Original subtitles

(relaxing instrumental music)

- Hey! Morning, Steve.

- [Steve] Good mornin'.

- Hey, I heard it was a nice day, huh?

- [Steve] That remains to be seen.

(upbeat dance music)

- [Man] I hope I'm the first one here... (indistinct)

I usually sleep on the E or the S train.

You know, there's no... (indistinct).

You have to be careful these days.

(car horns honking)

(light piano music)

- Hey are you guys that are looking for the accompaniment?

That fag upstairs told me to come down here.

- That fag upstairs is my lover!

- That's just an expression with me.

- Okay, you play piano?

- Play piano?

Hey, you guys can be straight with me.

- What do you mean straight?

- You don't have to use any of that fancy stuff around me.

It's cool.

- What do you mean cool?

- It's cool. I've been around.

I've been around a long time.

- It looks like it.

- It shows, huh?

- Sure does.

- Wanna check out the merchandise, right?

- [Man] Merchandise?

- Yeah, but I tell you right now, I don't go down,

and I don't go for no whips, okay?

- I guess this lets us know right up front.

- Look, Spartacus...

(chuckles)

we really don't have to see what you look like.

Your magnificence shows through.

Unfortunately, we've hired a priest

who's left the cloth this morning.

I also play a terrific piano.

- I know that.

(calm instrumental music)

- Oh, that's a good way to start my career.

- You have to start somewhere.

(chattering)

- Continental Baths.

(chattering)

- It's very famous.

- Oh yeah?

Oh, famous for what?

- Decadence.

(light instrumental music)

(energetic dance music)

- Hi, there!

You must be here for the audition.

- Yes, I am.

(gasps)

- I just knew it!

You all look so...

so sensitive, and these hands!

I can just see scads of lovely little notes

leaping from those long, soft, creative fingers!

- You can, huh?

Do you work here?

- Well, you might say that,

but when I meet someone like you, it's pure pleasure.

And I just love artistic hands!

- Can I have my hands back, please?

I need them to play!

- I love to play.

- The piano!

- Are you here to play piano?

- Yes.

- Good luck, dear.

And if they don't want you, I do.

Just rap on room 346.

But be gentle.

(playing piano)

ls that the kind of thing you mean,

like modern, popular night clubbing?

- [Man] Yeah, yeah, that's it. Play it.

- Oh, good. Play "September Song."

(playing piano)

- [Woman] Oh, darling, that's lovely.

Can you play "Love Story"?

Play "Love is Blue."

- Bitch!

(playing piano)

- Okay, what'd you say your name was?

- Micheal Lawrence.

- Michael Lawrence.

- Yeah.

- Congratulations. Scotti!

Scotti's my manager.

He's gonna work out the details with you, okay?

_ Okay-

- Michael, am I glad to meet you.

The job pays $150 for the show. ls that okay with you?

- Terrific!

- That's great. But that includes two rehearsals.

- Fine.

- Fabulous. Let's go over here and talk.

_ Okay-

- Okay, Michael. This is the rest of your music.

I suppose you've worked in enough clubs to know what to do.

By the way, where have you played?

- A couple of places.

- Any place in particular?

- I'm from Montana,

and I've only been in New York a few months.

- You should have no trouble handling the show.

- Okay. I hope so.

What time's rehearsal?

- 11 :00 a.m. sharp.

Wait a minute. I didn't get your name and address.

- Oh, right.

Michael.

Lawrence. L-A-W-R-E-N-C-E.

989...

4720.

110...

South Houston Street.

- Fantastic. You live in SoHo.

- Yeah.

- A friend of mine is opening up a gallery

in your neighborhood tonight.

Drop DY-

- Well...

- You'll meet some very interesting people,

and it'll give us a chance to get to know each other.

- Well, if I can, you know.

- No matter. If you're busy, you're busy.

Say, I get off work in a half hour.

If you can stick around, maybe we can grab a bite to eat.

- No, listen-

- There's this fantastic Italian place...

- My old lady's expecting me home.

- Your old lady? You live with your mother?

- No, a woman.

Tracy. Tracy's her name.

- So you live with a girl.

- Yeah.

- Are you lovers or just roommates?

(chuckles)

- No, mates.

- Are you married?

- [Michael] No.

- So you're not really gay.

- No, I'm not.

Could I have some water?

- Sure.

Michael, let me ask you this right out.

- Thank you.

- Have you ever made love with a man?

(Spits)

- What?

- [Scotti] Have you ever had sex with a man?

- Well, sure. You know, when I was younger.

- What do you mean younger?

- Well, I had a...

Listen, man, I'd really rather not talk about it right now.

- Okay, okay, that's cool.

- Do I still have the job?

- Are you kidding?

What does sex have to do with your playing the piano?

- Nothing, I hope.

- Here nobody forces anybody do anything, okay?

Don't let the place get you uptight.

Nobody's going to attack you.

- It's just this place is very strange.

- Montana's my idea of a strange place, Michael.

- Yeah, okay, but it doesn't have all of these lights

and mirrors and waterfall...

- And queers?

- Yeah.

- We call 'em fags in this city.

- I guess that's kinda silly.

(Scotti chuckles)

- Hey, look. You and I have to work together.

I'm in the show too. I'm the MC.

- Oh yeah?

- You can still play the piano.

- Hey, listen, I'm always able to play the piano.

- Then I know you'll be great.

- Thank you.

- Don't thank me. I needed a piano player.

- Oh, listen.

In case you can make that party,

it's at 140 South Houston Street around 1O o'clock.

Bring Tracy. I think I'd like to meet her.

- Okay, maybe I will.

- See you later.

- Bye.

(soft instrumental music)

(door opens)

- [Tracy] Hi, Michael!

_ Hey, baby!

' [Tracy] How'd it go?

- What?

- The audition!

- Oh, it was interesting.

- Did you get the job?

You did, didn't you?

- Yeah, I did!

- Oh, I knew it!

How much?

- [Michael] 150 big ones!

- Oh, terrific! You can pay your half of the rent.

- Oh, wonderful.

That makes working at faggot heaven worth it.

- Oh, Michael, don't be so negative.

You know, a lot of important people go to the baths.

You never know who might hear you there.

- Yeah, it's got to be different Saturday night.

- Yeah, it Will be. I'll be there.

- Oh, that'll be nice.

- You don't mind? It won't put you off?

- No, no. It'll make me feel better if you are there.

- Why's that?

- Well, I don't want to have any more to do

with those people than I have to.

- What's so bad about them?

- They're fags! What could be worse than that?

- Michael!

- Well they keep looking at me,

coming onto me, and making me feel like a woman.

- Oh yeah, do they grab ya? (laughs)

- Well, as a matter of fact, the manager made a pass at me.

- He's got great taste.

- Well, that's true.

- You can't blame him for trying.

You have the wavy blond hair.

And those blue eyes.

In fact, I think I'd like to get it on with you myself.

- Yeah?

Listen, seriously.

How can I get 'em to stop coming onto me?

- I think it's a matter of vibes.

You might not be sending out the right signal.

- What the hell does that mean?

- What's the matter?

- I tell you I'm a little nervous, and the next thing I know

you're telling me I'm a closet queen.

- [Tracy] I did not say that.

- Okay, now let me go! (laughs)

- You're not getting up.

- Hey, let me go!

- Uh-uh. Not letting you up.

- You don't think I can break it, huh?

- Uh-uh. What's the magic word?

- I don't fuck with ladies. That's the magic word.

(Tracy laughs)

- Come on, let go.

- No.

(grunting and laughing)

Michael, Michael!

(laughing)

I'll fix you!

(laughing)

Aha! You are secure now, huh?

- Yeah, I love it. (laughs)

- You love...

I've got myself a fraulein.

You know, I am not really a sheik.

My name is Fritz. I am hiding out here in the desert.

And you know, I am going to make you say "uncle".

- No, you're not.

- Ja, you will say "uncle".

- No, I won't.

- Ja, you will say "uncle"!

(laughs)

Uncle? - No.

" No?

(Tracy laughs)

(singing)

(spanks)

Uncle? - No!

- I'm now going to run arpeggios all over your body.

You will say "uncle"!

(laughing)

Uncle? Uncle?

- Uncle!

- Uncle?

(laughing)

Cousin?

- Cousin.

- Ah say ja.

- Yeah. - Ja.

(chuckling)

What a mission.

(chuckling)

Allah be praised.

The great gate!

(laughing)

(soft instrumental music)

(bright instrumental music)

(moaning)

- Bet I know why why they were coming onto you.

- Why's that?

- They probably heard how good you are in bed.

- You've been writing on bathroom walls again?

- Nope. Subway. (laughs)

"Michael Lawrence is a great lay" in fluorescent pink

is roaring up Broadway right this moment.

(laughing)

Hey)'-

- [Michael] Hm?

- Tell me about the manager that's coming onto you.

- Oh my dear! I can't

He had eyeglasses four inches long...

(chuckles)

and a sequin dress from here all the way down to his waist.

(chuckling)

- He was really faggoty, huh?

- No.

Actually he was a nice looking guy.

Had on jeans and cowboy boots.

He looked like he was from Montana.

- He doesn't sound so bad.

- No, he wasn't. He was the straightest looking dude there.

Matter of fact, I'd never known he was gay

except there was something in the way he kissed me.

- What was his name?

- Deborah.

(laughing)

No, Scotti.

- Oh, by the way, he told me there's a party

right down the street tonight.

- Oh yeah, a party?

- Mm-hm. - Let's go.

_ Okay-

" Can I g0?

- Oh, sure. He said he'd like to meet you.

Well, I'd like to meet him too.

(crowd chattering)

- Okay, I'll take you under one condition.

- What's that?

- We've got to behave like adults.

- Of course!

- Ready?

- Sure. - Hop on.

(laughing)

(man laughs)

- [Man] First he takes off his leather boots,

plastic, Naugahyde.

- [Man] Yeah.

- [Man] Then he doubles his price.

- [Man] Yeah.

Well?

- [Man] Well, what?

(crowd chattering)

Then he sanded it down and painted it hen peek yellow.

- [Man] How'd it look?

- [Man] Beautiful and old.

- Yeah, they're weird, but I think I know what he's after.

- I know what he's after.

- What's that?

- A quick buck.

(chuckling)

Good Lord, look at that.

How could anybody do that to their bodies?

Oh, here comes the manager of the bands.

- Hi, Michael. Really glad you could make it.

This must be Tracy.

- Hi.

- Don't say a word about the pictures.

This is the photographer, Bruce.

Bruce, Micheal.

- Hi, Bruce. - Hi, Michael.

- Hi, Bruce. - Tracy, how are you?

- Loved your photographs.

- Thank you very much.

It's a real hassle putting a show like this together.

- I know. I've been through it myself.

- I can barely make the punch myself.

(laughing)

- Oh, it's delicious.

- Oh, you like it? - Yeah.

- Why don't you have some more?

- Want some more? - Yes, Love it.

- Bruce, let me get you a drink.

_ Okay-

A really good thing did come out of it, though.

- What's that?

- My agent found a publisher

who's willing to put a book together.

- That's great.

My agent hasn't done anything for me in ages.

- Hi, Scotti.

- [Scotti] Hiya, kids.

- Well, he was 200 pounds of dynamite.

- You like that, huh?

- Very nice.

- Tracy's lovely.

- Oh, thank you.

- They're not even sexual.

I don't think sexuality is their objective.

- How do you like Bruce's work.

- It's all right.

- Do you like it?

- With reservations.

- I think I know what you mean.

- Hey, Scotti, can I speak to you? It's kind of important.

- Sure.

I'm sorry, Michael. Excuse us.

- No problem.

(crowd chattering)

- [Woman] Do you honestly think arms go with punch?

- Anybody that spends that much time developing their body

can't be productive.

- [Woman] Productivity is socially subjective.

(crowd chattering)

- [Woman] Your can't divorce sexuality from the body.

- Did you look at him? (chuckles)

- What's wrong with him?

- It's kind of obvious, isn't it?

- Well, it's not obvious to me.

- Hey, baby, I want to go home, hm?

- Oh, don't you want to stay for a few minutes?

- No, I've got a lot of practice I need to do.

You can stay.

- You don't mind if I do?

- No.

- Okay. - I'll see you later.

- I'll say goodbye to Scotti for you.

- [Michael] Okay.

- So long, Michael.

You're not a Virgo.

- Right.

- And you're not a Capricorn?

- Uh-uh.

- Taurus.

- Bruce, there's a guy over here

who wants to write you a check.

(laughing)

- Well, thank you! I'll get right over there.

- Did you study photography at Oberlin?

- Well, I did...

I started out as a hobby, but...

how'd you know I went to Oberlin?

- Michael told me.

- Oh.

- By the way, you two make a beautiful couple.

- Oh, thanks, the Bobbsey twins.

- Is marriage in the cards?

(laughing)

- Only if my mother deals.

- [Scotti] How about another drink?

- [Tracy] No thanks. I forgot to eat dinner.

- [Scotti] How could you forget to eat dinner?

- Because Michael and I were celebrating

because he got the job.

- Oh you were celebrating.

(laughing)

I'm the one that should be celebrating.

I needed a piano player.

- Oh, well, he won't let you down.

- I see.

They were Michael's favorites too.

He'll be here in a second.

- He's got great taste.

- [Scotti] Mm-hm.

- Hi, Scotti.

- Haven't seen you in a while.

- It's been a long time, Eva.

Tracy, this is Judith and Eva.

- Hi. - Hi.

What do you do, Tracy?

- I'm a photographer.

- Oh, Judith and I are models.

- We could use some new material.

- Would you like to take us?

- Sure. I'd love to.

- Tonight?

- Well...

(laughing)

- Sorry, dears. I'm taking her home tonight.

- Oh, well good luck.

Good night, Tracy.

- Good night.

- Good night, Tracy.

- Good night, ladies.

- Scotti, I gotta go home.

Because if I drink any more, you're gonna have to carry me.

- You may have to carry me home at this point.

- No, no, no. It's only a couple of blocks.

I'll crawl.

- Oh, far out. I could use some fresh air.

(upbeat instrumental music)

I haven't talked to a woman in ages.

Oh, is she yours?

- No, I think she's yours.

(laughing)

Do you know what it means to share?

(laughing)

- No, but I think it was a guy.

(laughing)

(murmuring)

- He's from Alabama.

- Far out.

Look at this, one, two, three, four...

- 425.

- You know how many there are?

- Uh- huh. I live here.

(Scotti laughs)

- Oh, you live here?

- Yes.

- Oh. We're here.

- Yep. You wanna come up?

(playing piano)

That was great!

- Thank you.

- Guess who I brought home!

- I see. Hi, Scotti.

- How you doing, Michael?

- Why, I think I'm gonna go see if there's anything to eat.

(chuckling)

- Well, how 'bout some eggs?

- That sounds great.

- [Tracy] Okay!

- I just wanted to see that Tracy

got home all right, you know?

- Yeah, it looks like she needs it. Thank you.

- [Tracy] How 'bout omelets?

- I'll have a western!

(Tracy laughs)

- Sit down, Scotti.

- Thank you, Michael.

- Would you like some wine?

- Oh, great.

- Excuse me.

- Sure. Say, where's the bathroom?

- Right here.

- Oh, far out.

- What'd you bring him here for?

- Fill her up. (laughs)

Who?

- Scotti.

- Oh, Michael, he's so nice.

- He's too nice, you sot.

- [Scotti] Hey, you guys talking about me in there?

- Yep. - Oh, no,

just getting the wine.

- [Scotti] You need any help?

- No, that's all right.

- Did you really get this piano for 5O bucks, Michael?

- Yeah, I really did.

It was a bitch getting in here, though. I'll tell ya.

- I can imagine.

- You play?

- I thought I did until I heard you.

- Well, I've been at it for 15 years

- Have you ever played "The Gape" before?

(Michael chuckles)

- As matter of fact, I played it for recital one time.

- Far out! I knew nobody could sight read that piece.

- Ready on the eggs.

(muttering)

(giggles)

- These eggs look great.

(laughing)

- Thanks, I made 'em myself.

(laughing)

- Hey, Scotti, how'd you get started at the baths?

- Well, I met Steve and his wife one summer

out on Fire Island.

- Steve's married?

- Yeah, he has two children.

- [Michael] Really?

- Yeah, quite a few of the guys at the baths are married.

- No kidding. Listen, what do their wives feel about that?

- What do you mean?

- What do I mean? Well...

(Tracy laughs)

- Don't they...

(Scotti laughing)

Don't they care?

- I really don't suppose they know, Michael.

- Oh, come on, Scotti. How could they not know?

- A lot of guys have mistresses without their wives knowing.

- Okay, man. That's a different thing, you know?

- Oh, I suppose you're right, Michael.

You know, as soon as you've had a gay experience,

it's impossible to function with women.

(Tracy laughing)

- Honey, that's ridiculous.

- Have some more wine.

- Sure.

- You need it.

(Tracy laughs)

- Hey! Me too.

- Jesus, I've got a lot of catching up

with you guys to do, huh?

- That's okay, Michael.

I've got the ketchup.

(laughing)

- Hey, let's get rid of these plates.

(laughing)

- Yeah, let's get away from these eggs.

- [Tracy] Ketchup! I get it! (laughs)

- [Michael] Bless her heart.

- [Tracy] Hey, Michael?

- [Michael] Hm?

- You know, you should've stayed at the gallery.

- Why's that?

- Because the two brunettes...

- Yeah?

- Well, they wanted to take me home.

Only Scotti brought me here instead.

- Wait a minute, they were gay?

(laughing)

- They were women!

(laughing)

- How much did you pay for that, Scotti?

(laughing)

What were they like?

Hey)'-

- I don't know. I didn't get to find out.

- They're not to be believed.

(laughing)

- You know 'em?

- Sure I know 'em.

Wait.

- What?

What?

You want their number?

- You got it?

(laughing)

- I've got it.

You gonna hold that all day, or are you...

- I'm sorry.

- I got it.

(laughing)

I meant I've got the number.

- Who cares?

(laughing)

Scotti, how do you know them, huh?

- Well, it's a long story.

- Oh, I want to hear it!

- Once upon a time...

No.

(laughing)

Seriously.

Not too long ago, a friend of mine gave me a call...

and invited me over to his place.

This is an invitation that I don't turn down,

because every time I go over there,

there's always something different happening.

So I arrive.

Never says a word to me, just smiles, leads me in.

I'm in the living room, and before my eyes,

those two brunettes...

are making love right in the middle of the floor.

They were so involved, the lovemaking was so passionate,

that he had probably been there...

and split and seen me at the door and gone back,

and they didn't even know he had split.

The feeling was incredible.

The pull was so intense

that from the moment I walked into his place,

I was involved.

I mean, I had to become part of the situation.

There was no way out.

He just sort of left me there, like to watch,

which was more than I could handle.

Before I knew it, we were all involved,

a unity, four people, but in union with one another.

I don't know how to describe it.

It was like one of those rare moments

when, with strangers,

passion mingles with love and trust, Michael.

You know?

- Scotti...

- Yeah?

- Uh...

I don't...

I don't think I can handle this right now.

- That's okay, Michael, really. I understand.

I have to go anyway.

Yeah, I really do.

Okay. Good night, Tracy.

Thank you.

- Yeah.

- See you tomorrow.

- 11 :00, right?

- Yeah.

Hey, I hope everything is all right.

- Oh, it's all right.

_ Okay-

- I'll see you later.

- Good night, man.

(soft instrumental music)

(garbage truck clacking)

- Michael?

Michael?

Time to wake up.

(Michael sighs)

Are you UP?

- Mm. What time is it?

- 9:20.

(muttering)

(Sighs)

- Hey, I got a terrific idea.

- [Tracy] Huh?

- I want French toast.

- Good. Call me when they're ready.

(yawns)

- My turn.

(energetic dance music)

- Steve!

Steve!

- What?

- Can you come over here for a second, please?

How ya doing, Michael?

Listen, please forgive me. I'm a little caught up.

Look, there's a problem I've got to straighten outwith...

there's a problem I've got to straighten out

with Judy Garland.

Can you entertain Michael for a few minutes?

- Sure, why not?

- Thank you, Steve.

- Let's meet Dennis.

(chattering)

Dennis, I want you to meet Michael.

- Hi. How are you?

I heard you yesterday.

You really play good.

- Thank you.

- Scotti tells me you're straight.

- I guess I am.

- That sounds promising.

Dennis never met anybody that was straight.

If he did, I think it would destroy his ego.

- Honey.

- Yeah?

- They were all straight until they met me.

Isn't that true, Steve?

- Oh.

- The dancers are all beat, Steve. Can we take a break?

- What?

- Can we take a break, Steve? The dancers are beat.

- So, go ahead.

Michael.

Michael, have you ever seen the baths?

- I guess not.

- Scotti, why don't you take him around.

- Do you want to see it?

- I think you should.

- Love to.

- I'll hold your notes.

- Far out. I think you're gonna find this very interesting.

- [Michael] Fascinating.

- [Scotti] What doesn't appeal to you?

- [Michael] Voyeuristically,

it's a terrific thing to write home about.

(laughing)

- [Scotti] I had my whole family here a couple of times.

- [Michael] Are you kidding?

- [Scotti] No. It was outrageous.

It was outrageous.

- [Michael] Do they know you're...

- [Scotti] I mean, yeah, they're very proud

that I'm a manager, as a matter of fact.

(chuckling)

But, uh...

- [Michael] It must be a relief to have a place to come

where you don't have to worry about your cover being blown.

You know what I mean?

- [Scotti] It is,

As a matter, your only cover is your towel.

(laughing)

- Are there any air ducts you walk over,

and they go... (puffs)

it gets blown.

- [Scotti] Yes.

(laughing)

- [Michael] Would you mind pointing them out to me?

(laughing)

The air ducts.

- [Scotti] Yeah, as soon you get into a towel,

I'll walk you across one.

(laughing)

By the way, if you see a few people cruise you around here,

you really can't blame them.

That doesn't get you uptight, does it?

What are you doing for lunch today?

- [Michael] Oh, I told Tracy to meet me.

We thought we'd try that place around the corner.

- [Scotti] Terrific! That's one of my favorite places.

Why don't you be my guests today?

(playing piano)

(woman singing)

- That was perfect!

- Really?

- Think you can do that at the show?

- If you can sing it like that, I can play it.

- You're gonna be so easy to work with.

- Thank you.

- That was beautiful.

Come on, let's go to lunch.

- Gee, I'd like to, but I can't.

- Come on, Michael, let's go.

- Sure, why not?

- Great.

(energetic dance music)

(crowd chattering)

There's no rehearsal tomorrow,

so why don't you guys come out to the game.

- What game?

The football game.

- Continental Baths is playing

the New York City Athletic Club.

- Get out!

(laughing)

- No, we really are.

- Do you mean that the Continental Baths

has a football team?

- Yes. - And you're probably captain.

Who's performing in the show?

(relaxed instrumental music)

- Oh, I don't know if you've ever heard of 'em.

Judy Garland, Dianna Ross.

- I've heard.

(chattering)

- They've got a shaving area.

And in the shaving area is a water cooler

with a tank on top, big bottle...

filled with red mouthwash.

(laughing)

- [Scotti] No, no, that's not mouthwash.

- [Michael] What?

- [Scotti] That's Janitor in a Drum.

(laughing)

- [Michael] Disco in the jukebox, and the guys are there...

what, 24 hours a day, right?

- Hey, you guys are coming, I hope.

- You bet!

Aren't we?

- [Michael] I guess so.

- [Scotti] Do you like football?

- [Michael] Sure.

- I hate it. It's gonna be a great game.

(laughing)

(chattering)

(emphatic band music playing)

(cheering)

(overlapping speech)

- [Man] Fuck you, man, I'm going home.

- [Man] Hey, you think you can handle that, Frank?

(overlapping speech)

(kissing sounds)

(overlapping speech)

- Hike!

(emphatic band music)

(shouting)

(overlapping speech)

- [Man] Come on, come on, baby.

All right, now come on.

(clapping)

Hike!

(intense orchestral music)

(yelling)

(cheering)

I I've got music. I

I I've got my man I

I Who could ask for anything more I

- [Team] Two, three...

Mwah!

(grunting and hollering)

(emphatic orchestral music)

- 15, 44, 36, 25...

83, 45, 50!

Go, Scotti, go!

(shouting)

- [Man] Get him off me!

- I quit! Fuck you, man!

- How are you doing?

- We're winning, of course!

(laughing)

(intense orchestral music)

- [Man] I saw my best friends again.

- [Man] Yeah, really? You guys?

- [Man] I love contact sports.

(overlapping speech)

(clapping)

(intense orchestral music)

(overlapping speech)

- [Man] Get outta there! That's mine!

It's very private, fellas.

(overlapping speech)

- [Man] What's wrong with Grace?

- [Man] Hey, Grace.

- [Man] Come on, he's fakin' it.

(kiss)

- Aw! - He's okay.

(laughter)

(laughing)

(overlapping speech)

(sentimental orchestral music)

- Oh, Michael, looks like you're gonna play.

- Michael, you have to help us out now.

- Hey! Hey, come on, fellas, geez.

(chuckling)

(overlapping speech)

- One, two, three, that's it!

- That's it. All right.

Here we go. Come on.

Come on, come on. Here we go.

All right.

37, 45!

- [Man] Oh shit!

(overlapping shouting)

(cheering) (triumphant band music)

- Ah, it was a great game.

Well, we won.

(laughing)

- [Michael] Yeah, cheating.

- That's not fair.

- That is the sweetest team in the world.

- The fastest kissers on the block.

- You bet.

Well, you know, there's a lot of love in this park too.

You know, the first time I ever made love

was right here in this place.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

- What was she like? - It was very beautiful.

- [Michael] What was she like?

- It was a he.

- Your first time was with a guy?

- Uh-huh.

- That's why you're not normal.

- Normal.

- What'd I say?

- You don't know?

- No, I just said that maybe...

- That the most important experience in his life

turned him into a sick pervert?

- Oh, I never said that. Geez.

- Well, what did you mean by normal?

- Normal is normal. A homosexual is not normal.

- Well, he doesn't seem so twisted to me,

and he's been nothing but nice to you

from the first day you met him.

- Look, okay, he's been nice to me.

I like him and all of that, but...

what's the matter?

Well, a guy. I could never get close to a guy.

I mean, a woman is something else.

- ljust think that maybe you ought to open your eyes

to the fact that you could relate to somebody like Scotti,

somebody...

somebody who can...

love.

I mean, like you're putting a...

a label on everything,

and you're saying society says it's wrong,

so therefore you go along with it,

and you won't get close to it,

and you won't even open yourself up to the fact

that this might be a very honest-

- Look, love and friendship is one thing, man!

I like Scotti, I told you that!

But that's it. I could only like him up to a point.

After that-

- What point?

- The sexual.

His sexual preferences would be in the back of my mind.

It would cut our relationship off there.

I don't see anything wrong with that.

- [Tracy] Look, you don't have to feel threatened by him.

Just because he's gay doesn't mean

you have to go to bed with him.

You've really got to think some things over.

I'm gonna go, all right?

(knocking on door)

- Scotti? (knocking)

Hey)'-

- Hi.

- Are you busy?

- Sort of, getting ready for work. What's up?

- Oh, well, I'd like to talk to you. Can I come in?

- Well, okay,

but I really don't think there's very much to talk about.

- Well, I think there is.

I'd like to apologize.

- You really don't have to apologize, Michael.

Excuse me while I get dressed.

- Look, Scotti, about what I said in the park.

- Skip n.

- No, I don't want to skip it.

I want you to know that I didn't mean it the way it sounded.

- What was it that you meant, Michael?

- Well, nothing, really. It's just conditioning.

- Bullshit.

Am I really supposed to believe

that you don't know what you're saying?

- No, I know what I'm saying.

It's just it sometimes what I say isn't really what I feel.

- [Scotti] What the fuck does that mean?

- Oh, come on, Scotti, you know what I'm talking about.

- How the hell do I know what you're talking about

when you don't know what you're talking about?

- Look, man, I came here to apologize.

If you can't take that, the hell with it.

- Okay, okay!

- Look, I just wanted to tell you

that I realized what I said was stupid.

- We all say stupid things.

- Yeah, but you gotta realized, man,

where I'm coming from, see.

Where I come from, what you do with fags

is punch 'em in the mouth, see?

- Oh, does that make it right, Michael?

- No, but...

on an Air Force base, that's just the way it is, you know?

Everybody's super butch.

- Is that where you're from?

- Yeah, yeah, and you know, everybody just talks like that,

so I guess I've always been like that.

- Always?

- Well, maybe not always.

I remember when I was 12 I...

I knew a guy who was a fighter pilot.

His name was Greg, and he was a lot more sensitive

than the rest of them, you know.

He kind of befriended me.

Took me up in a trainer a lot of times,

even let me have the stick. (chuckles)

Ah, wow, for a kid, 12 years old,

always wanted to be a pilot.

I mean, and that was it.

Anyway, to make a long story short,

we would play football and went fishing.

He even taught me how to shoot.

One time we went trout fishing

and hit a flash storm came on us.

We got really drenched.

There was a cabin there, but nobody put any firewood inside,

so we couldn't get a fire going and couldn't get dry.

We took off all our clothes though.

And there were a couple of blankets

and we wrapped up in the blankets and tried to get warm.

We had a couple of cans of sterno

so we could make some soup.

And we did, and it was terrific.

But I still couldn't get warm, so we...

he started rubbing my hands and my arm and my back.

It wasn't a sensual...

Then he put his arms around me.

And that embarrassed me.

Because, I mean, I don't think my father ever...

ever hugged me.

And...

I got into it.

I really felt...

terrific.

And I guess I went to sleep like that.

(Sighs)

The next thing I knew, man,

I was flying across the room, and lights were...

flashlights were in my eyes,

and it was my father and a couple of non-cams with him,

and they grabbed Greg and they push...

pushing him around and yelling obscene things.

You know, I mean...

he flipped out.

anyway---...

lesson of the story is that I learned...

not to...

I learned not to put hands on other men, see?

- Did you love him?

- Yeah, I guess I did.

- You know, Michael, if it weren't for your old man,

you'd be normal.

(Michael chuckles)

(Scotti laughs)

Hey, I really better be going.

Will you walk me downstairs?

- Sure.

- Terrific.

(crowd chattering)

(playing instrument)

(soft instrumental music)

- Live around here?

- Where've you been?

- I went over to Scotti's.

~ on?

- Hey, are we still friends?

- Don't be silly.

You wanna go in?

- Yeah.

I'm gonna throw up.

(laughing)

- Come on, my dress can't be that bad.

No, it's beautiful.

- Aw, thank you. Can you put this on?

- Oh, sure.

- Michael.

(chuckling)

- Well, you look so sexy.

Hey, I got a great idea.

Why don't we forget about going tonight

and just stay home and make love?

_ Okay-

' Okay?

- You talked me into it.

- I did?

- You did.

- You're gonna hate me for this.

But I think I'd really prefer if you stayed home tonight.

- Oh, come on, Michael. Can you help me put this on?

- No, I'm serious.

I think I'd be more comfortable if you weren't there.

You know what I mean?

- No, I don't.

- Would you mind terribly?

- Yes, I would mind.

- Really? Why?

- Michael, I've been looking forward to it all week.

I bought a new dress. I put on my makeup.

- Tracy, this is...

I've never done a gig like this before.

My stomach's doing flips.

I'd be more comfortable

if you weren't there to hear my goofs.

You can understand that, right?

- Michael you're gonna be great.

You're just getting stage fright.

Hey, come on.

You're getting yourself all worked up over nothing.

- Nothing? Don't tell me what's in my head.

You don't know what's in my head.

- Hey, come on. I'm all dressed up.

I'm ready to go. I'm not staying home.

- Don't stay home. Who asked you to stay home?

- So now you don't give a damn?

- Oh, Tracy, come on.

- Don't come on to me.

I honestly can't believe

that you don't want me to be there tonight.

- Tracy, please, not tonight.

- Michael, if you need me, I'll be in my studio.

(upbeat dance music) (crowd chattering)

(applauding)

- Welcome to the Continental Baths and Health Club.

I'm really glad you came out tonight

to have a good time with us.

Our middle name is steam,

and we have a really steamy evening here for you tonight.

We have lots of surprises.

- [Guest] Yeah?

- Yeah, that's right, sugar,

and the evening will go on and on.

Ladies and gentlemen, can I be heard?

Can the streakers by the pool hear me?

(cheering and applauding)

Okay.

(lively piano music)

(cheering and applauding)

The incredible Janie Oliver.

I I wanna be I

I A pretty girl I

I And have I

I An easy kind of love I

I Wouldn't have to say much I

I Wouldn't bend to your touch I

I Love would be so free and easy I

I Like a pretty girl I

J” I want to J”

I Go home I

I Where there's a peaceful world I

I Wouldn't have to try hard I

I Or give all they had God I

I Amen 5

I Make it easy for me I

I Like the light there's not I

I Pretty girl I

I And have I

I An easy 5

I Love 5

(cheering and applauding)

- Ladies and gentlemen,

we have a lineup of stars for you in tonight's decadence

that would challenge the galaxy that we're in.

Ladies and gentlemen, from England...

(exciting instrumental music)

Shirley Bassey!

I Morning I

I And raise a little hell tonight I

I I've got the urge to carouse I

I And maybe raise a few brows I

I Cut lose and pull all the stops out I

(crowd applauding)

(lively instrumental music)

(singing in foreign language)

(upbeat dance music)

I No ray can stop me babe 5

J” I know J”

I I know you must follow the sun wherever it leads I

I But remember if you should fall short of your desires I

I Remember life holds for you one guarantee I

I You'll always have me. I

I Ain't no mountain high enough I

I Nothing to keep me keep me from you I

(audience applauding)

- [Scotti] Ladies and gentlemen, a very special treat.

The one that got away. Judy Garland.

(audience cheering)

I You'll feel blue I

I You'll feel sad I

I You'll miss the bestest pal you ever had I

I There'll come a time now don't forget it I

I There'll come a time when you'll regret it I

I Oh baby think what you're doing I

I My love for you is gonna drive me to ruin I

I After you're gone I

I After you've gone away I

I After you've gone I

I And left me crying I

I After you've gone I

I There's no denying I

- Ladies and gentlemen let's hear it for the entire cast!

(crowd cheering)

(energetic drum music)

(energetic dance music)

- Wow, peace and quiet, man, nice.

- It's a good place to get away from it all.

- Yeah, this isn't lover's lane.

- Sort of.

I didn't see Tracy tonight.

- I asked her not to come.

- You're kidding.

You didn't think she'd be uptight here, do you?

- No, not Tracy.

- Problems?

- No.

I don't know.

Opening night jitters, I guess.

(soft string music)

- [Scotti] Nice, huh?

- Beautiful.

We take ourselves much too seriously.

- That's why it's all so complicated.

Why don't you tell me what's really on your mind?

- I don't know how.

- I think you do.

(bright instrumental music)

You're not worried, are you?

- No, I'm not.

- Sure I can't talk you into staying?

- No, thanks.

Tracy'll be expecting me.

- Why don't you give her a call?

- Well, the studio's right on the way home,

so I thought I'd stop by.

- You really want to see her.

- Yeah, I do.

- That's cool. I can dig that.

Let me throw on a shirt.

I'll walk you downstairs, Michael.

- No, no, Scotti. That's okay, really.

- You sure?

- Yeah. I'm sure.

_ Okay-

I'll see you tomorrow.

_ Okay-

Goodbye.

- Bye now.

(soft instrumental music)

- I'm glad you're here.

- Hi.

- Is it new stuff?

- Old stuff.

How was the show?

- It went very well.

- You gonna play there next week?

- Mm-hm.

- It was a late night.

- Yeah, well, Scotti and I got together afterwards.

~ on?

Where'd you g0?

- His place.

' Anything happen?

- Yes.

- How...

How does that affect us?

- I don't know.

I hope it doesn't.

- Let's go home.

(light instrumental music)