The Man Who Loved Women (1983) - full transcript

Marianna, a Los Angeles based therapist, tells the story of one of her patients, middle aged David Fowler, a successful sculptor. He originally came to see her due to his sudden impotence in all aspects of his life, including in his art and in his sex life, the latter especially worrisome as he has always adored women in the holistic sense, they in general who adore him right back. David's sessions with Marianna have most often been comprised of he talking about the women in his life, both past and present, those in his early life who included his single mother who had her fair share of suitors and lovers, and a plethora of prostitutes, one to who he lost his virginity and the profession which he has always treated with respect beyond the issues of many women resorting to the business as a last resort to survive. He has moved from one girlfriend/lover to another in his fear that he would miss something special in the women he has not yet met. Those women include but are not limited to: Courtney, local on-air television personality who pampers him with her cooking; Agnes, who may have the best looking legs in the world according to David, but who tells David in return that the legs he saw to which he was initially attracted were not hers; Louise, the wife of a Houston-based client, wealthy Roy Carr, David's sexual encounters with Louise which are characterized by their riskiness and her canny ability to calculate the time required; and David's assistant Nancy, the one woman to who he was attracted but had never slept with due to the vulnerable state she was in when they met. Beyond trying to figure out what has caused David's current issue, Marianna has to admit to herself that she too is not immune to his charms. All of these women realize that they are most-likely temporary fixtures in his life, but love him nonetheless. However, one woman may make him feel true love, enough to want to settle down with her.

Thank you.

All these women.

They follow him,
even to the grave.

How is it possible?

Well, why not?
They loved him very deeply.

Each in her own way.

Passionately.

Kindly.

Forever.

What appears impossible
is that there is no jealousy.

No envy, no rage,
not even cynicism.



It may seem like a miracle,

but I don't like miracles.

I prefer to think
it's something simple.

As simple as that he really
and truly loved

all these women.

That could do strange
and wonderful things,

couldn't it?

Well, yes, to me too.

Those few here who know me
as his doctor,

his analyst,

hardly think
I only mourn my patient.

And it gives me pleasure
to join my sisters

as a lover in weeds.

A widow without marriage,



openly bereft.

He came to me
on the recommendation

of his physician.

Beginning with some
mild anxiety,

he had become more frozen

and unable
to make decisions.

For a man who had all his life
been given

to the utmost daring
and impulsiveness,

whether to work or not to work,

presented an unsolvable
and terrifying issue.

The multiplicity
of items on a menu

had become a nightmare
challenge.

He could only dine out
with trusted friends,

always female,

and only when they did
the ordering.

He was
a most intelligent man.

Remarkably intuitive,

gentle,

almost soulful.

And with eyes that saw

and caressed
with equal intensity.

If he was in fact unable
to make choices,

I sensed an enormous potential
locked behind those eyes

and constrained gestures.

In the beginning,
he hastened to reassure me

that his tragic state
of inertia,

he referred to it
as his "impotence,"

was most recent,
hopefully transient

and altogether
out of character.

To prove it,
he told me a story

based on a pair of legs.

There were the most beautiful legs I'd ever seen.

What was so special about them?

Uh, well,
they were-- They were long,

very long.

Shapely, obviously.

They were athletic too,
but not too muscular.

And they moved
so gracefully.

Um, they were fantastic,

and I just couldn't help
myself.

I just had to find out
who they belonged to.

Is that crazy?

I don't think so.

I don't think so either.

I didn't think so,
I still don't.

Get back in the car!

Come on, Bruiser. Come on!

Hi.

Hi.

I thought you'd be
at the gallery all day.

I was going to,
but I got off early.

Hello, this is David Fowler,

my car is insured by you.

I'd like to talk about
an accident.

Did you have an accident?

No. Just hang on a second.

No, I didn't-- What is that?

It was supposed to be
a surprise.

I wanted you to find it.
Oh.

Go in the kitchen,
and when I'm through

I'll find it
and it'll be a surprise.

Oh.

Okay?

Okay.

Are you still there?

Yeah, see,

the car was parked
on Pico Boulevard.

And I--

I wasn't in the car
at the time.

I just came out and someone
had hit it, kept on going.

I have the driver's
license number right here.

It's 1-G-A-1-0-2-1.

Yeah.

Uh, you think you'll have
any trouble tracing it?

Yeah. It's just a matter
of interest.

I'd like to know who it is.

I was kind of semi-living

with a lady
named Courtney Wade.

Who loves to cook.

Bright, sweet,

funny lady.

But that afternoon,
I wasn't very good company.

I had a Houston commission
that was behind schedule.

On top of that,

I couldn't stop thinking
about those legs.

They just kept strolling
through my mind.

I'll get it.

Hello?

It was the insurance company.
Her name was Agnes Chapman.

And she lived
in Santa Monica.

Oh, um...

Watch the dog.

I called her from a gas station

at the end of her street.

First I didn't think
I had a chance,

but she had a sense
of humor.

She admitted she was intrigued,
and like I'd hoped,

she felt safe to meet me
at the gas station.

I remember thinking:

Jesus, I'm about to meet
the woman

with the most beautiful legs
in the world.

And now I'm not really sure
I want to.

Why not?

Suppose the top half didn't live up to the bottom half.

Hi.
Hi.

David Fowler.

Agnes Chapman.

You wanna go somewhere
and talk?

Um...

No, let's talk here first.

Okay.
Okay.

Heh.
Oh, God, you wore pants.

I didn't know the rules.

Sorry--
So did you.

Yeah, well...

But, I mean, you have
such great-looking legs,

I'm disappointed.

Isn't that sweet?

Just too bad I'm not crazy
about ladykillers.

Well, I'm not either.

You don't think
you qualify as one?

No, I don't.
Uh-huh.

What would you call
yourself?

I've never had to come up
with a definition.

Is it necessary
for us to have a relationship?

A relationship? My God!

You're a fast worker,
huh?

I'd better leave before
someone gets pregnant.

I'm not that fast.

I don't know.

Please don't go.

Why did you come?

I was inquisitive.
Ah, me too.

I saw your legs
and I was inquisitive.

You were acquisitive.

Sexually, of course.

Well...
Come, be honest.

A little bit.
Yeah.

I've gotta be honest
with you too. Um...

You saw my cousin.
What?

Yeah, my cousin.
She's visiting from Canada.

And she borrowed my car.

She does have
beautiful legs.

She's a dancer.

Was that your cousin?
Mm-hm.

Oh, but she'll be back
around Christmas.

Then why don't you and I
have dinner?

No. Mm-mm.

Why not?

Because it's my cousin
you want.

No, I don't.

I've never met her.

I don't care about her.

I met you.

I think you're charming.

I think you're
enormously engaging.

I do.

So, what do you say?

Usually I'm also
very cautious.

So I'd like to think
about it, okay?

Can I call you?

Um...

Why don't you give me
your phone number?

I'll call you.

Oh.

I don't have a pen.
I have a great memory.

Oh, sure.
No, I do.

I was very good
in school.

Oh, yeah?
Uh-huh.

Okay.
Okay.

6-5-4.

6-5-4.

1-6-5-4.

1-6-5-4.

Simple.
You never need a pencil.

654-1654. Okay.

I'll hear from you, huh?

Maybe.

Think about it.
Okay.

Bye.
Bye.

I was 90 percent sure she was lying.

She didn't have a cousin.

She just didn't like me.

There was still
a 10 percent chance

that I was wrong.

So the next morning, heh,

I parked up the street.

And when she came out,
I followed her.

All I wanted to do
was get a look at her legs.

Again, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

Breathe in, two, three,
four, and out.

And in.

And out.

Breathe in, two, three, four,
and out.

Breathe in.

And out.

And stretch.

And one, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

Across the body.
Two, three, four, five,

six, seven, eight.
And clap.

Two, three, four,
five, six, seven.

In fours.
And one, two, three, four.

One, two, three.
Through the legs.

And five, six, seven, eight.

And stretch.

Two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight.

Reach, two, three,

four, five, six,
seven, eight.

And one, two,
three, four, five, six.

Oh, no.

Damn.

Bruiser?

Bruiser!

Do you consider yourself a good cook?

Oh, just average, I guess.

But I love to cook.

I just made David
a chocolate cake.

Oh, shit, the surprise.

Do we have a trivia question?

Yes, I'll tell you what it is.

The prize is dinner
for two at Le Cirque.

Bruiser.

Are you all right?

Bruiser.

No, probably not until
about 8 or 9.

They understand
your time problem.

And they've agreed to work late.

The first two pieces
look great.

Okay, I'll have an early dinner
and then come down.

Okay.

Nancy?
Yes?

What's the name of the vet
that we took Bruiser to?

Dr. Winters.
Why, what did he eat?

A chocolate cake.

I'll see you later.

Hi.
Hi.

Yes, I should have known.

I was desperate.
And childish.

Hmm.

You really think I lied
to you, don't you?

Yeah.

You don't believe that I have
a cousin with fantastic legs?

No.

There's only one way
I can convince you.

Where's the shower?

Hi.

Hi.

Disappointed?

You mean there's more?

No.

No, I meant,
you know, my cousin.

Oh, your cousin, yeah.

Your cousin will never
enter my mind again.

You're such a liar.

Well, I mean,
I wanna think of her...

Mm.

...from time to time,
but, uh...

these are the only pair of legs
in my life

other than my own,
of course.

Well, I got the right one.
Oh, aren't you cute?

Would you like
to have dinner tonight?

I can't.

I'm having dinner
with someone.

Oh.

Is it serious?

I thought it might be.

Up until an hour ago.

I'll do some thinking
and let you know.

Mr. 654-1654. Heh.

Just so you can do
some thinking too.

My cousin's name is Cynthia.

And she'll be back
December 21st.

Okay?

Yeah.
Bye.

So confusing.

What is?

The way I feel afterwards.

Agnes is wonderful.

Sweet.

They're all wonderful.

It's so confusing.

I start worrying
about all the women

I'm never gonna know.

While I'm pursuing them,

I'm destroyed by the memory
of the women I just left.

Perhaps your adoration
of women

is only matched by your hunger
for a new experience.

You feel a deepening sense
of loss with each new ending.

Yes.

So when you go forward,

you always leave something
behind.

Yes.

What are you thinking about?

I was thinking about
the first woman I was ever with.

The one you never forget.

I was 15.

I can see the room.

I can smell her perfume.

I desperately
didn't want her to know

that I was a virgin.

This your first time, kid?

Hell no.

Wait here.

I remember thinking

I wanna get out of here.

I can get out
before she comes back.

I was glad I didn't.

This is Darla.

Darla.

Oh, boy.

I will be forever grateful

to that understanding,
generous,

older woman.

I think Darla was about 18.

She was wonderful.

Just wonderful.

She left me
with an enduring appreciation

for the women
of the street.

I remember her name.

Majesta.
And she looked like her name.

She walked very fast,

so that
the potential customers

would have to chase her
to find out

if she was really a whore.

My mother walked very fast.

Determined.

Always like she had some
clear destination in mind.

Like she owned
the sidewalk.

Everyone said
she walked just like a lady.

Said she walked like a lady
because...

that way she got more money

than the rest
of the streetwalkers.

Everybody said that I...

I had...

I had her for a mother,
but I had a thousand fathers.

Kids say terrible things
to each other sometimes.

I got in a lot of fights.

I nearly always got beat.

It was worth it.

The blood and the bruises

were a small price to pay
for the comfort I received

and the adoration
I could give.

Were those assaults on his mother's virtue

in any way true?

Perhaps.

According to David,
she had endless male friends

and often trusted him

with passionate letters
to post to those men.

Certainly his own virtue
was fragile,

since jealousy made him read
all of them

and post but a very few.

Perhaps just those experiences
made it inevitable

that all women should
be defended by him,

yearned for by him

and forgiven everything.

Mm.

What are you thinking?

Oh,
I was just thinking how I love watching women.

I love the way they walk.

I love
all the different shapes,

the way they move.

You know, there's a time
when we all disappear.

When I first realized
that I thought

if I can't see them,
heh, I won't want them.

Heh.
Wrong, as a matter of fact,

what I couldn't see
I just wanted all the more.

And then, just when it starts
to really frustrate me:

Spring.

And they all come out.

In pretty bright dresses
and high heels.

And I'm, uh...

I'm resurrected.

What else?

Uh, what else?

Oh, well...

There's the beach.

I can only handle
about one day a year

at the beach.

Nancy is special
in my life.

Not only because she turned out
to be a first-rate assistant.

But also because
she's the only woman

that I didn't sleep with
when I had the chance.

I wonder
what would've happened to her

if I hadn't decided
to take Sunset that night.

Hookers were out in force.

For about a mile,
I counted half a hundred.

And then for several blocks,
nothing.

Then I saw her.

She looked young,

vulnerable,

and out of place.

Like a little girl
wearing her sister's clothes

and her mother's makeup.

I acted on impulse.

I wasn't sure,
but I wanted another look.

She was either not
what she appeared,

or she devised the ultimate
little girl come-on.

Or she was completely
inexperienced

and just plain scared.

Can I give you a lift?

How far are you going?

How far do you wanna go?

Fifty dollars' worth.

Get in.

Hi, Bruiser.

Hi, Bruiser.

Nice dog.
All he does is poop and eat.

You cold?
Yeah, a little.

I've gotta
take my shoes off.

Want some coffee? How about
some tea? How about mint tea?

Oh, no,
coffee will be fine.

What do you do?

Most of the time I try
to find the right light switch.

I'm a sculptor.

A what?

Sculptor.

Would I know you?
Sorry?

Would I've heard
of your name?

Oh, uh,
my name is David Fowler.

Oh, sorry,
I've never heard of you.

That's all right.

Until about 15 minutes ago
I never heard of you.

Could I have a look
around?

Sure.

Did you paint this?

No.

That's a Ron Davis.

That's my work.

I like it.

It feels cold.

It's granite.

I like the way it feels.

I like for my sculpture
to be felt.

Not just looked at.

It's sexy, maybe.

Why not?

I don't know.

Just seems strange,
a piece of granite being sexy.

Did you ever see
Michelangelo's David?

Only in a book.

It's very sexy.

Are we gonna have sex?

Nope.

Why not?

Not because I don't find you
attractive. I do.

I think...

you're very desirable.

Then why not?

Why did you pick me up?
Why did you bring me here?

Get you off the street.
Change your mind, maybe.

And make me
your personal secretary?

Anyway, how do you know
I don't like what I'm doing?

I don't.

I just know it's something
you shouldn't be doing.

Do you like it?

No.

But I can't do
anything else.

Sure you can.

Like what?

I'm not sure.

Sure.
I'll think of something.

Look,
I gotta be getting back.

I don't want you to go.
You can stay here tonight.

Tono will kill me.

The hell with Tono.

I'll pay him
for the whole night. How much?

Now, how much is it?

Two hundred dollars.

All right.

I still gotta call him.

The phone's upstairs
in the bedroom.

Take a hot shower before
you catch your death of cold.

You sound
just like my mother.

Thank God
you didn't say "father."

I never had a father.

I told her the truth

about wanting
to get her off the street,

change her mind
about being a whore.

The rest of the truth
was that I wanted her.

That was the problem.

I could have her.
She was paid for.

She was sleeping in my bed.

What if I did have her?

What would her chances
be then?

She smelled
of soap and sleep.

You know, if I do nothing good
for the rest of my life,

I'm sure that
that moment earned me

some little time in heaven.

The next morning,
I introduced her to Harry and--

Oh, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I introduced her
to Harry and Carl.

She's been working for me
ever since.

One day,
we went to the market.

And we ran into this guy
named Tono.

He used to be her pimp.

He went after her
with a knife.

She hit him
with a frozen leg of lamb.

We had to call
the paramedics.

I have to go to Houston
tomorrow.

I feel like sitting up.

Do what you feel like.

Maybe I don't feel
like sitting up.

I feel like

having a cigarette.

When did you start smoking
again?

This morning. Ha, ha.

I'm terrified of flying.
I mean...

Well...

Not so much terrified of flying
as I am of crashing.

I used to fly,

but I never seemed to be
as frightened as I am now.

I seem
to be really frightened.

You can always call me.
Mm.

From the plane?

You know what I mean.

Yes, I know what you mean.

Maybe I really don't want
to go to Houston, you know?

Maybe what I really--

Am I keeping you
from something?

As a matter of fact,
your time is up.

Oh.

Parking ticket.

Did I ever show you
a picture of my dog?

Yes.

Bye-bye.

Bye.
I'll see you next Thursday.

Right.
Right.

I had my toes down here.
Sorry.

Because of his inertia and difficulty with choices,

there were times when
I literally had to push him

from my consultation room.

He couldn't decide if he was
to remain or to leave.

And he would be terribly
embarrassed by his dilemma.

This minor confusion is proving
to be an excellent mirror

reflecting
an infinity of doubts

concerning staying
or leaving.

To stay with his love
is agonizing

because it means to give up
all the unknown lovers to come.

To leave his love
is equally agonizing

for it means
to feel alone and abandoned.

I'm sorry,
I can't find my keys.

Oh.

It fell down here
while I was lying down

or sitting up.

Here they are.
Oh.

Well, uh...

I'll see you next Thursday.
Have a good time in Houston.

I don't really want to go.

We're making
some new progress now--

David.

Goodbye.

I don't wanna go
to Houston.

Just one more, Mr. Carr.

All right,
that's enough, fellas.

Mr. Fowler,
I'd like to congratulate you

on a fine piece of work.

It kind of reminds me
of my wife.

I don't understand it,
but it sure is effective.

Lulu, come here, honey.

Excuse me, ladies.

I want you to meet Mr. Fowler.
Fowler, my wife, Louise.

Hello, Mr. Fowler, how are you?
Good to see you.

It was Lulu's idea
to give you this commission.

Well, I have admired your work.

Ever since I saw your show

at the Los Angeles
County Museum, 1968.

See? I know.

That was a good one too.

Excuse me, Mr. Fowler.

I gotta shake some hands
and kiss a few behinds.

Lulu, give Mr. Fowler
a grand tour, would you please?

I would love to.

I'll see you later
this afternoon.

Why, you were here
in September, yes?

Yes.

What about this afternoon?
Oh, Roy's gonna barbecue.

Sorry I missed you then.

I was in Toledo
with the El Greco exhibit.

You ever been to Spain?
Yeah.

I just love the rice.

Good to see you.

We've admired the work.

This is our building.
Oh. Nice.

I wanna show you
the penthouse.

That's where we live
when we're not at the ranch.

This is it.

Roy got this French architect
to take down a few walls.

It's nothing special,
but this is the living room.

You got a great view.
You can see, uh--

This is the kitchen
over here.

Then we got the dining room
right in here.

That's beautiful.

Nice.

You'll really like the bedroom.

Oh,
this is interesting.

You got a watch?
Sorry?

Got a watch?
Yes.

Second hand?
Sure.

We got 14 minutes.
Fourteen?

Ten minutes for him to decide
what we're doing.

Yeah?
Five to get up here.

Oh. That makes 15.

It took 65 seconds
in the elevator.

What if he's not right
on schedule?

Then we'll both get shot.
Oh.

Isn't this exciting?
Uh-huh.

We're drilling for some gas
out on a section of the ranch.

Geologist report
looked real good.

Don't know
what he's gonna do.

We'll see.

You got four minutes.
No, you did.

I got four seconds.
Three. Two. One.

Lulu?

Where are you, honey?

Pretty, isn't it?
What?

Lulu?

Hi, honey.
Hi.

We were just looking
at the view.

It's incredible.

It is?

I've seen a lot of views in my time,
but never like this.

Well, I'll be damned.

Is that pretty?
It's pretty.

You can see the Warwick
from here.

Hmm.

Well, you're the artist.

Hey, you wanna see something
real pretty?

Have you been inside
the bathroom?

Come here, I wanna show you
something.

I had a French architect do
this bathroom over for me.

Well,
that's a beautiful Chagall.

Is that pretty?

Oh, yes, that's pretty.

Now,
I want to show you here is the pisser.

The Pissarro.

No, no.
That's a Pissarro's over there.

I want to show you
the pisser.

This thing's got a geyser in it.
- Geyser?

Yeah, you know, a--

Honey, what do you call
that geyser in the toilet?

The bidet.

That's right. The booday.

Lulu's got one
in her toilet in there.

I thought mine
was a drinking fountain

till I sat down on it.

It'll get your heart started
in the morning. Heh.

Feeling all right,
Mr. Fowler?

I'm feeling-- Ahem.

Mr. Fowler, you're the artist.

You know more
about these things.

But I'd rather look
at this bathroom

than look out
that window anytime.

Don't you think we better get on the ribs?

Yeah,
I guess we'd better get that barbecue going.

Are you feeling all right?
Oh, yeah. Fine.

Are you sure?
Sure.

Hey,
you wanna watch your step there.

You know,
you look a little puffed up.

Oh, honey, wait a minute.
Come here.

You got something
in your hair.

All right, I got it.

Just a little piece of fuzz.

Sir.

David,
you gonna ride with us?

No, as a matter of fact,
I'm catching--

I'll see you
at the barbecue.

Okay.

Ma'am,
you were doing 75 in a 55.

Sign right here.

Leroy, you better take
a little chicken.

We can always kill
a few more hens.

I want you to taste
this meat.

It's amazing.

Great ribs.

Morning.

Morning.
I tried to call you.

I decided to go back
to Los Angeles.

Well, get on in.
I'll take you to the airport.

Put the bag in the car.

Thank you.
Thank you.

My, how lucky I stopped by.

Just on my way
to the car wash.

Hello.

Hello, this is David.

I think I'll stay
in Houston.

I've been invited
to the Derby.

Okay, I'll hold your hour.

Do you think
I'm making a mistake?

I don't think I should make
that decision for you.

It's important
that you decide.

Well, I'm gonna sleep on it
for a while.

I'll let you know.

Thank you.

Good night.

Good night.

There they go.

And on the inside,

the early leader
is Headstrong.

But moving up to challenge
is Frosty Frenchy

and Mother Lode.

Then back
two-and-a-half lengths

from the rail
is Tight Squeeze.

Regal Hunter drops out of it
slightly.

Lightning Rod moves up
from in between horses

and to the far outside
is Moonshot.

Then going back to
Glory Bound.

And there goes
Gay Deceiver.

It's still Headstrong
by a length and a half.

Mother Lode
is second by a head.

Gay Deceiver now
coming through Glory Bound

and around them,
there goes Moonshot.

Past the grandstand

it's Headstrong,

Mother Lode
and Lightning Rod.

Around the Club House turn,
it's still Headstrong.

Gay Deceiver
second by a head

in front of Frosty Frenchy.

Lightning Rod is third.

Glory Bound is beginning
to move on the rail.

Now it's Lightning Rod
challenging Frosty Frenchy.

Mother Lode is two lengths
ahead of Moonshot.

Into the far turn
it's Frosty Frenchy by a head.

Lightning Rod
second by a nose.

Mother Lode
and Moonshot neck and neck,

a length in front of
Gay Deceiver.

Turning into the stretch,
it's Frosty Frenchy.

Mother Lode on the rail.

Moonshot closing ground
on the outside.

And here comes Lightning Rod.

It'll be close.
Frosty Frenchy,

Headstrong
and Lightning Rod.

Coming into the wire,
it's Frosty Frenchy,

Lightning Rod
and Headstrong.

Frosty Frenchy
wins it by a length and a half.

Lightning Rod
is second by a nose.

And Headstrong, third by--

You have anything planned
for tonight?

No.

Because guess what?

We're all alone.
Just me and you.

Where's Roy?

He's working.

Working in the building,
right?

No, he's in Dallas.
Business meeting.

When's he coming back?

Won't be back till tomorrow.

- Tomorrow?
- That's right.

What are we doing here,
then?

I thought
you might like to be here.

Wait a minute. I know you.
No. David, you don't.

You like risk.
You like a lot of risk.

If he won't be back
till tomorrow,

what are we doing here?

Is there
an Elks Club meeting here?

David.
Huh?

The only risk this time
is mine.

You wanna explain that?

I think I love you.

I don't know what to say.

Don't say nothing.

Just be with me.

It's just me and you.
Let's just be together.

What do you say about that?

I say, "Yes, ma'am."

You do?
Yes, Ma'am Texas.

Yellow rose.
Yellow rose.

It's just like Fred and Ginger.

It is?
Yeah.

Fred and Ginger who?

Never mind.

Wow.

You're like a real cowboy
sometimes.

What the hell was that?
What?

It was a dog.
I heard a dog.

There's no dog in here.

I'm telling you,
I heard a dog.

Stay right here.

Oh, God, it's Roy!

Jesus Christ!

No, not in there!

I don't know.
I'm not good at this.

I haven't done this a lot.
I'm not--

Aah!

What are you doing here?

What are you doing here?

I'm just here.

Cleaning the closet.

What's that?

Oh. Well, I--

I didn't know
you was gonna be here.

I brought you
a little present.

Nice little doggie.

Thought we'd name her Simba.

She's so tiny,
she can break wind,

you don't hardly smell it.

There you go, Simba. Go on.

Go to Mama, Simba.

Go away! Go away!
Go away!

Little dog!

Little dog.

Simba. Good dog.

Oh, shit!

Darling! I just love
this little doggie.

Why don't we take her
out to the ranch right now?

Oh, honey, that's 60 miles.
It'll take us half an hour.

Besides,
that old bugbear would have her for breakfast.

I'll tell you what.
I'll call Bull Ray

and have him order us
chicken-fried steaks

and a bottle of Don Perignon

and we'll watch
the wrestling matches on TV.

Baby?
Why don't you take a shower?

How come?
I took one this morning.

Do I stink?
Pumpkin?

Oh. Oh.

You know what for.

I'll go take a shower

and put on that
English Leather that you like.

Twice as nice.

All right. Mwah.

Simba, keep him company.

Come here, Simba. Come in,
honey.

Oh, honey?

I forgot to tell you,
we hit gas.

We did?

You must have a piece
of liver in there.

Well,
I'm gonna take my shower right now.

Get squeaky clean.

I'll be right back out
and raring to go.

* Mr. Froggy went a-courtin' And
he did ride, uh-huh *

* Mr. Froggy went a-courtin'
And he did ride, uh-huh *

* Froggy went a-courtin'
And he did ride *

* A sword and pistol
By his side *

* Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh

* Froggy went a-courtin'
And he did ride, uh-huh *

Come on, let's go!

What is this stuff?

Crazy Glue!
I use it for my fingernails.

How long
do your nails stick?

About a month and a half.

This is gonna be stuck
on my mouth for a month?

Shh, shh.
He's in the shower.

He'll hear you!
Help me up!

Shh. Let go of the dog!

I can't!
I'm stuck to the dog!

For a month
I'll be stuck to him!

* He rode up to Miss Mousie's
Side, uh-huh *

* He rode up to Miss Mousie's
Side, uh-huh *

Oh.

Ugh.
What's the matter now?

I'm stuck to your belt!

Undo my belt!

Come on!

I'm coming!

What're you doing?
I'm taking a nap.

What do you think?
I'm stuck!

Take your boots off!

And leave my boots here
for a month?

What are you doing?

I'm looking
for the scissors.

What're you gonna cut?
Hmm?

I'm gonna cut you loose!

* Little piece of cornbread
Laying on a shelf *

* If you want anymore,
You can sing it to yourself *

Come on! We gotta go!

You have to take the Rolls.
How am I gonna drive?

- Take Jack's keys!
- Who's Jack?

The man downstairs
in the garage.

Oh.
Take care of the dog! Go on!

Honeybun!

What you got there?

That little dog just got me
so excited that...

We gonna do something
different tonight.

* I got no problems

* Problems runaway
From me *

* It's for me to say to you
Baby *

* All you wanna do
Is play with me, baby *

* Ow

Rhythm track.

Jack?

Say what?

Jack?

No, the name's Al, man.
Common mistake.

Where's Jack? Is he around?
I gotta talk to him.

No, no.
Jack's gone home, man.

Do you have Mrs. Carr's
keys to her Rolls?

Yeah. Heh.

No, Mrs. Carr.
Keys to her Rolls?

I'm gonna call somebody.

Who are you calling?
Yeah.

Who you asking for?
Who you calling?

Jack.
Oh.

Is that cool?
Go ahead.

* I don't want no problem

What's your name?
Fowler.

Fowler?
That's right.

Fowler.
Fowler, right.

Hello, Jack?

I didn't mean
to wake you up.

There's a man here
call himself Fowler.

No, he's a white boy.

He's about 6'2".

The man's got fur
on his feet. This kinda dog.

He's got his fingers
in his mouth.

Yeah, yeah.

He wants to talk to you.

Hello, Jack?

Listen, Jack.

Mrs. Carr told me to ask you
for the keys to the Rolls.

It shouldn't be a problem,
so tell, uh--

Tell Al to give me the keys
to the Rolls, okay?

Hmm?

Oh.

He wants to talk to you.

Yo, this is me.

No, it's Al.

No, man, it's Al!

All right,
I'll take care of that.

What are you doing?
I'm calling Mrs. Carr.

You don't need to call her.

Why, is something wrong?
Hmm?

Okay, go ahead. Call her.

Yeah, okay. Go ahead.
Yeah.

* I don't want no trouble

There's no reason
to call Mr. Carr.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, heh.

Hello, Mrs. Carr?

There's a man down here--
Give him the car?

All right.

You got yourself the car.

Great.

Hee-hee. I really dig your
shoes. Where did you get 'em?

You don't have to tell me.
Here's the keys.

You gotta start it
for me now.

Yeah, yeah.

I don't normally do this.

Appreciate it.
Yeah.

You really like that dog,
don't you?

Yeah.

I hope you walk him.

Come on. Come on.

You want some money?

No, that's okay.
That's okay.

Go ahead, take some.

No, that's all right.
You just have a nice trip.

Yeah.

See you later, Shoes.

Okay.

So long, Al.

See you later, my man.

I told you I shouldn't
have gone to Houston.

I said, "Why do I have to go
to Houston?

I don't think I should
go to Houston."

Why didn't you tell me
I didn't have to go to Houston?

Wasn't my place to stop you.

You mean, if I felt like
jumping out the window,

you wouldn't stop me?

Houston is not
jumping out of a window.

Houston!
I beg your pardon.

And it's practically
the same thing.

"Practically"
is not fatal.

Why don't you
lie down again?

I don't feel like lying down.
What do you think of that?

Okay.

I would like
to just call this whole session

to an end right now.
What do you think of that?

It's your 50 minutes.

You're damn right it is.

It's over.

You left your coat
and glasses.

I know that.

Would you like to come
and get them?

* The time I get to Houston
She'll be riding-- *

I'll see you tomorrow.

I don't think so.

It was obvious that for some time to come it would be

David the child that I would
have to deal with.

He was much worse.

The Houston episode had been
a regressive experience.

Before Louise, he had been
creatively stagnant.

Now he was immobilized.

Frozen.

Yes?

I'm sorry to call you
so late.

I feel like I'm gonna die!

Hold on just a minute.

What did you say?

I can't breathe!

Well, don't!

Well, I'll die.

You're hyperventilating.
Hold your breath.

Okay.

Listen, you are not dying.

You're having
an acute anxiety attack

probably brought on by dreams.
Okay, now breathe out.

Okay?

My heart's p-pounding
and I'm sh-shaking.

The dream frightened you.
It's the adrenaline.

Breathe in again.

Okay.

Okay, in a few minutes
you'll be feeling much better.

You'll probably be
a little weak,

so you should get something to
eat. Preferably carbohydrates.

Some warm milk will help you
get back to sleep.

I don't wanna sleep.

Well, then read a book
or watch television.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Can I breathe now?
Yes.

I'm sorry I woke you.

That's okay.

Marianna?

Mm-hm?

Good night.
Good night.

Good night.

Oh.

Hey!

What the hell
do you guys want?

David Fowler?

Yeah! You know what time it is?

I'm Lieutenant Cranzano,
LAPD.

This is Sergeant Stone
from Houston.

She shot her husband.

He found out that we were
fooling around together.

Well,
he started beating her up.

She grabbed for his .45,

and she shot him

in the balls.

That's terrible.

He was lucky.
He still got one left.

What do you want from me?

Just want to ask you a few questions.

She's been charged
with attempted murder.

I may have to go to Houston
to testify.

They know everything.

I mean, everything.

He hired a private detective
to follow us around.

He followed us
through a car wash.

You gotta be sick
to be a private detective.

Oh, God!

Oh. Agh.

Why don't you lie down?

Oh.

When things start going bad,
they just go from bad to worse.

I'm shaking so bad, I feel like
I'm in an earthquake.

You are in an earthquake.
I am in an earthquake.

Earthquake!
David!

Let's get out of here!
David!

Uh-uh. David, relax!

What do you mean relax?
We're on the 12th floor!

Whoa.

It's all right.
It's over.

What about the next one?
We gotta go!

Go right ahead.
I have things to do.

You think
I'm gonna leave you?

Well,
maybe just for a while!

Listen--
David!

I'm no good in disasters!
I never was.

I'm under control now.
Hold your breath.

Come and lie down.
Take it easy.

There you go.

All right?

Would you like
a glass of water?

No.

Okay.

See,
That would've been fine

if it hadn't been for Texas.
Yes.

Houston.
Of course.

Roy.

And the earthquake.
It must've frightened you.

Ah. It scared the sh--

Weren't you afraid?

Yes, I was.
Oh, I'm so glad.

I'm so glad.

Hey, how about lying down?
Come on.

Okay.

I'll make a deal with you.

I'm gonna put my feet up...

if we get
one little tremble,

I'm getting the hell
out of here.

Okay?

What is it?

I don't feel
like associating anymore.

Can we just talk? Okay?

Okay.

Been living
in California long?

About six years. Why?

Just curious.

Why do you want to know?

Well, you know, most patients
are inquisitive

about their analysts.

You've only been here
six years,

you haven't seen
many earthquakes.

Are you married?

No.

Hmm.

What made you, uh...

decide to become an analyst?

My analyst.

Do you have to see an analyst
to become an analyst?

Oh, yes.

What's his name?

Simon Abrams.

How come you never
got married?

I didn't say
I never got married.

I'm just not married now.
Hmm.

Why'd you get a divorce?

We didn't, he died.
Oh.

I'm sorry.

Was it long ago?

Seven years.
That's tough.

Look, I don't mind
discussing my personal life,

but I don't think it's
appropriate to go further.

I didn't mean to pry.

That's understandable.

Yeah, but, I mean,
you can go too far.

You can find out
too much about some--

You have
about 15 minutes left.

Would you like to
lie down again?

All right.

What are you thinking?

I just remembered something
that happened to me

when I was 8.

I just busted into the bathroom
one day

and my mother
was taking a bath.

How did you feel about that?

I was embarrassed.

And?

Aroused.

Aah. Oh.

I was convinced that I was never gonna see you again.

Yeah.

I had a problem.

I was in a bad place.

Does this little encounter
indicate

that said problem's
now resolved?

It's a step
in the right direction.

Well,
you know what I always say:

One step in the right direction

always deserves another.

Is that what you always say?

Where you're concerned,
always.

Thank God,
I thought I was paralyzed.

I don't know why,

but I was suddenly feeling
much better.

Anyway, Courtney was
cleaning up the studio

and I went to the market.

You can always see
interesting women at a market.

Mostly a variety
of housewives.

There's no general rule,

but according to the food
they buy,

their shopping attitude
and their sense of direction,

you can usually tell
the veterans from the rookies.

A veteran is organized,
purposeful

and sticks
to a shopping list.

A rookie just wanders
and improvises.

Then there are always a few
that you can't categorize.

Oh.

Then occasionally
there's one

that really brightens
your day.

Excuse me.

Hi, I'm Sue, the babysitter.

She was 20 years old,
an art major at Pepperdine.

We talked about Henry Moore,
Lipshitz,

and me.

We had a wonderful time.

She had
the most beautiful breasts

I've ever seen.

I admit it.
David on the prowl,

David resurrected,
makes me really uncomfortable.

Jealous?
No, Simon.

Just an inability to understand
this transformation.

I mean, one day,
he is a helpless,

indecisive impotent child.

And the next,
he's a billy goat

sniffing the wind
for sexual sweat.

And I don't have the slightest
clue as to what caused it.

Perhaps you did.
Me?

Oh, no. For the past week,

I've been as dull
as dishwater.

Brightest thing I've said
has been "Good morning."

Brightest thing
I've thought has been--

Well, that he does have
such soulful eyes.

No, for sure, not me.

I thought maybe
it was the earthquake.

Shock treatment
is not remarkable

for its aphrodisiac
qualities.

Besides,
after his initial panic,

he seemed more fascinated
than afraid.

Could he be in some
self-limiting depression?

Some circular condition

that oscillates
from the lower depths

to the heights of elation.

It's not characteristic
of his clinical history.

He doesn't have
that hereditary background.

You did something
to your hair.

Oh, yeah, I changed it a little.

How did you feel
during the earthquake?

Really?
Why not?

Well, I was tempted to say,

"David, move over.

"I am not the Rock
of Gibraltar,

"nor the salt of the earth,

"nor the Lord's
shining light.

Hold me
and we'll both feel better."

Perhaps you got to him then.

Made him feel strong.

Urgent, potent, unleashed.

If I did, then we have a cure
by Extra Sensory Perception.

The first on record.

I'd keep that notion to myself,
or they'll lock you up.

Yeah,
magic isn't much respected

in our profession.

Neither is sleeping
with your patient.

Even if you're in love
with him?

Then be his lover.
Not his doctor.

Okay! Okay!

Okay, I'm coming!

Oh, my God!

Hi there.

Care to harbor a fugitive
for a few days?

You cute thing.

I thought you were in jail.

I'm out on bail.

California?

I won't tell
if you don't.

Got your telegram.
I didn't send one.

I know.

You hunk.

Mm.

David?
Hmm?

What're you doing?
Doing?

Uh-- I don't know.
What am I doing?

Mm.

What are you doing?

I was just cleaning my oven.

I know.
Oh, David, that is--

David?

Hmm?

Oh, hi!
Are you okay?

Of course.

Who's that?

That's my sister.

What's she doing here?

I don't know.

What's her name?

Hi, I'm Louise.

Hi, I'm Enid.

Oh. Nice to meet you.

Mm. Nice to meet you too.

Enid.

She looks just like you.

My fantasy was full,

my reality was empty.

I should have known,

one divided by two
equals one-half.

Half a man.

Half there.

Christ,
when will I grow up?

And so it went,

session after session,
week after week,

David talking about the women
in his life,

past and present.

Never giving the slightest hint
as to what had caused

the sudden and dramatic change
in his condition.

I say to myself,
"Stay with your ignorance.

Don't try to make sense of it
by forcing an explanation."

Maybe David has seen
some great truth in a mirror

that's just not accessible to me
and it's liberated him.

Be happy for David.

But?

I just have this feeling

that if it's not revealed
and resolved

then there's the danger
it could trigger a relapse.

Why don't you ask him?
What do you mean?

"David, what do you think it was
that made you get better?"

I don't know.

I sense you do.

Remember the earthquake
the other day?

Mm-hm.

This thing shook.

Door popped open.

I don't understand.

I could see up your dress.

And you think that was it?

Don't you think so?

I guess it's possible.

I know it is.

David,

I think I should warn you.

You may gain a love,

but you'll lose an analyst.

I think it's worth it.

Do we have to leave
tomorrow?

Well, I have to be
in the office

at 7:30 on Monday morning.

What did you have in mind?
Mexico.

Oh, God,
that's a romantic thought.

That's what
we should be having,

romantic thoughts.
Mm-hm.

Mm-hm.
You didn't let me finish.

Because you'll be practical
and objectionable.

Ha-ha-ha.
If you were my 8:00 patient--

I couldn't be.
I don't get up till 9:00.

If you were, how would you
like it if I ran off to Mexico?

If you ran off to Mexico with me,
I would love it.

Oh, David.
I would love it too.

Can we have
two tequila sunrises?

Mm-hm.

Here's what you do.
Get on the phone,

call the office, tell 'em,

"I found this island
with goats and flowers.

We just make love,
eat the goats and smell flowers.

No.
Know what your problems is?

I know.
No sense of adventure.

You don't have swah-de-vive.
What?

Swah-de-vu.
No. Joie de vivre.

You can't say Houston,
I can't say swah-de-vu.

We're meant for each other.
Listen.

You don't know how
to take risks.

I don't know
how to take risks?

No, no.
You never learned Spanish.

I'm fluent in Spanish.
You are? Perfect!

By the time
we get to Acapulco,

I can speak Spanish
like a native.

Listen to this.

Que hora?

Very good. It's about 9:15.

Did I just ask you the time?
Mm-hm.

Oh.

I thought I said,
"I love you."

Well, it's the thought
that matters.

I love you too.

If I was a young Spaniard--
Well, middle-aged Spaniard

and I was in love with
this beautiful Spanish lady,

and I wanted to ask her
to marry me,

how would I say it
in Spanish?

You'd say,
"Quieres casarte conmigo?"

Yes,

I would like to marry you.

No.
No what?

You tell me what.

Don't do that.

Don't answer my questions
with questions.

Stop being an analyst.

What would you have me be?
I would have you be my lady.

Can't I be both?
No, you can't.

Why not?
The therapist takes over.

Just because I ask
you why you want to marry me?

Yes.

I'm your lady
and I'm an analyst.

They're both me. I don't think
you can separate them

or put a premium
on one or the other.

I don't agree,
but that's all right.

We'll get married, sleep on it,
and discuss it in the morning.

You're not gonna take no
for an answer?

No. Listen to me,
my dearest shrink.

I am asking you to marry me.
Do you hear what I'm saying?

I am asking you
to marry me.

I've never asked anybody
in my life.

I know.

Isn't that some sort
of psychiatric breakthrough?

Yes.

Well, then,

don't you think
we should settle down

a-and have children

and live
in a Leave it to Beaver house

with a white picket fence and
everything?

Ever see Leave it to Beaver?
No.

It's a beautiful house,
it's perfect for us.

Okay, now, why me?

Why not you?
I asked you first.

Oh, come on.

It's a very reasonable
question.

All right,
I'll give you that,

but I won't give
a reasonable answer.

We're gonna get married, live
in the Leave it to Beaver home,

have lots of kids,

and you don't ask questions
like that.

You do, particularly
if it's a man like you

who never before in his life
asked anyone to marry him.

You don't think I'm cured.

Oh.

"Cured" is a word I find
very hard to define.

When you came to me,
you were in serious trouble.

Don't you think I'm better?

Immensely improved.

Well, aren't you
immensely optimistic?

Yeah, I am, I'm very optimistic.

What about "immensely"?

Well, I would be "immensely"

if you'd get back
into analysis.

I'll make you a promise
if you make me a promise.

I'll go back into analysis

if you marry me.

I'll make you a promise.

If you do get back
into analysis,

I'll watch
Leave it to Beaver.

Perfect.

David and I saw each other steadily

for nearly two months.

For me,
it was the most stimulating,

the most original,

the most loving two months
of my life.

And happily, everything
that David said and did

indicated that he felt
the same way.

But we both knew
that sooner or later

he would be compelled
to move on.

David.
Hmm?

Do you have a blender?

Sorry?
- A blender.

Oh. Yeah, there must be one
around here someplace.

I found the top.

The bottom
must not be far behind.

Even if I do find it,
you don't have any fresh fruit.

You're kidding.

I'll go to the store.

I'll make us
a delicious protein drink.

Svetlana.

I operate on the premise that
honesty is the cornerstone

of any meaningful relationship.

What are you saying?

I'd rather have a Big Mac.

Okay,
you're killing your body.

No. You're killing my body.

Hello.
I can't come to the phone right now.

Please leave your name
and a message after the beep.

This is Dr. Marianna Solari,
your affectionate analyst,

with her thought
for the day:

Although conspicuous
by your absence,

out of sight
has not been out of mind.

And after contemplating your
future emotional well-being,

your considerable talent,

and the female population
at large,

I've come
to the inescapable conclusion

that you should get back
into therapy.

If you feel

that this suggestion
has merit,

call Dr. Colin Taft,

321-1321.

If you'd like to see me

for reasons personal
or professional,

I'll be at the Old Stand
until the 27th.

After that I'll be
in Switzerland.

I don't want you to go to Switzerland.

TWA flight 708 to London and Geneva now boarding.

What are you doing here?

It's the only place where
people fall from their farms.

David.
Hmm.

How long are you going?
Three weeks.

Why?

To see my stepson
who's in college.

And I'm going to lecture.

What if I start
to hyperventilate?

Hold your breath
and call Dr. Taft.

I'm not gonna call
Dr. Taft.

If I was taking singing lessons
from Beverly Sills,

I wouldn't go see
Fokker Febleman.

I have to go.

Don't you want to know
who Febleman is?

I'd love it if you'd write.

What if he's driving
your airplane?

The Bord du Lac in Zurich.
Doctor.

Open this on the plane.
Thank you.

Dr. Taft.

Fokker Febleman.

Final boarding call

for TWA flight 708
for London and Geneva.

I never saw him again.

About a week later,
he called me in Zurich

and said he was doing well
and working hard.

He still hadn't seen Dr. Taft,
and I was worried

that his recovery
might be temporary

and that some
unexpected trauma

might immobilize him again.

He jokingly confessed

that although
the pursuit of new women

was still exhilarating
and indispensable

to his physical
and emotional well-being,

the effort was beginning
to be tiresome.

He blamed his sudden loss
of energy

on middle age
and poor circulation.

He sounded sweet,

and sad, and lonely.

He was seeing Agnes again.

Well, I guess this
is as good a time as any

to tell you something.

David,

I'm getting married.

What?

I'm getting married.

It's crazy, huh?

No.

Oh, it's crazy.
Is he, uh...

A good guy, or--?

You like him?
Yeah, yeah.

Oh, yeah, he's great.
Great.

He's sweet and generous
and, ahem...

And good in bed and--
Oh, great.

And I'm in love with you.

Oh.

But I need commitment.

So do I.

Oh.

But you can't.

I'm working on it.

But I want lots of babies.

Yeah.

On the 21st of December,
I received a postcard.

Dear Marianne,
Santa Claus is coming to town.

Why aren't you?

I miss you desperately,

and if I find you under my tree
on Christmas morning,

I'll sign on with Dr. Taft.
I need you.

I can't decide what to buy
Fokker Febleman.

May I help you?

No, thank you.
I'm just browsing.

It's very pretty.

Yes, it is.

You shopping for yourself
or someone else?

Someone else.

My mother.

You're David Fowler,
aren't you?

Yes.

I love your work.
Thank you.

There you go, Miss Wainwright.
Merry Christmas.

Thank you.
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you.

Can I help you carry those,
Miss Wainwright?

Yes, you may.
And it's Janet.

Janet.

I'm not far,
just right outside.

Finished with your shopping?
Just about.

I've barely started mine.

Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.

So do you have family here?

No, just some close friends
and some children.

Your children?
No.

Children are so much fun
to shop for.

They're the best.

Do you have any children?
No. No, I'm not married.

It's right here, the gray Rolls.
Oh.

Got a boyfriend?

Sort of.
Sort of? Heh.

It's not serious.
Oh, good.

So anything preventing you
from having dinner with me?

Probably.

But let me think about it.

I've been seeing someone
for a year, but honestly--

Don't go away.
Please, don't leave.

Don't go away.
What are you--?

Don't go away.

Look out!

Help him!

Come on, honey.

How is he?

Mr. Fowler?

Hi.

You're gonna be just fine.

Oh, my God!

Who do I talk to
about Mr. Fowler?

Oh.

Well, there you have it.

It's finally over.

And, David,

these women have walked
for you

for the very last time.

How I wish you were here
to enjoy it.

Your delight in women
was so passionate,

so generous,

that miraculously
we were all transformed,

molded and sculpted
by your love

as if we were soft clay
bent to your quiet will,

and then set firm

in the fires
of your passion.

With memories as powerful

and rich and graceful

as the sculpted images
you created

to beautify the world
around us.

Goodbye, David.

God bless.

* What is it
That made you run away? *

* What, were you afraid
You'd feel passé? *

* Always the same

* The closer you came
To love *

* Funny how you fought
And didn't know *

* Everything you thought
You wanted so *

* Always the same

* The closer you came
To life *

* Once in my arms
You were happy *

* But while I was singing

* What long ago voice
Did you hear? *

* At the moment

* Forever was near

* Women have a way
Of running too *

* Little boys who run away
Like you *

* It's foolish
But then I do it again *

* For sometimes

* Little boys run away

* And grow up

* To love someday