Original subtitles

Hold on tight.

Baby, let me take you.

Baby, let me make you fly so high off of the ground.

Don't let go.

We've got to try to keep this feeling we found.

Say you're ready. Come on.

This old eagle wants to fly high with his love.

Hold on tight. Hold on tight. Hold on tight. Hold on tight.

I think it's love.

we go I can feel it building baby say you're willing

and we'll be heavenly bound keep

it up and once we're there

The Tennessee Memorial Hospital.

There's 111 loving pounds of

heaven waiting at the end of the line.

The light fell down on me as I was rolling out of Dallas. It came up on me

Tennessee.

Halfway home in Memphis.

some coffee up.

I don't want to waste my time on sleep.

There's a smoky picture.

Lord, I hate to slow her down. But I guess I better ease it up a bit.

Carl, go away.

Please go away.

I ain't doing nothing.

Just looking.

Well, it won't do you no good. I can stay in here for hours.

Hey, Jim Hubbard's my favorite, too.

You know, I can listen to him for hours and hours.

Mexico.

Just keep trying.

Screw yourself into oblivion, old boy.

Billy played the banjo.

I'm coming out now.

And if you don't go away, I'm going to tell my pa and him and my brothers will

take care of you.

Gotcha. As they say on TV, let's make a deal.

Give old Carl a little kiss and he'll let you have your cloak.

Don't tell.

Don't tell nobody.

I still say if you boil that carburetor out, that ought to do it.

That fucking carburetor.

Don't you let your mother hear you talking like that.

Boys, can you all see Jamie?

Stop retiring.

Did you see the dress Amy was wearing in church?

What happened to you?

Let her be.

You want to tell me what happened?

What's the matter, child? Can't you tell me?

Today, brothers and sisters, we look to Genesis, the first book of the Holy

Bible, to speak to us not of history, and things of the past, but

of what will happen if we turn deaf ears to the word of God. In Genesis

chapter 19, we read of two angels who come to the city of Sodom

to visit Lot.

They abhor the wickedness of the people therein.

The children have fled from their parents.

to frolic in wickedness and to do evil deeds, to rob,

to rape, and to live in sin with one another.

They painted themselves, and they loved money and music and

frivolity more than they loved holiness. So the angels said to him, We

will destroy this place because the cry of them is waxen great

from the Lord out of heaven.

And he overthrew these cities and all the plain and all the inhabitants of the

cities and that which grew upon the ground.

Preacher. How's Auntie?

Yes. Very good.

Well, thank you, Lord.

We enjoyed having you today. Well, thank you. I still thank you today. I will.

Brother, good to see you always.

It was

good, but I tell

you, just sitting on my car.

It's hard.

Let's get him.

Thank you, ma 'am. Thank you.

Sister, good to see you.

We'll be home soon, Ma.

Nashville. We're heading to Murfreesboro.

Well, that's close to Nashville.

Are you running away from home?

My parents know all about it.

How old are you?

I'm 19.

Sure, and I'm 120.

Look, I'm not about to get myself into trouble over no runaway girl.

I'll live more than 60 miles from here. You want me to walk all the way back in

the middle of the night?

Come on, Furt.

All right.

No way.

Come on.

guitar? She's going to be the next Tanya Tucker, ain't she?

I don't know about that, but I found an ad that says these people can help me

get my songs published.

No! Knock it off, George. She's only a kid.

I changed my mind. You've got to let me out! You tried

again.

a couple of truck drivers and that girl walking in the cafe.

Want a menu?

Give me three eggs, over easy. Hash brown, potatoes, and puppies.

Get the toast.

Hot cakes and sausage for me.

Coffee?

Yeah.

What about her?

My fiancée will have a milkshake.

Gee, I hope they'll excuse her from kindergarten for the wedding.

Now, Other, I'm going to tell you again.

If they're just sitting there, there ain't nothing we can do about it.

Something tells me they're going to do more than just sit there.

I know it ain't easy, but Brenda Lee started singing when she was four and

recording when she was only nine.

Yeah, and look how long it took her to get where she is today.

And what about Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton? You know, she's

got a sister, Stella, who ain't doing so bad.

You think you can just walk into a recording company and say, Here I am. My

is Jamie.

Please publish my song. Give me a recording contract.

It don't work that way.

I didn't say that. But look.

See what this says?

This Mr. Ordell can help me.

That's a lot of crap.

Pass the ketchup.

Jesus. Three o 'clock on Bush. Yeah. Why don't we shack up for a while and go on

with his life? Well, even if we can get a room, what are we going to do with

her?

Oh, I can hitch a ride with someone else or I can just stay in the restaurant.

We'll let you do that.

Then I can stay in the truck.

Hey, why couldn't she sleep in the room with us?

On the floor.

I suppose she could.

And nobody's going to bother you.

Me?

me five bucks.

She don't look 18 to me.

Now, do you know what that means?

And you, you son of a bitch, you know what it means to bust in here without a

warrant and molest my daughter.

Your daughter?

Who the hell do you expect to be sleeping in a bathtub? My goddamn

Now, get your ass out of here before I file charges.

Let's go.

Come on.

Let's go.

Let's go. Come on. Come on.

Oh, shut up.

You think you're going to get away with it?

Well, I sure as hell ain't going to wait to find out. Come on, let's move it.

Music City, USA.

Here we come.

Listen, kid, I don't want to get stuck in the middle of town, but we'll take

to the outskirts of Nashville.

Why couldn't you be a little bit older?

Hop in, young lady.

You're Ray Hamilton.

The king of country western.

Six gold records, six million fans.

That's me.

Now you hop in here.

Time's waste.

go back to my room without anything on?

This is the YW, not the YM.

What's your name?

Jamie. Okay, Jamie, do me a favor. Go back to room 207 and grab something.

Grab anything and bring it back, okay?

That's the only way he can get into this joint.

Excuse me. Hey, don't go.

Hey, why don't you come to Nashville?

Have my songs published?

Oh, no.

Not another one.

You too?

Sure. What would a girl from Brooklyn do here if she didn't get into country

western music?

How'd you make out?

Great. How does unemployment insurance grab you?

Hey, have you met anybody yet? Any guys?

I ain't interested in boyfriends.

You never fucked, did I?

I never slept for the guy.

Oh, but all she ever wanted was a guitar.

I just wish I still had one.

How much?

Forty -nine dollars.

You're kidding.

I'll let you have it for, uh, forty -five.

Well, how about five bucks down?

Fifteen.

week until you get it paid off how much is this one

945 if you're a good kid i'll let you have it for 900 i tell you what

come back in the year 2012 if you're still here you can have it for nothing

Now we go for what I came here for in the first place.

Well, this is a place all right, but it don't look like much.

Few places in Nashville do.

All the big companies are here, and 90 % of them are in places just like this.

I read this ad, and I want to know what I have to do to have my song published.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

I thought you was here for a job.

Mr. Ordell's out of the office right now. He's at a recording session with

of our clients.

Won't you girls sit down?

Thank you. Oh, I'm Beauty, Mr. Ordell's secretary.

I'm sure he'll be glad to talk to you.

Any messages, Miss Jenkins? Oh, uh, Motown called. They like the tapes you

over. They want to discuss them with you tomorrow.

Oh, so you had a call from MCA. They want to know if you've got anything for

Tanya Telker. Oh, and Columbia Records also called. That's all for now. I'll

take the rest of them later.

What is it?

Uh, Mr. Ordell?

There's a Miss Barker out here to see you. Can she come in?

I'm a very busy man. Ask her to come back tomorrow.

But, Mr. Ardell, she came a long way to see you.

She's been waiting outside forever.

Well, I can only give her five minutes. Send her in.

That's his way, girl.

Well, howdy, girl.

Ardell's the name. C .Y. Ardell. My friends call me C .Y.

Now, my secretary informs me that you're a composer and looking for a little

help to get your song published.

Is that right, Miss Barker?

I'm Miss Barker. Jamie?

Of course. She's already filled out the questionnaire.

Well, thank you, beauty.

Now, a couple of things I'd like to caution you young ladies about.

First of all, I'm going to work very hard for you.

But at the same time, I can't guarantee 100 % that I'll be successful in getting

your song published.

But my track record is good.

And of course, there is a bit of investment required in a deal of this

How much?

Well, we'll get to that later. But to get to point number three, I only handle

composers and singers that have real talent.

Because it would be unfair to both them and me to take the time and the money it

costs to get a thing like this started. Do you follow? Oh, I understand.

Now, did you bring your tapes?

Tapes? Yes, of your songs.

I ain't got no tapes, but I brought my guitar.

May I sing a song for you?

Why, certainly.

Why not?

Go ahead.

It was a cold and lonely world Till you came along

to do is make a demo.

What's a demo?

Well, that's like an audition record that we play for the big record

Now, if they like it, they may make the record and pay for it themselves.

Otherwise, we may even cut it.

What do you mean by we?

Well, I have to hire a producer.

A producer?

Well, how else are we going to get a band together?

What band?

The band to make your demo tapes.

But don't worry about it.

Now, let me see. I think we'll need about eight pieces.

A lead guitar, electric guitar, 12 -string guitar, bass, piano, couple of

fiddles, maybe a drum.

Well, I can do my own playing.

She's good.

Really good.

Well, maybe you got a point there.

It'll only be one less guitar. Maybe we can save a little money that way.

How much?

How much what?

How much will it cost?

I don't know. I figure about five.

$10 ,000?

Well, how else are we going to hire a producer, to hire a band, to hire a

recording studio, to get to the music publishers, the record distributors, the

disc jockeys? That all costs money.

Let's go.

But, Al.

Let's get out of here.

Now, just a minute. Let's not get excited.

Let's just relax, huh? Give me a minute to think about it. Maybe I can figure

some way to cut the cost a little more, like, uh... Tabata?

How much? Say, $3 ,000.

Of course, that means I get a little higher percentage of your earnings.

Mr. Ordell, could you do us a favor?

Well, certainly. Anything.

Shove the percentage up your ass.

Very, very busy man.

Same to you, fella.

Well, look at the positive side.

yourself 3 ,000 bucks.

Yeah, well, I ain't quitting. If I need money, I'm gonna get some. How?

I'm gonna get a job.

Haven't you heard there's a recession on now?

Where I come from, there's always a recession on.

Even if we had a job and there's nothing open right now, we couldn't hire you

anyhow. You're too young. We don't hire nobody under 18.

Anyway,

that's why I'm leaving Nashville.

Look, now that Billy's got a job in Memphis, there's no point in me staying

Nashville.

I'm going to miss you.

It's going to be really lonely without you.

Any luck with a job yet?

I've been to every crummy joint in town. There's nothing.

Have you got any money left?

Enough to last a few days.

I'm going to see the producers and publishers myself.

What if nothing happens?

I just can't squeeze anybody else in today.

Look, I'm sorry.

I've listened to 27 tapes today, and I just don't have any more time.

All right, call me next week, okay?

Here you go.

Well, what did you think? I like it.

It needs some more work. The instruments are grinding out the voices too much.

We can take care of that. I thought you could.

Okay, I'll tell you what you do.

Work up a new budget, get it back to me next week, I'll submit it to L .A., and

if they go for it, we're in business.

Thanks, Jake.

Okay.

All right, who's next?

I am. I'm Jake Miller. What's your name?

Jamie Barker.

Well, Jamie, did you bring your tape with you?

I ain't got no tape, but I can play you a song. Honey, it wouldn't make any

difference if I liked your songs or not. I don't have time for demos.

You've got to find somebody to do one with you, then bring it back, and I'll

listen to it. But maybe... Look, kid, I wish I could help you.

But there are a hundred kids who come to Nashville every day just like you who

are trying to be performers, trying to get their records published, and I just

don't have time.

Don't you have a family you can go back to?

I read the ad.

Kind of wet behind the ears, ain't you?

I'm 20.

Sure, kid.

I'll ring Fred.

Yeah. Girl says she read the ad and wants the job.

She says she's 20.

She says she's 20 and she's 20. You wouldn't lie to us, would you?

The job pays two bucks an hour. You come in at six in the evening and you work

until 2 a .m. Any problems?

No, that's just fine for me. That would give me the day to make my rounds. We

don't allow no sidelines away from the premises.

I make my rounds to publishing houses and record companies, and I... Ooh,

another one of those. Look, kid, I just want you to be on time and be polite to

the customers.

And, uh, just one more thing.

Do you have something a little more catchy to wear?

Well, maybe we can find something for you.

You got an appointment?

Jesus H. Christ. I'll take you, honey, or you can take me. Now, look, buddy, I

found this place.

I'm not a masseuse. I'm a receptionist.

You're back in town.

Hey, your favorite customer's back, honey, and I got an extra 20 for a real

time. You understand what I mean?

You're going to take care of me? You bet your life I will.

You could make a lot more money if you'd give a massage every once in a while.

I ain't interested.

Thanks, Jamie. Two more payments and it's all yours.

How much did you say that one was?

It's still the same price.

$945.

Someday.

Thank you.

Here's your receipt for $15 for a half -hour massage.

How much for a half and half?

What's that?

You mean you haven't heard?

It's when the girl massages me for a half hour and I massage the girl for a

hour. What do they think of next?

When will Meredith be through and where's Laura?

Laura's sick.

I'm not going to wait much longer.

Okay, you, take the next customer. I'll take your place.

No, I ain't. I'm the receptionist.

I'll give you five seconds to think it over and then you're fired.

You don't understand. I need the money I already got in this guitar.

Look, I'll tell you what I do.

You hold on to the guitar and I'll give you $20.

In a few days, if you don't have a job, bring the guitar back and I'll give you

the difference.

Okay.

If you want to pick it up and play it, Jamie, go ahead.

Thanks, but no thanks. I might get to like it. And then where would I be?

Put your life in music. Let love be a song.

Let hope be the highway.

And today you'll do better than... I said... Papa!

Hey!

Yeah.

I said get out!

Damn clip, John. Don't you think you're going to get away with it? And don't

come back!

Don't let it bother you, kid. They ain't all like that.

But what about his threat? He's not going to want anybody to know he was

anywhere near this place.

I'm taking your age into account, Miss Parker.

I'm sentencing you to three months at the juvenile detention farm.

Wow, you look like you've been doing it all your life.

I grew up on a farm.

What's in?

Prostitution and indecent exposure. But I was framed.

Yeah, so was I.

By the two guys that caught me here. One in front, one in back.

How long you in for?

Five days, three hours, and 12 minutes.

You're lucky.

Hey, you! Jamie!

Get over here!

Watch it. Slow a sprint or that bitch will try to make a pass at you. What do

you mean?

You can't be that innocent.

Come on, get your ass over here.

What's that nigger bitch been telling you?

Nothing.

Come with me. I've got a surprise for you.

They'll be away.

What am I going to do about Brenna?

What did you do about the guy who attacked me?

Yeah, but that was different.

No different.

You know, Frisky, I'm really glad for your sake that you're getting out

tomorrow. Thank you, dear. But every time I get to like someone, they take

on me.

How much more time you got?

When you get out, do you want to come stand like that?

Could I really?

Hey, and I couldn't even introduce you to this guy.

Who knows everybody in the music business.

Oh, you're beautiful.

Yeah, you ain't told me that before. I don't know.

I said hurry up. Life's out of time.

And if Lois gets you in there, it's going to be trouble.

I'll be just as good.

You could get in trouble if I reported you.

Leave me alone, Lois. I'm only trying to help.

Fuck off, Lois.

Ungrateful slut.

Lois, this is not the first time you've accosted a girl, but it is the last.

You're hereby relieved of your duties and you'll report to the board for

disciplinary action.

I said dismissed.

I've looked at your record, and frankly, I think you should never have been sent

here.

I know what you're thinking.

It's my job, so why don't I change things?

Well, believe me, I'm trying.

It's just that it's going to take a little time.

Meanwhile, I'll do everything I can to get you paroled as soon as possible.

Get your ass over here.

Thank you. For what?

For being here.

I thought I would, didn't I?

I remember that guy Kelly I was telling you about, huh?

Well, you'd think he might be able to help.

That's wonderful.

Oh, now, before you get excited and see all over yourself, a word of warning.

Kelly's a good musician, and he's not such a bad guy.

Well, nobody does anything in this town for nothing. Well, nobody I met anyway.

I'll take my chances. You sure?

There are only two things I'm sure of. I can't go home again.

And more than anything, I want to make it in this town. Well, that's what you

just might have to do.

Okay, Kelly.

That's what I want.

Seven minor.

You got it. But I sure don't get the value of the G chord.

Well, okay. Let's drop it one.

Six minor.

A, one, four, five.

But it starts on a nine, doesn't it? Tell me what it is, Kelly.

Just your basic A, B, E.

Okay. Now, on that next bar, hold the E bass.

Okay. Now, give me a little bit of B.

I'm sorry.

A.

Okay, that's it.

Ready, Johnny? Yeah.

Okay, everybody, let's see if this thing plays.

introduce you to mishmash just as soon as the session's over thanks kelly isn't

that johnny rodriguez yeah yeah okay all right there's a take

as

i read the letter

you know.

Listen, I got to go in here and listen to some playbacks. It was nice meeting

you. Really beautiful, man. I'll see you again.

Beautiful. Hey, Mish Mash.

Kind of busy, Kelly. It's the girl I told you about. I'm Jamie Barker.

Well, hi. It's nice to meet you. She just happened to bring her guitar along.

Look, I can't do it now. I'm a little late for an appointment.

Why don't you bring her by my house after dinner, and I'll listen to her

Sure, man. Whatever's fair.

Come on, I'll put this thing away, and we'll get something to eat.

You mean it? You really mean it? Look, my business is country music. I know

I'm talking about.

And I know something else.

What? Well, there are a lot of talented kids like you around.

You need special handling to be noticed.

Or to get ahead.

Look, I'll be straight with you.

You have talent.

Lots of it.

And you can get someplace.

But, uh, well, I only have so much time to devote to newcomers.

I don't know if it's enough to look after you.

I wish you would.

A joint?

No.

You seemed awfully nervous.

Is that too rough on you?

Oh, no. You were just fine.

Really great.

I think that you're lying.

What do you mean?

Well, you talk like you've had a lot of men.

You screw like you haven't had any.

Well, to tell you the truth, I haven't.

You mean you're a virgin?

Not exactly, no.

How old are you?

I'll be 17 next week.

Oh, my God.

Get out of bed, get dressed, and get out of here. Now, hurry up. What's the

matter with you? Jesus Christ.

If anybody knows that I screwed a 16 -year -old... But I... No buts. Just get

your ass out of here.

blame the guy, Jamie?

All he wanted to do was screw me. Maybe yes, maybe no. There's always a

possibility that he liked your song.

Yeah, then why didn't he hear me out?

He told you he doesn't want to be involved with a 16 -year -old.

Look, I'm going to be 17 in a couple of weeks. Maybe if I went and explained to

him what I want. Forget it. When mishmash is through, he's through.

Kelly, tell me what to do. I want to get ahead so bad.

Come around to me if things don't work out exactly the way you want them to.

Okay, you can go in now.

Hell, I was here first. If you ain't beautiful and female, you can't get a

chance.

I'm sorry, he's busy.

Guys, I promised Jamie here a demo session. Now, we've got just a couple of

minutes. It's in a simple 1 -4 -5 progression. Follow me.

I'll bring the piano and the drums in on the second verse.

Try not to make too many mistakes.

Makes a little lady look like a million. Ready?

Craig?

Put your life to music Let love be a

song Let hope be the highway That

you travel on Let each stop that you make

Oh, today I did better than I did.

And today you'll do better than you did.

That you may be one you can't save. Well, today

I did better than I did yesterday.

And today you'll do better than yesterday.

She's got talent.

Hey, let's do it over and make a real demo out of it.

I'd really like to, man, but I just haven't got the bread.

Unless you guys want to pay for it.

That was really good.

Thank you.

Let me see what I can do with it, okay? Okay. I'll see you tonight.

My music.

Recording session today.

The demo.

Mr. Mansby, we'll see you now.

Come in. Kelly told me all about you.

Get your hands off me.

Fuck you!

Fuck you!

Shut up!

Fuck you!

Fuck you!

When's the last time you saw Kelly?

About a week ago.

I was just another way. I hate to say it, but I told you.

It ain't your fault.

Hey,

Kelly!

I've been looking all over for you. Couldn't have been looking very hard.

we're celebrating.

Yeah, what you celebrating? Jamie's 17th birthday. That is the legal age of

consent in this country.

Well, happy birthday.

I have to have something for you.

that happens to be a little headline or something really worth celebrating.

Like maybe a king -size mattress?

Will you get off my back?

Can't you see the handwriting up there on the wall?

Kelly, please, your tape for Jeb Hubbard.

Jeb Hubbard?

Did he like it? He happens to think you're very talented and wants to see

the morning.

Yeah, where?

He keeps a little place in town.

Here's a place.

Does he know how old she is?

Sure he does. Who cares? He's got a weakness for young chicks.

Let me look at you.

You know, you just might be too old already.

I don't care. I just want to meet him.

You are tomorrow morning.

Oh,

Jesus,

I forgot.

Must be Kelly.

Come on, get in here.

You be quiet.

I'm going to need this.

Oh.

Yeah, yeah.

You said ten.

Yeah, sure. Come on in.

Jeb, this is the girl I told you about. Jamie.

Jamie, this is Jeb Hubbard.

I know. I've been a fan of yours forever.

Don't make me sound so old.

Why don't you sit down? I'll order up some more coffee.

None for me, thanks.

Not for me either.

I really better get going.

Thanks, man.

Jamie, see you later.

I heard you demo.

Kelly was right. You're good.

Thank you, Mr. Hubbard.

Jeb.

Thank you, Jeb.

I'll tell you what I'm going to do.

I'll put you under personal contract.

But you have to agree to a number of conditions.

Such as?

First of all, you're an unknown.

You need a lot of work.

Promotion, build -up, right songs, right exposure.

Not much will be coming in at first.

I don't mind. Honest.

Second. You have to promise to do whatever I ask you to do.

Third, I get 50 % of your earnings for a manager's fee.

And I've also got a seven -year option on you and all your services

What do you mean by option?

That means every six months, if I want to continue, you have to stay with me

till the seven years are up.

Andy gave me 100 a week against earnings.

Sheepskin.

100 a week? Well, that's chicken feet. Has he screwed you yet?

He hasn't even made a pass at me yet. He will.

Yes, like I said, Jamie, image is what counts, not just talent.

And we're going to give you a whole brand new image, me and May Axton.

She's the best publicist in her field.

And I already have your official bio prepared.

What's a bio?

That's the story of your life that we send out with your press releases.

Introducing Melody Mason.

And I thought you were writing about me.

Well, from now on, you are Melody Mason.

I thought up the name myself.

This 14 -year -old beauty from Okinawa County, West Virginia, is the youngest

seven children.

Her father worked as a coal miner until he was killed in a mine explosion when

she was only three.

Tragedy struck again in the Mason household when the family car, driven by

mother, crashed into a cement truck on the way back from church on Sunday

morning. Only Melody survived.

Thereafter, Melody was raised by her grandparents in Wheeling, West Virginia,

where she sang in the choir of the First Baptist Church.

Her grandparents, strict and decent folk, wanted her to become a

but Melody was interested only in becoming a country western singer.

With the money she saved from babysitting and working in the school

she bought tickets to hear her favorite country western singers when they came

to Wheeling.

Melody was discovered when her music teacher went to see Jeb Hubbard,

beloved country western singer, who is the holder of six gold records.

She told him about Melody, and Jeb was so impressed by the sincerity of the

teacher that he agreed to listen to Melody.

After one listen to the girl with a smile and a tear in her voice, he

immediately saw her tremendous potential and put her under personal contact.

Soon, Melody will be traveling all over the United States with Jeb, his wife

Fran, and Jeb's famous country westerners.

You and Jeb have been married a long time, haven't you?

Twenty years, four kids, approximately.

Five hundred thousand miles.

And he didn't have anyone to sponsor him when he started.

I want to tell you, honey, it wasn't easy.

We used to drive around in an old beat -up station wagon.

Not a luxury bus like this.

I'm sure glad that Jeb took me in. I'm really grateful.

You're young, you're pretty.

I guess you can have whatever you want, but I don't know if I'd trade places

with you.

What do you mean?

Well, yeah, she means exactly what I told you. Being a country western singer

one hell of a lot of work.

But look at the reward.

Like an ulcer.

If it wasn't for Fran here, I wouldn't be on the road right now.

Mama really takes good care of me.

Well, somebody's got to look after you.

You ain't doing it yourself.

Solid as a rock, we're sitting on top of a billion blocks of love.

A is all the little things you do.

C, I was born to be with you.

C is the caring for all the world to see.

Keep stacking up Helping us love one another We've got building

blocks Solid as a rock We're sitting on top

Put her back in the conference room. She can use that seat if it turns into her

bed. It's better to have her here with us.

I was okay where I was.

Well, Fran can look after you here, Melody.

I wish you'd stop calling me Melody. My name's Jamie.

It's Melody. You hear?

Now, here's a young girl whose popularity is rising fast.

Folks, the darling of young and old alike,

Melody Mason.

Thank you.

Y 'all made me really happy.

When I started out, Jib asked me what I wanted out of life.

And I tell you what I told him.

I wanted to sing and make people happy even when they're sad.

And now I'd like to sing for you my latest song, which was just recorded on

J .H. label.

Still water runs deep.

Just like the love you give to me.

We stay high on this feeling we found.

We're never going to let it drift away.

We've got ourselves a sweet understanding to hold

on to each other every day.

you are a music gig, huh?

A gig.

A gig.

Well, you think anything you like, but I'm sure I'm glad to see you.

A star.

Kelly, I have a show to do in 45 minutes.

Well, I just happen to be available tonight.

Look,

I'm in 209.

I've got to get dressed now.

Good luck to you, kid.

See you tonight.

I've gone through my mail.

Nothing else to do.

Started with the Gideon Bible and ended up with your mail.

You really send money to your old man after what he did to you?

It's none of your business.

Hey, your sister really thinks you're something.

We've kept close.

Jamie.

Come here.

Kelly, I said you could come to my room, not climb into my bed.

Come here.

Kelly, do me a favor.

Get dressed and get out.

Hey, I can't do that. The place is booked.

You wouldn't do that to an old friend, would you?

Yeah.

I'll get you that new set of teeth, can of fishing worms you wanted.

Out!

Jamie, please.

All right, you can stay.

But not in my bed.

Which bed do you want?

Doesn't matter.

Why?

You wouldn't understand.

Maybe I don't.

Maybe some other time.

You sure took your sweet time this morning.

I couldn't help it. Something came up.

I'll just bet it did.

You don't own my private hours, Jeb. What I do is my business.

It's the first time I've ever been late.

So now who's holding up the show?

learn fast.

Well, I'm trying.

Can I give you a piece of advice?

Sure. Be more patient with Jeff, will you, honey?

Sometimes he still thinks he's 21.

He's really tired and he's getting older.

He just don't let himself admit to any of it.

Well, I'm tired too. He's not the only one that's working.

But he's the one Tom's running out on.

Got your whole life ahead of you.

Just hold back, will you?

Don't fight him so much.

He'll come around to his senses. He always does.

My God, I picked up the pieces so many times I can't even remember.

Can I come in a few minutes?

Of course.

Come here.

Jim. Jim.

Jim.

Jim. Jim.

Jim. Jim.

Just listen to me. Let me try and explain.

When I first heard your demo, I knew that there was a talent.

A real, big, honest -to -goodness talent.

So I made up my mind right there.

The old Jeb Hubbard was gonna stay off the girl.

Now, you gotta admit, I lived up to what I promised you.

You have.

Well... I also knew I was falling in love with you.

Now, you don't think I'd let any other chick take that much applause on my

But I... held back.

And I held back.

And then when I saw Kelly in your dressing room...

I... Shit, I don't know how to say it.

I wish you more than that.

Fran and I are friends.

She's a lovely woman. She loves you.

Now... No! Fuck Fran!

fucker, but not me.

I like you. I appreciate all that you've done for me, but from now on it's going

to be talent and nothing else.

I want to become what the public thinks I am.

You mean you want your virginity back?

Why are you still so upset, Jeb?

Well, I don't surprise me none.

Is it the girl?

What girl?

Melody.

I don't give a damn if you believe it or not, but I didn't screw her.

half a step it feels right jeb you telling me how to sing a song no i'm not

but i have two gold records and i know what's right for me have it your way uh

jeb what about your song you let her sing it she's got two gold records she

knows all the answers jeb that song wasn't written from melody mason

Here at last is the young lady I found two short years ago and who already has

won two gold records,

Melody Mason.

Thank you.

Hold on tight.

Baby, let me take you.

Baby, let me make you fly so high.

Look,

Kathy, I promise I'll be home as soon as we finish the next trip.

Oh, Jamie, do you really mean it? I promise. Cross my heart.

Hey, Jamie.

I wrote a song.

You want to hear it?

Since when are you writing songs?

Well, I figured that someday I could be like you and have all... Don't!

I'm sorry, Kathy.

Yeah, I'd like to hear your song. Go ahead.

Okay, okay. Just wait a minute. One minute.

What do you think about it?

I don't need you anymore.

You mean you don't want me to fuck you because you don't need me?

Did I fuck you before?

Physically, no.

Mentally, yeah.

Made a play for me all this time.

I'm going to tell you something, Jack Hubbard.

I paid my dues to get to where I am today.

And I paid him before I ever met you.

I paid him to you, not in sex, but in dollars and cents.

When you signed me and took 50 % of my earnings, I was very naive.

So don't think that I got something for nothing.

Now it is over.

Finished through.

But I'll be back tomorrow night. You better be willing.

Who the hell do you think you are, God?

Now, you hear me.

If you show your face here again, I'll tell everybody what you did here

how you raped a 17 -year -old girl.

18. Rape is rape.

Now, you hear me, Jeff. You show your face here again. I'm going to tell you

something, you little slut.

Who's going to believe a girl who worked in a massage parlor, who's got a police

record, who was in a detention camp, and who fucked everybody in town?

They're gonna believe you or me.

And I'll tell you something else, Miss Melody Mason.

They're gonna think I was taken in by you.

Used by you.

And I was whether you want to admit it or not.

No, they're gonna feel sorry for me, not you. And it's your career that's gonna

be finished, not mine.

And you're gonna work for me and you're gonna fuck me until I tell you you're

finished.

And that's about all of it.

That's why I didn't want you coming to Nashville.

That's what I couldn't tell you on the phone, but most of all, that's what I

don't want you telling the folks.

Paul would kill Jeb, and so would Ben and Clay and Jeremy.

You know, he said I was leading him on.

And you know something, Kathy?

I was.

And you really think he'll do what he says he's going to do if you don't play

ball?

I don't know, Kathy. I'm so terribly tired.

I can't think anymore.

Maybe tomorrow I'll think of something.

Well, you get a good night's sleep, Jamie, and maybe by in the morning I'll

found a solution.

Fine.

Kathy, where are you?

Hello? Hello, Fran. Is that you?

Yes, of course it's me. Who's this?

Jamie. Is everything all right?

Yes, of course everything's all right. Is Jeb there?

No, why do you ask?

A young girl came by about 45 minutes ago. He said that she was your sister

Kathy.

You told her to pick up Jeb and bring him by to your place because you wanted

talk to him.

I said slow down, damn it. I'll slow down under one condition.

Anything. You leave Jamie alone from now on, you hear me?

I promise. Now, will you please slow down?

Look, you're making me nervous. Why don't you stop the car and let me drive

back?

Okay.

Nothing about the reward I had done.

Now,

that's for that crazy

ride you just took me on.

And I'm going to let you in on another little secret.

If your sister can't tell me what to do, you sure as hell can't.

i want to talk to you where's my sister she's up the road there about 28 miles

she's gonna walk i didn't she came here what did you do to her i slapped her

stupid little face which is what i should have done to you the first time

started acting uppity you ain't gonna slap her again you ain't gonna slap me

either because i'm through you don't own me oh yes i do i've got you under

contract for another five years and you're gonna do what i tell you to do

Well, if being Melody Mason means singing to your tune, you can take back

contract, you can take back your royalties, and you can take back your

goddamn character that you created.

I can go back to being Jamie Barker, and if that means starting all over again,

then that's what I'll do. I can make it on talent alone, and if I can't, I'll

find some other way of earning a living.

I just can't walk out of your contract.

You know what you can do with your contract.

You can take your contract and shove it up your ass.

yesterday before

Wish I could be