Loving You (1957) Movie Script

1
Loving you, Just loving you
Winter, summer, springtime, too
You know I'm loving you
Loving you...
Glenda!
We're running out of beer,
honey.
You better order some more
from that Highway Beverage.
Oh, and where's the money
coming from, Jim?
I haven't had a check from you
in three weeks.
Tend to my publicity, Miss Markle.
I'll fret about the money.
Then you better start fretting
and start getting.
When I say we'll get it,
we'll get it. It takes time.
When you're mad,
you're beautiful.
- I ain't mad.
- You're not beautiful, either.
Thank you, thank you,
my cotton-chopping chums.
We're going to have more music
for you in a bit,
but now it's a pleasure for me
to introduce the generous gent
that's providing all this fuss
and fancy for you and me,
your good friend and mine, the next
governor of this bountiful state,
good old Jim Tallman.
Thank you, Tex, thank you.
Well, friends, I see that the county
still hasn't paved your streets.
Now, you elect me
your next governor
and Delville will get paving
faster than a frog on a hot rock.
Well, friends,
we're not strangers, you and me.
I've been coming through here
for years,
telling you all about my fine
rejuvenating elixir...
Tallman's Terrific Tonic.
And I'm here today, my friends,
to tell you that I got
a fine batch
of that pepper-upper tonic
for the state administration.
They're crying for it.
That's what they're doing.
With all the millions being poured
into our great southland...
Hey, partner.
Fasten your seat belt.
I've got a bulletin for you.
You won't get paid this week.
I won't either.
Our loyal campaign contributors
Just ain't contributing.
Can you blame them?
Dig that clown.
His politics don't taste
any better than his tonic.
Well, you're taking the blow
rather placidly.
I'm practicing
to be a philosopher.
If I had a rusty knife
I'd open a vein.
- Whose?
- Art Hawkins'.
He's breaking records
at the State Lake in Chicago
with my band, my arrangements.
Well, I made that band.
I created that sound.
Both: If I didn't get some tough
breaks I'd still be on top...
bigger than any man
in the music business today.
Have I said it that often?
You're a fool, darling.
You always were.
Takes a fool to wear
these clothes
and play the tunes
that clod wants.
Don't knock country music.
It's the voice of our nation.
Our nation should see a doctor.
Folk music's big
and it's getting bigger.
If you ever get
to the top again...
If, I say... this is your route.
All you need is the right gimmick.
Gimmick? What gimmick?
I play a quarter-tone sharp
and stomp my foot.
What else do I have to do?
If you were a girl,
I could tell you.
If I were a girl,
maybe I'd get paid.
Oh, Tex, I didn't know
this would happen.
I thought Tallman was a real
crook... that he'd get somewhere.
- A girl's entitled one mistake.
- Yes, but only one.
- I made mine years ago.
- Come on, honey.
Let's shake that medicine man
and head for the big wheel.
We're big time, you and me.
You could find a gimmick for me...
A girl with your mind.
In case you forget, Mr. Warner,
my mind is up here
and you better
get back up there.
The natives
are getting restless.
I wish I were twins.
I'd have somebody to blame for this.
Fellas, will you take one
of those cases and please put it
in Mr. Tallman's car?
That black Job over there?
Over yonder?
Yes, ma'am.
Man, if I had me a car like this,
I'd get in it, take off
and I wouldn't stop
till I was some place else.
Yeah, I know what you mean.
Pretty good beat, huh?
Yeah.
Yeah, kinda.
- Wanna get up and dance for us?
- Me?
We could use a hometown touch
to liven things up.
- Oh, I don't dance, ma'am.
- Then how about singing?
You want singing, he's your man.
He sings up a storm.
We could use a good storm
about now.
He's Just kidding, lady.
I don't sing.
Just give this cat a guitar
and stand back.
- Come on, don't be bashful.
- He's Just kidding you.
Come on over and listen to this.
Got some hometown talent here.
Come on over and listen.
- You've got to hear this.
- He's gonna sing.
Hey, Tex, give this boy a guitar
and let's hear him sing.
Up you go, Hopalong.
- So you sing, eh?
- I Just fool with it.
Hey, Skeeter,
give Kadiddlehop here your ax.
Handle it easy.
I owe money on it.
They're all yours, buddy.
Teddy:
Come on, Deke, let's hear it.
Give him a little boogie-woogie.
That'll get him started.
Yeah, now go on, Deke.
Go on.
There's moon that's big and bright
in the Milky Way tonight
But the way you act,
you never would know it's there
Now baby, time's a-wasting
A lot of kisses
I ain't been tasting
I don't know about you
but I'm gonna get my share
I've got a lot of living to do
A whole lot of loving to do
Come on, baby,
to make it fun it takes two
Oh yes, I've got a lot
of living to do
A whole lot of loving to do
And there's no one who I'd
rather do it with-a than-a you
You're the prettiest thing
I've seen
But you treat me so doggone mean
Ain't you got no heart
I'm dying to hold you near
Why do you keep me waiting?
Why don't you start cooperating?
And the things I say are
the things you want to hear
Oh, I got a lot of living to do
Got a lot of loving to do
Come on baby,
to make it fun it takes two
Oh yes, I've got a lot
of living to do
Well I've got a lot
of loving to do
And there's no one who I'd
rather do it with-a than you
And there's no one
who I'd rather do it with
Than you.
Well, y'all got some right lively
local talent in these parts.
Deke, that was great.
- You was the most.
- You and your big mouth.
Only thing it's good for
is to keep your teeth in.
Tex: Once again I want you
to meet our own singing sweetheart.
Sweet Susie Jessup.
All right, Susie.
Go to work.
Tex: Hey!
- What was the big idea?
- I liked him.
He's got something
for the girls.
- You notice that crowd?
- Only the women.
Another chorus and they would
have started throwing things.
Yeah, their door keys.
Hey...
Where you going, cowboy?
- Lady, I'm not a cowboy.
- You're a whirlwind.
- How long have you been singing?
- Oh, I...
What's your hurry?
Look... come on, Teddy.
We've got to get back to work.
Yeah, work. I told you he sings up
a storm, didn't I, lady?
Get in, Teddy.
You're not going
to run over me, are you?
Excuse me, ma'am.
I'm in kind of a hurry.
I can see that.
Dual carbs,
electrical fuel pump,
nice do-it-yourself Job.
What's your cam?
- Three-quarter race.
- What's she peak at?
- She does all right.
- You ought to install a tach.
- Tach costs money.
- Yeah, money.
I'm Glenda Ivlarkle.
You sure know your way
around a car, lady.
You have to in my line of work.
I'm a girl.
How about a little
demonstration?
Go on, cat. Show the lady
what the car can do.
Yeah-I already know
what you can do.
Takes it a little while
to warm up.
Doesn't everyone?
Glenda:
Crazy! Head back to earth!
Let's coast so we can talk.
- What's your name?
- Deke.
- Deke?
- Deke Rivers.
- Short for Deacon?
- I guess.
I like the way you sing, Deke.
You've got... something.
I don't know what it is.
Ever think of doing it for a living?
- Everybody thinks.
- Ever try?
Thinking and doing
is two different things.
How much do you make
delivering beer?
How much do you make
doing what you do?
I'm a public relations counsel.
A press agent.
And I don't make enough
to suit me. Do you?
Does anybody?
You're a hard one to talk to.
We better stop coasting.
Now, how'd you like
to come with me...
- Sing with Tex Warner's band?
- You'd pay me for that?
More than you're making now,
and that would be Just to start.
I don't know. There was a guy
in St. Joe, Missouri one time
told me he'd pay me
to sing in his show.
After I sung he run out on me
and took my guitar with him.
- Then what more can you lose?
- A steady Job.
It's the first one I've had
in a year and I'd like to keep it.
$18 a week in tips.
Made 26 bucks last week.
- What would your mother say...
- My mother's dead.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- Both of them, a long time ago.
Then you're on your own?
Yeah, that's why I got to hang
onto something steady.
Someday I'm gonna have a place
of my own, like a farm.
This could be steady.
50 a week to start.
So why not start?
Have we got a deal?
I think I'll stay here, Miss Markle,
but thanks anyway.
Why don't you think it over?
You've got till 8:00 tomorrow.
We'll be leaving from the hotel.
Operator, may I have the number
of Highway Beverage?
I appreciate your vote
and thank you for coming.
The pleasure is mine, madam.
Remember, a vote for me
is a vote for... Glenda!
Well, where have you been?
- So long, Jim.
- You going on ahead?
Way ahead.
This is goodbye and good luck.
Tex going with you?
You don't need him, Jim.
I do.
The only thing you need, young lady,
is a little old-fashioned loyalty.
I'm loaded with loyalty,
Mr. Tallman.
But for the last couple of years
it's been misplaced.
Line up whatever you can, Carl.
Anything.
You get the bookings
and she'll get the publicity.
Call me tonight.
I'll talk to you later, Carl.
There's a court date in Longhorn
he can book for tomorrow night.
Boy, did he flip when I told him
you were coming with us.
- What's that?
- An agreement.
Between the party
of the first part
and the party
of the second part.
Cut yourself in
for a pretty big chunk.
I cut you in for a big chunk.
I've got the gimmick.
- Already? What is it?
- Sign the paper.
Huh-uh. I'm not going
to sign that paper.
Look, let's get one thing
straight at the start.
You want me, you can have me...
But strictly on a business basis.
And this time, I call the shots.
I handle the money.
Oh, honey, I wouldn't want
to fight with you.
- You still haven't got it.
- Got what?
A gimmick.
And sign your right name...
Walter.
- Band member: Watch this one.
- Band member2: Okay.
What a beautiful morning this is...
If we were in New York.
Skeeter, get that bus
into Longhorn by 4:00.
Could make it by 3:00.
There's a road all the way.
- Hey, Susie? Button trouble.
- Sure, Barney.
This gives me something to do
on the bus ride. I don't play cards.
- Anybody else? Socks-J
- All right, little mother.
Get your chicks in the car.
We're on our way.
You ride in the wagon with me.
We're not leaving
without our gimmick.
Gimmick?
That's what you've
been looking for, isn't it?
Right now I'm looking for it
even harder than you.
I said 8:00. You're late.
That's no way to start a career.
I wasn't gonna come
but I got fired this morning.
Somebody complained I was late
making a delivery.
That's too bad, Deke.
Maybe it's all for the best.
- Y'all still want me to come?
- Us all sure do, honey.
Tex, you remember Deke Rivers.
- Hi.
- Hi. So this is your gimmick?
Meet Tex officially, Deke.
When you get to know him
you'll love him.
But there's no hurry.
You're not putting that kid
on the stage with my outfit.
You're right.
I'm not.
Come on, boys.
Let's get this show on the road.
It's 250 miles to Longhorn.
So long, Tex.
Hey, dawg, come here.
You want to go to Longhorn
with me?
Susie:
should have read
That detour sign
Should have read
That detour sign.
Thank you, Susie.
Thank you.
Now folks, we have an extra
surprise for you all tonight.
They tell us one
of Longhorn County's own
has got a different way
with the song.
And if we persuade the boy
he'll come up here and do
a little number for us.
So how about giving a big hand
for Longhorn County's
own Deke Rivers?
All right, let's have
your little song.
Thank you, Mr. Warner.
Can I borrow your guitar?
Why sure.
Here you are.
I've never seen him before
but he's cute.
Isn't he?
He works over in Little River.
I feel it in my leg
I feel it in my shoe
Tell me, pretty baby,
if you think you feel it, too
Let's have a party
Ooh, let's have a party
Send to the store
and let's buy some more
Let's have a party tonight
So, baby, paint your lips
And regulate your wig
And bring along a shovel
if you really want to dig
Let's have a party
Ooh, let's have a party
Send to the store
and let's buy some more
Let's have a party tonight
I've never kissed a bear,
I've never kissed a goon
But I can shake a chicken
in the middle of the room
And have a party
Let's have a party
Send to the store,
let's buy some more
Let's have a party tonight
Here we go, have a party
Tonight
Let's hear it for Claypool
County's own Deke Rivers.
Thank you, Mr. Warner.
Could I borrow a guitar?
Why certainly.
Skeeter, let him have your box.
Strings are on the outside, huh?
- You know Let's Have A Party?
- Band: Sure.
Okay, key of C.
Let's go.
Some people like to rock
Some people like to roll
But moving and a-grooving
gonna satisfy my soul
Let's have a party
Ooh, let's have a party
Let's have a party
Send to the store
and let's buy some more
Let's have a party tonight
I've never kissed a bear,
I've never kissed a goon
But I can shake a chicken
in the middle of the room
Let's have a party
Ooh, Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Send to the store
And let's buy some more
Let's have a party tonight
The meat is on the stove,
the bread is getting hot
Everybody come and taste
the possum Papa shot
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Send to the store
And let's buy some more
Let's have a party tonight.
We're gonna have...
A party tonight.
I don't want to be a tiger
'Cause tigers play too rough
I don't want to be a lion
'Cause lions ain't the kind
you love enough...
I got a lot of living to do
Whole lot of loving to do
And there's no one who I'd
rather do it with-a than you
Hot dog, my heart
is gonna go insane
Hot dog, when you come
walking off the train
Oh how lonely I have been
But when that Santa Fe pulls in
Hot dog.
It's only 87 miles to Rodeo City
so I'm making the Jump tonight.
- You keep up the good work.
- Hey, Deke.
- Yes, sir?
- Come here, will you, kid?
Now, Deke,
the boys in the outfit,
Glenda, Susan...
We all think it's about time
you stopped getting up
out of the audience.
Beginning tomorrow
you're starting right out
on the stage with the rest
of us.
And from now on, kid,
you're not borrowing my ax.
Hey, Susie.
That's for you from Tex.
What...
From here on in, you're busting
your own strings.
Okay, Ramblers,
let's get to rambling.
- Hey!
- Hey.
- Where did you get that?
- Here, Monkey Ward's.
I bet you had to get there early
before they were all gone.
- Susan helped me pick it out.
- Oh.
I thought you'd like it,
Miss Ivlarkle.
Sure I like it...
For streetvvear.
But on stage,
I want them to see that face.
I am Just a lonesome cowboy
And I'm traveling all alone
I ain't even got a nickel
To call my baby on the phone
Band:
Ride, ride, ride
Just beyond the mountain
lies a city
And I hear it calling me
Me...
Saddle up and ride,
you lonesome cowboy
Here is where you'll find
your destiny
Destiny...
In my dreams the lights
shine bright and pretty
Near to me and yet so far
Will I always be
a lonesome cowboy?
Glenda: Look at the women.
What's he doing to them?
If I were a girl,
I could tell you.
Ride, ride, ride
Ride along, cowboy
Cowboy, cowboy
Sing-a, sing-a, sing
Will I ever leave
this lonesome valley?
Really see the lights
that shine?
Gotta find what lies
beyond the mountain...
- Singing too soft.
- No one's coughing.
Maybe they ran out
of cigarettes.
I am Just a lonesome cowboy
And I'm traveling all alone
If you don't call me, baby
Then I'm never coming home...
What's your number, hon'?
I'll call you.
Then I ain't coming...
Home.
Congratulations.
Do you hear them?
Hear them? I liked to died,
little girl yelled out like she did.
That's nothing to be scared of.
She Just got carried away.
I don't hear them yelling
when Susan's out there.
That's the difference between us.
They really go for you.
Me they Just tolerate.
Oh, I'm on.
- Hey!
- Did it again, huh?
You dirty bird.
Man, I sure wish
somebody would invent
a birdcage that cleans itself.
I wish somebody would invent
a guitar string I can't break, too.
- Glenda: Decent?
- No, come on in.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Excuse us, Skeeter?
- Oh yeah, sure.
We were Just going to do
a little housecleaning anyway.
Weren't we, Matilda?
If you really want
a new shirt, Deke,
try this one on for size.
- Did you buy this?
- Well, I don't sew.
I mean, you went out and...
That's real nice of you,
Miss Ivlarkle.
Can't you call me Glenda?
The sleeves
are kind of long, huh?
Oh, not too.
Maybe Susan can take them in
a couple inches.
Maybe she could.
Aren't you spending a lot
of time with her lately?
Well...
Susan...
- well, I can talk to her.
- You can talk to me.
In school I got an A
in conversation.
I know, but with you, ma'am,
it's a little different.
- It's more business with you.
- Business?
Finding you was part
of my Job for Tex.
Of course that doesn't mean
I'll always be here.
If he wanted to fire me tomorrow,
that would be the end of it.
Well, that ain't likely
to happen, is it?
It could.
Perhaps it's good
we had this little chat.
I'm a a big one for a quick
goodbye, I wouldn't have time.
Well, I'm not much
on business deals, but I figure...
that you and I should have
some kind of an agreement.
So if Tex lets you go
then I go, too.
Deke, I wasn't going to bring it up,
but as long as you did...
I had this contract prepared.
Just in case.
Yeah, I know.
Mike Harris is the lawyer
that typed it up back in Delville.
He told me.
Got a pencil?
It's not legal
unless it's in ink.
I always feel so...
- safe when you're driving.
- Me, too.
The line that girl threw him
tonight didn't hurt any.
No, it didn't hurt a bit.
I really think the kid's
going to make it.
Put me right back in the money.
He's gonna get there fast.
- Don't lose him.
- Don't worry.
Hot dog, you say
you're really coming back
Hot dog, I'm waiting
at the railroad track
Hot dog, you say
you're coming home for good
Hot dog, I'm going
to keep on knocking wood
And baby, I can hardly wait
I'm gonna meet you
at the gate, hot dog
I fell in love with you
and then you went away
But now you're coming
home to stay
Hot dog, soon everything
will be all right
Hot dog, we're gonna have
a ball tonight
I've got a pocketful of dimes
It's gonna be
Just like old times, hot dog
You went away
and every day was misery
But now you're coming back to me
Hot dog, my heart
is gonna go insane
Hot dog, when you come
walking off the train
Oh how lonely I have been
But when that Santa Fe
pulls in, hot dog...
Hot dog, I'm waiting
at the railroad track
Hot dog, you say
you're coming home for good
Hot dog, I'm gonna keep
on knocking wood
And baby, I can hardly wait...
Just stand over there and say
you don't like him.
- That's all?
- That's all you want?
That's all. I'm testing a theory.
Ad-lib anything.
Just give them
about two minutes.
- I think he's simply awful.
- What?
Dreadful. Just dreadful.
- Aw, what do you know?
- You squares.
Ladies, if you don't watch out,
I'll bust all your
Lawrence Welk records!
Here we go again.
Toss them in and win.
There's a winner.
How's about trying again, buddy?
- It's your turn.
- No, honestly Deke, I can't.
Go ahead, lady.
Your husband will show you how.
Husband?
Oh no, really Deke, you do it.
I don't know how.
It's easy. Just take it like this,
back like this and throw it.
Try anything-
- See what I mean?
- Here, I'll show you.
Another winner.
How about trying again?
- Want to try some more?
- We got enough for one of those?
You got enough for a teddy bear
and a baby doll, too.
What do you know?
Deke, Jr.
- All right, let's play.
- I bet two.
- I'm out.
- I raise five blue.
What do you think, Matilda?
We got enough to call him?
If that bird says anything
I'm going to have a midnight
lunch of parakeet pie.
- Hi, fellas.
- All: Hi.
Deke, see the picture in the paper
of the gals fighting over you?
Yeah, pretty wild, huh?
Skeet, Susan's got something
for you.
It's for Matilda.
Deke won it at the fairgrounds
knocking over milk bottles.
How about that?
A roommate.
Matilda's been lonely
long enough.
What do you mean, lonely?
She's got me.
There ain't no feathers
on you, Skeet.
He's right. Put the bird
in the cage with Matilda.
He's a male.
Every female wants one.
From what it says in here,
Deke's Just about...
Come on, don't believe
everything you read.
He's a tiger, that one.
Deke:
Knock it off.
Tex:
Hi, fellas.
- I'll stay.
- You're a thrill seeker.
Well, fellas, beat it.
You call me?
- Close the door.
- Gladly.
I Just spoke to Carl
long distance.
These pictures paid off
like a daily double.
We're opening Tuesday
at The Grand in Amarillo.
- Amarillo, Texas?
- Uh-huh.
Oh, bless you, baby.
We've hit the city.
It's not Chicago or New York,
but it's a city.
They have sidewalks.
Cops who wear shoes.
A city.
Oh, baby,
I knew you could do it for me.
You can be more grateful
than that.
You know how grateful I can be.
Amarillds a pretty big town.
We're sure to get good enough
notices to hop to Fort Worth,
then Dallas and it's only a step
to St. Louis... the Ambassador Hotel.
The Ambassador Hotel.
New York, Chicago. I'll be back
on records, television.
Out of this riding habit
into some stylish threads.
No more Tex.
I'll be Walter Warner again.
You're giving me
too much credit.
I didn't do this for you.
It was Deke, kiss him.
Sure.
I appreciate the kid.
I love him.
He's going to be
our featured vocalist.
Huh-uh... the manager
of The Grand is booking
Tex Warner and Deke Rivers.
I've got to split the billing
with the kid?
- That's the way it's got to be.
- You mean...
- 50-50.
- I, Walter Warner?
You, Tex Warner.
Oh.
Do at least get out of these
clothes into some civvies?
You're going to go a lot further
in cowboy boots
than you ever went
in patent leather shoes.
What's the matter
with patent leather shoes?
I'm comfortable in patent
leather shoes.
I like patent leather shoes.
Patent leather shoes
make me feel...
like anywhere I go
I've got a reservation.
I will not wear
that Hopalong Cassidy suit.
- Tex, it...
- No.
Oh, it's for Deke.
If he's getting equal billing
he's going to dress the part.
Whose idea is this split billing,
theater manager's or yours?
Oh, stop.
Deke... see you a minute?
Great news, we're opening at
The Grand Theater in Amarillo.
- Hey!
- Hey, I raise.
Deke, we've got
a lovely flash for you.
The Grand, huh?
That's great.
Greater than you think.
Tell him, Tex.
Big things for you, kid.
You've going to have
equal billing with me.
- Equal? You really mean that?
- Yeah.
Oh, gee thanks,
Mr. Warner.
- I hope I don't let you down.
- You're gonna be a smash.
May I have your undivided
attention for a moment?
- Observe.
- What is it?
Your new outfit.
Think they'll be able
to see my face?
Pretty stylish, huh?
Got that made up special.
I even had these boots
embroidered special.
Yeah, we certainly did,
didn't we?
Boy, this sure is fancy stuff.
- It's almost too special.
- You're special, Deke.
We were thinking about
giving you a special name
like Tab, or Rock
or something like that.
What for?
I don't know, seems to me
kids like these newfangled names.
What's wrong with Deke Rivers?
I like it, it's a good name.
- It's my name.
- Whoa, back off.
- Simmer down.
- Come on, he was Just Joking.
- Just don't Joke about my name.
- No, Rivers is a a fine name.
I used to know some Rivers
in Minneapolis.
- Your family from Minnesota?
- No, sir.
Where are your folks, Deke?
Thanks for the billing.
Hope I deserve it.
What about your new outfit,
Deke?
You haven't told us
if you like it.
I guess it's okay.
If it's what you want.
It's what you want
that counts, Deke.
Let me go tell the rest
of the boys
we're all getting new outfits.
I don't think Susie will have
to touch these at all.
Yes, ma'am.
Whatever you think.
You're about the only one that
had faith in me, Miss Glenda.
And I'll do whatever you say.
All right then,
take off your clothes.
- My clothes?
- And put these on.
Oh what's the matter?
Did I scare you, buddy boy?
Hey, Daisy.
Looky yonder.
Youth: Hey, is that the guy
you were telling us about?
Daisy: That's him.
We got to get here
tomorrow, kids.
Waif ll you see this guy, Wayne.
Why, he had them rocking
and rolling in Jordan Crossing.
What do they know
in the country, Daise? Come on.
- Hi, Frank. How are you?
- Sit down over there, Wayne.
- Hi, Daisy.
- Hi.
- Man, what a crazy ride.
- Well, I'm glad you stopped.
I'm gonna get some more ribs.
That rehearsing made me hungry.
Who ever heard of a cowboy band
rehearsing five hours?
We're liable to start
putting out a good sound.
- Hey, that's him.
- Him who?
Over yonder, Candy.
That's that Deke
Who-cha-ma-callit.
- You mean the one...
- Yeah, the one
with the Jumping beans
in his Jeans.
- Isn't he adorable?
- Adorable?
Somebody ought to cut
a firebreak in his sideburns.
You ain't no Yul Brynner
yourself, you know.
- Cut it out, Daisy.
- I'm gonna ask him to sing.
- No, you stay here.
- Get you.
Hey you guys, there's that rock
and roll cowboy I told you about.
You want him to sing?
I'll get him to do it.
I hope we do as well in the city
as we did in the small towns.
City's Just like a small town,
only taller.
Hey you... sideburns.
I got a chick down there
who wants to hear you sing.
- I'm sorry, I can't...
- That's right neighborly, pops.
You tell the young lady
that Mr. Rivers will do
four shows a day
right across the street
starting tomorrow.
Prices don't change till 6:00.
She don't want to wait.
She wants to hear you sing
right now. Don't you honey?
- Sure do.
- Come on.
I'm sorry, folks, I...
Why don't you come around
the theater tomorrow afternoon?
We'll be on the stage.
You ain't gonna give me
any static, are you?
Now I told my girl
I'd get you to sing.
Man can't go back
on his word, can he, fella?
Look, maybe you
didn't understand me, fella.
But Mr. Rivers doesn't sing
in duke Joints.
Why don't you run on back
and drink your malted, huh?
Say, what's the trouble... these
show people starting something?
There's no trouble, sir. Do you mind
if I sing a song for these folks?
He don't mind.
Do you, Frank?
No, no...
I don't mind.
- Go ahead, sideburns. Sing.
- Crowd: Yeah, sing.
Okay...
I'll sing.
I got a woman mean as she can be
I got a woman mean as she can be
Sometimes I think
she's almost mean as me
A black cat up
and died of fright
'Cause she crossed
his path last night
I got a woman mean as she can be
Sometimes I think
she's almost mean as me
Kissed so hard
she bruised my lips
Hurt so good
my heart Just flipped
I got a woman mean as she can be
Sometimes I think
she's almost mean as me
Strangest gal I ever had
Never happy unless she's mad
I got a woman mean as she can be
Sometimes I think
she's almost mean as me
Yeah
Yeah
She makes love without a smile
And ooh... hot dog,
it drives me wild
I got a woman mean as she can be
Sometimes I think
she's almost mean as me
Sometimes I think
she's almost mean as me.
- Well, you ain't bad, sideburns.
- And what do you do for a living?
I'm with my old man
in auto accessories, why?
I usually get paid for singing
as a rule.
I figured you ought to do
whatever you do for me.
How about stepping outside
and putting a new set
of seat covers on my car, huh?
Why sure, sideburns.
What color you want?
I figure his color's yellow,
don't you?
Get out of here.
I'm gonna kill this guy.
Get the police, quickly.
It's great.
It's simply great.
Well, seeing is believing
all right.
I can't figure people out.
When I read about that fight
I thought we'd blown
the whole booking.
Oh no, Deke was exonerated
and the other kid was fined
for starting the fight.
I couldn't have planned
a better break.
Well, you've certainly
capitalized on it, Glenda.
Oh, it was easy.
The fight headlines brought
in the first packed house.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
After that, Deke hung up
the S.R.O. signs
- strictly on performance.
- I see what you mean.
Stage manager:
Step back, step back.
He's with me.
Mr. Warner's booking agent.
He'll be out to sign your programs
and you'll all be very happy.
Those kids, they're giving us
all fits back here.
Youth, it's not being wasted
on the young.
Listen, I'm expecting a reporter
from The Dallas Chronicle.
They're here now.
Why don't you go back?
Tex will be off soon.
I'm Glenda Ivlarkle.
You're early.
- I'm O'Shea, this is Ed Grew.
- How do you do?
How do you do? We got shots
of the mouse pack outside.
Aren't they lovely little
creatures?
It's hard to believe some day
they'll all be grandmothers.
Except the boys.
Baby, let me be
Your loving teddy bear
Put a chain around my neck
And lead me anywhere
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear
I don't want to be a tiger
'Cause tigers play too rough
I don't want to be a lion
'Cause lions ain't the kind
you love enough
I Just want to be
Your teddy bear
Put a chain around my neck
And lead me anywhere
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear
Baby, let me be
Around you every night
Run your fingers through my hair
And cuddle me real tight
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear
I don't want to be a tiger
'Cause tigers play too rough
I don't want to be a lion
'Cause lions ain't the kind
you love enough
I Just want to be
Your teddy bear
Put a chain around my neck
And lead me anywhere
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear
I Just want to be
your teddy bear.
- Nice going, son.
- Hi, Mr. Meade.
Matilda's done something
you've never done.
- She laid an egg.
- Well, how about that?
Wait till we tell Skeeter
he's gonna be a grandpa.
Hi.
- Remember me?
- How'd you get in here?
I've been trying to make it
for four days now.
Ever since the night you had
that fight with Wayne.
- Remember, my boy friend?
- Look, miss...
Daisy. I'm Daisy Bricker.
You remember Wayne, my ex'?
After what you did to him,
ooh, what you've been doing to me.
- Three or four shows a day.
- I'm sorry.
- For four days.
- I have to ask you to leave.
My friends dared me
to sneak in here and wait.
Oh...'?
They said I wouldn't have
the nerve to steal a kiss.
But I'm not afraid of anything.
And that's what I like about you.
You're not afraid
of anything either. I can tell.
I'm gonna have to ask you
to get out, Daisy.
You are afraid.
You don't sing scared,
but you are.
You're a phony.
When you first met the boy,
did you...
Before you ask any more questions,
let's go back and meet Deke.
Fine.
Hey!
Who are you and what are you
doing here? Get out.
What's the matter, lady?
You want to keep him for yourself?
Get out.
I would like to have
one of those pictures.
And you're not a phony.
Her friends dared her
to sneak in here.
Miss Markle was just telling us
how terrific you are.
Will you wait outside
a minute, boys?
Sure. I think we got
enough for a story.
I didn't know Daisy was in here.
Her friends dared her to sneak in.
That's how you're selling me,
isn't it?
A monkey in the zoo,
ain't that what you want?
If that's what I want, okay.
But if it's what you want...
Oh, forget it.
This kind of thing happens
to performers all the time.
I came by to tell to you
how great you were.
But I guess I didn't
realize it myself... until now.
Hey, a one-man concert.
It's a good idea, Carl.
We'll sell out the Joint.
Freegate Civic Hall...
A tremendous place...
Six, seven miles outside Dallas.
And be sure to have a cop
on his dressing room door.
Okay...
Carl, fly to Dallas and sew it up.
We close here tomorrow.
I'm going with you. The boys
can lay off four or five days,
give me a chance to work.
This is important stuff...
- It's got to be handled that way.
- Anything in mind?
I've been brewing a thunderclap
for a week now.
It'll take money, a lot of it.
But it'll be worth it.
If it's worth it, we'll get it.
What's the idea?
Okay...
I've got a rich oil widow
dreamed up in Oklahoma City.
She's always wanted a son
like Deke Rivers,
someone to take care of,
buy him things.
She knows he flips for cars,
so she gives him one.
- A car?
- A custom built white convertible
with red leather upholstery
to match his red and white getup.
In spades.
Honey, this is no idea,
it's a spectacular.
- Where do we get dough for that?
- We borrow on your life insurance.
He did hang on to that.
Tex: She made me pay it up
1O years in advance.
It's the only thing I've
hung on to... and my ulcer scars.
Deke's better than insurance.
That boy's an annuity.
It's a gamble.
A $6-8,000 dice roll.
Oh no, it isn't.
This is Just the kind of thing
that will make front-page publicity.
And in a city as big as Dallas,
they've got a front page
as big as your feature,
Okay, you sold me. I'll
get in touch with Joe...
the insurance agent.
Are you sure you can get
the car ready in time?
We're in Texas, Tex.
This is the country
they dreamed up those gorgeous
go-devils for.
I'll see you at the hotel, Carl.
We'll take the 7:1 O.
See you, Tex, at the other end
of the rainbow.
Tex, is... well,
there's one more thing.
I don't think we're gonna
need the trio behind Deke.
Better drop them...
And Susan.
Carl, I can't let them go.
They're good kids, all of them.
Deke's a good kid, too,
and he's selling the tickets.
Well, I can't fire Susie.
All right, I'll fire her.
I've been practicing for years
to be a heavy.
I'm an agent.
Sit. I Just want
to say goodbye.
Don't get scared.
I'm only going to Dallas
for a couple of days.
I thought it was that quick
goodbye you warned me about.
Not yet. We're setting up
something truly big.
You Just watch yourself
while I'm away.
You'll have a few days off
so take it easy.
- I'll keep an eye on him.
- He doesn't need a governess.
He can't take care of himself.
Can't you, Deke?
- I'm learning fast.
- See you in a couple of days.
That Daisy character
must have known something.
I got your message,
Miss Glenda. I'll take care.
Now, girls, come on!
- When's Deke coming out, Mack?
- Deke is gone.
Yeah! Real gone.
When's he coming out?
He went out front
about half an hour ago.
Come on!
All right, boys,
you can come out.
- What a week we had.
- Three-day vacation.
I kind of hate to leave.
It's the whole week we've
spent in a real theater.
- Yeah.
- Thanks to you.
What are you going to do
over the lay-off?
See my folks.
I haven't been home in so long.
- Your dad's a farmer?
- One of the best.
You're not leaving tonight,
lhope?
Not till morning.
Why?
Deke, I'd like to talk,
maybe have a bite together.
- It's kind of important.
- Sure.
I'll see you in the morning
before I leave.
See you at the hotel, fellas.
Take it easy, Skeeter.
Girl: There he is!
Oh my gosh!
Girl 2:
Can I get your autograph?
Tex: Come on, girls.
Take it easy.
What does it say?
A one-man concert?
I'm kind of sorry
you told me about it.
I won't sleep a wink.
I'm that scared.
Scared? Relax.
Learn to live with success.
Lady Luck is a lovely roommate.
Yeah, but it all seems
to be happening so fast.
It's a funny business.
When it starts coming your way,
it comes-voom...
Theaters, clubs, concerts,
records, TV.
Maybe even movies.
I sure hope so... at least,
I think I hope so.
Deke... got some doubts,
haven't you?
Something you'd like to kick
around with somebody?
- Well, Miss Glenda has been...
- I know. Glenda's a fine person,
but there's some things a man
has to talk over with another man.
You know, I like you, Deke.
You're not like these punks
you see around...
Wise guys full
of their own future,
ready to spit in the first eye
that doesn't light up to them.
You're a boy any man would
be proud to have as a son.
More than that,
we're real pals... partners.
- Somebody to go places with.
- Thank you.
It gets rugged in a rattle
like ours,
with everybody dying
to take a crack at you.
You know, it's easy
to get to the top,
but staying there... ooh!
You're gonna need
plenty of advice-plenty of help.
Kinda figured that's what
I've been getting.
From Glenda?
She said about the same thing
you're saying.
That's why we made an agreement
with each other... weeks ago.
Oh... that was smart.
I think so.
You know, Tex, I signed a paper
that she gets half
of everything I make.
And she hasn't taken
a dime from me yet.
Yeah, Glenda's
a mighty fine person.
Waitress!
Brink me an empty glass,
will you, honey?
Are you gonna drink that
straight or on the rocks?
Straight. I've got the rocks
in my head.
Good morning, boys. Don't you want
to see the little lady off?
- Come in. Have some coffee.
- We'll have to hurry.
My bus leaves in 20 minutes,
and there's only one
to Farmingdale today.
If you miss it,
Deke will drive you home.
- Sure.
- 200 miles?
I'm not doing anything
for three days.
- What will you and Skeeter do?
- See The Ten Commandments twice?
Why don't you drive
her home? Seriously.
Saves Susie her bus fare.
Do you good to see
some folks, see a farm.
- Farm, huh?
- You could stay a couple of days.
My folks would love to have you.
- What do you think, Skeet?
- I'm not your governess.
Susie:
There it is.
Deke:
Looks pretty from here.
I'm glad Tex had this idea.
So am I.
Follow the road around the hill.
Whose idea was it to send him
to Farmingdale?
It was my idea. Up there
they're not going
to be taking pictures
of him like that.
That's good publicity.
Tex:
I don't think so.
Where did you pick up
that moral tone?
When did you start worrying
about the kid's publicity?
I like him, I don't want
to see you hurt him.
I bring him back from Susan's
in that red and white custom Job...
- He'll forget all about this.
- I doubt it.
Can't fight sex with horsepower.
Who's fighting sex?
It's a healthy American
commodity.
It sells Coke, cream,
steam engines,
shampoo, real estate
and toothpaste.
It can sell singers, too.
And press agents.
I beg your pardon.
Now who's developed
a high moral tone?
I'll tell you why I sent
Deke with Susan,
that boy needs to be
with a sweet kid
- that's nuts about him.
- What are you?
- A marriage broker?
- A realist, honey.
Deke's nuts about you.
Just mentioning your name
- and his eyes pop like bubble gum.
- Well...
Sir Galahad.
The fair Susan has been
elected to save him
from the wicked witch.
Go ahead, be flip.
Avoid the issue.
I won't avoid it.
You brought it up.
Let's get to the real point,
Mr. Galahad.
When did you find out
I signed the kid?
That hurts.
That really hurts.
When you stop bleeding,
call for the car.
I'm gonna get Deke back here.
Just for the record...
it's not the kid I want,
it's you.
My head maybe full of tapioca,
but I'm still in love with you.
I'll buy half of that.
Walter.
I'll get the car...
first thing in the morning.
Oh'?
- You want to buy the other half?
- Talk me into it.
Get out of here, Joseph.
Deke: Jab with the left,
that's it.
- More coffee, everyone?
- Hey, take it easy.
- Deke?
- No thanks.
- Where's Susan?
- She's by the corral.
Fetch her back, Deke.
- Deke: Hey, Susie!
- Hi!
Hi.
Did daddy teach you about
contour plowing?
Yeah. Sure knows a lot
about farming.
That's all he's done
all of his life.
I guess if I had been a boy,
that's what I would be doing
instead of gallivanting
about the country
- with a hillbilly band.
- I'm glad you're not a boy.
You think there are
enough farmers?
No, not enough girls.
Come on, Deke.
Why, you've got more girls
than you can handle.
If I didn't get out of
the theater once in a while
I'd think the population of
America was female and under 20.
Ah...
They're customers.
Glenda isn't a customer.
Glenda's...
well, Glenda.
Think a lot of her, don't you?
Don't you?
Tex and the band have
started going places
since she took over
and brought you into the deal.
You'll make it for all of them.
- Ah!
- Like the concert in Freegate.
Deke Rivers
in a one-man concert.
Not exactly.
There's Tex, the guys and you.
We're all doing it.
I'm not going. They let me
and the trio go.
When they tell you that?
Before we closed in Amarillo.
I thought you knew.
I thought that's why you wanted
to drive me home.
They never told me anything.
Look...
Susan...
I drove you home because
well, I wanted to be with you.
Not only here,
but I want you with us
- on the road wherever we go.
- They don't need me.
And you don't need me.
You're going to the top,
and you're going alone.
I've been alone all my life.
I need somebody.
Hey!
When will we get that song
Deke promised us?
I will spend
my whole life through
Loving you, Just loving you
Winter, summer
Springtime, too
Loving you
Loving you
Makes no difference where I go
Or what I do
You know that I'll always be
Loving you
Just you and...
If I'm seen with someone new
Don't be blue, don't you be blue
I'll be faithful
I'll be true
Always true
True to you
There is only one for me
And you know who
You know that I'll always be
Loving
You.
That was Just lovely, son.
Thank you.
I've never heard you sing
that way before.
I never felt this way before.
Wow! The flying saucers
have landed at last!
Hi!
- Hi.
- Hi.
Hello.
Hi, Susan.
- Hi.
- Hi, Deke.
- Where did this come from?
- Off the drawing board,
and into your life.
It's all yours.
Mine?!
I hope you don't mind
my barging in.
- I had to show Deke his present.
- We're glad to have you.
Ma, Pa, Miss Margo.
- How do you do?
- Nice to meet you.
- Sis and Buzzy.
- Hi, Sis and Buzzy.
You must be kidding,
Miss Glenda.
Why?
I don't understand.
Why?
Isn't it crazy?
When we were in Amarillo
the widow of some oil man...
She wouldn't even give us
her name,
said that you gave her
such pleasure,
and sang like the son
she and her husband wanted...
She gave you the car.
Here.
She wrote you this note.
I never heard of such a thing.
Either did anybody else,
but they will.
We better get started for Dallas
and get ready for Freegate.
- You Just got here.
- Surely not tonight?
I'm afraid we have to leave
right away, Mrs. Jessup.
Better get your things, Deke.
- Wanna give me a hand?
- Sure.
Kind of tough saying goodbye.
Never had much practice.
I'm Just as happy to stay
home for a while.
Yeah?
I got something for you.
A key to the ride.
Just kind of...
drive it once in a while,
keep the battery built up.
Sure.
It's the first home
the old car's ever had.
Sure makes it tougher to leave.
As long as you were
coming along...
You know what I mean.
I'll be here.
I'll always be here.
Oh yeah?
See you.
You haven't said a thing
in two hours.
What are you thinking about?
Well...
- it's funny.
- What's funny?
How can a person
who's got no home be homesick?
Sometimes, Deke...
sometimes it's better
not to have a home...
than to have the kind
that I had.
Sometimes, Deke,
it's better to have had nothing.
You never had nothing.
You don't know what it's like.
What were your parents like?
I don't know, ma'am.
I Just remember somebody
soft and warm holding me
a long time ago.
And the next thing I remember
is that crack in the ceiling
above my cot at the home,
Jagged like a cut of lightning
in a summer electric storm.
Even after the lights were out
I could still see it.
Sometimes I'd lay there crying
and then Miss Whipshaw
would come in
and say, Be still, Tompkins.
Tompkins?
Want to know
who Deke Rivers really is?
You want to see?
Let's go back about 40 miles
to Ellen City.
Would you turn on
your bright lights, please?
He was alone but for
his friends who miss him.
I don't know any more about him
than I do me.
Except he didn't have
anybody either...
except friends.
11 years ago,
the night the home burned
and everybody was milling
around and yelling,
I ran away.
Iran all night
and the next morning
I found myself in here.
I was all alone.
And the one thing
I needed was friends.
I knew I never wanted
to go back to that home.
So I buried Jimmy Tompkins
and took on Deke's name.
And I figured on taking on
his friends, too.
And ever since,
I've been running.
Running and stumbling
and crawling,
looking for a friend...
trying to deserve
this man's name.
Deke.
It's nothing to cry about.
I Just brought you here
so you'd know.
I finally feel
that I've found friends.
I'm liable to deserve
the name Deke Rivers.
Deke, I...
Let's go.
- Thank you...
- You wanted me?
Yes.
Deke Rivers.
I understand.
Well, we'll...
Thank you, ma'am, for calling.
That's the fifth call
I've had from Freegate.
Your piece on Deke Rivers
has started something.
You'd better get down there.
Sounds like the irate ladies
of the town
- are stirring up a story.
- I'll get right on it.
Mrs. Gunderson, why don't you
act as spokesman...
I've already been to the press,
and now I'm telling you,
Mr. Mayor,
we mothers here in Freegate
refuse to allow
our daughters to be
corrupted by this...
Ladies, please.
Ladies! Ladies!
Please!
Let's act like gentlemen.
This is fine.
I'll meet you backstage.
I don't want your fans
seeing you
with any female under 60.
They'll think
you're cheating on them.
You want me to pull up
to the theater dressed in these?
That's part of the build up.
The Civic Hall is
around the corner.
Good luck.
What kind of a town is this?!
- You can't do this!
- I'm sorry.
I've got my orders.
There's nothing I can do.
We had a complete sellout.
I want to know
who's at the bottom of this.
Oh, go see the Mayor.
Stand back!
You all will get
your money back.
Deke!
- What's going on?
- Come on and sing.
- Don't let them do it.
- What happened?
We're coming, kid.
Somebody blew something.
Let's get out of here.
Hey, wait for me.
Let's go.
Come on.
Deke! Deke!
This would make
a great follow-up
- to my pieces on the kid.
- Thanks, O'Shea.
You want publicity, don't you?
Well, you're getting it.
Yeah, I'm getting it.
This is so good
I'm ashamed for
not having planted it.
By the time I get through
with this demonstration,
your front page won't be
big enough to handle it.
I tell you, it's a natural,
Harry.
And you've got the ground floor
on the kid if you act fast.
Otherwise, I'll take it
to another network.
But setting up a telecast
from Freegate, Texas...
I can't greenlight
a thing like that now.
Let me...
Let me get back to you tomorrow.
That's too late.
This is a legitimate
four-star event.
A real issue...
Freedom of speech.
All right, call me back
tonight. Bye.
Who is it?
Just ole Tex.
You're Just in time
to buy me a drink.
- We're celebrating.
- Not so fast.
I had a long talk
with Mr. Rivers.
What's the matter with him?
Well, ma'am,
he Just ain't happy.
Ain't happy at all.
This ruckus down
at the Civic Hall,
the kind of pictures they've been
putting in the papers,
this talk that's going around.
Deke figures he'd be happier
Jockeying a tractor
at the Jessup place.
He's about to quit, Glenda.
- He can't...
- We've already done that bit.
Blew my top all over the place.
Gave him all the lyrics...
Loyalty, gratitude...
money.
I was sailing
when all of a sudden...
All of a sudden, what?
That kid's eyes snapped on...
Lit up a deep, dark cellar
in a place we call my soul.
Huddled down,
way down there in a corner,
Just barely alive, was
an old conscience of mine.
Family heirloom.
You packed his bag for him,
I suppose.
A fine time for you
to hit the glory road.
I Just lined up
a television shot
to tell Deke's story
coast-to-coast.
- You better cancel it.
- You realize the work
I've put in, you've put in,
that's about to pay off?
No, sir,
Mr. Warner.
Mr. Rivers isn't going
anywhere.
And... if you need me
I'll be in the bar
rehearsing my drinking.
Aren't you gonna
pack your guitar?
It's yours now.
Tex told you, huh?
I'm not the only one that goes
in for the quick goodbye.
But I didn't know
how to tell you.
I know how you feel
about everything.
Do you?
How do I feel?
- About everything?
- What do you mean?
How do I feel when you go
to Tex and tell him
you're walking out, not to me?
I guess I couldn't face you...
not after all the hard work.
I couldn't.
Thanks for that much anyway.
What's been happening to me?
I've been changing every minute.
All this fake and phony...
the clothes I've been wearing,
the car I've been driving.
What's phony about that?!
You've made something of yourself.
I don't like what I've made.
That's where I'm going.
Going where?
Back to Woodbine Cemetery
to start over?
I never meant
for anybody to say I'm...
It sounds like
folks ought to be ashamed
Just listening to me sing.
What you're really saying is...
- it's all my fault.
- Oh no.
You've been wonderful to me.
That's why I feel so bad.
- I've let you down.
- No, Deke.
No, you haven't.
You tried to help me.
You knew how it was with me,
crawling all my life because
I never knew my folks.
You made me think
I don't have to run anymore.
But tonight showed me
it ain't so.
I'm scared again.
Real scared.
Running and crawling scared.
You have no reason to be scared.
Not anymore.
I'll help you.
You'll be all right.
You cannot blame the behavior
of young people
or old people on music.
You were the same people
doing the Charleston
and the Black Bottom
20 years ago.
- So!
- So.
30 years ago, people
were alarmed
at what they thought Jazz
was doing to the country.
Some of our leading magazines
were printing articles like,
ls the Jazz the plot
of disaster?
Unspeakable Jazz must go.
Does Jazz put the sin
in syncopation?
You're adopting the same
attitude toward rock and roll
because your kids use it
to let off steam.
And it goes back beyond Jazz.
When Debussy's
Afternoon of a Fawn
and Stravinsky's Rites of Spring
were first performed,
there were riots
in the streets of France.
That don't prove anything.
There are always riots
for one reason or another.
The point is,
this is nothing new.
Let me do a little
flag waving, gentlemen.
One of the things that
makes America great
is the right to a fair hearing,
yet you've condemned
Deke Rivers without it.
You have no idea
how many phone calls
we've received here
at the City Hall.
Just look at all these wires.
Still condemned
without a hearing.
The name of your city
is Freegate.
How about living up to its name?
We've got a coast-to-coast
telecast set up
to go tonight
from your Civic Hall.
You've got a chance
to make Freegate
an important community
in that half-hour.
Are you going to miss
that chance?
Mr. Shelton wants to know
if he'll have to wear makeup.
I'll put it on personally.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Do you realize something?
I Just fought City Hall.
City Hall isn't so tough.
I found our fearless leader.
Well... you really did
rehearse your drinking.
Yeah. Funny, too...
after the first five shots,
it all came back to me.
You better struggle down
to the barbershop
across the street
and have yourself restored.
I wouldn't want Harry Taylor
seeing you like this.
- What's he doing here?
- Flying in for the telecast.
- We're on at 8:00.
- What about Deke?
What about him?
He's the star of our show.
You better get yourself
cleaned up.
You've got a long rehearsal.
How did you change his mind?
We took a nice long drive
in that nice long car,
and had a nice long talk.
I've got a million things to do.
See you later.
She's quite a gal.
Yeah. Always was.
I don't understand.
Last night when I left Deke,
he was packed.
Couple hours later,
he comes back after that ride
and he's nine feet tall.
I don't know how she does it.
I have a pretty good idea,
though.
Well, let's get down
to that barbershop.
Maybe I'll get lucky
and he'll cut my throat.
Phil, can we get this dish
set up first?
Are you expecting a car
from Transplains Airlines?
Yeah, sure am.
- Pull up back here.
- Right.
Bob, the kid's hot rod is here.
- Deke?
- Yeah?
Hit it harder
all the way through.
You have 14 men in the band
and the Jordanaires
working up a storm behind you,
so come on like
a truck of turkeys.
Sure. Okay.
Hey.
Are you sore at me
about something?
I got a lot on my mind,
that's all.
Glad to see you decided to stay.
You know, Susan'll be
on the show.
Is that why you stayed?
Not exactly. It will
be nice seeing her.
How come you did
change your mind?
It was on account
of Miss Glenda.
You know what, Tex.
I never realized how much
I meant to her last night.
Take a tip from somebody
who's been there...
Watch your self in the clinches.
Hey!
I'm afraid I don't get you.
It's simple.
You're on the hook.
- I'm off it.
- Wait a minute.
Sit down.
Was there something
between you and Glenda?
A little.
We were engaged once.
Didn't work out.
We got married.
That didn't work out either.
We got divorced.
- You and Glenda married?
- It didn't work out.
We got divorced.
Funny...
Divorce hasn't
worked out either.
After last night, maybe it will.
Hey, wait a minute.
I don't know what to say.
Last night she acted like...
like I meant a lot to her,
like I was the only one
that did mean anything.
You do, kid.
You mean her whole future.
Blew my chance.
Maybe you'll have better luck.
This show comes off
the way she planned it,
and you're on your way
to New York.
That'll be all right.
I'll run over
Mr. Warner's lines with him.
Check the cue cards
on the Jessup girl,
the mayor and the others.
- What about Rivers?
- He'll be all right.
He's only got one line
before his song.
I want to run over your lines.
- Say, Tex...
- Excuse a moment, gentlemen.
I have a few lines I want
to run over with you.
But, baby, the shows
about to go on.
There's always a minute
for old friends and lovers.
You'll have all the minutes
you want after the show.
Harry's so pleased
with the way you look.
Of course I'm pleased
with you myself.
What's the matter?
I was trying
to figure out something
- I could say to your face.
- What?
- What does that mean?
- I never really thought
of myself as your ex-husband
until now.
I'm starting to enJoy
the thought.
You're playing a score
I never heard.
All right, I'll give
you the lyrics.
Deke Rivers is on cloud nine
because of you.
I always knew you'd go far
to get what you want.
Last night you really went.
What did I do last night?
He must have
misinterpreted something...
There are some things
not open to misinterpreting.
I want to get back on top,
but not this way, baby.
- I've had it with you.
- Listen, Tex!
All right, I'll play
your show for you.
- Then I'm going tonight.
- No!
Do you realize what
you're accusing me of?
I didn't. I swear to you.
You would have if you had to.
I let him kiss me.
Was that so wrong?
He needed reassurance
he's not alone in the world.
Reassurance? Is that
what they're calling it now?
Why do you make it so difficult
for me to love you?
Love?
If I didn't love you,
why would I knock myself out
on these whistle stops,
when I could be writing
my own ticket
on Michigan Boulevard
or Madison Avenue?
I don't buy that.
You could have helped me
months ago if you wanted to...
Without Deke, before Tallman.
You know I'd have straightened
myself out.
People would have believed you
if you'd have told them.
All right...
you asked for it.
I did tell them.
I told everyone from New York to
San Francisco who could have helped.
But they didn't want you.
Nobody wanted you.
I'm sorry.
You've got to believe me
about Deke.
Why?
Where's Miss Markle?
Her star's gone.
Deke? Well, now...
Mr. Taylor, Rivers Just took off
in that hot rod.
I might have known it. Anything
you're mixed up in, Warner.
I'm Just looking
for a nose to hang one on.
- Don't volunteer yours.
- Stop it, you've got a show to do.
What show?
Where's your star?
Ad-lib around the other people.
I'll get Deke back here.
What happened here?
What went wrong?
Don't you know, Taylor?
It's the Warner curse.
- Miss Markle, he headed north.
- Thanks.
This is Freegate, Texas,
a town that dedicates itself
to the American
ideal of freedom.
A town that tonight
is asking America
to help it Judge
its own Judgment.
It was here that a young,
hitherto unknown entertainer
made local headlines
only two days ago.
I think that Deke Rivers
should be allowed to sing
anywhere that he pleases.
I think it's pretty silly
to say that his performance
has any kind of influence
on kids or anybody.
You know,
what grown-ups mean
is that they don't like
the same things we like,
so we have no business
liking them.
Gosh, I've listened
to some of the singers
my folks are crazy about, and...
I sure wish their folks would
have a little talk with them.
From the day he come to town,
we all took a liking to him.
He was a good worker, too.
My boss was sorry
to have let him go,
but Mr. Warner
needed him so bad
that he knew he'd be better off
singing than working in a store.
All of us back in Delville are
proud of the success he's made.
Those stories in the paper
aren't all true.
I sneaked into Deke's dressing
room on a dare, that's all.
He had nothing to do with it.
I really didn't want
to start anything.
It was Just
a show-off kind of thing.
- Deke, are you all right?
- Yeah, I'm all right.
You're a regular bloodhound,
aren't ya?
Deke, please, I've had enough
for one night.
Just tell me one thing... where
did you think you were going?
If I can lie like you,
maybe I can answer.
I guess it's time I straightened
out the books with you, too.
You can have the truth.
You see that car?
Tex hooked his life insurance
to buy it. There is no oil widow.
The pictures in the paper,
the kids fighting over you...
I started it all.
I even had you fired
in the first place
so you'd come with us...
That's my Job.
Why didn't you tell me this
last night?
Last night I still had Tex.
And whatever I let you believe
was part of my Job,
to make it worth something
to us and to yourself.
You been telling me one lie
after another from the beginning.
One thing I didn't lie about,
Deke, is your future.
It's waiting for you
on that stage in Freegate.
You don't need my help anymore.
You're about
to make it on your own.
It's not my future
you're interested in,
it's yours.
It's what I can do to help you.
You don't care about me
or about Tex,
- or about anybody but yourself.
- You've got to go back, Deke.
Stop running. All your life,
you've been looking for somebody.
For Mama.
It's time you realized
that Mama's never going to come.
Grow up, Deke. You've got a Job
to do, to do alone.
Here's your contract.
I don't even want half of it.
The only one you owe anything
to now is yourself...
and Susan, or somebody like her.
You've got 15 minutes
to get on that stage
and find out if you've
even got a future.
I guess he was always
kind of scared and shy...
Except for when he was singing.
He sort of covered up
his feelings with his songs.
What are we gonna do now? Her spot's
supposed to lead into his.
A whole 30 minutes around
a guy who doesn't show.
I'm gonna tell you the truth
about something.
And this isn't
written in the script.
Deke Rivers isn't here tonight.
He ran away.
They're out looking for him now,
but they'll never find him.
And I shouldn't wonder what...
Some of the stupid things
they've been saying
and printing about him.
- He's here!
- Announce! Announce!
Announce! Announce!
America, Judge for yourself.
Ladies and gentlemen...
I don't even know if I'm worth
listening to or not,
but, well, I'm certainly
grateful for the chance...
'cause there's
someone here tonight
that I've got something
very important to say to.
I Just want to say that...
I think she'll know.
I will spend
my whole life through
Loving you
Just loving you
Winter, summer, springtime, too
Loving you
Loving you
Makes no difference
where I go or what I do
You know that I'll
always be loving you
Just you
And if I'm seen with someone new
Don't be blue
Don't you be blue
I'll be faithful, I'll be true
Always true
True to you
There is only one for me
And you know who
You know that I'll always be
Loving
You.
Here, Skeet...
Now you're a bandleader.
Oh, Deke...
Deke, I do know.
You've shown me, now show them.
- Tex...
- They made you all head...
No heart, Just head.
Congratulations.
- What are you doing?
- The kid's a hit.
I kept my promise...
I played your show,
now I'm gonna
keep my promise to me.
- I need to tell you something.
- Drop me a postcard.
Listen to me for a minute.
Oh, yes, I've got
a lot of living to do
I've got a lot of loving to do
Come on, baby,
to make a party takes two
Oh, yes, I've got
a lot of living to do
I got a lot of loving to do
And there's no one who I'd
rather do it to than-a you
So I got a lot of living to do
Well, I got a lot
of loving to do
Come on, baby,
to make a party takes two
Oh yes, I've got
a lot of living to do
Well, I got
a lot of loving to do
And there's no one who I'd
rather do it to than-a you
There's a moon
that's big and bright
In the milky way tonight
But the way you act you never
would know it's there
Now baby,
time's a-wasting
A lot of kisses
I ain't been tasting
I don't know about you
but I'm gonna get my share
Oh, I got a lot of living to do
I got a lot of loving to do
Come on, baby,
to make a party takes two
Oh yes, I've got
a lot of living to do
Well, I got a lot
of loving to do
And there's no one who I'd
rather do it to than-a you
And no one
I'd rather do it with
Than-a you.
As soon as the kid comes off,
we've got business to settle.
Settle it with Deke, Harry.
I tore up our contract.
There's a heart there,
after all.
Thanks a lot, everybody!
Miss Glenda...
Miss Glenda...
I would like you and Tex to take
over and handle things for me.
If it wasn't for you,
I wouldn't even be here,
and I'd like for us
to stick together.
Even after...
All I know, ma'am,
is that you and Tex and...
and Susan are all
what I've been looking for.
Friends.
You proved that tonight.
Well, all right, friends,
shall we go inside
and get on with the contracts?
I'm in a position, my boy,
to offer you a deal that I think...
Glenda, before we start,
this is the way I see it.
We don't do guest shots...
We start with our own show.
Whoa, boy.
You're getting that old feeling.
I am, huh?
Please, don't let anything
spoil it this time.
Promise me, Walter?
Lady-ma'am, Just call me Tex.
I think we'll have to wait
a little while.
My managers are negotiating
a deal of their own.
If you'll excuse us,
Mr. Taylor,
I think this is one deal
I can handle by myself.