

living on the streets,

mean, inhospitable streets.

A 15-year-old girl befriends

him, gives him money for food

when her jealous pimp

isn't looking,

not just any pimp but

a slick, English-accented,

chauffeured, Mercedes-riding man

who the frightened street kids

refer to as lunar.

Very few actually get

to see his face,

but lunar's presence is felt

nonetheless.

He lords over his territory,

gets kids hooked on heroin,

prostituting their bodies

to feed their expensive habits

and lunar's expensive tastes.

Escaping lunar

isn't just difficult.

It can be fatal

as flash found out.

Her semi-clad body was found

in a dark Hollywood alley

late Tuesday night,

some say as a warning

to others, a warning not

to cross lunar's brutal path.

>> Pretty good, Harrison.

>> Yeah.

Yeah, I really like this,

melody.

Why didn't you tell me

you had reporter's blood

in your veins?

>> Well...

>> But you're gonna have

to dig a little deeper.

Now, we're gonna have

to substantiate

most of this stuff

before we can print it.

>> Yeah, I'm working on it, sir.

>> And you really think

she's on to something?

>> Oh, apparently so.

She's opened up a line

of communication

with these kids

that the cops never had.

>> You don't say.

Okay, melody.

If this turns into anything,

you can start calling yourself

a reporter.

>> Oh, thank you, Mr. Harrison.

>> Go on. Get out of here.

And, uh, thank you for

coming by, detective.

>> No problem.

>> It was very kind of you

to come along, Ryan.

I really appreciate it.

>> Don't worry about it.

And if you're right

about this lunar guy,

you really help US

crack the case in

this neighborhood.

>> I hope so.

Well, hi, Nick.

Uh, Nick, this is detective

Ryan mccain.

Ryan mccain, this is Nick mead.

>> Glad to meet you.

>> Nice to meet you.

>> Mead!

>> And although this has

absolutely no bearing on

our professional relationship,

it'd be nice to see you

on a more personal basis.

>> Mead!

>> All right already.

>> Seem to be very

uncommitted at the moment.

>> Good.

Then how about dinner tonight?

>> Oh, god, I'd really love to,

but I already have dinner plans.

>> The competition.

>> You know how late we are

on this Manila story?

You should have had

a dozen interviews by now,

and all I've got to work with

is a rehash from

last week's rehash.

>> He's hard to pin down, sir.

>> Pin down.

The only thing you've been

pinning down around here

is half the secretarial staff.

>> Wait, wait...

>> Max, keep an eye on melody.

She's digging into

some dangerous stuff here,

probably more dangerous

than she realizes.

Look, you know these girls.

They get a b.A. From vassar.

They think it gives them

an automatic degree

in street smarts.

>> Don't worry.

I'll keep an eye on her.

>> She's more dangerous

than she appears, sir.

>> Yeah, you ought

to know, Romeo.

>> Damn, lady, who you

gonna kill tonight?

>> Some bozo from Texas

who's crashing at

his rich aunt's house

who wants to get laid

before she comes back.

>> You are such a little dog.

>> Ruff.

>> Hey, does that Texas guy

have any cute friends?

>> Steven has quite

a sense of humor.

>> We've met.

>> Look, I told you they don't

want me to stay here.

>> It's all right, dear,

for a few nights at least.

>> Well, okay.

But I'm not signing any

papers for the welfare people

or anything.

>> Don't worry.

Your friend and I know someone

in the police department.

I'm letting you stay here

unofficially as a favor to him.

>> Oh, picnic cop.

I get it now.

>> The hell is a picnic cop?

>> They're cops

that patrol picnic areas

and makes sure that everybody

puts their litter in

the proper recycling cans.

>> Really?

>> Yeah.

>> Melody's got quite

a sense of humor.

>> Stupid girl,

stupid picnic cop.

>> Well, it's good for

the recycling

and the earth and ecology.

[ Laughs ]

[ Doorbell rings ]

>> Hi. I'm melody sails here

to see Mr. Talbert.

>> Mr. Talbert will be with you

in just a moment.

>> Thank you.

>> May I have the pleasure

to bring you a glass

of champagne perhaps?

>> Actually, that would be

quite nice.

>> Some Henri reserve

'68 Rose perhaps.

>> Oh, yeah, that'll be fine.

$2000 a bottle, you're damn

right that'll be fine.

>> Here you are, miss sails.

>> Thank you.

>> And that, my dear,

is definitely what

the wine connoisseurs

refer to as the good stuff.

Voila.

My belle, my lady melody.

>> Hi, Scott.

Mmm.

>> Mmm.

Nectar of the gods.

>> Yeah.

>> To the goddess.

>> To the joker.

>> Are you sure

you're for real, melody,

not another joker

spinning wild tales of

murder and intrigue?

>> You never know.

I mean, these kids

have really confided

a lot in my interviews.

And just a few more ends

tied together,

and my story gets published.

And that crummy drug lord

is history.

>> Well, let's hope

the blackguard is not

an illusion, and you'll

win a pulitzer prize.

>> Pulitzer, that word kind

of makes me warm

and tingly inside.

[ Laughs ]

>> Pulitzer.

Pulitzer.

[ Laughs ]

>> Pulitzer. Pulitzer. Pulitzer.

Pulitzer.

[ Laughs ]

>> Mmm.

>> Mmm.

>> Are you trying

to get me drunk?

>> Mm-hmm.

Well, have I?

>> Yes.

>> '45 lafite rothschild.

Melody, you all know what winks

and makes love like a tiger?

>> No.

Oh, Scott.

What am I going to do with you?

>> Oh, just relax

and be admired.

>> I don't think

I'm ready to move that fast.

>> Come on, melody.

Let yourself go.

>> Excuse me, sir.

Your presence is requested.

>> Oh, will y'all

excuse me, melody?

Edward here will show you

to the den,

and I'll join you there

in a sec.

>> Saved by the bell

or into the frying pan.

>> I beg your pardon?

>> Oh, never mind me.

I'm drunk.

Or haven't you noticed

after that third bottle

you poured?

>> Perhaps some coffee.

>> No thanks.

Everything's just perfect,

just so perfect.

>> What do you want me to do?

>> Stay out of sight

a while longer,

at least until

the bedroom lights

are turned off.

Poor dear is starved of love

and physical attention.

Oh, well, back to work.

The goddess beckons for lunar.

Melody?

Are you sleeping, melody?

Are you asleep, my darling?

My little kitten,

my little dove,

my sweet little pussy cat.

I'll take care

of you tonight, darling.

Edward is preparing

our boudoir with 50 candles.

You'll like that, my love.

You're so--

your flesh yearning,

yearning to be taken

by the moon.

Taken by your moon god

perfect god incarnate,

by lunar.

>> Oh, my goodness.

I must have had

too much to drink.

>> Don't worry, melody.

I'll help you upstairs into

something more comfortable.

>> I really should be going.

>> Oh, melody, you can't

drive like this.

You must stay here tonight.

>> That sounds nice,

but I have to be at work

at 6:00 A.M.

>> Shh.

You must stay here tonight.

>> Darling, don't rush

a good thing.

Tonight was magic.

Something's opened up

inside of me that makes me

feel really wonderful.

So if you mean what you say,

you can wait for the weekend.

>> Women.

As much as we learn about you,

the more your mysteries

continue to confound US.

[ Vomits ]

>> Yum, yum.

>> Do I know you?

>> No. I'm sure that you heard

all about me.

>> Lunar?

>> Mm-hmm.

It's about time you accepted

my invitation, candy.

>> Look, please,

let me out of here.

>> Do you like giving

interviews, candy?

I'm sure that you do.

I've heard that you like

giving them about me.

Now, I know that

you're a busy girl,

but would you like me

to interview you, hmm?

>> Look, please, I swear.

I didn't say anything.

I swear I didn't.

>> Oh, thank you.

Drive on, gokor.

>> All right.

I'm totally hung over.

My soul has been violated,

and my god damn feet hurt!

So whoever the fuck is in there,

you're really gonna

get your ass kicked now.

And next time you want to

work out, make an appointment.

[ Retches ]

>> Are you sitting comfortably?

Then I'll begin.

Oh, I love texture

of very young skin.

It makes my fingertips tingle.

Oh, I can see that

great big heart of yours

starting to pound against

your oh so white,

tender, young bosom.

>> What do you want from me?

>> What do you want from me?

What I want, darling,

is a little comfort

and satisfaction,

the comfort and satisfaction

that your friend denied me.

>> You mean flash?

I hardly knew her.

>> No, I don't mean

that despicable

little bitch whore, flash.

I mean your dear, charming,

new friend, melody.

>> What does that have

to do with me?

>> Can you bark like a dog?

Oh, what am I saying?

Of course you can.

>> Oh, please...

Please...

>> Tonight, you shall have

the honor of giving your god,

lunar, his satisfaction.

Lunar, the moon god, should

open your senses, exquisite.

Oh, I'm not being a gentleman.

Look how tense you are.

Perhaps I should give you

a back rub first.

>> Ooh.

>> Babykins, it's Nick--

>> I heard what happened

to you last night.

And it says that

we're on to something.

>> And I'm gonna keep

a better watch on you,

too, babe.

We've got a big fish

on the line now.

>> Now I don't want you

getting hurt either,

sweetheart, story or no story.

>> That's right.

>> Well, now that I found lunar,

you think you could help me

out with some

heavy-duty research

tonight, Max?

>> Aha.

Now you're the reporter,

and I'm the research assistant.

Role reversal,

I told you, Harrison.

>> No. Honestly, Max,

I really need your help.

>> Seriously, I'm joking.

Of course I'll help you, melody.

>> Thanks.

>> Oh, melody, and the way

you infiltrated lunar's place,

that was brilliant.

I mean, pretending to be

a dinner date pickup,

ha ha ha, I love it.

>> Yeah.

I need to see Steven.

Come on.

Nobody knows where Steven's at?

>> Apparently not.

>> For chrissake.

He was supposed to stay

indoors after dark.

I thought that was understood.

>> This is a halfway house,

not a prison.

And we were only doing y'all

a favor to begin with. Man.

>> Look, I'm sorry.

I mean, it's been

a really tough week for me.

My apartment was broken

in last night,

and the same people who did it

might be looking for Steven.

>> He went to get some pizza.

>> Damn it, girl.

Why didn't you say so?

>> Shit, I ain't no snitch.

>> Don't look at me.

>> You should have dumped her

a long time ago.

What are you talking about,

waiting this long for it?

>> Excuse me.

Has anybody seen a kid named

Steven, about 12 years old,

curly blondish hair,

about this tall?

>> Oh, yeah.

The little twerp just left.

God, but what's it worth

to you to know where he went?

>> Well, I just--

>> a blowjob?

[ Laughs ]

>> I should break

your god damn neck.

Now, where is he?

>> He went to get his stuff

where he crashes

behind the laundromat.

>> You little shit head.

Hi, Steven.

>> Hey, Mel.

Didn't expect to see you here.

This is my old sleeping place.

>> Honey, the streets

aren't safe for you anymore.

>> Just a moment.

I'll be through.

So taking me home again tonight?

>> Most definitely.

>> Yes.

>> Kid, come here, kid.

>> Give US the kid.

[ Shouting ]

[ Shouting ]

>> Come on. Let's go.

Come on.

>> It's all my fault.

I never should have

brought him into this.

>> Well, prepare yourself

for more bad news.

>> Oh, my god.

Don't tell me Steven.

>> Candy.

>> Shit.

>> Her real name was

Carol wolinski, drug overdose.

We found her body

this afternoon.

We didn't make a positive ID

until an hour ago.

>> It had to have

been lunar's work.

I know it.

The girl was not into drugs.

>> Not so.

Two priors, both drug related.

>> It had to have been him.

What about Steven?

>> He had already disappeared

and was listed as missing

before he was kidnapped.

I'll do what I can, Mel.

It's gonna be next

to impossible to get

a search warrant without

any tangible proof linking

lunar to any of this.

>> Ryan, you're not gonna

stick to regulations on this,

and let a 12-year-old boy die?

>> Look, I'm a cop, Mel.

If we don't uphold the law,

we're no better off

than lunar and his gang.

>> Damn it.

Where do you stand on this one?

I'm just gonna have

to take him out myself.

>> Look, for chrissakes, Mel,

you do that, you'll be

the one behind bars, not lunar.

Shit.

Look, if you had

just confided in me,

Steven might not be

in this mess.

>> Oh, great.

>> Look...

I'm sorry.

I'll do what I can. Okay?

>> So help me god,

I'll do what I can.

>> You really haven't much of

a sense of self-worth, have you?

You despicable little shit.

Yeah, but for once in your life,

your miserable, lazy,

little hide is actually

worth something,

the value of a poker chip,

a poker chip in

tonight's game of life.

[ Speaking foreign language ]

>> Thirty years ago,

when I did this,

they spoke English.

[ Rattling ]

>> Hi, uh, I'm the

transmission inspector

from the automobile club.

>> Oh, Max. Shit.

>> Well, have you ever had

a woman, mm?

Would you like one

before you die?

I have all the women I like,

you know.

And do you know why?

Because I love them,

and I hate them,

love them, hate them.

They quite like that, you know,

gets their juices flowing.

But you wouldn't understand

that, would you,

you sweet little

virgin boy, you?

You despicable little shit.

[ Chuckles ]

>> We found him snooping around,

trying to spy on US.

>> Is that true, dear fellow?

>> Come on.

Let the kid and me go.

Don't make things

worse for yourself.

>> Worse for myself?

Well, you, dear boy,

seem to be the one

who's in a bit of a pickle.

>> What? You think you can

put yourself above

everything else just because

you have a little power?

>> Power is an attribute

of god himself.

And earthly power dost

then show likest god's.

>> You can spout Shakespeare

all you want, pal,

but the pen is still mightier

than the sword.

>> Richelieu, act two,

very good.

Take these two and throw them

in some closet

while I finish my game in peace.

Damn fellow, trespassing,

the nerve of him.

I think a little of Napoleon's

finest is quite in order.

[ Speaking foreign language ]

[ Shouting ]

>> Melody, what are you

doing here?

>> Cut the crap,

you son of a bitch,

and tell me where they are.

>> Why, who could you

possibly be referring to?

>> You have got two seconds

to tell me where they are

before I turn your face

into hamburger meat, buddy.

>> What is this, melody,

foreplay?

You really are quite a tease.

Though I must confess,

masochism is really not

my cup of tea

although I do like to see it

in a woman as lunar thrusts

into her pleading flesh.

>> You don't seem to understand.

I'm finished

playing with you now.

>> But I am not finished

playing with you, my dear.

Bloody her up.

Make her hot for me.

Gokor, get up!

Dear melody, I'm very impressed.

With gokor as my right arm

for so long, I don't know

if I remember how to use a gun.

Like to see if I remember.

Definitely not one of

your better moves

in the chess game of life.

Checkmate.

>> You bastard.

[ Shouting ]

>> Hi, Mel.

Good thing I came along

to keep you out of trouble.

>> You guys okay?

>> No. We've been listening

to this stupid idiot's speeches

all evening.

>> I resent that.

You'll regret that

by the time this evening's over.

>> Just let them go.

I'll do anything you want.

>> Oh, I shall have

anything I want, darling.

And I won't have to barter

for it.

>> You'll have to kill me first.

>> Oh, really?

Very well. Kneel!

We're going to play

a game called melody's choice.

One of them lives,

and one of them dies.

One lives. One dies.

One lives. Which one?

Just like a woman.

Can't make up your bloody mind.

Well, I'll have to make it up

for you.

>> I'm begging you,

for god's sake, don't.

>> One lives.

One dies.

One lives.

One dies!

>> Freeze! You drop them.

>> Thank god, Ryan.

>> Guess I learned

something at RotC.

Lunar, if you're still alive,

you're under arrest.

>> Shit, Mel.

I'm dying, Ryan.

>> Oh, is this a good story.

>> I told you you were going

to go down in history

with the rest of the scum.

Now you can consider me

a reporter now, right?

>> Can I do your research?

>> Is this the, uh,

Texas millionaire,

the competition?