Produced by Universal Pictures in 1992
Screenwriter: Bo Goldman
Director: Martin Brest
Photography: Donald E. Tolan
Starring: Al Pacino, Chris O'Don Nai
Compilation: Wu Li's inspirational
picture: Zhou Zheng
Awards: The film was nominated for 4 Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay at the 65th Academy Awards, won the Best Actor Award, and Won the 50th Golden Globe Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Screenplay.
EXT, SCHOOL CAMPUS, DAY
This is a historic middle school in the United States, and you'll no doubt feel it from its age-old but not in disrepair and its neat and tidy campus. In addition, you will feel that this is a very strict school. This is Bell Middle School, a famous school for the children of nobles.
IN THE TEACHING BUILDING, the
bell rang during the day , and after that, students rushed out of each classroom, and there was a sudden noise.
Charles Simmons, a quiet-looking student, walked alone to the "Offering Jobs" billboard in the hallway, looking thoughtfully at an ad that read "Care for Sick Relatives."
EXT - PLAYGROUND - During the day,
rich kids George and Harry get together with two other classmates. George was smoking.
Harry (to George): You shouldn't smoke here, it's an unhygienic habit.
George (disapprovingly): Hey, don't do this to me, it's fine.
Harry: It's an unhygienic habit.
At this moment, a black limousine slowly drove in from the school gate. Seeing it, Harry's eyes widened, his expression completely changed.
Harry: Oh my gosh, look!
GEORGE (involuntarily following Harry's gaze): Oh my God!
Harry (still excited): Oh, that's so inappropriate, I can't believe it.
George: I can't believe they gave him this car.
At this time, the principal, Mr. Trask, got out of the car, and he caressed the body twice.
HARRY (quite unevenly) Now, there's an idiot driving a terrific car.
George: But seriously, who did this damn guy get this awesome stuff from?
Harry got up hastily and greeted Headmaster Trask.
Harry: Good morning, Mr. Trask, what a great car! Really top notch.
Principal Trask: First-class?
Harry: Top class, great.
Principal Trask: What's great?
Harry: That nice car you parked there.
Looking at the naturally bohemian, cynical look on Harry's face, Headmaster Trask seemed to know what he meant.
Principal Trask: Oh, you don't think I deserve it.
HARRY (following Headmaster Trask up the stairs): No sir, quite the opposite. I think it's pretty awesome. Why should the principal of this school be seen driving an old tattered car? In fact, I think this is the most inspiring thing the Council has done in a while.
Principal Trask: Oh, thank you, admirer, I take it literally.
HARRY (pretending humbly): That's exactly what I expected of you, sir, good day.
Principal's Office - Daytime
Principal Trask walks through the door and sees two students sitting sullenly on a bench, his staff Mrs. Sansey seeming to reprimand them.
Principal Trask: Good morning, Mrs Sansey.
Mrs Sansey, a chubby woman in her fifties, saw the headmaster and she hurried over.
Mrs Sansey: Good morning.
Principal Trask: What's going on here? everything is fine, right?
EXT - PLAYGROUND - DAY
Harry walks back to George and the others.
George: What's going on here?
HARRY (raises eyebrows) Nothing, just hello, I like to say hello to Principal Trask.
INTERNATIONAL CORROSION - DAY
HARRY (reciting while fetching from mailbox): Sugarbush Ski Area, Motor Vehicle Summons.
George: I thought we were going to Stoy.
Harry: Sugar Bush is in Stoy. As you'll see, we've got it right. Thanksgiving in Vermont and Christmas in Switzerland.
George: Christmas at Stoy will cost us a lot.
Harry: Yes, Stoy, Sta. George, say it again.
George: Sta.
HARRY (to another classmate): Trent, you say it again.
Trent: Sta.
A child from a rich family: Well, it might be nice, but it will cost at least 3,000 yuan to get there. I have to talk to my father.
George (voluntarily): Wait, why didn't you let my father talk to your father?
A child from a rich family: Let your father talk to my father?
George: Yes.
EXTERNAL - On the playground, during the day,
George and his party catch up with Charles who is walking in front with his head bowed and thoughtful, with George walking in the front.
George: Are you going home this weekend, Charles?
CHARLIE (reluctantly): Well, I don't know.
George: Are you going home to Idaho for Thanksgiving?
Charles: My home is in Ologon.
George: Damn Ologon.
HARRY (coming over, cordially) Charlie, how about skiing? It was awesome, and I told people it was 20% off for my friends. It was arranged by my father to spend Christmas in Switzerland.
George: Is it Star?
Harry: It's Qi Star, if you don't say "Qi" it's a fake.
George: What you just said was Star, and let everyone say it.
Harry (smugly): You wouldn't say that if you were there. Spend Easter in Vermont and watch the Kentucky Game.
Charlie (not very interested): How much does it cost to ski in Vermont?
Harry: 1200, including a nice big dish and champagne for Thanksgiving dinner.
Charlie: 1200 is beyond my reach, Harry.
Harry: How far are you?
CHARLIE (embarrassed): I'm... Harry, I'm much worse, I'm sure I can't enjoy that trip like you guys.
Harry: But just think about it, okay?
Charlie: Okay.
Charlie walked away alone.
Harry (to Charlie's back): You'll change your mind!
George (somewhat puzzled): Why are you doing this? You know, he went to school on a bursary.
Harry (shows the arrogance of the rich kids proudly): On major holidays, the rich should give alms to the poor.
George: You are full of nonsense.
EXT - STREET - DAY
Charlie is on his bike, looking for it, he stops in front of a house, walks up and rings the doorbell. After a while, a twenty-seven or eight-year-old young woman opened the door.
Charlie: Hello, are you Mrs. Rossi?
Young woman: Yes, what's the matter with you?
Charlie: I came for work that weekend.
MRS ROSIE (grins enthusiastically, opens door): Come in.
Charlie followed Mrs. Rossi in. On the floor in the hallway, two children were sitting and playing.
Little girl (see Charlie): He has pimples, he has pimples.
MRS ROSIE (reproachfully) Stop it, Frankie.
LITTLE BOY (also hastily agrees): Yes, papules, papules.
MRS ROSIE (hurriedly to the children) Shut up! (She turns to Charlie) Sorry, the school told me your name, but I forgot.
Charlie: My name is Charley, Charlie Simmons.
Mrs. Rossi: How are you, Charlie?
Charlie: Good, thanks.
Mrs. Rossi: Come this way, please.
Charlie followed Mrs. Rossi down an aisle.
Mrs. Rossi: Are you free all weekend?
Charlie: Yes.
Mrs. Rossi: Aren't you going home for Thanksgiving?
Charlie: No.
Mrs. Rossi: That's good.
Charlie followed Mrs. Rossi to a small courtyard.
MRS ROSIE (walking): They used to put him in the Veterans Retreat, but he hated it. So I told my dad that I was going to pick up my uncle. Do you mind if I tell you a few things before you go? You don't call him "sir" and don't ask too many questions. (She stops, admonishingly) If he hits something, stumbles, and gets up again, don't pay attention. Charlie, I can see right away that you are a good fit for the job, and Uncle Frank will love you.
Charlie: Well, where are you going this weekend?
Mrs. Rossi: We're going to drive to Overney. (She bends over to pick up the crouched cat) My husband Johnny has relatives there.
EXT - FRONT OF THE
HOUSE - DAY Mrs. Rossi (knocks on door, yells inside): Should Tommy come in or let him outside?
Slade (gross voice from door): Don't let him in! He went after the spotted cat again.
MRS ROSIE (putting the cat on the ground, turning to Charlie, explaining): Deep down, he was very sweet and kind.
INT - HOUSE - DAY
Charlie enters the house and knocks on the door again.
CHARLIE (tentatively): Sir?
At this time, the camera is aimed at retired lieutenant colonel Frank Slade. He was not tall, but he was dignified and imposing. At this moment, he was sitting on the sofa, and from his godless eyes he could see that he was blind.
Slade (sternly) Don't call me Mr.
CHARLIE (bewildered for a moment, remembering Mrs. Rossi's advice): I'm sorry, I mean... sir.
Slade (sneeringly): Oh, we've got an imbecile here, don't we?
Charlie: No, sir, um, (he looks down at Slade's rank written on the paper, then looks up): Yes, Lieutenant, sir...
Slade (interrupting): Yes school! I've been in the military for 26 years and no one has ever dropped me a fourth grade! come in!
Charlie walked over timidly.
Slade (still sternly): You idiot! Come closer, I want to see you better. How is your skin, boy?
Charlie (puzzling): My skin?
Slade (dissatisfied): Oh, for Christ's sake...
Charlie: Sorry, I'm not...
Slade: Just call me Frank. Call me Mr. Slade, Lieutenant Colonel if you want, just don't call me "Sir".
Charlie: Well, Lieutenant Colonel.
Slade: Simmons Charles, senior. You're on a stipend, Simmons.
Charlie: Yes.
Slade (excitedly): The bursaries are liars! Your father sells the phone on the car for 300% profit! Your mother works in a camera shop and gets a high commission. She used to sell juice. Who are you, dying of some debilitating disease?
CHARLIE (overwhelmed by the venomous reprimand): No. I am here.
Slade: I know exactly where your body is. (He fumbles and pours himself some wine, then goes on) What I'm looking for is something that shows you're breathing. You are playing football too much, but not wearing a helmet now. These are Lyndon Johnson's famous words when he left for Paris for peace talks in 1968. I got a silver star and a silver badge. Let me handle G2.
Charlie (puzzled): G2?
Slade: It's intelligence. (He takes a sip of wine) You can't do that at all. where are you from?
Charlie: Gleish of Ologon, Lieutenant Colonel.
Slade: What is your dad doing in Gleish, Ologon? Count wood chips?
Charlie: My stepfather and my mom run a convenience store.
Slade: Who is convenient? What time do you open?
Charlie: 5 in the morning.
Slade: What about closing?
Charlie: 1 am.
SLIDER (still sneering): They worked really hard. You really confuse me. So what are you doing here? In this damn town?
Charlie: I...I study at Bell Middle School.
Slade: I know you go to Bell High School. The question is, how can you afford it? Even if you're on a bursary, your parents are working like crazy at home!
Charlie: I have the Outstanding American Youth Scholarship.
Slade: Ah! (He sings) Glory, glory, Hallelujah! Glory, glory, Hallelujah!
At this time, there were several "ta-ta" knocks on the window.
Slade (sternly) Who's there? Is that the little tail? Get the hell out of here!
Slade waved his arms, and there was the sound of girls laughing outside the window, and then the sound of running away.
Slade (with emotion): I can't believe this is the descendant of our family. What a hopeless little rascal who doesn't know the slightest bit of politeness. He was a mechanic and she was a housekeeper. He knew nothing about cars like a beauty queen, and her home-cooked cookies were absolutely horrible. As for those flan, that's kind of ironic. How is your skin? Boy, I want my subordinates to take it out.
CHARLIE (seriously): Well, I've had a few pimples. My roommate asked me to use his ointment because he used to have bad acne, but it was fixed...
Slade: The History of Charles Simmons' Skin. Don't get too complacent and think it's a great thing to go to Bell High School. Just a bunch of snotty snotty guys in plaid jackets who want to be George Bush.
Charlie: I think the president graduated from Edward, Lieutenant Colonel.
Slade (involuntarily raising his voice): Are you picking on me? You young ignorant fellow! Are you doing that? You can't pick my fault! Otherwise you'll get me 40 strokes, and then you'll get me 40 strokes, and then you'll have to be the cook-on-duty, and then you'll have to take care of the men's dirty clothes until you're so smoked that you can't tell the difference between the top and the bottom! do you understand? What do you want to do?
Charlie: I don't want to do anything.
Slade: What do you want from here?
Charlie: I want to get a job.
Slade: A job.
Charlie: I want to get a job so I can earn a plane ticket home for Christmas.
Slade: Oh my gosh, you are so sentimental.
He fumbled for the switch to turn on the stereo, and the singing started, and Charlie stood there, bewildered.
Slade: Are you still there, poor man? What about people? Convenience store. Porcelain jar with apple seeds. Go for it. dissolve. dissolve.
Charlie backed out.
MRS ROSIE'S ROOM - DAY
Mrs. Rossi's family is busy preparing for their departure, dressing the children. Charlie appeared at the top of the stairs.
Charlie: Mrs. Rossi?
Mrs. Rossi: Charlie, we're here, come on up, (pointing to her husband beside her) This is Johnny.
JOHNNY (enthusiastically): Hello, Charlie.
Charlie: Hello. Well, you see, Mrs. Rossi, I have a feeling that I've screwed up.
MRS ROSIE (while continuing her work): Well, you won't.
Charlie: That interview was terrible.
Mrs. Rossi: No interview at all, Charlie. You've done it, and you're the only one applying. You have to do this job. He sleeps a lot, you can watch TV, you can call your girlfriend. I assure you, the 300 yuan is a good earn.
Charlie: I don't feel like earning.
Mrs. Rossi: Despite his yelling and rudeness, you know, he turned out to be a great soldier, a true hero. You will like him. By Sunday night, you'll be good friends. Charlie, please. (She picks up her youngest son) I wanted to go away with my husband for a few days, but Uncle Frank wouldn't come with us. Six months ago, sometimes he could distinguish between light and dark. But now, he couldn't tell anything. I just feel like it's best to have someone around him, just in case something happens. I beg you.
Charlie: Well, Mrs. Rossi, of course.
MRS ROSIE (happily) Thank you, Charlie.
IN THE LIBRARY - NIGHT When
Charlie is busy with his work as a librarian, George arrives with a book.
George: Charles, Charles, wait.
Charlie: What are you going to do?
George: I especially need this book.
CHARLIE (looks at the book in George's hand): This book can't be loaned out, it's a preserved copy.
George: I need this book tonight, and I'll be nervous tomorrow morning because of Thanksgiving.
Charlie: I know, that's why they kept this book as a preserve. This is the only one.
GEORGE (pleadingly) Charles, without this book, I'm doomed.
CHARLIE (finally can't stand George's plea): If you don't come back at half past seven, I'll be in big trouble.
George (happily): I promise. I promise.
EXT
- CAMPUS - NIGHT Harry and two other boys are sneaking around, carrying a rhubarb bag up a ladder and hurried down the ladder. Several people looked nervous.
EXT - LIBRARY - NIGHT
Charlie and George walk out of the library together.
Charlie: Wait a minute, I'll lock the door.
George: Behold, you have so much to do.
Charlie locked the door and the two walked away together.
EXT, CAMPUS, NIGHT
Harry and two other classmates are still busy, Charlie and George come over and see the activities of the three.
Charlie: Where are you going, is that Sugar Love Ryan?
George: It's Bush, Charlie, it's Sugar Bush. (Harry's activity makes him elated.) These are my lads, hey, what are you up to?
HARRY (hurriedly lowers his voice from the ladder): Don't shout! I will tell you tomorrow morning.
At this time, Mrs. Sansey, who was working in the principal's office, came over.
GEORGE (turning hastily to Mrs. Sansey): Mrs. Sansey!
Mrs Sansey: George!
George: Did you have a good day?
Mrs. Sansey: Why are you so noisy?
HARRY (seeing Mrs. Sansey from a distance, hurries to her companion): Hurry up.
GEORGE (quickly covering up for Harry's gang): Oh, Charles and I are having fun here.
Mrs Sansey: Good evening, Charles.
Charlie: Good evening, Mrs Sansey.
Harry's group hurried away carrying the ladder, making noises, though they were careful.
MRS SANSEY (suspicious) What is that?
George: I don't know, ma'am.
Mrs Sansey: Who are those two boys?
George: Who knows?
MRS SANSEYI (increasingly suspicious) What are they doing, Charles?
GEORGE (changes the subject quickly, and touches Madame Sansey's scarf with pretense of interest): Did you knit it yourself?
Mrs Sansey: No, George, I bought it.
George: Is it? It's so pretty.
Mrs Sansey: Thank you, George.
George: Really. (feigning enthusiasm) In case I don't see you over Thanksgiving holiday, why don't you give me a good hug?
SANSEYI (confused by George's hug): Oh, George.
Then Sansey, George and Charlie exchanged good nights and left. EXT. CAMPUS - A yellow balloon hangs from a telephone pole
during the day
, and many students gather around to watch. At this time, Principal Trask drove into the school gate in a limousine, and when he saw the gathered students, he honked his horn.
In a room upstairs
, Harry is speaking into a microphone with two of his accomplices during the day . His words echoed across the campus through a loudspeaker.
Harry: Mr. Trask is our fearless leader. He was very knowledgeable, he read all books, he could recite the Iliad of ancient Greece while he was fishing for trout by the creek, he was wise, and he had an authoritative voice of judging. However, there are many questions about him.
EXT - CAMPUS - DAY
Students watch the yellow balloon with interest as it gradually swells.
Harry's voice continued over the loudspeaker: How did Mr Trask come to such a fantastic deal? Why did the commissioners buy him a Jagwal limousine? He's not indulgent, rude, or connivable, he's just going to flatter them.
At this point, the caricature of Trask on the balloon is clearly visible: he's licking someone's ass.
Principal Trask, who got out of the car, kept his expression calm. Now, he jumped up twice to reach for the balloon, but not enough. In the laughter of the students, he also showed an understanding smile. He pedaled on the car and reached for the balloon again, but not again.
IN THE UPstairs Room - DAY
Harry (sees Trask reaching for balloons, cheers him heartily): Come on! come! come again, come again, come on! EXT - ON CAMPUS -
During the day,
Principal Trask finally reaches for the balloon, and with a "bang", the white plaster inside pours down, rushing towards the Principal, covering his head and covering him. The students laughed.
George (with great joy): You bastard!
Principal's Office - Daytime
Charlie and George are sitting on chairs, Charlie's face is very ugly, George's face is still relaxed. Headmaster Trask stood before them.
Principal Trask (sternly): Mr. Simmons, Mr. Willis, Mrs. Sansey said, both of you gentlemen were in a vantage point last night to observe who was responsible for that sideshow . Who is that?
GEORGE (slippy): I really can't tell you, sir, I think I saw a figure on the pole, but when I looked closely, it was gone.
Principal Trask (to Charlie) Mr. Simmons?
Charlie: I can't tell.
Principal Trask (pacing back and forth): That limousine wasn't just a gift to me, it was a gift from the council. (He sits down at the table) It's a symbol of the standard of excellence this school is known for. I would never let it get dirty.
George (intentionally): Is that the limousine?
Principal Trask: That's the standard, Mr. Willis. What is your position, Mr. Simmons?
Charlie: Stand on what, sir?
Principal Trask: On maintaining the reputation of the Bell School.
Charlie: I maintain the Bell School.
Principal Trask: So, who did it?
Charlie: I really can't tell.
TRASK (sits down): Good. On Monday morning, a special meeting of the Student Conduct Disciplinary Committee will be called. Since it concerns the whole school, all students are required to attend. There won't be any classes, no activities until the results of this matter are found out. And if by then we don't have more than what we have now, I'll fire both of you. (He gets up, to George) Mr. Willis, would you please come out?
George (holds out his hand to the principal): Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Principal Trask (shaking hands with George) Thank you, and so do you, Mr. Willis.
George went out.
Principal Trask (sits down beside Charlie): Mr. Simmons, I haven't finished speaking to you. As principal, I have some authority to do certain things on my own as I see fit. do you understand?
Charlie: Understood.
Principal Trask: All right. The president of admissions at Harvard University and I have an agreement. Many students admitted to Harvard every year come from Bell High School. In addition, I would like to add a name, a student who is academically outstanding, but from a poor family who cannot afford room, board and tuition. Do you know who I am walking this year?
Charlie: I don't know, sir.
Principal Trask: It's you. It's you, Mr. Simmons.
Charlie lowered his head.
Principal Trask (pause, then): Now, can you tell me who did it?
CHARLIE (in a low voice but firmly): No, sir, I can't do it.
Principal Trask: You spend this weekend thinking about it carefully. (He stands up) Good afternoon, Mr. Simmons. EXT - CAMPUS -
DAY
Charlie is walking with a lot of thought when George chases him up from behind.
George: What did he say?
CHARLIE (obviously not wanting to speak): Say nothing.
George (obviously refusing to stop): What do you mean by "nothing"?
Charlie: He said the same thing to me as he said to both of us, he just said it to me over and over again.
George: I know what he's doing. He's a good cop and a bad cop strategy for you and me. He is hard on me and soft on you. Is he being soft on you, isn't he?
CHARLIE (perfunctorily): No.
GEORGE (pats Charlie affectionately on the cheek) Are you terrified?
Charlie: A little bit.
George: You're on a scholarship, right?
Charlie: Yes.
George: You came to Bell High School on a scholarship from Ologon. You've come far enough from home, Charles.
George put his arms around Charlie's shoulders affectionately.
CHARLIE (puzzling): What does that matter?
George: I don't know how to deal with this kind of thing in your hometown, here we are united. We're not just trying to protect ourselves, we don't tell our parents about it, we don't tell anyone. Above all, never, never let any of us suffer humiliation. That's it.
Charlie: And what does this have to do with me getting a scholarship?
George: I just wanted you to understand the situation, nothing else.
He patted Charlie affectionately on the shoulder again.
Charlie: Thank you.
George (again wraps his arms around Charlie's shoulders affectionately): I'm telling you, you give me a few hours to think about what to do next, you call me in Vermont tonight, I'll be at Sugar Bush Hotel, okay?
Charlie: Okay.
George (concerned) Are you all right?
Charlie (still preoccupied): Well, I think it's fine.
George: Goodbye.
MRS ROSIE'S HOUSE - DAY
Mrs. Rossi (instructing Charlie while busy dressing the child): You have to try to control it, it's best not to let him drink more than 4 drinks a day.
Johnny Rossi (laughing and joking): If you can keep him under 40 drinks a day, you're doing pretty well.
Mrs. Rossi: You have to learn to add water to wine. You have to do that.
Johnny Rossi (urging): Time to go, honey.
Mrs. Rossi: Put your luggage in the car and I'll be out right away.
Mrs. Rossi's youngest daughter: Mom, Mom, don't forget Uncle Frank's walk.
Mrs. Rossi: Oh, yes, you have to let him out every day to ventilate. Go ahead and I'll give you the phone number or something in a moment.
SLIDER'S ROOM - DAY
Charley walks through the door, and Lieutenant Colonel Slade is on the phone.
Slade (to phone): If it wasn't clear, I wouldn't even try to do that. Yes, I know. Let me talk to her. Hello, beauty, is that you? Yes, we talked yesterday and you didn't seem in a good mood after having a glass of wine at lunch yesterday.
At this time, Charlie walked not far from Slade.
Slade (into the microphone) Please wait a minute, baby. (He turns to Charlie) You're back, aren't you? Get my blue uniforms, they're in the closet, take the epaulettes off the dresser and sew them on the shoulders. ASAP, which means do it now, the sooner the better. (He turns to the phone again) Hey, sorry to keep you waiting, baby. You know, I'm not the kind of person who likes to do things in a hurry. But I have a 4 o'clock flight and I can't see a taxi from the window. Has he not invested in radio communication facilities yet? Haha, well, get your driver in the car quickly and let him start the car, yes. right.
At this moment, Charlie brought the blue uniform.
Slade (continuing on the phone): A good body needs a sexy voice to match. Someday I will come and take a look. That's right, bye. (He turns to Charlie) My travel bag is under the bed, take it out and put my uniform in.
Charlie: Are we going out, Lieutenant Colonel?
SLIDER (stepping away from the sofa): Mind your own business.
Charlie shrugged helplessly.
Slade (sternly): Don't think I'm blind, don't shrug your shoulders, save your body language to women. Now, get my stuff out! (He picks up the blue uniform) It's almost 3 o'clock, but the damn gang hasn't left yet!
CHARLIE (sees Mrs. Rossi approaching outside the door): Here comes Mrs. Rossi.
Slade (putting clothes into travel bag) Damn, she said goodbye to me 3 times today, does she have a separation anxiety? Don't let her in! (He hurries to the door, blocking Mrs. Rossi, who has just entered the door) Hello, dear, goodbye, dear.
MRS ROSIE (sincerely): I really wish you would come with us.
Slade (perfunctorily): Me too. Maybe next time. Drive carefully.
Mrs. Rossi: All right. Charlie, give you the phone number. (She hands Charlie the note with the phone number on it) Good luck and don't let him drink too much.
CHARLIE (takes the note): Okay. EXT - MRS ROSIE'S HOUSE -
DAY The
Rossi family gets into the car and Charlie sees them off by the car.
Charlie: Good luck.
Johnny: Goodbye.
MRS ROSIE (remembering something again): Don't let him talk shit, he likes swearing.
Inner most, in Slade's room, during the day
Slade: Let's get started. Does that make you feel difficult? Have you been a Boy Scout?
CHARLIE (as she organizes her clothes): Used to be the lowest.
Slade: Lowest. Convenience store kid, come, let me see.
Charlie accidentally touched Slade.
Slade (sharply): If you touch me again, I'll kill you. You bastard, I'll touch you, you understand? The epaulets are in the top drawer of the dresser, and I want the one with the silver maple leaf.
Charlie walked over to the dresser, found the epaulette, and took it.
Charlie: Is that it?
Slade: Good. Is the taxi coming?
Charlie: Lieutenant Colonel, where are we going?
SLIDER (dressing): Where are we going? Go to the Geek Show Center.
Charlie: Where is that?
Slade: In New York City, boy, that's New York City, New York State.
Charlie: Oh, Mrs. Rossi didn't say we were going anywhere!
Slade: She forgot.
Charlie: Should we give her a call?
Slade: You're really kidding me.
CHARLIE (responsibly): Just make a call...
Slade: Call her? By the time the car she was driving reached Overney, it was time for the next show to begin.
Slade packed his clothes and zipped up his travel bag.
CHARLIE (firmly): I can't go to New York City.
Slade: Why not go?
CHARLIE: My responsibility to go to New York City is too great for me to take...
Slade (disapprovingly): Come on, responsibility. There were a lot of 17-year-old boys in my first squad. I took care of them. Ready to go. How do I look like? (He touches his chest pocket) Tickets, money, speech. It's an old Washington joke that I learned while I was with Lyndon. (He hears car horns from outside) Ha, I know I can count on the tools. are you ready? This is not Panmunjom, a simple "OK" will do.
Charlie: Alright.
Slade (holds up the travel bag, hands it to Charlie): Okay, take it, let's go, boy, you lead the way, let's go. (hears cat meowing) Tomster? Come, come, Tomster, Tomster. (He bends over and picks up the cat, fondling) Well, remember, when in doubt, do it.
EXT - AIRPORT - DAY
Slade and Charlie get out of the car. A black staff member greeted him.
Black staff: Good afternoon, sir, where are you going?
Slade: Our destination is, New York City, home of the brave.
BLACK STAFF: Yes, sir, we have two passengers going to New York.
Slade (smugly): We're no ordinary passengers. Look at those two tickets, they are first class.
Black staff: Yes, sir, first class.
CHARLIE (surprised) Lieutenant Colonel, you bought me a ticket? I never said I was going!
Slade (sneeringly): So what are you? Are you a coward? Only know how to take care of me according to doctor's orders?
BLACK STAFF (checking ticket, respectfully to Slade): 46A, sir.
Slade (hands the tip to him): Here you go, Sergeant.
BLACK STAFF (takes tip): Thank you, sir.
Charlie, worried that Slade would not know where to go, grabbed his arm with concern.
Slade (furious) Are you blind? Are you blind?
CHARLIE (inexplicably): Of course not.
Slade: Then why do you keep grabbing my bloody arm? I'll grab your arm.
Slade held Charlie's arm in one hand and his cane in the other.
Charlie: Sorry.
Slade: Don't say sorry. How do you know? Watching music TV all my life.
FLIGHT - DAY
Slade and Charlie are in their seats when a flight attendant approaches.
Stewardess: Hello, gentlemen.
Slade: Good.
Stewardess: Jack Daniel's, would you like it?
Slade: Of course.
Stewardess: And diet soda.
Slade: Diet soda.
Stewardess: And a glass of water.
She handed over several drinks one by one.
Slade: Thank you, Dayne.
Stewardess: You're welcome, sir.
The flight attendant left.
CHARLIE (surprised) How do you know what her name is?
Slade (confidently): Well, she wears Florence, which is an English perfume, but her accent is Californian. This is a California girl who wants to be an English lady, and I'll call her Daynee. Well, something big could happen to that little thing of yours.
Charlie: Well, Lieutenant Colonel, I'll send you to New York, right?
Slade: Yes.
Charlie: Then I'll be back.
Slade: Oh, you gotta do what you gotta do, Jouki.
Charlie: My name is Charlie, short for Charles.
Slade: Sorry. But don't blame me...
CHARLIE: Sir, why are we going to New York?
Slade (takes a sip of wine): All information is only released on a need-to-know basis. Ah, where is Dayne? let her come here.
CHARLIE (looks for a moment): She's in the back of the plane.
Slade: Mermaids are always on the tail. Oh, but I can still smell her scent. (sentimentally) Woman. What can you say? Who made them? God. He's such a fucking genius. (feelingly) Hair, hair is the most important thing, have you ever had that experience? Just burying your nose in the undulating curls? You really want to sleep forever. (Wishfully) Or the lips, when they touch yours, it's like the first gulp of wine you've had since you've just crossed the desert. (He becomes more lustful) Nipples, ah, big, small, tits stare at you like a searchlight. Thighs, I don't care if they are round or hemp-like. Between the thighs, it's like heaven. I have to have a drink. (He takes a swig of wine.) Yes, Mr. Simmons, there are only two words in this world that you should always remember: women. Haha, are you listening to me, kid? I am teaching you great wisdom.
Charlie: Well, I guess you really like women.
Slade: Oh, more than anything. In second place, a long way from it, is Ferrari. Charlie, (he stretches out a hand) Reach out, this is just the beginning of your education. (holds Charlie's outstretched hand) Boy.
EXT.
Slade and Charlie get out of a taxi during the day in front of the Waldorf Hotel, New York .
Slade (happily): Ahhh.
Charlie: Where are we?
Slade: Where are we? A hodgepodge of all things civilization, the Waldorf Grand Hotel.
Grand Hotel Foyer - Daytime
Slade (walking): The last time I was here, I was with an officer in a Ferrari. Every day, I open the door for that bastard, and he didn't even let me ride once, that damn guy. (Goes into the elevator) He's dead, I'm blind, so don't talk about that.
Hotel Suite - Daytime
A black valet escorts Slade and Charlie into this luxurious suite.
Slade (shoves the tip into the hands of the black valet): Ask about the escort service.
Negro Servant: Yes, sir. Thank you and welcome to the Waldorf Grand Hotel.
Slade: Thank you, Ben Ye.
The black valet retires.
Slade: Puerto Ricans are always the best infantry.
IN HOTEL SUITE - DAY
Slade (happy): I'm home again. Tell me, what's with me? (He pokes a few times with his cane, but doesn't seem to find what he's looking for) Where am I, Asia? He told me that the phone was on the side of the room, right? by the window?
CHARLIE (picks up the phone, puts it on the table): Right here.
Slade: Okay, we're open. (He picks up the phone) Pick me up for Okla Luf, (then turns to Charlie) What's in stock?
CHARLIE (checking what's on the wine cabinet): Only champagne, early morning.
Slade: The quartermaster is at it again. (obviously hears the echo on the phone) Hello, is it Sheldon or Michael there? I'm Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade. I used to be a frequent visitor, often with a general named Gabis. I'm in trouble now probably because he's dead. Now, listen, I want a table for two, ready at 8:15. I mean not like in Siberia. (He turns to Charlie) Put away the little bottles. After I was done calling, I called the waiter and told him I wanted him to fill the room with John Daniels.
Charlie: Lieutenant Colonel, you mean Jack Daniel's Bar.
Slade: Maybe it's Jack for you, boy, but that's what I call it. (to phone) I'm Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade and I want a limousine, at 8 o'clock. (takes a sip from the bottle) What do you drink?
Charlie: Don't drink anything, thank you, I don't drink.
Slade (takes another sip of wine): What's the use of that?
Charlie: I don't know, I said, Lieutenant Colonel, I...I gotta go.
Slade: Where are you going?
Charlie: Back to school. I have some tricky things to deal with.
Slade (puts the bottle in his arms) Very good, but I never let my lieutenant go on an empty stomach. You and I have dinner together and then my driver drives you to the airport, and the flight to Boston leaves at 10pm. Now, unpack my luggage, I'm going to the toilet.
EXT,
IN CAR, NIGHT Slade: What's your name, driver?
Driver: Manny, sir.
Slade: Manny, Waldorf's concierge, do you offer escort services?
Manny: I don't know, sir.
Slade (disgruntled): So what do you know?
Manny: About what?
Slade: You know what.
Manny: Maybe I can try to do something.
Slade: I'm talking about the most upscale now.
Manny: We'll find a way, sir.
Slade (turning to Charlie): What's the matter with you?
Charlie: Me?
Slade: Yes, you look preoccupied and listless, do you know why? You carry the weight of the fucking world on your shoulders.
CHARLIE (spreads hands): I had a problem at school, nothing else.
Slade: Say it.
Charlie: No big deal. Where are we going, are we going to Okla Luf?
Slade: Sounds important. Why did you say "something really important" just now? what are you doing? Are you sleeping with the superintendent's daughter?
CHARLIE (understatement): No, just a little trouble.
Slade: What kind of trouble?
Charlie: I saw some guys do something.
Slade: To report or not to report? Otherwise you're in big trouble, right?
Charlie: How did you know that?
Slade (smugly): I'm a wizard. Tell me the details, will you?
Charlie: That man's name is Harry, and he's a rich kid, very rich.
Slade: Who else?
Charlie: There's another named George, but George didn't do anything. George and I saw Harry and his friends doing something.
Slade: Now, does the school know that you and George can tell who is messing around?
Charlie: Yeah, they think we can tell.
Slade: George is your friend?
Charlie: Not a friend, but he's not bad.
Slade: You trust him?
Charlie: Well, I think so.
Slade: Does he also get a scholarship?
Charlie: No, why ask that?
Slade: We have George, we have Harry, we have trouble. They are rich and you are poor. You want to be rich, you want to graduate from Bell and be a rich tycoon like them. Am I right?
CHARLIE (quickly): No, no. Not like that.
Manny: Oklahoma has arrived.
Slade: Well, Charlie, we're the gentlemen of Okalulof. okalof. Slade and Charlie at a table
at night in the opulent Okla Luf restaurant
.
Slade: Bring us the menu. Ask for a double serving of Jack Daniel's with ice. Shall we sit here?
A waiter brought Charlie a coat and helped him put it on the sweater.
Waiter: Maybe this will make you more comfortable, sir.
Slade: You are so spirited. (He sits down) Here we are, in Okalulof. (He picks up the napkin and puts it on his lap) Read the menu to me.
CHARLIE (holds up the menu): Oh, I'll take a look. Hamburger and fries, 24.
Slade: Where's my wine? Why so diligent.
CHARLIE (surprised): 24 hamburgers? How is this going?
Slade: What's going on?
Charlie: Are you rich or what?
Slade: No, I'm just an ordinary blind man.
Charlie: You are an ordinary blind man. How do you have the money to pay such an expensive bill?
Slade: With new, clean dollar bills. The disability pension I have saved.
Charlie: How much have you saved? I mean, we flew first class, stayed at the Waldorf Hotel, ate at the $24 hamburger restaurant...
Slade: It's all part of the plan.
Charlie: Do you want to tell me?
Slade: Why would I do that? You are not interested in it. You don't care. You're about to take the last flight from LaGuardia Airport. (He looks at his watch) Ah, 15 minutes left, I don't think you'll make it. Unless there's always a free-service helicopter on the roof of Okla Luf. No sir, no. You have to wait here until tomorrow.
Charlie: You said the last flight took off at 22 o'clock, that's 10 o'clock, right?
Slade: That's what I said.
Charlie: It's only half past eight!
Slade (drinking wine, smugly): I lied, it took off at 9 o'clock.
Charlie (in a hurry): Take off at 9 o'clock?
Slade: Don't get excited, don't get excited. The truth is, Charlie, I need a guide who can help me make my plans happen.
Charlie: What plan?
Slade (crossing hands): You have a right to know. It wasn't really like a plan, more like, more like a trip. A merry journey. Stay in a first-class restaurant, eat a good meal, drink a good glass of wine, meet my big brother, you know, we're like family. Then, have sex with a wonderful woman. After that...
CHARLIE (concernedly): What's going on?
Slade: I'm going to lay down on my beautiful big bed at the Waldorf Hotel and beat my brain out.
Waiter (coming over, graciously to Slade): Sir, may I introduce you to some special dishes?
Slade: Yes, sir.
Waiter: Tonight, we have venison with green peppercorns, roast cowboy with tomatoes and roasted eggplant.
Slade: Give me the napkin, I'm drooling.
Waiter: And if you want dessert, it would be a good idea to tell us now.
Slade: Okay. I want sofri. The rest will come later.
Waiter: I think...
Slade: I want some venison.
The waiter walked away.
Slade: Charlie, are there any rolls on the table? Give me.
Charlie handed the straw basket with the rolls to Slade, who picked up a small roll, tore it open, and smelled it.
Slade: You should try these rolls, Charlie, I used to dream about them when I was at Warschegberg. In Colorado, the bread is not good at all, and the water is salty.
Charlie: Lieutenant Colonel, you just said... did I hear that right? You said you were going to kill yourself?
Slade: No, I said I was going to punch my head out. Try these little things, Charlie, I'll butter you.
Charlie: I don't want to eat rolls, okay?
Slade: All right. Get something else. (turns to waiter) Hey, get me a double Jack Daniel's with ice.
Waiter: All right, sir, come right away.
Charlie gestured to the waiter, motioning him to add water to the wine.
Slade (observantly): Please don't do that. Don't do it. (sighs) What a great place.
IN THE LIVING ROOM OF A HOTEL SUITE - NIGHT
Slade walks in with Charlie. Slade put down his crutches.
Slade (pointing to the couch) Your bed is here, you'll find sheets in the cupboard or something. Tomorrow morning, the place is to be fully restored to its living room appearance, by 7 o'clock.
Charlie gave a military salute.
Slade (perceptively): What is this?
Charlie: Nothing.
Slade (speaking and demonstrating): Next time, be quick, thumbs together, lift to the hairline at once, then put it down. There are so many people far better than you who have done this kind of salute, and if you were smart, you wouldn't try to do it again. Don't mess with me, Charlie, and get a good night's sleep. IN THE LIVING ROOM OF A HOTEL SUITE -
DAY
Charlie wakes up and looks sleepily at his watch. Slade was standing not far away, and Sophia, a female college student, was taking his measurements.
Slade (exultantly): Good day today. So, whatever you're going to do, you've got a great weather to do it. That is true. Good morning, Charlie.
CHARLIE (getting up): Good morning.
Slade (pointing to Sophia, who is busy taking his measurements:) This is Sophia, Charlie, she's a magician with needles. Sophia is going to make me a checkered suit. I want her to do it for you too.
Charlie: I don't need clothes, Lieutenant Colonel.
Slade: This is the standard outfit for an advanced city mission. Don't you like clothes, Charlie? After completing the mission, you can send it away. The food truck over there has juice, coffee, and delicious snacks. If you want to get up, get up quickly. (excitedly) It's a great day to sing a song, it's a great day to be out and about. (Sophia dresses him, he continues) Today is also a great day from morning to night, and it's a great day because everyone is polite.
Charlie: How are you feeling today, Colonel?
Slade: Excellent. Extraordinarily good, super good. Young Sophia is also working on Thanksgiving because she wants to graduate from college. I told her that my young friend Charlie was going to college too.
CHARLIE (gets up and walks out): Well, excuse me for leaving.
Slade: Where are you going?
Charlie: I need to use the phone.
Slade: What's wrong with the phone here?
Charlie: I don't want to disturb you.
Slade: You didn't bother me, just call you.
Charlie: I can't. That's a private matter.
Slade (sternly) Don't come into my room. (slightly toned down again) That's the privacy you're getting. But if you have something to do, do it. (turning to Sophia) Sophia, is there any chance that you will like it when?
Charlie reluctantly picked up the phone.
The voice of the female operator came over the phone: Sugar Bush Hotel.
Charlie: Hello, please pick me up for George Willis.
George (voice over microphone) Hello?
Charlie: George, hey, I'm Charley.
George: Hey Charles, you should come with us next year. It's snowing here and there are beautiful women everywhere. Charles, are you there?
Charlie: Well, here I am. You asked me to call you and tell me what to do next.
George: OK. now? Action is to do nothing, to stand still, and everything is resolved.
Charlie: How could they believe it?
George: I didn't see anything bad, didn't hear anything bad. You know what I mean, Charles.
Charlie: Okay, didn't see anything bad, didn't hear anything bad.
George: Well, say nothing.
Charlie: Well, bye.
Charlie put down the phone.
Slade: It's George Willis, right?
Charlie: Yes.
Slade: George Willis. Probably his father was named Big George Willis. Charlie, I ask you, what do you think Big George might have thought about what little George said, didn't see anything bad, and didn't hear anything bad?
CHARLIE (standing up, earnestly): Well, we can't tell the parents, we can't tell anyone.
Slade: Oh, George wouldn't tell his father the damn thing. Enough fucking righteousness.
At this time, Sophia accidentally stabbed Slade.
Slade: Oops.
SOFIA (hurriedly): I'm sorry.
Slade: It's okay, I like it when you hurt me. Well, now you tell me, Charlie, what does this little George Willis do his father?
Charlie: I don't know.
Slade: Well, I'm going to tell you. (Let Sophia dress him.) When old George, as a senior executive at an insurance company, or as the general agent for Chrysler cars in New England, was not busy with his millionaire business, he cared about him. Younger son George Willis Jr.
Charlie: No, George isn't going to tell his father anything.
Slade (let Sophia put the coat on him): Charlie, Big George puts pressure on Little George, he'll say it all. If you're smart, you'll figure it out for yourself.
Charlie: You figured it all out, right?
Slade: I don't think you need a Merit American Youth Scholarship to figure it all out. Charlie, your life is not good, so you decide to go to Bell Middle School and put yourself in the market for a good life. You're in a long contest and you have to tell these people what they want to know.
Charlie: Do you think so?
Sophia took off her coat and top for Slade.
Slade: Are we done, Sophia?
Sophia: It's over.
Slade: Thank you very much. Charlie, if you don't think about it right now, not only will you end up with cookies in a convenience store in Ologon, but maybe the last words you hear yourself say before you die will be, "Good day and welcome. See you again." Sophia, measure the lad, we have a date for Thanksgiving.
CHARLIE (surprised): We have a date?
Slade: Go to my brother's house, WR Slade.
Charlie: Lieutenant Colonel, I can't go to your brother's house with you. I mean, I should go back to school.
Slade: Where do you have to spend Thanksgiving? Are you going to eat on the street? I could use your company, Charlie.
Charlie (has to): Well, does he know I'm going?
Slade: He didn't even know I was going! But wait, you'll see the look on his face when I walk in his door. Oh he loves me. Oh Charlie, on your little question, there are two kinds of people in this world, those who face reality bravely and those who try to hide. Dodge is better. Well, Sophia, measure his clothes to make him prettier.
EXT - A
limousine stops on a street in the suburbs of New York during the day , Slade and Charlie get out of the car and walk up the steps of a house.
Charlie: Is that right here?
Slade: Yes.
Charlie rang the doorbell, and after a while, Randy, Slade's nephew, came out and opened the door.
Randy: Is something wrong?
Slade: Something. who are you?
Randy: I'm Randy.
Slade: Randy, are you new?
Randy: I'm your nephew.
Slade: Haha, here I am, your sister has been entertaining me long enough, and I think it's time for my turn, it's time.
Randy's wife Jill stepped forward.
Jill: Uncle Frank.
Slade: Is that Gloria?
Jill: It's Jill.
Slade: Of course! Come say hello to a Thanksgiving party in New York City. (walking through the door as he speaks) This year, old Uncle Frank came with Charlie Simmons. He was the star central defender of the Bell Middle School football team. Their team is amazing. Where is your poor father? No, no, no, let's surprise him, let's scare his fat heart. (loudly) Rip, Rip!
Frank Slade's older brother, WR Slade, heard shouting from upstairs and came down. He is not tall, and his appearance is not spiritual, and he looks like he is bearing the burden of life. His brother's shouting didn't make him happy at all, on the contrary, he wasn't happy.
WR Slade: Hello, Frank.
Slade (grossly, but enthusiastically): How are you, Rip.
WR Slade: Good.
Slade (holds out his hand): Here's my hand, Charlie, let me introduce you, this is WR Slade.
Charlie: Nice to meet you, sir.
Slade: He's the founder of the Balkin Briefcase Company. (Turns to sister-in-law Gletcher who has heard the voice) Gletcher, I smell prunes. Are you making turkey?
Gletcher: Yes.
Slade (embracing with sister-in-law): Come, let me smell you, come on, you know, I've been secretly in love with you. Oh, great, great. Hey Charlie, where are you? You are my collaborator.
WR Slade (to Charlie): Say it again, who are you?
Charlie: I stayed at the hotel with your brother.
Slade (interjecting): That's the last question for WR. How are you, Charlie?
WR Slade (still at Charlie): Who the hell are you?
Charlie: I'm going to take care of him this weekend.
Slade (throws the cane at Charlie): Charlie!
Gletcher: Sorry.
Slade: Excuse me, what about the wine? (Ren Gletcher helps him take off his coat.) It's like an open-air market.
CHARLIE (seriously to WR Slade): I don't think the Lieutenant Colonel's situation is great.
WR Slade: Really?
Charlie: I think he feels a little lonely.
WR Slade (unhappily): Why not take him to your house for dinner?
Broken Ryder (loud): I hear you! I heard it! Ignore him, Charlie, that's what Big Brother said. He has taken care of me since the day I was born. He's rescued me from trouble so many times that he doesn't want to remember, has he?
Gletcher (to Charlie) Give me your coat.
Charlie took off his coat and handed it to Gletcher.
Slade (still gruffly): I wanted to buy some wine on the road, but I didn't. I'll get you Ralph Char for Christmas, let's see how Thanksgiving goes.
Gletcher (commanding the children) Move out two more.
Randy (brings a glass of wine and hands it to Slade) Your wine, Frank.
Slade (takes the wine): Thank you, Randy, you work at the Snow Queen Sugar Factory, right?
Randy (unhappy): No, it's Snowflake Lake, and you keep getting it wrong.
Slade (takes a sip of wine) Because, for me, getting it right doesn't matter. what are you doing now?
Randy: I'm the VP of Marketing.
Slade: Ah, congratulations. Although eating too much sugar can hurt. I told General Lebel to use honey in the rations. If a bullet can't knock your brain out, sugar certainly does. Ha ha!
Gletcher: Why don't we all sit down?
Slade (twisted nose, sniffs Gletcher's perfume vigorously, then to brother): Be careful, wife won't rest when she's got perfume all over her head.
WR Slade: Well, let's eat, shall we?
Slade (to Charlie): Come with me, thank you, Charlie.
Slade strutted and swaggered in front, and the others followed him into the dining room.
DINING ROOM, DAY
WR Slade (reluctantly): Where do you want to sit, do you want to sit in the front seat?
Slade (speaking as he goes to the main seat at the end of the seat and sits down): Oh, anywhere, that's fine. Where did I just say? (Ignoring the helpless crowd completely, enjoying myself and enjoying myself) Oh, so, I woke up, it was 4 o'clock in the morning. I don't know who I'm with, why I'm there, where I'm at, what I'm going to do. On one side I was an Asian woman who was giggling all the time, and on the other was a no-nonsense Navy nurse. The three of us slept in the same bed, naked. That made me feel pretty good. Let the East and the West come together, and a golden bridge will be built. Haha, I feel as if I joined the profession of engineers. (Seeing the crowd remain silent) Are you all here?
Randy (can't help it): That's a beautiful story. You like shocking people, don't you, Uncle Frank?
Gletcher (restrainingly): Honey.
Slade: I didn't know you were so startled, Randy. I appreciate your sensitivity, I am touched.
Randy (to the crowd) Remember that time Frank was asked to go down that canal?
Slade: What's wrong?
Randy: You almost ruined the business.
WR Slade (sternly): Randy, stop talking.
Slade's other nephew, Gary (interrupting): Stop talking, enough talk, you know.
Slade: Indeed, Gary. Indeed, Gary, the same goes for dinner. Charlie, what time is it, we should go back.
RANDY (relentlessly, sarcastically): Haven't you thought about buying a watch for the blind, Frank?
Gletcher (stopping eagerly): Randy!
Randy (ignoring mother's dissuasion): Stephen has a piece, do you want to hire him too?
Randy's wife Jill (hurriedly): Honey, please stop talking!
Slade: It's okay, Gloria, I like Randy's opinion.
Randy: My wife's name is Jill, Frank, do you hear me? Call Jill!
Slade: Excuse me. But you know, there's something nervous in that voice, and I don't know what that is. There could be two reasons, either she was nervous, or she was dissatisfied.
Randy: What do you mean, Uncle Frank?
Slade: You have to satisfy her.
Randy (understood Slade, angrily): Shut up, Frank!
Slade (reluctantly): You've been so busy with your sugar business that you've forgotten what real honey tastes like!
Jill (impatiently) Uncle Frank, for God's sake, stop talking!
Slade (incessantly): Did you hear that voice? There is fire under that dress.
WR Slade (loudly): Stop talking!
Randy (extremely angry) Why don't you just get the fuck out of here? Why don't you go to that Lima Gold bar and drink with other alcoholics? You should stay there!
CHARLIE (seeing this, anxiously): Hey, wait a minute.
Randy: What's the matter?
Charlie: Don't get excited.
Randy: Why? Don't let me talk just because he's blind, Chuckie?
CHARLIE: No, but I mean...
Slade (coldly): My friend's name is Charles. He doesn't like being called Chucky.
CHARLIE (still trying to calm down): It's a family gathering...
Slade: It's just a warning.
Randy: Oh my God, I bet you idiot thought this worthless guy was a war hero.
Slade (calling ok): Wow.
Randy: Oh, maybe, he was. I think he told you he was Lyndon Johnson's staff, did he tell you?
Slade: I was going to go, and now, I'm not going.
Randy: Well, Frank was stamped for promotion to general.
Slade: Stamped, well used word.
Randy: Frank likes to despise all people.
WR Slade: Randy, you said enough.
Randy (ignoring his father's restraint): So they just... Frank, what do they call you in the military and not get promoted?
Slade: Ignore it.
Randy: Yes, Slade was ignored, twice on the issue of promotion. Do you want to know what happened next?
WR Slade: Will you shut up?
Randy (in his will): He blew himself up.
Gletcher: Shut up, Randy.
Randy (still going on): The lieutenant colonel here went to Fort Brig and fiddled with grenades there.
Slade (nodding): At Beniburg.
Randy: He's there to teach hand-to-hand combat.
Slade: Randy, look at me when you talk to me now, kid.
Randy: I'm watching, Frank. (turning to Charlie) His partner is a captain.
Slade: It's Major, Major Vincent Snells.
Randy: It doesn't matter who he is. What happened that day was that they had a little breakfast and Frank was drinking orange juice with Votega. His partner drank Blood Mary.
Slade: No, Vincent drinks Siberias.
Randy: Judge April Kate Bunison said Lt. Col. Slade had 4 drinks and his partner had 1. He was so drunk that he was so excited that he began to pull out the lead of the grenade. A grenade fell to the ground. (gestures exaggeratedly) Bang!
Slade: The one that fell to the ground.
Randy: Oh: Frank said the leads didn't come out, you know what happens when a fucking lunatic is going to get a grenade.
Slade: Turns out Vinson was fine.
Randy: Frank is blind, do you want to know the truth?
Slade: You don't want to let go, do you, Randy?
Randy: He used to be a jerk.
Slade (unchanged face): Ah!
Randy: Now, he's a blind bastard.
Slade: Ah!
Randy (laughing, smugly): Hey, God's a funny guy.
Slade: God does have a sense of humor.
Randy: Maybe, God thinks, some people don't deserve to see.
Slade (with a wry smile): Ha.
Randy: Do you understand, Chucky?
Slade's anger finally erupted, he rushed to Randy at once, grabbed Randy by the throat, and pressed him against the wall.
Slade: His name is Charles.
Everyone panicked and hurried up to dissuade them.
Gletcher: Don't do it!
Slade (still clutching Randy's throat): Charlie, see? It's called throat lock. This is what I teach people in the military.
CHARLIE (hurriedly) Lieutenant Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, please...
Slade: His windpipe broke when I tried so hard.
CHARLIE (hurriedly) Lieutenant Colonel, don't do it, let him go.
Slade: In a minute, Charles.
Charlie: Lieutenant Colonel, please, let him go.
Slade finally let go of Randy, and Randy didn't dare to come out with a look of embarrassment.
Slade (to sister-in-law): Gletcher, you screwed my arm hard enough. Let's talk about turkey or something next year. Who knows.
Slade picked up his cane, supported Charlie, and walked to the door. WR Slade sent him to the door.
WR Slade: Frank.
Slade: Goodbye, here we go. I'm not fucking bad at all. I'm not feeling well either. Come on, Charlie, give me the coat.
EXTERNAL, WR Slade House, Daytime
Charlie helped Slade down the steps.
Charlie: Lieutenant Colonel, be careful.
Slade (gets into car, to driver): To New York, drive.
Hotel Suite - Night
Charley knocks on Slade's bedroom door and walks in. Slade is disassembling and reloading his pistol.
Slade: Do you have a watch?
Charlie: It's 7:20.
Slade: I didn't ask you what time, I asked if you had a watch.
Charlie: Yes, in another room.
Slade: Go get it.
Charlie: There's a clock by your bed.
Slade: Does it have a second hand?
Charlie: Yes.
Slade: Give me time.
He quickly loaded the disassembled pistol.
Slade: How long?
Charlie: About 30 seconds.
Slade: I'm declining.
Charlie; where did you get your gun, Lieutenant Colonel?
Slade: Don't call it a gun, call it a dude, Charlie.
Charlie: Where did you get this guy from?
Slade (seriously): I'm an officer in the U.S. Army, and this is my weapon.
He took the gun apart again.
Charlie: But you're not an officer now.
Slade: So what if you retire? An officer would never let go of his .45 caliber pistol.
Charlie: Well, you'd better give me the gun or I'll call Mrs. Rossi.
Slade: What a great idea.
Charlie: I'm going back to school.
Slade: Even better. Blue sky, youthful life, (he reloads his gun as he speaks) I wish you a pleasant journey. I installed it in 25 seconds. Are you timing me?
Charlie: No. (He takes out a note with Mrs. Rossi's phone number) I'm going to call her.
What he never expected was that Slade grabbed the note, chewed it, and swallowed it.
CHARLIE (angrily): That's stupid.
Slade: Really? Charlie, you and I are stuck together.
CHARLIE (gets up and walks out): No, I don't, I'm leaving.
Slade: Oh, where are you going? Going to New Hampshire? You have no money, how do you get there? Her phone number tasted as tasteless as Overney.
CHARLIE (going out): I'm sorry, I'm leaving.
Slade (loudly) Charlie! Charlie!
Charlie turned and came back.
Slade (standing up): I just want to get another day from you!
CHARLIE (with hands on waist): Why?
Slade: One last tour of the battlefield. I can move around in a city like New York, but sometimes I need someone to point me in the right direction. What do you say, Charlie? How about spending a day with two friends?
Charlie: I... if I stay another day, will you give me your weapon?
Slade: Oh Charlie, I'm a lieutenant colonel in the US Army and I'm not going to give my damn gun to anyone. (interrupting) Hey, what are you drinking?
Charlie: Lieutenant Colonel...this...this is unacceptable.
Slade: Unacceptable. Don't use the words of that noble school on me. unacceptable. what have they done? Get rid of this boy's rustic vibe? Put him in Harvard's business school?
Charlie: Give me the bullet.
Slade: You do get it, don't you, Charlie? I can't do anything more, so why should I share provisions? I mean, right now, no one wants to have anything to do with me.
CHARLIE (persistently) Bullet, Lieutenant Colonel.
Slade: Bullet, Lieutenant Colonel, sounds like a cavalryman with a spear in the movie.
Slade unloaded the bullet from the gun's clip and threw it to Charlie.
Slade: Who are you to care about this?
Charlie: What do you care about?
Slade: What do you care about? (He points gun to his head) Care if I'm going to blow my mind out.
Charlie: Because I...because I have a conscience, you know.
Slade: You have a conscience, I forgot. Charlie's conscience. We say it, or we don't say it. Are we doing things according to the rules of the rich kids, or not. We let this blind bastard die, or not. Yes, conscience. Charlie, when were you born? Is it in the round table era? Did you hear that? Conscience is long dead.
Charlie: No, I haven't heard of it.
Slade: Well, get that shit out of your fucking ears, then! (he grows more indignant) Grow up! People are doing whatever they want, friends, tricking your wife and scolding your mother on Mother's Day. Charlie, that's all worthless stuff.
Slade got up and walked out.
Charlie (concerned) Where are you going?
Slade: Go pee. I know I need you for a day when I say it, but even I can't last that long. Oh Charlie, you forgot this bullet in the barrel.
He removed the bullet from the chamber, threw it at Charlie, and walked out.
IN THE BARBER SHOP - DAY
Slade is sitting, the barber shaving his hair and a valet shining his shoes. Charlie stood beside him.
Servant: All right, sir.
Slade shoved the tip to the waiter.
Waiter: Thank you.
He took the money, put away his things, and walked away.
Slade (with emotion): I've been in the military for 26 years and I've never had my adjutant clean my shoes. Where will you be in 26 years, Charlie? Will play golf with your old friends from Bell High School. That's not bad.
Charlie: I don't even like those guys.
Slade: Of course you don't like them, they're a bunch of bastards. It's a pleasure to make them feel bad, sue them.
Charlie: I'm not a whistleblower.
Slade: I'm not a whistleblower. What's this? Is it the Dreyfus case? Ah ah ah ah.
CHARLIE (seeing that the haircut is done, hands the cane to Slade): Here you go.
Slade (tipping tip to barber): Thank you.
Barber (takes tip): Thank you.
CHARLIE (holding up to Slade): Be careful.
SLIDER (memorizing collar clasp): I feel like you're preoccupied again, Charlie, and it's not that simple up there. EXT - STREET -
DAY
Charley walks down the street with Slade on his back.
Charlie: He's trying to bribe me.
Slade: Oh, now we're having fun.
Charlie: Mr. Trask, the president, said he could send me to Harvard.
Slade: If you're a whistleblower.
Charlie: Yes.
Slade: What a dilemma! Should Charlie get a referral from Harvard? What do you think your friend George would do i
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