The Fall Guy (1981) s02e15 Episode Script
Eight Ball
(FINGERS SNAPPING) COLT: # Well, I'm hot the kind to kiss and tell But I've been seen with Farrah # I've never been with anything less than a nine, so fine! # I've been on fire with Sally Field Gone fast with a girl named Bo # But somehow they just don't end up as mine # It's a death-defying life I lead I take my chances # I die for a livin' in the movies and TV # But the hardest thing I ever do is watch my leading ladies # Kiss some other guy while I'm bandaging my knee # I might fall from a tall building I might roll a brand-new car # 'Cause I'm the unknown stuntman that made Redford such a star (FINGERS SNAPPING) # I've never spent much time in school But I taught ladies plenty # It's true I hire my body out for pay # Hey, hey # I've gotten burned over Cheryl Tiegs Blown up for Raquel Welch # But when I wind up in the hay It's only hay # Hey, hey # I might jump an open drawbridge Or Tarzan from a vine # 'Cause I'm the unknown stuntman that makes Eastwood look so fine # ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Okay, pieces, everybody.
Stand by, "A â and âBâ cameras.
Let's get this in one take.
JODY: Why are you so tense? Colt can handle the stunt.
It's not the stunt I'm worried about.
JODY: What do you mean? Have you noticed how strange he's been acting lately? DIRECTOR:: Roll cameras.
- No.
DIRECTOR:: âA" camera marker.
- Acâ on .
(CAR ENGINE ROARING) (POLICE SIREN WAILING) CUT! CUT! JODY: Great stunt, Colt! HOWIE: Fabulous.
(COLT COUGHING) HOWIE: Good job, Colt.
JODY: Great stunt.
I don't know what you're talking about.
He looks fine to me.
Yeah? Well, look again.
The guy's out on his feet.
He's been distracted for days.
He didn't come home until 5:00 this morning! - Maybe he got lucky.
- Or unlucky.
- You are so ominous.
- I've never seen him like this before.
Look.
Unbelievable.
He's using the phone.
Yeah, but look at the way he's using it.
Oh, now I see what you mean.
One end of the phone is in his ear, and the other is in his mouth.
- Jody, I'm serious.
- Well, so am I.
What are you talking about? He's acting very suspicious.
Watch this.
You see? What do you call that? Privacy.
I don't know how you ever talked me into tailing Colt.
Because he's your friend, too.
Well, you better slow down because you gotta get further back.
He's gonna spot you.
Jody, I learned it all from Colt.
Even he admits I'm a born tracker.
The invisible man.
Now where the hell is he going? Be careful, Howie.
This is my truck you're bouncing around.
(TIRES SCREECHING) Of all things, a funeral! I told you something was wrong.
He's driving like a madman! - Or someone trying to shake a tail.
- Which worries me even more.
I don't get you.
Why would he go to so much trouble to keep us away? I hate to say it, but you do have a point.
(JODY SIGHS) (BANGING ON DOOR) BARNEY: All right, Colt.
I'm coming.
I'm coming.
Thanks.
Any problems? Same ones.
He's going stir-crazy.
And the phone calls.
- Did you let him out of the room? - Only when the place was empty.
Good.
Well, I can handle that.
But what about the big problem? You tell me.
It's a religious experience.
Hands of gold.
Feet of clay.
Joe, I know this has been tough for you, but you got to keep a low profile.
I mean, the tournament odds are six to one now, and still climbing.
They think Louie Kramer's a shoo-in.
(JOE LAUGHING) Louie Kramer? Man, I can beat him with one arm tied behind my back.
Oh, that's great.
Now all we gotta do is keep them thinking that you're still What? Well, that you can't win this tournament.
What, huh? A has-been, a drunk, or a burn? So drunk I don't know which end of a pool table to shoot, huh? It's all right.
That's all right.
Just three more days.
Then, Reno, here we come.
Yeah.
Three more days.
(PHONE RINGING) Hello.
MAN ON PHONE".
Colt Seavers? No.
It's Howie Munson, his partner.
Where is he? I don't know.
I can take a message.
Tell him it's time for a killing.
What? Time for a killing? Who is this? Just tell him.
(PHONE LINE BEEPING) What's wrong? I think Colt's in a lot worse trouble than we thought.
Why? That was a death threat.
COLT: Come on, Joe.
One, two, three, four.
Get those feet up.
Come on.
Faster.
One, two, three, four.
Come on.
You can do it.
Keep up.
Keep up.
Come on, Joe.
You're getting yourself in awfully good shape, Joe.
Hey, Barney, any messages? Joe, it's the middle of the night.
What has the middle of the night got to do with it? It's 5:00 in the morning.
BARNEY: That's the middle of the night for normal people.
Couldn't reach her, huh? I can't get past my daughter, Linda.
(SIGHS) - Yeah, well, I'm sorry.
- Yeah, she's trying to keep her from me.
She doesn't want us to get together.
She's afraid I'm gonna hurt her, or do something You know, Joe, you're going through an awful lot, getting yourself into shape.
And all you gotta do is hang tough three more days.
Maybe it'd be better to wait before you try and reach her.
Hey, Colt.
I appreciate everything you've done for me, you know? I really do.
You took me out of the gutter.
You straightened me out.
You got me shooting pool better than I ever did in my whole life.
Put up that entry dough for that tournament.
I mean, you've done a lot for me.
Friends of mine ain't done that.
And I appreciate it.
But stay out of my life! It's making a nervous wreck out of me.
And you don't need it! There's another night's sleep.
Well, with luck, some woman will eventually get that kind of love and attention.
- Isn't she beautiful? - Yeah.
Just delivered.
It's all paid for, you know.
It took me more than a year to save the money for this baby.
Oh, here's Colt.
Oh, yeah, I wanna talk to him.
Look how shiny.
(SIGHING) Colt, I took a message for you last night.
Thanks.
It sounded serious.
But before you say anything, I want to get something off my chest.
Now, I know what kind of a person you are.
But in a man's life there's a time for being open-minded.
Now, don't say anything! just listen.
Colt, the past few days with you have been, well, trying, to say the least.
Well, did you get through to him? - Depends.
- On what? On when he fell asleep.
(JODY CHUCKLES) (JOE HUMMING NERVOUSLY) (PHONE RINGING) Hello? LINDA: Haifa? Is anyone there? Linda? What can I do for you? What do you mean, what can you do for me? What am I, a butler? It's your father calling.
I know that.
Hey, you know, you're so smart and wise, you know.
All you kids are like that.
Now, show me a little kindness, will you? I'm out of town.
Now, can I speak to your mother? I can't do that now.
She's busy.
I'm sorry, Daddy.
Goodbye.
I can't understand why you won't even talk to Daddy.
Because it's over, and it has to be.
But maybe if you talked to him, you can get it back on track.
He didn't want me when I was whole, and he's not going to get me now that I'm disabled.
You don't know Daddy.
It doesn't make any difference to him.
It does to me.
I don't believe it.
You're Joe O'Hara.
You're Joltin' Joe O'Hara! Hey! Hey! He's the best shooter in the world, man! He's played Minnesota Fats! He's played all the greats! You know, my father watched you win the World Championship in Baltimore.
He's even got your picture up in the rec room.
How about shooting a few balls, huh? Hey, kid, I'm out of practice, all right? Will you just forget it, will you? Come on, man.
When will a guy like me ever get a chance to see the greatest again? Come on, my dad will go crazy! Please, Mr O'Hara! I'll even pay for the table and rack 'em up.
(JOE CHUCKLES) Rack 'em up.
Hey! Give me the table, man.
Joe O'Hara is gonna come here.
He's gonna shoot some.
(JOE GRUNTS) (JOE WHISTLING) All right.
Now, I'll tell you what.
You go buy a bottle of that bourbon, okay? And I'll show you a couple of trick shots.
Like this one for instance.
Raise the cue.
Could I have that Thanks, pal.
- Boy, I wish I could shoot like that.
- Well, maybe one day you will.
Let's put 'em in.
(PEOPLE LAUGHING) MAN: Never missed a shot.
What are you hanging around here for? Go get that bottle, kid.
You got it.
(JOE HUMMING CHEERFULLY) (PEOPLE APPLAUDING) (PEOPLE CHEERING) And now, ladies and gentlemen, let's really hear it for the next champion of the world, Louie Kramer.
So what if he's entered the tournament? He's all washed up.
Last year, he passed out right in the middle of a shot.
Well, he sure looks great today.
He's even got a trainer.
We can't be talking about the same Joe O'Hara.
I'm telling you, this guy makes the ball do everything but folk dance.
This is not very amusing.
I got a fortune bet on Louie Kramer.
Maybe Louie can still take him.
I don't bet my own money on "maybes.
" Now, look.
I I got a couple of local fellas in LA.
All you have to do is finger Joe for them, and they'll take care of you and the rest.
JODY: Colt, there's a phone call for you.
A man named Barney.
COLT: Oh, thanks, Jody.
Hello? Yeah, what's up, Barney? Well, get him out of there.
I don't care how you do it.
Carry him if you have to.
Listen, get him over to my place.
I'll meet you there right away.
Right.
Kid, take the next stunt.
You know it.
The wardrobe is doubled.
- Jack'll give it to you, huh? - Sure, Colt.
No problem.
- Colt, what's wrong? - Maybe nothing if I can get home right away.
The crew bus doesn't leave till we finish shooting.
Then I can't wait.
Well, if it's that important, why not take Howie's truck? - Oh, you got it? That's your new truck? - Yeah.
- Congratulations.
- Thanks.
Let me borrow it a little while.
Give me the keys.
Well, it's brand-new.
I haven't driven it yet.
I Kid, I'll just break it in for you.
Come on, give me the key.
I'm in a hurry.
Come on, come on.
- I don't like it.
- You don't like it! I mean the way Colt's acting.
Joe, how could you do that? We had an agreement, and this was promise number one! Colt, I was spotted.
It's over.
Forget it.
It doesn't make any difference.
Val Duran will see that Joe can't play.
Come on, it's a legitimate tournament.
It's televised.
They can't stop Joe.
He can if Joe's dead.
Dead? Come on, it's a pool tournament.
When Val Duran's involved, it isnât just a pool tournament.
I'm finished.
It's over.
Look, it can't be over.
Not after all we've been through.
Colt, I'm not gonna see you get bumped off trying to sober up a drunk.
Look, I didn't do this for you.
I mean, I did it for me, too.
- Were you followed? - It's possible.
Colt, what's that for? It's like medical insurance.
You hope you don't have to use it.
Come on.
BOONE: This is the place, only - CHET: Only what? - Only that truck wasn't here.
BOONE: No, don't shoot! Barney, take a few of these.
Fire off some shots in the air.
That'll give us time to get to the truck.
- Then what? - Run like hell.
(sum FIRES) (sum FIRING) You haven't got enough room to get out of here.
Damn! That guy up there's a decoy! Let's go! - That was absolutely beautiful.
- I think Howie's gonna be a little upset.
- Who's Howie? - Never mind.
I'll make it up to him.
We've got more critical things to worry about.
Well, how you gonna lose them? Don't worry.
A stuntman can out-drive your normal driver.
- They're still there.
- I know they're still there.
I said we could outrun normal drivers.
These obviously aren't normal.
- When we go back, they'll get us.
- We ain't going back.
You don't know these guys.
They're gonna cover the Reno Airport.
And they'll have every main highway covered, looking for this truck.
Then we won't use the main highway.
We'll take the back roads to Reno.
We'll sit there and wait, and hide out until the tournament.
I don't like that idea.
Oh, my God! No! No, no, no, no! Only three "no's.
" It's two bumpers and a door.
I haven't even had a chance to turn on the ignition.
Well, I don't see it anywhere.
Maybe it's still in the truck.
I don't believe how insensitive you are.
JOE: There's a little town up ahead.
We can get something to eat there.
COLT: How much money you got on you? I got the $20 you gave me last night for dinner.
Whatever happened to that all-expenses-paid management contract? I left the studio in a little bit of a hurry, thanks to you.
The tournament isn't for three days.
How are we gonna eat and sleep? Maybe I can get a hold of Howie to meet us up someplace.
Who's Howie? Looks like I'm gonna go a little easy on this one.
They sure are big.
- Yeah, well, I'll make the hustle small.
- Can you do that? How do you think I stayed out of college? Go on.
Set it up.
I'll take care of everything.
Go on.
Well, just don't lose the first game.
You know, 20 bucks is our entire bankroll.
Just go set it up, will you, handsome? Well, you sure can shoot pool.
Second best in town.
Third now.
You think you can take me? Oh, no, no, no.
I was just joking.
You see my pal back there, he thinks he's the greatest.
Greatest what? janitor? I wouldn't let him hear you say that.
He'll wanna play you.
That's how we got down to our last 20 bucks.
Hey, chub, your pal here says you shoot off your mouth better than a cue stick.
(ALL LAUGHING) You don't want to play me.
Take your hustle elsewhere.
I'm too good for you.
Well, I got 20 says different, scumball! (ALL LAUGHING) You're on, meatball.
MAN: There it is.
There can't be two trucks like that one.
- The man can't live without pool.
- It'll be the death of him.
- We go in? - We'll wait.
We Let them come out.
We'll get him on the highway.
COLT: That's That's that.
Not quite.
There's gonna be one more game.
Double or nothing.
(CHUCKLING) Oh, come on, pard.
I mean, my pal there is just on a hot streak.
- I mean, shoot - There will be one more game.
- Who said? - SHERIFF: I do.
Oh, howdy, Sheriff.
Well, it's sure good to see you.
We're just having a little, friendly pool game with the boys here, and we're on our way out.
What a shame.
You should get to play against the town's best.
COLT: We look forward to that.
Never put off, I always say.
As I understand it, the bet was double or nothing.
He's number one? - You break.
- Your advantage.
I already have it.
I'll play it safe.
Your shot.
All you have to do is sink both those balls and the eight ball.
I think he'll need a magic wand to do all that.
Yeah, the sheriff's right, Joe.
No way you can make those shots.
No way.
JOE: You just don't understand pride.
What's wrong? Don't like guns? I don't like threats.
(CHUCKLING NERVOUSLY) Threats? Joe, the sheriff's just having a little fun.
Right, Sheriff? just a little fun, huh? Nine ball in the corner.
Eight ball down the end.
So, that's the way it is, huh? Maybe we better show these guys what happens to hustlers around here.
I can beat a punk like you with a cue stick.
I can take you on with my hands! Come on! COLT: No, no! Don't risk the hands! COLT: Get the money! SHERIFF: Don't Let them get away! Get those jerks! Holy Chicago! It was just plain dumb to let that twerp get to you back there.
- A man can't always sit on his pride.
- That's why dead men don't worry about pride.
He must be another one of those non-average drivers.
Most sheriffs are pretty good.
Why do we keep driving around in circles? Why don't you just drive straight out of town? Because the sheriff isn't the only one back there.
I spotted that same car with those triggermen in it when I jumped in the truck.
So, what do we do? We throw ourselves in front of the sheriff? What, and miss the tournament? Hell, no.
We'll go someplace that they can't.
Damn! He's done it again! Back up! Better fasten your seat belt.
I haven't got one.
HOWIE: Oh, no! JODY: Well, here we go again.
I never had a chance to open them.
- What's that he's saying? - Well, you see, it's his truck.
(HOWIE MOANING) You know the fella that was driving that truck? - He's my partner.
- You work together, do you? Unfortunately, yes.
Is that a fact? With those clowns breathing down our necks, we can't even stay in a motel tonight.
We can't even stay on the main road.
What main? There is no main.
This is the road.
- I got it.
- What? Safety.
Follow me.
Well, you go ahead.
I'm gonna go make a couple of phone calls.
(BELLS JINGLING) - Can I help you, mister? - You sure can.
I want everything you got for a night of comfort out in the middle of nowhere.
I want a lantern, a portable radio, stove, the best tent in the house, two good beds with thick air-mattresses.
- You wanna go first-class.
- I wanna go first-class.
Beth.
Please don't hang up, huh? Now, listen to me, just give me a minute.
JOE: Kid, I'm a changed man.
I'm really changed, you know? I'm going down the straight and narrow.
I've given up drinking.
I'm getting myself in shape.
I'm in the dough.
Things are picking up for me now.
This is a chance for me, so don't give up on me.
As a matter of fact, why don't I send you some dough? You know, I gotta Beth? I wanna wire this 500 bucks to Beth O'Hara in Reno.
(JOE SIGHS) Well, Joe, you look like you're feeling a whole lot better.
What happened? I am.
I think I made up for a lot.
At least it's a step in the right direction.
Well, I hope so.
That'll be $487.
13.
Right you are.
Pay the man, Joe.
Pay him for what? For a night of comfort and safety, away from you know what.
Oh, yeah, right.
Excuse me.
Colt, could I talk to you for a minute? Excuse us, will you? - Be right back.
- Colt.
- You did what? - Colt, now, listen.
Will you Listen, there are a lot of other pool halls around, you know.
Your reputation's sinking fast, not to mention your price.
Look, there's only two ways they can go from here to Reno.
If they intend to stay out of Reno until the tournament, they'll have to lay over a night in one of them.
Right.
Look, we've got one more thing working for us.
They got in an accident.
See, the whole top of their truck has been sheared away.
They stick out like a sore thumb.
Well, if they're smart, they'll have to get hold of another car for the rest of the trip.
I'll handle it.
In the meantime, stay on their tail.
If Joe O'Hara makes it to Reno alive, you two are dead! Your practice table is ready, Mr Kramer.
Thank you.
I'll be along in a moment.
(PHONE RINGING) Yes? Beth, this is Louie Kramer.
Remember me? Yes, I do, and if Joe is trying to use you to get to me It's important, and I don't have time.
I've just found out something awful.
Joe's life is in danger.
Who would want to hurt him? I can't answer that.
But apparently, Joe's on his way to the tournament here.
The gambler has some huge bets down, and he's afraid to let Joe play.
Why would anybody be afraid to let Joe play in his condition? If this is a joke, it's a cruel one.
It's no joke! I just know that when these guys get worried, there's a reason.
Thank you, Louie.
Okay.
Ma, what is it? It seems like everyone's more worried about your father than his own family.
Oh, God, I wish he'd call.
Look, Colt, I'm awful sorry.
You gotta forgive me.
Listen, but I get very emotional about Beth.
You know, that's why I sent her the money.
- Will you stop pouting? - I'm not pouting.
I'm thinking.
- About dumping me? - No, about dumping this truck.
Well, if you dump the truck, how are we going to get to Reno? Look, with those guys right behind us, and us with a truck that stands out in a crowd like a naked man with his hair on fire, we gotta dump this truck! Dump the truck? But we haven't got any money to buy another truck.
I'm sorry I brought it up.
- Go to sleep, will you, Joe? - Yeah, will you pass the blanket over to me? (EXCLAIMS) Howie, the sheriff has a proposition for you.
All I want is out of here.
And all I want is the money your partner took out of this town.
Sign this.
I can't sign this.
It's a lien against my bank account with Colt.
Here.
- Sit and rot.
- Wait! I'll sign it.
Not on me, you don't dump that.
Hey, come on, now.
We're half-dry, half-starved and totally tired, and ready to deal.
And we'd like to trade it for, say, that old clunker over there.
It's only got 125 miles on it.
And owned by a little, old lady in Pasadena who got caught in a demolition derby at her church social, huh? No, no, really.
125 miles, that means the motor's near perfect.
I mean, it's worth over $3,000 alone.
I'll tell you what.
I'll trade you even.
100 bucks cash.
50, and I'm feeling emotionally bruised.
75, and you'll get to like it.
- Are you into pain? - No, not by choice.
All right.
I'll work up the papers, and there are a few touches to make the car roadworthy.
After all, we have a reputation.
Here's a 20.
Go have some breakfast.
I'll be all set by then.
- You're all heart.
- We gonna spend it? Are you sure you got the right one? Positive.
Who else will know? Not a soul.
I'm a trained mechanic.
You've got yourself a deal.
My boys will be right over to make sure that you earn your money.
She's all fired up and ready to go.
Nothing can stop you now.
Hey, watch what you're doing.
You ran a light.
That's funny.
I can't stop it.
The car's been tampered with.
- Well, do something! - I can't! Nothing works.
It's picking up speed! Why don't you turn off the ignition? That don't work, either.
Help! COLT: Whoever did this is real good! Well, that's really reassuring, Colt.
Real comforting.
COLT: The only thing that seems to work is the accelerator.
(CAR HONKING) (TIRES SCREECHING) - They've had it.
- You bet they had it.
(JOE EXCLAIMING) - Howie, can't you drive any faster? - Sure I could, but I don't want to.
My truck parts might get damaged in the back.
Uh.
You'd better stop.
Oh, no.
Tell me it isn't.
Please tell me it isn't.
- Okay, it isn't.
- It is! In my wildest imagination, it didn't look this bad.
Oh, no.
- Going for a collectible, sir? - Where did you get my truck? You must be mistaken.
A signed bill of sale makes it mine.
- Then that's a forgery! - Shall we call the police? 'Yes! 'No! Howie, our friend may have signed it, and he may have not had any choice.
Well, then, I don't know what to do.
Try this! Colt! COLT: Well, we made it, Joe.
A couple of times, I had serious doubts, but here we are.
Yeah, here we are.
What's the matter? Beth and Linda live in Reno.
When Duran sees me show up at that tournament, do you think he'd try to do anything to 'em? (PHONE RINGING) - Hello.
- Linda.
Now, don't hang up the phone.
There's something I've got to say to you.
Say it to Morn.
- Joe.
- Beth? (SIGHING) It's so good to hear your voice.
It was only 500 bucks.
You think it was the money, you stupid man? (JOE LAUGHING) I love it that you care enough to call me stupid.
I care enough.
I just hope I didn't Joe, you gotta stay away from Reno.
Will you stop worrying about me? Worry about yourself.
Listen to me, Joe.
Louie Kramer called me.
He said some mobsters are gonna try to keep you from going to the tournament.
Oh, they're handled.
Oh, now you can handle mobsters? Well, not me personally, but I'm with somebody that can handle anything and everybody, including me.
Oh, he must be something.
He really is.
Now, listen, Beth.
He's going to come by the house and pick you and Linda up, take you someplace safe.
Wherever you want to go.
I thought maybe you'd come here.
You qualify, I'll be there.
Well, I don't know, Beth.
It's been a while, you know.
I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other soon.
Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you for coming.
Did you notice the expression on his face? Yep.
just wait till we get through with him.
Howie, put this Exchequer on Joe's nose.
You sure know how to put the pressure on, I'll tell you that.
Hey, we came here to win.
Now, go get 'em, Joe.
You're dead men.
As soon as I get somebody to take care of Joe, I'm putting them on you.
I'm telling you, I saw them go into the drink.
- I just saw them go in there! - We can still keep Joe out of the tournament.
His wife lives here.
(MUMBLING IN AGREEMENT) Sure, right in our own backyard.
We'll shoot up the whole town.
It was just a thought.
You guys couldn't handle two yokels in the middle of nowhere.
Maybe, just maybe, you can handle a couple of ladies.
- HOWIE: About this Exchequer, I - Not now, Howie, I know what I'm doing.
Just do it.
I got some unfinished business.
What am I gonna do now? Go put the Exchequer on Joe's nose.
Jody, you're the one who made me take the money out of this account and give it to that no-good sheriff.
I made you? Right.
I took a gun and I put it to your head and I made you.
Thank you.
If you sent those two creeps out to Joe O'Hara's house, you're making a big mistake 'cause the police are there, waiting.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Oh, that's good.
If they're anything like that crooked car dealer you hired, why, they're gonna make real good witnesses against you.
(CHUCKLES) You don't want to go leaving now.
I'd like to have you where we can get our hands on you.
Let's go watch the pool game, huh? Eight ball, corner pocket.
(PEOPLE CLAPPING) Hi.
I can see from the look on your face nobody told you.
They told me.
I've known for a long time.
Do you think that would make any difference? Joe, we didn't get along before this happened.
It couldn't help.
You're wrong.
This time, you can't run out on me.
(BOTH CHUCKLE) I'm going to win.
I mean that, Colt.
I'm going to win.
I figure you already have.
The rest is gravy.
ANNOUNCER: Your shot, Mr O'Hara.
Excuse me.
(PEOPLE APPLAUDING) Hey, this is it, kid.
The big score.
The one I've been working on.
- Colt.
- What? There's something that Howie would like to say to you.
Jody, there's nothing Howie could say to me tonight that could spoil this for me.
No, no, no.
I don't want to tempt fate like that.
Yes, Howie could spoil it for me.
- I mean, you did get the bet down, didn't you? - Oh, yeah.
- You did get it on Joe, right? - On Joe.
Right, yeah.
Well, then, what is it? What's wrong? Colt, if you had to, would you bet your truck on Joe? My truck? On a gambling bet? Don't be silly.
I mean, why would I do that, especially if I didn't have to? I mean, I've put a lot of hard hours into getting that truck.
I mean, I put together all my mad money just to get my No.
Not my Not my truck.
Not Not my Not my beautiful truck.
You want to talk about beautiful trucks?
Stand by, "A â and âBâ cameras.
Let's get this in one take.
JODY: Why are you so tense? Colt can handle the stunt.
It's not the stunt I'm worried about.
JODY: What do you mean? Have you noticed how strange he's been acting lately? DIRECTOR:: Roll cameras.
- No.
DIRECTOR:: âA" camera marker.
- Acâ on .
(CAR ENGINE ROARING) (POLICE SIREN WAILING) CUT! CUT! JODY: Great stunt, Colt! HOWIE: Fabulous.
(COLT COUGHING) HOWIE: Good job, Colt.
JODY: Great stunt.
I don't know what you're talking about.
He looks fine to me.
Yeah? Well, look again.
The guy's out on his feet.
He's been distracted for days.
He didn't come home until 5:00 this morning! - Maybe he got lucky.
- Or unlucky.
- You are so ominous.
- I've never seen him like this before.
Look.
Unbelievable.
He's using the phone.
Yeah, but look at the way he's using it.
Oh, now I see what you mean.
One end of the phone is in his ear, and the other is in his mouth.
- Jody, I'm serious.
- Well, so am I.
What are you talking about? He's acting very suspicious.
Watch this.
You see? What do you call that? Privacy.
I don't know how you ever talked me into tailing Colt.
Because he's your friend, too.
Well, you better slow down because you gotta get further back.
He's gonna spot you.
Jody, I learned it all from Colt.
Even he admits I'm a born tracker.
The invisible man.
Now where the hell is he going? Be careful, Howie.
This is my truck you're bouncing around.
(TIRES SCREECHING) Of all things, a funeral! I told you something was wrong.
He's driving like a madman! - Or someone trying to shake a tail.
- Which worries me even more.
I don't get you.
Why would he go to so much trouble to keep us away? I hate to say it, but you do have a point.
(JODY SIGHS) (BANGING ON DOOR) BARNEY: All right, Colt.
I'm coming.
I'm coming.
Thanks.
Any problems? Same ones.
He's going stir-crazy.
And the phone calls.
- Did you let him out of the room? - Only when the place was empty.
Good.
Well, I can handle that.
But what about the big problem? You tell me.
It's a religious experience.
Hands of gold.
Feet of clay.
Joe, I know this has been tough for you, but you got to keep a low profile.
I mean, the tournament odds are six to one now, and still climbing.
They think Louie Kramer's a shoo-in.
(JOE LAUGHING) Louie Kramer? Man, I can beat him with one arm tied behind my back.
Oh, that's great.
Now all we gotta do is keep them thinking that you're still What? Well, that you can't win this tournament.
What, huh? A has-been, a drunk, or a burn? So drunk I don't know which end of a pool table to shoot, huh? It's all right.
That's all right.
Just three more days.
Then, Reno, here we come.
Yeah.
Three more days.
(PHONE RINGING) Hello.
MAN ON PHONE".
Colt Seavers? No.
It's Howie Munson, his partner.
Where is he? I don't know.
I can take a message.
Tell him it's time for a killing.
What? Time for a killing? Who is this? Just tell him.
(PHONE LINE BEEPING) What's wrong? I think Colt's in a lot worse trouble than we thought.
Why? That was a death threat.
COLT: Come on, Joe.
One, two, three, four.
Get those feet up.
Come on.
Faster.
One, two, three, four.
Come on.
You can do it.
Keep up.
Keep up.
Come on, Joe.
You're getting yourself in awfully good shape, Joe.
Hey, Barney, any messages? Joe, it's the middle of the night.
What has the middle of the night got to do with it? It's 5:00 in the morning.
BARNEY: That's the middle of the night for normal people.
Couldn't reach her, huh? I can't get past my daughter, Linda.
(SIGHS) - Yeah, well, I'm sorry.
- Yeah, she's trying to keep her from me.
She doesn't want us to get together.
She's afraid I'm gonna hurt her, or do something You know, Joe, you're going through an awful lot, getting yourself into shape.
And all you gotta do is hang tough three more days.
Maybe it'd be better to wait before you try and reach her.
Hey, Colt.
I appreciate everything you've done for me, you know? I really do.
You took me out of the gutter.
You straightened me out.
You got me shooting pool better than I ever did in my whole life.
Put up that entry dough for that tournament.
I mean, you've done a lot for me.
Friends of mine ain't done that.
And I appreciate it.
But stay out of my life! It's making a nervous wreck out of me.
And you don't need it! There's another night's sleep.
Well, with luck, some woman will eventually get that kind of love and attention.
- Isn't she beautiful? - Yeah.
Just delivered.
It's all paid for, you know.
It took me more than a year to save the money for this baby.
Oh, here's Colt.
Oh, yeah, I wanna talk to him.
Look how shiny.
(SIGHING) Colt, I took a message for you last night.
Thanks.
It sounded serious.
But before you say anything, I want to get something off my chest.
Now, I know what kind of a person you are.
But in a man's life there's a time for being open-minded.
Now, don't say anything! just listen.
Colt, the past few days with you have been, well, trying, to say the least.
Well, did you get through to him? - Depends.
- On what? On when he fell asleep.
(JODY CHUCKLES) (JOE HUMMING NERVOUSLY) (PHONE RINGING) Hello? LINDA: Haifa? Is anyone there? Linda? What can I do for you? What do you mean, what can you do for me? What am I, a butler? It's your father calling.
I know that.
Hey, you know, you're so smart and wise, you know.
All you kids are like that.
Now, show me a little kindness, will you? I'm out of town.
Now, can I speak to your mother? I can't do that now.
She's busy.
I'm sorry, Daddy.
Goodbye.
I can't understand why you won't even talk to Daddy.
Because it's over, and it has to be.
But maybe if you talked to him, you can get it back on track.
He didn't want me when I was whole, and he's not going to get me now that I'm disabled.
You don't know Daddy.
It doesn't make any difference to him.
It does to me.
I don't believe it.
You're Joe O'Hara.
You're Joltin' Joe O'Hara! Hey! Hey! He's the best shooter in the world, man! He's played Minnesota Fats! He's played all the greats! You know, my father watched you win the World Championship in Baltimore.
He's even got your picture up in the rec room.
How about shooting a few balls, huh? Hey, kid, I'm out of practice, all right? Will you just forget it, will you? Come on, man.
When will a guy like me ever get a chance to see the greatest again? Come on, my dad will go crazy! Please, Mr O'Hara! I'll even pay for the table and rack 'em up.
(JOE CHUCKLES) Rack 'em up.
Hey! Give me the table, man.
Joe O'Hara is gonna come here.
He's gonna shoot some.
(JOE GRUNTS) (JOE WHISTLING) All right.
Now, I'll tell you what.
You go buy a bottle of that bourbon, okay? And I'll show you a couple of trick shots.
Like this one for instance.
Raise the cue.
Could I have that Thanks, pal.
- Boy, I wish I could shoot like that.
- Well, maybe one day you will.
Let's put 'em in.
(PEOPLE LAUGHING) MAN: Never missed a shot.
What are you hanging around here for? Go get that bottle, kid.
You got it.
(JOE HUMMING CHEERFULLY) (PEOPLE APPLAUDING) (PEOPLE CHEERING) And now, ladies and gentlemen, let's really hear it for the next champion of the world, Louie Kramer.
So what if he's entered the tournament? He's all washed up.
Last year, he passed out right in the middle of a shot.
Well, he sure looks great today.
He's even got a trainer.
We can't be talking about the same Joe O'Hara.
I'm telling you, this guy makes the ball do everything but folk dance.
This is not very amusing.
I got a fortune bet on Louie Kramer.
Maybe Louie can still take him.
I don't bet my own money on "maybes.
" Now, look.
I I got a couple of local fellas in LA.
All you have to do is finger Joe for them, and they'll take care of you and the rest.
JODY: Colt, there's a phone call for you.
A man named Barney.
COLT: Oh, thanks, Jody.
Hello? Yeah, what's up, Barney? Well, get him out of there.
I don't care how you do it.
Carry him if you have to.
Listen, get him over to my place.
I'll meet you there right away.
Right.
Kid, take the next stunt.
You know it.
The wardrobe is doubled.
- Jack'll give it to you, huh? - Sure, Colt.
No problem.
- Colt, what's wrong? - Maybe nothing if I can get home right away.
The crew bus doesn't leave till we finish shooting.
Then I can't wait.
Well, if it's that important, why not take Howie's truck? - Oh, you got it? That's your new truck? - Yeah.
- Congratulations.
- Thanks.
Let me borrow it a little while.
Give me the keys.
Well, it's brand-new.
I haven't driven it yet.
I Kid, I'll just break it in for you.
Come on, give me the key.
I'm in a hurry.
Come on, come on.
- I don't like it.
- You don't like it! I mean the way Colt's acting.
Joe, how could you do that? We had an agreement, and this was promise number one! Colt, I was spotted.
It's over.
Forget it.
It doesn't make any difference.
Val Duran will see that Joe can't play.
Come on, it's a legitimate tournament.
It's televised.
They can't stop Joe.
He can if Joe's dead.
Dead? Come on, it's a pool tournament.
When Val Duran's involved, it isnât just a pool tournament.
I'm finished.
It's over.
Look, it can't be over.
Not after all we've been through.
Colt, I'm not gonna see you get bumped off trying to sober up a drunk.
Look, I didn't do this for you.
I mean, I did it for me, too.
- Were you followed? - It's possible.
Colt, what's that for? It's like medical insurance.
You hope you don't have to use it.
Come on.
BOONE: This is the place, only - CHET: Only what? - Only that truck wasn't here.
BOONE: No, don't shoot! Barney, take a few of these.
Fire off some shots in the air.
That'll give us time to get to the truck.
- Then what? - Run like hell.
(sum FIRES) (sum FIRING) You haven't got enough room to get out of here.
Damn! That guy up there's a decoy! Let's go! - That was absolutely beautiful.
- I think Howie's gonna be a little upset.
- Who's Howie? - Never mind.
I'll make it up to him.
We've got more critical things to worry about.
Well, how you gonna lose them? Don't worry.
A stuntman can out-drive your normal driver.
- They're still there.
- I know they're still there.
I said we could outrun normal drivers.
These obviously aren't normal.
- When we go back, they'll get us.
- We ain't going back.
You don't know these guys.
They're gonna cover the Reno Airport.
And they'll have every main highway covered, looking for this truck.
Then we won't use the main highway.
We'll take the back roads to Reno.
We'll sit there and wait, and hide out until the tournament.
I don't like that idea.
Oh, my God! No! No, no, no, no! Only three "no's.
" It's two bumpers and a door.
I haven't even had a chance to turn on the ignition.
Well, I don't see it anywhere.
Maybe it's still in the truck.
I don't believe how insensitive you are.
JOE: There's a little town up ahead.
We can get something to eat there.
COLT: How much money you got on you? I got the $20 you gave me last night for dinner.
Whatever happened to that all-expenses-paid management contract? I left the studio in a little bit of a hurry, thanks to you.
The tournament isn't for three days.
How are we gonna eat and sleep? Maybe I can get a hold of Howie to meet us up someplace.
Who's Howie? Looks like I'm gonna go a little easy on this one.
They sure are big.
- Yeah, well, I'll make the hustle small.
- Can you do that? How do you think I stayed out of college? Go on.
Set it up.
I'll take care of everything.
Go on.
Well, just don't lose the first game.
You know, 20 bucks is our entire bankroll.
Just go set it up, will you, handsome? Well, you sure can shoot pool.
Second best in town.
Third now.
You think you can take me? Oh, no, no, no.
I was just joking.
You see my pal back there, he thinks he's the greatest.
Greatest what? janitor? I wouldn't let him hear you say that.
He'll wanna play you.
That's how we got down to our last 20 bucks.
Hey, chub, your pal here says you shoot off your mouth better than a cue stick.
(ALL LAUGHING) You don't want to play me.
Take your hustle elsewhere.
I'm too good for you.
Well, I got 20 says different, scumball! (ALL LAUGHING) You're on, meatball.
MAN: There it is.
There can't be two trucks like that one.
- The man can't live without pool.
- It'll be the death of him.
- We go in? - We'll wait.
We Let them come out.
We'll get him on the highway.
COLT: That's That's that.
Not quite.
There's gonna be one more game.
Double or nothing.
(CHUCKLING) Oh, come on, pard.
I mean, my pal there is just on a hot streak.
- I mean, shoot - There will be one more game.
- Who said? - SHERIFF: I do.
Oh, howdy, Sheriff.
Well, it's sure good to see you.
We're just having a little, friendly pool game with the boys here, and we're on our way out.
What a shame.
You should get to play against the town's best.
COLT: We look forward to that.
Never put off, I always say.
As I understand it, the bet was double or nothing.
He's number one? - You break.
- Your advantage.
I already have it.
I'll play it safe.
Your shot.
All you have to do is sink both those balls and the eight ball.
I think he'll need a magic wand to do all that.
Yeah, the sheriff's right, Joe.
No way you can make those shots.
No way.
JOE: You just don't understand pride.
What's wrong? Don't like guns? I don't like threats.
(CHUCKLING NERVOUSLY) Threats? Joe, the sheriff's just having a little fun.
Right, Sheriff? just a little fun, huh? Nine ball in the corner.
Eight ball down the end.
So, that's the way it is, huh? Maybe we better show these guys what happens to hustlers around here.
I can beat a punk like you with a cue stick.
I can take you on with my hands! Come on! COLT: No, no! Don't risk the hands! COLT: Get the money! SHERIFF: Don't Let them get away! Get those jerks! Holy Chicago! It was just plain dumb to let that twerp get to you back there.
- A man can't always sit on his pride.
- That's why dead men don't worry about pride.
He must be another one of those non-average drivers.
Most sheriffs are pretty good.
Why do we keep driving around in circles? Why don't you just drive straight out of town? Because the sheriff isn't the only one back there.
I spotted that same car with those triggermen in it when I jumped in the truck.
So, what do we do? We throw ourselves in front of the sheriff? What, and miss the tournament? Hell, no.
We'll go someplace that they can't.
Damn! He's done it again! Back up! Better fasten your seat belt.
I haven't got one.
HOWIE: Oh, no! JODY: Well, here we go again.
I never had a chance to open them.
- What's that he's saying? - Well, you see, it's his truck.
(HOWIE MOANING) You know the fella that was driving that truck? - He's my partner.
- You work together, do you? Unfortunately, yes.
Is that a fact? With those clowns breathing down our necks, we can't even stay in a motel tonight.
We can't even stay on the main road.
What main? There is no main.
This is the road.
- I got it.
- What? Safety.
Follow me.
Well, you go ahead.
I'm gonna go make a couple of phone calls.
(BELLS JINGLING) - Can I help you, mister? - You sure can.
I want everything you got for a night of comfort out in the middle of nowhere.
I want a lantern, a portable radio, stove, the best tent in the house, two good beds with thick air-mattresses.
- You wanna go first-class.
- I wanna go first-class.
Beth.
Please don't hang up, huh? Now, listen to me, just give me a minute.
JOE: Kid, I'm a changed man.
I'm really changed, you know? I'm going down the straight and narrow.
I've given up drinking.
I'm getting myself in shape.
I'm in the dough.
Things are picking up for me now.
This is a chance for me, so don't give up on me.
As a matter of fact, why don't I send you some dough? You know, I gotta Beth? I wanna wire this 500 bucks to Beth O'Hara in Reno.
(JOE SIGHS) Well, Joe, you look like you're feeling a whole lot better.
What happened? I am.
I think I made up for a lot.
At least it's a step in the right direction.
Well, I hope so.
That'll be $487.
13.
Right you are.
Pay the man, Joe.
Pay him for what? For a night of comfort and safety, away from you know what.
Oh, yeah, right.
Excuse me.
Colt, could I talk to you for a minute? Excuse us, will you? - Be right back.
- Colt.
- You did what? - Colt, now, listen.
Will you Listen, there are a lot of other pool halls around, you know.
Your reputation's sinking fast, not to mention your price.
Look, there's only two ways they can go from here to Reno.
If they intend to stay out of Reno until the tournament, they'll have to lay over a night in one of them.
Right.
Look, we've got one more thing working for us.
They got in an accident.
See, the whole top of their truck has been sheared away.
They stick out like a sore thumb.
Well, if they're smart, they'll have to get hold of another car for the rest of the trip.
I'll handle it.
In the meantime, stay on their tail.
If Joe O'Hara makes it to Reno alive, you two are dead! Your practice table is ready, Mr Kramer.
Thank you.
I'll be along in a moment.
(PHONE RINGING) Yes? Beth, this is Louie Kramer.
Remember me? Yes, I do, and if Joe is trying to use you to get to me It's important, and I don't have time.
I've just found out something awful.
Joe's life is in danger.
Who would want to hurt him? I can't answer that.
But apparently, Joe's on his way to the tournament here.
The gambler has some huge bets down, and he's afraid to let Joe play.
Why would anybody be afraid to let Joe play in his condition? If this is a joke, it's a cruel one.
It's no joke! I just know that when these guys get worried, there's a reason.
Thank you, Louie.
Okay.
Ma, what is it? It seems like everyone's more worried about your father than his own family.
Oh, God, I wish he'd call.
Look, Colt, I'm awful sorry.
You gotta forgive me.
Listen, but I get very emotional about Beth.
You know, that's why I sent her the money.
- Will you stop pouting? - I'm not pouting.
I'm thinking.
- About dumping me? - No, about dumping this truck.
Well, if you dump the truck, how are we going to get to Reno? Look, with those guys right behind us, and us with a truck that stands out in a crowd like a naked man with his hair on fire, we gotta dump this truck! Dump the truck? But we haven't got any money to buy another truck.
I'm sorry I brought it up.
- Go to sleep, will you, Joe? - Yeah, will you pass the blanket over to me? (EXCLAIMS) Howie, the sheriff has a proposition for you.
All I want is out of here.
And all I want is the money your partner took out of this town.
Sign this.
I can't sign this.
It's a lien against my bank account with Colt.
Here.
- Sit and rot.
- Wait! I'll sign it.
Not on me, you don't dump that.
Hey, come on, now.
We're half-dry, half-starved and totally tired, and ready to deal.
And we'd like to trade it for, say, that old clunker over there.
It's only got 125 miles on it.
And owned by a little, old lady in Pasadena who got caught in a demolition derby at her church social, huh? No, no, really.
125 miles, that means the motor's near perfect.
I mean, it's worth over $3,000 alone.
I'll tell you what.
I'll trade you even.
100 bucks cash.
50, and I'm feeling emotionally bruised.
75, and you'll get to like it.
- Are you into pain? - No, not by choice.
All right.
I'll work up the papers, and there are a few touches to make the car roadworthy.
After all, we have a reputation.
Here's a 20.
Go have some breakfast.
I'll be all set by then.
- You're all heart.
- We gonna spend it? Are you sure you got the right one? Positive.
Who else will know? Not a soul.
I'm a trained mechanic.
You've got yourself a deal.
My boys will be right over to make sure that you earn your money.
She's all fired up and ready to go.
Nothing can stop you now.
Hey, watch what you're doing.
You ran a light.
That's funny.
I can't stop it.
The car's been tampered with.
- Well, do something! - I can't! Nothing works.
It's picking up speed! Why don't you turn off the ignition? That don't work, either.
Help! COLT: Whoever did this is real good! Well, that's really reassuring, Colt.
Real comforting.
COLT: The only thing that seems to work is the accelerator.
(CAR HONKING) (TIRES SCREECHING) - They've had it.
- You bet they had it.
(JOE EXCLAIMING) - Howie, can't you drive any faster? - Sure I could, but I don't want to.
My truck parts might get damaged in the back.
Uh.
You'd better stop.
Oh, no.
Tell me it isn't.
Please tell me it isn't.
- Okay, it isn't.
- It is! In my wildest imagination, it didn't look this bad.
Oh, no.
- Going for a collectible, sir? - Where did you get my truck? You must be mistaken.
A signed bill of sale makes it mine.
- Then that's a forgery! - Shall we call the police? 'Yes! 'No! Howie, our friend may have signed it, and he may have not had any choice.
Well, then, I don't know what to do.
Try this! Colt! COLT: Well, we made it, Joe.
A couple of times, I had serious doubts, but here we are.
Yeah, here we are.
What's the matter? Beth and Linda live in Reno.
When Duran sees me show up at that tournament, do you think he'd try to do anything to 'em? (PHONE RINGING) - Hello.
- Linda.
Now, don't hang up the phone.
There's something I've got to say to you.
Say it to Morn.
- Joe.
- Beth? (SIGHING) It's so good to hear your voice.
It was only 500 bucks.
You think it was the money, you stupid man? (JOE LAUGHING) I love it that you care enough to call me stupid.
I care enough.
I just hope I didn't Joe, you gotta stay away from Reno.
Will you stop worrying about me? Worry about yourself.
Listen to me, Joe.
Louie Kramer called me.
He said some mobsters are gonna try to keep you from going to the tournament.
Oh, they're handled.
Oh, now you can handle mobsters? Well, not me personally, but I'm with somebody that can handle anything and everybody, including me.
Oh, he must be something.
He really is.
Now, listen, Beth.
He's going to come by the house and pick you and Linda up, take you someplace safe.
Wherever you want to go.
I thought maybe you'd come here.
You qualify, I'll be there.
Well, I don't know, Beth.
It's been a while, you know.
I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other soon.
Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you for coming.
Did you notice the expression on his face? Yep.
just wait till we get through with him.
Howie, put this Exchequer on Joe's nose.
You sure know how to put the pressure on, I'll tell you that.
Hey, we came here to win.
Now, go get 'em, Joe.
You're dead men.
As soon as I get somebody to take care of Joe, I'm putting them on you.
I'm telling you, I saw them go into the drink.
- I just saw them go in there! - We can still keep Joe out of the tournament.
His wife lives here.
(MUMBLING IN AGREEMENT) Sure, right in our own backyard.
We'll shoot up the whole town.
It was just a thought.
You guys couldn't handle two yokels in the middle of nowhere.
Maybe, just maybe, you can handle a couple of ladies.
- HOWIE: About this Exchequer, I - Not now, Howie, I know what I'm doing.
Just do it.
I got some unfinished business.
What am I gonna do now? Go put the Exchequer on Joe's nose.
Jody, you're the one who made me take the money out of this account and give it to that no-good sheriff.
I made you? Right.
I took a gun and I put it to your head and I made you.
Thank you.
If you sent those two creeps out to Joe O'Hara's house, you're making a big mistake 'cause the police are there, waiting.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Oh, that's good.
If they're anything like that crooked car dealer you hired, why, they're gonna make real good witnesses against you.
(CHUCKLES) You don't want to go leaving now.
I'd like to have you where we can get our hands on you.
Let's go watch the pool game, huh? Eight ball, corner pocket.
(PEOPLE CLAPPING) Hi.
I can see from the look on your face nobody told you.
They told me.
I've known for a long time.
Do you think that would make any difference? Joe, we didn't get along before this happened.
It couldn't help.
You're wrong.
This time, you can't run out on me.
(BOTH CHUCKLE) I'm going to win.
I mean that, Colt.
I'm going to win.
I figure you already have.
The rest is gravy.
ANNOUNCER: Your shot, Mr O'Hara.
Excuse me.
(PEOPLE APPLAUDING) Hey, this is it, kid.
The big score.
The one I've been working on.
- Colt.
- What? There's something that Howie would like to say to you.
Jody, there's nothing Howie could say to me tonight that could spoil this for me.
No, no, no.
I don't want to tempt fate like that.
Yes, Howie could spoil it for me.
- I mean, you did get the bet down, didn't you? - Oh, yeah.
- You did get it on Joe, right? - On Joe.
Right, yeah.
Well, then, what is it? What's wrong? Colt, if you had to, would you bet your truck on Joe? My truck? On a gambling bet? Don't be silly.
I mean, why would I do that, especially if I didn't have to? I mean, I've put a lot of hard hours into getting that truck.
I mean, I put together all my mad money just to get my No.
Not my Not my truck.
Not Not my Not my beautiful truck.
You want to talk about beautiful trucks?