Original subtitles

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

(energetic pop music playing)

(tires screeching)

Good morning, West Beverly.

And good morning, David Silver,

(over P.A.): wherever you are.

Oh, and David, if you think I'm going to cut you any

kind of slack because you think you've become

some kind of major recording star,

well, you can forget about it.

And if anyone out there has seen David,

you can tell him he's late...

as usual.

♪ ♪

Well, look what the cat dragged in.

Good morning.

Nice of you to show up.

I'm sorry, I was...

Up all night at the studio again?

Or were you out at some club partying with the producers?

No, actually I was studying for a trig midterm.

Oh, and I didn't think rock stars had to study.

Well, I'm not a rock star, Donna.

Of course you are, David.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me take this opportunity

to announce that our very own David Silver

has just signed with Icon Records. Donna...

David, please do not be modest.

And if all his songs are as great as this one,

we know they'll all be hits.

(hip-hop beat begins)

What'd you have to go and do that for?

'Cause I'm proud of you.

Well, don't you think

you spread the hype on a little too thick?

I mean, they're paying me absolute minimum

and we're only doing a couple of demos.

And it all depends on whether they like what they hear.

David, they're going to like it.

Come on, listen to this. It's great.

♪ And I'm not going to sit back, back and relax ♪

♪ While brothers kill each other... ♪

Yeah, I guess it is.

Um, listen,

I've never really been to a recording studio before.

You think I can come?

♪ Um-um, clearing my throat... ♪

I don't know.

Well, I promise I won't get in the way.

I'll be like Yoko Ono or something.

Well, that doesn't exactly fill me with confidence.

Well, I mean, you won't even know I'm there. Please?

Listen, Donna, if you do come,

you have to do me a favor and promise me

you'll just blend in with the woodwork.

Okay, I promise.

I won't say a word.

Hey, Walsh. Yeah?

I hear the NBA's been treating you pretty good lately.

Yeah, who told you that?

A little birdie.

You know I book a little action myself.

Mostly for the guys on the football team,

but if you ever need a connection,

I'll be happy to help.

Okay.

Later.

Steve, do me a favor.

Don't be giving my name out to bookies, all right?

It's not exactly the reputation I want.

It wasn't me.

Then who was it?

Word gets around, Brandon.

You're a major player.

I'm not a major player, okay?

My gambling days are numbered.

The basketball season's almost over.

Yeah, but then there's baseball

and then field hockey

and that turtle racing you love so much.

Very funny.

Are you okay?

I don't know.

I mean, I think so, sometimes,

and then everything just brings me down again.

Being here doesn't help.

Well, maybe just for today,

just while we're here, you can pretend

we're in, like, Hawaii or something.

I don't think so.

I guess that was a pretty stupid thing to say.

Sorry.

Hi.

Hi. Hi.

How're you doing today?

I'm all right, I guess.

Listen, I was wondering-- I don't know what you guys

are doing tonight, but I though that

maybe you'd like to come over to my house for dinner.

My mom's kind of worried about you.

Unless, of course, you're busy.

No, we're not busy.

Great, then I'll see you tonight.

Okay.

Tell your mom thanks. Sure.

You don't mind, do you?

No, of course not.

How 'bout this issue-- October 17.

We had the Bonnie Bernstein piece

on foreign exchange students,

and your article on high school contributions

to the Somalian relief fund was excellent.

Two stories you can be sure every other high school

in the country has done... twice.

Then I think we should go with our first instincts

and focus on the issue with Brandon's editorial

on the cancelled football game.

Oh, but the rest of that issue stinks.

Come on, Andrea, it doesn't stink.

Gil, let's face it.

Almost everything we've done this year stinks.

You nailed it the day you walked in here.

The Blaze is okay, it's passable.

But we have not published one issue

distinctive enough to win us any awards.

That may be so, but you're being much too hypercritical.

Isn't she?

Isn't she always?

You guys, I have reason to be.

Look at this, we received another entry form

for a high school journalism award.

This one sends the winning editors on a trip to D.C.

Really?

Well, don't pack your bags, Brandon.

It's not like we're going to win any awards this year.

You know, that's one thing

I really like about you, Andrea.

It's your positive attitude.

Look, I'm just being realistic, okay?

I mean, Gil and I have spent the last hour

going over back issues.

There is nothing here.

Andrea, the year's not over yet.

Well, we better hurry up.

We publish three more issues before the contest deadline,

and I want the Class of '93 to be remembered.

I want to be remembered.

Don't worry, Andrea.

We'll remember you.

(lush pop intro playing)

I did a little noodling over the weekend

and I think I have it here.

This is the feel we need on this song.

Now, I know it's not what you're used to.

I just want you to listen to it,

just groove on it.

You feel it?

You feel it?

Uh, it's... it's different.

Of course it's different. It has to be different.

Who wants more of the same? Now here, listen to this.

Hey, listen.

(lush, synthesized orchestra playing with David's vocals)

Oh, is that great?

Is this great or what? (music clicks off)

Yeah, I-I guess it is.

What do you think?

Uh, well, don't ask me.

I don't really know that much about music.

Well, you know what you like, don't you?

Come on, tell him.

It's fabulous.

David, it's fabulous.

You see?

She knows.

I know, Davey...

It's perfect.

David, why are you recording this song?

You heard what Serge said, he likes it.

Yeah, but I thought you were going to go with hip-hop.

Rap, you know, the hot stuff.

Which is exactly what I tried telling him,

but he said that this song is commercial.

Well, I guess he knows what's best.

(classic rock 'n' roll ballad playing)

(entrance bell chimes)

Hi, Duke. How are you doing?

You remember me?

We met last year at the racetrack.

Oh, yeah, sure.

How you doing, sweetheart?

Good.

Hey, big guy. Hey.

Can I get you anything?

Nah, just here on a little business. Ah.

Oh, hey, Duke. Hey, busy, kid?

Yeah, sort of.

Me, too. That's why this'll only take a minute.

Can we step outside?

Sure. Just let me tell Nat I'm gonna be a minute.

Sure thing, kid.

We had a conversation a couple of weeks ago.

In case you've forgotten,

maybe I should refresh your memory.

No, I remember what you said.

Then where's my money?

I said I'd let you slide one time and one time only.

And I paid you every cent.

That was the last time.

Where's the money you owe me now?

I'll, I'll get it.

I just need a few days, Duke.

I like you.

I do.

But this guy in my car--

that's Tony--

and Tony, he doesn't like anybody.

So, you know how much you owe us, right?

Yeah.

It's a lot of money, kid.

You got till Friday.

(car door opens, engine starts)

Well, who wants some seconds?

Without Jim and Brandon here,

there's practically a whole pie left.

None for me, Mom, I'm stuffed.

Dylan?

Yeah, thanks.

You know, it seems like

the first meal I've had in a few days.

It's certainly the first one I've tasted.

Well, you come here as much as you want, Dylan.

BRENDA: Yeah, no matter what.

Remember, this is home.

Thanks, Bren.

Why am I doing this?

I'm supposed to be on a diet.

Would somebody please stop me?

Save me from myself.

Now, what do you need to diet for, Kelly?

That's what I keep asking her.

Well, we've been eating so much junk food

the past few weeks, I must've gained five pounds.

So, do like I do:

Eat today, diet tomorrow.

Someday, Dylan, that's going to catch up with you.

Yeah, but till then, pass the pie.

BRENDA: Brandon, better get in here

quick, the pie is going fast.

I didn't think you'd be home for dinner tonight, honey.

I thought you and Dad were both working late.

Nah, things were kind of slow and Nat said

he'd close up by himself.

Oh, well, I'll set you a place.

No, Mom, that's all right.

I'm not really hungry and I've got a lot

of homework to do. Brandon, just sit down and eat something.

Mom, listen to what I'm saying here.

I'm not hungry. Brandon...!

Sorry, I've just got a lot on my mind.

Apparently.

Brandon, have you met these people?

Yeah. Hi, guys.

Tough day at the office?

Something like that.

Mrs. Walsh, I hate to eat and run,

but I told my Mom I'd be home early tonight.

DYLAN: Thanks, it was great.

I'm glad to see you relaxing a little bit, Dylan.

I'll get coats.

See you later, man. See ya.

Dylan, don't take me home yet.

Let's go to your house.

I thought you said you had to be home early.

That's what I told the Walshes.

Not tonight, Kel.

You know, you haven't wanted to be alone with me in days.

What's the matter with you?

How can you ask me that?

You know what's the matter.

Then let me help you.

Don't keep pushing me away.

I haven't been sleeping, I'm tired...

All right.

I'm sorry.

That's all right.

Just take me home.

(door opens)

Hi, honey.

Hi, baby.

How'd dinner go? Oh...

well, Brenda and Kelly and Dylan were fine.

It's Brandon I'm worried about.

What's the matter?

I don't know, he just seems...

distracted.

I'll talk to him.

(knocking)

Can I come in?

Sure.

Ooh, what's this?

Jose Canseco rookie card.

Oh! Must be worth six or seven bucks.

Twenty, if it's mint.

Whew!

You've got some great cards here.

Yeah, they're okay.

Nothing outstanding.

I'm actually thinking about getting them appraised.

Maybe selling them.

What's going on, Brandon?

One week you're buying skis and stereos.

The next week, you're talking about

selling off your baseball cards.

What's wrong with this picture?

There's nothing going on, Dad.

I told you, I'm not necessarily selling them.

I'm just looking into it.

Brandon, I know you've been gambling.

Dad...

You know, I was never a guy

who believed in get-rich-quick schemes.

Probably why I never got rich.

But gambling-- it's just not worth it.

The house always wins.

I know that.

Then why do you do it?

Dad, I just bet on a couple of games.

It's no big deal.

You're not in any trouble?

Of course not.

Look son, if you have a problem...

Dad, I don't have a problem, okay?

God, how many times do I have to repeat myself?

Okay... okay, okay.

Steve, wait!

Wait. Donna.

What are you doing here so early? I, uh,

I wanted to talk to you.

Listen, I need a favor.

Anything for you.

Actually, it's for David.

Then forget it.

No, Steve, listen.

I was in the studio with David last night

and something is definitely wrong.

Look, I don't want to hear it, okay?

In case you've forgotten, I'm no longer his manager.

I'm not interested

in being his armchair quarterback,

and I certainly don't want to be his shrink, okay?

It's his gig.

And I'm late for detention.

Steve, wait.

This producer Menkon is ruining everything.

He's not picking David's best material

and then he's making it even worse.

Please.

I know how angry you are.

But you're the only one that can help him.

Well, he should have thought of that

before he blew me off.

I know.

And David feels terrible.

He didn't want to cut you out.

They made him. What, they held a gun to his head?

I don't think so, Donna.

People do what they want to do.

Steve, you're his friend.

Besides, at this point,

he hasn't cut you out of anything.

Ten percent of nothing is nothing.

You're there. You have a mouth.

Use it. Yeah...

and the only reason David allowed me to come

is because I promised not to say anything.

Steve, please,

will you just come and see what's going on?

Put, uh, $15 on UCLA for me, will ya?

Oh, big spender, Miller.

Come on, you're on a roll.

Might as well make some dough.

I'm in for $30.

You got it, Stuart.

Any other takers?

Morning, gentlemen.

Hiya, Walsh.

Would you do me a favor?

Tell Miller that he's betting like an old lady?

Hey,

just make sure you pay up when I win, will ya?

(laughing)

So, how do you keep track of your bets, Jeff--

flash paper in your locker?

Yeah, right.

You been watching too many old movies, Walsh.

This is the age of electronics.

Everybody's got a code name.

I use the Vegas point spread.

Very professional.

Full-service operation, Walsh.

You bet with me, I pay on time

and I even save you the cost

of a phone call to your bookie.

Well, I might just have some action for you.

If you think you can cover it.

Course I can. I can handle anything.

Who do you like?

The Celtics. Ooh.

A traditionalist.

Mm-hmm.

No points with that.

Even-steven.

How much?

Either you are very confident,

very rich or very stupid.

We'll find out soon enough, won't we?

Hi, Kelly.

Sorry you had to leave so early last night.

I told you my mom expected me home.

Sorry I mentioned it.

Brenda, why don't you just ask Dylan to move in with you?

What is that supposed to mean?

It means you like him coming around

to cry on your shoulder.

Look, Kelly, what is wrong with you?

Dylan and I have gone through a lot together,

and I think, at a time like this,

he needs as many friends as he can get.

I'm sorry.

I'm just going through a lot right now.

We all are.

I know, I'm sorry.

Yeah.

See ya.

(toilet flushing)

You heard that, didn't you?

This isn't a competition, you know.

This is Dylan's feelings you're talking about.

I know.

Ever since the funeral, it's like I can't even talk to him.

Nothing I say cheers him up.

Why don't you both back off a little?

You're right.

Thanks.

Hey, buddy. How you doing?

I can't do it, man.

I mean, I just, I can't be here, I...

I wake up in the morning

and for the first few seconds,

before I open my eyes,

I think everything's gonna be the same.

And then it hits me.

That he's gone

and it's never gonna be the same and...

and coming to school just seems stupid.

Let's cut out of here.

Go shoot some pool, huh?

Nah.

Glad to know your heart's in the right place, man,

I think I should hang out by myself for awhile.

See ya.

ANDREA: I've been wracking my brains

trying to come up with leads,

and then it hit me...

there's a great story,

right there in front of my nose.

There often is.

You just gotta sniff it out.

So what do you got?

Well, we haven't done

this month's senior profile yet, right?

Right.

I want to interview Dylan McKay.

Interesting.

I don't think that's a good idea.

What do you mean it's not a good idea?

I mean, it's definitely newsworthy

and it could help Dylan.

How?

Because talking helps, that's how.

Well, you may want to believe that, Andrea.

I mean, you might even really believe that, but we all know

what's going on here.

You want a good news story,

and you're willing to use one

of your friends to get it.

Excuse me, Brandon,

it's not like I'm sneaking around publishing

the unauthorized biography

of Dylan McKay.

Look, I'm just going to ask him.

If he doesn't want to do it, he can say no.

She's right, Brandon.

She's doing her job.

And in this case, it means asking the source.

Well, I guess that means

you're a better journalist than I am, Andrea,

'cause there's no way in a million years I'd ever do it.

I'm going to go look for Dylan before third period, okay?

Don't bother. He went home. Why?

Because he can't deal with any of this, Andrea.

And the last thing he's gonna want to deal with

is a nosy reporter.

(phone ringing)

(on answering machine): It's Dylan.

You know what to do. (beep)

Hi, Dylan, it's Andrea.

Are you there?

Well, I just wondered if you felt up to some company.

But I, I guess you're not there.

So I'll just call you later...

Andrea, wait, uh, I'm here.

Hi, Dylan.

Uh, Brandon told me that you, uh, went home.

Yeah, I... just had a little trouble putting one foot

in front of the other today.

Well, I, um...

Look, I just wanted to say

if there's anything I can do for you...

You know, like,

like if you want to talk or something,

I'm, I'm a great listener.

Thanks. I, uh...

appreciate that.

Uh, maybe I could come over or something.

Yeah, uh... if you want to.

Great.

I'll, uh,

I'll come over after school.

Okay.

Okay, bye.

Bye.

♪ You're so precious to me ♪

♪ I would give the world to you ♪

♪ You're so precious to me... ♪

Hold it. Hold it.

David, you're hitting the consonants too hard.

You've got to soften them up.

(sighing): All right.

Let's do it again.

From the top.

(lush, synthesized pop intro plays)

♪ You're so precious to me... ♪

Hi, Donna.

Steve...

How's it going?

Well, David's been working on this vocal

for the past couple of days.

Cut.

(over speaker): Cut.

David, let's take it again from the top, okay?

Okay.

(intro begins again)

This isn't exactly dance music.

What happened to hip-hop?

What is this, a party

or a recording session?

We're guests of the artist.

So keep it down, okay?

♪ I will die for you... ♪

"Precious?"

♪ I keep telling you, baby... ♪

He put this song in his trunk

two months ago. I know.

Cut, cut.

The levels are wrong.

Hold on, we'll go again from the top.

Maybe we should try a different mike.

So...

Davey has a lot of friends, huh?

Excuse me, I was just wondering

why you picked this song.

I mean, it's good,

but it's certainly not one of his best.

Really? And what makes you the expert?

I'm Steven Sanders.

I used to be

David's manager.

"Used to be" is the key phrase there.

I'm his producer.

And I think I've been around this block

a few more times than you have.

Yeah, maybe.

But what was your last hit? "Disco Duck"?

Steve...

Look...

I don't know who the hell you think you are,

but the last thing I need in here is negativity.

So, why don't you take your attitude out of here

before you get the talent nervous.

Fine.

Uh, where's Steve going?

He had to leave.

Said to tell you he loved it.

Remember... no negativity.

Or you're out the door, too.

So Davey,

everything sounds great.

Let's take it again from the top, okay?

(intro begins again)

SPORTSCASTER: The Celtics down by 18.

Parrish has fouled out of the game

at the end of the third quarter.

Oh, that's it, the fix is in.

How much you got on the line, pal? Enough.

This is why I didn't want to give you Duke's number

in the first place.

You're out of control.

I know Nat, I know.

But this is it-- I win this bet,

I'm through; no more.

And what if you don't win this bet?

Don't even think about it.

You should.

DYLAN: Hey, would you like some tea?

ANDREA: Sure.

Well, they say it calms the nerves.

Oh, is that what they say?

Mm-hmm.

Well...

(clears throat)

...they say the same thing about Scotch,

but with tea, there's no hangover.

(laughs) (classical music playing)

Could not...

be in school today.

Well, if anybody deserves to feel like that, it's you.

Hmm.

But, you know, this is nice.

I mean, being here with a girl

who's not really my girlfriend.

(laughs)

That's because you don't have to worry about impressing me.

Yeah, or hurting your feelings or...

Well, I can just be myself,

and there's no strings attached.

You don't want anything from me.

Everybody else does.

Brenda, Kel,

especially my dad.

Why? What did he want?

He wanted me to be the man he never was.

What's wrong with that?

It just seems a little hypocritical.

I hate a hypocrite.

Do you think your dad was a hypocrite?

I used to; I did.

I mean, but then there toward the end,

I realized that that's just the only way

he knew how to live life.

So I accepted it on his terms.

Then he died.

Then why don't you continue to accept him?

I mean, why go change the terms now?

You're pretty smart.

(laughs): Oh.

Yeah, that's what I've been told.

No, I mean, you're smart about people.

Like I said,

I'm a good listener.

Dylan, um, I was thinking on my way here--

and I don't want you to take this

the wrong way-- but, uh,

I was wondering

if you'd be interested in being the subject of, um,

this month's senior profile.

Ah, strings.

I should have known better.

No strings. I mean, you can say no.

I said no...

to the Times, Daily News, People magazine.

Why should I talk to you?

Because I'm your friend.

Why don't we keep it that way?

SPORTSCASTER: Where else but the Garden

could the Celtics make a comeback like this?

It's one of those games

where it doesn't matter who wins or loses.

Oh, yes, it does, buddy.

McHale has the ball at the foul line.

He's already missed the first of two.

But the Celts only need one to take the game here tonight.

McHale sets, and it's good!

Yes, yes!

And so, the Celtics have done it.

They've beaten the Lakers... Cha-ching!

Nat, Nat, did you hear that?

I did it! I did it! What?

I won! Oh, that's great.

Steve, Steve, sit down.

Anything you want, it's on me.

Wait a second. What's going on here?

The Celts won, and I'm back in the land of living, my man.

Oh, yeah?

Nat, if I ever want to make another bet,

slap me upside the head, would you?

Okay, I will.

I cannot wait to see Jeff Stellar.

He's gonna freak. How much did you bet?

Fifteen.

You're jumping up and down over $15?

Hundred, Steve.

$1,500.

(laughing): Yeah. You're kidding.

No.

You got to be out of your mind.

Not anymore.

Brandon, I hate to burst your bubble,

but what makes you think

Stellar can come up with that kind of dough?

Come on, Steve.

No bookie would ever take a bet he couldn't cover.

Guys get seriously ill from doing stuff like that.

Brandon, he takes penny ante bets from school boys.

$10, $20, maybe $30.

You're talking about some real money here.

Stellar hasn't got it.

Well, he better have it.

Yeah, well, he might not.

Well, there he is.

Yeah, at least he showed up at school.

That's a good sign, isn't it?

Good luck.

Morning, Jeff.

Looks like I wasn't overconfident at all,

was I?

Nope. You weren't too stupid, either.

I'll find that out when you pay me.

Don't worry, Brandon. I got you covered.

Good. I didn't want to have to break your kneecaps.

(laughs)

So, you working this afternoon?

Yeah. Good.

I don't like to carry cash around school,

so, I'll see you at the Pit later.

That okay? Yeah, make it before 6:00.

No problem.

So?

So it looks like he's got it,

or he's going to have it by tonight.

You lead a charmed life, Brandon.

Yeah.

Andrea.

(clears throat)

Hi.

Uh, Dylan, look,

I'm... I'm sorry about yesterday.

No. That's, uh... that's why I'm here, actually.

I thought about what you said, and, um,

I don't know, maybe you're right.

Maybe... Maybe telling my story will help somehow.

You mean that?

Yeah.

I just... I don't want you to write it.

Oh, uh, what,

you want Brandon to write it?

No. I, uh...

I want to write it.

You do?

Yeah.

I can put two sentences together, you know.

I know.

I... I didn't mean it like that.

The thing is, I... I don't know...

I don't know if I want it published.

You know, I just want to write it first, and...

I'd like you to help me.

Sure.

I'd love to.

Thanks.

KELLY: Are you ready for this?

I gained two pounds yesterday, and I didn't eat anything.

Something is definitely wrong with me.

Nothing is wrong with you.

It's probably just water.

What time of the month is it?

No, it's not that.

I'm just on my way to being a bona fide porker.

(laughing): Kelly! What? I'm serious.

When I was little, I was a major butterball,

and no matter what anybody said, it was definitely not cute.

I'm never going to let myself get that way again.

I'm prepared this time.

What is that?

Don't worry, I bought 'em at the drugstore.

They're harmless.

It's just one of those over-the-counter diet pills.

Do they work?

I don't know,

but if it does what the ad says, it'll cut my appetite

and help me to lose those stubborn five pounds.

Well, I don't see five pounds. I think you look great.

That's camouflage.

I'm just glad it's not bikini season.

ANDREA: The best advice anybody ever gave me

about writing was: "Don't talk about it, do it."

Ah, yes, the Nike approach.

All I can say is, if I had a house like this to myself,

I could write and write and write.

You sound like Virginia Woolf.

You read A Room of One's Own?

Oh, yeah.

We just read that in AP English class.

Oh, you guys read some great stuff in that class.

Brandon showed me your reading list.

Well, you should have taken that class.

I mean, you... you've done most of the work.

Eh, like I should have done a lot of things, but I didn't.

And why didn't you?

I mean, I spent my whole life fighting my father,

and now that he's not here to fight anymore, I kind of...

I realize he was right all along.

I was just too stubborn

to admit it.

It's not too late to change. (laughs)

That's what he said.

Well, then do it.

I mean, it's three months until graduation.

Yeah, but will three months of hard work make up

for three years of goofing off?

Well, I know, uh, one class you can start with.

AP English?

Look, you've done most of the work.

You think Meyers would go for it? He might.

If we talk to him.

(grunts) Hey, someone's looking for you.

Oh, great. Uh, listen, do me a favor.

Give me a minute, would you?

Yeah, I know, but make it fast.

It's starting to fill up. Yeah, yeah, okay.

You want to step into my office?

Lead the way.

Brandon, uh...

I don't know how to tell you this exactly, but, um,

I mean, it's unusual for me, but...

I'm going to need a little more time.

What?!

I'm good for it, really I am.

It's just, this weekend kind of stacked up...

What was all that crap you told me at school?

I can cover your action, Brandon, no problem.

I thought I could, but it's either you,

or the whole football team, and you are a lot smaller.

(laughs)

This isn't a joke, man. Brandon,

it's no big deal really.

I'll pay off.

I've been in business a long time.

I don't welch.

How could you take a bet you couldn't cover, huh?

You know what I could do to you?

Do you? Do you?!

Brandon, calm down.

Don't tell me to calm down.

Don't you say anything to me.

You just listen to me for a minute, all right?

(tires screeching)

You're going to get me that money,

and you're going to get it for me

in 24 hours, you understand me?

Brandon, what the hell are you doing?

I don't care how you get it.

I don't care who you have to beg.

I don't care if you have to steal it.

I want the money, you understand?

You give me the money, or I'm gonna break

every bone in your body.

Steve, man, get this guy off me! He's crazy!

Brandon, go inside. You better watch it.

(thudding, debris clattering)

(panting)

(over speakers): ♪ 'Cause you're so precious to me ♪

♪ Am I precious to you? ♪

♪ You're so precious to me ♪

♪ Am I precious to you? ♪

♪ You're so precious to me ♪

♪ Am I precious to you? ♪

♪ You're so precious to me ♪

♪ Am I precious to you? ♪

(song ends)

Well, that's the final mix.

Huh, what do you think?

Is this terrific or what?!

Yeah, yeah, I guess so.

You guess so?

This has platinum written all over it.

I guess it's just, uh, still kind of hard

hearing my own stuff, that's all.

Artists-- you're all so insecure.

Believe me, this stuff is great.

Yeah, we've got a meeting with Curtis Bray tomorrow.

(laughing): When he hears this, he's going to flip out.

Well, what if he doesn't?

David...

(exhales loudly)

Mellow. Hmm? Hmm?

He's going to love it.

Brandon, why didn't you tell me a little bit about this sooner?

Maybe I could have helped.

I didn't want anyone to know.

You could always go to your dad.

No, no, I can't tell my dad.

I've been lying to him for too long,

telling him I'm just betting chump change.

It's not his problem. I can't drag him into it.

Yeah, well, which is worse, telling your dad or Duke?

I don't know.

I'm out of control, man-- I don't know what

I would have done to that kid if you wouldn't have shown up.

How could you even expect Jeff to come up with that kind of money?

I don't know.

Maybe you could go to your mom.

Tell her some kind of sob story.

No, I don't think so.

She put the brakes on that kind of thing a long time ago.

She gives me a check at the beginning of the month

and I've got to make it last.

And it's all gone right now, except $300.

I'll take it.

Yeah, but then what?

Then I'll pray.

What do you think they're gonna do to me,

break my nose, maybe break my thumbs?

No. Not for $1,500.

Steve, he's got this big goon that drives him around.

They're just trying to scare you; you'll see.

I don't think so.

Hey, Brandon. Hi.

I got some money for you. How much?

200 bucks, that's it?

Don't sweat it, Brandon.

There'll be more in a couple of days.

But you better keep your hands off me

or you can forget about seeing a penny.

Look, Jeff, don't worry about it.

You're not the one who's gonna take the heat around here, I am.

I know it's almost the end of the year,

but he's read most of the books.

He's smarter than half the class.

Why this sudden interest in literature?

'Cause he wants to turn his life around.

This is the first step.

Where is he?

Outside.

I hear you want to be in my class.

If you'll have me.

I'll talk to Mrs. Teasley about it.

But first, there are a few conditions.

Like...?

You can't cut.

Okay.

And you'll do the work.

I can do that.

And you'll think.

That might be a tough one.

Somehow I doubt that.

(phone ringing)

Brandon...

Nat's on the phone for you.

Did you tell him I was here?

Well, of course I did.

Thanks.

Hey, Nat.

Brando, you better get in here.

Duke's waiting for you.

And he's not happy.

God, Nat, do me a favor.

Don't tell him where I live, okay?

Believe me, pal, he already knows.

Thanks.

(pop music playing)

(music ends)

So David, what do you think, hmm?

I have to say, it's the best work I've ever done.

Really?

Oh, absolutely.

I love the way the song turned out.

You know, in my career,

I've always prided myself on being able to spot talent.

It's a gift I have.

Absolutely. A gift.

But every now and then, my vision clouds.

Who knows why?

I mean, you can't explain these things.

The sound isn't what I was hoping for.

Yeah, I think I know what you mean.

In fact, I didn't want to bring this up,

but when you asked me to produce this album,

this wasn't at all what I thought

I'd have to work with.

Wait a second, I don't understand.

You said that

that was my best material. The most commercial song I had.

I keep trying to tell the kid

it all comes down to the material.

If it isn't there, no matter how much production

you throw at it, it won't work.

So true, Serge, so true.

The producer serves the material,

the artist guides the product.

That's what I was trying to explain.

But you chose the song.

I didn't even want to use it.

I wanted to go with the hip-hop stuff.

You didn't say anything.

Serge is a producer,

not a mind reader, David.

Well, I can do other material.

Sorry, kid, it's just not going to work out.

So that's it?

I don't even get another chance?

You're young, kid.

There'll be plenty more chances for you.

But it wasn't my fault.

You heard my songs.

David, I heard a demo.

A teenager fooling around in his garage.

Do you know how many more teenagers there are out there?

Hmm?

Good luck.

David.

Well, kid, we tried. It's showbiz.

No it isn't. This has nothing to do with show business.

You're just an over-the-hill hack

with no taste trying to hold on to a lousy job, and you know what?

I don't need you or Icon Records.

Dylan, how long are you going to do be doing that?

Kel, I told you-- I'm writing, and it's not something

I know when I'm going to finish.

Can't you do homework or something?

I guess.

But I can think of something I'd rather be doing.

Can you?

Not now Kel, come on.

Well, at least I can read what you've written.

No, not until it's finished.

Great.

Hey, it's not personal, okay?

It's just, I'm writing about my dad

and feelings and stuff and...

I just don't want to share it until it's done.

I understand.

You sure?

Yeah.

I told Donna and David that I'd meet them

at the Peach Pit anyway.

All right. I'll call you later.

You don't have to.

I want to.

Don't be mad.

I'll be fine.

Just go on back to your writing, okay?

(sighs)

Hi, Duke.

Brandon.

And how are you today?

Ah, okay... one,

two,

three, four,

five...

Five.

What, are you kidding me or what?

Huh? You owe me three times this much.

I know.

The rest is coming.

I just need a little more time.

You never learn, do you kid?

It's a good thing you got such good friends.

And you owe your good friend Nathaniel here

a thousand bucks, huh?

Nice to see you, Nat.

Lay low for awhile, kid.

You paid off Duke for me?

Yeah.

And you're gonna work off every cent.

I will, Nat, I promise, Every last cent.

How many times did I ask you: Is everything all right?

Could you handle this?

You were right.

(sighs)

I got out of control.

Nah, it's more than that.

You know how many gamblers think

they can get out of the hole

by betting again and again and again?

I know.

Do you?

I ever catch you gambling again,

the first call I make is to your father.

Thanks, Nat.

I won't forget this.

Neither will I.

So, how'd it go?

Down the tubes.

What?

They dumped me.

Why?

'Cause Bray hated the song.

We all hated the song.

At least he showed he had taste.

So that's it, the whole thing's over?

Well, it's better to be dumped than have your name on something that you hate.

Yeah, I guess so.

(hip-hop music playing)

Hmm, now that's a song.

Maybe next time, you'll listen to me.

Does that mean there might be a next time?

There might be. If you listen to me.

So, who wants what?

I think we'll all have hamburgers

and French fries, on me.

Ah! What's the occasion?

Silver and I are back in business.

You know, I'm not very hungry. I'll just have coffee.

Okay, doll.

Look, don't you think

you're overdoing this diet thing a little bit?

Donna, I've already lost a pound and a half.

Only have a few more to go.

Stop worrying about me.

I'll be right back, okay?

So, what do you think?

This is a good song.

(sighs)