Original subtitles

[theme music]

You don't understand.

I never even been to college.

How's the boss expect me to help you on this assignment?

Mark, will you relax?

The boss knows what He's doing.

Relax?

I mean, we're talking college here.

Might be easy for you to play professor.

You're an angel.

But me, come on?

It's all been taken care of.

You're going to be just fine.

Oh, boy.

Hey, wait a minute.

The stuff, right?

Of course, he's going to give me the stuff.

I should have know.

No, no, no, Mark.

I always wanted to go to college,

but then, what the heck?

Why not just be a professor, huh?

Professor Mark Gordon.

That's got a nice ring to it, don't you think?

[loud conversations]

Mark, you don't understand.

Well, of course, I understand.

Why wouldn't I understand?

Excuse me, but you've got our only game ball.

Your game ball?

Yes, sir.

You see, first of all, we had them by a touchdown,

so they went for the long bomb.

Yeah, we could see that.

Well, got to go.

We want to finish this game before the new dorm

monitor gets here.

All right, guys, let's kick it over.

You believe that?

They're playing football in there.

I pity the poor guy that'd have to babysit this group.

I mean, they don't need a dorm monitor, they need a policeman.

How about an ex policeman?

From Oakland?

Oh, no, Jonathon, wait a minute.

You don't mean? - Yes, I do.

I mean that.

The boss is making a big mistake.

Don't say that.

He doesn't make mistakes.

Now you're going to be fine.

Trust me.

Trust you?

Trust you?

Last time you said that, I wound up with the body of a woman.

You know, you never looked better?

Oh.

Professor Gordon, your boys are waiting.

We have to talk.

Excuse me, sir?

I'm sorry, kid, if you're here to see your big brother,

you're going to have to wait in the lobby.

Sir, I don't have a big brother.

Well, it doesn't matter who you're here to see.

You got to wait in the lobby.

Now we have rules about visitors.

Sir, I'm not a visitor.

I'm a student.

I beg your pardon?

My name is Christopher Gunn.

I'm supposed to be staying in this dorm.

Oh, yeah, Chris.

I'm sorry, I owe you an apology.

You know, I thought you were a regular kid.

Don't worry about it.

I'm used to it.

Mister?

Mark Gordon.

You can call me Mark.

Come on, I'll show you where you're going to bunk.

Time out, huh?

It's the Super Bowl here.

Here you go.

Yeah?

What can I do for you?

Danny, I'm Mark Gordon, the new dorm monitor.

This is Christopher Gunn.

He's going to be your roommate this term.

This is a joke, right?

No, it's no joke.

He's a freshman, just like you are.

A freshman?

He's just a kid.

Kid or no, he's going to be your roommate.

I'll see you later.

Um, come on in.

Your luggage came yesterday.

I put it in your closet.

Oh, thanks.

You got the room fixed up pretty neat.

Great pictures.

Yeah.

Yeah, it helps keep my mind focused on what I'm doing.

I take it you play football.

Yeah, I'm here on scholarship.

Oh, that's great.

So am I. I'm here for Western's computer program.

It's one of the best in the country.

Oh, yeah, computers, huh?

I figured as much.

Yeah, that's my major.

What's yours?

Football.

I just play football.

Danny?

Does it bother you that I'm only 12?

Well, you're not exactly who I had in mind for room mate,

but it could be worse.

Nice meeting you too, Danny.

Hello, everybody.

As you can see by your monitors, I am Professor Jonathan Smith,

and this is Computer Science 101.

We're going to start out this term by reinforcing

our technical skills, then we're going

to move on to our goal of theory and laboratory application.

Each one of you will be required to create a computer program

of your choice, and then to complete that program

as part of your term paper.

So before we begin, I want each one of you

to program in your full name and then add a code

name to identify your files.

[laughter]

We do have to talk.

Hey, Danny, come on.

We're going to go over to the campus center,

check out the action.

Oh, no, thanks, I got to hit the books.

This psych class is something else.

Danny, you're my man.

I told you, I got psychology covered.

Come on, let's go.

No, I really have too much work,

but, hey, thanks for asking.

Hey, Chris, your folks just called.

They want you to give them a buzz.

Oh, thanks.

Hey, Mark, is it raining?

Just in my room.

What?

Will you call your folks?

[phone ringing]

Hello?

CHRIS: Dad?

Chris.

Chris. Pam?

Pam?

Get on the phone, it's Chris.

Hi, son.

How are you doing?

CHRIS: Oh, pretty good, Dad.

There's quite a difference from my high school.

I bet.

How's that computer class shaping up?

Oh, fine.

The professor seems to be real nice.

Chris, honey, have you made any friends yet?

Well, gee, Mom, with all the subjects I'm taking,

there isn't a whole lot of time for socializing yet.

Well, just remember, to stay on top,

you've got to sacrifice something,

isn't that right, son?

Yeah, that's right, Dad.

Is your roommate a nice boy?

I mean, he's at least one person you can talk to?

Yeah.

Yeah, Danny's a real great guy.

He's a big star on the football team.

Always got friends around.

Oh, that's good to hear.

Now, remember, not too much running around.

Like you said, you're carrying a big load, son.

Yeah.

I'll be careful not to.

Listen, I have to get back.

I've got a whole stack of books waiting for me.

Nice to talk to you, bye.

Goodbye, Chris.

We love you.

I love you, too.

Good bye.

Here you are, young man.

Psychology quiz notes.

I told you I'd take care of you.

Tim, I feel kind of weird using other people's notes.

What are you talking about?

It's all part of the game plan.

Look, Danny, you're one of State's promising stars.

That entitles you to certain privileges, like these notes.

Danny, these are like study aids.

I mean, there's no secret about what we go through.

We practice every day until dark.

We miss two or three days a week to go play an away game.

Come on, you need these just to keep up.

Danny, don't sweat it.

I'm the varsity manager.

It's my job to take care of business for you guys

so you can just concentrate on football.

Look, if you have any problems with your classes, let me know.

OK?

OK.

That's my man.

Oh, no, you don't.

I suppose You find this humorous?

[indistinct conversations]

What happens, right on cue, the whole entire bus

moons their drill team and their marching band.

It was hysterical.

It was perfect.

The coach turns around, his face--

Hey, guys, mind if I join you?

Listen, kid, this is kind of a private party, you know?

Oh, sure.

No problem.

No problem at all.

You see some of that Dodger game?

Hey, Chris.

Hi, Mark.

Professor Smith.

Chris, help yourself.

Seats are kind of hard to come by out here.

Well, I don't want to intrude.

Oh, no, no, come on, sit down.

I got to get back to the dorm anyway

before somebody burns it down.

Remember, Jonathan, I still want you to talk to you

know who about you know what.

[laughter]

You should have seen the coach's face.

Kind of tough being the youngest man on campus.

Yes, sir, it sure is.

Is that your roommate over there?

Yeah, and some of his friends.

Let me ask you something, Chris.

Do you like it here?

Hey, Western State's a great school.

It's got one of the best computer

courses in the country.

You know that.

That's not what I asked you.

It's a lot harder here than it was in high school.

I don't mean the classes.

It's the atmosphere.

I mean, before I just had tutors and very little

contact with the other students.

And I got to live at home, but here,

they treat me like some kind of--

Freak?

Yeah, like a freak.

That's why you use it for your code name, huh?

It's just the way I see myself.

The way others see me.

Come on, Chris, you really didn't

think you were going to come here and fit right in, did you?

Professor Smith, I'm a college freshman--

Who's 12 years old.

Come on, pal, you're going to have to adapt to them.

They don't have to adapt to you.

You're right.

Hey, remember the old expression,

when the going gets tough--

The tough go shopping.

At least that's what my mom used to tell my dad anyway.

You really love working with those computers, don't you?

Yes, sir, me and the machine, just one on one.

And it doesn't know how old I am.

Well, listen, if you ever want to get in any extra lab time,

you be my guest.

Gee, thanks, I'd like that.

All right then.

I got to get going.

I'll see you at class.

Chris, you know what--

you know what Tim said to you at lunch today?

Oh, about you guys having a private party?

Yeah.

Yeah, listen.

See, Tim-- The thing is, Tim has a real problem

when it comes to you.

Oh, gee, I never would have guessed that.

Look, Chris, some people have a little trouble

relating to you, and he just happens

to be one of those people.

Just him, huh?

What's that mean?

Well, I didn't notice you speaking up today.

Chris, I'm just your roommate.

Can we leave it at that, all right?

I've got an away game, so this place is all yours.

OK?

Danny?

Have yourself a great game.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

[loud music playing]

Hey, you guys, we're going to be late.

The show starts at 9:15.

[interposing voices]

Hey, Chris, how you doing?

Oh, great.

It's Friday night, you're still studying?

No.

No, I just finished up.

Hey, if you're not busy later, I got a chess board.

Thanks, but I've got a previous commitment.

I should be going.

I'm late.

We'll play another time.

You have a good time.

OK, I will.

See you,

See you.

One, please?

How old are you?

12.

I'm sorry, but no one under 17 is admitted

unless accompanied by an adult.

unless accompanied by an adult.

unless accompanied by an adult.

[bell ringing]

All right, that's it, everybody.

As you know, Monday's a free day,

so there won't be any classes.

Have a good weekend.

[interposing voices]

Looks like you didn't have too much success today, huh?

I just can't concentrate.

I couldn't even get access into the simple files.

Well, you're welcome to stay and try to work it out,

if you want.

No, thanks, I have to catch a bus.

You're going home for the long weekend, huh?

You might say that.

You live in La Port, don't you?

Yes, I do.

Well, I'm going up to Clearview to fish this weekend.

I could drop you off at your house.

It's right on the way.

Well, I'd appreciate that, but I don't want to put you out.

It's no problem.

I'll pick you up at the dorm about 4:30.

You know, Chris, when I said I'd enjoy the company,

I didn't realize you only talked every 40 miles.

I'm sorry, Professor, my mind's a million miles away.

Got troubles, huh?

Professor, I'm not going home for a social visit.

In fact, my parents don't even know I'm coming.

I'm-- I'm going home to tell them I'm dropping

out of Western State.

- Good morning, Mr. Sunshine. - Morning.

Hey, you're not mad at me because I was gone all weekend,

are you?

No, Sis, I'm not.

Well, something's got you moping around here.

Why didn't you let us know you were coming home?

I mean, we could have planned to do something.

[honking]

There's Kimberly.

We'll see you next trip home, OK?

It's not fair.

You've got a day off and so does Dad.

Morning, Chris.

Morning.

Karen said you took the day off.

Well, I kind of figured I deserved it.

Plus it gives me a chance to get caught up around here

and spend a little more time with you.

You still trying to get this old thing fired up again, huh?

You know, you sound just like your mother.

All this old thing needs is a little TLC.

Dad, there's something that--

You know, I really think it's the carburetor,

but I never was able to fix it, but you always could.

Now help me out here.

Sure.

I see the problem.

There.

There you go.

That ought to do it.

You know, Chris, it's times like these

that I really miss you.

I miss you too, Dad.

You know how really proud I am--

No, Dad, please.

No, no, no, no, wait a minute.

Let me finish, Chris.

I mean, you know, I never got a chance to go to college,

a place like Western State.

I mean, it wasn't because I didn't have the grades, I did.

It's just that, well, dollars were kind

of hard to come by back then.

So, here I am on down the road.

All the guys that I went to school with,

they got a chance to go on to a State University.

Man, they just passed me by like that.

But you know, it's OK, because my son is

right up there with them now.

And you were there five years before any of their kids

ever thought of getting there.

I mean, I'm so proud.

Anyway, you-- you were going to say something?

Oh, it was nothing, Dad.

Nothing at all.

What did I tell you?

A lot of tender loving care.

How you doing, Chris?

Was this your school?

Mr. Smith, what are you doing here?

I got back early, so I dropped by your house.

Your mom said you were out taking a walk.

I wanted to see where I'd be going

to school if I were normal.

Chris, your intelligence is a gift.

You treat it like some kind of a curse.

Well, how else am I supposed to act?

Professor, I'm 12 years old.

I should be out in that yard playing ball.

You tell your folks you're dropping out of school?

No.

I just can't do that to them.

What are you going to do now?

I guess I'll go to the school where I'm supposed to belong.

What happened to you?

Oh, I got sandwiched between two linebackers,

but I'll be OK.

So did you win?

Yeah, we killed them.

Hey, Gimpy, how's the knee feel?

Hey, it's not bad.

It throbs a little now and then.

Dan, my man, have I got great news for you.

Do the words Sigma Phi mean anything to you?

Yeah, a fraternity, right?

No, it's not a fraternity, Dan.

It's the fraternity.

It's the hottest house on campus.

I got your name on their rush list.

You're kidding?

No.

I got your name on there too, kid.

Me?

Yeah, you.

Why?

Hey, if you don't want to be in fraternity.

No, I do.

I just thought--

Hey, come on, you're Danny's roommate.

What's good for him is good for you.

Well, thanks.

Thanks.

So, what do we have to do, Tim?

You just show for hell night, if you

give them a good showing, you're practically

guaranteed to be voted in.

See ya.

Right.

Oh, and Tim?

Thanks again.

Hey, like I said, any friend of Danny's.

How's the den mother today?

Oh, just great. Great.

First they dump water on me and then chocolate.

Today, they put yogurt in my shoes.

Oh, well, at least, it's healthy.

Hey, Chris?

Looks like you had a lot better day today, huh?

Yes, sir, it was great, and I'm feeling great.

Well, that's good to hear.

You going to stop by for a little extra lab time later?

Oh, no, sir.

I have to go to hell night.

Hell night?

What are you doing going to hell night, Chris?

The Sigma Phi house wants me on their rush list.

Can you believe that?

Well, I've got to go.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Good luck.

I don't get it.

First they treat him like a leper

with a bell around his neck, now they're

going to rush him for one of the hot fraternities.

I mean, that make any sense.

You smell like yogurt, you know that?

Again and again and again and again and again and again

and again and again and again and again.

Halfway there.

And again and again.

It's off.

Turn it on.

Hello?

Dad, it's me, Chris.

No, nothing's wrong.

Everything's right.

Well, at least, I think it is.

Dad, I might voted into the best fraternity on campus.

Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't ask you about it.

But, listen, I survived hell night.

No, I feel great.

Well, I just wanted to call and let you know, OK?

Yeah.

No, I won't slack off my work.

I promise.

I love you, too.

I'll call as soon as I know for sure.

Bye.

Man, I have been looking all over for you.

Here.

This is for you.

What's this?

It's your ticket to the big time, Dan.

You are now a member of Sigma Phi.

Hey, Tim, what about me?

I don't know what to say, kid.

You didn't make it.

[knocking]

Hey there.

Danny's not here.

Actually, I came to talk to you.

I feel really bad about what happened.

Yeah, right, Tim.

I'm serious, Chris, I thought you were a cinch to get in.

Yeah, well, I didn't, so could you leave me alone, please?

What if I told you there was still

a chance to become a Sigma Phi?

What are you talking about?

Listen, right now Danny's grades are borderline.

He's facing a really tough exam in history next week.

Now, unless I can get him the answers to the test,

he's going to fail.

That means he'd lose his eligibility to play football.

So?

I mean, what does it have to do with me?

You're the computer whiz, right?

Right?

All you need to do is tap into Fish's test file,

get me the answers.

Are you crazy?

No, I'm not.

It would show us you had a lot of guts, Chris.

In fact, I could guarantee you that your membership

would come up for another vote.

This time you'd get in.

Think about it.

I think you'd make a great Sigma Phi.

Mr. Smith?

Oh, hi, Chris.

How you doing?

I thought I'd do a little lab time, if it's all right?

Oh, sure.

Go on, help yourself, son.

Thanks.

Chris, you heard any word from that fraternity?

Not yet, but it looks pretty good.

Really?

What did you have to do to get in?

The usual.

You know, lots of raw eggs and stuff.

Yeah, is that all?

Yeah.

Yeah, that's all.

Well, I'm all through for tonight.

You're welcome to keep working, if you'd like.

Yes, sir, I would.

OK, make sure you lock up when you leave.

I will.

Good night, son.

Professor Smith?

Professor Smith?

Yes, sir.

Glad I ran into you.

I've uncovered a major rules violation.

I may need your help.

Certainly, sir.

Now, that's Danny Houser's test paper.

As you can see, he missed almost every question.

What's so unusual about that?

I mean, history is not his best course.

True, but look at this.

That's the answer key for the final example.

He would have gotten every question correct.

Look at that.

Apparently, they made a mistake,

printed the wrong test.

Now I'd like for you to help me find out who did it.

I'll do what I can, sir.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Who do you think could have done it?

Who's the computer whiz in my class?

Chris?

Yep, Chris.

Well, how could somebody that smart make that kind of mistake

and take the wrong test?

He wouldn't.

I'll see you later.

You stupid jerk.

You know, you really screwed me up, Chris.

I just got a call from Fish.

He wants to see me.

He told me I missed every question on that exam.

God.

I don't know what I'm going to do.

I mean, I can't play football any more this year.

God, you are some kind of genius, all right.

Yeah, you got me the answers.

You got me the answer to a whole different test.

I gave you the wrong answers on purpose, Danny.

You what?

Damn in, did you hear what I just said?

I can't play football anymore.

So what?

It'll just give you more time to hang around those stupid frat

rats you like so much.

Shut up.

Yeah, that's it, Danny, go ahead, hit me.

Hit me.

It's no worse than anything else you guys have been doing to me.

What are you talking about?

Oh, come on, Danny.

The whole time I've been here, I've been nothing

but a big joke to you guys.

You, Tim, Brad, everybody.

Let's have some fun with the freak,

get him to think he's accepted, and then go and dump on him.

Oh, but then you guys make up for it.

Just get some test answers, and you'll be one of the guys.

Well, I don't need it.

Do you hear me, Danny?

I don't need it.

Look, Chris.

Danny, the professor will see you now.

How are you doing, Chris?

Oh, fine.

Just fine.

I just came from a meeting between Danny and Professor

Fish.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah.

Tell you that Danny is really a good friend of yours.

A friend?

Professor, I'm afraid you don't know Danny very well.

This computer is more of a friend than he'll ever Be

Oh, really?

Well, why don't you ask that plastic friend of yours

to give up a college scholarship.

What?

Professor Fish offered Danny a second chance if he'd tell him

who gave him the test answers.

He wouldn't do it, so now he's out.

But Danny just said he'd be ineligible.

Not lose his scholarship.

He was wrong.

But then again, so were you, Chris.

If you knew it was me, why didn't you tell Professor Fish?

Because I was hoping you'd do that.

Mr. Gunn, there is no room for negotiation here.

But I think there is.

Well, you're wrong, young man.

I gave Danny a chance, he didn't take it.

Sir, I know who tapped into your test files.

You do?

Tell me who it was.

I will, but only if you agree to reinstate

Danny Houser's scholarship.

That is blackmail.

If you'll excuse me, Professor, but I

believe that's the same chance you gave Danny.

All right, I'll tear up the violation report if you give

me the name of this cheater.

It was me.

I stole the test answers.

Oh, Mr. Gunn, you do realize you'll be

dismissed for that infraction?

I know.

All right, you can go now.

Of all the professors here, I thought

you'd be the one who would understand

what that boy's going through.

I'm afraid I don't follow you, sir.

Come on, Warren, you were a child prodigy.

You know that boy didn't take those answers

so he could cheat.

He did it because he was hurt and wanted to strike back.

At whom?

At Danny, at anybody.

He so desperately wants to feel like he belongs here.

But he does.

The boy is a genius.

He's intellectually superior to practically

everyone in this institution.

Warren, that's just the point.

He's a boy.

He's a 12-year-old boy who is forced

to try to live like a man because God

gave him superior intelligence.

Oh, give him a chance.

I can't.

I'm sorry.

Rules are rules.

Oh, Warren, by the way, let me ask you something.

Did Alice Townsend ever thank you

for getting the test answers for her in biology 40 years ago

so she could pass?

How did you know that?

She told me.

You know Alice?

Yeah, she's an old friend of mine.

Oh, what a small world.

Alice Townsend, how does she look?

Just as lovely she did when she was 19 and she were 13.

That's why I thought you'd understand

what it was like for a boy to live like a man.

No, no, no.

That was different.

The only thing different, Warren, was you

didn't get caught.

Yeah, well, all right, tell the boy he has another chance.

OK.

If I were you, I'd have a little talk with Tim

McKenna, the varsity manager.

I think you'd find it very interesting.

Alice Townsend.

What are you doing?

I'm packing.

They're kicking me out of here.

You're getting another chance, so you can unpack.

What are you talking about?

Why didn't you just tell Professor Fish that I

gave you the test papers?

Because of what you said.

You were right.

We were using you.

It was a lousy thing to do.

I don't blame you for doing what you did.

I deserved it.

You're better off without that bunch anyway.

Yeah, well, I don't have to worry about that anymore.

Why they kicking you out?

Because I told Fish it was me, and in return,

he agreed to let you stay.

Why did you do that?

You're a great football player,

and you need the scholarship.

I'm just a kid.

I'm not supposed to be here for five years anyway.

You're not just a kid.

You're a hell of a lot more of a man than I am.

Chris, thanks.

You're welcome.

Danny.

You can stop packing, Chris.

You're not going anywhere.

- I'm not? - No.

Professor Fish changed his mind.

He's going to give you another chance, too.

All right.

Well, since we're still going to be roommates,

maybe I better teach you some study habits?

Thanks.

I think I'll be needing them.

I just wish there was something I could do for you, though.

As a matter of fact, there is.

And $4 is your change.

Thank you.

One junior, please.

I'm sorry, but no one under 17 submitted

unless accompanied by an adult.

It's OK, I'm with a friend.

One, please.

And there's your change.

Thanks.

Let's go, buddy.

[theme music]