Rich Man, Poor Man - Book II (1976) s01e11 Episode Script
Chapter 11
Last on "Rich Man, Poor Man - Book ll": If anything's happened to my father I wanna know.
After you left, I had a call from the police.
They've picked up Falconetti.
- That's him.
- You said an eye patch.
That was five years ago.
He had my brother killed.
What in the name of God do you want from poor Anthony? Sarah told me that Estep bought off top men in the Justice Department.
She gave me this.
It's a list of payoffs.
I'm gonna push for a Senate investigation.
I want Greenway Records.
What the hell are you talking about? Are you trying to tell me I'm not a partner? It's your name on the letterhead as long as you stay in the black.
You look lovely.
You got me, didn't you? You really got me.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm in love with you.
I love you, too.
Oh, I thought you'd never say it.
(laughs) It's me and Billy.
We went out one night and I was gonna say we made love, but love had nothing to do with it.
What happened?! What happened here? Who started this? Answer me! - Wes? - I started it.
- Wes! Don't walk out on me.
- It's over.
Don't tell me it's over.
What happens in this house is my responsibility.
- Talk to me! Dammit! - Or you'll what? Put me over your knee? I don't have to tell you a damn thing.
I'm not 12 years old.
Get off my back, man.
All right, let's have it.
A little blood.
No big thing.
No? Billy, listen.
We had something going here.
You and Wes met, you liked each other.
Now, how did it unravel so fast? I have a knack.
- Did Wes start this or did you? - Forget it, Rudy.
We'll work it out.
It won't happen again.
Ever.
Look we're trying to live here together so I'm trying to understand.
- I'd like to help you, Billy.
- I hear ya, Rudy.
I'd tell ya about it if, uh But I'm sure as hell gonna try to fix things up.
It's too early for a drink, but, uh - Feel the house shake? - No.
- The house shook.
- Do you know what happened? They wouldn't talk about it, Diane.
I'll tell you.
I had a sister, and there was a lot of sibling sound and fury in that house.
- None of it as awful as it sounded.
- I had a brother.
It was that awful.
Well, maybe Billy had it coming, who knows? - Do you? - No.
Then maybe we ought to just stay out of it, Diane, OK? Senator Paxtors office called before you arrived.
His subcommittee is meeting this afternoon at three.
Damn.
I've been pushing him to make time for me and that means he has.
He didn't give you very much notice.
The committee's full of Republicans.
None of 'em want an investigation of Estep.
At least it sounded to me as if Senator Paxtors in your corner.
It's not gonna be very politic if you don't show up.
Oh, come on.
That's all the more reason to go.
Let things just cool down here.
If I leave now I can catch the shuttle from Kennedy.
I'll be late, but not by much.
Damn.
Annie, your phone has been busy for a century.
OK, now, listen.
I'll be by to pick you up in an hour.
We're flying to Los Angeles this afternoon, so pack an overnight bag, all right? What do you mean, "sudden"? I've been negotiating this deal for a solid week.
It just came through.
You know, that goes to show you never listen to a word I tell you.
Look, the telethon, for God's sakes - the telethon! Annie, we have been this route before.
By now you know I know what's good for you.
So be ready when I pick you up.
(Wes) Who is it? Wes, I just don't know how it (horse neighs) (phone rings) Yes? Sally.
How clever of you to track us down at the stable.
Claire? She's out riding.
Can I take a message? Oh, my S Sally, if I tried to analyse every news item that took my name in vain, I wouldn't have time to do anything else.
The same goes for Claire.
No, I don't know who Albert Dietrich is, or do I have any idea how anybody could come up with the concept that Claire was, uh, his child.
Well, it sounds like nonsense, doesn't it? Yes.
Yes, she'll call.
Fine.
Take care.
That was the fourth time she's called.
I didn't even know you'd left the house.
Escaping the phones? Next time tell me, OK? I'm sorry, I didn't think.
I happen to be one of the phone calls that you didn't answer.
- Raymond had to drive me down here.
- I said I'm sorry.
Don't be.
It's not that I don't understand.
I do think you're taking a simple line of newsprint a little too seriously.
You can fend off a scatterbrain like Sally Phillips, but someone knows about my father.
They won't stop until they get the whole story.
We've already been all the way through that, Claire.
There is no way that anyone can connect you to Albert Dietrich.
The man doesn't exist any more.
(sighs) I wish I wish we could get away someplace.
I just can't do it right now.
- Afraid I'm gonna break into pieces? - Don't be ridiculous.
If the phones upset you that much, you should try to get away for a week - Hawaii, London.
Charles, if you want me to go, say go.
Don't manipulate me.
You're just as frightened as I am, aren't you, Charles? (phone rings) Raymond? - I want our phone numbers changed.
- Today? - We're late, Charles.
- I want to watch her jump.
Charles, in the car you were so preoccupied with Claire.
You do understand that we've located Falconetti? Hoboken jail.
$50,000 bail.
Young lawyer by the name of Downey springing him today.
- You were not so preoccupied.
- You trust this lawyer? Completely.
Call this Downey.
He's to tell Falconetti absolutely nothing.
Keep him eating with a make-work job, keep him on a very short leash.
Call him now.
His file is on your desk.
You haven't read it, I have.
- He is pretty hair-raising.
- Fine.
Jordache planted that item about Claire's father.
Now, I can't prove that, but I know it.
Now I wanna know why Falconetti tried to kill the senator from New York.
Get me Falconetti.
Uh, Annie Adams.
I can't believe it.
We're actually in Hollywood.
I know.
- Sign? - Aw, they're nobody.
You can never tell these days.
- It's so early yet.
- Hey, it's prime time in New York.
- Look, look.
There's Benny Gilbert.
- Ohh! Ben! Abbott, Greenway Records.
Miss Adams and I just flew in from New York - to lend a hand in a good cause.
- Very nice.
- Adams? Annie Adams? - Right.
All right, you got the 3am spot, so make yourselves at home.
Find an empty dressing room somewhere.
3am.
No one's going to be watching but freaks and insomniacs.
You think I'd let them do that to you? I mean, I put up a plane fare, a limousine, the works.
For a 3am spot? Isn't it about time you started giving me the benefit of the doubt? I mean, just for the hell of it? Yeah, you got it.
Uh, wait here.
Two minutes, please.
Come on, two minutes.
Just sit.
Yeah, come on in.
You're pretty.
Ringside, every night.
OK? Ah, no.
Billy boy! Whoo! Uh, oh, hey, I think you'd better call your mother.
Boy! Billy! What are you doing in smog city? Where Greenway's artists go, Abbott is not far behind.
Yeah.
Ooh, hey, you're an artist too, huh? A real con artist, maybe, huh? Tell you the truth, I eat it up.
Here, have a drink.
No kidding.
Billy, I never saw anybody bounce to the top faster than you.
- I picked you early.
Don't you forget it.
- I don't intend to.
What were you? You were just, uh, what a gofer when I walked out on Greenway.
And you talked me into coming back.
Remember? You won't regret it, Danny.
There's new money in Greenway.
The bigger we get the more problems we got.
Problems? Huh! What problems? Don't worry.
The backers know I have the courage of my tastes.
- I like what I like.
- Hey.
And I like you.
I mean, the hell with their computers.
Oh, come on.
What's with computers? Oh, they can pick songs.
Write 'em, maybe.
Yeah, sure, but, uh, they do pick up a drop-off in sales when it happens.
And that makes the money men nervous.
I'm, uh, catching cold from this conversation, Billy.
Come out and say it.
You don't have a thing to worry about.
I got your new contract in my pocket.
"Stay a step ahead of the computers" is my motto, even if I have to go by air.
So that's why you showed up here.
Whoo-hoo! How about you, Billy Abbott? I picked you.
Sometimes I do guess right.
- I forgot.
She's out in the hall, waiting.
- Who? Annie Adams.
I brought her along on the chance I could get her a spot on the show.
Ben, he said no.
She's really blown out.
You shouldn't promise chicks those things.
I know.
I know.
But I did.
Danny Could you do me a big favour? You've got two songs, yeah? Could you throw one to her? No.
It's balanced, see? I have an up number, and I have a ballad.
Balanced.
I see.
Billy, if I just do one song, my audience feels cheated.
They won't, Danny.
They'll know.
Do the ballad, man.
That kills 'em.
Then introduce Annie as your discovery.
And I guarantee you a coast-to-coast press.
Agreed? Billy, let me see the contract in your pocket.
(groans) How will I introduce her? Come on, baby, you're on next! Next?! Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Get me a dressing room.
Just get me a dressing room.
How about it? Keep those calls coming.
I promised you more entertainment, and that's what I've got for you.
I give you now Middle America's macho master of the ballad, your forever favourite and mine, Mr Danny Miller.
Here he is.
(# "If You Love Me") (hums "Can't Take My Eyes Off You") (Billy) OK, you've had your minute alone.
What's that? Those pills? Nothing.
Let's go! Friends, I would now like to make my personal contribution to this great cause for which you are all gathered in front of your TV sets tonight.
A little lady, who I've watched for some time now, whose talent I've loved, encouraged, admired.
Who is about to make her national TV debut in front of your very eyes tonight.
Let's hear it for Miss Annie Adams! (# "Can't Take My Eyes Off You") - What the - Relax.
You won't be sorry.
Look, punk, you can't do me like this.
You Judas.
- Will you shut up? Now, listen - Look, I can't Wait a minute.
I cut my second song.
You're OK on time, and you know it.
- I should yank her, that's what I know.
- You won't.
Because you heard her album and you know a 3am spot is not good enough.
- Ben.
Give her a chance.
- You shouldn't do things like this to me.
(applause) - Annie, you're OK, kid.
- How about that? Great, hey? Well, I'd say adequate.
Go on.
Take a bow.
(renewed applause) Mr Chairman, excuse me, sir.
I've got a troop of Boy Scouts waiting and they want a picture with their senator.
So if that wraps it Jordache wanted some time, but I think we've waited I'm here.
I'm sorry I'm late.
A half-hour to fly from New York to Washington, an hour to drive from the airport here.
And 30 seconds to catch your breath, Senator.
I'll make it brief.
I've sounded some of you out on this, without much response.
Tricorp International.
I am making a modest request that a member of our investigative staff be assigned to do a little preliminary digging.
Justify the request.
Subverting governmental process and public servants.
Rudy, have you got anything up your sleeve? Anything that you haven't dropped on us before, on one of those rare occasions when you grace Capitol Hill with your presence? Uh-uh-uh.
I've been in New Orleans, interviewing Estep's former confidential secretary.
Two hours after she agreed to come to Washington and help us unravel Tricorp, - she was dead.
- How did she die? She was kidnapped from her home in the night.
A heart attack was induced.
- Can you prove that? - Not without help.
What else? This.
These hieroglyphics need a key.
Sarah Hunt was the key.
All we need now is a staff investigator to decode it.
Decode what? Estep's extra-marital address book? According to Miss Hunt, it's a list of payoffs.
Justice Department payoffs, to be exact.
This could have come from anyone's hip pocket, Senator.
I'm inclined to think it came out of Estep's hip pocket.
I did a little primitive research myself.
On page ten, the first line reads: "BC 615675000.
" A Tricorp subsidiary, Brand Foods, was scheduled to go to court last October, on an anti-trust action filed by a justice lawyer named Bruce Can'ter.
- In August, the action was dropped.
- Get to it, Jordache.
Delighted.
What if "BC" - Bruce Can'ter - "615" - on June 15 - "5,000" - pocketed a $5,000 gratuity? - I think Rudy's onto something.
- What? We can't use that book without a live body in here.
Somebody that'll testify that that book belonged to Estep and to nobody else.
Well, I'll find one.
The problem will be keeping it alive.
Assigning an investigator is a bit premature.
To put it kindly.
Someone make a motion to put a man on Tricorp? - So move.
- Second.
Discussion.
- Call for a vote.
- Nay.
Nay.
Nay.
Nay.
- Thanks very much, gentlemen.
- Meeting's adjourned, gentlemen.
Could have used your vote on urban renewal if you'd been here on Monday.
Jordache, what in the name of partisan politics do you think you're doing? What does it look like? Looks like you're gunning for one of our party's major contributors.
Up until today, I thought you were a reasonably sane man.
For a senator.
Why'd you put me on the agenda if you were gonna let me hang? You couldn't bull the SEC into investigating Tricorp, huh? - Now you want to use the US Senate? - I want to investigate Tricorp, period.
I didn't stand a chance without your support.
I've been here for 31 years.
Why should I commit political suicide for a Republican? Stick it to your fellow Republicans.
I came to the powerhouse of the Democratic party who just admitted Tricorp is too big to take on.
That's never stopped me before, Jordache.
But I don't let myself be used in personal vendettas.
- This is not a personal vendetta.
- No? Your company in New York State - it's on strike, it's lost its army contracts.
Do you blame Estep? Without that strike, I wouldn't be onto Tricorp.
Yeah.
How many roll calls have you missed this session? Plenty.
Marsh Goodwin told the Republican caucus that you're dropping out next term.
- Was he lying? - He wasrt lying.
- Changed your mind? - I don't know.
Why am I wasting my time? Why don't you go back to your electronics plant? I've been trying to keep that plant open so people won't be thrown out of work! You sure are short-changing the rest of your constituents! Why should I believe you aren't gunning for Estep on your own account? Because Estep and Tricorp are ripe for a look and you know it, because you wouldn't be giving me the time of day if you didn't! I'm late for the mers room.
- Hey Belfast Room? - Deliveries at the rear, please.
I'm supposed to meet my lawyer here.
Somebody Downey.
Downey Oh.
You'll have to wear a tie, sir.
Could you button your shirt, please? Gimme the tie.
That goes nice, huh? Right this way, please.
Mr Downey.
Ah, Mr Falconetti.
- My name is Matthew Downey.
- You, uh you're my lawyer? Yes.
Yes, I am.
Please, sit down.
- Thank you, Byron.
- Hey, thanks a lot, Byron.
Uh, drink? Uh, yeah.
I'll tell you what, gimme one just like that, huh? Thank you.
Ah! I tell ya, Maria takes care of me.
I ask her to get me a smart Yale or Harvard public defender Mr Falconetti, shut up.
I'm not a public defender.
Your sister Maria did not retain me, and I'm not free to tell you who did.
I obviously represent persons who have your best interests at heart, very much so.
It's really obvious to you.
It's about as clear as pea soup to me.
What do they want from me? The answers to a few questions.
Well, tell me.
Talk.
Did you take a shot at Senator Jordache and if you did, why did you? No.
No, you don't do that.
You see, I was with my sister when the car was plugged.
That's on the record.
If you're my lawyer, you know that.
Now, if you're not my lawyer, you're a plant.
A plant.
Mr Falconetti, if you want to stay out of the slammer, sit down.
We'll get to the questions later.
- Here is my card.
- (laughs) I got a lawyer.
I got a real lawyer.
You know something? There is nothing you can't do when you got a good lawyer.
(laughs) Hi.
Uh, I'm Ramona.
I'm Diane.
- Is Wes here? - Yeah.
Come on in.
I'll tell him that you're here.
Wes, there's someone here to see you! Wes? Second door to your left.
(knocks) Forget it, Diane.
Please, Wes.
I don't know what to say.
I always wondered what your room was like.
I had to see you.
To say I guess, to say I'm sorry.
Wes? Look at me.
I made a mistake, worse for me than for you.
I knew that even even while it was happening.
But how can a mistake that didn't mean anything - nothing, Wes - how can it spoil everything forever? Please look at me! Are you gonna punish me for the rest of my life? Don't I mean anything to you? I can't bear myself.
I can't bear being alone with myself any longer.
Say something, Wes.
Please say something! I can't.
Not now.
When? I don't know.
I learned one thing, that's all.
Just one thing.
Now I know what love isn't.
And I really think, if I wasrt such a fool, we could have loved each other very much for the rest of our lives.
50,000? No, not really.
Who? No, no.
I mean, who put up that kind of bail for Falconetti? Matty? Matthew Downey? You're kidding.
Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
Well, what did he do? Put up securities? His own personal chit? Uh-huh.
Yeah.
Peggy, thanks a lot.
I appreciate it.
Right.
I owe you one.
OK.
Bye-bye.
- Falconetti's out? - Right.
Damn.
Well, we knew it could happen.
If he's got a sister who'd perjure herself to give him an alibi, she'd raise his bail.
- Uh-uh.
Not this bail.
$50,000.
- Who'd come up with $50,000 for him? He's come up with a lawyer by the name of Downey - works for a fancy law firm called Lydell, O'Hara and Stern.
- I want to see their client list.
- I'm working on it.
- OK, what happened in Washington? - Total disaster.
- Paxton didn't - No, he did not.
Not one word of support.
The fact is he cut me off at the knees.
"Personal vendetta.
Missing roll call votes.
Shortchanging my constituents.
" Sounds to me as if he knows you're planning to quit politics.
- Yeah.
- Are you? I don't know.
I don't know, Maggie.
All I know is I'll do anything I can to stop Estep.
Paxton didn't promise to help you if you did, uh, change your mind? No.
- If I did, maybe he'll realise I'm serious.
- Tempted? Oh, God, Maggie, I'm tormenting myself with those questions! I don't need help! - I'm sorry.
- Oh, honey, come on.
Let's go.
- Where? - My apartment.
Dinner together, bed together, alone together.
We both need it.
What I need is to be alone with Rudy Jordache and to take a good hard look at him.
I feel like I'm up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
How did I get there? I've got no sense of direction, no base.
My Senate colleagues turned thumbs-down on me today.
Estep's getting away with murder, literally.
Falconetti's loose again.
We have to steal time together, and the two boys I call family slug it out viciously.
Why? I don't know.
I don't know why.
Well, I'd better find some answers.
I'm going home.
Uh-uh, she's already booked for those dates.
You should have called sooner.
Well, I'm sorry the lines were busy, but, uh the lady is in demand.
Look, uh, why don't we get together when I get to New York? I promise, we'll work something out, all right? OK.
Whoo! We did it.
Here's to us.
Uh-uh.
You.
You did it! Billy the magician.
Billy the magician and, uh, two little pills.
You really didn't need 'em, Annie.
That was just a one-shot.
Come on.
I was scared to death at that last minute.
Didrt you guess? Don't do it again.
Did you know today has changed the rest of your life? And mine too? Just listen to this.
You're gonna love it.
The Carson Show wants you Tuesday, The Carol Burnett Show next month.
There's talk of a special.
I mean, a special! My God, I can't read my own writing.
I think I just blew a million bucks.
How did you do it? How in the world did you con Danny out of that spot? I gave him something that he wanted more.
You know, I don't mind so much how you do things any more.
I mean, when I think of what you've done for me.
And what have I done for you? What haven't you done for me? You cut my demo, you got me an album.
And now this.
Mm! I feel so wonderful! I wanna unwind.
Maybe I could, uh, get you outta your 3am spot.
It's already been announced.
People might be hanging around to hear you again.
I can unwind right here.
So can you.
You need to.
Come on, Billy.
Go with it.
Strictly business between you and me.
Remember? Uh, business hours are over.
I thought you didn't have those kind of feelings for me.
- Feelings change.
- For how long? Boy, you sure can run something into the ground.
Come here, Billy.
I'm gonna make love to you.
Be brave.
(knock on door) - Wesley, it's me this time.
- Go to bed, Diane.
Please, Wes.
- Do you know the meaning of "privacy"? - Yes, I do.
It's important to some people.
Me! I didn't come here to talk about Billy or Ramona.
- Meaning you are.
- Just let me say one thing.
- One thing! - Don't leave.
- That's it? - No.
Rudy really loves you.
You don't know what I'd give to have what you've got.
You're gonna throw it away.
You're gonna leave and you'll never get it back.
- All right! - Rudy wants you here.
- I don't wanna hear it, Diane.
- I ran off and left my mother once and - Will you shut up, Diane? - Rudy loves you! Shut up! I'm sorry.
I'm not sorry, Wes.
Don't you be.
Wes, look at me.
It was a mistake, Diane.
We shouldn't have We didn't do anything wrong.
Oh, Wes, don't blame me for how I feel about you.
It's not that.
It's Ramona, isn't it? I couldn't talk to her.
I couldn't even look at her.
I knew if I did, I She made a stupid mistake.
With Billy.
Like you did with me? You're in love with her.
Why don't you tell her that? You know, you're not the brat I thought you were.
I wanna talk to you.
- A 16-year-old girl! - I don't wanna hear it.
You're going to.
Boy, you've outdone yourself today.
- I can't undo it, so let's just cool it.
- What the hell is going on? I can't explain it.
- Try.
- I can't! Wesley, you had a reason when you beat up Billy! You had a reason when you went to bed with a 16-year-old girl! You knew what you were doing and why you were doing it! You owe me an explanation! (door slams) (engine revs) (Ramona) I really think, if I wasrt such a fool, we could have loved each other very much for the rest of our lives.
After you left, I had a call from the police.
They've picked up Falconetti.
- That's him.
- You said an eye patch.
That was five years ago.
He had my brother killed.
What in the name of God do you want from poor Anthony? Sarah told me that Estep bought off top men in the Justice Department.
She gave me this.
It's a list of payoffs.
I'm gonna push for a Senate investigation.
I want Greenway Records.
What the hell are you talking about? Are you trying to tell me I'm not a partner? It's your name on the letterhead as long as you stay in the black.
You look lovely.
You got me, didn't you? You really got me.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm in love with you.
I love you, too.
Oh, I thought you'd never say it.
(laughs) It's me and Billy.
We went out one night and I was gonna say we made love, but love had nothing to do with it.
What happened?! What happened here? Who started this? Answer me! - Wes? - I started it.
- Wes! Don't walk out on me.
- It's over.
Don't tell me it's over.
What happens in this house is my responsibility.
- Talk to me! Dammit! - Or you'll what? Put me over your knee? I don't have to tell you a damn thing.
I'm not 12 years old.
Get off my back, man.
All right, let's have it.
A little blood.
No big thing.
No? Billy, listen.
We had something going here.
You and Wes met, you liked each other.
Now, how did it unravel so fast? I have a knack.
- Did Wes start this or did you? - Forget it, Rudy.
We'll work it out.
It won't happen again.
Ever.
Look we're trying to live here together so I'm trying to understand.
- I'd like to help you, Billy.
- I hear ya, Rudy.
I'd tell ya about it if, uh But I'm sure as hell gonna try to fix things up.
It's too early for a drink, but, uh - Feel the house shake? - No.
- The house shook.
- Do you know what happened? They wouldn't talk about it, Diane.
I'll tell you.
I had a sister, and there was a lot of sibling sound and fury in that house.
- None of it as awful as it sounded.
- I had a brother.
It was that awful.
Well, maybe Billy had it coming, who knows? - Do you? - No.
Then maybe we ought to just stay out of it, Diane, OK? Senator Paxtors office called before you arrived.
His subcommittee is meeting this afternoon at three.
Damn.
I've been pushing him to make time for me and that means he has.
He didn't give you very much notice.
The committee's full of Republicans.
None of 'em want an investigation of Estep.
At least it sounded to me as if Senator Paxtors in your corner.
It's not gonna be very politic if you don't show up.
Oh, come on.
That's all the more reason to go.
Let things just cool down here.
If I leave now I can catch the shuttle from Kennedy.
I'll be late, but not by much.
Damn.
Annie, your phone has been busy for a century.
OK, now, listen.
I'll be by to pick you up in an hour.
We're flying to Los Angeles this afternoon, so pack an overnight bag, all right? What do you mean, "sudden"? I've been negotiating this deal for a solid week.
It just came through.
You know, that goes to show you never listen to a word I tell you.
Look, the telethon, for God's sakes - the telethon! Annie, we have been this route before.
By now you know I know what's good for you.
So be ready when I pick you up.
(Wes) Who is it? Wes, I just don't know how it (horse neighs) (phone rings) Yes? Sally.
How clever of you to track us down at the stable.
Claire? She's out riding.
Can I take a message? Oh, my S Sally, if I tried to analyse every news item that took my name in vain, I wouldn't have time to do anything else.
The same goes for Claire.
No, I don't know who Albert Dietrich is, or do I have any idea how anybody could come up with the concept that Claire was, uh, his child.
Well, it sounds like nonsense, doesn't it? Yes.
Yes, she'll call.
Fine.
Take care.
That was the fourth time she's called.
I didn't even know you'd left the house.
Escaping the phones? Next time tell me, OK? I'm sorry, I didn't think.
I happen to be one of the phone calls that you didn't answer.
- Raymond had to drive me down here.
- I said I'm sorry.
Don't be.
It's not that I don't understand.
I do think you're taking a simple line of newsprint a little too seriously.
You can fend off a scatterbrain like Sally Phillips, but someone knows about my father.
They won't stop until they get the whole story.
We've already been all the way through that, Claire.
There is no way that anyone can connect you to Albert Dietrich.
The man doesn't exist any more.
(sighs) I wish I wish we could get away someplace.
I just can't do it right now.
- Afraid I'm gonna break into pieces? - Don't be ridiculous.
If the phones upset you that much, you should try to get away for a week - Hawaii, London.
Charles, if you want me to go, say go.
Don't manipulate me.
You're just as frightened as I am, aren't you, Charles? (phone rings) Raymond? - I want our phone numbers changed.
- Today? - We're late, Charles.
- I want to watch her jump.
Charles, in the car you were so preoccupied with Claire.
You do understand that we've located Falconetti? Hoboken jail.
$50,000 bail.
Young lawyer by the name of Downey springing him today.
- You were not so preoccupied.
- You trust this lawyer? Completely.
Call this Downey.
He's to tell Falconetti absolutely nothing.
Keep him eating with a make-work job, keep him on a very short leash.
Call him now.
His file is on your desk.
You haven't read it, I have.
- He is pretty hair-raising.
- Fine.
Jordache planted that item about Claire's father.
Now, I can't prove that, but I know it.
Now I wanna know why Falconetti tried to kill the senator from New York.
Get me Falconetti.
Uh, Annie Adams.
I can't believe it.
We're actually in Hollywood.
I know.
- Sign? - Aw, they're nobody.
You can never tell these days.
- It's so early yet.
- Hey, it's prime time in New York.
- Look, look.
There's Benny Gilbert.
- Ohh! Ben! Abbott, Greenway Records.
Miss Adams and I just flew in from New York - to lend a hand in a good cause.
- Very nice.
- Adams? Annie Adams? - Right.
All right, you got the 3am spot, so make yourselves at home.
Find an empty dressing room somewhere.
3am.
No one's going to be watching but freaks and insomniacs.
You think I'd let them do that to you? I mean, I put up a plane fare, a limousine, the works.
For a 3am spot? Isn't it about time you started giving me the benefit of the doubt? I mean, just for the hell of it? Yeah, you got it.
Uh, wait here.
Two minutes, please.
Come on, two minutes.
Just sit.
Yeah, come on in.
You're pretty.
Ringside, every night.
OK? Ah, no.
Billy boy! Whoo! Uh, oh, hey, I think you'd better call your mother.
Boy! Billy! What are you doing in smog city? Where Greenway's artists go, Abbott is not far behind.
Yeah.
Ooh, hey, you're an artist too, huh? A real con artist, maybe, huh? Tell you the truth, I eat it up.
Here, have a drink.
No kidding.
Billy, I never saw anybody bounce to the top faster than you.
- I picked you early.
Don't you forget it.
- I don't intend to.
What were you? You were just, uh, what a gofer when I walked out on Greenway.
And you talked me into coming back.
Remember? You won't regret it, Danny.
There's new money in Greenway.
The bigger we get the more problems we got.
Problems? Huh! What problems? Don't worry.
The backers know I have the courage of my tastes.
- I like what I like.
- Hey.
And I like you.
I mean, the hell with their computers.
Oh, come on.
What's with computers? Oh, they can pick songs.
Write 'em, maybe.
Yeah, sure, but, uh, they do pick up a drop-off in sales when it happens.
And that makes the money men nervous.
I'm, uh, catching cold from this conversation, Billy.
Come out and say it.
You don't have a thing to worry about.
I got your new contract in my pocket.
"Stay a step ahead of the computers" is my motto, even if I have to go by air.
So that's why you showed up here.
Whoo-hoo! How about you, Billy Abbott? I picked you.
Sometimes I do guess right.
- I forgot.
She's out in the hall, waiting.
- Who? Annie Adams.
I brought her along on the chance I could get her a spot on the show.
Ben, he said no.
She's really blown out.
You shouldn't promise chicks those things.
I know.
I know.
But I did.
Danny Could you do me a big favour? You've got two songs, yeah? Could you throw one to her? No.
It's balanced, see? I have an up number, and I have a ballad.
Balanced.
I see.
Billy, if I just do one song, my audience feels cheated.
They won't, Danny.
They'll know.
Do the ballad, man.
That kills 'em.
Then introduce Annie as your discovery.
And I guarantee you a coast-to-coast press.
Agreed? Billy, let me see the contract in your pocket.
(groans) How will I introduce her? Come on, baby, you're on next! Next?! Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Get me a dressing room.
Just get me a dressing room.
How about it? Keep those calls coming.
I promised you more entertainment, and that's what I've got for you.
I give you now Middle America's macho master of the ballad, your forever favourite and mine, Mr Danny Miller.
Here he is.
(# "If You Love Me") (hums "Can't Take My Eyes Off You") (Billy) OK, you've had your minute alone.
What's that? Those pills? Nothing.
Let's go! Friends, I would now like to make my personal contribution to this great cause for which you are all gathered in front of your TV sets tonight.
A little lady, who I've watched for some time now, whose talent I've loved, encouraged, admired.
Who is about to make her national TV debut in front of your very eyes tonight.
Let's hear it for Miss Annie Adams! (# "Can't Take My Eyes Off You") - What the - Relax.
You won't be sorry.
Look, punk, you can't do me like this.
You Judas.
- Will you shut up? Now, listen - Look, I can't Wait a minute.
I cut my second song.
You're OK on time, and you know it.
- I should yank her, that's what I know.
- You won't.
Because you heard her album and you know a 3am spot is not good enough.
- Ben.
Give her a chance.
- You shouldn't do things like this to me.
(applause) - Annie, you're OK, kid.
- How about that? Great, hey? Well, I'd say adequate.
Go on.
Take a bow.
(renewed applause) Mr Chairman, excuse me, sir.
I've got a troop of Boy Scouts waiting and they want a picture with their senator.
So if that wraps it Jordache wanted some time, but I think we've waited I'm here.
I'm sorry I'm late.
A half-hour to fly from New York to Washington, an hour to drive from the airport here.
And 30 seconds to catch your breath, Senator.
I'll make it brief.
I've sounded some of you out on this, without much response.
Tricorp International.
I am making a modest request that a member of our investigative staff be assigned to do a little preliminary digging.
Justify the request.
Subverting governmental process and public servants.
Rudy, have you got anything up your sleeve? Anything that you haven't dropped on us before, on one of those rare occasions when you grace Capitol Hill with your presence? Uh-uh-uh.
I've been in New Orleans, interviewing Estep's former confidential secretary.
Two hours after she agreed to come to Washington and help us unravel Tricorp, - she was dead.
- How did she die? She was kidnapped from her home in the night.
A heart attack was induced.
- Can you prove that? - Not without help.
What else? This.
These hieroglyphics need a key.
Sarah Hunt was the key.
All we need now is a staff investigator to decode it.
Decode what? Estep's extra-marital address book? According to Miss Hunt, it's a list of payoffs.
Justice Department payoffs, to be exact.
This could have come from anyone's hip pocket, Senator.
I'm inclined to think it came out of Estep's hip pocket.
I did a little primitive research myself.
On page ten, the first line reads: "BC 615675000.
" A Tricorp subsidiary, Brand Foods, was scheduled to go to court last October, on an anti-trust action filed by a justice lawyer named Bruce Can'ter.
- In August, the action was dropped.
- Get to it, Jordache.
Delighted.
What if "BC" - Bruce Can'ter - "615" - on June 15 - "5,000" - pocketed a $5,000 gratuity? - I think Rudy's onto something.
- What? We can't use that book without a live body in here.
Somebody that'll testify that that book belonged to Estep and to nobody else.
Well, I'll find one.
The problem will be keeping it alive.
Assigning an investigator is a bit premature.
To put it kindly.
Someone make a motion to put a man on Tricorp? - So move.
- Second.
Discussion.
- Call for a vote.
- Nay.
Nay.
Nay.
Nay.
- Thanks very much, gentlemen.
- Meeting's adjourned, gentlemen.
Could have used your vote on urban renewal if you'd been here on Monday.
Jordache, what in the name of partisan politics do you think you're doing? What does it look like? Looks like you're gunning for one of our party's major contributors.
Up until today, I thought you were a reasonably sane man.
For a senator.
Why'd you put me on the agenda if you were gonna let me hang? You couldn't bull the SEC into investigating Tricorp, huh? - Now you want to use the US Senate? - I want to investigate Tricorp, period.
I didn't stand a chance without your support.
I've been here for 31 years.
Why should I commit political suicide for a Republican? Stick it to your fellow Republicans.
I came to the powerhouse of the Democratic party who just admitted Tricorp is too big to take on.
That's never stopped me before, Jordache.
But I don't let myself be used in personal vendettas.
- This is not a personal vendetta.
- No? Your company in New York State - it's on strike, it's lost its army contracts.
Do you blame Estep? Without that strike, I wouldn't be onto Tricorp.
Yeah.
How many roll calls have you missed this session? Plenty.
Marsh Goodwin told the Republican caucus that you're dropping out next term.
- Was he lying? - He wasrt lying.
- Changed your mind? - I don't know.
Why am I wasting my time? Why don't you go back to your electronics plant? I've been trying to keep that plant open so people won't be thrown out of work! You sure are short-changing the rest of your constituents! Why should I believe you aren't gunning for Estep on your own account? Because Estep and Tricorp are ripe for a look and you know it, because you wouldn't be giving me the time of day if you didn't! I'm late for the mers room.
- Hey Belfast Room? - Deliveries at the rear, please.
I'm supposed to meet my lawyer here.
Somebody Downey.
Downey Oh.
You'll have to wear a tie, sir.
Could you button your shirt, please? Gimme the tie.
That goes nice, huh? Right this way, please.
Mr Downey.
Ah, Mr Falconetti.
- My name is Matthew Downey.
- You, uh you're my lawyer? Yes.
Yes, I am.
Please, sit down.
- Thank you, Byron.
- Hey, thanks a lot, Byron.
Uh, drink? Uh, yeah.
I'll tell you what, gimme one just like that, huh? Thank you.
Ah! I tell ya, Maria takes care of me.
I ask her to get me a smart Yale or Harvard public defender Mr Falconetti, shut up.
I'm not a public defender.
Your sister Maria did not retain me, and I'm not free to tell you who did.
I obviously represent persons who have your best interests at heart, very much so.
It's really obvious to you.
It's about as clear as pea soup to me.
What do they want from me? The answers to a few questions.
Well, tell me.
Talk.
Did you take a shot at Senator Jordache and if you did, why did you? No.
No, you don't do that.
You see, I was with my sister when the car was plugged.
That's on the record.
If you're my lawyer, you know that.
Now, if you're not my lawyer, you're a plant.
A plant.
Mr Falconetti, if you want to stay out of the slammer, sit down.
We'll get to the questions later.
- Here is my card.
- (laughs) I got a lawyer.
I got a real lawyer.
You know something? There is nothing you can't do when you got a good lawyer.
(laughs) Hi.
Uh, I'm Ramona.
I'm Diane.
- Is Wes here? - Yeah.
Come on in.
I'll tell him that you're here.
Wes, there's someone here to see you! Wes? Second door to your left.
(knocks) Forget it, Diane.
Please, Wes.
I don't know what to say.
I always wondered what your room was like.
I had to see you.
To say I guess, to say I'm sorry.
Wes? Look at me.
I made a mistake, worse for me than for you.
I knew that even even while it was happening.
But how can a mistake that didn't mean anything - nothing, Wes - how can it spoil everything forever? Please look at me! Are you gonna punish me for the rest of my life? Don't I mean anything to you? I can't bear myself.
I can't bear being alone with myself any longer.
Say something, Wes.
Please say something! I can't.
Not now.
When? I don't know.
I learned one thing, that's all.
Just one thing.
Now I know what love isn't.
And I really think, if I wasrt such a fool, we could have loved each other very much for the rest of our lives.
50,000? No, not really.
Who? No, no.
I mean, who put up that kind of bail for Falconetti? Matty? Matthew Downey? You're kidding.
Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
Well, what did he do? Put up securities? His own personal chit? Uh-huh.
Yeah.
Peggy, thanks a lot.
I appreciate it.
Right.
I owe you one.
OK.
Bye-bye.
- Falconetti's out? - Right.
Damn.
Well, we knew it could happen.
If he's got a sister who'd perjure herself to give him an alibi, she'd raise his bail.
- Uh-uh.
Not this bail.
$50,000.
- Who'd come up with $50,000 for him? He's come up with a lawyer by the name of Downey - works for a fancy law firm called Lydell, O'Hara and Stern.
- I want to see their client list.
- I'm working on it.
- OK, what happened in Washington? - Total disaster.
- Paxton didn't - No, he did not.
Not one word of support.
The fact is he cut me off at the knees.
"Personal vendetta.
Missing roll call votes.
Shortchanging my constituents.
" Sounds to me as if he knows you're planning to quit politics.
- Yeah.
- Are you? I don't know.
I don't know, Maggie.
All I know is I'll do anything I can to stop Estep.
Paxton didn't promise to help you if you did, uh, change your mind? No.
- If I did, maybe he'll realise I'm serious.
- Tempted? Oh, God, Maggie, I'm tormenting myself with those questions! I don't need help! - I'm sorry.
- Oh, honey, come on.
Let's go.
- Where? - My apartment.
Dinner together, bed together, alone together.
We both need it.
What I need is to be alone with Rudy Jordache and to take a good hard look at him.
I feel like I'm up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
How did I get there? I've got no sense of direction, no base.
My Senate colleagues turned thumbs-down on me today.
Estep's getting away with murder, literally.
Falconetti's loose again.
We have to steal time together, and the two boys I call family slug it out viciously.
Why? I don't know.
I don't know why.
Well, I'd better find some answers.
I'm going home.
Uh-uh, she's already booked for those dates.
You should have called sooner.
Well, I'm sorry the lines were busy, but, uh the lady is in demand.
Look, uh, why don't we get together when I get to New York? I promise, we'll work something out, all right? OK.
Whoo! We did it.
Here's to us.
Uh-uh.
You.
You did it! Billy the magician.
Billy the magician and, uh, two little pills.
You really didn't need 'em, Annie.
That was just a one-shot.
Come on.
I was scared to death at that last minute.
Didrt you guess? Don't do it again.
Did you know today has changed the rest of your life? And mine too? Just listen to this.
You're gonna love it.
The Carson Show wants you Tuesday, The Carol Burnett Show next month.
There's talk of a special.
I mean, a special! My God, I can't read my own writing.
I think I just blew a million bucks.
How did you do it? How in the world did you con Danny out of that spot? I gave him something that he wanted more.
You know, I don't mind so much how you do things any more.
I mean, when I think of what you've done for me.
And what have I done for you? What haven't you done for me? You cut my demo, you got me an album.
And now this.
Mm! I feel so wonderful! I wanna unwind.
Maybe I could, uh, get you outta your 3am spot.
It's already been announced.
People might be hanging around to hear you again.
I can unwind right here.
So can you.
You need to.
Come on, Billy.
Go with it.
Strictly business between you and me.
Remember? Uh, business hours are over.
I thought you didn't have those kind of feelings for me.
- Feelings change.
- For how long? Boy, you sure can run something into the ground.
Come here, Billy.
I'm gonna make love to you.
Be brave.
(knock on door) - Wesley, it's me this time.
- Go to bed, Diane.
Please, Wes.
- Do you know the meaning of "privacy"? - Yes, I do.
It's important to some people.
Me! I didn't come here to talk about Billy or Ramona.
- Meaning you are.
- Just let me say one thing.
- One thing! - Don't leave.
- That's it? - No.
Rudy really loves you.
You don't know what I'd give to have what you've got.
You're gonna throw it away.
You're gonna leave and you'll never get it back.
- All right! - Rudy wants you here.
- I don't wanna hear it, Diane.
- I ran off and left my mother once and - Will you shut up, Diane? - Rudy loves you! Shut up! I'm sorry.
I'm not sorry, Wes.
Don't you be.
Wes, look at me.
It was a mistake, Diane.
We shouldn't have We didn't do anything wrong.
Oh, Wes, don't blame me for how I feel about you.
It's not that.
It's Ramona, isn't it? I couldn't talk to her.
I couldn't even look at her.
I knew if I did, I She made a stupid mistake.
With Billy.
Like you did with me? You're in love with her.
Why don't you tell her that? You know, you're not the brat I thought you were.
I wanna talk to you.
- A 16-year-old girl! - I don't wanna hear it.
You're going to.
Boy, you've outdone yourself today.
- I can't undo it, so let's just cool it.
- What the hell is going on? I can't explain it.
- Try.
- I can't! Wesley, you had a reason when you beat up Billy! You had a reason when you went to bed with a 16-year-old girl! You knew what you were doing and why you were doing it! You owe me an explanation! (door slams) (engine revs) (Ramona) I really think, if I wasrt such a fool, we could have loved each other very much for the rest of our lives.