Mask (1985)

Based on the true story|of Rocky Dennis
How about a kiss in the sun?|- How about not a kiss in the sun?
Why not? I'm a romantic.|- Oh, Mr. Romance! Great.
Hey, Mom. - What? - You forgot|what we got to do this morning.
Jesus. Who's that?|- My son. Did I?
The school,|the clinic, the blood line-up.
Oh, shit!
Wait. What's going on? - I've got to|do a million things with my kid.
Well, what about us?
I was gonna give her a ride home.
Mom.|- Sorry, sorry.
I just gave her a ride home.
OK, alright.
Hey, Rock.|- Yo, Red.
Are you looking for this one?|- No, I already got two of these.
I told you that wasn't the right one.|- Thanks anyway, Red.
You're trying to find Ruby Walters.|- Rube Walker, card number 1-0-8.
Brooklyn Dodgers, 1955.|- Good year. Seems like yesterday.
You say that about everything, Red.|- Everything does.
I seen you grandstanding for her.|- I protected her. Where were you?
You got the lease?|I got everything else. - Shit!
I told you it was Rube Walker...
Shut up! Let's get going, we're late.
What's the matter? Never saw anybody|from the planet Vulcan before?
Yes, uh...|- Never mind. - Wait a minute. Ma'am!
Hi, I'm here to register my son|for the ninth grade.
Well, Mrs... - No Mrs.|I'm Rusty Dennis. Meet my son, Rocky.
Please sit down.
We're running a little bit late,|so could you move it along?
This is a public|junior high school, Miss Dennis.
There are special schools
with wonderful facilities|more appropriate for his needs.
Do you teach algebra,|biology and English here?
Of course.|- Those are his needs.
Perhaps I should speak|to the boy's father.
Perhaps you should speak to the Pope.|He'd be a lot easier to find.
Under the circumstances
for the good of my students|as well as your son,
I'll need additional... - Don't jerk|me around. I'm not in the mood.
I've had a real crappy day so far.
First, we're in the wrong district,|I gotta come here and play pussyfoot.
This is a copy of our lease,|a copy of Rocky's birth certificate,
and this is his last report card.|He was in the top 5% of his class.
I got some additional information.|My lawyer's name is B.D.Higgins.
If you give me any shit at all,|he's gonna drag your ass into court.
Don't worry, Mr. Simms.
I look weird|but otherwise I'm real normal.
Everything will be cool.
Thanks a lot. See you next week.
Mom?|- What?
We have a lawyer named B.D. Higgins?|- Yeah, Bull Dozer.
Come on. - So, you're a lawyer, Doze!|- Bullshit rules!
Cranium circumference: 67 cm.
67 centimetres...
Last one, kid.|- Alright. Really?
Mandible: 32 point 5 cm.
Mandible: 32.5- I'll measure you.|- That's good news, Rocky!
Since your last check-up, your jaw|only increased an eighth of an inch.
I'm cured! I can go home now.|It's the water in Azusa.
Picture time! - He knows the routine|better than we do. - It's true!
You look great. - How about my hair?|- You look fine, Rocky.
OK. Shoot!|- How's your mom? - Great.
Stand still.|- Sorry.
Turn around.|- Why don't you fill me in, Doctor.
The patient was first diagnosed
with Craniodiaphyseal dysplasia|at four years of age
when it was discovered that|calcium was depositing in his skull.
My pal, calcium!|- What have we learned about it?
It's extremely rare.|One in 22 about million births.
How was it first described?|- "Lionitis". The look of the lion.
Are you new around here?|- Yes, I am.
Cause?|- It's caused by 2 recessive genes
and happens to normal parents. His|mother had an uneventful pregnancy,
didn't ingest any|chemical substance or tetratogens.
That means|it wasn't my mom or dad's fault.
Hello, Rocky.
Doc Rudinsky!|- Good to see you again.
Our data on this patient, Doctor,|supports your article in...
How are you feeling today, Rocky?|- Pretty good. How are you feeling?
You still have those headaches?|- Yeah. They've been bad lately.
Is your mother still using the|same methods? - What methods?
She talks to me and they go away.|- No medication? - No.
We're ready now. - You can dress.|- See you later, Doc.
Do you have any questions?|- Yeah.
When will you invent one of these,|so a guy's rear-end doesn't hang out?
I'd like to do the follow-up|counseling with the mother, myself.
That's a great idea.|Don't you agree, Doctor? - Oh, yes.
Mrs. Dennis?|- What?
I'm Dr. Vinton. I need to talk to you|about the test results. - Alright.
Hey, Mom. Hey, Babe.|- Why doesn't he wait outside?
What for?|- So we can talk.
It's about the test results. On him.
Oh, him. "Him" has a name.|So if you've got information for him,
you give it to him. - You don't|understand. - You don't understand!
He's got a cheeseburger waiting|out there, so just hurry this along.
Well, as you know,|plastic surgery is not an option
until the skull stops thickening.|And there's no evidence that it will.
The cranium's growing at such a rate,|creating pressure on the spinal cord,
that the prognosis is not good.|We feel that...
life expectancy
is...|- Three to six months.
You're not gonna really give us|that number again, are you?
You know, for 12 years I've been|listening to you guys bullshit.
First you told me he was retarded.|Then that he would be blind and deaf.
Then you told me that he'd never|be able to do what regular kids do.
If I had dug his grave every time|you geniuses said he would die,
I'd be eating|fucking chop suey in China by now.
Anything else?
Bye.
It's time to get Dozer to give blood.|- Never had before.
Dozer's welcoming committee.|- Come on, Red Cross needs the blood.
It only gonna hurt for a second.
Come on, Dozer!
Hey, look who's here.
The prodigal son returns.
Ben, when did you get back?|- Yesterday. Glad to see you.
He's looking good.|- Yeah, better than he acts.
How's your dad? - He was great.|- Great for you, shitty for me.
Here's the usual crap starting again.
These are baseball cards.|- I started collecting. - Me too!
You didn't tell me Ben was coming.|- I didn't know. - Happy about it?
Not especially.|He's acting just like his father.
The only reason he's back, his father|didn't wanna pay the bills anymore.
18 months out of 16 years doesn't|seem like a helluva lot to me...
Who needs it? You take their money,|you gotta take their shit.
What did the doctors say? The usual?|- Screw 'em.
Ben's getting a real smart mouth.
It's the age.|They think they know everything.
Good slap upside the head, they don't|know everything. - I never hit Rocky.
I don't believe this, Ben.|You don't even have a Steve Garvey!
I must have left it at my dad's.|- You probably lost it.
Garvey batted 325 this year.|You've gotta have a Garvey. - Really?
Well, do I have anything you want?
Na, we better forget it.
I feel really bad about this, Ben.|I mean, we grew up together.
I should just give you my Garvey.|I will. For anything you got.
Anything, like this one.
Who the hell's Ruby Walker?|- A Dodger, before they came to L.A.
I'll take it. My grandpa likes them.
Take another stick!
Remember I used to talk about riding|Harleys across Europe? - Yeah.
I had been planning on going|by myself, but now you're back...
That'd be great!|I'd do anything to get out of school.
Cool! Look at that one.
Can I pick him up?|- Take your pick!
Hi, puppy.
He was born for you, Rocky.|- I've got to ask my mom.
Come on, Ben. I'll be right back.|- I'll save him for you.
Try this. - What's special about it?|- It's dusted with angel weed.
Mom? - What?|- I've gotta show you. - Wait.
Am I interrupting something?|- What do you want?
This lady has really cool puppies...|Did you see them, Doze?
No, no puppy.|- Why?
Because you never talk to the cat,|or feed the fish, the bird or rabbit.
I'll feed the dog, I promise.|- Read my lips, Rock: No!
Is the big guy a dummy, or what?
Dozer just doesn't like to talk.
Show her your other stuff.|- Take your pick.
Don't let it bother you.|My mom's a pain in the ass also.
I don't believe this.|- What? - It's Gar!
Come on.
Is that Rocky's dad?|- No, I was married to Rocky's dad.
Who the hell is that?|- Just a guy I used to know.
Damn, it's good to see you.|- Where've you been? - Dn the road.
Gettin' taller. Must be pourin' that|health food shit into ya. - She is.
Don't cut yourself.|- Thanks.
Been OK? - Yeah.|- Still planning the Europe run?
More than ever. We were just|talking about it. Weird! - Yeah.
How's everybody else doin'?|- Like who?
Grandma and Grandpa.
They're OK. They don't get around|much anymore. We moved, you know.
She talks about you.
I'll bet she does.
Don't make Benny wait, get going.|I'll see you later.
Toss me a beer.
T.J.|- Gar!
You gonna introduce me to your lady?|- Angel,
this is Gar. Give him a kiss.|- A shake'll do. - You sure?
Hey, Dozer.
Goodnight, Mom.|- 'Night, babe.
Goodnight, Bone.|- 'Night, bud.
Beautiful.
Marseille.
Oh, my God! Hey, puppy.
Look at you!
Bone?
Dozer?
Scoot over.
I'll make that fat bastard|eat 30 pounds of dog food.
Problem is,|he'd probably love it.
Rock, honey, your limo's here!
Can you turn that down, Mom?|- OK.
I don't wanna go, Mom.|- Then don't go.
But I gotta go.|- Then go.
That's easy for you to say. Mom.|You're not the one going to a school
where kids will run away|when they see you, making fun of you.
When they stop running
and get to know you, they like you.|Just like at your other school.
It takes time to like each other.|Why should it be different for you?
I am different, Mom.
You're more beautiful inside than|most people. Whoever can't see that...
Screw 'em! - Spoken like|the true son of a red-headed woman!
"Your sister Rose is dead!"|- You're weird. - Get outta here!
Thanks, Doze. No, I gotta|do this alone. Have a good day.
Hey, kid. Take off your mask!
Alright.
Welcome back, 9th graders.
OK.
We have two new students|with us in homeroom.
First, we have Miss Nancy Lawrence.|Where are you, Nancy?
Where are you, Nancy?
Wow, thanks a lot.
Our other new student|is Mr. Rocky Dennis,
also in the back.
Wow, thanks a lot.
See you later.|- Dempsey, Eric.
Locker number 137, combination:|Right 46, left past 46 to 16,
right to 4. Got it all?
Dennis, Rocky. Locker number 138,|combination: Left 22,
right past 22 to 12, left to 9.
You're not writing it down.|- Don't need to.
Looks like Frankenstein.
What's the matter? Never seen|anyone from the planet Vulcan before?
He's weird.|- Cut it out, guys.
4, 5...
Damn!|- Get stuck? - No.
Come on, you're taking forever.|- I lost the goddamn combination.
Try right 46,|left past 46 to 16, right to 4.
Right to 46, left to 16, 4.
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY CENTER
Drug abuse prevention|for you and your friends
Got enough candy for an orphanage.|- I'm gonna sell mine at school.
More money for the trip.|- Maybe I'll sell some of mine.
Thanks. Take this in to your room|and open it up. - OK. Thanks.
I forgot, Red slipped me a fiver|for the strongbox.
How much have we saved now?|- 31 bucks.
Plus the six for babysitting tonight.|- Plus the five Red just slipped me.
So we've got 44.|- 42.
Wow, check this out!
Tear that old sucker off the wall.
I'm really getting into this!|I wish we could go tomorrow.
Me too.
Gar said the best run was here|across Europe. He rode by himself.
You should get some of those...|- Map tacks. - Right.
I want to go to every place|I've ever read about.
Those cities our relatives came from.
Not mine. We're Americans.|- Only Indians were Americans first.
The rest come from somewhere else.|Like Paris maybe, or London.
Or Rome...
Vienna...
Barcelona. - Oh. Like my grandparents|are from Hungary or Budapest.
Budapest is in Hungary, Ben.|- No kidding, is it?
That jacket's the only thing of yours|that's ever gonna be on my bed again.
OK with me, baby. - What the hell'd|you come back for anyway?
Winters are cold back East|and I wanted to see...
Rocky.
Can someone tell me|how the Trojan War began?
Those light bulbs|over your heads are blinding me.
OK, Rocky, give it a shot.
There was this huge wedding|and all the goddesses were invited.
All except for one goddess.|She got really pissed off.
That's the fact part.|Now, the myth part goes that
she sent this golden apple|that said "For the most beautiful. "
This dude, Paris, was supposed to|judge who gets the apple, right?
Like the Miss Goddess Contest.|He's the only judge. Lucky guy.
All the goddesses wanna get picked|so one goes up to Paris and says,
"If you pick me, I'm gonna give you|this really hot wench named Helen. "
But Helen was already married.
Paris saw her and flipped out
because she was so beautiful.|She had a perfect body and a face...
Face|that could launch 1,000 ships.
Somebody said that. So anyway,
her old man has this huge|hollow wooden horse built
and puts all his armies into it|and wheels it over to Troy and says,
"Hey, man, got a present for you. "
They open the gates, wheel in|this horse and say, "Wow, big horse. "
Night comes, and the horse opens up|and all the armies come out,
and then...
And that's how the Trojan War began.
Something like that.
Thank you, Rocky, we're impressed.|- Thanks.
Let me read you something...
Not bad. How about helping me?
How? - Tutor me.|This guy almost flunked me last year.
It's gonna cost you.
3 bucks an hour.|- 3 bucks!
3 bucks?|- I don't work for free.
Pay it, cheapskate, you need all|the help you can get. - Thanks a lot!
Hi, Mom.|- Hi.
I got an A on a poem|I wrote in English class.
You've been a busy little boy!|- Want me to read it to you?
Why not?
Are you going out again?
Yeah. Read it, I'm listening.
"These things are good:
Ice cream and cake...|A ride on a Harley...
Monkeys in the trees...
The rain on my tongue...|and the sun shining on my face.
These things... "
"These things are a drag:
Dust in my hair...|Holes in my shoes...
No money in my pocket...|and the sun shining on my face. "
That it?
Can I talk to you? - I'm going out.|- You're always going out.
I told you to take down the tree.
You've been acting like you hate me|for a whole week. What did I do?
You didn't do the dishes.|- I'll do them later. - Do them now!
Don't go out tonight!
I wouldn't do that again|if I were you.
I hate you always coming home wasted!|- It's none of your damned business!
You're my mother!|- But you're not my warden!
You're always telling me how|to live my life!
I never tell you how to live.|- The fuck you don't! What's this?
What do you call these? I found them|everywhere but my Christmas stocking!
I don't want you taking drugs.
Don't.
How could you do that?|I hate you.
You only care about are stupid cards.
All you care about|is getting loaded and laid!
Shut the door.
What, do you think we're in a barn?
What is it? - Shut up.|It's my kid. Wait for me.
I don't wait for nobody.|- Then get the hell out.
No problem, baby, no problem.
Mom,
head hurts.
Where does it hurt? - In the back|mostly. - Alright, pick something.
Sorry about what I said today.|- Pick something.
I can't think when it hurts.|- Don't think, just pick something.
Trip with Ben.|- How?
Boat.|Now see it and tell me.
Tramp steamer, big, black,|with a red bottom,
the paint's chipping off.
Me and Ben on the deck.
We're cleaning something.
The sky's blue,
getting cloudy,
the ocean's dark,
it smells good.
We'll get to Spain in the morning.
I check the bikes.|- Tell me about the bikes.
Mine is a '74 Shovel Head|with a suicide shift,
bright red...
What are you gonna do?
Make myself well.
You OK?|- Yeah.
Thanks for last night.
Gar called to say|he wants to take you to the carnival.
Are you coming?|- Maybe.
I'm sorry about yesterday.
I'm sorry about your baseball card.
That's OK. I have 2 others like it.
Little shit!
I liked your poem though.
I just get scared for you, Mom.|- Oh, don't be.
It's bad for you.|- I can handle it, Rock.
What if somebody gives you bad stuff|or too much? - What are you?
The director of the|- Inland Valley Chemical whatsit?
No, I just get scared something could|happen to you... - Just lay off!
Jesus Christ, OK.
OK, what?
OK,
I'll cut down.
Promise?
I said so, didn't I? Don't push it.
I saw this amazing '74 Knuckle Head.|- Let's check it out.
Gar, are you going on this? - Sure!|- Mom, you want to ride?
No, baby, go ahead.
Rusty, look what Dozer won for you.
Hey, Doze, great!
I could use it for after-dinner mints.
Let's ride those bumpers!
Better watch out. - Anybody else?|- Let the boys play.
You can ride, but I can't take the|blame for what happens to the retard.
I can't take the blame|for what happens to you.
Take the tickets.
Does it remind you of anything?|- A bunch of guys running in circles.
Going nowhere.|- Except my Rocky.
A small lemonade, please.
Want something nice to go with it?|- No, thanks. - High quality stuff.
I promised my kid.|- Promised your kid! I like that.
I'll put it with:|"I promised my parole officer. "
Put anywhere you want to.|- You know where to find me.
Did you see where Mom went?|- Yeah.
Don't worry, have a good time.
Are you guys in here?
Shit!|- Got any dope for me, baby?
I didn't get any.
You don't believe me?|- Should I?
Ben?|- What?
Look. Come and look at me.
Get Mom.
What?
You did a terrific job|with the decorating committee.
Are you going to the prom?|- I don't know.
Hi, Rocky.
How are finals going?|- Pretty good, Mr. Simms.
I had a great idea for you. How about|a couple weeks at summer camp?
No, I'm saving up for something else.|- It wouldn't cost you a cent.
A friend of mine|runs a camp for the junior blind
and he could use a C.A. For July.|- What's a C.A?
Counsellor's Aide. You help|with the kids and get to go free.
Little blind kids?
Most of them.
Hey, Rocky! I got an A in algebra!|- You owe me 14 bucks.
I got a Roy Campanella for you.|- It's a deal.
I tutor him.|- Oh. How about the camp, Rocky?
I don't think so.|My mom kind of needs me.
Your mother never gave me|the impression she couldn't get along.
That's not what I mean.|I kind of organize things for her,
just kind of keep things together.|- I guess you probably do.
Will you at least think about it?|- OK, I'll think about it. - Good.
Bye-bye.
Hey, Rock!
Hey, baby!
Mom, what would you think of me|if you were a girl?
That's a toughie. Let me see...
I'd think you're pretty cute.|I like guys with red hair.
I want to talk to|another plastic surgeon.
We can't do anything|until the bones stop growing.
So what's that? 2 years at the most.|We've been doing this for 16 years.
Don't you understand anything?|It's girls.
Can I get a beer?
Come on.|Wait, I'll wake my... Shit!
Honey, wake up, you got a guest.|Come on, Screech.
Come on, boy!
Jeez, what happened to your face?
What do you want?|- That lady brought me here.
Oh, my God.
I don't believe she did this.
Well?|- Well, what?
What do you want?
You don't happen to have|a Carl Furillo, do you?
It's just a joke.
Do you want to sit down?
Mind if I smoke?
How old are you?|- 19.
How much do you get?|- Depends.
Oh. Sure.
How much for a basic?
25.
Is that it? You need a manager.
No, thanks. I already got one.
Why is your map stuck with pins?|- Those are the places I'm gonna go.
I'm going to Seattle, Washington.|As soon as I get enough money.
Seattle.|- I gotta sister that lives there.
I get postcards.|It's real wet, clean.
What happened to your face?|- I used to do a lot of drugs.
No shit?|- No, I'm just kidding.
Where the hell have you been?|- Getting something for Rocky. And me.
I hope it was worth that 40 bucks|you took out of my jeans.
I remember when you weren't above|copping a couple bucks for some snort.
Grown up since then.
40 bucks.
Want to take it out in trade?
Are you alright?
My mama used to say some people|are born with no place to go.
I don't believe that. - How d'you|explain the rotten things that happen?
I don't know.
Lorrie, I hope you don't mind, but|I think you got a shitty attitude.
It's pretty negative.|- It is?
Yeah. If you think like that|things only get worse.
When something bad happens|you got to remember a something good.
Like what?|- I got a bunch of them I use.
Like the time|we all went down to Mexico.
Or the smell of my grandma's kitchen.
I don't think I have any.|- Everybody's got at least one.
Well, maybe the time...
Na, I don't know.
I hope you don't think|I don't like you or anything,
'cause I do.|You're really pretty and nice.
It's just that I thought|it would be with someone I love.
I just thought of one.|- Yeah?
Yeah. I was in 5th grade.|You had to paint a pine tree
with snow on it.|Mine was the best one.
Teacher, she put it on the wall|where all the kids could see it.
She put a big gold star on it.
And all the kids saw it.
You want more toast, Lorrie?
I gotta go to work.|- Can you take her to the bus stop?
Sure. Come on, Lorrie.
Bye.
Bye, Rocky.
Mom, do I look like|a freak to you? - No.
You always tell me my face doesn't|matter. But it does, doesn't it?
You think I can't even get a girl|to like me unless you pay for her.
That's not true.|- Bullshit!
Bullshit yourself! Lots of young guys|got problems getting girls.
What if I was your Dad?|- I'd hate that too!
I'm sorry. Maybe I was wrong.|- Goddamn right you were!
But it had nothing to do|with your face. - Bullshit, Mom!
Where are you going?
Hey, Rock, how's it going?
Your mother sometimes does|the wrong thing for the right reason.
You always stick up for her, Gar.
Then she pisses you off and you split.|Then you come back.
It's all so nuts.
First time I met your mother,|she was workin' at a bar.
She had to wear|this cheesy little two-piece thing.
I could tell she hated it.
Takin' a lot of shit|from a lot of assholes.
I asked to take her home.
She said she was going to get her kid|and have his picture taken.
At one of those stores.
I said I'd ride her and the kid|on the bike. She liked that.
She came out of|your grandma's house with you.
You were 5, maybe 6.
Well, shit. You didn't|look like your regular kid, right?
We get down to the store
and she's standing in line|with the rest of the mothers and kids.
All the mothers and kids|are staring at you.
When it's your turn, she puts you|on this big red block.
The guy taking the picture|nearly shits.
You're sitting there with your nose|and this big damn smile on your face.
I looked over at her...
and I never saw|a woman more beautiful
than the way she was looking at you.|Jesus!
Hey, Screech, come here.
Here comes Rocky.
I'm not going.|- Why?
I don't have anything to wear.|- I got that problem all the time.
Hey, it's my goddamn graduation!
You don't care|but it's a big deal to me.
Remember who you are, boy.|You ain't citizen like your friend...
What's his name?|With letters on his shirt? - Eric.
Wear your jeans, for Christ's sake.|- I can't wear jeans to my graduation.
Bullshit!|Get me another beer and we're going.
What?
Get me another beer. Now!
We all chipped in
and Gar picked it out.|- But you gotta wear it.
That's a point.
What do you say?
Thank you, everybody.
Go get it on.
Before we send our students|on to senior high, we would like
to acknowledge some of our stars.|An academic award in English
is presented to Caroline Miles.
For academic excellence|in mathematics:
Rocky Dennis.
Thanks.
Stay here. For achievement|in history: Rocky Dennis.
And...
for academic excellence|in science...
Rocky Dennis!
That's my family.
Have a nice summer.
I'm...
real...
proud...
of...
you...
Rocky.
Thanks, Doze.
Grandma! Grandpa!
Mom? - Yeah?|- You up? - Yeah.
Mom, they're here!|- Bring them in.
Morning, Gar.|- Mornin', Rock. - Come on.
Why don't you play this one straight?|Give your old man a chance.
What a terrific idea.|Why didn't I think of that?
You go ahead.|I'll put on my wings and halo.
Gotta get a picture of that.
Honey boy! - What are you|gonna do? Try out for the Nicks?
Look how tall he's getting, Evelyn!|Come on, fake, fake! That's a boy!
Stop that, say hello to the boy.
So, show us the new house.
Abe, don't start anything.|You promised, Abe.
Come on in.
Hello, Abe. - Hey, sonofabitch!|Look who's back! - Gar!
Let me show you my dog.|- That's all you need, a damn dog.
Does she have cleanser?|- That's not your job.
I just want to give her a hand.|I'm not going to do anything.
Quite a mutt.
Hey, that's terrible. - What?|- Hole in your infield.
That's got to go.|- Oh God!
Oh shit!|I mean, wow! Peewee Reese!
Consider it a belated|graduation present. - It's wonderful.
Why don't you show the dog to|your grandma. - OK. Come on, Screech!
Hi, Pop.
There she is.
Looking like a million.|- You look great too, Pop.
Hey, Ma, you wanna do the windows|while you're at it? - Gramps?
Where did you get that Peewee?|I've been looking for it for 2 years.
I found it a couple of months ago|in a store, just waiting for me.
Abe, how does it feel to be retired?
It's driving me crazy. A man's only|as good as his last day of work.
How long are you staying, Pop?|- Hey, she's trying to get rid of us!
No, I wanted to make some nice lunch.|- You cooking? No ordering out?
No, I got roast.|You like roast.
Yeah, I couldn't chew it|the last time...
I thought the roast was delicious.
What are they learnin' you at school?|- Same old stuff, math, history...
Yeah? First you get an education|then a job with some security.
I tried to tell that to your mother.
She never went for the old 9 to 5.
What was it you said, Rusty?|I'm really more...
The freelance type.
Yeah, the freelance type!
I got her a job interview once at the|gas company. Luca Pezio's brother,
what the hell was his name?
She shows up in this kooky outfit|with her hair up to here
and these lines painted under here.|Looked like she had spiders
under her eyes.|Remember that, Rusty?
Yeah, I remember, Pop.|The guy's name was Vinny.
He wanted to give me a job.|He also wanted to give me a bonus.
So, I took the bonus and|told him to shove the job up his ass.
Florence!
Rocky, find out|what time the game's on the tube.
It usually starts at two thirty|but I'll check.
Wow! Grandpa gave me tickets|to the game! Can I go? Check it out!
Come on, Rocky, let's go.|The team needs you.
Bye, Mom. See, you, Gar.|- See you, Rock.
He tried, honey, he really tried.|- It's OK, Mom.
Anyway, I'm glad Gar is back.
Don't you want to wave goodbye?|- No, I don't.
Bye!
If you get wasted on that crap|I ain't gonna baby-sit you.
You must be confusing me with someone|who gives a shit. - Must be.
This is not going to work.
I'm doing things to please you|and I'll end up hating you for it.
Come on, baby, you and your old man|been going through this shit forever.
Got to you again, didn't he?|Got you ready for a 2-hour screamer.
Got you to a place where I'd|put you through the wall. - Go ahead!
Why should you be any different|than any other guy I've been with?
Look what I got.
Florence?
What did you do today?|Some smack? Ludes?
Some promise you made!|In front of Grandma and Grandpa, too.
Why? Why do you do this, Mom?
I'm not going to hang around|all summer for this.
I'm going to a camp where|everybody's blind. It'll be a break.
Who's going to take care of things?
You! You're gonna have to take care|of things including yourself.
That'll be something new, won't it?
Come on, let's get it together!|- Come on, Dewey!
Kevin, turn off the radio.
Come on. Summer,|can you get them over here, please?
Hey, you in the back,|take that mask off so I can see you.
Well, I'll try|but it ain't gonna be easy.
Gee, I'm sorry.|I really thought it was a mask.
It's OK.|Happens all the time. No big deal.
Hi, Rocky, I'm Norman Kaplan.|Glad to have you aboard.
Walter Simms told me a lot about you.|- Jake wants you in the kitchen.
Put your gear over there|and give Dewey a hand over there?
Thanks.
Make myself well.
Make myself well.
We're almost there.|You guys haven't missed too much.
Kevin, how's the caboose doing|back there? - Fine! - Alright.
He's winding up,|trying for the 3rd-base line.
He releases!|- Swing! - Go!
We got the bases loaded, 2 outs.
Alex at bat.|He's winding up...
Who's that?
My name's Rocky.|- Hi, Rocky, I'm Diana Adams.
Dennis, Rocky Dennis.
Are you a camper?|- Yeah. I'm also a counselor's aide.
That's neat.
You look like Alice.|You know, in Wonderland.
No, what does she look like?
You.
That's a big help!
Wanna hand me that bridle?
Great, thank...|No, this is a halter.
The bridle is leather|and has a bit. - A bit of what?
No. A bit is a metal piece|that fits into the horse's mouth.
Oh yeah. Right here.
Thank you.
Don't know much|about horses, do you?
Well, I ride motorcycles.
I love horses. I got one at home.
Where's your home?|- San Marino.
Where do you live?|- Azusa.
Are you starving?
I'm starving.|Could you take me to lunch?
Sure. Great.
OK, Maria, he's ready.|- Fine, thanks.
No. Here, I'll take your elbow.
Diana of the woods.
What's that?
A famous goddess.|A huntress, I think.
I couldn't hit a barn|with an elephant.
That's funny.|- Thanks.
Rusty? What?
Oh, shit!
What's the matter?|- Rusty.
Gar, I can't write|a letter to Rocky. I miss him.
You need to sleep, Rusty.|- No, no!
Help me write the letter, please!
"Dear Rocky, I miss you. And...
you're away at camp.|You're not in your room and...
I miss you.
And I'm sorry I was bad. And...
Screech is here and Gar is here
and I love you.|Love, Mom. " With little kisses.
Have you got that, Gar?
Yeah, I got it all.|- OK.
You OK back there, Rocky?|- Fine!
Dn your right.|You got some chaparral.
It's covering a rolling, green hill.
It ain't just your forest green,|it's misty, grayish green.
I've been blind since I was born|and I don't know green.
You don't? - People have tried to|explain colors. I don't understand.
Anyway, go on.
Well, up above|we got some white clouds.
White! I'm sorry. - It's OK.|- Some billowy clouds.
I don't know "billowy" either.
This is strange.
We're pulling over.|Well, let's stop.
I got you.|- Thanks.
I can't wait to tell Eric and Ben|about this. - Who are they?
Eric's my friend from school.|Ben's my friend for life. Let's sit.
I have a friend like that, Anne Marie.
Me and Ben plan to ride motorcycles|across Europe. - Yeah? That's neat!
My parents are so protective.
My mom is very modern.
Yeah? Did she name you Rocky?|- Yeah. My real name is Roy.
When I was a kid I used to|rock back and forth in my crib.
So she called me "Rocky. "|- I like that. - Hey, you two.
Just one apple left. You guys|wanna share it? - Thanks, Marie.
I'll cut it in half.|I wanna show you something.
What do you look like?
Describe yourself.
Too bad you've never seen|pictures of the Greek god Adonis,
'cause I kind of look like him.
Wow, he was gorgeous!
He was. We are.
Here.|- Thanks.
See the star? Five-pointed star,|it's supposed to be lucky.
Diana,
I don't look like Adonis.
I've got this real strange disease.
And it makes my face|look real unreal.
Don't be a chicken.
You look pretty good to me.
My mom says I look like a lion.
She says I was a lion in a past life
and something got left over.
That's funny.
Hey, you two!
Show us your pearly whites!
Great!
Sorry. Is now a good time?|- Sure, Rock.
Thanks!
I need to show you something.|- What are you doing? - Wait!
Just hold on a second.|- No! - Right here. Sit down.
Hold out your hands...
Ready? Wait.|- What is this?
Hold on a second! Damn!
Wait a second. I got it right here.
OK, ready?|- No, what? - This is blue.
It's freezing!
It's blue?
This is green.
I think I understand.|- Hold on!
Shit! Sorry, Diana.|- It's OK, I say that all the time.
You do?
Put those down.
This is red.
Ah! It's red?|- When it cools down, it'll be pink.
Rocky, I understand!|- Hold on a second.
This is billowy.
And this
is beautiful.
NEW YEARS EVE IN JULY
Man, do I have|a great one to use now. - You do?
A great thought. My mom taught me,|when things get rotten
I should think of a good memory.
Tonight sure is a beauty.|- Does it work?
Oh, yes!
Can two people use the same memory?
OK, campers,|ten seconds to New Year's!
Nine, eight,
seven, six,
five, four,
three, two,
Dne! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Diana.
Happy New Year, Rocky.
Aren't you going to kiss me?
Bye, you guys!
How are you?
God, I missed you. Mom!|- I missed you so much!
Hi.|- Mom, Dad, this is Rocky Dennis,
the boy I told you about|on the phone.
Rocky was voted best buddy|and friendliest camper.
Wonderful!
We better hit the road, honey.|Wanna beat the traffic...
Nice meeting you, Rocky.|Come on, honey.
I'm just going to say goodbye.
Bye, Rocky.
Bye.
Call me, OK?
I will.
I wanna kiss you|but my parents are watching.
I understand.
Bye.
Goddamn sonofabitch.
You look great!
How are you? - Where's your stuff?|- Over there.
My buddy!|- Hey, Babe!
Doesn't he look great?|- Great.
Mom, I have some great news.
Me too.
You first.
I quit. I'm clean as a whistle.
Alright, Mom. - Yeah,|I even called the drug rehab, twice.
What did they say?|- Well, I hung up.
Well, it's a start.
What about your news?
It's no big deal.|I met a girl. We're going out.
Come on, tell us!|- Her name is Diana.
She's beautiful.|She's got long blonde hair.
She rides horses, she's smart
and she loves me.
What's not to love about you?
You look real pretty today, Mom.
I've called Diana every day|since I've been back
and her mom always says|she's not there. Isn't that weird?
I don't know...|- Hey, Ben!
What's happening?
I gotta talk to you.|- OK. You want some cake?
No. - Sure? Mom made it.|It's actually pretty good. - Thanks.
Want something to drink?
How about a noose|to hang yourself? What's the matter?
I've been wanting to tell this.
What?
I'm going back to Michigan.|My dad got me a job. Great money.
When are you coming back?
I'm not coming back.
What do you mean?
I'll go nuts if I stay here,
with my mom, the school.
So I quit.
I can work back there.|I'll be making 7.50 an hour.
What about the trip?
I'm sorry, Rocky.|You can keep the money.
I don't want the money, I want to|go to Europe! What about our trip?
How can you do this? We talked about|it for a year. - You talked about it!
Bullshit, man! You talked about it too|and you know it!
I know. I'm sorry.|I didn't mean that.
You never know what you mean!|You know why? Because you're stupid!
You are so stupid, Ben!
I'll show you how stupid you are.|I conned you out of Rube Walker!
Rocky, take it easy.|- No more, Ben! - Stop it!
Get out of here, Ben!
Hello, Mrs. Adams? Is Diana there?
Rocky Dennis.
Do you know where she is?
Did you tell her I've called?
Thanks. Goodbye.
Baby, don't cry.
There's that guy I heard about.
If that's a mask he's wearing|I sure wish he'd take it off.
I'll take my mask off if you|take your mask off, you sonofabitch!
Mom?|- We're out here.
I got to go somewhere.|- Where you goin', Rock?
I just got something to do.|I'll be back, don't worry.
No, Screech, stay.
Oh, God.
Anne Marie, this is Rocky.|- Hi.
You wanna excuse us and take him?
Come on, let's talk.
Why didn't you call? - I called you.|You never called me back.
I made tapes and I never|heard from you. - Oh, my parents!
I knew it!|- I thought you'd forgotten me.
I thought you'd forgotten me.
They don't want me to get hurt.|I never stop talking about you.
And I'm going away next semester.|- Where? - I'm leaving Monday.
The school has good programs|for the blind. It's in Santa Barbara.
Sit down.
I'll write. I'll send you tapes.
Oh, Rocky, I missed you.|I don't wanna go!
Are you laughing at me?|- Oh, God, no.
It's just that, here it is,|the most rotten time of my whole life.
You're going away. I hate my school.
The trip to Europe is off...|- No!
But, no, it's OK. That's what's funny,|it doesn't matter.
It's OK now|'cause I know that you still love me.
I do, I really do!
I wish we could run away|and be together all the time.
We can't run away, Diana.|- I know.
But we can run away in our minds.
We can remember the camp,|the mountains and ocean.
The colored rocks and billowy cotton.
And New Year's Eve.|- Especially New Year's Eve.
And right now.
We'll always be together, Diana.
Even when we can't be together.
Sing us that old number, Rocky.|How about it, Rusty? - Good idea!
I'm up for it if he is.|- I'm feeling tired tonight.
Aw, come on, Rocky!|- Come on, you guys!
Sing a number!
You OK, babe?
My head hurts a lot tonight.
You don't have to sing.|Go to bed and make yourself well.
How about it, Rusty? You gotta sing.|- What's with the little one?
Yeah, sing that other song! Come on!
How you doin', kid?
Goodnight, Rock.
Come on, Screech.
Why don't we go back to bed?|- That's OK with me.
I got to do this thing with Red.|I'll be back. - I'll wait for you.
See you later.
Yeah? No, he's at school.
Yeah, I'm sure.
What do you mean, he's not there?
OK, thanks.
You sure as hell aren't getting|a scholarship if you stay in the sack!
You got a Spanish test,|didn't you? Afraid of a little test?
Cold.
You've got your covers off you.
Don't pull this shit with me, Rock!
Do you hear me? Wake up!
Come on, baby, make yourself well.
Rocky, wake up!
Oh, God!
Now you can go|anywhere you want, baby.
"These things are good:|Ice cream and cake.
A ride on a Harley.|Monkeys in the trees.
The rain on my tongue|and the sun shining on my face.
These things are a drag:|Dust in my hair.
Holes in my shoes.|No money in my pocket
and the sun|shining on my face. "