Magic City s01e03 Episode Script
Castles Made Of Sand
1 Previously on Magic City You killed my boy! Al, listen to me.
Mikey is my friend, all right? He's missing.
He's not gone.
Who was with Mike Strauss when he checked into the Fleetwood hotel? Sweetheart, it makes me cozy knowing your many well-heeled guests are frolicking on my family beach.
It'seen a long time, Meg.
You should have told me about him.
- Would it have made a difference? - No.
You'll burn this, right? You built the Miramar for gambling.
You-- you genius! The second it's legal, Ben.
Here.
100 grand.
Work that Evans charm.
Judith Diane Silver? Dade County Homicide.
- Take a hike.
- What is this about? The disappearance of Mike Strauss.
You forgot your lunch! Love you! the girl I love comes from far across the sea the cutest girl that you'll ever wanna see she's 5'5" and 21 in her waist sweet lips and a pretty face she said, wake wa dukie wale wale la boo that's the way of sayin daddy, I love you The way she walk, she drives a man insane she makes a hound dog break a chain my baby smilin' and she told me my love is yours for eternity she said sake wa dukie wale wale la boo that's the way of sayin' daddy, I love you I don't know what I'd do without that little girl she's all I ever wanted in this whole wide world But I need a little more.
The dance goes like this, right? Okay? So have a little fun! Big smiles! All right.
Take five.
Don't see this in Tallahassee every day.
That's probably a good thing, Senator.
Miss Iceland.
A Viking princess.
Literally.
Purest stock on earth.
No mixing of the breeds on that rock, I can tell you.
Look at her hair.
Spun gold.
Bet her teeth are even Perfect.
Let's find out.
Sweetheart? Ahem.
Been married to the same woman for 22 years.
Thank you, though.
But if my Irma were to tragically pre-decease me, that Nordic goddess would certainly improve the gene pool.
We must always look to the future.
Yes, the future.
Your committee is meeting next month on casino gambling.
You are a smooth and charming host, Ike.
And you can make me laugh, which is a tonic.
So let's set our ground rules, and we can continue to enjoy one another's company, shall we? Fair enough.
I will never ever lend my name to your casino gambling.
We'll leave morality and the law of God out of it for now, and let's just deal with what you people do best-- Business.
No matter how much money you hotel folks have, our legal pari-mutuel gambling has more.
Much, much more.
They were here first.
Bigger and, Ike, they are not going anywhere.
While you sit here and dream about perfect Nordic teeth, hundreds of millions of incredibly untaxed dollars are being spent on bolita, numbers, cards, and sport book.
So here's a question I have for you-- Can you really ever be rich enough? Be that as it may New business? I thjnk it would be incredibly rude if I were not to extend a warm Florida greeting to our young Icelandic visitor.
My pleasure, Senator.
Stevie.
Will you help the Senator with whatever he needs? Well, thank you, Ike.
Steve.
Follow me.
Pan Am flies to Beirut, Istanbul, Frankfurt, London.
Don't you wanna see all those places? Someday, sure.
Right now Everything I want is right here.
Over, Danny! Over! We got him.
You see anybody in the hall just now? - No.
- All right.
A guy just hit 1005.
You guys go down to 9, - Mac and I'll take 11, and we'll meet on the roof.
- Yes, sir.
Come on.
That was crazy.
It was like a movie, right? Vincent will get him.
Housekeeping.
I'll see you later.
Thanks for the coffee and the company.
Okay.
Hey.
You can call me "Mercy.
" I like it.
I always have.
Okay.
Welcome to the Miramar Playa, gentlemen.
Thank you.
All right, let's go on upstairs.
It'll be nice to keep a few of those pageant gals around after Saturday, you know? Little-- little R&R for 'em For us? How about a week? The Miramar insists.
Gentleman and a scholar.
Listen to me, sir-- The Triton seats 5,000 for the pageant.
We're already 300 over the fire marshal's-- His cousin? Do you have a cousin named Stanley Suttnick? Nope.
Nice try, sir.
Hanging up.
What's his name? Sterling Voss.
He was the Fleetwood's night clerk when Judi and Mike checked in.
Wait a minute.
I thought you took care of this guy.
Oh, he was paid.
Then he got popped on the beach with some vice cops, johnson in his hand, and all bets were off.
And that's it? That's all Klein has? That's what I hear.
That's nothing.
Unless Voss testifies under oath to a grand jury.
That could mean court-approved wire taps, the whole 9 yards.
I wish Mike would just walk through that door.
Unlikely.
Without a body, he's technically still a missing person.
But that's not gonna last forever.
Talk to Voss.
Will do.
Oh, yeah.
We had a, uh, another break-in.
Guest walked in on a guy, and he bolted over the balcony empty-handed.
Over the balcony? We'll get him.
No.
Now, Vincent.
You get him now, all right? The whole world is watching us.
Catch this asshole.
How's Judi holding up? That girl is as hard as a diamond.
Thank you, Vincent.
Mrs.
E.
on 1.
Vee? Vee, what's wrong? She canceled.
What-- Who has cancer? No.
Canceled.
Canceled.
Jackie Kennedy just canceled.
Oh.
Oh.
Uh Did she give a reason? Yes.
I'm gypsy trash, and she doesn't wanna be seen with me.
Wait.
She said that? No.
Jesus, Ike.
Her social secretary said she was called out of town.
Some conflict in her calendar, blah, blah, blah.
Ike, this lunch is for her.
The invitations went out.
My name is on it.
I You know, people, those ladies are coming because Jackie Kennedy will be there.
I knew it.
I'm a joke.
I shouldn't even try.
Uh, Vee Vee, is there any way we can talk about this later tonight? Oh, of course.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
My life is so small and stupid! - No - Bas mitzvahs, dopey lunches Okay.
Your life is not dopey, it's just that-- Oh, no.
I get it.
I get it.
You have a real life.
- But you do know there was a time-- - Yes, I know, and you gave it all up for me.
Vee.
Jesus Christ.
My Esther and I used to dance to this.
Arturo? Arturo! Sit down.
Arturo! Oh! Arturo.
Arturo.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't know what to do.
You knowi'm not a nurse.
Your father make me wear the outfit.
Inez, it's okay.
It's fine.
How is he? I don't know.
He faint.
I don't know.
Pero the doctor say he no die, thanks God! Sweetheart, pull yourself together, okay? I'm so sorry.
Pop? That's my son, honey.
This handsome fella here is my boy.
He's gotta rest.
I'll give you two a couple minutes.
He's gonna be okay, right? Yeah, if they stop poking me like a turkey.
Blood pressure spiked.
Uh, he fainted.
He's on new medication.
If he behaves, he can go home tomorrow.
- Thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
What the hell, pop? You see my hat? Yeah.
Here you go.
How you feeling? I'm 100 years old, and I black out when I do the lindy.
I'm terrific.
Shit, I miss your mother.
I know.
Me, too, pop.
52 years, I never went to bed without telling her I loved her.
So another year alone.
What the hell? This, too, shall pass, huh? That's what you always say.
But what do I know? I know I'm proud of you, kid.
Look what you did.
What you've built.
The biggest.
The best.
Fontainebleau? Deauville? Pishers.
Pop.
Hey, I'm not embarrassed.
I did okay.
I had a good thing.
Sundries, a little sports book on the side.
You, you son of a bitch You dreamed big.
Listen to me, Isaac, okay? They're inside already.
Don't deny it.
I know what I know.
They're a cancer.
Very hard to cut out.
The surgery could kill you.
You got one chance.
Stay strong.
Stay healthy.
Stay alive.
You can live with the cancer.
Might cost you a few bucks, few sleepless nights, your pride But you stick around.
You hang in there.
You survive.
And then, who knows? It's a long ball game.
My money's on you, kid.
Send Inez in.
Are you sure? You only go around once in life.
And sometimes, not even then.
Let me see.
Have somebody come to the house, then.
Well, Maurice won't, and he's the best.
- Come on, sweetie, you don't want my-- - Then Al will take you.
You bought me a new t-bird, baby.
I drive better than Al.
Come on, man, she's right.
I hate that fuckin' toy.
You.
Get in the car.
"Sweetie"? "Baby"? If I didn't know any better, I would think you were fucking the gardener.
Since when do you get your hair done at night? It was the only time he had left.
You wanna call him? When you worked as a mermaid up in Weeki Wachee, how long did you say you could hold your breath? Why? A number, please.
Three and a half minutes.
Not long enough.
You really don't know me at all, do you? "Gunsmoke's" on.
There's stone crabs in the fridge.
Have a nice night in, sweetie.
Hello? I can't make it.
Are you okay? Are-- are you all right? Yes, I'm fine.
It's just-- It's not a good time.
I'm sorry.
Yeah, me, too.
Soon.
Tomorrow maybe, okay? Uh, sure.
Stevie, you burned those photos, right? Lily, what-- what's going on? What-- what's Just tell me you burned them.
Yeah.
Okay.
I'll see you soon.
Big Vee? Clifford? Jesus.
You are on fire, honey.
Look at you.
Are you dancing down here? Better.
I'm the queen.
I'm Vera Evans.
Holy shit.
You married Ike Evans? I'm sorry.
Is this so unbelievable? Cliffy, what the hell are you doing here? I'm just directing these sweaty sows for CBS.
The Miss 1959 show? Ah, somebody's gotta do it.
That's fantastic.
You coming to the luncheon? No, I-I'm help.
I've gotta eat with the cattle.
Oh, that's crazy.
Come on with us.
No, no, no.
I'm cool.
I've got too much to do, anyway, so, uh but how about tomorrow night? I've gotta hold that beautiful body on the dance floor again.
Done.
I'll call you.
Just leave your room key in my box, like the old days.
Mm.
Dream on.
I will, honey.
We did have fun in Havana, didn't we? Too much.
See you tomorrow night, Vee.
Excuse me.
Hey, Jim.
Hey.
Hey, how's grandpa? Ah, he's fine.
You know, Arthur's just getting old.
Who's this? Your senator left claw marks on Belgium.
Oh, Christ.
Who's here? The Beach Sun, the Herald, News, AP, UP.
And? And you get to see everything first.
They all wanna be invited back.
Oh! Aah! All right.
You get her.
I'll get him.
Hey! No pictures.
I do not know where this girl gets her alcohol.
Senator, this way.
Okay.
Can I get you a cup of coffee? He tried to touch my pee-pee.
JTS brown, straight up.
Mm.
Very nice party, Ike.
Very nice.
Good crowd.
Oh, you know, I think those girls of yours are very clean.
I mean Very clean, huh? I like those European gals the best, though.
Right, yeah.
Good teeth.
You know, son I cannot be bought.
But I can be rented.
Okay.
Hey, listen, when I get back to Tallahassee, you and I gotta talk all right? Sounds good.
Now where do I put this empty glass? Yeah, Pablo! There you go! Thank you, sir.
That's it.
Thank you, my good man.
Ah! Look who I found in the lobby.
It's nice to see you.
Doesn't she look beautiful? As always.
The lonely widow diet.
Don't say that.
It's only been a few weeks.
You're right.
Of course.
Ike, could I have a minute? Absolutely, yeah.
Vee, uh, maybe Steve can show-- I'm fine, sweetie.
I'll be here.
So nice to see you, Annie.
You're in our prayers.
Thanks, Vee.
Hey, let's uh, let's step out here.
Ike I wanted you to hear this from me.
I know that you didn't have anything to do with Mike.
You loved him since you were kids, and I know he loved you.
His father's gone crazy blaming anybody and everybody.
I just wanted to tell you that.
You know, Vee's right.
He's only been gone a couple-- He's dead.
I can feel it.
You know it, too.
Michael-- Our Mike-- He was a bulldog.
He got his teeth into something.
Pissed a lot of people off.
I know that.
A lot of scary people.
I just We just miss him so.
I'm hurting.
I am.
But I do not want your charity, Ike.
- Charity? - The money.
Every Monday since he's gone.
Don't bother denying it.
It's got you written all over it.
I can't say that we don't need it, but I work for my money.
Okay.
What do you wanna do? What, here? It's a big place.
We hire a lot of people.
Well, uh I, um, I can cook Bake.
Uh, I was the pastry girl at Junior's when I met Mike.
I can make a rugelach that'll bring you to your knees.
You start tomorrow, okay? You find Andre, our head chef.
I will call him and let him know.
Really? Just like that? Just like that.
Although I expect rugelach on my desk tomorrow by noon.
I know why he loved you.
No more cash in the mailbox.
I promise.
Come on.
Let's go.
I got nothing to say to you.
Why not? You're talking to everybody else.
Miami Beach Vice.
He's lying.
Don't.
Please.
You're hurting me.
Yeah? They promised you there was gonna be a secret grand jury, right? They swore your testimony would never be made public.
Let go of my arm, please.
You testify at 9:00 AM, everybody in Miami Beach will know you're a faggot by lunchtime.
Nothing is secret, Sterling, ever.
That is a lie.
I knew.
I can tell you the name of each and every secret grand juror.
I can tell you where and when you're gonna testify.
I can even tell you what room in the Biscayne hotel they're gonna put you in the night before.
Now do you see how fucked you are? What can I do? Button up Recant and deny.
They'll throw me in Raiford.
Never.
They might just maybe give you six months maximum for the morals thing.
They'll tell my mother.
Kid, that's pretty much a done deal, either way.
My advice-- You tell her yourself, you take control of this thing.
She's your mother.
She probably knows anyhow.
All right, here's 5 grand.
Take it.
You tell Klein you made a mistake.
You forgot.
Then you go, you buy your mother something nice, and you tell her the truth, and you get on with your life.
But do not make me come get that money back from you, okay? I said, okay? Okay.
It's gonna be all right, kid.
Don't worry about it.
Your wife is here.
Hey.
Big meeting or new girlfriend? Why not both? One twist of this knot, and you're Johnny Ray.
Mr.
Evans' office.
May I help you? There.
Beautiful.
Thank you.
You seem better.
Is Jackie back on for lunch? Are we free tonight? I've got a pageant advertiser's buffet I need to go to, but I can do a drive-by.
Why? The guy that's directing the show-- The Miss 1959 TV show-- Is an old friend from the Tropicana-- Cliff Welles.
Two words I hate together-- "Friend" and "Tropicana.
" So I was thinking maybe we should go to the Latin Quarter.
Catch a show? Dance? Am I invited? Yes, dopey.
You and Cliff and me.
Cozy.
Mm-hmm.
So can I tell him we're on? Late show, like, 10:00? Uh I'll bet he's a good dancer.
I don't remember.
Probably.
Oh.
Don't be jealous.
You have other good qualities, sweetheart.
So Who are you meeting with? Nobody.
Just some banker.
Meg Bannock.
You certainly do know how to make an entrance.
And you lost some of your rough edges.
Do you approve? Success becomes you.
Please.
Will you be having tea with us today, Ms.
Bannock? Is this really just a business meeting? Your call.
What's your best scotch? Do you have the 40-year-old Springbank? Walter, we'll have the 40-year-old Springbank.
Sure.
Two, Wally.
So, what time does the big Jew hunt start? Oh, please.
Come on.
Without you, I'd be on the curb.
Well, then enjoy it while you can.
Why'd you wanna meet here? My turf.
Fair enough.
To Molly.
This is harder than I thought.
I don't think you and I Have we ever been together without her? Once.
The funeral.
You do understand why all-- all these years, - I-I didn't-- - You look at me I look at you but all we see is her.
Okay, please, something else.
Let's So, Margaret Bannock I don't read the society pages as much as I should.
Are you married? Twice.
The last one just moved back to Denver.
He missed his mother, or I reminded him of his mother, something maternal.
So, yes, once again, I'm the gay divorcee.
Why? Do you know any eligible men? Nobody in your league.
Mmm.
This is nice.
Like smoke.
Peat smoke.
You always knew the best of everything.
Except, of course, you chose the wrong Bannock girl.
You used to call me the cabana boy.
You used to be one.
Besides, I was just testing you.
And I failed? Who's to say? Here we are.
There's something I wanna talk to you about.
Uh-oh.
Where's Walter? Oh, nice.
Please, Ike No charts or graphs, not yet.
Just talk to me.
Okay.
I want you to buy out my partner.
You want me? You would own 49% of the Miramar Playa.
You buy my family's land for a song, tear down our family home, and then you want to sell me half? 49%.
49%.
At what I assume is current market value? Show me the books.
The usual, beautiful boy.
Judi.
Mmm.
On the lips.
To what do I owe this honor? Well, I'm happy to see you.
I'm happy to be here.
That DA fuck kept me in the courthouse basement for two days.
Really? What did he wanna know? That's confidential information.
Oh.
"Where is Mike Strauss?" And how would you know that? Exactly.
So they just let you out, huh? Mm.
For now.
Hey, you have room for one more? How long are the amateurs in town? Till Sunday.
But, babe They don't hold a candle to my Silver girl.
Oh.
What? I just came.
Hey, dandy, what'll it be? Judi.
Albert.
Easy, doll, you're looking flushed.
Hey.
He wants to see you in his cabana.
What, now? No, next shavuos.
Cuda, will you spell me? - Good luck.
- Thanks.
Hey.
Can I talk to you for a sec? Yeah.
Good news.
I got Maria on a plane out.
It's not 100%, but it looks good.
When? How? Next week.
They're gonna call me as soon as they know.
It's safe? It's safe.
Thanks.
Thank you.
I spoke to her yesterday from her mom's place, and she's fine.
She's okay.
She's just scared, you know? Crazy over there.
It's crazy everywhere.
Look, I wouldn't tell her anything over the phone, okay? No, right.
If you're not involved in the hand, heshie, just shut the fuck up.
Hey, kid.
Benny, the kid.
You got something you wanna tell me? What? "What?" What do you mean, "what?" I'm asking you "what?" Uh Uh, I'm-- I'm sorry.
I don't know what Oh, but you do.
You do know.
You just didn't think I'd find out.
Oh, um Uh Schmuck.
Second-story guy? From the Miramar? Right.
Um No, I-I thought my pop would have Some yutz has been hitting suites from the fuckin' balconies.
- Here? In the Miramar? - Yeah.
Who's that fuckin' crazy? My dad and-- and Vincent are all over it.
Well, you tell your dad if he wants, I'll deliver the prick's head in a pickle jar.
Are the pageant girls okay? Oh, yeah, sure.
They don't even know it's happening.
Hey, Stevie, catch this guy, soon, or I will.
Thanks.
I'll-- I'll tell him.
Yeah.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Come on.
Who's opening? - Ike.
- Yeah.
Cliff Welles.
Vera's old friend.
Cliff.
Right.
Well, congratulations.
On everything-- The, uh, drop-dead place, the drop-dead wife.
I'm a lucky man.
We both are.
Wow.
Too much? No.
No.
You look amazing.
Well, like they say in the trop, use it or lose it.
Is that what they say? Then "it" is already lost.
Clifford, I'm just a mom now.
Yeah.
The last of the red-hot mamas, huh? Please tell me that's not your ex-wife.
Who is it? That's Meg.
Uh, Margaret.
Meg Bannock.
Oh.
Of course it is.
Can you give me a second? Money is honey.
What? Well, it looks like business.
Take your time.
It is, actually, business.
Yeah.
Then take your time.
Could you get me a gimlet? Sure.
Looks like I interrupted a night out.
Why are you here? Lovely to see you, too.
I got tired of studying the numbers.
Thought it would be more fun to finally see the real thing.
I'm sorry.
Just, um, seeing you here is It's great.
No, it is.
Uh, if-- if you just give me one second, I will take you on the grand tour.
I think Verna's coming, - and she looks a bit cranky.
- Verna? Verna-- Vera, this is my-- This is Meg Bannock.
Meg, finally.
A pleasure.
So sorry for bursting in on all of you.
I'm rarely spontaneous.
Now I remember why.
You look stunning.
Why, thank you.
Hi.
I'm Cliff Welles, third wheel.
Cliff, Meg.
Look, I'll be fine.
You go on.
I'll just have a quick look around.
Is this your first time at the Miramar Playa? In a way.
Ike bought this property from Meg's family and then built the Miramar Playa.
That's right, isn't it? Close enough.
Vera, would you mind if I met you at the Quarter? I'd really like to show Meg the place.
Why? A-another time, really.
Why? - Please.
- Because I do, okay? You and Cliff go have a first dance, and I will-- I'll see you there soon.
- I-I can come back.
I-I just live-- - Oh, no.
You know what? Ike's right.
Please.
And Cliff and I want to catch up.
Yeah.
I'll have her back by dawn.
It's okay? It's better than okay.
All right.
I'll have Duke drive you.
Mwah.
Don't wait up.
I'll be there soon.
Of course you will.
Oh, and make sure he shows you the kosher kitchen.
It's his pride and joy.
Vera.
She's beautiful.
All right, Ms.
Bannock.
What would you like to see first? The kosher kitchen.
Two banquet halls, two nightclubs, a movie theater It's You've built a city.
Feels bigger sometimes.
Well, when we were little, I used to build castles.
You know those drip sand castles? Right-- right where that pool is.
I used to love this beach.
in the magic of moonlight I hated you.
I know.
You took her.
You took this.
You let her-- No, Meg.
That wasn't me.
That was the cancer.
I loved her.
We loved each other.
Who knows-- Maybe I hated you for that, too.
Shh, shh.
Jesus.
He's out with his whore.
Wait So you just left? Do you mind? No, no.
Can you just hold me? Sure.
I said just hold me.
I thought she was gonna tackle you, she was so jealous.
You're crazy.
And you are a star.
Star housewife.
Listen, I'm going back to New York to direct the Arthur Murray show for NBC.
Come with me.
Stop.
I'm dead serious.
You do not belong in a hotel lobby, greeting celebrities.
This is your time.
Now.
Right now.
I will give you a feature role in a network TV show.
The chance of a career.
Vera, come.
Come with me.
Cliff God You are just too beautiful.
It's late.
Thank you for tonight for everything.
Vee, you're so wrong.
It's not too late.
I need to get home.
Cinderella Ahem.
Your glass slipper.
Ladies and gentlemen, live from beautiful Miami Beach and the world-famous Miramar Playa hotel, Clayton Textile presents the Miss 1959 pageant! I'm your host Byron Palmer.
And now please welcome from around the globe, the Miss 1959 contestants! angel, angel whoa-oh-oh-oh, angel, angel Who is that? I thought I told you to What the hell? You are my special angel sent from up above the lord smiled down on me and sent an angel to love to love you are my special angel Whoo! Did you see that? Right from paradise I know you're an angel heaven is in your eyes a smile from your lips bring the summer sunshine tears from your eyes bring the rain I feel your touch your warm embrace and I'm in heaven again you are my special angel through eternity I'll have my special angel here to watch over me the smile from your lips Brings the summer sunshine tears from your eyes bring the rain I feel your tou your warm embrace and I'm in heaven again you are my special angel through eternity I'll have my special angel here to watch over me a smile from your lips brings the summer sunshine the tears from your eyes bring the rain I feel your touch your warm embrace and I'm in heaven again you are my special angel through eternity I'll have my special angel here to watch over me watch over me here to watch over me angel, angel whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Mikey is my friend, all right? He's missing.
He's not gone.
Who was with Mike Strauss when he checked into the Fleetwood hotel? Sweetheart, it makes me cozy knowing your many well-heeled guests are frolicking on my family beach.
It'seen a long time, Meg.
You should have told me about him.
- Would it have made a difference? - No.
You'll burn this, right? You built the Miramar for gambling.
You-- you genius! The second it's legal, Ben.
Here.
100 grand.
Work that Evans charm.
Judith Diane Silver? Dade County Homicide.
- Take a hike.
- What is this about? The disappearance of Mike Strauss.
You forgot your lunch! Love you! the girl I love comes from far across the sea the cutest girl that you'll ever wanna see she's 5'5" and 21 in her waist sweet lips and a pretty face she said, wake wa dukie wale wale la boo that's the way of sayin daddy, I love you The way she walk, she drives a man insane she makes a hound dog break a chain my baby smilin' and she told me my love is yours for eternity she said sake wa dukie wale wale la boo that's the way of sayin' daddy, I love you I don't know what I'd do without that little girl she's all I ever wanted in this whole wide world But I need a little more.
The dance goes like this, right? Okay? So have a little fun! Big smiles! All right.
Take five.
Don't see this in Tallahassee every day.
That's probably a good thing, Senator.
Miss Iceland.
A Viking princess.
Literally.
Purest stock on earth.
No mixing of the breeds on that rock, I can tell you.
Look at her hair.
Spun gold.
Bet her teeth are even Perfect.
Let's find out.
Sweetheart? Ahem.
Been married to the same woman for 22 years.
Thank you, though.
But if my Irma were to tragically pre-decease me, that Nordic goddess would certainly improve the gene pool.
We must always look to the future.
Yes, the future.
Your committee is meeting next month on casino gambling.
You are a smooth and charming host, Ike.
And you can make me laugh, which is a tonic.
So let's set our ground rules, and we can continue to enjoy one another's company, shall we? Fair enough.
I will never ever lend my name to your casino gambling.
We'll leave morality and the law of God out of it for now, and let's just deal with what you people do best-- Business.
No matter how much money you hotel folks have, our legal pari-mutuel gambling has more.
Much, much more.
They were here first.
Bigger and, Ike, they are not going anywhere.
While you sit here and dream about perfect Nordic teeth, hundreds of millions of incredibly untaxed dollars are being spent on bolita, numbers, cards, and sport book.
So here's a question I have for you-- Can you really ever be rich enough? Be that as it may New business? I thjnk it would be incredibly rude if I were not to extend a warm Florida greeting to our young Icelandic visitor.
My pleasure, Senator.
Stevie.
Will you help the Senator with whatever he needs? Well, thank you, Ike.
Steve.
Follow me.
Pan Am flies to Beirut, Istanbul, Frankfurt, London.
Don't you wanna see all those places? Someday, sure.
Right now Everything I want is right here.
Over, Danny! Over! We got him.
You see anybody in the hall just now? - No.
- All right.
A guy just hit 1005.
You guys go down to 9, - Mac and I'll take 11, and we'll meet on the roof.
- Yes, sir.
Come on.
That was crazy.
It was like a movie, right? Vincent will get him.
Housekeeping.
I'll see you later.
Thanks for the coffee and the company.
Okay.
Hey.
You can call me "Mercy.
" I like it.
I always have.
Okay.
Welcome to the Miramar Playa, gentlemen.
Thank you.
All right, let's go on upstairs.
It'll be nice to keep a few of those pageant gals around after Saturday, you know? Little-- little R&R for 'em For us? How about a week? The Miramar insists.
Gentleman and a scholar.
Listen to me, sir-- The Triton seats 5,000 for the pageant.
We're already 300 over the fire marshal's-- His cousin? Do you have a cousin named Stanley Suttnick? Nope.
Nice try, sir.
Hanging up.
What's his name? Sterling Voss.
He was the Fleetwood's night clerk when Judi and Mike checked in.
Wait a minute.
I thought you took care of this guy.
Oh, he was paid.
Then he got popped on the beach with some vice cops, johnson in his hand, and all bets were off.
And that's it? That's all Klein has? That's what I hear.
That's nothing.
Unless Voss testifies under oath to a grand jury.
That could mean court-approved wire taps, the whole 9 yards.
I wish Mike would just walk through that door.
Unlikely.
Without a body, he's technically still a missing person.
But that's not gonna last forever.
Talk to Voss.
Will do.
Oh, yeah.
We had a, uh, another break-in.
Guest walked in on a guy, and he bolted over the balcony empty-handed.
Over the balcony? We'll get him.
No.
Now, Vincent.
You get him now, all right? The whole world is watching us.
Catch this asshole.
How's Judi holding up? That girl is as hard as a diamond.
Thank you, Vincent.
Mrs.
E.
on 1.
Vee? Vee, what's wrong? She canceled.
What-- Who has cancer? No.
Canceled.
Canceled.
Jackie Kennedy just canceled.
Oh.
Oh.
Uh Did she give a reason? Yes.
I'm gypsy trash, and she doesn't wanna be seen with me.
Wait.
She said that? No.
Jesus, Ike.
Her social secretary said she was called out of town.
Some conflict in her calendar, blah, blah, blah.
Ike, this lunch is for her.
The invitations went out.
My name is on it.
I You know, people, those ladies are coming because Jackie Kennedy will be there.
I knew it.
I'm a joke.
I shouldn't even try.
Uh, Vee Vee, is there any way we can talk about this later tonight? Oh, of course.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
My life is so small and stupid! - No - Bas mitzvahs, dopey lunches Okay.
Your life is not dopey, it's just that-- Oh, no.
I get it.
I get it.
You have a real life.
- But you do know there was a time-- - Yes, I know, and you gave it all up for me.
Vee.
Jesus Christ.
My Esther and I used to dance to this.
Arturo? Arturo! Sit down.
Arturo! Oh! Arturo.
Arturo.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't know what to do.
You knowi'm not a nurse.
Your father make me wear the outfit.
Inez, it's okay.
It's fine.
How is he? I don't know.
He faint.
I don't know.
Pero the doctor say he no die, thanks God! Sweetheart, pull yourself together, okay? I'm so sorry.
Pop? That's my son, honey.
This handsome fella here is my boy.
He's gotta rest.
I'll give you two a couple minutes.
He's gonna be okay, right? Yeah, if they stop poking me like a turkey.
Blood pressure spiked.
Uh, he fainted.
He's on new medication.
If he behaves, he can go home tomorrow.
- Thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
What the hell, pop? You see my hat? Yeah.
Here you go.
How you feeling? I'm 100 years old, and I black out when I do the lindy.
I'm terrific.
Shit, I miss your mother.
I know.
Me, too, pop.
52 years, I never went to bed without telling her I loved her.
So another year alone.
What the hell? This, too, shall pass, huh? That's what you always say.
But what do I know? I know I'm proud of you, kid.
Look what you did.
What you've built.
The biggest.
The best.
Fontainebleau? Deauville? Pishers.
Pop.
Hey, I'm not embarrassed.
I did okay.
I had a good thing.
Sundries, a little sports book on the side.
You, you son of a bitch You dreamed big.
Listen to me, Isaac, okay? They're inside already.
Don't deny it.
I know what I know.
They're a cancer.
Very hard to cut out.
The surgery could kill you.
You got one chance.
Stay strong.
Stay healthy.
Stay alive.
You can live with the cancer.
Might cost you a few bucks, few sleepless nights, your pride But you stick around.
You hang in there.
You survive.
And then, who knows? It's a long ball game.
My money's on you, kid.
Send Inez in.
Are you sure? You only go around once in life.
And sometimes, not even then.
Let me see.
Have somebody come to the house, then.
Well, Maurice won't, and he's the best.
- Come on, sweetie, you don't want my-- - Then Al will take you.
You bought me a new t-bird, baby.
I drive better than Al.
Come on, man, she's right.
I hate that fuckin' toy.
You.
Get in the car.
"Sweetie"? "Baby"? If I didn't know any better, I would think you were fucking the gardener.
Since when do you get your hair done at night? It was the only time he had left.
You wanna call him? When you worked as a mermaid up in Weeki Wachee, how long did you say you could hold your breath? Why? A number, please.
Three and a half minutes.
Not long enough.
You really don't know me at all, do you? "Gunsmoke's" on.
There's stone crabs in the fridge.
Have a nice night in, sweetie.
Hello? I can't make it.
Are you okay? Are-- are you all right? Yes, I'm fine.
It's just-- It's not a good time.
I'm sorry.
Yeah, me, too.
Soon.
Tomorrow maybe, okay? Uh, sure.
Stevie, you burned those photos, right? Lily, what-- what's going on? What-- what's Just tell me you burned them.
Yeah.
Okay.
I'll see you soon.
Big Vee? Clifford? Jesus.
You are on fire, honey.
Look at you.
Are you dancing down here? Better.
I'm the queen.
I'm Vera Evans.
Holy shit.
You married Ike Evans? I'm sorry.
Is this so unbelievable? Cliffy, what the hell are you doing here? I'm just directing these sweaty sows for CBS.
The Miss 1959 show? Ah, somebody's gotta do it.
That's fantastic.
You coming to the luncheon? No, I-I'm help.
I've gotta eat with the cattle.
Oh, that's crazy.
Come on with us.
No, no, no.
I'm cool.
I've got too much to do, anyway, so, uh but how about tomorrow night? I've gotta hold that beautiful body on the dance floor again.
Done.
I'll call you.
Just leave your room key in my box, like the old days.
Mm.
Dream on.
I will, honey.
We did have fun in Havana, didn't we? Too much.
See you tomorrow night, Vee.
Excuse me.
Hey, Jim.
Hey.
Hey, how's grandpa? Ah, he's fine.
You know, Arthur's just getting old.
Who's this? Your senator left claw marks on Belgium.
Oh, Christ.
Who's here? The Beach Sun, the Herald, News, AP, UP.
And? And you get to see everything first.
They all wanna be invited back.
Oh! Aah! All right.
You get her.
I'll get him.
Hey! No pictures.
I do not know where this girl gets her alcohol.
Senator, this way.
Okay.
Can I get you a cup of coffee? He tried to touch my pee-pee.
JTS brown, straight up.
Mm.
Very nice party, Ike.
Very nice.
Good crowd.
Oh, you know, I think those girls of yours are very clean.
I mean Very clean, huh? I like those European gals the best, though.
Right, yeah.
Good teeth.
You know, son I cannot be bought.
But I can be rented.
Okay.
Hey, listen, when I get back to Tallahassee, you and I gotta talk all right? Sounds good.
Now where do I put this empty glass? Yeah, Pablo! There you go! Thank you, sir.
That's it.
Thank you, my good man.
Ah! Look who I found in the lobby.
It's nice to see you.
Doesn't she look beautiful? As always.
The lonely widow diet.
Don't say that.
It's only been a few weeks.
You're right.
Of course.
Ike, could I have a minute? Absolutely, yeah.
Vee, uh, maybe Steve can show-- I'm fine, sweetie.
I'll be here.
So nice to see you, Annie.
You're in our prayers.
Thanks, Vee.
Hey, let's uh, let's step out here.
Ike I wanted you to hear this from me.
I know that you didn't have anything to do with Mike.
You loved him since you were kids, and I know he loved you.
His father's gone crazy blaming anybody and everybody.
I just wanted to tell you that.
You know, Vee's right.
He's only been gone a couple-- He's dead.
I can feel it.
You know it, too.
Michael-- Our Mike-- He was a bulldog.
He got his teeth into something.
Pissed a lot of people off.
I know that.
A lot of scary people.
I just We just miss him so.
I'm hurting.
I am.
But I do not want your charity, Ike.
- Charity? - The money.
Every Monday since he's gone.
Don't bother denying it.
It's got you written all over it.
I can't say that we don't need it, but I work for my money.
Okay.
What do you wanna do? What, here? It's a big place.
We hire a lot of people.
Well, uh I, um, I can cook Bake.
Uh, I was the pastry girl at Junior's when I met Mike.
I can make a rugelach that'll bring you to your knees.
You start tomorrow, okay? You find Andre, our head chef.
I will call him and let him know.
Really? Just like that? Just like that.
Although I expect rugelach on my desk tomorrow by noon.
I know why he loved you.
No more cash in the mailbox.
I promise.
Come on.
Let's go.
I got nothing to say to you.
Why not? You're talking to everybody else.
Miami Beach Vice.
He's lying.
Don't.
Please.
You're hurting me.
Yeah? They promised you there was gonna be a secret grand jury, right? They swore your testimony would never be made public.
Let go of my arm, please.
You testify at 9:00 AM, everybody in Miami Beach will know you're a faggot by lunchtime.
Nothing is secret, Sterling, ever.
That is a lie.
I knew.
I can tell you the name of each and every secret grand juror.
I can tell you where and when you're gonna testify.
I can even tell you what room in the Biscayne hotel they're gonna put you in the night before.
Now do you see how fucked you are? What can I do? Button up Recant and deny.
They'll throw me in Raiford.
Never.
They might just maybe give you six months maximum for the morals thing.
They'll tell my mother.
Kid, that's pretty much a done deal, either way.
My advice-- You tell her yourself, you take control of this thing.
She's your mother.
She probably knows anyhow.
All right, here's 5 grand.
Take it.
You tell Klein you made a mistake.
You forgot.
Then you go, you buy your mother something nice, and you tell her the truth, and you get on with your life.
But do not make me come get that money back from you, okay? I said, okay? Okay.
It's gonna be all right, kid.
Don't worry about it.
Your wife is here.
Hey.
Big meeting or new girlfriend? Why not both? One twist of this knot, and you're Johnny Ray.
Mr.
Evans' office.
May I help you? There.
Beautiful.
Thank you.
You seem better.
Is Jackie back on for lunch? Are we free tonight? I've got a pageant advertiser's buffet I need to go to, but I can do a drive-by.
Why? The guy that's directing the show-- The Miss 1959 TV show-- Is an old friend from the Tropicana-- Cliff Welles.
Two words I hate together-- "Friend" and "Tropicana.
" So I was thinking maybe we should go to the Latin Quarter.
Catch a show? Dance? Am I invited? Yes, dopey.
You and Cliff and me.
Cozy.
Mm-hmm.
So can I tell him we're on? Late show, like, 10:00? Uh I'll bet he's a good dancer.
I don't remember.
Probably.
Oh.
Don't be jealous.
You have other good qualities, sweetheart.
So Who are you meeting with? Nobody.
Just some banker.
Meg Bannock.
You certainly do know how to make an entrance.
And you lost some of your rough edges.
Do you approve? Success becomes you.
Please.
Will you be having tea with us today, Ms.
Bannock? Is this really just a business meeting? Your call.
What's your best scotch? Do you have the 40-year-old Springbank? Walter, we'll have the 40-year-old Springbank.
Sure.
Two, Wally.
So, what time does the big Jew hunt start? Oh, please.
Come on.
Without you, I'd be on the curb.
Well, then enjoy it while you can.
Why'd you wanna meet here? My turf.
Fair enough.
To Molly.
This is harder than I thought.
I don't think you and I Have we ever been together without her? Once.
The funeral.
You do understand why all-- all these years, - I-I didn't-- - You look at me I look at you but all we see is her.
Okay, please, something else.
Let's So, Margaret Bannock I don't read the society pages as much as I should.
Are you married? Twice.
The last one just moved back to Denver.
He missed his mother, or I reminded him of his mother, something maternal.
So, yes, once again, I'm the gay divorcee.
Why? Do you know any eligible men? Nobody in your league.
Mmm.
This is nice.
Like smoke.
Peat smoke.
You always knew the best of everything.
Except, of course, you chose the wrong Bannock girl.
You used to call me the cabana boy.
You used to be one.
Besides, I was just testing you.
And I failed? Who's to say? Here we are.
There's something I wanna talk to you about.
Uh-oh.
Where's Walter? Oh, nice.
Please, Ike No charts or graphs, not yet.
Just talk to me.
Okay.
I want you to buy out my partner.
You want me? You would own 49% of the Miramar Playa.
You buy my family's land for a song, tear down our family home, and then you want to sell me half? 49%.
49%.
At what I assume is current market value? Show me the books.
The usual, beautiful boy.
Judi.
Mmm.
On the lips.
To what do I owe this honor? Well, I'm happy to see you.
I'm happy to be here.
That DA fuck kept me in the courthouse basement for two days.
Really? What did he wanna know? That's confidential information.
Oh.
"Where is Mike Strauss?" And how would you know that? Exactly.
So they just let you out, huh? Mm.
For now.
Hey, you have room for one more? How long are the amateurs in town? Till Sunday.
But, babe They don't hold a candle to my Silver girl.
Oh.
What? I just came.
Hey, dandy, what'll it be? Judi.
Albert.
Easy, doll, you're looking flushed.
Hey.
He wants to see you in his cabana.
What, now? No, next shavuos.
Cuda, will you spell me? - Good luck.
- Thanks.
Hey.
Can I talk to you for a sec? Yeah.
Good news.
I got Maria on a plane out.
It's not 100%, but it looks good.
When? How? Next week.
They're gonna call me as soon as they know.
It's safe? It's safe.
Thanks.
Thank you.
I spoke to her yesterday from her mom's place, and she's fine.
She's okay.
She's just scared, you know? Crazy over there.
It's crazy everywhere.
Look, I wouldn't tell her anything over the phone, okay? No, right.
If you're not involved in the hand, heshie, just shut the fuck up.
Hey, kid.
Benny, the kid.
You got something you wanna tell me? What? "What?" What do you mean, "what?" I'm asking you "what?" Uh Uh, I'm-- I'm sorry.
I don't know what Oh, but you do.
You do know.
You just didn't think I'd find out.
Oh, um Uh Schmuck.
Second-story guy? From the Miramar? Right.
Um No, I-I thought my pop would have Some yutz has been hitting suites from the fuckin' balconies.
- Here? In the Miramar? - Yeah.
Who's that fuckin' crazy? My dad and-- and Vincent are all over it.
Well, you tell your dad if he wants, I'll deliver the prick's head in a pickle jar.
Are the pageant girls okay? Oh, yeah, sure.
They don't even know it's happening.
Hey, Stevie, catch this guy, soon, or I will.
Thanks.
I'll-- I'll tell him.
Yeah.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Come on.
Who's opening? - Ike.
- Yeah.
Cliff Welles.
Vera's old friend.
Cliff.
Right.
Well, congratulations.
On everything-- The, uh, drop-dead place, the drop-dead wife.
I'm a lucky man.
We both are.
Wow.
Too much? No.
No.
You look amazing.
Well, like they say in the trop, use it or lose it.
Is that what they say? Then "it" is already lost.
Clifford, I'm just a mom now.
Yeah.
The last of the red-hot mamas, huh? Please tell me that's not your ex-wife.
Who is it? That's Meg.
Uh, Margaret.
Meg Bannock.
Oh.
Of course it is.
Can you give me a second? Money is honey.
What? Well, it looks like business.
Take your time.
It is, actually, business.
Yeah.
Then take your time.
Could you get me a gimlet? Sure.
Looks like I interrupted a night out.
Why are you here? Lovely to see you, too.
I got tired of studying the numbers.
Thought it would be more fun to finally see the real thing.
I'm sorry.
Just, um, seeing you here is It's great.
No, it is.
Uh, if-- if you just give me one second, I will take you on the grand tour.
I think Verna's coming, - and she looks a bit cranky.
- Verna? Verna-- Vera, this is my-- This is Meg Bannock.
Meg, finally.
A pleasure.
So sorry for bursting in on all of you.
I'm rarely spontaneous.
Now I remember why.
You look stunning.
Why, thank you.
Hi.
I'm Cliff Welles, third wheel.
Cliff, Meg.
Look, I'll be fine.
You go on.
I'll just have a quick look around.
Is this your first time at the Miramar Playa? In a way.
Ike bought this property from Meg's family and then built the Miramar Playa.
That's right, isn't it? Close enough.
Vera, would you mind if I met you at the Quarter? I'd really like to show Meg the place.
Why? A-another time, really.
Why? - Please.
- Because I do, okay? You and Cliff go have a first dance, and I will-- I'll see you there soon.
- I-I can come back.
I-I just live-- - Oh, no.
You know what? Ike's right.
Please.
And Cliff and I want to catch up.
Yeah.
I'll have her back by dawn.
It's okay? It's better than okay.
All right.
I'll have Duke drive you.
Mwah.
Don't wait up.
I'll be there soon.
Of course you will.
Oh, and make sure he shows you the kosher kitchen.
It's his pride and joy.
Vera.
She's beautiful.
All right, Ms.
Bannock.
What would you like to see first? The kosher kitchen.
Two banquet halls, two nightclubs, a movie theater It's You've built a city.
Feels bigger sometimes.
Well, when we were little, I used to build castles.
You know those drip sand castles? Right-- right where that pool is.
I used to love this beach.
in the magic of moonlight I hated you.
I know.
You took her.
You took this.
You let her-- No, Meg.
That wasn't me.
That was the cancer.
I loved her.
We loved each other.
Who knows-- Maybe I hated you for that, too.
Shh, shh.
Jesus.
He's out with his whore.
Wait So you just left? Do you mind? No, no.
Can you just hold me? Sure.
I said just hold me.
I thought she was gonna tackle you, she was so jealous.
You're crazy.
And you are a star.
Star housewife.
Listen, I'm going back to New York to direct the Arthur Murray show for NBC.
Come with me.
Stop.
I'm dead serious.
You do not belong in a hotel lobby, greeting celebrities.
This is your time.
Now.
Right now.
I will give you a feature role in a network TV show.
The chance of a career.
Vera, come.
Come with me.
Cliff God You are just too beautiful.
It's late.
Thank you for tonight for everything.
Vee, you're so wrong.
It's not too late.
I need to get home.
Cinderella Ahem.
Your glass slipper.
Ladies and gentlemen, live from beautiful Miami Beach and the world-famous Miramar Playa hotel, Clayton Textile presents the Miss 1959 pageant! I'm your host Byron Palmer.
And now please welcome from around the globe, the Miss 1959 contestants! angel, angel whoa-oh-oh-oh, angel, angel Who is that? I thought I told you to What the hell? You are my special angel sent from up above the lord smiled down on me and sent an angel to love to love you are my special angel Whoo! Did you see that? Right from paradise I know you're an angel heaven is in your eyes a smile from your lips bring the summer sunshine tears from your eyes bring the rain I feel your touch your warm embrace and I'm in heaven again you are my special angel through eternity I'll have my special angel here to watch over me the smile from your lips Brings the summer sunshine tears from your eyes bring the rain I feel your tou your warm embrace and I'm in heaven again you are my special angel through eternity I'll have my special angel here to watch over me a smile from your lips brings the summer sunshine the tears from your eyes bring the rain I feel your touch your warm embrace and I'm in heaven again you are my special angel through eternity I'll have my special angel here to watch over me watch over me here to watch over me angel, angel whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh