Original subtitles

There's so many behind the scenes

There's so many behind the scenes

There's so many behind the scenes stories, none of which I can tell

you.

you.

you. Sh rock and roll.

Well, you know, a bunch of young guys in

Well, you know, a bunch of young guys in

Well, you know, a bunch of young guys in a Holiday and in Baltimore. I mean, we

a Holiday and in Baltimore. I mean, we

a Holiday and in Baltimore. I mean, we were all, you know, constantly in a

were all, you know, constantly in a

were all, you know, constantly in a sexual frenzy cuz I was in Diner. I I

sexual frenzy cuz I was in Diner. I I

sexual frenzy cuz I was in Diner. I I was the lead in Raiders of the Lost Arc.

was the lead in Raiders of the Lost Arc.

was the lead in Raiders of the Lost Arc. I mean, that I was close, but

I mean, that I was close, but

I mean, that I was close, but uh actually I passed on it. I know that

uh actually I passed on it. I know that

uh actually I passed on it. I know that there were a couple of actors who were

there were a couple of actors who were

there were a couple of actors who were desperate to

desperate to

desperate to uh have sex with extras.

uh have sex with extras.

uh have sex with extras. In this one little movie, I experienced

In this one little movie, I experienced

In this one little movie, I experienced like the ups and downs of the whole

like the ups and downs of the whole

like the ups and downs of the whole business. In that case, it was the down

business. In that case, it was the down

business. In that case, it was the down and then the up. I can't tell too many

and then the up. I can't tell too many

and then the up. I can't tell too many carousing stories cuz you got kids, you

carousing stories cuz you got kids, you

carousing stories cuz you got kids, you know, you got people's kids watching

know, you got people's kids watching

know, you got people's kids watching these things. It's just I go, "This is

these things. It's just I go, "This is

these things. It's just I go, "This is what your dad did. You want to know what

what your dad did. You want to know what

what your dad did. You want to know what your dad did? Let me just tell you

your dad did? Let me just tell you

your dad did? Let me just tell you something. It's really funny." It it it

something. It's really funny." It it it

something. It's really funny." It it it was really the beginning of of a whole

was really the beginning of of a whole

was really the beginning of of a whole range of characters that I played with

range of characters that I played with

range of characters that I played with the names of Jewish food. The concept of

the names of Jewish food. The concept of

the names of Jewish food. The concept of banter was mine years ago. Uh, in the

banter was mine years ago. Uh, in the

banter was mine years ago. Uh, in the 1740s, men would sit around, they

1740s, men would sit around, they

1740s, men would sit around, they weren't talking, and I was the first guy

weren't talking, and I was the first guy

weren't talking, and I was the first guy that said, "Come on, come on, come, come

that said, "Come on, come on, come, come

that said, "Come on, come on, come, come on." I got the banter going.

the Sunday before we started shooting,

the Sunday before we started shooting,

the Sunday before we started shooting, you know, the first Monday and we were

you know, the first Monday and we were

you know, the first Monday and we were staying at the Holiday Inn in downtown

staying at the Holiday Inn in downtown

staying at the Holiday Inn in downtown Baltimore and all of a sudden all the

Baltimore and all of a sudden all the

Baltimore and all of a sudden all the trucks were pulling in, you know, all

trucks were pulling in, you know, all

trucks were pulling in, you know, all the trucks you need for, you know, a

the trucks you need for, you know, a

the trucks you need for, you know, a movie. They're all pulling in and

movie. They're all pulling in and

movie. They're all pulling in and suddenly you see all these trucks, you

suddenly you see all these trucks, you

suddenly you see all these trucks, you know, in the parking lot and you go,

know, in the parking lot and you go,

know, in the parking lot and you go, "Holy God." I mean, somehow like that

"Holy God." I mean, somehow like that

"Holy God." I mean, somehow like that was tangible because the film is like,

was tangible because the film is like,

was tangible because the film is like, "Well, there's film, there's a cans of

"Well, there's film, there's a cans of

"Well, there's film, there's a cans of it, you know, there's a camera,

it, you know, there's a camera,

it, you know, there's a camera, whatever." But suddenly trucks like an

whatever." But suddenly trucks like an

whatever." But suddenly trucks like an army has has descended on Baltimore, you

army has has descended on Baltimore, you

army has has descended on Baltimore, you know, to do this little film. And then

know, to do this little film. And then

know, to do this little film. And then there's a little moment of like, oh

there's a little moment of like, oh

there's a little moment of like, oh gosh, this is this is for real. You

gosh, this is this is for real. You

gosh, this is this is for real. You know, there are trucks with drivers and

know, there are trucks with drivers and

know, there are trucks with drivers and somehow I remember seeing that for a

somehow I remember seeing that for a

somehow I remember seeing that for a moment and you get, you know, you get a

moment and you get, you know, you get a

moment and you get, you know, you get a little fluttering of like, oh gosh, this

little fluttering of like, oh gosh, this

little fluttering of like, oh gosh, this is for real and here we go. Barry was

is for real and here we go. Barry was

is for real and here we go. Barry was directing uh for the very first time and

directing uh for the very first time and

directing uh for the very first time and uh you know it was interesting because

uh you know it was interesting because

uh you know it was interesting because um he he he hadn't really honed his

um he he he hadn't really honed his

um he he he hadn't really honed his skills I don't think yet as in terms of

skills I don't think yet as in terms of

skills I don't think yet as in terms of talking to actors.

talking to actors.

talking to actors. um you know he would uh he'd come up you

um you know he would uh he'd come up you

um you know he would uh he'd come up you know after a take and he'd kind of say

know after a take and he'd kind of say

know after a take and he'd kind of say yeah you know when you do the thing that

yeah you know when you do the thing that

yeah you know when you do the thing that you do when you're doing that that thing

you do when you're doing that that thing

you do when you're doing that that thing just do it do the thing I'll never

just do it do the thing I'll never

just do it do the thing I'll never forget the first day of shooting um

forget the first day of shooting um

forget the first day of shooting um Barry was very nervous and it was me and

Barry was very nervous and it was me and

Barry was very nervous and it was me and Gutenberg and we were in this pool hall

Gutenberg and we were in this pool hall

Gutenberg and we were in this pool hall and I was terrified cuz I didn't know

and I was terrified cuz I didn't know

and I was terrified cuz I didn't know from film I didn't know what it was I

from film I didn't know what it was I

from film I didn't know what it was I didn't know how to do it we got to the

didn't know how to do it we got to the

didn't know how to do it we got to the first shot of the day all the stuff went

first shot of the day all the stuff went

first shot of the day all the stuff went on the clapper clapped the thing said,

on the clapper clapped the thing said,

on the clapper clapped the thing said, "Okay, rolling, you know, scene 46, take

"Okay, rolling, you know, scene 46, take

"Okay, rolling, you know, scene 46, take one, mark it, speed,

one, mark it, speed,

one, mark it, speed, and we waited and you could hear and you

and we waited and you could hear and you

and we waited and you could hear and you could hear pin drop and very quietly the

could hear pin drop and very quietly the

could hear pin drop and very quietly the first assistant director leaned over to

first assistant director leaned over to

first assistant director leaned over to Barry and said, "You have to say

Barry and said, "You have to say

Barry and said, "You have to say action." And he said, "Action like that

action." And he said, "Action like that

action." And he said, "Action like that really loud and everyone just fell

really loud and everyone just fell

really loud and everyone just fell apart." You know, at the end of a scene,

apart." You know, at the end of a scene,

apart." You know, at the end of a scene, he didn't say cut. Sometimes he just let

he didn't say cut. Sometimes he just let

he didn't say cut. Sometimes he just let us talk. Now, sometimes it was an

us talk. Now, sometimes it was an

us talk. Now, sometimes it was an accident. I remember I think the first

accident. I remember I think the first

accident. I remember I think the first take he forgot to say cut. I like to

take he forgot to say cut. I like to

take he forgot to say cut. I like to give

um as little apparent direction as

um as little apparent direction as

um as little apparent direction as possible. Sometimes you do it without

possible. Sometimes you do it without

possible. Sometimes you do it without saying would you do and etc. But somehow

saying would you do and etc. But somehow

saying would you do and etc. But somehow just in talking about things that may

just in talking about things that may

just in talking about things that may not even be uh what appears to be

not even be uh what appears to be

not even be uh what appears to be specific to the moment somehow is where

specific to the moment somehow is where

specific to the moment somehow is where I want them to go. He was the most uh uh

I want them to go. He was the most uh uh

I want them to go. He was the most uh uh confident director you could imagine,

confident director you could imagine,

confident director you could imagine, especially considering that none of us

especially considering that none of us

especially considering that none of us had any idea of what we were doing. And

had any idea of what we were doing. And

had any idea of what we were doing. And we'd start to work through this script.

we'd start to work through this script.

we'd start to work through this script. And all of a sudden, I realized that he

And all of a sudden, I realized that he

And all of a sudden, I realized that he was uh as a director opening up the

was uh as a director opening up the

was uh as a director opening up the floodgates for improv. I try to find a

floodgates for improv. I try to find a

floodgates for improv. I try to find a way what you might call like sort of

way what you might call like sort of

way what you might call like sort of controlled freedom that it seems to be

controlled freedom that it seems to be

controlled freedom that it seems to be very loose and it's very open but you

very loose and it's very open but you

very loose and it's very open but you know I know where I want it to go and uh

know I know where I want it to go and uh

know I know where I want it to go and uh and I see where

and I see where

and I see where um I think it will go if certain little

um I think it will go if certain little

um I think it will go if certain little very s very slight of hand will help. He

very s very slight of hand will help. He

very s very slight of hand will help. He was just really uh attentive and he

was just really uh attentive and he

was just really uh attentive and he would listen and something struck him

would listen and something struck him

would listen and something struck him funny, he would say, "Do that again."

funny, he would say, "Do that again."

funny, he would say, "Do that again." And I think I don't think he even told

And I think I don't think he even told

And I think I don't think he even told us to improvise. When you put a group of

us to improvise. When you put a group of

us to improvise. When you put a group of men together, there's going to be

men together, there's going to be

men together, there's going to be competition. And when you ask people to

competition. And when you ask people to

competition. And when you ask people to improvise and you got a guy like Paul

improvise and you got a guy like Paul

improvise and you got a guy like Paul Riser around, everyone else is going to

Riser around, everyone else is going to

Riser around, everyone else is going to lose at the improvising competition

lose at the improvising competition

lose at the improvising competition because the guy is the sharpest, fastest

because the guy is the sharpest, fastest

because the guy is the sharpest, fastest guy alive. Excuse me, Earl. Does that

guy alive. Excuse me, Earl. Does that

guy alive. Excuse me, Earl. Does that include the fried chicken dinner? Yes,

include the fried chicken dinner? Yes,

include the fried chicken dinner? Yes, it does. Uhhuh.

it does. Uhhuh.

it does. Uhhuh. 22 deluxe sandwiches and the fried

22 deluxe sandwiches and the fried

22 deluxe sandwiches and the fried chicken dinner. It's not human. It's

chicken dinner. It's not human. It's

chicken dinner. It's not human. It's He's not a person. He's like a building

He's not a person. He's like a building

He's not a person. He's like a building with feet. You know what I mean? It's

with feet. You know what I mean? It's

with feet. You know what I mean? It's unbelievable. Did some great

unbelievable. Did some great

unbelievable. Did some great improvisation and and the lines

improvisation and and the lines

improvisation and and the lines themselves, all the written work was

themselves, all the written work was

themselves, all the written work was just brilliant. I mean, we did that for

just brilliant. I mean, we did that for

just brilliant. I mean, we did that for all that time and Barry was sort of

all that time and Barry was sort of

all that time and Barry was sort of guiding the conversations this way or

guiding the conversations this way or

guiding the conversations this way or guiding them that way or say, "Yeah, do

guiding them that way or say, "Yeah, do

guiding them that way or say, "Yeah, do that part again." But uh uh uh you know

that part again." But uh uh uh you know

that part again." But uh uh uh you know do it however you want to and and and

do it however you want to and and and

do it however you want to and and and manipulating this group dynamic. You

manipulating this group dynamic. You

manipulating this group dynamic. You create a

create a

create a situation or an atmosphere that's loose

situation or an atmosphere that's loose

situation or an atmosphere that's loose enough that if you did the dialogue, you

enough that if you did the dialogue, you

enough that if you did the dialogue, you did the dialogue and if you went off the

did the dialogue and if you went off the

did the dialogue and if you went off the dialogue, then you went off the dialogue

dialogue, then you went off the dialogue

dialogue, then you went off the dialogue and whatever happened. So or if you'd

and whatever happened. So or if you'd

and whatever happened. So or if you'd finished the scene and you're still

finished the scene and you're still

finished the scene and you're still talking, you know, you're still in the

talking, you know, you're still in the

talking, you know, you're still in the character, what else are they going to

character, what else are they going to

character, what else are they going to talk about? If the scene ended over here

talk about? If the scene ended over here

talk about? If the scene ended over here and we didn't say cut, what what would

and we didn't say cut, what what would

and we didn't say cut, what what would they say next? Once he empowers me as an

they say next? Once he empowers me as an

they say next? Once he empowers me as an actor with with the idea that I am

actor with with the idea that I am

actor with with the idea that I am bringing something to the table to see

bringing something to the table to see

bringing something to the table to see what I want to do with it, it makes me

what I want to do with it, it makes me

what I want to do with it, it makes me uh kind of excited and uh want to want

uh kind of excited and uh want to want

uh kind of excited and uh want to want to want to take the ball, you know, to

to want to take the ball, you know, to

to want to take the ball, you know, to the goal line for him creatively. I

the goal line for him creatively. I

the goal line for him creatively. I doubt that anybody recognized at the

doubt that anybody recognized at the

doubt that anybody recognized at the time that everybody in this movie pretty

time that everybody in this movie pretty

time that everybody in this movie pretty much was going to go on to have a a

much was going to go on to have a a

much was going to go on to have a a terrific career. I think what that shows

terrific career. I think what that shows

terrific career. I think what that shows is how brilliant Barry is. You know, he

is how brilliant Barry is. You know, he

is how brilliant Barry is. You know, he cast the movie perfectly. As I remember,

cast the movie perfectly. As I remember,

cast the movie perfectly. As I remember, I think Ellen Barkin may have been one

I think Ellen Barkin may have been one

I think Ellen Barkin may have been one of the only people I saw for the role of

of the only people I saw for the role of

of the only people I saw for the role of Beth. She came in, I met her, and I

Beth. She came in, I met her, and I

Beth. She came in, I met her, and I thought she was perfect, and that was

thought she was perfect, and that was

thought she was perfect, and that was it. I don't have any sense of myself

it. I don't have any sense of myself

it. I don't have any sense of myself anymore. It's

anymore. It's

anymore. It's I don't know what I am.

I don't know if I'm pretty or I had a an

I don't know if I'm pretty or I had a an

I don't know if I'm pretty or I had a an instant rapport with Barry. Um I don't

instant rapport with Barry. Um I don't

instant rapport with Barry. Um I don't know why. I mean, maybe it was two kind

know why. I mean, maybe it was two kind

know why. I mean, maybe it was two kind of urban Jews

of urban Jews

of urban Jews just sitting around and talking. I met

just sitting around and talking. I met

just sitting around and talking. I met Barry at an a audition for diner in New

Barry at an a audition for diner in New

Barry at an a audition for diner in New York. I was a struggling actor in New

York. I was a struggling actor in New

York. I was a struggling actor in New York. I knew the diner. It was the

York. I knew the diner. It was the

York. I knew the diner. It was the Hilltop Diner in Northwest Baltimore. I

Hilltop Diner in Northwest Baltimore. I

Hilltop Diner in Northwest Baltimore. I knew it very well. So I'm s and I

knew it very well. So I'm s and I

knew it very well. So I'm s and I haven't said anything yet and I say,

haven't said anything yet and I say,

haven't said anything yet and I say, "Hey, Barry, I didn't believe this." Now

"Hey, Barry, I didn't believe this." Now

"Hey, Barry, I didn't believe this." Now that's a Baltimore accent. I had been to

that's a Baltimore accent. I had been to

that's a Baltimore accent. I had been to drama school and I had knocked my

drama school and I had knocked my

drama school and I had knocked my Baltimore accent out of out of myself,

Baltimore accent out of out of myself,

Baltimore accent out of out of myself, but I kind of pulled it back for this.

but I kind of pulled it back for this.

but I kind of pulled it back for this. He he almost fell on the floor when he

He he almost fell on the floor when he

He he almost fell on the floor when he when he heard me say that and gave me

when he heard me say that and gave me

when he heard me say that and gave me the part, which was nice. Well, it was

the part, which was nice. Well, it was

the part, which was nice. Well, it was not for my acting. It was just for my

not for my acting. It was just for my

not for my acting. It was just for my accent. No, they like that. They like it

accent. No, they like that. They like it

accent. No, they like that. They like it a lot.

a lot.

a lot. Yeah, they like it. A friend of mine who

Yeah, they like it. A friend of mine who

Yeah, they like it. A friend of mine who was very

was very

was very uh different look and very sort of

uh different look and very sort of

uh different look and very sort of parochial, schoolooly looking, cleancut

parochial, schoolooly looking, cleancut

parochial, schoolooly looking, cleancut guy went in for an audition and we were

guy went in for an audition and we were

guy went in for an audition and we were going somewhere afterwards and I

going somewhere afterwards and I

going somewhere afterwards and I literally was just hanging out in the

literally was just hanging out in the

literally was just hanging out in the lobby waiting for him and uh he went in,

lobby waiting for him and uh he went in,

lobby waiting for him and uh he went in, dropped off his picture and the casting

dropped off his picture and the casting

dropped off his picture and the casting director said, "Come on in." And I said

director said, "Come on in." And I said

director said, "Come on in." And I said and I actually tried to not get

and I actually tried to not get

and I actually tried to not get involved. I said, "I'm waiting for my

involved. I said, "I'm waiting for my

involved. I said, "I'm waiting for my friend, please." She said, "Do you have

friend, please." She said, "Do you have

friend, please." She said, "Do you have a picture?" I said, "I not here, but I

a picture?" I said, "I not here, but I

a picture?" I said, "I not here, but I have it home, but I'm not I'm not even."

have it home, but I'm not I'm not even."

have it home, but I'm not I'm not even." So, she said, "Come on back the next

So, she said, "Come on back the next

So, she said, "Come on back the next day." And I met Barry

day." And I met Barry

day." And I met Barry and somehow like 2 weeks later was in

and somehow like 2 weeks later was in

and somehow like 2 weeks later was in Baltimore going, "I don't know why. I

Baltimore going, "I don't know why. I

Baltimore going, "I don't know why. I don't know what this is about. It's a

don't know what this is about. It's a

don't know what this is about. It's a mistake." I was so freaking sick. I was

mistake." I was so freaking sick. I was

mistake." I was so freaking sick. I was like, I had like a 103 fever. I had the

like, I had like a 103 fever. I had the

like, I had like a 103 fever. I had the flu and a cold and I was an absolute

flu and a cold and I was an absolute

flu and a cold and I was an absolute mess for the screen test. And I sort of

mess for the screen test. And I sort of

mess for the screen test. And I sort of said to myself, well, maybe I can use

said to myself, well, maybe I can use

said to myself, well, maybe I can use that, you know, maybe that's I I had

that, you know, maybe that's I I had

that, you know, maybe that's I I had always had this idea that he would be

always had this idea that he would be

always had this idea that he would be drunk for the whole movie that there's

drunk for the whole movie that there's

drunk for the whole movie that there's like no no scene that Fenwick's not kind

like no no scene that Fenwick's not kind

like no no scene that Fenwick's not kind of half in the bag for. So I used the

of half in the bag for. So I used the

of half in the bag for. So I used the flu and the kind of glazed over eyes and

flu and the kind of glazed over eyes and

flu and the kind of glazed over eyes and the voice and stuff like that and I sort

the voice and stuff like that and I sort

the voice and stuff like that and I sort of, you know, was sick and I just kind

of, you know, was sick and I just kind

of, you know, was sick and I just kind of played it like I was, you know, I

of played it like I was, you know, I

of played it like I was, you know, I been sick, drunk, what's the difference,

been sick, drunk, what's the difference,

been sick, drunk, what's the difference, right? So, uh, it worked and that was

right? So, uh, it worked and that was

right? So, uh, it worked and that was really like the that was really like the

really like the that was really like the

really like the that was really like the where I started with, um, the character.

where I started with, um, the character.

where I started with, um, the character. I went on these auditions for Diner and

I went on these auditions for Diner and

I went on these auditions for Diner and it was right on Wilshshire Boulevard

it was right on Wilshshire Boulevard

it was right on Wilshshire Boulevard and, uh, I met Barry and I remember I

and, uh, I met Barry and I remember I

and, uh, I met Barry and I remember I was going out with a girl in New York

was going out with a girl in New York

was going out with a girl in New York and I told him all about this girl and

and I told him all about this girl and

and I told him all about this girl and that was basically most of my audition.

that was basically most of my audition.

that was basically most of my audition. I had just started taking acting, an

I had just started taking acting, an

I had just started taking acting, an acting class, and I was like really

acting class, and I was like really

acting class, and I was like really desperate to show all this deep stuff I

desperate to show all this deep stuff I

desperate to show all this deep stuff I could do cuz I said I thought, well, you

could do cuz I said I thought, well, you

could do cuz I said I thought, well, you know, if I don't do that, I'm just going

know, if I don't do that, I'm just going

know, if I don't do that, I'm just going to sound like some guy sitting around

to sound like some guy sitting around

to sound like some guy sitting around having coffee. Barry goes, no, but

having coffee. Barry goes, no, but

having coffee. Barry goes, no, but that's that's what we're kind of looking

that's that's what we're kind of looking

that's that's what we're kind of looking for in this movie is guys who were

for in this movie is guys who were

for in this movie is guys who were sitting around having a cup of coffee.

sitting around having a cup of coffee.

sitting around having a cup of coffee. Oh, what happened? All I did was I

Oh, what happened? All I did was I

Oh, what happened? All I did was I parked the car in a nice lonely road. I

parked the car in a nice lonely road. I

parked the car in a nice lonely road. I looked at her. I said, "Fuck or fight."

looked at her. I said, "Fuck or fight."

looked at her. I said, "Fuck or fight." Hey, that's a good line. I'm going to

Hey, that's a good line. I'm going to

Hey, that's a good line. I'm going to use that myself. You always know exactly

use that myself. You always know exactly

use that myself. You always know exactly what to say. Yeah, I loved it. One of

what to say. Yeah, I loved it. One of

what to say. Yeah, I loved it. One of the things about about good casting is

the things about about good casting is

the things about about good casting is that if you cast the right group of

that if you cast the right group of

that if you cast the right group of actors, they will bring every they will

actors, they will bring every they will

actors, they will bring every they will bring so much and

bring so much and

bring so much and somehow the the combination becomes

somehow the the combination becomes

somehow the the combination becomes right and it's not like this is the best

right and it's not like this is the best

right and it's not like this is the best actor and put him in it because a lot of

actor and put him in it because a lot of

actor and put him in it because a lot of times you'll see an actor say the

times you'll see an actor say the

times you'll see an actor say the actor's very good but not necessarily in

actor's very good but not necessarily in

actor's very good but not necessarily in this kind of grouping when they have to

this kind of grouping when they have to

this kind of grouping when they have to deal with various characters. You want

deal with various characters. You want

deal with various characters. You want certain elements to happen. It was all a

certain elements to happen. It was all a

certain elements to happen. It was all a big mix of our real personalities. So, a

big mix of our real personalities. So, a

big mix of our real personalities. So, a very strong group of people. We were all

very strong group of people. We were all

very strong group of people. We were all sort of in the same boat, you know. I

sort of in the same boat, you know. I

sort of in the same boat, you know. I mean, um we were uh all just a bunch of

mean, um we were uh all just a bunch of

mean, um we were uh all just a bunch of guys who were starting out. I think it

guys who were starting out. I think it

guys who were starting out. I think it was a very honest uh kind of complete

was a very honest uh kind of complete

was a very honest uh kind of complete collaboration. It was a non-judgmental

collaboration. It was a non-judgmental

collaboration. It was a non-judgmental cast. We went down to Baltimore a week

cast. We went down to Baltimore a week

cast. We went down to Baltimore a week early to rehearse and we kept expecting

early to rehearse and we kept expecting

early to rehearse and we kept expecting to rehearse and nothing happened and it

to rehearse and nothing happened and it

to rehearse and nothing happened and it was Barry's plan just to kind of stick

was Barry's plan just to kind of stick

was Barry's plan just to kind of stick us in Baltimore which at time was a real

us in Baltimore which at time was a real

us in Baltimore which at time was a real dump. We were staying in this crappy

dump. We were staying in this crappy

dump. We were staying in this crappy Holiday Inn and just stuck us there

Holiday Inn and just stuck us there

Holiday Inn and just stuck us there together. So we hung around saying what

together. So we hung around saying what

together. So we hung around saying what are we supposed to do? What are we

are we supposed to do? What are we

are we supposed to do? What are we doing? And then he sat down and started

doing? And then he sat down and started

doing? And then he sat down and started rehearsing with all of us. And it was at

rehearsing with all of us. And it was at

rehearsing with all of us. And it was at on a bed in the Holiday Inn is where the

on a bed in the Holiday Inn is where the

on a bed in the Holiday Inn is where the basically we all met. They just kind of

basically we all met. They just kind of

basically we all met. They just kind of brought us down so that we would all

brought us down so that we would all

brought us down so that we would all start hanging out together and, you

start hanging out together and, you

start hanging out together and, you know, going to strip clubs and share

know, going to strip clubs and share

know, going to strip clubs and share things and start to feel like a bunch of

things and start to feel like a bunch of

things and start to feel like a bunch of guys that knew each other. Somehow it it

guys that knew each other. Somehow it it

guys that knew each other. Somehow it it gets in there. It gets into the scenes

gets in there. It gets into the scenes

gets in there. It gets into the scenes in some way. You know, you you want them

in some way. You know, you you want them

in some way. You know, you you want them to be irritated with one another and

to be irritated with one another and

to be irritated with one another and exasperated and have the ability to

exasperated and have the ability to

exasperated and have the ability to laugh and and do all that. And it's very

laugh and and do all that. And it's very

laugh and and do all that. And it's very delicate. Otherwise, what you end up

delicate. Otherwise, what you end up

delicate. Otherwise, what you end up with is a just sort of a piece of work

with is a just sort of a piece of work

with is a just sort of a piece of work that's like you say something, I say

that's like you say something, I say

that's like you say something, I say something, you say something, I say

something, you say something, I say

something, you say something, I say something. All right. What was great

something. All right. What was great

something. All right. What was great about it and which was a great education

about it and which was a great education

about it and which was a great education was being together is often a really

was being together is often a really

was being together is often a really good thing for actors and creative to

good thing for actors and creative to

good thing for actors and creative to everybody sort of be together as much as

everybody sort of be together as much as

everybody sort of be together as much as you can. And he very wisely shot all the

you can. And he very wisely shot all the

you can. And he very wisely shot all the diner sequences at the end so we had

diner sequences at the end so we had

diner sequences at the end so we had this time to to bond. But we were all

this time to to bond. But we were all

this time to to bond. But we were all very friendly and there was a great

very friendly and there was a great

very friendly and there was a great sense of camaraderie and um there were

sense of camaraderie and um there were

sense of camaraderie and um there were little spats, you know, it was very

little spats, you know, it was very

little spats, you know, it was very familial.

Hey, are too much. How'd you know I was

Hey, are too much. How'd you know I was

Hey, are too much. How'd you know I was coming in this morning? Hey, we know,

coming in this morning? Hey, we know,

coming in this morning? Hey, we know, man. We know everything. Hey, you diner.

man. We know everything. Hey, you diner.

man. We know everything. Hey, you diner. Hey, what do you think? I'm getting some

Hey, what do you think? I'm getting some

Hey, what do you think? I'm getting some coffee. Barry and Mark Johnson were

coffee. Barry and Mark Johnson were

coffee. Barry and Mark Johnson were perceiving that that our camaraderie was

perceiving that that our camaraderie was

perceiving that that our camaraderie was starting to break down a little. And uh

starting to break down a little. And uh

starting to break down a little. And uh there were some

there were some

there were some uh I don't know if there were any fist

uh I don't know if there were any fist

uh I don't know if there were any fist fights, but it got sort of close to that

fights, but it got sort of close to that

fights, but it got sort of close to that a couple of times and there were some

a couple of times and there were some

a couple of times and there were some things going on between some of us that

things going on between some of us that

things going on between some of us that were, you know, starting to get a little

were, you know, starting to get a little

were, you know, starting to get a little bit uh um dicey. And they still had, you

bit uh um dicey. And they still had, you

bit uh um dicey. And they still had, you know, a few more another couple of weeks

know, a few more another couple of weeks

know, a few more another couple of weeks or something on the picture to finish.

or something on the picture to finish.

or something on the picture to finish. So they went out and one day we showed

So they went out and one day we showed

So they went out and one day we showed up and here was this thing was a camper.

up and here was this thing was a camper.

up and here was this thing was a camper. Uh nowhere near the size of like the

Uh nowhere near the size of like the

Uh nowhere near the size of like the trailers that you have on movies as a

trailers that you have on movies as a

trailers that you have on movies as a dressing room now, but it was kind of

dressing room now, but it was kind of

dressing room now, but it was kind of like a a little a truck and then there

like a a little a truck and then there

like a a little a truck and then there was kind of like a camper stuck on the

was kind of like a camper stuck on the

was kind of like a camper stuck on the back of it. Yeah. The camaraderie

back of it. Yeah. The camaraderie

back of it. Yeah. The camaraderie camper. Wow.

camper. Wow.

camper. Wow. Was that ever cheap? The camaraderie

Was that ever cheap? The camaraderie

Was that ever cheap? The camaraderie camper. Yes. You had to go. You had no

camper. Yes. You had to go. You had no

camper. Yes. You had to go. You had no choice. You had to go in a camaraderie

choice. You had to go in a camaraderie

choice. You had to go in a camaraderie camp. Get in there and camaraderie. But

camp. Get in there and camaraderie. But

camp. Get in there and camaraderie. But then there were five or six of us

then there were five or six of us

then there were five or six of us crammed into this thing and you know we

crammed into this thing and you know we

crammed into this thing and you know we were shooting at night and everyone was

were shooting at night and everyone was

were shooting at night and everyone was tired and people were trying to sleep

tired and people were trying to sleep

tired and people were trying to sleep and you know it was it was like real

and you know it was it was like real

and you know it was it was like real it's like a frat house you know who

it's like a frat house you know who

it's like a frat house you know who farted who I mean it was just like a

farted who I mean it was just like a

farted who I mean it was just like a mess but um it was supposed to you know

mess but um it was supposed to you know

mess but um it was supposed to you know enhance the feeling of camaraderie and

enhance the feeling of camaraderie and

enhance the feeling of camaraderie and and the lifelong friendships that our

and the lifelong friendships that our

and the lifelong friendships that our characters had had and it worked. Yeah.

characters had had and it worked. Yeah.

characters had had and it worked. Yeah. God that was really absurd. It was like

God that was really absurd. It was like

God that was really absurd. It was like a like a little box. They threw the

a like a little box. They threw the

a like a little box. They threw the hamsters in there and see, you know, who

hamsters in there and see, you know, who

hamsters in there and see, you know, who would who would emerge. The absurdity of

would who would emerge. The absurdity of

would who would emerge. The absurdity of that actually

that actually

that actually uh created a great camaraderie. We had a

uh created a great camaraderie. We had a

uh created a great camaraderie. We had a good time in there. We had a good time

good time in there. We had a good time

good time in there. We had a good time in the camaraderie camper.

in the camaraderie camper.

in the camaraderie camper. Father, put the damn sheep down. Put the

Father, put the damn sheep down. Put the

Father, put the damn sheep down. Put the sheep down. Stop screwing around. Look,

sheep down. Stop screwing around. Look,

sheep down. Stop screwing around. Look, put the sheep down. We'll pick up the

put the sheep down. We'll pick up the

put the sheep down. We'll pick up the three wise men and we'll get out of

three wise men and we'll get out of

three wise men and we'll get out of here.

here.

here. I got a whole lot of love for you. I got

I got a whole lot of love for you. I got

I got a whole lot of love for you. I got a whole

lot. I got a whole lot. I remember they

lot. I got a whole lot. I remember they

lot. I got a whole lot. I remember they would when we were shooting nights, they

would when we were shooting nights, they

would when we were shooting nights, they would they would keep the bar the

would they would keep the bar the

would they would keep the bar the restaurant open for us and you just see

restaurant open for us and you just see

restaurant open for us and you just see a lot of angry waitresses. You want a

a lot of angry waitresses. You want a

a lot of angry waitresses. You want a steak at 7:00 in the morning and and six

steak at 7:00 in the morning and and six

steak at 7:00 in the morning and and six beer. So, I guess we could do it. We

beer. So, I guess we could do it. We

beer. So, I guess we could do it. We called Breakfast Club and everybody

called Breakfast Club and everybody

called Breakfast Club and everybody would sit there and have a couple of

would sit there and have a couple of

would sit there and have a couple of drinks after work as as the sun came up,

drinks after work as as the sun came up,

drinks after work as as the sun came up, which to me was like a totally wild like

which to me was like a totally wild like

which to me was like a totally wild like magical thing. I remember having Bloody

magical thing. I remember having Bloody

magical thing. I remember having Bloody Marys every

Marys every

Marys every morning and just felt so cool. And there

morning and just felt so cool. And there

morning and just felt so cool. And there would be all these poor sleepy

would be all these poor sleepy

would be all these poor sleepy travelers, you know, families who were

travelers, you know, families who were

travelers, you know, families who were trying to wake up and have breakfast and

trying to wake up and have breakfast and

trying to wake up and have breakfast and we'd be these obnoxious guys, you know,

we'd be these obnoxious guys, you know,

we'd be these obnoxious guys, you know, throwing stuff and and ordering drinks

throwing stuff and and ordering drinks

throwing stuff and and ordering drinks and being, you know, young men. I

and being, you know, young men. I

and being, you know, young men. I remember one night somebody had a date

remember one night somebody had a date

remember one night somebody had a date that didn't go well and they called down

that didn't go well and they called down

that didn't go well and they called down from the bar and they were very

from the bar and they were very

from the bar and they were very disturbed. didn't Ellen was really cool

disturbed. didn't Ellen was really cool

disturbed. didn't Ellen was really cool to talk to and I had a bad date, a

to talk to and I had a bad date, a

to talk to and I had a bad date, a really lousy

really lousy

really lousy date

date

date and I wasn't doing that well. That's

and I wasn't doing that well. That's

and I wasn't doing that well. That's right. I was not doing that well at all.

right. I was not doing that well at all.

right. I was not doing that well at all. And I went down to the bar, I have some

And I went down to the bar, I have some

And I went down to the bar, I have some drinks and I called Ellen. She came down

drinks and I called Ellen. She came down

drinks and I called Ellen. She came down and she talked to

and she talked to

and she talked to me. She sent me straight. Oh, Carol,

me. She sent me straight. Oh, Carol,

me. She sent me straight. Oh, Carol, seriously, it was an accident. I swear

seriously, it was an accident. I swear

seriously, it was an accident. I swear to God. An accident? Your thing just got

to God. An accident? Your thing just got

to God. An accident? Your thing just got into a box of popcorn. We used to do

into a box of popcorn. We used to do

into a box of popcorn. We used to do things like um we go to a bar and try to

things like um we go to a bar and try to

things like um we go to a bar and try to pick up girls and we were always

pick up girls and we were always

pick up girls and we were always pretending to be a different kind of

pretending to be a different kind of

pretending to be a different kind of character. Gutenberg and I went to the

character. Gutenberg and I went to the

character. Gutenberg and I went to the strip strip club one night and um I

strip strip club one night and um I

strip strip club one night and um I forget we one one night we were race car

forget we one one night we were race car

forget we one one night we were race car drivers. I remember we told him we were

drivers. I remember we told him we were

drivers. I remember we told him we were race car drivers. Did we go pick up

race car drivers. Did we go pick up

race car drivers. Did we go pick up chicks? You know, they may have gone

chicks? You know, they may have gone

chicks? You know, they may have gone without me. I don't remember a lot of

without me. I don't remember a lot of

without me. I don't remember a lot of chick picking up to be honest with you.

chick picking up to be honest with you.

chick picking up to be honest with you. I remember one time we uh we came up

I remember one time we uh we came up

I remember one time we uh we came up with this idea that we were these this

with this idea that we were these this

with this idea that we were these this engineering uh team that was in town and

engineering uh team that was in town and

engineering uh team that was in town and uh we were working on this on this

uh we were working on this on this

uh we were working on this on this particular problem because there was a

particular problem because there was a

particular problem because there was a uh a rotating restaurant on the top of a

uh a rotating restaurant on the top of a

uh a rotating restaurant on the top of a a building and we're having problems

a building and we're having problems

a building and we're having problems because the pipes were all getting

because the pipes were all getting

because the pipes were all getting twisted

twisted

twisted up. So it was our job to get to come in

up. So it was our job to get to come in

up. So it was our job to get to come in and figure out how we were going to uh

and figure out how we were going to uh

and figure out how we were going to uh solve this problem. And I think these I

solve this problem. And I think these I

solve this problem. And I think these I think these girls actually believed it,

think these girls actually believed it,

think these girls actually believed it, which is really amazing. Okay, I just

which is really amazing. Okay, I just

which is really amazing. Okay, I just want to go on record. If Kevin Bacon or

want to go on record. If Kevin Bacon or

want to go on record. If Kevin Bacon or any of the other bastards say that the

any of the other bastards say that the

any of the other bastards say that the uh revolving restaurant expert line was

uh revolving restaurant expert line was

uh revolving restaurant expert line was theirs, they're lying. It was me. That's

theirs, they're lying. It was me. That's

theirs, they're lying. It was me. That's who came up with it. I do that now, by

who came up with it. I do that now, by

who came up with it. I do that now, by the way. I'm, you know, even though I'm

the way. I'm, you know, even though I'm

the way. I'm, you know, even though I'm happily married and and older, I will

happily married and and older, I will

happily married and and older, I will lie and tell women that I'm engineers.

lie and tell women that I'm engineers.

lie and tell women that I'm engineers. And then I think I missed a lot of it

And then I think I missed a lot of it

And then I think I missed a lot of it now. Now, now I'm hearing about the

now. Now, now I'm hearing about the

now. Now, now I'm hearing about the girls with the spinning uh restaurant

girls with the spinning uh restaurant

girls with the spinning uh restaurant scam. I I I think I missed a lot of what

scam. I I I think I missed a lot of what

scam. I I I think I missed a lot of what was going on there. Uh I thought we were

was going on there. Uh I thought we were

was going on there. Uh I thought we were just having Bloody Marys. Who Who knew?

just having Bloody Marys. Who Who knew?

just having Bloody Marys. Who Who knew? Danny was married. Uh so he was like,

Danny was married. Uh so he was like,

Danny was married. Uh so he was like, you know, he was dead. That was it for

you know, he was dead. That was it for

you know, he was dead. That was it for him. He sort of, you know, lived

him. He sort of, you know, lived

him. He sort of, you know, lived vicariously through the rest of us. It's

vicariously through the rest of us. It's

vicariously through the rest of us. It's just we got nothing to talk about.

But it's good. It's good. It's good.

But it's good. It's good. It's good.

But it's good. It's good. It's good. It's nice, right? It's nice. It's nice,

It's nice, right? It's nice. It's nice,

It's nice, right? It's nice. It's nice, right? I remember when we were shooting,

right? I remember when we were shooting,

right? I remember when we were shooting, there were all these guys that kept

there were all these guys that kept

there were all these guys that kept coming up, you know, constantly, and I

coming up, you know, constantly, and I

coming up, you know, constantly, and I couldn't even I couldn't put a face on

couldn't even I couldn't put a face on

couldn't even I couldn't put a face on any of them, but they were all saying,

any of them, but they were all saying,

any of them, but they were all saying, "I'm actually, you know, I'm Boogie.

"I'm actually, you know, I'm Boogie.

"I'm actually, you know, I'm Boogie. That's Boogie is not like that at all.

That's Boogie is not like that at all.

That's Boogie is not like that at all. I'm more like Boogie." There's a lot of

I'm more like Boogie." There's a lot of

I'm more like Boogie." There's a lot of things in it that were sort of um uh

things in it that were sort of um uh

things in it that were sort of um uh situations and, you know, that had

situations and, you know, that had

situations and, you know, that had happened in some fashion. Barry sort of

happened in some fashion. Barry sort of

happened in some fashion. Barry sort of laid out that this is sort of these are

laid out that this is sort of these are

laid out that this is sort of these are based on real characters and stuff and

based on real characters and stuff and

based on real characters and stuff and we made a pathetic stab at saying so

we made a pathetic stab at saying so

we made a pathetic stab at saying so what's the real Shrevy like he's like

what's the real Shrevy like he's like

what's the real Shrevy like he's like kind of like I wrote him

kind of like I wrote him

kind of like I wrote him okay you know it's still going to be me

okay you know it's still going to be me

okay you know it's still going to be me I mean it wasn't

I mean it wasn't

I mean it wasn't uh it was the essence of the characters

uh it was the essence of the characters

uh it was the essence of the characters I guess that Barry was going for

I guess that Barry was going for

I guess that Barry was going for obviously I mean my cousin Eddie did

obviously I mean my cousin Eddie did

obviously I mean my cousin Eddie did give his fiance you know a football test

give his fiance you know a football test

give his fiance you know a football test you know I mean that did happen a lot of

you know I mean that did happen a lot of

you know I mean that did happen a lot of people thought that the real life. Billy

people thought that the real life. Billy

people thought that the real life. Billy was Barry. I don't think Barry was in

was Barry. I don't think Barry was in

was Barry. I don't think Barry was in it. Was he? I'll tell you, it's just re

it. Was he? I'll tell you, it's just re

it. Was he? I'll tell you, it's just re just recently occurred to me that one of

just recently occurred to me that one of

just recently occurred to me that one of them must have been. I don't know. I

them must have been. I don't know. I

them must have been. I don't know. I don't know. Maybe Billy. I don't I don't

don't know. Maybe Billy. I don't I don't

don't know. Maybe Billy. I don't I don't know. I don't think it's a mystery. Can

know. I don't think it's a mystery. Can

know. I don't think it's a mystery. Can you find Barry under It was Tim Dailyaly

you find Barry under It was Tim Dailyaly

you find Barry under It was Tim Dailyaly the whole time. I have no idea who he

the whole time. I have no idea who he

the whole time. I have no idea who he was. He was the director. He was the guy

was. He was the director. He was the guy

was. He was the director. He was the guy sitting outside observing, writing all

sitting outside observing, writing all

sitting outside observing, writing all this stuff, remembering Oh, the

this stuff, remembering Oh, the

this stuff, remembering Oh, the character of Barry was Tim. Of course,

character of Barry was Tim. Of course,

character of Barry was Tim. Of course, we all knew that. And uh you know Tim

we all knew that. And uh you know Tim

we all knew that. And uh you know Tim was the tall good-looking guy that was

was the tall good-looking guy that was

was the tall good-looking guy that was Barry. The reason I think people thought

Barry. The reason I think people thought

Barry. The reason I think people thought that that Billy was Barry is because you

that that Billy was Barry is because you

that that Billy was Barry is because you got the sense that Billy was somehow

got the sense that Billy was somehow

got the sense that Billy was somehow going to get out. He was not going to

going to get out. He was not going to

going to get out. He was not going to get stuck in Baltimore and be sort of a

get stuck in Baltimore and be sort of a

get stuck in Baltimore and be sort of a a 50s guy and hang out at the diner like

a 50s guy and hang out at the diner like

a 50s guy and hang out at the diner like bagel for the rest of his life. Maybe

bagel for the rest of his life. Maybe

bagel for the rest of his life. Maybe none of them. Maybe they were his

none of them. Maybe they were his

none of them. Maybe they were his friends. I don't know. What does he say?

friends. I don't know. What does he say?

friends. I don't know. What does he say? I think there's a little me in

I think there's a little me in

I think there's a little me in everybody. you know, a little bit gets

everybody. you know, a little bit gets

everybody. you know, a little bit gets in there, but there's no specifically,

in there, but there's no specifically,

in there, but there's no specifically, you know, you know, my character in a

you know, you know, my character in a

you know, you know, my character in a way. Every city should be as lucky to

way. Every city should be as lucky to

way. Every city should be as lucky to have a biographer like Barry.

The thing that people forget about about

The thing that people forget about about

The thing that people forget about about the movie is it's it's found its way

the movie is it's it's found its way

the movie is it's it's found its way into um our uh our hearts as as as

into um our uh our hearts as as as

into um our uh our hearts as as as as a a great film. Um but when it came

as a a great film. Um but when it came

as a a great film. Um but when it came out, it certainly was not not a

out, it certainly was not not a

out, it certainly was not not a blockbuster by any stretch of the

blockbuster by any stretch of the

blockbuster by any stretch of the imagination. Diner itself really wasn't

imagination. Diner itself really wasn't

imagination. Diner itself really wasn't that well supported by the studio

that well supported by the studio

that well supported by the studio because they were really concerned about

because they were really concerned about

because they were really concerned about its commercial viability. I mean, the

its commercial viability. I mean, the

its commercial viability. I mean, the studio wasn't particularly crazy about

studio wasn't particularly crazy about

studio wasn't particularly crazy about it.

it.

it. Um,

Um,

Um, and you know, they they figured, well,

and you know, they they figured, well,

and you know, they they figured, well, you know, as happens a lot of times,

you know, as happens a lot of times,

you know, as happens a lot of times, they feel, look, the movie doesn't cost

they feel, look, the movie doesn't cost

they feel, look, the movie doesn't cost that much, so let's not spend any real

that much, so let's not spend any real

that much, so let's not spend any real money on it, and it won't be that big a

money on it, and it won't be that big a

money on it, and it won't be that big a deal. The studio didn't even want to

deal. The studio didn't even want to

deal. The studio didn't even want to release it. Uh, it was going to be

release it. Uh, it was going to be

release it. Uh, it was going to be shelved and and uh and and put away

shelved and and uh and and put away

shelved and and uh and and put away because they didn't think they really

because they didn't think they really

because they didn't think they really had anything worth worth putting out

had anything worth worth putting out

had anything worth worth putting out there. There was actually there's a

there. There was actually there's a

there. There was actually there's a story that

story that

story that Barry always told about afterwards when

Barry always told about afterwards when

Barry always told about afterwards when the movie came out and how executives

the movie came out and how executives

the movie came out and how executives didn't know what to do with it and the

didn't know what to do with it and the

didn't know what to do with it and the studio guys and they said uh they

studio guys and they said uh they

studio guys and they said uh they watched those the um they watched a a

watched those the um they watched a a

watched those the um they watched a a rough cut or whatever. They watched the

rough cut or whatever. They watched the

rough cut or whatever. They watched the screening of it and they said look uh

screening of it and they said look uh

screening of it and they said look uh like that scene in the diner when

like that scene in the diner when

like that scene in the diner when they're arguing about the sandwich. Why

they're arguing about the sandwich. Why

they're arguing about the sandwich. Why doesn't he just give him the sandwich

doesn't he just give him the sandwich

doesn't he just give him the sandwich and get on with the story? And Bur said

and get on with the story? And Bur said

and get on with the story? And Bur said because there is no story. That is the

because there is no story. That is the

because there is no story. That is the story. The fact that you they're hawking

story. The fact that you they're hawking

story. The fact that you they're hawking each other for 15 minutes about a

each other for 15 minutes about a

each other for 15 minutes about a sandwich is the story. They went, "Well,

sandwich is the story. They went, "Well,

sandwich is the story. They went, "Well, it's certainly not porkies. We'll tell

it's certainly not porkies. We'll tell

it's certainly not porkies. We'll tell you that." They were very disappointed

you that." They were very disappointed

you that." They were very disappointed it wasn't porkies. You going to finish

it wasn't porkies. You going to finish

it wasn't porkies. You going to finish that? Yeah, I'm going to finish it. It's

that? Yeah, I'm going to finish it. It's

that? Yeah, I'm going to finish it. It's been paid for. I'm not going to I'm not

been paid for. I'm not going to I'm not

been paid for. I'm not going to I'm not going to give it to you. If you're not

going to give it to you. If you're not

going to give it to you. If you're not going to finish it, I would eat it. But

going to finish it, I would eat it. But

going to finish it, I would eat it. But if you're going to eat it, Julie, what

if you're going to eat it, Julie, what

if you're going to eat it, Julie, what do you want? Say the words. No, go

do you want? Say the words. No, go

do you want? Say the words. No, go ahead. You're going to eat it. You eat

ahead. You're going to eat it. You eat

ahead. You're going to eat it. You eat it. That's all right. Say the words. I

it. That's all right. Say the words. I

it. That's all right. Say the words. I want the roast beef sandwich. Say the

want the roast beef sandwich. Say the

want the roast beef sandwich. Say the words and I'll give you a piece. Would

words and I'll give you a piece. Would

words and I'll give you a piece. Would you guys cut this out? I mean, every

you guys cut this out? I mean, every

you guys cut this out? I mean, every time. Well, he doesn't talk. He just he

time. Well, he doesn't talk. He just he

time. Well, he doesn't talk. He just he know what he means, right? Yeah, I know

know what he means, right? Yeah, I know

know what he means, right? Yeah, I know what he means. But he beats around the

what he means. But he beats around the

what he means. But he beats around the bush. He beats around the bush. If he'd

bush. He beats around the bush. If he'd

bush. He beats around the bush. If he'd say the words, I give him peace. If I

say the words, I give him peace. If I

say the words, I give him peace. If I wanted it, would I wouldn't I ask you

wanted it, would I wouldn't I ask you

wanted it, would I wouldn't I ask you that ass? You know you just let it go.

that ass? You know you just let it go.

that ass? You know you just let it go. You know he wants it. He's annoying as

You know he wants it. He's annoying as

You know he wants it. He's annoying as I'm annoying. I'm annoying. I'm trying

I'm annoying. I'm annoying. I'm trying

I'm annoying. I'm annoying. I'm trying to eat a meal by myself. If you want to

to eat a meal by myself. If you want to

to eat a meal by myself. If you want to give him the sandwich, give him the

give him the sandwich, give him the

give him the sandwich, give him the sandwich. If you don't want to give him

sandwich. If you don't want to give him

sandwich. If you don't want to give him the sandwich, don't I don't want to give

the sandwich, don't I don't want to give

the sandwich, don't I don't want to give him Well, then just eat the sandwich and

him Well, then just eat the sandwich and

him Well, then just eat the sandwich and shut up. Well, look at his eyes. I ask

shut up. Well, look at his eyes. I ask

shut up. Well, look at his eyes. I ask one simple question. You get You know

one simple question. You get You know

one simple question. You get You know what your problem is? You don't chew

what your problem is? You don't chew

what your problem is? You don't chew your food. That's why you get so

your food. That's why you get so

your food. That's why you get so irritable. It It lumps. You have like

irritable. It It lumps. You have like

irritable. It It lumps. You have like roast beef in your heart. It just stays

roast beef in your heart. It just stays

roast beef in your heart. It just stays there. Someone showed the movie to the

there. Someone showed the movie to the

there. Someone showed the movie to the esteemed film critic Pauline Kale and

esteemed film critic Pauline Kale and

esteemed film critic Pauline Kale and she without a release date on the film

she without a release date on the film

she without a release date on the film wrote this spectacular review of the

wrote this spectacular review of the

wrote this spectacular review of the movie in the New Yorker. And so we ended

movie in the New Yorker. And so we ended

movie in the New Yorker. And so we ended up with a terrific review from Pauline

up with a terrific review from Pauline

up with a terrific review from Pauline Kale. We had a great review from uh the

Kale. We had a great review from uh the

Kale. We had a great review from uh the the Times and all the other newspapers

the Times and all the other newspapers

the Times and all the other newspapers and we had these fantastic reviews. They

and we had these fantastic reviews. They

and we had these fantastic reviews. They didn't want to release it at all. And I

didn't want to release it at all. And I

didn't want to release it at all. And I think they they it was only released out

think they they it was only released out

think they they it was only released out of embarrassment. You know, they

of embarrassment. You know, they

of embarrassment. You know, they thought, "How do we have a movie sitting

thought, "How do we have a movie sitting

thought, "How do we have a movie sitting here that Pauline Kale

here that Pauline Kale

here that Pauline Kale is saying is so great and we're not

is saying is so great and we're not

is saying is so great and we're not releasing it? That makes us look like

releasing it? That makes us look like

releasing it? That makes us look like idiots. Let's throw it out there." It

idiots. Let's throw it out there." It

idiots. Let's throw it out there." It was pleasing at the time and unusual, I

was pleasing at the time and unusual, I

was pleasing at the time and unusual, I guess, at the time to make such a small

guess, at the time to make such a small

guess, at the time to make such a small intimate movie as a studio kind of

intimate movie as a studio kind of

intimate movie as a studio kind of movie. To take a chance on filmmakers

movie. To take a chance on filmmakers

movie. To take a chance on filmmakers like that was a great chance, and I hope

like that was a great chance, and I hope

like that was a great chance, and I hope those chances are taken more often. Flip

those chances are taken more often. Flip

those chances are taken more often. Flip side. Heaven on earth recorded by the

side. Heaven on earth recorded by the

side. Heaven on earth recorded by the platters for Mercury Records. Color of

platters for Mercury Records. Color of

platters for Mercury Records. Color of the label maroon. Another I'm sticking

the label maroon. Another I'm sticking

the label maroon. Another I'm sticking with you. I'm sticking with you. Flip

with you. I'm sticking with you. Flip

with you. I'm sticking with you. Flip side is Everlo Fingers recorded by Jimmy

side is Everlo Fingers recorded by Jimmy

side is Everlo Fingers recorded by Jimmy Bowen for Roulette Records. Color of the

Bowen for Roulette Records. Color of the

Bowen for Roulette Records. Color of the label is orange. All right. Donna.

label is orange. All right. Donna.

label is orange. All right. Donna. Donna. You can always know when a movie

Donna. You can always know when a movie

Donna. You can always know when a movie is going to be around for 20 years. When

is going to be around for 20 years. When

is going to be around for 20 years. When people come up to you and say, "I know

people come up to you and say, "I know

people come up to you and say, "I know somebody like that character. My

somebody like that character. My

somebody like that character. My brother's like that character. My

brother's like that character. My

brother's like that character. My uncle's like that character." That's

uncle's like that character." That's

uncle's like that character." That's when you know you've got something. I

when you know you've got something. I

when you know you've got something. I identified

identified

identified so fully with

so fully with

so fully with that character. I would have to say that

that character. I would have to say that

that character. I would have to say that 20 years later, it's still the closest

20 years later, it's still the closest

20 years later, it's still the closest I've ever played to who I am at that

I've ever played to who I am at that

I've ever played to who I am at that time. I was pretty young to get married.

time. I was pretty young to get married.

time. I was pretty young to get married. I was 20 23. The oddity of me being

I was 20 23. The oddity of me being

I was 20 23. The oddity of me being married in my real life was similar to

married in my real life was similar to

married in my real life was similar to that dynamic in the in the diner group

that dynamic in the in the diner group

that dynamic in the in the diner group of of being the married guy in that. The

of of being the married guy in that. The

of of being the married guy in that. The relationships that those guys had in

relationships that those guys had in

relationships that those guys had in diner certainly were relationships that

diner certainly were relationships that

diner certainly were relationships that I have had and do have and most men have

I have had and do have and most men have

I have had and do have and most men have had or have. I think it was because

had or have. I think it was because

had or have. I think it was because Barry was so specific with the

Barry was so specific with the

Barry was so specific with the characters. He, you know, he got it real

characters. He, you know, he got it real

characters. He, you know, he got it real and when you get something that dead on

and when you get something that dead on

and when you get something that dead on and that specific, it becomes universal.

and that specific, it becomes universal.

and that specific, it becomes universal. Everybody knows somebody like that. It

Everybody knows somebody like that. It

Everybody knows somebody like that. It is very specific to time and place and I

is very specific to time and place and I

is very specific to time and place and I think that ultimately can be timeless. I

think that ultimately can be timeless. I

think that ultimately can be timeless. I think the more specific you can become,

think the more specific you can become,

think the more specific you can become, you know, the more timeless, but that's

you know, the more timeless, but that's

you know, the more timeless, but that's something you never know about. Joe Blow

something you never know about. Joe Blow

something you never know about. Joe Blow on the street stopped me. Oh, I loved

on the street stopped me. Oh, I loved

on the street stopped me. Oh, I loved you in Diner. I love that record scene.

you in Diner. I love that record scene.

you in Diner. I love that record scene. That's so much like me or my husband's

That's so much like me or my husband's

That's so much like me or my husband's so much like the record scene. That was

so much like the record scene. That was

so much like the record scene. That was pure Barry. I swear to God that every

pure Barry. I swear to God that every

pure Barry. I swear to God that every year I will be someplace and someone

year I will be someplace and someone

year I will be someplace and someone will come up to me and start quoting

will come up to me and start quoting

will come up to me and start quoting from diner. They'll just start quoting

from diner. They'll just start quoting

from diner. They'll just start quoting and quoting to me and I'll be like,

and quoting to me and I'll be like,

and quoting to me and I'll be like, "What? What are you saying?" And then

"What? What are you saying?" And then

"What? What are you saying?" And then I'll remember it's diner. So it's really

I'll remember it's diner. So it's really

I'll remember it's diner. So it's really life imitates art.

life imitates art.

life imitates art. Barry told me implicitly that this was

Barry told me implicitly that this was

Barry told me implicitly that this was really true and this was going to work,

really true and this was going to work,

really true and this was going to work, the football quiz. And by gosh, he was

the football quiz. And by gosh, he was

the football quiz. And by gosh, he was right. I mean, people love that football

right. I mean, people love that football

right. I mean, people love that football quiz. And uh you know, it's one of the

quiz. And uh you know, it's one of the

quiz. And uh you know, it's one of the things that people talk about all the

things that people talk about all the

things that people talk about all the time. Alisa's mother's on the phone.

time. Alisa's mother's on the phone.

time. Alisa's mother's on the phone. How's she doing? The guys think it could

How's she doing? The guys think it could

How's she doing? The guys think it could go either way. Either way. Okay. When

go either way. Either way. Okay. When

go either way. Either way. Okay. When people come and go, my uncle did the

people come and go, my uncle did the

people come and go, my uncle did the same thing with, you know, baseball. I

same thing with, you know, baseball. I

same thing with, you know, baseball. I got a friend. Well, I know somebody

got a friend. Well, I know somebody

got a friend. Well, I know somebody actually made his wife memorize the in

actually made his wife memorize the in

actually made his wife memorize the in the infield of the New York Mets because

the infield of the New York Mets because

the infield of the New York Mets because if she didn't, he couldn't be with her.

if she didn't, he couldn't be with her.

if she didn't, he couldn't be with her. And she did. and I have a bunch of

And she did. and I have a bunch of

And she did. and I have a bunch of friends that we watch it together and

friends that we watch it together and

friends that we watch it together and always used to be like we were those

always used to be like we were those

always used to be like we were those guys, you know, and there are people to

guys, you know, and there are people to

guys, you know, and there are people to whom that it was a real um touchstone

whom that it was a real um touchstone

whom that it was a real um touchstone that movie and I think because of the

that movie and I think because of the

that movie and I think because of the guy camaraderie was never reflected

guy camaraderie was never reflected

guy camaraderie was never reflected quite that way. Um some of the men women

quite that way. Um some of the men women

quite that way. Um some of the men women issues were never tackled in quite that

issues were never tackled in quite that

issues were never tackled in quite that way. There's not that much of a story

way. There's not that much of a story

way. There's not that much of a story really. What do we do? We kind of drive

really. What do we do? We kind of drive

really. What do we do? We kind of drive around and uh you know maybe he's going

around and uh you know maybe he's going

around and uh you know maybe he's going to get married and maybe he's not and

to get married and maybe he's not and

to get married and maybe he's not and you know and then it ends up with a

you know and then it ends up with a

you know and then it ends up with a wedding. It's really more about the fact

wedding. It's really more about the fact

wedding. It's really more about the fact that it's a very honest portrayal of a

that it's a very honest portrayal of a

that it's a very honest portrayal of a group of people and it's a portrayal of

group of people and it's a portrayal of

group of people and it's a portrayal of a group of guys that people just relate

a group of guys that people just relate

a group of guys that people just relate to some kind of real personal level. I

to some kind of real personal level. I

to some kind of real personal level. I couldn't believe it. There he was. You

couldn't believe it. There he was. You

couldn't believe it. There he was. You know, I didn't want to hit him, but I

know, I didn't want to hit him, but I

know, I didn't want to hit him, but I had to. Oh, definitely you had to. I

had to. Oh, definitely you had to. I

had to. Oh, definitely you had to. I mean, Willard Broxton. Who's Willard

mean, Willard Broxton. Who's Willard

mean, Willard Broxton. Who's Willard Broxton? You should have said something.

Broxton? You should have said something.

Broxton? You should have said something. We would have come over. Yeah. What am I

We would have come over. Yeah. What am I

We would have come over. Yeah. What am I going to say? Hey, I got Willard.

going to say? Hey, I got Willard.

going to say? Hey, I got Willard. Timmy, who is Willard Brock? I don't I

Timmy, who is Willard Brock? I don't I

Timmy, who is Willard Brock? I don't I always like will I was there to show the

always like will I was there to show the

always like will I was there to show the way a guy like that would handle you

way a guy like that would handle you

way a guy like that would handle you know being married and how he wouldn't

know being married and how he wouldn't

know being married and how he wouldn't get it and how he wouldn't be able to

get it and how he wouldn't be able to

get it and how he wouldn't be able to see past himself and

see past himself and

see past himself and um take care of anybody else uh

um take care of anybody else uh

um take care of anybody else uh understand anybody else's needs

understand anybody else's needs

understand anybody else's needs especially a woman's needs. It's that

especially a woman's needs. It's that

especially a woman's needs. It's that irresponsibility that you want of

irresponsibility that you want of

irresponsibility that you want of running around with your buddies and

running around with your buddies and

running around with your buddies and being silly and and yet the the

being silly and and yet the the

being silly and and yet the the fantastic depth of having a family, a

fantastic depth of having a family, a

fantastic depth of having a family, a wife and and children, but then part of

wife and and children, but then part of

wife and and children, but then part of your mind is saying, I why am I doing

your mind is saying, I why am I doing

your mind is saying, I why am I doing this? I should be out there playing. And

this? I should be out there playing. And

this? I should be out there playing. And then when you're out there playing, you

then when you're out there playing, you

then when you're out there playing, you go, "God, this isn't as fun as I

go, "God, this isn't as fun as I

go, "God, this isn't as fun as I thought. I should be back home with

thought. I should be back home with

thought. I should be back home with everybody that I really love." And and

everybody that I really love." And and

everybody that I really love." And and and so,

and so,

and so, uh, it was the first inklings of that

uh, it was the first inklings of that

uh, it was the first inklings of that step into adult manhood. I guess it's

step into adult manhood. I guess it's

step into adult manhood. I guess it's not just a a movie about guys hanging

not just a a movie about guys hanging

not just a a movie about guys hanging around. It's all based on those fears

around. It's all based on those fears

around. It's all based on those fears and those anxieties. Um, so it's laced

and those anxieties. Um, so it's laced

and those anxieties. Um, so it's laced throughout the piece. My son not only

throughout the piece. My son not only

throughout the piece. My son not only has seen Diner, he's 17 years old now,

has seen Diner, he's 17 years old now,

has seen Diner, he's 17 years old now, but rented it recently without my asking

but rented it recently without my asking

but rented it recently without my asking him and and went out. He loves the

him and and went out. He loves the

him and and went out. He loves the movie. He absolutely loves the movie.

movie. He absolutely loves the movie.

movie. He absolutely loves the movie. There's something that appeals to a

There's something that appeals to a

There's something that appeals to a young man about that movie. There's

young man about that movie. There's

young man about that movie. There's something that that directly taps into

something that that directly taps into

something that that directly taps into their psyche. It was an inspiration and

their psyche. It was an inspiration and

their psyche. It was an inspiration and and a lesson for me to see that you can

and a lesson for me to see that you can

and a lesson for me to see that you can make offbeat films. You can you can do

make offbeat films. You can you can do

make offbeat films. You can you can do things that sort of fit between the

things that sort of fit between the

things that sort of fit between the cracks of what people expect, which is

cracks of what people expect, which is

cracks of what people expect, which is certainly something Dina was. It was

certainly something Dina was. It was

certainly something Dina was. It was neither this nor that. It was something

neither this nor that. It was something

neither this nor that. It was something that had precedents, but it was still

that had precedents, but it was still

that had precedents, but it was still its own unique uh flavor. It's part of

its own unique uh flavor. It's part of

its own unique uh flavor. It's part of the mystery of you know whatever the

the mystery of you know whatever the

the mystery of you know whatever the hell you know film making is all about

hell you know film making is all about

hell you know film making is all about in some way that you just you make

in some way that you just you make

in some way that you just you make certain choices and you allow your

certain choices and you allow your

certain choices and you allow your instincts to you know to guide you and

instincts to you know to guide you and

instincts to you know to guide you and you believe in it and

you believe in it and

you believe in it and um hopefully you'll succeed more than

um hopefully you'll succeed more than

um hopefully you'll succeed more than you fail. I walked into Barry's office

you fail. I walked into Barry's office

you fail. I walked into Barry's office one time and Mark's office and Mark was

one time and Mark's office and Mark was

one time and Mark's office and Mark was lying on his couch and I'll forget Mark

lying on his couch and I'll forget Mark

lying on his couch and I'll forget Mark has a really great smile and he was

has a really great smile and he was

has a really great smile and he was smiling ear to ear cuz he just seen the

smiling ear to ear cuz he just seen the

smiling ear to ear cuz he just seen the movie. And I came I go, "What? What?" He

movie. And I came I go, "What? What?" He

movie. And I came I go, "What? What?" He goes, "It's good." And I go, "Really?"

goes, "It's good." And I go, "Really?"

goes, "It's good." And I go, "Really?" He goes, "It's really

He goes, "It's really

He goes, "It's really good." And he had this just chesher cat

good." And he had this just chesher cat

good." And he had this just chesher cat grin and he knew. And he knew supposed

grin and he knew. And he knew supposed

grin and he knew. And he knew supposed to grab your bud. Give me some money. I

to grab your bud. Give me some money. I

to grab your bud. Give me some money. I don't buy it. Yeah. Yeah.

don't buy it. Yeah. Yeah.

don't buy it. Yeah. Yeah. You always know exactly what to say. I

You always know exactly what to say. I

You always know exactly what to say. I love that.

First you

look up

now. Keep that down. Ooh, darling did

now. Keep that down. Ooh, darling did

now. Keep that down. Ooh, darling did not keep you satisfied, but you were

not keep you satisfied, but you were

not keep you satisfied, but you were cheating. Seeing someone new,

cheating. Seeing someone new,

cheating. Seeing someone new, when you want to make out, who do you

when you want to make out, who do you

when you want to make out, who do you make out to? Sinatra or Matthysse?

make out to? Sinatra or Matthysse?

make out to? Sinatra or Matthysse? That's a stupid question. Sinatra all

That's a stupid question. Sinatra all

That's a stupid question. Sinatra all the way. Matthysse, of course. Well,

the way. Matthysse, of course. Well,

the way. Matthysse, of course. Well, that's an interesting choice. I think

that's an interesting choice. I think

that's an interesting choice. I think I'd go with Sinatra. Matthysse or

I'd go with Sinatra. Matthysse or

I'd go with Sinatra. Matthysse or Sinatra in terms of what's the question?

Sinatra in terms of what's the question?

Sinatra in terms of what's the question? Who's dead?

Who's dead?

Who's dead? That's easy. Oh, Sinatra.

That's easy. Oh, Sinatra.

That's easy. Oh, Sinatra. Ridiculous. Wasn't even an argument for

Ridiculous. Wasn't even an argument for

Ridiculous. Wasn't even an argument for me. I didn't even know how they got

me. I didn't even know how they got

me. I didn't even know how they got through that scene. No offense.

through that scene. No offense.

through that scene. No offense. Honestly, I'd say Matthysse. You know,

Honestly, I'd say Matthysse. You know,

Honestly, I'd say Matthysse. You know, that's if that's if if I if I had, you

that's if that's if if I if I had, you

that's if that's if if I if I had, you know, one uh one record on the desert

know, one uh one record on the desert

know, one uh one record on the desert island kind of thing, I'd have to go

island kind of thing, I'd have to go

island kind of thing, I'd have to go with Johnny Matthysse. I would say in my

with Johnny Matthysse. I would say in my

with Johnny Matthysse. I would say in my life, I've listened to more Sinatra than

life, I've listened to more Sinatra than

life, I've listened to more Sinatra than Matthysse. though Matthysse a fine

Matthysse. though Matthysse a fine

Matthysse. though Matthysse a fine singer still singing. Matthysse or

singer still singing. Matthysse or

singer still singing. Matthysse or Sinatra?

Sinatra?

Sinatra? Presley. I gotta go with uh I got to go

Presley. I gotta go with uh I got to go

Presley. I gotta go with uh I got to go with Mickey on that one. Presley. Let

with Mickey on that one. Presley. Let

with Mickey on that one. Presley. Let the man speak. Let the man speak. Speak.

the man speak. Let the man speak. Speak.

the man speak. Let the man speak. Speak. Presley.