Original subtitles

Nothing?

Just you, me, privacy, and lots of imagination.

I love it.

I'll meet you in the living room at 8 o 'clock.

That man sure knows his romance.

Hi, Sandy.

Get those flowers for 6 .14?

You look a little down.

Yeah, family responsibilities.

Your grandmother?

Arriving today.

Well, that's great. She must be feeling better.

What's the problem?

I worry about her. Big trip.

It's all the family I have.

All the more reason to enjoy your visit.

I'm sure she'll have a wonderful time.

Oh, the press conference is set for five. Then there's the cocktail party

tomorrow night.

I'm not forgetting anything, am I?

Oh, relax, Christine.

Everything will run smoothly.

Oh, I hope so.

I feel I've pushed you into this.

There's nothing wrong with a little push in the right direction.

And Philip Tanner is the right direction.

All those years locked up in prison must have been so difficult.

Well, if you and I and Calvin Polk have anything to say about it, restitution is

about to begin.

You've become the celebrity that you've become.

And here you are. What do you think? Couldn't we stay somewhere a little less

palatial? No, when you come to San Francisco, you stay at the St. Gregory.

Everywhere else is just a room.

We could go a room with four walls and a cot.

I'm going to go get some magazines.

How about you? Want to catch up on the world?

You go ahead.

I promised Mrs. Cabot that we'd come up and say hello as soon as we got in.

So, this way.

Right over here, we've got a little private elevator.

It'll take us directly up to the mistress at the end.

You don't look too comfortable about all this, do you?

Well, it's still got four walls around it. Take a while before it really feels

like it's done.

Victoria.

You look radiant.

Calvin.

This is Phil Tanner, Victoria Cabot. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Tanner.

Christine Francis.

It is a pleasure.

I finally have a face to go with the name.

I told Phil how you'd offered the hotel for our fundraising dinner.

We're just two people out of many. Who believe in my innocence or my talent?

I read your book, Mr. Tanner.

It seemed to us that you paid your debt.

Well, there's plenty of time before the press conference. Why don't we get you

settled in?

I'll show you to your rooms.

I'd like that.

We'll see you there?

Mm -hmm. All right. See you later. Great.

Who is it?

Sandy.

Sandy.

Oh.

I missed you downstairs. We got so busy.

No matter, darling.

Oh, Sandy, Sandy, Sandy.

How was your flight?

Fine. Thank you for the flowers. Oh, you're welcome.

Yeah, I thought the doctor said no traveling.

Oh, doctors.

If I listened to everything they said, I'd be dead years ago.

Well, you must be tired.

Well, why don't you rest?

I'll help you unpack.

Thank you, dear.

Well, how's San Francisco?

Exciting? Wonderful.

I'm taking design courses at night. And?

Grandma, please.

Well, does that mean there is a man in your life, or isn't there?

Well... Oh, there is someone, and you've kept it a secret from me.

Oh, shame on you.

What's his name?

He's really, uh... You'll like him a lot.

Darling, if you like him, I'll like him.

Is it serious?

Well, not exactly.

Well, let's all have dinner together tonight.

I'll bet I can prod him in the right direction.

Dinner? Yes.

You, me, and... You haven't told me his name.

His name?

Right, his name... Dave!

I hope you find this comfortable.

After the last 11 years, I'd find the storage room comfortable.

I haven't had a chance to say thanks.

Your book made quite an impression.

You've already made an impression on me.

Well, I'll see you at the press conference.

Pretty lady.

I've seen her faith in the dreams of every con that ever walked the yard.

Dreams are okay.

But don't be stupid.

Why are they doing the count?

Why? Why are all these people going out on a limb for me?

Probably the same reason I do.

They read your book.

Inside, no one does anything for free. All debts are collected.

And you can sell your markers to the highest bidder.

The gospel according to Phil Tanner.

Ah,

my love, come in.

Novelist and green rider doubling up?

Just helping him get settled.

Phil can get himself settled.

Well, I think I'll try and get a little work done.

Perfect. 3 ,000 miles to watch you fight writer's block.

What do you say, Tanner?

Want to show an ex -preppy a good time?

I left my good times in my other jacket.

Well, if you need any help finding it.

You did what?

Dave's the first name that just came into my head.

Besides, this is for dinner tonight.

Tomorrow morning, I'll tell her the truth.

Are you serious?

It'd never work.

Well, maybe you're right, but if you only saw how happy it made her.

You were an awfully cute fiancé.

You mean you wouldn't mind?

Eh. Grandmothers are a breed unto themselves.

I can always work the double shift I owe Julie.

Oh, Megan, thanks.

Every time I think I'm about to understand women.

This tie feels like a noose.

You look very handsome.

Oh?

You think clothes make the man?

It depends who's wearing them.

Well... Now the grilling starts in earnest.

I'd rather face a con with a shiv than a critic with a pen.

Don't worry. You'll be with friends.

I'll be down there.

Mr. Tarrant.

Gene Wolfe with entertainment tonight.

Since you've always maintained your innocence, do you plan to seek a pardon?

It's ten years after the fire.

I would rather use my energy fighting a penal system that creates career

convicts.

Well, in Paul's American parade, Mrs. Cabot, are you not concerned that your

good intentions may well have helped put a murderer back on our streets?

Mr. Forbes, it's easy to condemn.

But it takes real courage to help give someone another chance.

It also takes courage to admit to one's mistakes.

Well, it seems to me that the only mistake made was in keeping Mr.

Tanner behind bars all those years.

you met at the hotel?

Uh, Dave goes to law school at night.

That must take a lot of perseverance.

School and a full -time job?

Grandpa was like that. May he rest in peace.

Scrap metal.

Must have been interesting.

Aren't you the diplomat?

Junk is junk.

He's adorable.

Hey,

Dave, how you doing?

Oh, fine. Thanks, Ron.

How's Megan?

Megan, she's fine.

Great. Well, give her my love.

Megan?

Megan.

She's my dog.

I just got back from the vet.

Oh, I love dogs.

What breed is she?

A golden retriever.

Oh, wonderful animals.

So loyal.

Yeah. She's devoted, all right.

He accused us of harboring a murderer.

Christine, I know Tanner's been through hell, but his case isn't cut and dry.

There are a lot of unanswered questions. You said so yourself.

I also said the man deserves the benefit of the doubt. I don't believe he could

write a book like that and be a cold -blooded killer.

I don't know the answer to that.

Are you kidding? She loves every minute of it. I gotta admit, I enjoyed it, too.

She's quite a character.

What about you? She just came back from the vet. I thought I was gonna die.

You've been terrific.

It's funny how good bourbon tastes after a few years of prison moonshine.

Fellow graduate?

San Quentin chapter.

I'm Billy Griffin. I work security here.

Oh, a man who's turned his life around. I like that.

Your book really got to me.

I just want you to know if there's anything I can do... Thanks.

I appreciate that.

And another for the literary light over here.

Thanks. I'm doing fine.

Indeed you are.

Fooling John Q.

Yuppie. I thought it was just my book you didn't like.

Wrong, Mr. Tanner.

I don't care for you either.

You know, not everyone is as easily fooled as Calvin Polk.

Or perhaps I should say Calvin X. Talent Polk.

He has an Academy Award for screenwriting. I wonder what you've got

your efforts.

Well, aren't you the loyal little protege?

No wonder he can't stop kissing your typewriter.

Look, you don't like my words. Why don't you just walk away, man?

I read Fire on the Rocks.

It left me quite cold.

Now, tell the truth. How far do you think all this sophomoric ranting is

to get you?

I said, walk away.

The child of the slums has spoken.

The noble savage has given his utterance.

Do you know why your books are best sold?

Do you?

Everyone loves reading about a loser.

Now,

what's your alibi this time?

A dog.

Well, honey, I had to say something.

A golden retriever?

I thought it was a nice choice.

Did you have to kiss her?

Well, I thought I had your okay.

The okay didn't include mouth contact.

Megan, if only you'd seen how happy her grandmother was.

What I saw was how happy Sandy was.

Honey, it was one night for a good cause. It's over.

Now put all your thoughts in a romance, because that's what's on tonight's

agenda.

Of course I'm working.

Well, the screenplay is taking a little longer because it's my best work.

After the millions I've made for your studio, you won't bail me out.

To hell with you.

Cupboard is bare?

They won't budge.

Why don't you forget about studio heads for a while and join me in the bedroom?

I'm having a special today.

You can take all the literary license you like.

Not now.

Same old thing, huh? You're not in the mood now and you'll be in no condition

later. For me or your typewriter.

Lost functioning in a number of ways, haven't you, Calvin?

That's it.

I have typed my last pages for you.

You don't need me around to bolster your ego anymore. You've got your bottle for

that.

Grandma, there's something we have to talk about.

Well, whatever it is, it can't make me any happier than I am right now.

Well, then maybe you can stop worrying about me now, okay?

Okay, my foot.

I'll always worry.

I want to take you and David out dancing tonight.

Oh, dancing?

Oh, no, no, no, no. We can't.

But you always used to love to dance.

I'm only thinking of you. I mean, two nights out in a row. You shouldn't

it.

Besides, Dave has to study.

Nonsense.

I can't think of a better tonic. Now, they do have a room with the band here,

haven't they?

Well, yes, but... Then it's all settled.

Dancing tonight.

You and your day.

Thank you.

I really don't think I can make it, Mrs. Cuthbert.

But no one has class this Saturday night.

Well, that's because we're all too busy studying.

Oh, please.

Such a special weekend for me.

I'd really love to, but... Go ahead!

Scott Jack, you okay?

Of course, dear.

It's just my cough.

Sometimes I forget that...

Young people have their own lives to lead.

Well, maybe I can juggle my schedule around.

Well...

So,

how do I look?

You picked the wrong person to ask.

Oh, God. Come on, Megan. How about showing a little compassion?

I already did.

Sandy's taking advantage of you and me.

When I get back, mind if I take advantage of you?

You know, Megan, someday you're going to look back on this as one of the most

generous and heartwarming experiences of your life.

Try aggravating.

Good night.

Ernie, can you get me a whiskey, please?

Just because we're being cautious, let's not spend the evening treading on ants.

I thought we all had a little more faith in Mr. Tanner.

There's nothing to worry about, is there?

This is how it all starts.

Your star is on the rise and everybody wants to bask in the glow.

Or see how close they can come to the tiger without being mauled.

We're all of us animals, Phil.

It's just that some of us are tamer than others.

Calvin, Philip, meet George Griffey.

Nice to see you again, George. Hi, it's nice to see you. I promised him two

minutes with you.

Well, let's maneuver over to the bar and perhaps I can fill you in.

Crowds getting to you?

Too many years in solitary.

They've taken the locks off the door, Phil.

Why don't you take my hand and I'll lead you out of here?

Calvin will miss you.

Calvin hasn't missed anything since Prohibition.

Eleven years.

Must have gotten awfully lonely.

Hope we haven't driven you away.

Close spaces make me jumpy.

I understand.

You understand only what I put down on paper.

There's a lot more to my life than that.

Well, you're out of prison. Isn't that what's important?

There are other kinds of prison.

You can't see the bars.

I make you nervous, don't I?

My old man called it a wicked gift.

Bill.

There's someone Mrs.

Cabot would like you to meet.

Even wicked gifts are meant to be shared.

How's he doing?

He's built.

walls around himself.

What he really needs are people to break them down.

Well, I'm pretty good with a sledge and you need some help.

Hi there.

What are you doing here?

The two -step.

That's not funny. No kidding.

Don't look at me. She wrote me into this.

Candy, dear. We dance beautifully together.

Mrs. Kupchak, I'd like you to meet some friends of ours. This is Mary Ellen.

Hi. And Mark Danning.

Mr. Danny. How do you do, ma 'am?

Sandy said such wonderful things about you.

Sandy has always been such a loving child.

Such a loving friend, too.

Just like Dave here.

He and I used to go together, but you know how men are.

Love you one minute, leave you the next.

Hope I'm dressed appropriately.

Where's Calvin?

The king is dead.

Dead drunk.

How about a toast to the new generation?

I'm beginning to wonder if you've lost interest.

Well, Grandma, you must be exhausted.

No, I feel wonderful.

Just seeing the two of you together is the best medicine money can buy.

Well, it's a shame you're leaving tomorrow.

Oh, but not for long.

As soon as I can tie up some loose ends, I'm moving here to San Francisco, where

I can be close to you both.

Maybe he's not the problem child you thought he'd be.

Mr. McDermott?

Phone call for you. Sounds urgent.

This is McDermott.

Hold it. Calm down.

A what?

What floor?

She's dead.

Poor girl.

And the way the police just dragged Philip Tanner off.

They haven't charged him with anything. They just want to question him. You

don't think he's responsible, do you?

Well, he admitted she was in his room.

Christine, I don't want her to hear it on the news.

I'll call her.

Press is going to have a field day with this.

Lobby's crawling with reporters.

Mr. Taylor, has he been released?

Early this morning.

I've been trying to find him.

I thought maybe you'd... No.

I haven't seen him since last night.

He's not the type to run.

Why should he?

You think he's innocent?

Don't you?

May

I

join you?

I saw.

Looked up in the right direction.

Megan, please, I never meant it to go this far.

The thought of my having a man seems to give my grandmother a new lease on life.

One question.

Why'd you pick Dave?

Dave's my type.

Mine, too.

Okay, let's talk.

I think I've got an idea.

If I can just talk Dave into it.

I'll have to call you back.

Dave, what a nice surprise.

Well, I'm glad I caught you before you left, Mrs. Kopchick.

Oh, I'll be back.

I know, but before you do, I thought we'd better talk a little about

Finances? San Francisco's an expensive city.

Especially for newlyweds.

We're not getting married, Mrs. Kupchak.

You're not?

Well, why bother?

I mean, especially since we're not going to have any kids.

Ever? Well, not for five, ten years anyway.

We'll just live together.

Much more sensible, which is where you come in.

I do?

Sure. $20 ,000 in venture capital.

I could forget about law school, make a few investments, buy a couple of CDs.

Does Sandy know about your plan?

What Sandy doesn't know won't hurt her, right?

Anyway, I gotta run. You give it some thought, will you?

I'm glad we had the chance to talk, partner.

Rough night?

I gotta steer clear of that media circus.

Heard you were with her last night.

She came to my room, invited herself in.

20 minutes of listening to her rip -up Calvin Polk got real boring.

So you asked her to leave?

No witnesses?

Sure. A 49er.

They were running past drills in my suites until midnight.

Well, if you're innocent, we'll prove it. I was innocent once before. I did 11

years. Things aren't the same now.

Damn right they're not.

I'm in the big league.

I've got the right lawyer, the right PR, the right judges.

Mr. Perry, but nobody is sending me back to the joint.

Grandma, what are you doing down here? You've got to pack your bags, otherwise

you'll miss your plane. I canceled my reservation.

Why? What happened? What didn't? First, Dave comes to my room and asks for a

loan. $20 ,000.

Can you imagine?

And then he tells me that you're not getting married and that you're not

to have any children. And if that isn't enough, I just caught him kissing Mary

Ellen right out there in the middle of the lobby. Grandma, please don't.

Darling, I didn't come out here to see that man break your heart.

Don't you worry, darling.

Your grandma will figure out something.

Hi.

I just knocked on your door.

Are you okay?

A bath, a change of clothes, I'll be right back to terrible.

Anything I can do?

Scrub my back.

I'm sorry.

I got a big mouth.

Just another wicked gift.

I wouldn't mind someone to talk to, though.

I have to check on some sweets we're redecorating.

I'll come by when I'm finished.

But it doesn't make sense.

What motive would he have?

Maybe he doesn't have one.

Meaning?

He's outside for the first time in 11 years.

That's got to be a frightening adjustment.

He's rich. He's famous now. Because he's a best -selling author or because he's

a guy with killer instinct?

You're not giving him a fair shake.

I sure as hell wish you'd prove me wrong.

I just got to tell her the truth. That's all there is to it. Tell her what a

louse she discovered I was.

It was a fun romance while it lasted, I reckon.

Dave?

Sandy? Mr.

Danning tells me that the ballroom is free next Saturday night.

Now, I know that doesn't give you much time to plan things.

Plan what, Mrs. Kupchick? I've decided to give you two a little engagement

party.

But, Grandma, we told you we're not getting married.

Oh, I know, darling, but... You know me. I never take no for an answer.

Besides, that'll give me a little more time to turn this dear boy around.

Sure. Last night, Kathy was here.

Did you two get into anything physical?

She had a drink and then left.

Why?

Why?

Jennifer pulled this out of the incinerator.

I remembered your shirt from the cocktail party.

Man has eagle eyes.

Tell me about the blood.

You security now?

Or homicide?

Or just nosy?

If I was homicide, you'd already be downtown.

I caught it on a nail.

I promise not to sue.

Won't do, man.

This is the collar, not the cuff.

Say something.

Tell me what I'm thinking is wrong.

Thank you, Suki.

What are you rushing to?

Ow!

Bill, stop it! What are you doing?

Shut up! You're hurting me!

Billy!

Billy!

What? Yeah, this is Billy. I'm in town this week.

Where the hell did they go?

No, you stay there.

Yeah, Griffin, security, get me the police.

Dave.

Dave.

What's wrong? Why are you doing this?

Covering my tail, what else?

What's through here?

The bedroom.

All night.

Everything. Oh, pity.

So, here we are.

The con and the lady.

How was it that Forbes put it?

The child of the slums meets the baby boomers.

Except... I don't want your pity, lady.

I don't want anything from you.

I've had all of it already.

Foster homes.

Juvenile halls.

City jails.

State prison.

Federal pen. I've had a real talk to her!

This room stinks.

It's the paint.

What happened?

I'm hiding from myself.

Can't you tell?

They told me that I would have a little trouble finding my way.

I thought the words would help.

Understand?

Understand?

You killed her, didn't you?

I couldn't help it, Christine.

Christina.

Jesus.

Now it's an engagement party. One more bright idea and I'm going to be on my

second honeymoon.

The only thing to do is fess up.

That won't be easy.

My grandmother has selective hearing.

Well, you won't have to do it alone, Sandy.

Thanks, but I'm the one who got us into this mess.

I'm going to go tell her the truth.

I called the desk. They haven't been through the lobby. Where would he take

Where? If she's got a path, he could be in any room in the hotel. Not any room.

What? The hotel's completely booked, except for the suites being redecorated.

She was going to check on them after lunch.

I've got the list in my office.

Surviving is where it's at.

Surviving and maintaining.

If you don't run, they can't catch you.

Why don't you let me help you?

Why?

So you can run out on me?

Sit down.

Be good. Behave yourself.

Tell them it was an accident.

That's it. They'll believe you.

Is that what happened?

Was it an accident?

I showed my claws.

The whole thing was over so fast.

It's like heaven out here.

So easy.

Nobody knows.

So you relax.

But the demon never relaxes.

Do you understand?

I want to.

Let me talk to them.

Shut up!

It leaves two on the sixth floor. The police are on their way.

Until they get here. Come on, come on.

First she started on Calvin.

You've got to understand.

That man loves me.

He's been like a father.

And she... She trumps on him like it was dirt.

He'll understand this time.

And needling me.

Testing me.

I was beginning to think women left you cold, she said.

You know the type.

Good schools had it all.

When one star burns out, she hitches right on another one.

You're not like her, are you?

Are you?

You're hurting me.

So you can walk out that door?

Tell them the animal's in here? Come, shoot the tiger.

He showed his claws. He killed her.

Are you an animal?

You are if you think you are.

It was an accident.

Then tell them the truth.

Don't try to con me, lady.

It doesn't work.

Sure it does.

What about all those people who read your book?

Like me.

People who believed in you.

Forbes called me a loser.

Keep pitying yourself.

And you are a loser.

Are you coming?

The hunters always do.

Christine, are you okay?

I'm fine.

Where's Tanner?

I've fought cliches all my life, Victoria.

But I've got to say it.

There were moments when I felt that Phil Tanner was like a son.

You as much as anyone brought him into the world.

Should have prepared him better.

Real life is a lot more hazardous than the written word.

The Phil Tanners of this world still need our help, although maybe not mine.

Maybe not.

Perhaps we should leave the system alone to run its course.

It has its faults, but it works.

It all makes me so damn mad.

Good.

And put it in a script.

It's about time you got back to your typewriter.

Thanks, Pat.

Your place of mind.

Hey, you two.

Hi. Aren't you going to wish us bon voyage?

What? You're not a very good con man, Dave.

You tried to help Sandy.

And you did.

You brought us closer together.

I'm going back home with my grandmother.

I think we both need each other now.

Don't I get a kiss, too?

Besides, there are plenty of eligible young men back home in Cincinnati.

Bye. Bye.

He let us all down, Peter.

I know his hindsight, but only we could have known.

That's the way it is in uncharted water.

I can't help but feeling if we all hadn't gotten involved, that girl would

be alive. You're not responsible, Christine.

That's what my head hears, but...

My heart's a different story.

You think you should have done anything differently?

I don't know.

I guess not.

You can't turn off caring about people. Not you.

Oh, all that rain.

My car wouldn't start this morning.

You need a lift home?

Make you some chicken soup?