Good Girls Revolt (2015) s01e05 Episode Script
The Year-Ender
1 [elevator dings.]
Is that all there is? Is that all there is? If that's all there is, my friends Then let's keep dancing Let's break out the booze And have a ball If that's all There is [moaning.]
- [laughing.]
- Man: Oh, my Oh.
- [moaning.]
- [laughing.]
Happy New Year.
Oh, it's cool.
Everyone's got their thing.
If that's all There Is Hey.
[grunt.]
Hey.
- Bye.
- Goodbye.
Okay.
Bye.
[clattering.]
Um, my brother and Candace invited us over tonight.
She asked me to bring something, so I thought I'd make a Jell-O mold.
But I have to stop by the market, and pick up some mayonnaise.
But I know you like that and so does Candace, so Can you get the radio? I want to hear the weather.
Mm-hm.
Man: It's New Year's Eve, New York.
Be safe out there tonight.
But right now, we've got one more song, and then we'll have traffic and the weather.
[chugging.]
[typing.]
[phones ringing.]
[chatter.]
There are only seven names here.
There are only seven editors at the top 20 papers who have a magazine background.
They're all over 50.
Steve Tilton from the Dallas Morning News isn't.
He's 49.
It's the 1970s.
I need someone who can still get a hard-on.
You said you wanted "sophisticated "with management chops and a strong sense of narrative.
" Doesn't say anything here about tumescence.
I never thought I'd ask this, but find out who's restless over at "Time.
" Sure.
Good word, tumescence.
- Good morning, Viv.
- Good morning.
I'd like you to distribute the new desk calendars.
I'm I'm on my way to the little girls room.
Okay, well, after that.
Go ahead.
Here's my resume, Patti.
I don't want to get a typewriter thrown at my head.
The second we file this complaint, they can't fire us.
I hope you're right.
I am.
I am.
Thank you so much for spearheading this, Patti.
No, it's all of us.
So what's next? Next, we party.
- Do you want to go to the Chelsea? - I wouldn't miss it.
I hear people run around naked in the halls there.
- I'm counting you in.
- No, not me, I I'm still in mourning.
- Peter broke up with her.
- Reporters don't break up with you.
They just take a posting in Moscow.
I thought you were going with him.
Me, too.
Look, all the more reason for you to come out.
You don't have to think about him all night.
How do you think I'm getting over Doug? Dottie brought another dress.
I can never make up my mind.
I would just be a wet blanket.
Come on.
Oh, she said no, Patti.
Come on, Diane.
There are fresh doughnuts in the break room.
That'll help.
Do you really think going to a party is gonna help you get over Doug? Yeah.
That and some other things I'm trying.
Mm.
I need to move on.
When Doug was arguing with me about that Panther article, and I couldn't get him to see it my way, I just Something died.
Why don't you let me take the resumes to Eleanor? Ned has a vacation day, so there's not much to do.
That would be great.
We're still waiting on Doug's edit.
The only thing is Eleanor's office is closed, so you're gonna have to take it to her house.
- Okay.
- In Harlem.
[door closes.]
- Hello.
- Hi, Jane.
What's going on? We were just plotting.
Plotting revelry that's worthy of the night.
I'm going to do mind-bending drugs.
I am going to Harlem.
To see a friend.
And and then I'm gonna make a Jell-O mold.
- Ooh.
- Ahh.
What about you, Jane? I am going to the mayor's Young Society ball with my boyfriend.
Cindy: Ooh.
Sounds so elegant.
Did you know, actually, that New Year's Eve is, um is one of the most popular days for proposals? Making memories and making babies, that's what I heard.
I didn't know that.
We've been the last two years, so it's a tradition.
Well, you know, it's not just a new year, Jane.
It's a new decade, so I wouldn't be afraid of trying at least one new thing tonight.
You know, I've never been to Harlem, so that's new.
[door closes.]
They asked me to deliver the body.
Son of a bitch.
Patti.
Bring your story file.
Did it register on the Richter scale? I'm not a geologist, for Christ's sake.
We just know the ground shook for several seconds.
Get a domestic angle.
Do we even have an idea of the scope? - Finn - We just know it was big.
So I have a big earthquake to go on? 'Til you find out more, yes.
But Nixon can't get reliable information out of China.
How long have you been here, Greenstone? Uh, well, almost My point being I should have been dazzled by now.
Get outta here.
What can I do for you? You want to kill my story? - For now, yeah.
- Why? It's uninspired.
Doug, the rise of the Black Panthers is compelling stuff.
Race, power, violence, everything that sells a magazine.
- What? Speak.
- That's true.
The Panthers are the most exciting thing to happen to the counter culture since the summer of love.
See, that's what I want.
To whites, to America, the Black Panthers are Mandingo with a gun.
They want to steal white women.
- That's not what I see.
- No, of course not.
You see the aviators and berets, and a crack in the establishment because you're young and hip.
Like we should be.
So you want me to write a love letter to the Black Panthers? - Now you're talkin'.
- It's sensationalism.
That's the point.
The Panthers themselves have meticulously crafted a sensational image.
Let's do it justice.
And the next time you want to talk, you call Angie and set a time.
You don't just waltz into my office.
[machines chugging.]
Anything big? An assassin who tried to kill the president of Panama last New Year's Eve was just gunned down himself.
You reap what you sow.
Three women are in labor at Mount Sinai.
Are you covering baby New Year again? Ever since I started here, I've loved meeting the first baby born closest to midnight.
Reginald Adam Oaks was born at exactly midnight in 1961.
He had these rolls of fat on his forearms like someone had tied dental floss around him.
[laugh.]
That sounds irresistible.
I'll keep checking back.
[moaning.]
[moaning.]
Yes.
Yes.
Ohh.
I see that you're mad.
Yeah, well, that's what happens when you're supposed to be on one team, and suddenly you start scoring points for the other side.
I'm on your team.
People on my team don't cheer on the editor when he's killing my story.
I wasn't cheering him on.
I do think he has a point.
Okay? It's what I was trying to tell you after the funeral.
There's a better angle on this thing.
So you followed me in here to tell me I told you so? [scoffs.]
That's what I thought.
I called the China Town Merchants Association.
- And? - Closed for the holiday.
I also called the embassy.
- And? - They're denying there was an earthquake.
They're lying.
It was reported in the AFP.
They felt it in Hanoi.
- Denise.
- Yes? What do you have? I'll keep trying.
[typing.]
[phone rings.]
News of the Week, this is Patti.
Yes, I'll be right up.
Have a seat.
Is this about the Black Panther story, because Doug is working on it right now, and I think you're gonna I'm about to write my first editor's page of the new decade, and, uh, well I thought you'd be a good person to talk to.
You like 20 year old scotch? I'm sure that I would if I had ever tried it.
Oh.
You're in for a treat.
You can only get this in Europe.
It's like Cuban cigars except legal.
Mm.
If life had a taste, this would be it.
So, so far, I'm mulling over the idea that the '60s were a decade of repression.
You know, in my freshman year psychology course, we learned that suppression is conscious, but repression is unconscious.
I like that.
So you start the decade off with John F.
Kennedy and Camelot, and everything appears to be perfect, only because so much is being repressed.
- Right.
- As the decade proceeds, everything that's painful and unresolved about American life just pushes to the surface.
Okay, yeah.
So what if the '70s are a decade about expansion? So the country's moving from repression to expansion? Mm-hmm.
That's good.
[typing.]
[sighs.]
[phones ringing.]
[typing.]
Looks like it stopped raining out there, finally.
Oh, yeah, it's, uh it's clearing up very nicely.
Good.
You have a beautiful home, Mrs.
Norton.
Please don't call me that.
I don't belong to my father or my husband.
Call me Eleanor.
Eleanor.
Uh, uh, we we got 36 resumes, 18 researchers and 18 reporters.
Now we're starting to get somewhere.
[chuckles.]
This gal went to the University of Pennsylvania, graduated with honors.
Her reporter went to City College for two years, never graduated.
This is what I've been talking about.
You can take your coat off, Cindy.
[chuckles.]
I was just about to fix myself my second lunch.
- Are you hungry? - Oh, no, thank you.
[groans.]
Oh, ooh.
[exhaling.]
Ooh.
Oh, uh, this baby's got me a little lightheaded today.
Mrs.
Norton, uh, uh Sorry.
Eleanor.
You are expecting.
Please stay there and let me fix you something.
Thank you.
Thank you, Cindy.
Will you run this to the copy desk? Of course.
So, uh, you have any special young people plans for New Year's Eve? I am going to The Chelsea.
There are some parties there.
I have heard some shocking, sordid tales about that place.
Well, they're only shocking if you're old.
Or if you don't read "Rolling Stone.
" Well, I've always been old.
How's that? Before I left for New York, my father showed me a picture of the Empire State Building, and said win or don't come home.
No time to relax with a mandate like that.
I have some good news.
You've won.
You can party now.
What'd you think of the scotch? I think I would have rather had the cigar.
I have more names for you.
I know exactly who I need.
[Russian accent.]
Thirty-six.
Twenty-four.
Thirty-four.
Almost.
That's what my mother says about my ratio.
"Almost.
" No, hip is perfect.
Oh, no, no, I'm not complaining, it's just that that's what she always says is all.
I do this long time.
Sweet or salty? Excuse me? Oh.
Um I think my fiancé would probably prefer sweet.
It's going to be our first time.
Oh, we need the most beautiful.
Thank you.
I don't know why I'm so nervous.
You lose virginity only once.
Oh, Chad'll love it.
He says blue brings out my eyes.
Everything change after tonight.
I will be right outside.
If you need anything, tell me.
Okay? [exhales.]
I'm so far from dazzling Finn.
Chinese food.
I just ate.
You know how there's Hunan, Mandarin, Cantonese? - I said I'm not hungry.
- That's not what I mean.
Where did the earthquake happen? Um Closest guess is Chengdu.
Okay, that's the city, but what's the region? Szechuan.
Szechuan.
Szechuan.
You know what? I am kind of hungry.
- Grab your coat.
- Okay.
Just kill it.
Christ, do you barge into other places like this? I don't want to spend three days on a story you don't want to run.
[groans.]
Will you Well, I'd offer you a drink, but I'm afraid that'll only make you angrier.
- I just - Look, six months ago Hell, three weeks ago, I would have published your article as is.
Proudly.
But the times, they are a changin', Doug.
- Who said that? - Bob Dylan.
- Correct.
- Off his 1964 album of the same name.
Well, he was prescient, things are changing now.
And this magazine needs to change along with them.
Don't tell 'em what they've already heard.
Walter Cronkite didn't visit their headquarters, you did.
You saw them feed their children breakfast.
You've seen what their offices look like, you know what kind of cologne their leader wears.
You're the best damn writer I have.
At least you could be if you could just get out of your comfort zone.
Let me take another pass at it.
Good, 'cause I want to run that version two weeks from now.
As a cover.
Close the door.
Got it.
[gasps.]
I remember Gloria.
She had the biggest bouffant in the pit.
Her reporter took her to Mexico City where he's bureau chief.
You're still in love with him, aren't you? I don't know what I'm gonna do.
I'll tell you what you're gonna do.
You are gonna come to The Chelsea tonight, 'cause it'll be fun and distracting.
My mom was gonna take me to see "Hello, Dolly.
" Doesn't that sound festive? Yeah, for a Wednesday.
I don't know.
Am I a Chelsea girl? I think you are.
Trust me, it'll be groovy.
PJ: We're out of coffee.
I'll make a pot.
And there's something sticky on the refrigerator handle.
It's, uh, honey or something.
[laughing.]
Here we go.
Amen to this.
Uh, my mother calls it shit on a shingle.
[laughs.]
Don't let that ruin it for you.
I'll try not to.
You don't want any? Oh, no, Lenny and I are going over to my brother's later.
Mm.
It's delicious.
Thank you.
Um, do you do you have anything to drink? You mean, like, liquor? Yeah, yeah, I mean, it's New Year's.
Oh, yes, of course, of course.
There should be a bottle of brandy on the counter.
- Help yourself.
- Thanks.
You know what I want to know? Uh, what? What it's like to be Cindy.
Uh Uh, well, um I'm just a regular person.
What does regular mean to you? Uh, well [stammers.]
I grew up in Rye.
Yeah, my dad worked for IBM, and, uh, my mom was a mom.
I have another question for you.
Of all the men in the world, why did you pick your husband? God, I'm not sure that I did.
I think Lenny might have picked me.
What does he think of the lawsuit? Oh, he's You know, he thinks he thinks that it is good.
Really good.
Huh.
So when are you planning to tell him? I'm not sure that I am going to.
So would you say that you're not sure if you're committed to this lawsuit, or to your husband? My mother-in-law is staying until one.
Oh, that's nice.
My shoes won't stay on.
I'm gonna have to shuffle my way into the new year.
Oh, I can help you with that.
Give me your foot.
- [spraying.]
- Eww! I'm letting you in on an old pageant secret.
I don't usually tell anyone this, but I was Miss Ocean City, New Jersey.
- You were in pageants? - Oh, yeah.
Jane: What was your talent? Spying again? - Oh.
- Wow.
I like your dress.
You look great.
No, really, I like your dress.
Thank you.
The last Panther file.
Do you need anything else from me? That'll be it.
Thank you.
This is what you're doing for New Year's Eve? If I want to get blind drunk, I'll wait 'til tomorrow when there's less competition.
You okay? You goin' to the Chelsea thing with everybody else? Yes.
Everyone just leaves their door open, and you dive into whatever scene looks good to you.
Andy Warhol's gonna be there.
Andy Warhol the boxer? No, Andy Warhol the quarterback.
[chuckles.]
Doug [sighs.]
You know, next year You mean tomorrow? I mean tomorrow I would understand if you wanted to pick a new researcher.
Now, why would I want to do that? Go to your party.
Have fun.
- How's my baby? - [giggling.]
- And how's Delores? - Oh.
Can you believe my husband wants to name our girl Delores? I think it's glamorous.
Edward, this is Cindy from "News of the Week.
" Cindy, Edward.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- I heard you're about to make history.
- Oh That's what I've been trying to tell her.
- [chuckles.]
- It's a pleasure to meet you.
You, too.
Hey, I brought a little something special for New Year's.
Spearmint leaves.
My favorite.
Just takin' care of my baby.
[chuckles.]
Um, what what is your boy name? Both: Langston.
[chuckling.]
We can agree on that.
Langston Hughes Norton.
His first two words are gonna rhyme.
Mm-mm, his middle name is not gonna be Hughes.
Langston is a great name.
Strong.
Both: Strong.
[chuckling.]
Can I get either of you two anything to drink? No, I'm good, thanks.
Oh, no.
- No? - I'm good.
Cindy, could you pass me that candy dish over there, please? Oh, of course.
Jane: It's gorgeous.
- Thank you.
- You're very welcome.
Woman: All right.
[chatter.]
Smile, sweetie, Suzanne Winchester is right over there.
- Right? - Oh, yes.
I thought you didn't care what Suzanne Winchester thinks.
I don't, I'm just surprised how many people read her newsletter.
Chad: There's Dave up there.
- David.
- Well, looky here.
- There he is.
- Happy New Year.
Happy New Year.
If it isn't the most beautiful couple in New York.
I was just going to say the same of you.
She was.
She said as much on the way over.
What is this dress? I dragged Daddy all the way down to Bergdorf's, because I knew if I tried it on, he wouldn't be able to say no.
Of course not.
Ladies.
Shall we? Douglas.
What the hell are you still doing here? Working.
Deli guy will be up any minute with my last meal of the '60s.
The story's not due for another couple of weeks.
You're not going to the shindig at The Chelsea? Oh, I might head over to Cole's before the kissing starts, more my speed.
You're gonna spend New Year's Eve at the news room watering hole with five reporters you drink with every other day of the year.
[elevator dings.]
That sounds, uh comfortable.
Happy New Year.
Woman: Come on, you two.
Eleanor: Hey, what are you putting on there? Come on, my baby.
Are askin' me what's come over me A change There's been a change And it's oh so plain to see Come on.
- Oh - Oh, yes.
- No.
- Get on up, girl.
Come on, now.
Come on, it's New Year's Eve.
- Come on.
- Join the party.
[laughs.]
You can see it in my eyes Yeah, there you go.
Now it was just a little while ago That my life was incomplete I was down so doggone low Had to look up at my feet [doorbell ringing.]
- Oh.
- The wood.
- The stove.
- [grunting.]
[laughing.]
- Happy New Year, man.
- Happy New Year to you.
- Good to see you.
Wow.
- Jesus, you're still a handsome bastard.
- Ah.
- Now you stink of power, too, man.
You make the establishment look good, man.
Carol.
This is Carol.
Pleasure.
Finn and I, we worked together at the Boston Globe right out of Princeton.
- Those were the days.
- Those were the days.
Where's that gorgeous wife of yours? She's too good for you, you know.
This is a business call.
She's got the champagne on ice for when I get home.
In that case, let's get you started.
That sounds good.
[rock.]
Hold it right there.
Okay, you can drop the cloth.
Love that.
Love that.
There we go.
Before you know it, Peter is gonna be a distant memory.
What's it gonna feel like? You know how ever since kindergarten you've been told to get in line and raise your hand, and take turns and sit down, and do as you're told.
I guess.
In 20 minutes, all of that is just gonna disappear.
- Woo! - [laughing.]
I hadn't met his wife before.
[chatter.]
I've been thinking about it.
And I have a surprise for you later.
I'm ready.
For what? I'm ready to make love.
Ah, Jane.
You don't have to do that.
Well, I know I don't have to, but I want to.
I know it's something you've wanted.
I care about you, Jane.
We grew up together.
You gave me that ultimatum, and I've been thinking.
If I have to decide I mean, we've been together for so long, and I know what this is.
You're not breaking up with me.
Yeah.
If you knew you were gonna break up with me, then why did you bring me here? I wanted you to have a good New Year's.
I'm sorry.
Let's go sit down.
Don't you dare.
Well, the circulation, obviously.
Prestige, which I know you don't give a damn about.
And then there's the money.
Whatever Jann Wenner's paying you, I'll probably quadruple it.
With your own car.
What did they give you, a scooter over there at Rolling Stone? I can get Hunter S.
Thompson changing the whole fuckin' journalism world, man.
You really want me to walk away from that? Leave it behind? No.
I want you to bring it with you.
In a white room With black curtains Near the station Blackroof country No gold pavements Tired starlings [panting.]
Silver horses Ran down moonbeams In your dark eyes Dawnlight smiles On you leaving My contentment I'll wait in this place Where the sun never shines Wait in this place Where the shadows run From themselves You said no strings Could secure you At the station - [groaning.]
- Man: Oh, easy, baby.
Platform ticket Restless diesels Goodbye windows I walked into Such a sad time At the station As I walked out Felt my own need Just beginning I'll wait in the queue Go on.
When the trains comes back Lie with you Where the shadows run From themselves [chatter.]
[typing.]
Patti.
- Oh.
- Hey.
[laughing.]
Excuse me.
Oh, yeah, baby, love that.
At the party She was kindness In the hard crowd Consolation for the old wound Now forgotten I don't feel so good.
[grunting.]
Yellow tigers Crouched in jungles In her dark eyes She's just dressing Goodbye windows Hey.
Hey.
Something happened to your friend.
I'll sleep in this place With the He raised money.
All right, what next? How about, he was one of 10 Szechuan restaurant owners in Manhattan who in the space of an afternoon Yes.
In the space of an afternoon, Lee collected $3300 from members of the community.
Uh, okay, hang on.
[typing.]
Okay, go.
Lee stuffed the small bills into a large white cotton pillowcase, and the image of Lee holding the bulging pillowcase was made all the more tragic because he had no way to deliver it.
[typing.]
Oh.
That sounds like an O.
Henry story.
Hear that? Does O.
Henry dazzle you, huh? It's good.
It really is.
Thank you.
No need to thank me.
This is my job.
I know, but I think maybe you're better at your job than I am at mine.
I just got lucky.
I see what you did.
You're not like the other girls, are you? You're not uptight or selfish or immature.
And you're so pretty.
- Man: Here we go.
- All: Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.
Happy New Year! [cheering.]
Good evening.
- After you.
- Oh, thank you.
[car door closes.]
[machine chugging.]
Oh.
[moaning.]
[keys jangling.]
[sighs.]
Happy New Year, neighbor.
Happy New Year.
Did you, uh, have a nice evening? You know, I always make such a big deal about New Year's, and then it turns out to be just like any other night.
Hm.
Well, maybe the '70s will be better.
Goodnight.
Can you help me with something? Diane, I'm so sorry.
Many rivers to cross I'm so sorry, Diane.
But I can't seem to find My way over [siren wailing.]
Wandering, I am lost As I travel along The white cliffs of Dover Many rivers to cross And it's only my will That keeps me alive I've been licked Washed up for years And I merely survive Because of my pride [panting.]
[moaning.]
And this loneliness won't leave me alone It's such a drag to be on your own My woman left and she didn't say why Well, I guess I'll have to cry
Is that all there is? Is that all there is? If that's all there is, my friends Then let's keep dancing Let's break out the booze And have a ball If that's all There is [moaning.]
- [laughing.]
- Man: Oh, my Oh.
- [moaning.]
- [laughing.]
Happy New Year.
Oh, it's cool.
Everyone's got their thing.
If that's all There Is Hey.
[grunt.]
Hey.
- Bye.
- Goodbye.
Okay.
Bye.
[clattering.]
Um, my brother and Candace invited us over tonight.
She asked me to bring something, so I thought I'd make a Jell-O mold.
But I have to stop by the market, and pick up some mayonnaise.
But I know you like that and so does Candace, so Can you get the radio? I want to hear the weather.
Mm-hm.
Man: It's New Year's Eve, New York.
Be safe out there tonight.
But right now, we've got one more song, and then we'll have traffic and the weather.
[chugging.]
[typing.]
[phones ringing.]
[chatter.]
There are only seven names here.
There are only seven editors at the top 20 papers who have a magazine background.
They're all over 50.
Steve Tilton from the Dallas Morning News isn't.
He's 49.
It's the 1970s.
I need someone who can still get a hard-on.
You said you wanted "sophisticated "with management chops and a strong sense of narrative.
" Doesn't say anything here about tumescence.
I never thought I'd ask this, but find out who's restless over at "Time.
" Sure.
Good word, tumescence.
- Good morning, Viv.
- Good morning.
I'd like you to distribute the new desk calendars.
I'm I'm on my way to the little girls room.
Okay, well, after that.
Go ahead.
Here's my resume, Patti.
I don't want to get a typewriter thrown at my head.
The second we file this complaint, they can't fire us.
I hope you're right.
I am.
I am.
Thank you so much for spearheading this, Patti.
No, it's all of us.
So what's next? Next, we party.
- Do you want to go to the Chelsea? - I wouldn't miss it.
I hear people run around naked in the halls there.
- I'm counting you in.
- No, not me, I I'm still in mourning.
- Peter broke up with her.
- Reporters don't break up with you.
They just take a posting in Moscow.
I thought you were going with him.
Me, too.
Look, all the more reason for you to come out.
You don't have to think about him all night.
How do you think I'm getting over Doug? Dottie brought another dress.
I can never make up my mind.
I would just be a wet blanket.
Come on.
Oh, she said no, Patti.
Come on, Diane.
There are fresh doughnuts in the break room.
That'll help.
Do you really think going to a party is gonna help you get over Doug? Yeah.
That and some other things I'm trying.
Mm.
I need to move on.
When Doug was arguing with me about that Panther article, and I couldn't get him to see it my way, I just Something died.
Why don't you let me take the resumes to Eleanor? Ned has a vacation day, so there's not much to do.
That would be great.
We're still waiting on Doug's edit.
The only thing is Eleanor's office is closed, so you're gonna have to take it to her house.
- Okay.
- In Harlem.
[door closes.]
- Hello.
- Hi, Jane.
What's going on? We were just plotting.
Plotting revelry that's worthy of the night.
I'm going to do mind-bending drugs.
I am going to Harlem.
To see a friend.
And and then I'm gonna make a Jell-O mold.
- Ooh.
- Ahh.
What about you, Jane? I am going to the mayor's Young Society ball with my boyfriend.
Cindy: Ooh.
Sounds so elegant.
Did you know, actually, that New Year's Eve is, um is one of the most popular days for proposals? Making memories and making babies, that's what I heard.
I didn't know that.
We've been the last two years, so it's a tradition.
Well, you know, it's not just a new year, Jane.
It's a new decade, so I wouldn't be afraid of trying at least one new thing tonight.
You know, I've never been to Harlem, so that's new.
[door closes.]
They asked me to deliver the body.
Son of a bitch.
Patti.
Bring your story file.
Did it register on the Richter scale? I'm not a geologist, for Christ's sake.
We just know the ground shook for several seconds.
Get a domestic angle.
Do we even have an idea of the scope? - Finn - We just know it was big.
So I have a big earthquake to go on? 'Til you find out more, yes.
But Nixon can't get reliable information out of China.
How long have you been here, Greenstone? Uh, well, almost My point being I should have been dazzled by now.
Get outta here.
What can I do for you? You want to kill my story? - For now, yeah.
- Why? It's uninspired.
Doug, the rise of the Black Panthers is compelling stuff.
Race, power, violence, everything that sells a magazine.
- What? Speak.
- That's true.
The Panthers are the most exciting thing to happen to the counter culture since the summer of love.
See, that's what I want.
To whites, to America, the Black Panthers are Mandingo with a gun.
They want to steal white women.
- That's not what I see.
- No, of course not.
You see the aviators and berets, and a crack in the establishment because you're young and hip.
Like we should be.
So you want me to write a love letter to the Black Panthers? - Now you're talkin'.
- It's sensationalism.
That's the point.
The Panthers themselves have meticulously crafted a sensational image.
Let's do it justice.
And the next time you want to talk, you call Angie and set a time.
You don't just waltz into my office.
[machines chugging.]
Anything big? An assassin who tried to kill the president of Panama last New Year's Eve was just gunned down himself.
You reap what you sow.
Three women are in labor at Mount Sinai.
Are you covering baby New Year again? Ever since I started here, I've loved meeting the first baby born closest to midnight.
Reginald Adam Oaks was born at exactly midnight in 1961.
He had these rolls of fat on his forearms like someone had tied dental floss around him.
[laugh.]
That sounds irresistible.
I'll keep checking back.
[moaning.]
[moaning.]
Yes.
Yes.
Ohh.
I see that you're mad.
Yeah, well, that's what happens when you're supposed to be on one team, and suddenly you start scoring points for the other side.
I'm on your team.
People on my team don't cheer on the editor when he's killing my story.
I wasn't cheering him on.
I do think he has a point.
Okay? It's what I was trying to tell you after the funeral.
There's a better angle on this thing.
So you followed me in here to tell me I told you so? [scoffs.]
That's what I thought.
I called the China Town Merchants Association.
- And? - Closed for the holiday.
I also called the embassy.
- And? - They're denying there was an earthquake.
They're lying.
It was reported in the AFP.
They felt it in Hanoi.
- Denise.
- Yes? What do you have? I'll keep trying.
[typing.]
[phone rings.]
News of the Week, this is Patti.
Yes, I'll be right up.
Have a seat.
Is this about the Black Panther story, because Doug is working on it right now, and I think you're gonna I'm about to write my first editor's page of the new decade, and, uh, well I thought you'd be a good person to talk to.
You like 20 year old scotch? I'm sure that I would if I had ever tried it.
Oh.
You're in for a treat.
You can only get this in Europe.
It's like Cuban cigars except legal.
Mm.
If life had a taste, this would be it.
So, so far, I'm mulling over the idea that the '60s were a decade of repression.
You know, in my freshman year psychology course, we learned that suppression is conscious, but repression is unconscious.
I like that.
So you start the decade off with John F.
Kennedy and Camelot, and everything appears to be perfect, only because so much is being repressed.
- Right.
- As the decade proceeds, everything that's painful and unresolved about American life just pushes to the surface.
Okay, yeah.
So what if the '70s are a decade about expansion? So the country's moving from repression to expansion? Mm-hmm.
That's good.
[typing.]
[sighs.]
[phones ringing.]
[typing.]
Looks like it stopped raining out there, finally.
Oh, yeah, it's, uh it's clearing up very nicely.
Good.
You have a beautiful home, Mrs.
Norton.
Please don't call me that.
I don't belong to my father or my husband.
Call me Eleanor.
Eleanor.
Uh, uh, we we got 36 resumes, 18 researchers and 18 reporters.
Now we're starting to get somewhere.
[chuckles.]
This gal went to the University of Pennsylvania, graduated with honors.
Her reporter went to City College for two years, never graduated.
This is what I've been talking about.
You can take your coat off, Cindy.
[chuckles.]
I was just about to fix myself my second lunch.
- Are you hungry? - Oh, no, thank you.
[groans.]
Oh, ooh.
[exhaling.]
Ooh.
Oh, uh, this baby's got me a little lightheaded today.
Mrs.
Norton, uh, uh Sorry.
Eleanor.
You are expecting.
Please stay there and let me fix you something.
Thank you.
Thank you, Cindy.
Will you run this to the copy desk? Of course.
So, uh, you have any special young people plans for New Year's Eve? I am going to The Chelsea.
There are some parties there.
I have heard some shocking, sordid tales about that place.
Well, they're only shocking if you're old.
Or if you don't read "Rolling Stone.
" Well, I've always been old.
How's that? Before I left for New York, my father showed me a picture of the Empire State Building, and said win or don't come home.
No time to relax with a mandate like that.
I have some good news.
You've won.
You can party now.
What'd you think of the scotch? I think I would have rather had the cigar.
I have more names for you.
I know exactly who I need.
[Russian accent.]
Thirty-six.
Twenty-four.
Thirty-four.
Almost.
That's what my mother says about my ratio.
"Almost.
" No, hip is perfect.
Oh, no, no, I'm not complaining, it's just that that's what she always says is all.
I do this long time.
Sweet or salty? Excuse me? Oh.
Um I think my fiancé would probably prefer sweet.
It's going to be our first time.
Oh, we need the most beautiful.
Thank you.
I don't know why I'm so nervous.
You lose virginity only once.
Oh, Chad'll love it.
He says blue brings out my eyes.
Everything change after tonight.
I will be right outside.
If you need anything, tell me.
Okay? [exhales.]
I'm so far from dazzling Finn.
Chinese food.
I just ate.
You know how there's Hunan, Mandarin, Cantonese? - I said I'm not hungry.
- That's not what I mean.
Where did the earthquake happen? Um Closest guess is Chengdu.
Okay, that's the city, but what's the region? Szechuan.
Szechuan.
Szechuan.
You know what? I am kind of hungry.
- Grab your coat.
- Okay.
Just kill it.
Christ, do you barge into other places like this? I don't want to spend three days on a story you don't want to run.
[groans.]
Will you Well, I'd offer you a drink, but I'm afraid that'll only make you angrier.
- I just - Look, six months ago Hell, three weeks ago, I would have published your article as is.
Proudly.
But the times, they are a changin', Doug.
- Who said that? - Bob Dylan.
- Correct.
- Off his 1964 album of the same name.
Well, he was prescient, things are changing now.
And this magazine needs to change along with them.
Don't tell 'em what they've already heard.
Walter Cronkite didn't visit their headquarters, you did.
You saw them feed their children breakfast.
You've seen what their offices look like, you know what kind of cologne their leader wears.
You're the best damn writer I have.
At least you could be if you could just get out of your comfort zone.
Let me take another pass at it.
Good, 'cause I want to run that version two weeks from now.
As a cover.
Close the door.
Got it.
[gasps.]
I remember Gloria.
She had the biggest bouffant in the pit.
Her reporter took her to Mexico City where he's bureau chief.
You're still in love with him, aren't you? I don't know what I'm gonna do.
I'll tell you what you're gonna do.
You are gonna come to The Chelsea tonight, 'cause it'll be fun and distracting.
My mom was gonna take me to see "Hello, Dolly.
" Doesn't that sound festive? Yeah, for a Wednesday.
I don't know.
Am I a Chelsea girl? I think you are.
Trust me, it'll be groovy.
PJ: We're out of coffee.
I'll make a pot.
And there's something sticky on the refrigerator handle.
It's, uh, honey or something.
[laughing.]
Here we go.
Amen to this.
Uh, my mother calls it shit on a shingle.
[laughs.]
Don't let that ruin it for you.
I'll try not to.
You don't want any? Oh, no, Lenny and I are going over to my brother's later.
Mm.
It's delicious.
Thank you.
Um, do you do you have anything to drink? You mean, like, liquor? Yeah, yeah, I mean, it's New Year's.
Oh, yes, of course, of course.
There should be a bottle of brandy on the counter.
- Help yourself.
- Thanks.
You know what I want to know? Uh, what? What it's like to be Cindy.
Uh Uh, well, um I'm just a regular person.
What does regular mean to you? Uh, well [stammers.]
I grew up in Rye.
Yeah, my dad worked for IBM, and, uh, my mom was a mom.
I have another question for you.
Of all the men in the world, why did you pick your husband? God, I'm not sure that I did.
I think Lenny might have picked me.
What does he think of the lawsuit? Oh, he's You know, he thinks he thinks that it is good.
Really good.
Huh.
So when are you planning to tell him? I'm not sure that I am going to.
So would you say that you're not sure if you're committed to this lawsuit, or to your husband? My mother-in-law is staying until one.
Oh, that's nice.
My shoes won't stay on.
I'm gonna have to shuffle my way into the new year.
Oh, I can help you with that.
Give me your foot.
- [spraying.]
- Eww! I'm letting you in on an old pageant secret.
I don't usually tell anyone this, but I was Miss Ocean City, New Jersey.
- You were in pageants? - Oh, yeah.
Jane: What was your talent? Spying again? - Oh.
- Wow.
I like your dress.
You look great.
No, really, I like your dress.
Thank you.
The last Panther file.
Do you need anything else from me? That'll be it.
Thank you.
This is what you're doing for New Year's Eve? If I want to get blind drunk, I'll wait 'til tomorrow when there's less competition.
You okay? You goin' to the Chelsea thing with everybody else? Yes.
Everyone just leaves their door open, and you dive into whatever scene looks good to you.
Andy Warhol's gonna be there.
Andy Warhol the boxer? No, Andy Warhol the quarterback.
[chuckles.]
Doug [sighs.]
You know, next year You mean tomorrow? I mean tomorrow I would understand if you wanted to pick a new researcher.
Now, why would I want to do that? Go to your party.
Have fun.
- How's my baby? - [giggling.]
- And how's Delores? - Oh.
Can you believe my husband wants to name our girl Delores? I think it's glamorous.
Edward, this is Cindy from "News of the Week.
" Cindy, Edward.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- I heard you're about to make history.
- Oh That's what I've been trying to tell her.
- [chuckles.]
- It's a pleasure to meet you.
You, too.
Hey, I brought a little something special for New Year's.
Spearmint leaves.
My favorite.
Just takin' care of my baby.
[chuckles.]
Um, what what is your boy name? Both: Langston.
[chuckling.]
We can agree on that.
Langston Hughes Norton.
His first two words are gonna rhyme.
Mm-mm, his middle name is not gonna be Hughes.
Langston is a great name.
Strong.
Both: Strong.
[chuckling.]
Can I get either of you two anything to drink? No, I'm good, thanks.
Oh, no.
- No? - I'm good.
Cindy, could you pass me that candy dish over there, please? Oh, of course.
Jane: It's gorgeous.
- Thank you.
- You're very welcome.
Woman: All right.
[chatter.]
Smile, sweetie, Suzanne Winchester is right over there.
- Right? - Oh, yes.
I thought you didn't care what Suzanne Winchester thinks.
I don't, I'm just surprised how many people read her newsletter.
Chad: There's Dave up there.
- David.
- Well, looky here.
- There he is.
- Happy New Year.
Happy New Year.
If it isn't the most beautiful couple in New York.
I was just going to say the same of you.
She was.
She said as much on the way over.
What is this dress? I dragged Daddy all the way down to Bergdorf's, because I knew if I tried it on, he wouldn't be able to say no.
Of course not.
Ladies.
Shall we? Douglas.
What the hell are you still doing here? Working.
Deli guy will be up any minute with my last meal of the '60s.
The story's not due for another couple of weeks.
You're not going to the shindig at The Chelsea? Oh, I might head over to Cole's before the kissing starts, more my speed.
You're gonna spend New Year's Eve at the news room watering hole with five reporters you drink with every other day of the year.
[elevator dings.]
That sounds, uh comfortable.
Happy New Year.
Woman: Come on, you two.
Eleanor: Hey, what are you putting on there? Come on, my baby.
Are askin' me what's come over me A change There's been a change And it's oh so plain to see Come on.
- Oh - Oh, yes.
- No.
- Get on up, girl.
Come on, now.
Come on, it's New Year's Eve.
- Come on.
- Join the party.
[laughs.]
You can see it in my eyes Yeah, there you go.
Now it was just a little while ago That my life was incomplete I was down so doggone low Had to look up at my feet [doorbell ringing.]
- Oh.
- The wood.
- The stove.
- [grunting.]
[laughing.]
- Happy New Year, man.
- Happy New Year to you.
- Good to see you.
Wow.
- Jesus, you're still a handsome bastard.
- Ah.
- Now you stink of power, too, man.
You make the establishment look good, man.
Carol.
This is Carol.
Pleasure.
Finn and I, we worked together at the Boston Globe right out of Princeton.
- Those were the days.
- Those were the days.
Where's that gorgeous wife of yours? She's too good for you, you know.
This is a business call.
She's got the champagne on ice for when I get home.
In that case, let's get you started.
That sounds good.
[rock.]
Hold it right there.
Okay, you can drop the cloth.
Love that.
Love that.
There we go.
Before you know it, Peter is gonna be a distant memory.
What's it gonna feel like? You know how ever since kindergarten you've been told to get in line and raise your hand, and take turns and sit down, and do as you're told.
I guess.
In 20 minutes, all of that is just gonna disappear.
- Woo! - [laughing.]
I hadn't met his wife before.
[chatter.]
I've been thinking about it.
And I have a surprise for you later.
I'm ready.
For what? I'm ready to make love.
Ah, Jane.
You don't have to do that.
Well, I know I don't have to, but I want to.
I know it's something you've wanted.
I care about you, Jane.
We grew up together.
You gave me that ultimatum, and I've been thinking.
If I have to decide I mean, we've been together for so long, and I know what this is.
You're not breaking up with me.
Yeah.
If you knew you were gonna break up with me, then why did you bring me here? I wanted you to have a good New Year's.
I'm sorry.
Let's go sit down.
Don't you dare.
Well, the circulation, obviously.
Prestige, which I know you don't give a damn about.
And then there's the money.
Whatever Jann Wenner's paying you, I'll probably quadruple it.
With your own car.
What did they give you, a scooter over there at Rolling Stone? I can get Hunter S.
Thompson changing the whole fuckin' journalism world, man.
You really want me to walk away from that? Leave it behind? No.
I want you to bring it with you.
In a white room With black curtains Near the station Blackroof country No gold pavements Tired starlings [panting.]
Silver horses Ran down moonbeams In your dark eyes Dawnlight smiles On you leaving My contentment I'll wait in this place Where the sun never shines Wait in this place Where the shadows run From themselves You said no strings Could secure you At the station - [groaning.]
- Man: Oh, easy, baby.
Platform ticket Restless diesels Goodbye windows I walked into Such a sad time At the station As I walked out Felt my own need Just beginning I'll wait in the queue Go on.
When the trains comes back Lie with you Where the shadows run From themselves [chatter.]
[typing.]
Patti.
- Oh.
- Hey.
[laughing.]
Excuse me.
Oh, yeah, baby, love that.
At the party She was kindness In the hard crowd Consolation for the old wound Now forgotten I don't feel so good.
[grunting.]
Yellow tigers Crouched in jungles In her dark eyes She's just dressing Goodbye windows Hey.
Hey.
Something happened to your friend.
I'll sleep in this place With the He raised money.
All right, what next? How about, he was one of 10 Szechuan restaurant owners in Manhattan who in the space of an afternoon Yes.
In the space of an afternoon, Lee collected $3300 from members of the community.
Uh, okay, hang on.
[typing.]
Okay, go.
Lee stuffed the small bills into a large white cotton pillowcase, and the image of Lee holding the bulging pillowcase was made all the more tragic because he had no way to deliver it.
[typing.]
Oh.
That sounds like an O.
Henry story.
Hear that? Does O.
Henry dazzle you, huh? It's good.
It really is.
Thank you.
No need to thank me.
This is my job.
I know, but I think maybe you're better at your job than I am at mine.
I just got lucky.
I see what you did.
You're not like the other girls, are you? You're not uptight or selfish or immature.
And you're so pretty.
- Man: Here we go.
- All: Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.
Happy New Year! [cheering.]
Good evening.
- After you.
- Oh, thank you.
[car door closes.]
[machine chugging.]
Oh.
[moaning.]
[keys jangling.]
[sighs.]
Happy New Year, neighbor.
Happy New Year.
Did you, uh, have a nice evening? You know, I always make such a big deal about New Year's, and then it turns out to be just like any other night.
Hm.
Well, maybe the '70s will be better.
Goodnight.
Can you help me with something? Diane, I'm so sorry.
Many rivers to cross I'm so sorry, Diane.
But I can't seem to find My way over [siren wailing.]
Wandering, I am lost As I travel along The white cliffs of Dover Many rivers to cross And it's only my will That keeps me alive I've been licked Washed up for years And I merely survive Because of my pride [panting.]
[moaning.]
And this loneliness won't leave me alone It's such a drag to be on your own My woman left and she didn't say why Well, I guess I'll have to cry