Original subtitles

The mirror of my mind, time after time, I see a reflection of you and

me.

Reflections of the way life used to be.

Reflections of the love you took from me.

Oh, I'm all alone now, no love to share.

Okay, people, let's get this meeting started. I have news, big news, huge

Come on, Murphy, let's go, go, go. Save your breath, Miles, she's late.

So, come on, what's the big news?

Okay. Well, don't start this now.

Okay, okay, but don't you tell her I told you first.

Wait till she hears the interview I have lined up for her. She won't know how to

thank me. A Tiffany tie clip, a Montblanc pen set, or maybe just cash.

Cash is good.

I spent the last two, count them, two hours getting my Porsche fixed at Guten

Tag Auto Shop, which apparently is some form of German for put the money in the

bag, lie down, and don't make a sound.

Could I just spend an amount equivalent to Avery's first -year college tuition

watching a guy named Dieter put in a new side window in my car?

Because some lowlife smashed the old one last night and stole my stereo right in

front of my house. Are you kidding? And if that wasn't bad enough, they took my

favorite Al Green CD and two of Avery's Barney the Dinosaur tapes.

Okay, so maybe it wasn't all bad. But the point is, where were the police?

Even after I called them, it took them 47 minutes to arrive. 47, you can get a

pizza faster.

Murphy, it's just unbelievable.

Miss Brown, I'm David Sanders, your new secretary.

It's great to be working with you. Good. Listen, I want you to type up this

letter for me to the chief of police. Get me the mayor's office on the phone

fax a copy of this police report to my homeowner's association.

Absolutely, Miss Brown. I'll go send that fax right now.

No, maybe I should type the letter first and then fax.

Wait, the phone call.

Okay.

Call, then fax, then type.

Fax, then type, then call?

Excuse me, have you worked as a secretary before?

Oh, sure. Clinton administration, communications office.

Well, I'll just go send that fax now.

And maybe I should type the... No, no, the fax first, then call, then type.

Type, call, fax.

Well, that's good that there's definitely a Republican in personnel.

Miles, are you saying something?

I got you an interview with Nick Brody.

What? Who?

What did you say? That's right.

I got you an interview with Nick Brody. Miles, you're talking about Nick Brody,

the author, 60s radical, total recluse, that Nick Brody? Who?

Yep. So what do you think? Pretty exciting, isn't it?

Yeah, exciting's not the word for it. I just can't help wondering, do you think

he'll bring his good friends J .D.

Salinger, Jimmy Hoffa, and Bigfoot?

Nick Brody, don't play with me. Everybody knows Nick Brody hasn't

or given an interview in 25 years.

Well, he's giving one now.

He just finished a book and he's ready to talk. I have the confirmation letter

from his publisher right here.

Let me see that.

He's just insisting on a couple of things. A minimum of publicity, no pre

-interview, and a bottle of 30 -year -old single malt scotch on the set.

Who's Nick Brody?

Just the voice of my generation. The man who wrote Technicolor Highway, a book

that changed my life.

Oh, I remember that book. I think it was banned from my junior high library.

Long Catcher in the Rye, Scarlet Letter.

Huckleberry fan.

And to think David Duke was a product of that school system.

He wasn't kidding. Frank, this is incredible. Let me see.

Technicolor Highway.

You know, that book started me on a journey that in many ways I'm still on.

Miles, this is the interview of a lifetime. I don't know what to say.

Just doing my job, Murphy.

You know me. Simple. Thank you is all I really... Oh, no. This is too big. Thank

you is not enough. Here.

I want you to have...

this, Murphy.

I cannot accept this coupon for 10 % off my next lube and oil change at Guten

Tag.

Just don't let Dieter do it. I think he drinks.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, wait a second. This doesn't say anything about Murphy

doing the interview. All it says is that he has agreed to do an interview with

FYI. I mean, what is the deal here? Just because Murphy wants something means

she has to get it? Where have you been the last 15 years?

I think we should discuss it. The interview should go to the person who is

familiar with the subject.

Well, he's got a point there, Miles.

Of course that person would be me.

I've got a first edition of his book. I bet you can't say that.

So? I heard him read from it. I got his autograph.

I met him. I shook his hand. I slept with him. You win.

I hope I didn't hear what I just think I heard, because if I did, I'm going to

have to resign this interview. Yes!

Oh, come on, Miles. It's not like Brody would even remember.

I was an undergrad at Penn in charge of arranging speakers, and he came to read

from his book. It was just one night a long time ago.

I think like that happened in the 60s. It was a very different time.

Oh, sure. The 60s. As if that makes everything okay.

Well, I was around during the 60s, and you didn't find me dropping my drawers

every time somebody said groovy.

And I'll tell you where this is going, too.

This is going to turn into one of those where were you the weekend of Woodstock

discussions. I'll tell you where I was.

I was playing golf, thank you very much.

And let me tell you, every time someone yelled, give me an F, all it spelt was

four.

Now, Jim, maybe you're being a little hard on Murphy.

I, for one, think it's fascinating what a colorful life she's led.

Sure, it'll probably jam her to hell for all eternity.

Corky, it wasn't all sex, drugs, and rock and roll back then. We were trying

stop the war, end hunger, protect the earth. We were trying to change the

Frank, tell them.

It's true.

I went to this big peace rally in Central Park. There must have been 100

people there, but it was almost like we were one. I tell you, we closed our

eyes, we joined hands, and you could actually feel the love and harmony all

around us. It was mind -blowing.

You know, I was in hands across America.

Yes, well, the point is it was a simpler, more innocent time.

You could meet someone, have a meaningful encounter, and then go your

ways, enriched by the experience. That's all it was with Brody. He gave me the

gift of his book, and I gave him a gift in return.

Miles, you know I can do this interview. I am asking you as a professional and a

friend. Don't take it away from me.

Well... I guess it does sound pretty harmless. I mean, it was a long time

Not really, Miles. Especially if you think about it in geological time, it's

like yesterday.

But not everybody measures time between sexual encounters by continental drift.

All right.

You can do the interview. Oh, this is so great. Nick Brody, it's like 1968 all

over again. I think I'll go put on a little sly in the family stone just to

in the mood.

To celebrate our 20th... Okay, Avery, I might as well get this over with. There

are some things your mother did in the 60s that might, well, surprise you. And

since you'll probably find out about them anyway, I'd rather you hear it from

me.

Yes, your mother did wear stuff like this.

Oh, wow.

Look at this.

My bandana.

I wore this at the demonstrations in Chicago in 68.

You see that spot right there?

That is where Abby Hoffman himself used it to wipe the tear gas from his eyes.

I was going to will it to the Smithsonian along with my frisbee that

Janis Joplin's forehead, but now all of this will be yours someday.

Look at that.

Ah, here it is.

Technicolor Highway by Nick Brody.

You know, Avery, a lot of what I am today came out of this book.

It's about doing what you believe in, even if it means being different.

Excuse me for interrupting. No, Eldon. Eldon, look at this. A pegasus, a pig

President Button. We were trying to get a pig on the ballot. What a statement.

You know, I feel that it's my duty to point out, for the benefit of Avery's

young, impressionable mind, that the 60s were not all they were cracked up to

be. To wit, it was definitely not a great decade for art.

Alvin, you've got to be kidding me. A lot of great art came out of the 60s. It

was a time of free expression. There were no rules, no restrictions.

That's my point exactly.

It was a time when anybody with bell bottoms, a blowtorch, and access to a

landfill could call themselves an artist.

Let's not take my word for it.

Let's ask an impartial observer.

Avery, you tell me.

Art or lunch?

I'm voting lunch, because I believe when they said that art should nourish you,

that they didn't mean next to a grilled cheese sandwich and a bag of potato

chips. Elton, you never fail to surprise me.

Sixties art represented change, experimentation, the questioning of

would have thought you'd love that. And at first I did, but at a certain point

one has to say, well, okay, hey, we've gone too far.

For me, that was when my friend Dave glued a wad of dental floss to a canvas,

called it food for thought.

Sold it for $600.

You know, Elton, I think it's time for a dose of Nick Brody.

I'd hate to think of your becoming a conformist.

I'm arguing taste with someone who once wore this.

All right, 60 seconds to the happening, people. Hey, Miles, far -out idea, doing

a whole show devoted to the 60s. I dig it.

And I dig you, man.

This is wonderful, John. And if Nick Brody doesn't show up, you can dig me a

grave. He was supposed to be here hours ago. This whole Brody's back and we've

got a mad campaign is about to blow up in my face.

You just don't get it, do you, Miles? This is just Brody.

Punctuality is so establishment.

Have a little faith. I've got a very good feeling about this interview.

Oh, that's just bitching Murphy right on.

Let's shoot this puppy. I'm double parked.

know what this means to me.

This is just so totally... Oh, wow.

Nick Brody, you're back and we've got you. I didn't think you were going to

up. What's the big deal? You don't go in the air until nine o 'clock, right?

Fifteen seconds. Where's my scotch?

Mr. Brody, this is certainly an honor. I'm Murphy Brown. Sure, I know you.

I'm very flattered.

When you say you know me, would that be from FYI or... All right, going live.

Here we go.

Welcome to FYI.

For your information tonight, a special report, the sixth decade of turbulence,

decade of change.

In a very special segment, Murphy Brown has a rare conversation with legendary

author Nick Brody, returning to the public eye after nearly a quarter

self -imposed exile.

Murphy? Thank you, Jim.

My guest tonight is as synonymous with the 60s as flower power and peace signs.

His novel, Technicolor Highway, became a manifesto for individuality and an

important catalyst for social change.

His new book, Warning Signs, will be published this fall.

Mr. Brody, welcome.

Oh, no, please.

Mr. is a Madison Avenue term for coffee makers and peanuts. Just call me Nick.

All right.

Nick, I think the question on everyone's mind has to be...

Where has Nick Brody been all these years? Hell, if I know, the last thing I

remember, I was on my way to a party at Timothy Leary's house.

Seriously, though, you have to admit, it has been a pretty long silence. Well,

it's simple. I didn't have anything to say until now.

And why now? Well, just look around. We are rapidly approaching a social and

cultural low point in the history of mankind, and nobody's paying any

Which leads to the title of your new book, Warning. Exactly. See, this

was showing some real promise. And then suddenly, we made a dangerous turn off

course. And I'll tell you the exact date.

November the 4th, 1980.

The date Reagan was elected president.

Really? Absolutely.

And let's face it, it's been all downhill ever since.

And the reason should be obvious to anyone with half a brain.

And that is?

Reagan didn't live up to the promise of his campaign.

the man totally sold out the entire conservative movement.

Ronald Reagan?

Eight years of lying down and rolling over to Congress on supply -side

economics, the Sandinistas, Star Wars. Why the hell didn't we just nuke Iran?

And then we wind up with that liberal wimp in Republican clothing, George

Excuse me, it's just that it seems like a rather strange perspective coming from

the man who wrote Technicolor Highway.

Oh, God, am I ever going to live that down?

The ramblings of a snot -nosed kid who had no idea what life was really like in

the real world.

Trust me, flashing the peace sign won't do much against a guy with a gun at the

ATM.

Surely... You're not suggesting that your book, a book that was admired by

millions, is completely worthless.

No, no, I wouldn't say that. It did make me a truckload of money. And, you know,

as far as the ladies are concerned, well, let's just say it put a lot of

in my waterbed.

You know, it's funny, but I really can't look at a woman in her 40s these days

without wondering if I, you know...

Values of the 60s.

Working for peace.

Questioning of authority.

Ideas which you and your book inspired.

They're all crap.

They have gutted this country and given us a generation of bleeding heart

liberals. And look who winds up in the White House. Some clown who can't even

decide if he inhaled.

we'd be judging his performance in office. I am. You should see what his

budget's done to my defense industry stocks, as if we've got a defense

I mean, this whole business with ferries in the military, give me a break.

Sure, I sleep sick for a night knowing some centuries wandering around out

with an M -16 in spiked heels.

And then what about this whole health care mess?

I mean, who elected this guy's wife anything?

People keep expecting the government to solve all... The news is here.

The worst.

just kept coming out of his mouth. And I couldn't stop thinking, this is not

happening. But I knew it was happening. And then I realized, this is it. This is

absolutely the worst interview of my entire life, and I have had a guy die on

me, Frank.

You know,

I don't think it was quite as bad as you think. I mean, maybe we just

misunderstood him when he said all those baby seals got exactly what they

deserved. With any consolation, Slugger, you handled the whole thing like a pro.

Thanks, Jim.

with the possible exception of that moment when he called Pat Buchanan the

enlightened public figure since Moses.

Now, Murphy, don't be too upset.

At least he remembered the night you two spent together.

Oh, God!

You asked him about that? I had to.

I wanted him to know the person he humiliated up there was someone he'd

you know...

believe his exact words were.

That was her. I always thought the blonde from Penn was Diane Sawyer.

Great show tonight, people. Phil, drinks are on me.

Dynamite interview Murphy.

Okay.

I know it didn't turn out exactly like you thought, but you gotta admit, it was

great television.

I'm thinking maybe we should do a lot more of these retrospectives. Oh, great

idea, Miles.

Maybe next time I can bake Rice Krispie Treats with the weather underground.

I'm lost again.

Forget it, Murph. They are too young to understand. To them, the 60s is a

collection of tunes you can get from K -Tel for $9 .98.

I just don't get it. Okay, I understand that living alone in the mountains for

all those years, someone could go a little wacko. But this is Nick Brody.

happened to him?

Same thing that happens to everybody.

He got older.

People get more conservative when they get older.

Back in college, my friends and I used to do some pretty wild and crazy things.

In fact, I used to be known as Miles the Mooner Silverberg.

And just the other day, I caught myself yelling at some kids to turn their music

down. Me, the old mooner himself.

Let me just get this straight, Miles. Are you actually comparing the dynamic

upheaval and social unrest of the 60s to your scrawny white butt?

They just don't get it, do they, Frank? They don't understand that when you're a

child of the 60s like us, you don't trade in your values just because you've

gotten a few more wrinkles.

Sometimes I think people on welfare should try harder to get a job.

Look, not everybody, just a lot of them.

Well, I am sorry, but, you know, if I was getting a check every week, I don't

know how hard I'd try to find work.

I can't believe this. First Brody and now you?

Well, excuse me, but weren't you the one yelling for more police on your street,

more pigs?

That's not a very 60s attitude now, is it? Whoa, time out.

kid to think about now you know i'm not just worried about my car oh yeah and uh

what kind of car is that a porsche whatever happened to the vw microbus you

the one that had the eat the rich bumper sticker hey just because i can afford

to drive a nice car doesn't mean i've gotten more conservative okay fine let's

talk about money can you honestly say that the new tax increase on upper

groups hasn't made you at least think ouch i know i have i have me too well i

haven't Have you looked at the deficit figures lately? And even though I'm

taking a hit, I think it's important that those of us who can afford it pay

more. It's only right.

Okay, fine. You win. You're the only one who hasn't changed. Murphy Brown, still

the same 60s liberal she always was.

I put Avery on a list for private school.

Oh, God, it's true, isn't it? I have changed.

How did this happen?

One minute you're 19, standing arm in arm in the field with the farm workers,

and the next thing you know you're at 7 -Eleven trying to buy jumbo pampers and

wondering why everybody can't just speak English.

What about the death penalty?

Tell me you haven't read the paper lately and thought maybe it's not such a

idea.

Just the other day I thought about buying a handgun. Corky!

I didn't, but I thought about it.

Then I decided I'd just keep the shotgun.

to Washington.

So much for the liberal press.

We're as bad as Brody.

Judas Priest, I've never heard so much hand -wringing in all my life.

I didn't agree with Brody back in the 60s, and I don't agree with him now.

All this changing.

Back and forth, left and right.

Just like driving.

You start out in the right lane, but after a while it seems too slow, so you

zoom over to the left lane. Then that seems too fast, so you zoom back to the

right lane.

All the while careening back and forth.

cutting off those of us contentedly driving along in the center lane,

to slam on our brakes, and nearly hurling us and our loved ones with a

windshield.

What I say, stop off at the next Stuckey's, have a cup of Sanka, and

down.

I don't know, Jim, maybe that's the problem.

Maybe we've all settled down a bit too much.

Does anybody here think Nixon might have gotten a raw deal?

Oh, no.

Okay, at least we still... I've got that.

Yes.

Avery, we don't need this anymore.

We don't need these guys.

We don't. Well, you'll want that.

We don't need this.

This. A pig for president. Oh, yeah. We knew what we were doing.

And we certainly don't need this.

We were going to change the world, Avery.

We were really going to make a difference.

I guess we got lost somewhere along the way.

I wish I could tell you that you and your generation will have better luck.

Take it from me.

You can't change the world.

I can't believe I just said that.

You can't change the world. I heard that from every parent, every teacher, every

authority figure. I hated hearing that.

Now, here I am saying it to you.

You're not even two yet.

Technicolor Highway by Nick Brody.

I was born in the cool shadow of a roadside diner by the side of a

highway.

that stretched out forever to the bottom of the sky and beyond.