Original subtitles

Well, here I go again.

I hear the trumpet blow again.

I'm all aglow again,

taking a chance on love.

And here I slide again,

about to take that ride again.

Look at me, I'm all starry -eyed again,

taking a chance on love.

Good evening, sir.

Welcome to the Paradise Grand.

Andrew. Oh, you must be new here. How are you, Andy? I'm fine, Mr... Gus

Zimmerman. Been coming here for 30 years. Let's see.

Here. Have a flashlight?

Thank you.

And a calendar.

Thanks a lot. Uh -huh.

Appreciate it. Nice to meet you. You too.

things they're mending now.

I see a rainbow blending now.

We'll have our

You were just super fantastic.

Name's Gus. Gus Zimmerman. Thank you, Gus. I'm Ted.

Nice to know you. Oh, I'm sorry.

Shaking your hand right now.

You were wonderful, too.

I tell you, a talent like yours is no other way to describe it. It's just God

-given. I'm going to have the bartender send you over a ginger ale. It's going

to be on me. Nice to meet you.

What a lovely man.

Look closer, angel girl.

Gus is just like most of the people in this town.

One step from the edge.

He puts on a good act?

He's a salesman.

And that smile has a lot of mileage on it.

I don't want you to get me wrong.

He's got a good soul.

But Gus is very close to losing the one person in the world he loves the most.

And that could turn a good man into a desperate one.

Here you go.

Thank you.

There's nothing fatter than losing a loved one.

Oh, there's something worse.

Something much worse.

When you walk down the road,

heavy burden, heavy load,

I will rise and I will walk with you.

I'll walk with you till the sun don't even shine.

Walk with you every time.

I might tell you I'll walk with you.

Walk with you.

Believe me, I'll walk with you.

And the good Lord said, let there be light.

Figured it must be a darn good idea, so I had these made up. Check it out.

Light up your life with Gus. I like that.

Yeah. Well, in my line of work, you've got to find some way to promote

Yeah, well, I don't need a flashlight, because thanks to that insurance policy

you sold me.

I sleep better at night.

Yeah. Peace of mind.

Nothing like it.

How about another ginger ale?

I haven't finished that one yet.

Hey, you all right?

You seem a little jumpy. Who, me? No, cool as a cucumber.

Nice fat commission checks. Just what the doctor ordered. In fact, I got an

appointment with Mac in about a half hour. Have you seen him yet today?

Not yet.

Pardon me. I'm fatigued. Oh, sorry.

Sorry, please. Thank you.

Hi, Gus.

Gus Zimmerman.

Monica. Monica.

Oh, I saw you talking with Ted.

Yeah.

You in the music business, too? Let me guess, you're a singer.

Oh, no.

No? Oh, me neither.

Can't carry a tune.

Not even in the shower.

How about you? You a shower singer?

You certainly ask a lot of questions. Oh, yeah. Well, it's just my nature.

I'm a student.

of human nature which is just a fancy way of saying i'm a salesman in fact i'm

waiting now for my appointment with the man upstairs the man upstairs yes mac

man upstairs he's the general manager of the paradise grand every year you see i

come here about the same time my insurance company has the policy on this

for about 15 years now we cover them for uh well for everything fires floods

acts of god

I talk a lot, don't I?

Sorry if I'm boring you. Acts of God never bore me.

Oh, thanks, Rocky.

Hey, I'd like you to say hello to my new friend, Monica.

Hey there, Monica. What can I get you to drink? The same as God, please.

No, you don't drink?

Mm -mm. No smoking or gambling either.

Oh, you're my kind of people.

My wife and I, we come here to Vegas, people laugh at us because all we like

do is dance.

Let me show you.

That's her. That's my Esther. She's lovely.

Yeah, 30 years of holy matrimony.

When I first met her, she was a dance teacher at our local community center.

Little lady danced her way right into my heart.

Does she still teach?

No, not anymore.

Oh, it looks like Tessa's getting ready to sing again.

My funny Valentine.

You know, she's really good. I'd like to go in and listen to her. If you'd

excuse me.

You're welcome to join me for that.

Okay.

You make me smile with my heart.

Your looks, they're laughable.

Unphotographable.

Yet, you're my favorite work of art.

This was our favorite song.

We always danced to this one.

Days are over.

Do you think after what mind I borrowed you just...

In her honor.

I think Esther would like that a lot.

Thank you.

Don't change one hair for me.

Not if you really care for me.

Say, funny Valentine's

Day.

And each day will be

Valentine's Day.

Trudy, it's me.

Yeah, how's my girl today?

Is she feeling any better?

What? No, not yet, but Mac always renews.

I'll get the money, there's no problem.

I just wanted you to... I just wanted you to tell Esther I love her.

Tell her she's still my funny Valentine.

Yeah. Okay. Bye -bye.

I don't mean to pry.

Okay.

Uh, Trudy's... Trudy's her nurse.

Esther's not having a very good day.

She's in a lot of pain.

She has diabetes.

She lost a leg this year.

I try to keep up a cheerful front, you know.

Doctor says she might not make it. She needs to be in the nursing home where

is, but we just can't afford it anymore.

But you're an insurance salesman. You have coverage.

That's coverage maxed out.

Our savings are gone, we're mortgaged to the hills.

And Esther likes to say...

The Lord will provide.

The time's running out. See, I have to pay the nursing home $10 ,000 by Monday

morning or she's out. And I can't take any more time from work to take care of

her myself. They'll fire me.

But Mac's my biggest account.

So today's commission will take care of everything.

It's a little early still, but I'm going to go on up and see him.

Excuse me.

Excuse me, please.

Excuse me, I have an appointment with Mac. Would you please call him and tell

him that Gus Zimmerman is here to see him? Mac doesn't work here anymore.

Now, sir, if you'll excuse me, these people have been waiting in line. What

you mean he doesn't work here anymore? I talked to Mac this morning. Yes, but as

of this afternoon, we have a new general manager.

Now, sir, if you'll please... What's the new one's name? Look, would you please

just call him and tell him that I need to see him? I am not authorized to call

upstairs for any reason.

Next.

Gus, what's wrong?

I can't get this thing to work.

There's a security code. No, I never had anything like that. I have to get up to

the penthouse. I have to get up there tonight, Andrew.

Gus, I've never even met the general manager.

I just know that this is off limits. No one's allowed upstairs.

Andrew, do you understand the meaning of life and death?

I do.

Come on, you have to have some kind of pull around here.

I'll see what I can do.

Gus, you okay?

Max gone.

There's a new man upstairs.

Did he get a signature?

Couldn't even get an appointment.

I don't get people these days. I mean, why can't people just stay put?

Used to be people lived in the same house, kept the same job, stayed married

the same person. I mean, 30 years ago, Esther and I, we exchanged vows at this

little chapel. It's right down the street from here. Oh, pretty and pink.

Now it's got this neon guitar out front.

I mean, in those days, two souls were joined together in the sight of God. Now

it's in the sight of Elvis.

Rocky, could I have a drink, please?

Ginger ale?

No, give me something stronger. Some vodka, whiskey, I don't care, whatever.

Gus, you don't drink?

Just keep pouring, okay?

Alcohol is not the answer, Gus. There's still hope.

Yep. And right now, his name is Andrew.

Gus.

I'm sorry.

I tried.

Excuse me, I think I have a line of credit. I've never used it, but my

Gus. Just a moment, please.

Yes, Mr. Dillerman, it is still here, $5 ,000.

I need ten.

I'm sorry, sir, five is your limit.

Thank you.

Okay, if you'll just sign here, please.

Thank you, and here you go.

Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen. Place your bets.

What would Esther say if she knew you were drinking and gambling?

Place your bets, please.

Monica, she's the most wonderful woman in the world.

Gusty, she says.

Gusty, I'm not afraid of anything.

Because I know if I close my eyes, no matter what, I'm going to see you again.

If not in this nursing home, then in heaven. She believes we're always going

be together. Okay, God.

Black or red?

Gus, God doesn't help people to gamble.

Look, if anybody deserves help, it's Esther.

Red's your favorite color, so red it's gonna be.

No more bets, ladies and gentlemen, no more bets.

Black, 31.

Could I get another line of credit?

I'm afraid you'd have to take that up with a fit posture.

Sir, please, I'd be willing to sign anything.

The manager will see you now, sir.

Alone.

Hello Hello

Good evening, Gus.

I'm Monique.

Very nice to meet you, Monique.

Things certainly have changed around here.

There used to be a painting on that wall, but Mac had accepted his payment

one of his high rollers.

Mac handled his business a little differently than I do.

Something wrong?

No, no.

No, I'm sorry. I don't mean to stare. It's just that you look so much like

someone I know.

And I pride myself on being a very unique individual.

I like to think of everyone as a unique individual. Actually, it's the

cornerstone of my philosophy as a salesman. I'm here to serve you.

Sounds proper.

Would you like a flashlight?

Well, then, if I could just take a few moments of your valuable time, perhaps I

could shine a little light on this policy.

He said he'd be done in half an hour. He promised.

Maybe a promise is only as good as the person that makes it.

But Gus is a good man.

Sometimes, baby, good is not good enough.

When Gus came here, He didn't drink, and he didn't gamble.

Look at him now. He's opened the door.

He's compromised himself.

And once you open the door, anything can come slithering in.

I realize that I owe you $5 ,000, but I'm sure I can sneak a $5 ,000 off the

cost of the policy. I mean, my company and I, we're in a very good

Yes, I know, Gus.

It's all right here.

Do you have a file on me?

Let's see.

Insurance agent, Rotary Club president, wife, actor.

Oh, dear.

She's not in very good shape.

That's why I need this commission so bad. Look, this is a win -win situation,

Monique. I mean, all I need is your Hancock right here.

You know, maybe roulette just isn't your game.

Have a seat.

Now you owe me $5 ,000.

I'm willing to play for half your debt.

Five card draw.

I don't have anything to bet.

You have a cell phone, don't you?

Could you give me $2 ,500 for this?

What do you say we raise the stake?

You haven't even looked at your cars.

Gambling's in my blood, Governor.

I'm willing to erase your debt, all $5 ,000.

In exchange for what?

Well, I don't know.

Your wedding ring?

No.

Well, sacred.

Well, besides, I mean, you wouldn't want this. It's engraved to me.

Soulmate.

How poetic.

True.

Esther means more to me than anything.

More than a cheap piece of gold?

Of course.

It has sentimental value.

To value something means to put a price on it. Can you put a price on your love?

No, does that ring matter more than helping Esther any way you can

How

many cards would you like three please

How many are you going to take?

I'm fine with these.

What have you got?

A pair of five.

Let's celebrate.

Oh, I hate it when they forget the ice bucket.

And then

we'll play some more poker.

If you win, I'll sign the post.

There's something going on up there.

I can feel it.

And it's getting stronger.

What are we going to do?

Wait.

Sometimes that's the hardest thing God can ask an angel to do.

Your signature for my Lincoln Continental.

How about if you win, I'll sign your contract, but if I win,

you sign mine.

It's really quite simple.

One human soul intact, no lingering spiritual attachment

to become exclusive property of the under nine.

I don't get it.

You want my soul?

What, are you nuts?

I'm just eccentric.

I don't even know what a soul is.

It's just a word, Gus.

Yeah, well, it's weird.

It's not even a fair bet. I mean, even if you win, you don't get anything real.

Haven't you ever made a sale?

When the commission is so small, you wonder why you bother.

Sure. Then why do you?

For the sale.

Sometimes just making the sale is all that counts.

You understand that, don't you?

You're one of those real sickos, aren't you?

Likes to mess with people's heads for a laugh.

Likes to get them over a barrel just to see how far they'll go.

I'm a student of human nature, Gus.

just like you.

Now you have a chance to get my signature on your policy.

All I need is your signature on mine.

What happened?

I don't know. I don't feel so hot.

My head's spinning and I've got this funny little ache right here, Rocky.

Do you have any aspirin back there? Yeah.

Please. You were up there a long time. Did you meet the new manager?

Yeah. Turns out the man upstairs is a lady.

Looks a lot like you.

It's odd.

She's real eccentric, though. She does her business at a poker table.

You were gambling?

Won the first game.

Lost the second, though.

Thanks, Rocky. I appreciate it. You bet.

Anyway, the lady's really weird.

I mean, you're going to laugh when I tell you what she had me bet.

My soul.

Must be the champagne.

Do you play poker for your soul?

Yeah, whatever that means.

I thought I was going to win that second game.

Well, that pair of queens didn't beat three sixes.

Three sixes?

Yeah, after that I... I wasn't feeling so hot, so I got up and got out of

Gus, don't you understand what this means? Yeah, it means I've got to...

got to talk her into playing another game tonight. I've got to get that

insurance policy renewed, so if you'll pardon me, I guess...

I gotta pull myself together because I got more work to do tonight.

So do I.

Hello? Mirror, mirror on the wall.

Who is the fairest one of all?

Ah.

Looks like we have a tie.

Who are you?

You can call me Monique.

What is your real name?

What's in a name?

I don't need to know your name to know who you are.

Confusion is your weapon.

Destruction, your goal.

And you can counterfeit anything to accomplish it.

Even me.

You're too late, Miss Wings.

I got what I came for.

Signed, peeled, and as soon as inhumanly possible,

delivered.

I think you're getting a wee bit ahead of yourself.

Ah, a wee bit.

Aren't you embarrassed to talk like that?

Fear not.

God loves you.

Of course, what else can you expect from that dreary crowd you hang out with?

You know, if it wasn't for your addiction to coffee, I'd say you were

Speaking of which, would you like a cappuccino?

I didn't come here for Capitino.

I came here for Gus.

Poor Gus.

By tomorrow, he'll have forgotten everything except a hangover.

Unless, of course, you get him to do a little soul -searching.

But then what's the point of searching for what no longer is?

Gus didn't know what he was doing. He doesn't understand.

They never do.

But there's plenty of time for that later.

Too bad it had to happen while you were in charge.

I haven't failed yet. Neither has Gus.

He still has God on his side.

I know what it's like to fail.

This millennium has been tough on all of us.

Suggestion?

Let it go.

Unless, of course, you'd like to make things more interesting.

Interesting?

How? Well, I mean, if Gus's wee soul is so important to you.

Maybe we can raise the date.

All right.

Look at your hand.

What's going on here?

When did you get to be a card shark?

Andrew's pitching me so I can win. Got the full back.

You're going to beat the devil at his own game.

What happens if you lose?

I won't lose.

I mean, how could God let that happen?

You think God is sitting up there waiting to deal Gus a royal flush?

He's already dealt him the best hand ever.

It's called life.

That's the way God gambles. He gives men free will.

And after that, it's left up to them what happens to their lives and their

souls. Yes, but she tricked him. He didn't know it was for real.

Baby. People get killed every day with guns they think are empty.

But they're still dead.

The devil doesn't play fair.

That's why he wins so much.

You have a test. There must be something that we can do to help Gus.

Gus doesn't understand what his soul is or what he's going to have to do to hold

on to it.

It's difficult to put into words.

But that's what it's all about, baby.

Words. And we've got to shine the light on them.

So Gus can see what they really are and what they can do before it's too late.

Monique?

Gus? Oh, you look terrible.

About that policy.

What do you say we play just one more game?

You know, I've been thinking.

If I sign your policy, you'll have the commission to pay for your wife's

home. And that'll cover the short term.

But aren't there all kinds of expenses?

Yeah, they've been piling up.

And how do you plan to pay for them?

Shh.

I've been sort of handling things a day at a time. It's been a little bit

overwhelming. It says in your file that you have life insurance.

Yeah, $250 ,000 policy.

A lot of money.

Mm.

Yeah. That would, uh... That would help a lot.

Now, don't take this the wrong way, God, but... You had a few drinks.

And went up onto the roof.

Had a tragic accident.

An accident?

It would be our little secret.

The insurance company would never know.

Why don't you go downstairs and have a drink on the house and think about it?

I'm sure you'll do the right thing.

Don't you think you've had enough?

I know what I'm doing.

Everything's gonna be... Everything's gonna be fine.

Alcohol can't deaden the pain of a soul in torment.

I just want to go someplace where I can find some peace and quiet. Stop

listening to Monique. She's trying to help me. The devil doesn't want to help

anyone. The devil?

And I thought Monique was the crazy one.

She got you to wager your soul, didn't she? She got you to sign a piece of

paper. Oh, come on, Monica.

I don't believe in devils any more than I believe in angels. Don't you believe

in heaven, where you hope to spend eternity with your wife?

Of course I do.

Look at that. See what it says inside there?

Me? What?

What are you talking about?

So...

The soul is missing.

How can she be your soul mate? Gosh, you've given it away. You signed a

contract. It's a silly piece of... It's just words.

Just words.

Don't you understand?

In the beginning was the word.

Word started everything.

Come with me. Let's take a drive.

Oh, you have to believe me when I tell you that 30 years ago, this place was

really different.

It was just so simple then.

It was just Esther, me, the minister.

The witness?

Yeah, I forgot about her.

Yeah, after the ceremony, she sang this song.

Esther used to sing it all the time.

This is the light of my life.

I'm going to let it shine.

This is the light of my life.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join... I think I'm having a

attack.

No, Gus.

That's not your heart.

If there is any reason why these two should not be joined in holy

You make a beautiful couple.

Yes.

She was there when you gave yourself to Esther.

With words.

Words?

Words.

You know, it doesn't matter if you give your word to Esther or the devil or the

child on the street.

Words have meaning.

You say them and you give them life.

And whether you speak them into the air or write them down on a piece of paper,

your words mean as much as the oath you took on your wedding day, binding your

soul to Esther's forever, with God as your witness.

God.

And an angel.

I now pronounce you man and wife.

Death is an angel.

You may now kiss the bride.

You are too.

Yes.

That means if they're really angels, then they're really devils.

Sisters my whole life.

Without her, I mean, I've known for a long time that she was sick and that she

might die, but I could handle that because I always believed that I'd see

again in heaven.

I want to see my wife in heaven.

But I can't because I betrayed her.

I betrayed my wife and my marriage.

Esther's not going to be able to forgive me for that.

Ghost, please.

God wants you to know that no matter what you've done, he loves you.

How can he? I've given my soul to the devil.

Well, there's one thing the devil doesn't want you to know.

And that is that you can get it back.

I can?

It was your words that got you into this.

And your words will get you through it.

Then please tell me what I should say.

Ask and you shall receive.

What do you want, Gus?

You want shooting stars?

How about some fireworks?

You want money, Gus?

Tell me.

How much?

Anything you want, I can give it to you.

Tell me what to say.

Ask God to forgive you for what you've done.

Ask him to give your soul back.

Say, I have no power here. You do.

Please, fight this fight for me.

Forget all that mumbo -jumbo, Gus.

You want your contract back?

Here it is.

Tear it up if you like.

But it won't make you happy.

And I know it won't make Esther happy.

Why not?

She's just trying to confuse you, Gus. Don't listen to her. Listen to God.

Listen all you like, Gus.

You'll never hear God guarantee that you and Esther will spend eternity

together. But I can.

That's why Esther signed this contract.

The same contract that you signed.

Because she loves you.

Esther signed that?

You see?

Her signature, right there. Gus!

The devil can counterfeit anything.

Oh, Gus.

You need to rest now. We'll do this tomorrow.

Speak, Gus, before it's too late.

Pray. Come on, Gus.

Think of Esther.

Without Esther, you're nothing. You're nothing without your soul.

Think of Esther, Gus.

Esther. She's right. I have to think of Esther.

Oh, God.

But as much as Esther loves me, she loves God more.

Yes.

Oh, yes, that's true.

Please, God.

Please, God, forgive me to take my soul back.

Oh, keep going.

Just keep going.

This little light in my life, I'm going to let it shine.

This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine Won't let Satan

blow it up I'm gonna let it shine I won't let Satan

blow it up I'm gonna let it shine I won't let Satan blow it

up I'm gonna let it shine Let it shine Let it shine Let

it shine

How are you feeling, Gus?

The pain's gone.

Yes.

So has Monique.

Is that all it took?

Just words.

The right words.

Spoken with all your heart.

And all your soul.

And all your might.

Hey, Gus.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

Well, I'm glad you're still here.

Come on in.

Okay.

I thought you'd been fired.

Me? Fired?

Not a chance.

The car broke down in the desert.

Cell phone died.

Took me all day to get a tow.

I tell you, Gus, I have had the day from hell.

I know the feeling.

Gus, what do you say we get this paperwork signed and go grab a ginger

ale?

Mac, those are the words I've been hoping to hear.

Here you go.

Gus, they took care of you while I was gone.

Yeah, Mac.

I've been in real good hands.