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American Heart (1992)
[Man]
Mmm, mmm, mmm Mmm, mmm, mmm Mmm, mmm Mmm, mmm I'm walkin' on air Oh, I've left all my blue days behind me Oh, baby I've learned how to care And that's really low on my mind I'm the world's most handy creature Tell me what can worry me I'm crazy 'bout my baby And my baby's crazy about me, yeah [piano] Oh, Mister Cupid was my teacher Only reason we agree I'm crazy about my baby And my baby's crazy about me Yeah, whoa Possum, get that book out Get down, bug out Hold it steady Steady in your hand I understand the near one combination Perfect he and she I'm crazy about my baby And my baby's so crazy about me [piano] Whoa, possum, get that book out Hold it steady in your hand Look out You can't understand It's a near one combination The perfect he and she Oh, I'm crazy about my baby And my baby's crazy about me, yeah [Man humming] [water running] [Man on P.A.] Now boarding, the 10:00 bus, service to Seattle, with intermediate stops in Pasco, Bridgeland, Prosser, Grandview, Sunnyside, Granger, Zillah, Toppenish, Wapato, Yakima, Ellensburg-- [Man] I got-- I got to clean right there. Right where you're standing. Door number five, service to Seattle. [wheels clattering] [Boy] I was lookin' all over for you. Bear said you're getting out today. Well, you look good, other than your hair. 'Course, mine should talk, hmm? Tell you what, there's a caf across the street. Why don't you go over there, and, uh, get us a table by a window. Go on. I'll meet you over there. [sighs] Go on. I'll meet you. [Man on P.A.] Now boarding, through door number five. Service to Seattle. Could I have five dollars' worth of those Lotto tickets, please? Thank you. Bus number 7 is now ready for boarding, with service to Spokane, Washington. Yes. Get in. Thank you, sir. [coughing] [engine starts] Come out of there. That was a dirty little con you pulled! You tried to ditch me back there. You can't strong-arm me! [pounding on door] Come out of there! It's a holiday. Milly's birthday. How old is she? Three. Looks like she's put on some weight. How much she weigh now? One hundred and seventy-five pounds. I'm not going back. Listen, you can weep and wallow, but I wouldn't be doing you no favors if I kept you with me. [Man] I was talking to a lady Just a few days ago And these are the words she said Oh, Lord [Girl] Hey, I'm going to check this out. Hey, baby. What's up? To tell him I'm waiting For my child to come home Thank you. To come home You play fair or hard ball, Mr. Normandy? That depends on you. You a middle-weight criminal. And I'm hoping for your sake, you retiring. Well, I'm seriously considering it. This early release is a six month conditional period, Jack. If I think it's more than you can handle, I'll send you back to serve out the rest of your time. One year. Uh, ten months, sir. It says here, um, you got a son, Nick. What about him? Where is he at? Oh, he's living with my sister, Vera, on her farm. He loves it over there. I think he's, you know, a hick, 4-H'er, cows and peas and all that. Maybe that's best for now. Looking for a job? I sent over 152 letters asking for one. Didn't get no reply. Special skills? No, I can't do nothing. Well, here's an opening for a window washer. They hire ex-cons? They might. Can I bum one of your cigarettes? Yeah, get one, but don't make no habit out of it. Keep your piss clean. Maybe you'll make it on the outside. You won't get no trouble from me. Planning to come through this like a giant. Be strong, brother. Yes, sir. Because you're his aunt. He's a part of you. You still got my shoes over there? Yeah, well, bring them when you come collect the kid. Yeah. I'm over at Rainey's, 913 Spruce. [knock on door] Shit. You got my jacket? That's my jacket, man. No. Come on. I need this. No, I had this jacket for five years, man. Come on. It don't even fit you no more. Mm, look at that. That's your old man right there. Yeah, feel like a human being. Oh. Yeah, how about my end? Where's my end, Rainey? Your end? [chuckles] You're sitting on it, Jack. No. Yeah, I got something for you, man. Just a second. There's, uh... That's... [chuckles] Not much. Yeah, I can get you another 200 tomorrow, man, but that's the best I can do. [laughs] For a six-large haul. That was five years ago, Jack. That's taking into account all kinds of costs over a five-year period. I was real sad to see you take the fall, Jack. And gratefully you didn't give me up. Hardly worth it for four stinking C-notes. Yeah. So where are you at, Jack? You up for some action or are you walking Spanish? [scoffs] I haven't even passed my last prison meal yet, Rainey. Yeah, sometimes I think about giving it up. But it's like they say, "It's in the blood," you know? The way I figure, man, you're either the doer or the do-ee. Hey. I cased out a jewelry store up on Pill Hill, man. Very sweet. Security guard is deaf and blind. Keep it to yourself. I ain't interested. Younger generation taking over? Nah, I ain't looking for a new partner. You remember me, kid? He don't remember me. I boosted flowers from the hospital grounds when you were born, man. I been there from the beginning, man. Kind of makes us like brothers, don't it? Uh, we're just hanging out. In fact, Vera and Larry's coming to collect him tonight. Larry's a dick. I ain't going back. I'm sending for you when I get myself settled. You can't expect to walk out of the joint and live a normal life. Bullshit. What do you mean, bullshit? You'll never get settled, Jack. [laughing] What's a matter with Vera's anyway? You got fresh air, that pig of a friend. Come on, be a stand-up kid. God. Vera did a lousy job raising you. Here, a present from your old man. Jack London. Maybe Vera got lost. Is that the only razor you got? I got one face, I got one razor. So, what are we doing today? Here, take the bus back to Mount Vernon. It's good to see you, kid. [horn blows] Hey, where's that ferry going? [loud music] [shouting] You got a room? 65 a week. Is it just you? Yeah. If there's another person, it's an extra 10. Rent's due every Friday. Don't be late. I get very upset. I break out in a rash. That's okay. I'll still like you. You're going to follow my three rules to a tee. Don't tail me, shadow me, or in any way, shape, or form, jam me. Don't ask me to hold your stinking hand... 'cause I don't need the aggravation. Don't let Rainey in here to hang out with me. That's five. Hey. Help me with this. Grab on to that end. Pull it. Pull it. All right, we're going to shoot to see who gets what. What's you got, odds or evens? Odds. One, two, three. The mattress. Get out of the way. Thanks. I saw a cow give birth last week. I'm sleeping. See you in the morning. [siren in distance] [sighs] What are we doing today? I'm going to work. You're going to school. What school? I don't know. Find one. [bell rings] Yes? I need to sign up for school. Did you just move here? Yeah. Do you have your transcripts from your old school? Your immunization records? You got some stuff to do before you can register. [bell rings] Well, certain places don't work out for certain people. Since this last time in the joint, I been thinking-- About what? Climbing up the the roof of the world. Where is that? Alaska. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed about Alaska. I never knew that. This time I aim to make it up there. When? Um, I get through parole, spring time. I wish we had binoculars. What'll you do up there, Jack? I'll buy into some entrepreneurial type enterprise. Steak and bait. Oh, catch a meal, bring a reel. Perpetrating cons isn't the only business there is. Didn't work you for me here, but up there it's going to be different. A man can get a fair shake without everybody breathing down his neck. Yeah. I never really thought about Alaska. That's because it's my dream. It's not yours. What kind of job are you working downtown, Jack? Building supervisor. I'd like to do that. You want to get yourself an education. Of course, without one, a man of my own technology, I made whole bunches of money. Several fortunes spent. I'll be making big money real soon. Real big money. You got a quarter on you? I think so. "Farwest." Old pen pal. "7-7-0-0." I wonder what she looks like. Yeah, is Charlotte there? Roe, Charlotte Roe. She works there, right? A friend. Can you tell me where she hangs out then? All right. Yeah, thank you. [Woman] Hit the ball, Charlotte. Shut up. Shut up. Ah, ha ha. Next. Rack 'em up. I'm in the middle of a shift. Come on. It's your break. I'm not in the middle of a shift. You're in the middle of something. I'm a little rusty at this-- this whole scene. "Bam, a piss called Patag, a white fang." Vernon, I want a Diet Coke to go. You don't know how many times I've dreamed of sitting here like this. About a million times. Man, what a line. Watch out for this one. I'm not trying to hustle you. But you're hitting them all. Next thing you'll be saying is, "Don't I know you from somewhere?" I see you-- For crying all night. Let me guess. A unicorn. What are you? Are you some kind of psychic? They say... the eyes are the windows of the soul. I'm into windows. Where are you going? I told you. Back to work. Uh, when can I see you again? You tell me, Mr. Psychic. You mind paying the tab here? Well... See you. Meter's on. 105, you want that fare on 1st Avenue? Unit 105-- Oh, don't. Don't what, 105? You start touching on me and you think the sky's the limit. 105, I'm not touching you, and you're walking on my transmission. You want that fare at 1st Avenue or what, 105? Oh, my God. Does he have an easy night? You're right. I'm pushing this. You do. What? "Thank you. I'm using that?" Uh-uh. Do you want to come up for a beer? I can't. I'm-- You're right in the middle of a shift. Oh, God. [laughing] Who's that? Nick? This is Charlotte. Go on. Is that your-- Yeah. Come on. You didn't tell me you had a kid. Uh, I forgot. My kid's been with relatives. Hi. Hi. Come on. Hey, there's a all-night... ...down the block. Here. It's open all night. You want me to bring you back a root beer? Just take your time. I might. And I might just come right back. And I might take you to a goddamn home. This doesn't really feel right. Don't worry about him. He's used to it. Mm-hmm. Come on. Let's get a couple of beers. Relax. What kind of a father are you? Oh, I'm probably the worst kind, but I make up for it in other ways. You know, you are a big talker. Where are you going? This doesn't feel right. So can I see you tomorrow? I'll get a babysitter. I'll catch you next time. [door closes] [door opens] Give me back my money. Man, I was trippin' so fierce yesterday, man I thought my heart was just going to go boom right out my ears. Yeah, I had a heart attack once. I was running away from my uncle. Name's Riley, man. Nick. Later on. [dogs barking] Stop it, Roy. I'm going to roast you. Not you, Creamo. Come here. You're getting me all jacked up, Roy. She likes me. Don't you, Creamo? She likes anybody. Stop it, Roy. She's got sheep dog in her. How do you know? The shape of her paw. Her coat. Could be a herder. [Woman] It's starting Molly. Who's there? My crib's upstairs. You sleep in a crib? So what was it you wanted? You subscribe to The Post? [Woman] Celeste had her abortion. [chatter] Are you ever going to go to school, man? I don't see the point in perpetrating that? Yeah, I dropped out in sixth grade. My parents made me go back, though. It sucks. What does your father do? Uh, he just got a job in construction. What did he do before that? He was in the penitentiary. What for? He robbed some banks, I think. A bank robber. Whoo-ee. Wow. Hey, Jack. How are you doing, man? Long time. [honking] Come on around! I wanted to talk to you about that jewelry store, man-- get some advice. My advice is get yourself a new partner. Come on, Jack. Let me give you a lift. Ride shot gun. [honking] I got wheels, man. [honking] Come on around! [honk] Asshole. [Woman] Get out of this house! Get out of this house! [Girl] I'm leaving. [Woman] Good! [door slamming] Go to hell! Homeboy, you got an extra crib? Nick? [knocking on door] [dog barking] Jack, you in there? Jack? [dog barking] Hey, hey. Come on, get up. Beat it. [knocking] Out the window. I ain't going out no window. [knocking] Jack, open up. Jack, it's Normandy. Just don't open it. I got the landlady here. She's got the key. Oh, God. This is a shame. Thank you, ma'am. I can handle it from here. Oh, it makes me sick. I can explain this, Normandy. What, do you think I'm a pervert? Dating a 16-year-old, Jack, is one thing, but she's 12, if she's a day. I'm 15. 15 will get him 20. Stay put. Normandy, I wasn't in the rack with her. I've never even seen her before. What did you do, black out, Jack? It-- It-- See, it's my kid. I thought you had a son. Turn around, Jack. Normandy, please. Get 'em up. Man, don't bust me. What do you expect, man? Missed your appointment yesterday. You don't show up at work today. And I come to your place and you drunk with a minor in the middle of the day. Dad, uh, this is Molly. Nick, this is my parole officer. Somebody tell me what the hell is going on here. She lives downstairs and she needed a place to sleep last night. I'm bailing. Creamo, come on. Hey. I thought your son was staying at your sister's. We're working on a relationship kind of thing. I figured, why"pronasticate"? Procrastinate. So why did you miss the appointment? He was helping me register for school. That's right. That kids got to get an education. What high school did you put him in? Garfield. That's right. You're not going to arrest him, sir, are you? We're just starting out, and he's a real good guy. I need to know you can handle this. Yeah, I can handle this. You sure you can handle this? Yes, sir. Get out of the way. Jack, you better mind how you go. Yes, sir. See you in my office in a week. And you take care of little brother. Got out of that jam, huh? I wouldn't have been in it in the first place if it wasn't for you. If I wasn't drinking, I could've handled in myself just fine. PO's got his thumb on me. I've got to walk a line. Do you understand that? My life would be a hell of a lot easier without you. Are you going to dump me? You really going to school? Yeah, sure. How come I never see no love notes from your teacher then? I leave them in my locker. Molly. Molly! Take Roy. I have to work. Kids. Jesus! What can you do? You just got to know what you're doing, I guess. You hanging out with her? No. You pissing on my leg and telling me it's raining, farm boy? You're not ready for these streets. Fucking little selfish tramp. I'm not selfish. Yes, selfish. You're just jealous. Because you're old and you're used up and you're ugly. You stick with school. Here, hold that. You don't have to take math or science or any of that crap. Now, cooking, that's a skill. You could be a banquet captain or some such thing. Or a writer. Jack London. He graduated high school, I think. You didn't. Never mind about me. You want to wind up with your joint in your hand like me? How about being a person that plans on making it past the ninth grade? Tell you one thing. You got good timing. Could've died of old age in the joint before Normandy sorted that one out. So I'm not going to a home? You're here, ain't you? You anywhere else? No, you're here. Hey, baby, you looking for a date? I know what you're looking for. How are you doing? What do you want, the works? Yeah. Let me see your dick. I got that babysitter. Beer is in the refrigerator. Where's your refrigerator? It's right here. Where's the bed? It's behind you. I just want you to know, I used to be a virgin. So are you involved with anybody? Now's a fine time to ask. [both laugh] Well, I'm just curious. Um, I don't know. Sort of, yeah. There is a guy. Beautiful woman like you. I wouldn't mind being in his shoes. Oh, yeah, you might. He's in prison. You know this guy before he went up? Not exactly. There's this-- There's this magazine. American Heart? Yeah. The magazine that puts you in touch with your inside main squeeze? P.O. Box 553 Walla Walla State Penitentiary. You son of a bitch. Ow! Pig dog, con man. All that stuff about seeing into my soul and that psychic shit. Charlotte. God, I'm so stupid. Charlotte, come on. Ease it up. You screwed me just to check me out, didn't you? A little test drive, huh? Char-- Hey, you didn't visit me. You never gave me your home address. I was afraid you wouldn't want to go out with me. All right, hey, okay, I'm sorry. I should've been up front with you. Let's start over. No. Hey, I think you like me. No. You express yourself real nice in those letters. Yeah, well, they were good. You made me feel like a human being. Hey, Nick! Nick! Nick! Come on down. I got something for you. I'm getting a rash, Mr. Kelson. A big rash. Oh, that's okay. I won't think any less of you. You owe me a month. I can give you half that. No. Not good enough. I want the whole amount. I'm not going to be stuck with your kind. Come on. What is it? No, never mind. Get on. All right, get out of there. All right. What's the matter? I thought you wanted them. Yeah, I did. It's just kind of expensive when we're late on the rent. Don't you have any faith in your old man? I'll take care of it. I don't know what's the matter with you, kid. That's just it. You're not a kid. You're like some loan officer gloom pussing around. Hey, tomorrow's Sunday. What do you want to do? When are you going to teach me how to play the ukulele? It's a guitar. You can learn that anytime. How would you like to do something with a lady friend of mine and me? She the one you brought home? Yeah. You'll like her. Here, take a look. We'll have a beautiful day. [coughs] Oh. Am I the only one in here who can't breathe? All right, Nick, we're getting "fixicated"in here. Open that window. Here. Is there any ketchup? Oh-- All right. You're staring at her like a goddamn yard bull. That's one fine lady. What do you got to say for yourself? Is she going to Alaska with you? Nobody's going with me. Start acting like a stand-up kid. Don't aggravate me. Whoa. Here. Thanks, lady. Charlotte. That's me, Lady Charlotte. Well-- Best damn hot dog I ever had. Excuse me for speaking with food in my mouth. Pouilly-fuss. It's a funny name. Yeah, that's French. Pouilly-Fuiss. [Nick] How much did this cost? 30 bucks? Here's to you. Here's to me. You like your dogs? Hey, I'm talking to you. Yeah. Cool. I like it. [chatter] Check out brother's dope threads. You got a cigarette? Man, he's down to the curb. What are you dissin' me for, Molly? Get back, faggot. No, I got something for you. Dancing around in a two-piece for frat boys. Pays good. You dance, I deal. It's easy money. One, two, three. Leave her alone. What did you say, punk? I said, "Leave her alone." Now, what are you doing with my skateboard? Ha ha. [Boy] Hey, Stony, man. Leave the kid alone, Stony. Fuck you. Oh, punk. I don't want to hurt you, Freddie. You don't have to hurt me, Stony. [all yelling] Fucking punk. Get the fuck out of here, punk. What you going to do? Punk. Get the fuck out of here. Thanks, I could've handled it if my back wasn't turned. You got to watch your back around here, all right? Listen, I've been in over 600 fights down here. My specialty's the hook. Guess which hand I hook with? Huh? Left's a lot bigger, right? Hook him in the jaw. You okay? Yeah. Well, you know, I would've helped you, but some two guys jumped me and pinned my arms, man. One of them had a knife. I should've stomped on them. Rollie, I'm fine. My dad hit me with a 9:00 curfew, so I got to go. Listen, uh-- Later on, man. [door opens] [door closes] Hey. Howdy. Did you have fun today? What are you making? Tomato soup. Want some? It has a bona fide penitentiary aroma. Did you rob a lot of banks, Jack? Why, you think I'd be good at it? I was a smart thief. What did you steal? What, are you writing a book? All right. I was in for the quick score. Jewelry stores. In and out in one minute and I'd be gone. You can steal a lot in a minute. You can steal a lot in 30 seconds. When did you start? You don't start out robbing a jewelry store. You work your way up. From where? I stole my first car when I was 12. I was just about your age. I stole this beautiful, brand new maroon Chevrolet. Road that baby all the way to Coos Bay. Two inches off the ground with girls. I got pretty good at it. If I ever catch you with your fingers where they don't belong-- Yeah? ...I'll string you up by your short hairs. What are you worried about me for? Yeah, you got that right. I got enough to worry about. Things could be different for you. What's the matter? What happened? Nothing. Come here, let me see. I said nothing. Let me see. Ow. Nothing? Come here, you. Ooh. Ow. There you go. That's it. All right. Okay. Okay, okay, turn around. All right, put your hands up. That's it. Now, chin down. There you go. Now, look mean. Mean. Mother of Jesus. Oh, you don't have to worry-- I can take on two guys. Oh, yeah? You punch one guy, and the other guy falls, huh? Something like that. You're slight in the butt. You better not got to prison. Hey, Nick! Nick! Come here for a second. Hop in. I want to talk to you for a second. How are you doing? Where you at these days? What are you doing for pocket money? Um, I just got a paper route. Is that right? Your old man is a righteous dude. Taught me everything I know. I can see it, man. You got the bloodlines of a pro. I'm looking for a back pair of eyes. Pays good. No risk. Think you're the one. [scoffs] Why me? 'Cause I see something in you. I got a feel for this. I know your old man just got out of the joint, but believe me, he had a lot of fun doing this. He was good at it, too. Think about it. [all laughing] What is the tea, Mary? Get your hands out of his pants, Terry. Well, is he a he or a she? I'm a he. How old are you, nine? Shit, I'm 15. You don't look but nine. I better not catch you downtown. You're too cute. Show us something you do on the farm, boy. [snorts like pig] [all laughing] Cop! [siren wails] ["Jersey Girl" - Tom Waits] Come on. It's your shot. Did you win? Feels like it. You going home to that old jailbird? His girlfriend's probably still there, I bet. You can stay with me if you promise not to rip my mom off. I owe you a favor. You don't owe me a favor. Nobody better rip Diane off. My dad, he remarried a long time ago. I've never seen him since. He lives in Tacoma. I know he's got new kids. He has one my age. Wonder if she's like me? Ow. Close your eyes. You can't kiss me if you're mad-dogging me. But I want to see you. Why? Because I think you're pretty to look at. Okay. [dog barks] [Diane] Molly. [bottles clatter] What the hell am I, the old woman in the shoe? Shit. [Diane] Somebody stole my goddamn dress. This time, Molly, I am really going to kill you. You don't believe me? [Jack] I do. Thought you weren't hanging out with her. She's not our type. You like her? Yeah, I like her. [sighs] Okay, so you like her. Is she your first? What do you mean? Your first time out. You mean my first time out? Probably. I would say most probably. Now, I know what it's like, your first time. They can break your heart. But you got to remember, you're a good-looking kid. You got my looks. You got to learn to keep your heart, see? Let them lose theirs. You keep yours. That's the trick of being a heartbreaker. Did you break my mom's heart? Huh? Maybe I did. Why are you telling me all of this? Because that's the way a father and son should be together. I'm just trying to do for you what nobody ever did for me. Don't put all your beans in one pot, Nick. There'll be hundreds of dames. She's not a dame. It ain't her first time around. What do you know about her? Hey, I'm just trying to keep you straight. You keep me straight, I'll keep you straight. [Charlotte laughs] Let me call that action. Give it here. Okay. You have to read it. Smells like me. Return to sender. Yes, I got that. Okay. "Dear sweet Jack, It's 4 in the morning. The rain is pouring down. I want to kiss your big mouth--" "Your sweet mouth." "Your sweet mouth, "and lie down with you under a big, big, big tree-- "On the wet, mossy ground." On the wet, mossy ground--" Oh, God. "And the droopy violets brush against our nakedness." Mm-hmm. Brush against-- I can't read any more of this. Oh, why not? My shorts are too tight. And my kid's around. What do you think of him? I can't tell if it's an act or if he's a sad kid. Yeah. I know what it's like to be 14 and sad. I never really had a mother. [ukulele] Grab your coat and get your hat Take your worries to your doorstep Just direct your feet To the sunny side of the street Can't you hear the pitter patter And the happy tune is your step [whistles] I sang that song to you a long time ago, when you visited me in Walla Walla. You and me are going north, Nick. But-- You said-- Yeah. I know. I changed my mind. Hey, when it's 50 below in the Klondike, a man needs a partner. Hey, I finally got a rise out of this kid. Here. Drink up if you got hair on your ass. Come on. To Alaska. Hey, don't I rate a beer? Oh, I guess. Here you go. All right. Come on. Okay. When are we going to Alaska, Jack? Well, not tomorrow. Remember that picture of Mom? Yeah. She was a model, right? Yeah, sort of. Did you ever know your mom? Yeah, for about three hours. And I never seen her since. How about your dad? What is this, more for your book? My dad was an asshole. Weird. I wish I got to know him anyway. When I was born, what did you like about me? You know what I liked about you? Nothing. You had a nice laugh when I stole your nose. We didn't see too much of each other. You know what I liked about you? You sang me songs. All right. Real easy. I'm gonna go in. Give me two beats. Duck as low as you can on the floor. I'll distract them. Just-- [phone rings] Lusty Lady. We run from 11 until 3 A.M. Yeah, well, we-- Yeah, go on in. We start with Ruby at 11, end up with Raven at 12:30. [women moaning] Darling, don't say a word 'Cause I already heard What your body's saying tonight I'm tired of fast moves I've got a slow groove On my mind I want a man with a slow hand I want a lover with an easy touch Mom. I want somebody who will spend some time Get out. Not come and go in a heated rush I want somebody who will understand When it comes to love I want a slow hand Did you get my dress back, Molly? Mom. Can we leave Roy here and have some money, Mom? Do I look like I have my purse on me? You better get my dress back. Son of a fucking bitch. It ain't my fault. Was it that guy who isn't a guy? Terry what's his name? I'm not a snitch. You going to run around all day with your cutie pie, or are you going to take care of Roy like you're supposed to? Hi. Bubblegum, what are you doing? They're minors. This is totally against house rules. Fuck the rules. How about all this nurturing attitude we're supposed to have? I'm nurturing here. You're not staying with me tonight unless you get my dress back. I am very upset with you, Molly. Nicole, can you get the kids something to drink? Please? And I think there's a Popsicle left for Roy. You've got about another minute on your break. You're going to get me fired. [Molly] Well, I ain't sitting Roy, either. I'm tired of this shit. I need money, Mom. I've got five more hours left on stage, Molly. How much money do you need? Nothing. I'll get it. [Nick] I'd shoot the guys who killed those animals if I could. I'd look filthy in one of them fur coats, driving a fast car like a "Testeroni" or something. Homeboy's getting worked. Aren't those wicked? Aren't those the prettiest shoes you ever saw? I once showed up in a dress downtown, just for the fuck of it. Nobody recognized me. I looked good, too. I want those shoes. I want them bad. What, those butt-ugly ones? Baby, I know what's coming next. Shut up, Freddie. You wouldn't get those for a working girl like me, would you, homeboy? Come on, let's go. What, do you really like this cleaning business, Jack? You see a future in it? Tell you what, there's no end to dirt. Come on. Listen to reason, would you, Jack? Where's the reason to walking sideways my whole life? What are you doing? Remember the good times, Jack? What are you going to do for real money, Jack? This is real money, Rainey. Everything I ever taught you was bullshit. I'm sorry for it. Are you shitting me, Jack? You got something planned. I know it. If I have to work neck-deep in shit the rest of my life, it's better than jail. It's over. Finished. I want you out of my life, get it? Stay away from me. Keep away from us. Keep my name out of your mouth. That's the way you want it, Jack. [ukulele] What you got there, Nick? Nothing. Give me those. They're mine. What the hell? You a fruiter? No, they're not mine. They're for somebody else. Where'd you get the money for these? You steal them? [mutters] Yeah, you did, too. For her, right? Huh? You could put me back in the joint for this. I'll get rid of them. No, I'll get rid of them. What are you messing with that weed for? Look at me when I'm talking to you. Marijuana has medicinal purposes. Oh, yeah? How do you know? I read it in a book. That's the biggest bunch of bullshit I ever heard. What else are you doing? Let me see your arm. Get off my back. I stole them because I'm saving my money for Alaska. Oh, I see. That's real smart. You land in juvie, I'll go north myself. Back to plan A. Where'd you get this? I didn't steal it. I earned it. It's for our tickets. First things first. We almost have enough to pay off the landlady. Keep her off our backs. Another week, we'll make it. Why won't you take half? So she can give us the bum's rush. We ain't going to let that happen. You want to go for a bike ride? Sure. It's a good thing you're such a shrimp. I don't know when I'm ever going to grow. When I was your age, I was small. You were? Yeah, and then I grew to how I am now. The fishermen up there, they're dying for a New York steak. Cruise around one of these cubs, selling steak and gas at inflated prices. Make a fortune. How's that for a dream? Not bad, huh? Not bad. [ship's horn blows] How much money do we have now? About 200. We save our pennies, we'll make it. [Nick] You going to come with me when I leave town? Will you come with me to this party? If you come with me when I leave town. Whereabouts you going? Gnome. Where is that? Gnome, Alaska. I hear there's mass money in Anchorage. You wouldn't be selling yourself. I'd find a straight job, working construction. There's places up there no man has ever set foot. Just wolves and bears. I don't know. Maybe. All right, now, put your arms like this. Like this? No. All right. All right. Ready? One, two, three, down. We got beat. You see anybody walking out with my bike? Our policy is to keep the doors open during business hours. Mr. Kelson, I want the full amount. Can you cut me a little rhythm on that, huh? I can't feed Lisa on rhythm. I just got beat. Uh, just a temporary setback. It'll slide back my way. Mr. Kelson. I want you out of here. I'll get you the money. You all right? [Woman] Guess you don't know the way to the street. You don't know the way downtown. [Lisa] Telephone. Nick, I'm in kind of a situation here. Yeah, bring my pants. I'm on the corner of, um... Yesler and Madison. [ukulele] Jack. Jack. Evicted. Well, that's it. Flat broke. In three days, we'll be hugging the pavement. It'll be okay. Ah, it's all fucked. We can't give up, Jack. We'll get there. Yeah, after 8,000 more fucking windows. What are you talking about? My job, boy. Washing windows. Washing windows? You said you had a job in construction. You're a building supervisor. So I lied. Ain't the first time. All you've been doing to me is lying to me since the day you left me back there in the bus station. Put your mouth in park till you can get in your room. [scoffs] I don't have a room. Well then, get out! You're cramping my style. Where are you going? Hey, I'm talking to you. You're a fuck-up and you're going to fuck me up, too. Don't bother with that. It only looks like your mother. She was no model. I'll tell you what she was. A whore. A $5 street whore. [sobs] Psst. My parents were breathing holy hellfire down my neck. Sure as shit, they're going to call a cop or something if they find you. What you going to do? I don't know. I can't go back there, Rollie. That's cold, your old man threw you out. You're a genius, Nicky. You don't deserve this. Wake up before my dad finds you. Brothers forever, man. Aren't you going to look for him? [whistles] He's 14. He's got lessons to learn. Yeah, he's 14. Remember what it was like to be 14 and out on the street? Yeah, he'll be scared. It'll be cold. He'll be hungry. He'll come back. You didn't. You had to get dragged back by the authorities. Just leave it alone. Is that what you want? He'll come back when he's ready to appreciate how good he's got it. Come back to where? He can't go back to Battery Street. You could stay at my place. Nick can, too. [horn honks] How's it going? All right. You have a place to stay tonight? That's terrible. I know how it feels, not to have a roof over your head. Look, I have an extra bed. You can stay there. I'd like to help out, if I can. My name's Steve. What's yours? Harold. You're a nice-looking kid, Harold. Did that make you uncomfortable? Or did you like it? Hey. I'm sorry, I thought you were somebody else. You seen Nick? Nick? Who's Nick? My kid. Remember? Oh, yeah. Molly's Cutie pie. He's out on the streets too now, huh? [sighs] Kids. What are you going to do? You want to get a drink? No, I'm looking for Nick. You talk to Freddie. Everybody down here knows Freddie. If you see Molly, tell her to come home. Do you want to touch? Yeah Do you want to touch? Yeah Do you want to touch me there? Well, do you want to touch Yeah Do you want to touch Yeah I could have had Bobby do it, but I wanted you. And you're better-looking than Kathy. I'll give you 20 more dollars than her. Come with me. Get out of here. Get out of this place. I need to do this. I need the money. I don't want to go down there to Gnome or whatever. I'm happy with my life here. There you go. Half a yard each, since you decided to bring your friend. 50 bucks? Beats the minimum wage. That's okay. I didn't do anything, right? I just stood there. That's what a lookout does, man. There's more where that came from. Next time come inside. I'll cut you in. I can't get caught. Me neither, man. Hey, it's a bird's nest on the ground, man. Hey. Wait a minute, Nick. Where you been? Been living. What have you been doing? That's none of your business. Hey, I'm responsible for you. Bullshit! Hey, I'm staying at Charlotte's. I want you to stay there too. Hey Jack, don't do me any favors, remember? We have to pick ourselves back up. I'm going to Alaska. Where the crap have you been? Where have you been? I told you, living. Where? And when I die, I die. And you want to live on the street, huh, big tough guy? Have you seen me sleeping on the street? Have you been hustling? Have you been peddling your ass? You wait right there. Hey. That's right. Just keep running. Just run away. What are you looking at? What the hell are you doing? Family problem, sir. This isn't a crisis center, it's a bank. It won't happen again. I said I'm sorry. I could lose customers with this kind of nonsense. I said I'm fucking sorry. What did you say to me? I said blow it out your ass. You're fired. I do a good job here. Hey, you can't take my job away. Charlotte? I was afraid something like this was going to happen. His mother was a mess. He was coming along, learning stuff. He had a hell of a potential, that kid. He could have been anything. What happened to him? He isn't dead. No, not yet. Why do you think he's out there? He started hanging out with that chippy downstairs and those street punks. The next thing, he's coming home with a pair of high heels. The rest is history. You don't think that filling up that boy's head with dreams and then kicking him out on his ass had anything to do with it? Hey, when he came to me, he didn't have any dreams. He had nothing. He had a picture of a pig. Don't pin that rap on me. I'm out there busting my hump while this little wise-ass punk is out there thieving. Getting mouthy. I take him in, he gets mouthy. You miss him. It's all falling apart on me. I wasn't afraid in prison. Now I'm really scared. God, I hope I can help the kid. I don't know if I have anything good to give him. He needs so much. This is no good. I got to turn this around. Get some money, quick. How are you going to do that? I got my ways. Are we going back to jailhouse correspondence? I gotta split. You should find somebody better than me. You're all right by me. I want to be with you. It's a nice house. Hey, what could we do with this? Is it worth anything? Beats me. Take it. [imitates gunfire] God. [imitates gunfire] [screams] Ah, stale. Your hair's getting long, you know that? Yeah. Get you a little cut here. Did you just hear something? No. Hey, check this out. Hey, goldfish don't have teeth, do they? Yeah, they do. Look. What are you doing in my room? Freeze. Close the door, boy. Rollie, put it away. I'm going to get my dad. Put it down, Rollie. Jesus. Look what you did, you big dummy. You're supposed to keep watch. You were. You're such a bonehead. What the hell is going on in here? [gunshot] [glass shatters] Oh, my God. [Jack] Nick. It's me. Freddie told me you'd be here. What's wrong? Hey, Jack, I want to go home. What's all the tears? What are you crying for? He's dead, and it's my fault. What happened? Me and him, we broke into this house. There was a gun, and this man came in. We were fighting, and the gun went off. Rollie got shot. He's dead. All right. [clears throat] Listen. People like us, we make a lot of mistakes. I wish I was dead. You can't roll over and die every time something goes south. You got to pick yourself up. Get on with life. There's nothing you can do to bring that boy back. Now listen to me. We're going north, okay? You keep me straight, I keep you straight. We'll feel clean up there. But we have to keep running. Say, I never told you, but I used to be a runner. Just like you. Now listen, is there anybody who saw you in that house? Anybody that might rat on you? Rainey. Rainey? Didn't I tell you to stay away from Rainey? All right. Never mind that now. Here. I want you to get the tickets. You leave one for me, and you get on that ferry and wait for me. I'll meet you there. Think it leaves around 7 or 8. Where are you going? I got business to take care of. Don't leave. I'm not going anywhere. I just got to go somewhere. Please, don't go. Please. I'll meet you on the ferry. Now, can you stay out of trouble from now until then? Hmm? Okay. From here on in, you're all I've got. Unfortunately, I'm all you got. [chatter on TV] What's up, Jack? You scared me, man. I thought you were the cops. Where you going, huh? What are you packing for? Come here, fucker. I'll kick your ass to hell. There are a million punks on the street. Why did you pick on Nick? What do you want to do, Jack? Kill me? I told you, you son of a bitch. Come here. Get the fuck out of here! You're dead, motherfucker. I'm taking my end, Rainey. [horn blows] [car honks] Look out. Get out of my way. Get out of my way. Give me my money. Stop him. [horn blows] [baby coos] What do you know, kid? We made it. I've been looking all over for you. Give me a hand. I don't feel so good. What's the matter? I never was much of a sailor. Should I get a doctor? No, no. Stay here. Don't leave. Step back. I'm an old man. People are going to tell you you're no good. Don't listen. Whatever's happened, I want to see you make it up there, little man. Things could be different for you. You won't have to keep running. I did the best I could. Not going to let you off the hook. Well, ring the bell backwards and bury the axe Fall down on your knees in the dirt I'm tied to the mast between water and wind Believe me you'll never get hurt Our ring's in the pawnshop The rain's in the hole Down at the Five Points I stand I'll lose everything But I won't let go of your hand Well, Peter denied and Judas betrayed I'll bail with the roll of the drum And the wind will tell the turn from the wheel And the watchman is making his rounds Well, you'll the skin of my teeth I've only got one leg to stand You can send me to hell But I'll never let go of your hand Swing from the rope on a cross-legged dream Signed with a one-eyed Jack's blood From Temple to Union, to L.A. and Grand Walking back home in the mud I must make my best of the only way home Molly deals only in stones I'm lost on the midway I'm reckless in your eyes Just give me a couple more throws I'll dare you to dine knights cross-legged Dare me to jump and I will I'll fall from your grace But I'll never let go of your hand I'll never let go of your hand |
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