The Incredible Hulk (1978) s04e03 Episode Script
Free Fall
(ROARS) (ROARS) This time if you do anything concerning Hank Lynch, I want to know about it.
It's my neck.
Now why do you all want me to jump so badly? You sure you can handle this? (ENGINE SPUTTERING) The pilot can't hold it here much longer! Jump! Jump! No! NARRATOR: Dr.
David Banner, physician, scientist.
Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have.
Then, an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry.
And now, when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs.
(ROARS) The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter.
Mr.
McGee, don't make me angry.
You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.
The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit.
David Banner is believed to be dead.
And he must let the world think that he is dead until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.
(ROARS) Now can I get this in a good spot? Don't worry about your ad, Mr.
Blake.
We'll give it a good display.
Thank you.
What about the press release? (CHUCKLING) Now that's guaranteed page one.
After all, Hank Lynch is a hometown boy.
(AIRPLANE ENGINE WHIRRING) Is that them? Oh, yeah! Sure is.
I better get back.
Thank you very much.
Bye.
Yeah.
There's your old home town! Jump! Jump, Jack! JEAN: What is it, Hank? I still don't like the idea of coming back here.
You've just got those "I can't go home again" jitters.
Anyway, we need this gig.
Yeah.
See you on the ground! Cut! Oh! You all right? Jammed my ankle.
Let me see it a second.
Here? Ow! I still don't understand why you two didn't just land with Turner.
You would if you'd flown as many hours with him as we have.
Well that's no way to talk about your fiancé.
If we didn't hassle him, he wouldn't think we cared.
Oh.
JEAN: There's my honey now.
You see what I mean, David? Would you wanna land with him? Jean, you all right? (SIGHING) Atta girl! (SIGHS) Everything go all right at the newspaper? No problem.
Expensive, though.
I can see the headline now, "Local Boy Goes Loco.
" Oh, I don't know, they seemed sort of proud of you.
Just remember one thing, if you people hadn't twisted my arm, we wouldn't be here.
Hank, you know David was right when he said we had to do the whole circuit, or the promoter would have hired somebody else.
I know, I know.
And besides, nothing else is available for a month.
Here you go.
Thank you.
You see what happens? You hire a flunky 'cause he can keep your old motor home running.
Then, the first thing you know he's straightening out your check book, he's handling promotions, he's booking you.
Maybe we ought to call it "David Blake's Flying Freaks.
" Why don't you just go marry your airplane pilot? I will, if you can get Turner's mind off his stomach and onto me.
Is there any place in this town I can get something to eat? (ALL LAUGHING) TURNER: What's so funny? JEAN: Well, here we are at lunch time.
I know someone who's happy.
Boy, am I hungry.
I hope this place has decent food.
Any kind of food I'll go for.
Yeah.
You know, this dump reminds me of the town I grew up in.
I loved it a lot, till the judge said, "Six months or join the Air Force.
" Ah.
If I know Hank, he had the same problem.
Not exactly.
JEAN: What do you mean, "not exactly"? The worst I ever did was give the principal a prize Hereford.
You gave him a cow? Yup.
What's wrong with that? We put it on the roof of his house.
Oh! Excuse me.
I'm Well, I guess you all know who I am.
I'd like to invite you to the Up to the fairgrounds, the day after tomorrow.
We're gonna have an old-fashioned weenie roast, and my dad, the senator, he's gonna give a short speech, I hope.
(CROWD LAUGHING) Anyway, I'd like I'll see you there.
Thanks very much.
Jump! Jump, Jack! Excuse me.
Hank? No, I'm sorry.
Not at this table.
Jack.
I never expected to see you in these parts again.
Me neither.
You're the guy on the posters.
Yeah.
Sit down, I'll buy you a beer.
DAVID: Yeah.
No, no, thanks.
I'm just passing through.
Are you gonna be here for Pioneer Days, or are you gonna hang around for a little while? We're just gonna make one exhibition jump and then we're gone.
Don't worry.
Hey, I'm not worried.
You know, I'm real glad to see you.
It's been a long time.
(AIRPLANE ENGINE WHIRRING) HANK: Anytime you're ready pal.
Yeah, it has been a long time.
Well I'm sorry! I'm sorry! JACK: Thanks.
That's all right.
I sure hope to see you up at our house before you leave.
I know.
I'm sorry I don't think we're gonna have time.
Okay.
Well, I'll be a son of a gun.
Who'd a thought that Hank Lynch had friends in high places? The only friends I have are here, at this table.
Then here's to friendship.
To friendship.
Friendship.
(LAUGHING) JACK: Stay here, I'll be right back.
I don't know what you're worried about, Mead, we've got this election cold.
My son's as good as sitting in my old office at the state house.
Senator, perhaps you're not including every variable in the equation.
Such as? Jack Stewart's a fine boy, but Jack Stewart is not you.
(LAUGHING) He'll do fine.
Jack may have a few problems in some areas, but he has the best guidance available.
Me! (LAUGHING) You've got no argument from me there.
But I cannot stress too strongly what could well happen if we don't win.
Should there be an investigation of some of our projects, our motives might be well misconstrued.
I wouldn't want us to have to face a grand jury.
No problem, Mead.
I learned electioneering and stonewalling at my daddy's knee.
Now you stop worrying about investigations and indictments.
You start concentrating on the election, you hear? Yes, sir.
Jack! (LAUGHING) I'd like to talk to you, Dad.
Why sure, son.
I just saw Hank Lynch.
What was he doing? He said he's putting on a skydiving show over at the Pioneer Days.
And he just happens to come back here now, when you're running for state senate.
I don't think he's gonna say anything.
You willing to bet the election on it? But, Dad, sometimes I don't think the election's worth betting on.
What kind of talk is that? Boy, you're a Stewart.
We have an image.
The public holds us The public only knows what you tell them, not me.
Now this time, I'm gonna get Hank off alone somewhere and we're gonna We're gonna hash this out between us.
Now, let's not be too hasty.
Maybe it's just a coincidence.
I'll make a few phone calls.
Dad, that's what you always do.
You make a few phone calls, and you check it out.
This time if you do anything concerning Hank Lynch, I want to know about it.
It's my neck.
I want the responsibility.
And I can handle Hank Lynch.
Of course, Jack.
Of course.
Send Mead back here.
(GUN FIRING) (GLASS SHATTERING) The way you practice, you ought to go out for the Olympic Rifle Team.
No fun, man.
I like the heavy stuff.
(LAUGHING) What's happening? Senator just called.
He's got a job for us.
Hank Lynch is back in town.
Oh, yeah? HANK: David, give me one good reason why you won't jump out of an airplane.
In a word, gravity.
It always hurts when it catches up to you.
But it never does, except gently.
You've got a parachute man, plus another one here.
What more could you want? An airplane.
All right, in all seriousness now, why do you all want me to jump so badly? Because you're our friend, David.
We want you to know how good it feels.
You're like a bird.
You're flying.
You're hanging up there, and the wind is pushing into your face like an invisible pillow.
And you're falling.
Straight down.
Now, that may be true.
But it doesn't feel that way.
Come on, you wanna show him? Yes, I wanna show him.
David, look.
Carefully.
You brace yourself right here, like this.
Now, when you get the word, you go straight out.
When you're out of the airplane, you're falling, face down.
You spread your arms and your legs.
That's called the stable position.
From this, you can start to maneuver.
What about your parachute? No problem.
You reach in and pull.
Instant parachute.
And most of the time anyway, you're drifting like a feather.
And what about the rest of the time? Orthopedic surgeons work wonders these days.
(CHUCKLING) Do they? Well Ike, Fowler, my old nemeses.
How you doing fellas? What brings you back to these parts, Hank? Money, the root of all craziness.
You can't believe how many times these two used to run me in.
Right, guys? Civil Aeronautics Board says you have to have certification for a plane used to drop parachutists.
You've got that? Papers, Lynch.
You got them or not? I've been taking care of the papers.
I'll get them for you.
Hey, lke, what's going on here? You guys are treating me like some kind of criminal or something.
Just doing our job.
Nothing personal.
All right.
Here's our CAB certification, our insurance, our PCA rating, our contract I think you'll find everything's in order.
Well, we'll just take these along with us and check it out.
Hey, hold on.
We can't jump without those.
That's too bad, sweetheart.
We didn't realize you jumped, too.
Hank, I'll tell you what.
You wanna avoid a lot of hassle, a lot of red tape? Why don't you get back in your little airplane, and fly away, huh? Hey, wait a minute! Gentlemen, I think I might have a better idea here.
Why don't we just go inside and call the CAB representative I just spoke to? We can't wait around for that.
Oh, fine.
Then if you just give me back the papers.
It's only about, oh, an hours' drive from here.
I'll have everything notarized and I'll get them to you tonight.
We'd like to check these out ourselves.
Well, the federal people are a little touchy about those licenses just floating around.
We happen to be the police.
Still, I wouldn't want to see you guys get in trouble.
So I'll tell you what, I'll just call the CAB representative, and have him call your chief personally.
Here.
They look okay to us.
Ah! We'll be keeping an eye on you, Hank.
Yeah, you do that.
Ma'am.
There, you see what I mean? Those are just two of the reasons I didn't wanna come back here.
Mr.
Blake, just about to come out to the airfield.
Why? Is there a problem with the ad? No, the problem's with me.
I overcharged you.
Oh.
Around election time, things get confusing around here.
Especially this year.
Right there.
She's the first chance we've had in some time to take out the Stewart machine.
Well, I met Jack.
He seems nice, huh? Oh, yeah! Quarrel isn't with him.
He'd be okay if he got out from under his daddy.
The problem's the Senator.
He's so crooked, he screws his socks on every morning.
Well, it seems there aren't many heroes left in politics anymore.
In Jack's favor, he was one, once.
Listen, I've got the bulldog edition to get out.
Here you go.
(ENGINE SPUTTERING) Hi.
You got problems? Yeah.
DAVID: This is really some way to go shopping.
It is, if you don't mind somebody else always doing the driving.
But I think there's a lot of people who would certainly like to be in your circumstances.
I guess I sound like a poor little rich boy.
You know, when I was a kid, I would've given anything in the world to be Hank Lynch.
Oh? Hank was always the school daredevil.
He was the first guy to go swimming when the ice broke, he was the first guy to drive a car without a license.
He was even the first guy to stop talking about how successful he was with the girls.
I had a friend like that, yeah.
When he was 16, Hank conned his way onto an airplane, and two weeks after that, he made his first jump.
And then he formed a club.
He called it "Knights of the Skies.
" The proudest moment of my life was when he let me join.
Do you still skydive? Jack, get out! No.
The pilot can't hold it here much longer.
Bail out! Bail out! No! Not for seven years.
You see, Hank and I Here we are.
Well, thank you very much for the ride.
Hey, it was nice talking to you.
You, too.
(CROWD CHATTERING) MAN ON PA: Good afternoon, everybody.
Are you ready for our terrific aerial show today? All right, children.
Shall we go to work? How's your ankle? It's okay.
Better get you hooked up, David.
It's a long first step.
David, strap this smoke grenade to my foot.
Jean.
Okay.
TURNER: We're making our run.
Okay.
Cut! MAN ON PA: Here they are, Lynch's Freefall Freaks, performing their aerial rally.
There they are, ladies and gentlemen.
But holy smoke! When will they open their chutes? You know, folks, they tell me these parachutists are falling at a speed of 32 feet per second! And believe me, those seconds are gaining on them.
They are falling fast.
Awfully fast.
I'd feel a bit more comfortable if they'd open their chutes.
Well, folks, I guess Lynch's Freefall Freaks will live to jump again another day.
Now let's just relax, and watch the beautiful way they maneuver those chutes.
Here they come! Let's give them a round of applause they can hear all the way up there.
(CROWD APPLAUDING) (CROWD CHEERING) HANK: Nice job, kiddo.
You too, Hank.
HANK: My biggest fan.
(CROWD CHEERING) The Senator wants to see you.
He does? Well, you know, I'd like to see him.
We had a deal, son.
You're not holding up your end of it.
Senator, the only reason we're in Clearwater City is because we have a job.
I'm not here to rock your boat.
Yeah, well, that's not what I heard.
However, I'll sweeten the pot.
I want you out of town today.
I took your money once.
And I've been paying it back as fast as I can.
Oh, yeah! $600 last year, $400 the year before that.
I'll waive it.
I'm not taking anymore money, Senator.
Somebody's gotten to you with more money.
Maybe somebody like that muckraking editor, Hughes.
Yeah, he's been seen doing business with your friend.
I don't know what you're talking about.
I'm telling you the truth, Senator.
You're just not listening to me.
And I don't wanna stand around here and argue with you.
Want a lift? I'll walk.
Looks to me like that talk didn't go very well.
Take off! Well, partner, maybe it's time to take a little individual initiative.
(CHUCKLING) Huh? RADIO ANNOUNCER: Home team losing, 7 to 0.
On the political scene, state senatorial candidate Sharon Taylor claims a surprise witness will reveal some very damaging information concerning Jack Stewart and his father, the incumbent.
Let's get him out of the way.
Miss Taylor says, to draw attention from the Stewart Get his legs up there, champ.
Give me that wood.
Senator Stewart says Miss Taylor's allegations are, "Ridiculous.
" Candidate Jack Stewart could not be reached for comment.
All inquiries are being directed to his father.
Let's go! Ralph Hughes, editor of the Chronicle, escorted Mr (TIRES SCREECHING) (TIRES SCREECHING) (LOUD EXPLOSION) (ROARS) (ROARS) (ROARS) (ROARS) (COUGHING) Help! (GRUNTS) (BANGING) What happened? Somebody coldcocked me.
Next thing I know, I was in that wreck over there, and suddenly everything burst into flames.
That shed blew up and That's all I remember.
How'd you get out? I found him on the field.
Any idea who did it? Doesn't really matter.
Senator Stewart's behind it.
You know, I think it might be a good idea if we saddled up and got out of this town.
How? That plane can't fly without repairs.
And it'll take all our money to do it.
Which means no gas.
We have to do that jump.
Do we have time enough to fix the plane? Let's go for it.
SENATOR: Jack! Now that wasn't on my orders.
JACK: It doesn't really matter, does it? The boys just got a little out of hand.
Dad, I don't want this anymore.
I never wanted to run in the first place.
And I never would have let you talk me into it if I thought that people were gonna be hurt.
Son, it was a mistake.
That's not good enough.
Now, Son, you hold on.
You're angry.
That's understandable.
But you're not seriously thinking of quitting on me, are you? Yes, I am! (STAMMERING) I just hate to imagine what people are going to say.
I don't care what people say.
Oh, you care! You know you cared back then, didn't you? Son, don't cut and run again.
Maybe it's just my nature.
Why don't we just let people find out this time? No! No! You're better than that.
I'm not gonna stand here and listen to my son call himself a coward.
It isn't true.
You wouldn't even be thinking like this if Hank hadn't come back! Yup.
Son, you're gonna fight this.
We're gonna fight it together.
The two of us.
Right? Sure, Senator.
Whatever you say.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of everything.
What's he doing here? Hank! No! I just came here to talk.
I don't wanna listen.
Why don't you just simmer down? Come on, I'll get some ice for that.
You okay? Around in front.
Here you go.
Put that on.
Hey, thanks.
Thanks for out there, too.
Look, I don't know what's going on between you two, but don't you think it's time you and Hank called a truce? It isn't a war.
Not for me.
What happened was kind of an accident.
Accident? Hank almost got killed in that airplane.
Yeah.
Wouldn't be the first time I had someone killed.
I don't understand.
He didn't tell you about me? No.
Really? You remember that sky diving club I told you about? Hank and I were both in? Yes.
One summer, there was a forest fire.
Some Boy Scouts were trapped in one of the canyons.
Hank and his friends volunteered to jump in and kind of lead them out.
You went along with them? Yeah.
We all volunteered.
(SIGHING) The plane took off, and I kind of wished that I hadn't.
We started up the canyon, I realized that I'd made a big mistake.
(AIRPLANE ENGINE WHIRRING) Pilot's worried about thermal.
Could take us into the canyon wall.
As soon as we get over the drop zone, get out fast! Okay, let's hook them up.
Ready, Jack? Anytime you're ready, buddy.
Come on, Jack! Jump! Get out! Go! Jump, man! The pilot can't hold it here much longer! JACK: I can't.
Jump, damn it! Jump, Jack! (ENGINE SPUTTERING) (EXPLOSION) (GASPING) DAVID: What caused the crash? I don't know.
Could've been thermals.
May have been engine trouble.
The only thing I do know is that I was a coward.
Three men were killed.
Jack.
Those thermals were so strong, nobody could've gotten out in time.
That's what I kept telling him seven years ago, the whole time we were taking those scouts out.
You carried two of them out yourself.
But I froze, Hank.
Yeah, you froze.
So did I on my 18th and 345th jumps.
That happens.
You didn't freeze just now, did you? I'm gonna be drinking milkshakes for a week.
(CHUCKLING) Let me tell you the rest of the story.
The Senator gave me anybody what happened.
And then he told me to get out of town.
Well, I took off like a scalded cat.
That's cowardice.
All right, I can promise you you're not gonna have anymore problems with my father.
SENATOR: If he says Sharon Taylor's really got something on us, I wanna make sure it ain't Hank Lynch.
Are you gonna be able to handle this? Yes, sir.
We've got something that can't miss.
Works off barometric pressure.
Whatever.
Just get it done.
Don't you talk to Jack.
Plane's gonna land real hard.
Here to introduce to you the state's next senator, Jack Stewart, his father, Senator Mack Stewart.
(CROWD CHEERING) Well, that's what I call a real Clearwater City welcome! (LAUGHING) You know, before the aerial excitement starts, thought I'd take just a few minutes to talk to you about my son.
Now, you know I'm humble, but when I talk about my boy, Jack, you'll understand my not being too humble.
You see, he was a winner, right from the start.
All-state quarterback.
Phi Beta Kappa at his college.
And of course, there were those Boy Scouts he rescued.
Practically carried them out of a raging forest fire single handedly! But most important of all is what my son plans to do in the future, as your state senator! Jack, why don't you come up here and say a few words to these fine people? Jack? Jack? CROWD: (CHANTING) We want Jack! We want Jack! We want Jack! Does seem I missed my boy.
Rudder.
Elevators.
Perfect! DAVID: Aileron's okay.
Great, that does it.
We're ready to go I'll go change.
HANK: Everything look okay? TURNER: Instruments all check out.
Oh, my ankle! Darn, same place.
Are you all right, baby? Sure, just kind of took me by surprise.
Look, you've injured this ankle so many times, I think you should have it x-rayed.
Well, that does it, doesn't it? What do you mean, that does it? I'm jumping.
I wouldn't advise it.
What do you think the odds are that the fair people will pay off and be delighted? Six to five.
Against.
The contract insists you have two jumpers.
There could be two.
I came here to ask you a favor.
What are you talking about? Let me jump with you, Hank.
Are you crazy? Hank, I need to do this for a whole lot of reasons.
Now you need me, too.
No way.
What about your old man? That's one of the reasons.
Jack, you're running for public office.
What if What if I freeze up in the doorway again? No.
What if you get hurt? Well, that's just jumper's luck.
All right.
HUGHES: Senator! Well, Senator, my hat's off to you.
What are you talking about? Talking about grandstand plays is what I'm talking about.
A reporter called, said he saw Jack climbing in the skydivers' plane.
Oh, wearing a jumpsuit.
You sure? Hughes, are you sure? Sure, I'm sure.
Don't play the innocence with me, Senator.
My God! FOWLER: Any trouble getting it into the plane? IKE: Piece of cake.
You think they're high enough yet? Not yet.
Any minute now they should be at 12,000 feet.
That's when it goes off.
(CHUCKLING) We got altitude! Jack, you go out first to get stable.
I'll work around you.
Fine.
How do you feel? Scared.
Good.
David, set Jack up.
(HISSING) Yeah, that's the baby.
HANK: Plane's giving way.
Grab David! He's got no chute! (DAVID SCREAMING) Somebody's jumped.
That's Lynch, the red jump suit.
HANK: Give me the spare, I gotta land this plane.
Jump! JACK: David, keep stable, but turn on your back! (ENGINE SPUTTERING) David, reach for me! Here, take it! Clip it on! One reserve.
Clip it on! In five seconds, open your chute! He's got more lives than a cat! He's got eight left, and I got 10 rounds.
You can't just shoot him.
They'll know! Don't worry.
I'm not even gonna scratch him.
Get my rifle.
He's about 200 yards.
(GUN FIRES) No! (GUN FIRES) (GRUNTING) (GUN FIRES) (CRASHING) Let's go make sure! (HULK GROANING) (ROARS) (GLASS SHATTERING) (ROARS) (ROARING) (SCREAMING) (GROWLING) (ROARS) Get out of here! (GRUNTING) Hold on! Now get out of here now! (GRUNTING) (SCREAMING) (GROANING) That's all right.
I'm all right, I'm all right.
Go ahead.
Where's David? I don't know, I gave him the chute.
I don't know where he is.
SENATOR: Jack! Oh, Jack, thank God you're alive! I'm sorry, Jack I just I didn't know.
Forgive me.
I want to thank you for the new engine for the plane.
Well, I wish I could have bought you a whole new ship.
No, I couldn't take that.
Jack, you sure about withdrawing from the race? I'm sure the state could use a man like you.
Well, maybe next time when I'm not running under a shadow.
What about your father? Grand jury's investigating.
Well, I better take off.
Want that ride to the bus station? I sure do.
Please.
JEAN: David, you're gonna miss our wedding! I'm sorry, but I'm afraid if I don't leave now, I might jump out of one of those things on my own.
But I wish you all the happiness in the world.
Thanks.
Best of luck to you, David.
Thank you.
Thank you.
It's my neck.
Now why do you all want me to jump so badly? You sure you can handle this? (ENGINE SPUTTERING) The pilot can't hold it here much longer! Jump! Jump! No! NARRATOR: Dr.
David Banner, physician, scientist.
Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have.
Then, an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry.
And now, when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs.
(ROARS) The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter.
Mr.
McGee, don't make me angry.
You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.
The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit.
David Banner is believed to be dead.
And he must let the world think that he is dead until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.
(ROARS) Now can I get this in a good spot? Don't worry about your ad, Mr.
Blake.
We'll give it a good display.
Thank you.
What about the press release? (CHUCKLING) Now that's guaranteed page one.
After all, Hank Lynch is a hometown boy.
(AIRPLANE ENGINE WHIRRING) Is that them? Oh, yeah! Sure is.
I better get back.
Thank you very much.
Bye.
Yeah.
There's your old home town! Jump! Jump, Jack! JEAN: What is it, Hank? I still don't like the idea of coming back here.
You've just got those "I can't go home again" jitters.
Anyway, we need this gig.
Yeah.
See you on the ground! Cut! Oh! You all right? Jammed my ankle.
Let me see it a second.
Here? Ow! I still don't understand why you two didn't just land with Turner.
You would if you'd flown as many hours with him as we have.
Well that's no way to talk about your fiancé.
If we didn't hassle him, he wouldn't think we cared.
Oh.
JEAN: There's my honey now.
You see what I mean, David? Would you wanna land with him? Jean, you all right? (SIGHING) Atta girl! (SIGHS) Everything go all right at the newspaper? No problem.
Expensive, though.
I can see the headline now, "Local Boy Goes Loco.
" Oh, I don't know, they seemed sort of proud of you.
Just remember one thing, if you people hadn't twisted my arm, we wouldn't be here.
Hank, you know David was right when he said we had to do the whole circuit, or the promoter would have hired somebody else.
I know, I know.
And besides, nothing else is available for a month.
Here you go.
Thank you.
You see what happens? You hire a flunky 'cause he can keep your old motor home running.
Then, the first thing you know he's straightening out your check book, he's handling promotions, he's booking you.
Maybe we ought to call it "David Blake's Flying Freaks.
" Why don't you just go marry your airplane pilot? I will, if you can get Turner's mind off his stomach and onto me.
Is there any place in this town I can get something to eat? (ALL LAUGHING) TURNER: What's so funny? JEAN: Well, here we are at lunch time.
I know someone who's happy.
Boy, am I hungry.
I hope this place has decent food.
Any kind of food I'll go for.
Yeah.
You know, this dump reminds me of the town I grew up in.
I loved it a lot, till the judge said, "Six months or join the Air Force.
" Ah.
If I know Hank, he had the same problem.
Not exactly.
JEAN: What do you mean, "not exactly"? The worst I ever did was give the principal a prize Hereford.
You gave him a cow? Yup.
What's wrong with that? We put it on the roof of his house.
Oh! Excuse me.
I'm Well, I guess you all know who I am.
I'd like to invite you to the Up to the fairgrounds, the day after tomorrow.
We're gonna have an old-fashioned weenie roast, and my dad, the senator, he's gonna give a short speech, I hope.
(CROWD LAUGHING) Anyway, I'd like I'll see you there.
Thanks very much.
Jump! Jump, Jack! Excuse me.
Hank? No, I'm sorry.
Not at this table.
Jack.
I never expected to see you in these parts again.
Me neither.
You're the guy on the posters.
Yeah.
Sit down, I'll buy you a beer.
DAVID: Yeah.
No, no, thanks.
I'm just passing through.
Are you gonna be here for Pioneer Days, or are you gonna hang around for a little while? We're just gonna make one exhibition jump and then we're gone.
Don't worry.
Hey, I'm not worried.
You know, I'm real glad to see you.
It's been a long time.
(AIRPLANE ENGINE WHIRRING) HANK: Anytime you're ready pal.
Yeah, it has been a long time.
Well I'm sorry! I'm sorry! JACK: Thanks.
That's all right.
I sure hope to see you up at our house before you leave.
I know.
I'm sorry I don't think we're gonna have time.
Okay.
Well, I'll be a son of a gun.
Who'd a thought that Hank Lynch had friends in high places? The only friends I have are here, at this table.
Then here's to friendship.
To friendship.
Friendship.
(LAUGHING) JACK: Stay here, I'll be right back.
I don't know what you're worried about, Mead, we've got this election cold.
My son's as good as sitting in my old office at the state house.
Senator, perhaps you're not including every variable in the equation.
Such as? Jack Stewart's a fine boy, but Jack Stewart is not you.
(LAUGHING) He'll do fine.
Jack may have a few problems in some areas, but he has the best guidance available.
Me! (LAUGHING) You've got no argument from me there.
But I cannot stress too strongly what could well happen if we don't win.
Should there be an investigation of some of our projects, our motives might be well misconstrued.
I wouldn't want us to have to face a grand jury.
No problem, Mead.
I learned electioneering and stonewalling at my daddy's knee.
Now you stop worrying about investigations and indictments.
You start concentrating on the election, you hear? Yes, sir.
Jack! (LAUGHING) I'd like to talk to you, Dad.
Why sure, son.
I just saw Hank Lynch.
What was he doing? He said he's putting on a skydiving show over at the Pioneer Days.
And he just happens to come back here now, when you're running for state senate.
I don't think he's gonna say anything.
You willing to bet the election on it? But, Dad, sometimes I don't think the election's worth betting on.
What kind of talk is that? Boy, you're a Stewart.
We have an image.
The public holds us The public only knows what you tell them, not me.
Now this time, I'm gonna get Hank off alone somewhere and we're gonna We're gonna hash this out between us.
Now, let's not be too hasty.
Maybe it's just a coincidence.
I'll make a few phone calls.
Dad, that's what you always do.
You make a few phone calls, and you check it out.
This time if you do anything concerning Hank Lynch, I want to know about it.
It's my neck.
I want the responsibility.
And I can handle Hank Lynch.
Of course, Jack.
Of course.
Send Mead back here.
(GUN FIRING) (GLASS SHATTERING) The way you practice, you ought to go out for the Olympic Rifle Team.
No fun, man.
I like the heavy stuff.
(LAUGHING) What's happening? Senator just called.
He's got a job for us.
Hank Lynch is back in town.
Oh, yeah? HANK: David, give me one good reason why you won't jump out of an airplane.
In a word, gravity.
It always hurts when it catches up to you.
But it never does, except gently.
You've got a parachute man, plus another one here.
What more could you want? An airplane.
All right, in all seriousness now, why do you all want me to jump so badly? Because you're our friend, David.
We want you to know how good it feels.
You're like a bird.
You're flying.
You're hanging up there, and the wind is pushing into your face like an invisible pillow.
And you're falling.
Straight down.
Now, that may be true.
But it doesn't feel that way.
Come on, you wanna show him? Yes, I wanna show him.
David, look.
Carefully.
You brace yourself right here, like this.
Now, when you get the word, you go straight out.
When you're out of the airplane, you're falling, face down.
You spread your arms and your legs.
That's called the stable position.
From this, you can start to maneuver.
What about your parachute? No problem.
You reach in and pull.
Instant parachute.
And most of the time anyway, you're drifting like a feather.
And what about the rest of the time? Orthopedic surgeons work wonders these days.
(CHUCKLING) Do they? Well Ike, Fowler, my old nemeses.
How you doing fellas? What brings you back to these parts, Hank? Money, the root of all craziness.
You can't believe how many times these two used to run me in.
Right, guys? Civil Aeronautics Board says you have to have certification for a plane used to drop parachutists.
You've got that? Papers, Lynch.
You got them or not? I've been taking care of the papers.
I'll get them for you.
Hey, lke, what's going on here? You guys are treating me like some kind of criminal or something.
Just doing our job.
Nothing personal.
All right.
Here's our CAB certification, our insurance, our PCA rating, our contract I think you'll find everything's in order.
Well, we'll just take these along with us and check it out.
Hey, hold on.
We can't jump without those.
That's too bad, sweetheart.
We didn't realize you jumped, too.
Hank, I'll tell you what.
You wanna avoid a lot of hassle, a lot of red tape? Why don't you get back in your little airplane, and fly away, huh? Hey, wait a minute! Gentlemen, I think I might have a better idea here.
Why don't we just go inside and call the CAB representative I just spoke to? We can't wait around for that.
Oh, fine.
Then if you just give me back the papers.
It's only about, oh, an hours' drive from here.
I'll have everything notarized and I'll get them to you tonight.
We'd like to check these out ourselves.
Well, the federal people are a little touchy about those licenses just floating around.
We happen to be the police.
Still, I wouldn't want to see you guys get in trouble.
So I'll tell you what, I'll just call the CAB representative, and have him call your chief personally.
Here.
They look okay to us.
Ah! We'll be keeping an eye on you, Hank.
Yeah, you do that.
Ma'am.
There, you see what I mean? Those are just two of the reasons I didn't wanna come back here.
Mr.
Blake, just about to come out to the airfield.
Why? Is there a problem with the ad? No, the problem's with me.
I overcharged you.
Oh.
Around election time, things get confusing around here.
Especially this year.
Right there.
She's the first chance we've had in some time to take out the Stewart machine.
Well, I met Jack.
He seems nice, huh? Oh, yeah! Quarrel isn't with him.
He'd be okay if he got out from under his daddy.
The problem's the Senator.
He's so crooked, he screws his socks on every morning.
Well, it seems there aren't many heroes left in politics anymore.
In Jack's favor, he was one, once.
Listen, I've got the bulldog edition to get out.
Here you go.
(ENGINE SPUTTERING) Hi.
You got problems? Yeah.
DAVID: This is really some way to go shopping.
It is, if you don't mind somebody else always doing the driving.
But I think there's a lot of people who would certainly like to be in your circumstances.
I guess I sound like a poor little rich boy.
You know, when I was a kid, I would've given anything in the world to be Hank Lynch.
Oh? Hank was always the school daredevil.
He was the first guy to go swimming when the ice broke, he was the first guy to drive a car without a license.
He was even the first guy to stop talking about how successful he was with the girls.
I had a friend like that, yeah.
When he was 16, Hank conned his way onto an airplane, and two weeks after that, he made his first jump.
And then he formed a club.
He called it "Knights of the Skies.
" The proudest moment of my life was when he let me join.
Do you still skydive? Jack, get out! No.
The pilot can't hold it here much longer.
Bail out! Bail out! No! Not for seven years.
You see, Hank and I Here we are.
Well, thank you very much for the ride.
Hey, it was nice talking to you.
You, too.
(CROWD CHATTERING) MAN ON PA: Good afternoon, everybody.
Are you ready for our terrific aerial show today? All right, children.
Shall we go to work? How's your ankle? It's okay.
Better get you hooked up, David.
It's a long first step.
David, strap this smoke grenade to my foot.
Jean.
Okay.
TURNER: We're making our run.
Okay.
Cut! MAN ON PA: Here they are, Lynch's Freefall Freaks, performing their aerial rally.
There they are, ladies and gentlemen.
But holy smoke! When will they open their chutes? You know, folks, they tell me these parachutists are falling at a speed of 32 feet per second! And believe me, those seconds are gaining on them.
They are falling fast.
Awfully fast.
I'd feel a bit more comfortable if they'd open their chutes.
Well, folks, I guess Lynch's Freefall Freaks will live to jump again another day.
Now let's just relax, and watch the beautiful way they maneuver those chutes.
Here they come! Let's give them a round of applause they can hear all the way up there.
(CROWD APPLAUDING) (CROWD CHEERING) HANK: Nice job, kiddo.
You too, Hank.
HANK: My biggest fan.
(CROWD CHEERING) The Senator wants to see you.
He does? Well, you know, I'd like to see him.
We had a deal, son.
You're not holding up your end of it.
Senator, the only reason we're in Clearwater City is because we have a job.
I'm not here to rock your boat.
Yeah, well, that's not what I heard.
However, I'll sweeten the pot.
I want you out of town today.
I took your money once.
And I've been paying it back as fast as I can.
Oh, yeah! $600 last year, $400 the year before that.
I'll waive it.
I'm not taking anymore money, Senator.
Somebody's gotten to you with more money.
Maybe somebody like that muckraking editor, Hughes.
Yeah, he's been seen doing business with your friend.
I don't know what you're talking about.
I'm telling you the truth, Senator.
You're just not listening to me.
And I don't wanna stand around here and argue with you.
Want a lift? I'll walk.
Looks to me like that talk didn't go very well.
Take off! Well, partner, maybe it's time to take a little individual initiative.
(CHUCKLING) Huh? RADIO ANNOUNCER: Home team losing, 7 to 0.
On the political scene, state senatorial candidate Sharon Taylor claims a surprise witness will reveal some very damaging information concerning Jack Stewart and his father, the incumbent.
Let's get him out of the way.
Miss Taylor says, to draw attention from the Stewart Get his legs up there, champ.
Give me that wood.
Senator Stewart says Miss Taylor's allegations are, "Ridiculous.
" Candidate Jack Stewart could not be reached for comment.
All inquiries are being directed to his father.
Let's go! Ralph Hughes, editor of the Chronicle, escorted Mr (TIRES SCREECHING) (TIRES SCREECHING) (LOUD EXPLOSION) (ROARS) (ROARS) (ROARS) (ROARS) (COUGHING) Help! (GRUNTS) (BANGING) What happened? Somebody coldcocked me.
Next thing I know, I was in that wreck over there, and suddenly everything burst into flames.
That shed blew up and That's all I remember.
How'd you get out? I found him on the field.
Any idea who did it? Doesn't really matter.
Senator Stewart's behind it.
You know, I think it might be a good idea if we saddled up and got out of this town.
How? That plane can't fly without repairs.
And it'll take all our money to do it.
Which means no gas.
We have to do that jump.
Do we have time enough to fix the plane? Let's go for it.
SENATOR: Jack! Now that wasn't on my orders.
JACK: It doesn't really matter, does it? The boys just got a little out of hand.
Dad, I don't want this anymore.
I never wanted to run in the first place.
And I never would have let you talk me into it if I thought that people were gonna be hurt.
Son, it was a mistake.
That's not good enough.
Now, Son, you hold on.
You're angry.
That's understandable.
But you're not seriously thinking of quitting on me, are you? Yes, I am! (STAMMERING) I just hate to imagine what people are going to say.
I don't care what people say.
Oh, you care! You know you cared back then, didn't you? Son, don't cut and run again.
Maybe it's just my nature.
Why don't we just let people find out this time? No! No! You're better than that.
I'm not gonna stand here and listen to my son call himself a coward.
It isn't true.
You wouldn't even be thinking like this if Hank hadn't come back! Yup.
Son, you're gonna fight this.
We're gonna fight it together.
The two of us.
Right? Sure, Senator.
Whatever you say.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of everything.
What's he doing here? Hank! No! I just came here to talk.
I don't wanna listen.
Why don't you just simmer down? Come on, I'll get some ice for that.
You okay? Around in front.
Here you go.
Put that on.
Hey, thanks.
Thanks for out there, too.
Look, I don't know what's going on between you two, but don't you think it's time you and Hank called a truce? It isn't a war.
Not for me.
What happened was kind of an accident.
Accident? Hank almost got killed in that airplane.
Yeah.
Wouldn't be the first time I had someone killed.
I don't understand.
He didn't tell you about me? No.
Really? You remember that sky diving club I told you about? Hank and I were both in? Yes.
One summer, there was a forest fire.
Some Boy Scouts were trapped in one of the canyons.
Hank and his friends volunteered to jump in and kind of lead them out.
You went along with them? Yeah.
We all volunteered.
(SIGHING) The plane took off, and I kind of wished that I hadn't.
We started up the canyon, I realized that I'd made a big mistake.
(AIRPLANE ENGINE WHIRRING) Pilot's worried about thermal.
Could take us into the canyon wall.
As soon as we get over the drop zone, get out fast! Okay, let's hook them up.
Ready, Jack? Anytime you're ready, buddy.
Come on, Jack! Jump! Get out! Go! Jump, man! The pilot can't hold it here much longer! JACK: I can't.
Jump, damn it! Jump, Jack! (ENGINE SPUTTERING) (EXPLOSION) (GASPING) DAVID: What caused the crash? I don't know.
Could've been thermals.
May have been engine trouble.
The only thing I do know is that I was a coward.
Three men were killed.
Jack.
Those thermals were so strong, nobody could've gotten out in time.
That's what I kept telling him seven years ago, the whole time we were taking those scouts out.
You carried two of them out yourself.
But I froze, Hank.
Yeah, you froze.
So did I on my 18th and 345th jumps.
That happens.
You didn't freeze just now, did you? I'm gonna be drinking milkshakes for a week.
(CHUCKLING) Let me tell you the rest of the story.
The Senator gave me anybody what happened.
And then he told me to get out of town.
Well, I took off like a scalded cat.
That's cowardice.
All right, I can promise you you're not gonna have anymore problems with my father.
SENATOR: If he says Sharon Taylor's really got something on us, I wanna make sure it ain't Hank Lynch.
Are you gonna be able to handle this? Yes, sir.
We've got something that can't miss.
Works off barometric pressure.
Whatever.
Just get it done.
Don't you talk to Jack.
Plane's gonna land real hard.
Here to introduce to you the state's next senator, Jack Stewart, his father, Senator Mack Stewart.
(CROWD CHEERING) Well, that's what I call a real Clearwater City welcome! (LAUGHING) You know, before the aerial excitement starts, thought I'd take just a few minutes to talk to you about my son.
Now, you know I'm humble, but when I talk about my boy, Jack, you'll understand my not being too humble.
You see, he was a winner, right from the start.
All-state quarterback.
Phi Beta Kappa at his college.
And of course, there were those Boy Scouts he rescued.
Practically carried them out of a raging forest fire single handedly! But most important of all is what my son plans to do in the future, as your state senator! Jack, why don't you come up here and say a few words to these fine people? Jack? Jack? CROWD: (CHANTING) We want Jack! We want Jack! We want Jack! Does seem I missed my boy.
Rudder.
Elevators.
Perfect! DAVID: Aileron's okay.
Great, that does it.
We're ready to go I'll go change.
HANK: Everything look okay? TURNER: Instruments all check out.
Oh, my ankle! Darn, same place.
Are you all right, baby? Sure, just kind of took me by surprise.
Look, you've injured this ankle so many times, I think you should have it x-rayed.
Well, that does it, doesn't it? What do you mean, that does it? I'm jumping.
I wouldn't advise it.
What do you think the odds are that the fair people will pay off and be delighted? Six to five.
Against.
The contract insists you have two jumpers.
There could be two.
I came here to ask you a favor.
What are you talking about? Let me jump with you, Hank.
Are you crazy? Hank, I need to do this for a whole lot of reasons.
Now you need me, too.
No way.
What about your old man? That's one of the reasons.
Jack, you're running for public office.
What if What if I freeze up in the doorway again? No.
What if you get hurt? Well, that's just jumper's luck.
All right.
HUGHES: Senator! Well, Senator, my hat's off to you.
What are you talking about? Talking about grandstand plays is what I'm talking about.
A reporter called, said he saw Jack climbing in the skydivers' plane.
Oh, wearing a jumpsuit.
You sure? Hughes, are you sure? Sure, I'm sure.
Don't play the innocence with me, Senator.
My God! FOWLER: Any trouble getting it into the plane? IKE: Piece of cake.
You think they're high enough yet? Not yet.
Any minute now they should be at 12,000 feet.
That's when it goes off.
(CHUCKLING) We got altitude! Jack, you go out first to get stable.
I'll work around you.
Fine.
How do you feel? Scared.
Good.
David, set Jack up.
(HISSING) Yeah, that's the baby.
HANK: Plane's giving way.
Grab David! He's got no chute! (DAVID SCREAMING) Somebody's jumped.
That's Lynch, the red jump suit.
HANK: Give me the spare, I gotta land this plane.
Jump! JACK: David, keep stable, but turn on your back! (ENGINE SPUTTERING) David, reach for me! Here, take it! Clip it on! One reserve.
Clip it on! In five seconds, open your chute! He's got more lives than a cat! He's got eight left, and I got 10 rounds.
You can't just shoot him.
They'll know! Don't worry.
I'm not even gonna scratch him.
Get my rifle.
He's about 200 yards.
(GUN FIRES) No! (GUN FIRES) (GRUNTING) (GUN FIRES) (CRASHING) Let's go make sure! (HULK GROANING) (ROARS) (GLASS SHATTERING) (ROARS) (ROARING) (SCREAMING) (GROWLING) (ROARS) Get out of here! (GRUNTING) Hold on! Now get out of here now! (GRUNTING) (SCREAMING) (GROANING) That's all right.
I'm all right, I'm all right.
Go ahead.
Where's David? I don't know, I gave him the chute.
I don't know where he is.
SENATOR: Jack! Oh, Jack, thank God you're alive! I'm sorry, Jack I just I didn't know.
Forgive me.
I want to thank you for the new engine for the plane.
Well, I wish I could have bought you a whole new ship.
No, I couldn't take that.
Jack, you sure about withdrawing from the race? I'm sure the state could use a man like you.
Well, maybe next time when I'm not running under a shadow.
What about your father? Grand jury's investigating.
Well, I better take off.
Want that ride to the bus station? I sure do.
Please.
JEAN: David, you're gonna miss our wedding! I'm sorry, but I'm afraid if I don't leave now, I might jump out of one of those things on my own.
But I wish you all the happiness in the world.
Thanks.
Best of luck to you, David.
Thank you.
Thank you.