Original subtitles

[music theme playing]

Help the blind.

For the blind.

Help the blind.

[hip-hop music playing]

The blind.

Help the blind.

MAN: (RAPPING) Yo, yo, you gonna do this, man?

MAN: (RAPPING) She smelled your breath, and then she tapped it,

baby.

MAN: (RAPPING) In your illest stance, you be illing.

MAN: (RAPPING) You know what your problem is?

MAN: (RAPPING) You be illing.

You be illing.

Well, that's our show for tonight.

You learn anything, Mr. Rich?

Not a thing.

I'm rich because I worked hard.

You're poor because you didn't.

Ya just weren't listening, were ya?

That's why you didn't get the message.

What message?

There but for the grace of God go I.

Ah, don't give me that stuff, ya bum!

That's are ya are, you're just a bum!

That's right.

Just a bum.

You look at us and that's all ya see.

You never listen.

It's easier to say we're just bums, just bums.

I wasn't born a bum.

Maybe I was abused when I was a child.

Maybe my parents were alcoholics or druggies.

Maybe I fought for this country and saw too much death.

Maybe I'm sick and I need help.

Maybe-- never mind.

I know.

It's easier to say we're just bums.

[applause]

Come on.

Give him $5.

$5?

Yeah.

He was good.

He made me cry.

You gotta be kidding.

Just give it to him.

OK, but he's just going to buy wine with it

and end up in the gutter.

Thank you!

[saxophone playing]

Beautiful like always, Irv.

MAN: Help the blind.

Help the blind.

Help the blind.

Here you go, Paulie.

It's a fiver.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Get a room, Paulie.

Your cough's getting worse.

Now promise me, you'll get a room?

Yeah, I promise ya.

Wally, I've been blessed here.

I'll get a room.

Ah, Paulie.

Paulie.

Is that him?

Yeah.

That's Wally Dunn.

You're sure?

I'm very sure.

[dog whimpering]

All right.

Take it easy.

Take it easy, Long John.

I'm here.

Hello, Long John.

Whoa, boy.

Yeah, I know.

I know it.

I've been gone a long time.

You wait to see what I brought for you though.

Wait 'til you taste this.

Try that.

Huh?

Is it good?

Is that good?

Chew on that.

Good, huh?

Yeah.

JONATHAN: That's a cute pup.

Huh?

I'm sorry if we scared you.

Oh, well, I--

I just didn't hear you come in, that's all.

JONATHAN: Mind if we sit down?

Uh, no, go-- go right ahead.

Thank you.

My name's Jonathan.

This is Mark.

How you doing?

Wally Dunn.

Yeah, we're fine.

Doing just fine.

Haven't seen you around.

Yeah, well, we just got in.

WALLY: Ah.

What's the pup's name?

Oh.

I call him Long John Silver, on account of this bad leg here.

I found him about a week ago.

Put a splint on that.

I don't know, he must have got hit or something.

Yeah, I hate to leave him in this old suitcase

when I'm gone so long, but he's not in much shape

to go run around on his own.

Look, uh, if you want booze or money,

I can save you a lot of trouble.

I haven't got any.

I got some groceries.

I'll be happy to share.

It's very kind of you.

Don't mention it.

We got some, um, we got some chili.

[police siren]

We got some crackers.

And, uh, we got some apple juice here too.

Sounds good.

Thank you.

Why are you doing this, Wally?

WALLY: Doing what?

Well, sharing your food with strangers.

You don't even know us.

You're hungry, ain't Ya?

It wouldn't make any difference whether I know you are not.

You know, people can't be strangers after they

break bread together.

No.

After that, they've got to be friends.

Help yourself to them crackers.

MARK: What's funny, Wally?

I heard a--

a story about a man who met Long John Silver.

And he said John, he says, "I noticed that peg leg there.

What happened to you?"

He said, "Sea battle."

He said, "Cannonball took it right off."

He said, "Well, Heavens, that's just terrible."

He said, "I noticed you got that, uh, hook there too.

You lose your hand in a battle?"

He says, "Yeah, another battle.

The cut goes whack, took it right off."

And he says, "Oh, well, that's just awful."

He says, "What about that patch on your eye?

You lose your eye in a battle too?"

He says, "No, no battle."

He says, "Seagull flew over.

[fart noise] Right in me eye."

And the man says, "You're trying to tell me that a seagull

did that and put your eye out?"

And he says, "No."

He says, "You see, it was the first I was wearing me hook."

[laughing]

JONATHAN: Not bad at all.

Wally, you all right?

Oh, fine.

You go ahead.

No I'm just, uh saying blessing.

Lord, thank you for this food, and for this company,

and for this beautiful day, and especially thank you

for warming up tonight like this.

It helps your children out there on street.

And Lord, help them to get to know you.

They need you, Lord.

I love you, Lord.

Amen.

Amen.

Oh.

Morning, Wally.

Oh!

Good morning.

I'm sorry if I woke you.

It's Friday.

I got to get an early start on Fridays.

Where you going?

WALLY: Oh, I make my rounds, visit friends.

Today I go cross town.

A little boy used to come see my puppet show

every day after school.

Real sick now, so I go see him on Fridays.

I'd go every day but these old legs just can't do it anymore.

Hey, Wally.

Good morning.

Hey, look what I found.

I think that collar's small enough to fit your pup.

And you don't have to leave him in this suitcase anymore.

Yeah, that's real nice.

I can't take him on my rounds though.

Some of the places I go don't allow any dog.

They barely allow me.

Well, that's a shame.

It's going to get awful hot in this boxcar today.

Hey, look, why don't we go along with you?

We can keep the pup outside for ya.

Boy, I'm going a long way.

You sure?

We got nothing but time.

All right then.

Long John, this is your lucky day.

Stevie?

Come on, try and sip a little soda.

It'll help your stomach.

No.

I don't want it.

You need to take some liquids.

STEVIE: I can't.

Stomach's too sick.

[doorbell ringing]

Oh, that's Wally.

Do you want me to tell him you're not feeling well?

No.

I want to see him.

Honey, you're sick.

Yeah, Mom, just for a while.

All right.

[doorbell ringing]

Hi, Mrs. Markham.

Oh, hello, Wally.

These are a couple of friends, Jonathan and Mark.

How are you?

Hi.

Hello.

Um, won't you come in?

Uh, listen, I--

I think I better stay out here.

I'm not sure that this little dog is fully house-broken.

Oh, well, we won't be long.

Take your time.

How is the little guy?

Oh, his stomach's real upset.

He just had around of therapy.

It's, uh, it's real hard on him.

Doctors say anything?

JANET: Well, that's the last of the treatments.

At least he won't have to be in that hospital.

Um, why don't you just go on in.

WALLY: When I grow up I want to be a very famous clown,

and have the people laugh at me when the circus comes to town.

I'll make them glad when they are sad.

I'll chase away each frown.

I'll blink my nose and tip my hat

when the circus comes to town.

And when you hear the old calliope, you'll watch me

and you'll laugh.

I'll roll like a wheel and honk like a seal

and stretch my neck like a big giraffe.

I hope you'll see me when I'm shown, when I become

a clown, next year when I am fully grown

and the circus comes to town.

Hi, kid.

STEVIE: Hi, Wally.

Oh, say hi to Jonathan.

Hi.

Hi, Stevie.

Mom said your stomach is lousy.

It's not so bad.

Hey, you don't have to play Superman with me.

You know everybody's got a right to complain if they feel bad.

I know.

I'm just so tired of feeling bad.

Yeah, I know, kid.

So how are things on the street?

Oh, well, let's see.

Well you remember Margaret?

Sure.

You know, she always had that big pumpkin

in her shopping cart.

Right.

Well, she finally got herself into the detox center

and she's doing pretty good, even got

herself a job down at the bus station,

one on the concession stand.

That's great.

She's nice.

[barking]

MARK: Hey, come back here.

Where did you come from?

Hey, Long John.

Are you getting in trouble?

I'm sorry.

He slipped right out of his collar.

So that's the pup you found.

May I hold him?

Sure.

He's cute.

The leg must be getting better, jumping in here like that.

Yeah, must be.

He's so cute.

I always wanted a puppy like this.

Well, uh, why don't you ask your mom.

You know, needs a home.

I don't know.

WALLY: Why not?

It wouldn't be fair to her.

WALLY: Why?

Because the pup, he's going to live a long time.

Um, it just wouldn't be fair.

You sure everything you told me is true?

Would an angel lie to you?

[whimpering]

Nobody's supposed to know but me and you.

That's OK.

It's OK.

They're, uh, they're angel too.

They are?

Are you really an angel?

Do you swear?

Swear to God, Stevie, I'm an angel.

Yay.

Hey, you know, Wally, I wanted to believe

you about Heaven and all.

But I was still a little, you know.

WALLY: Yeah, I know, kid.

Now I know for sure.

You still can't tell everybody.

I mean, this is still between you and me.

It's our secret.

Oh, I know.

I won't.

Tell me again, what it's going to be like.

Well, it'll be like being a bird flying free and happy,

wind blowing in your face, joy in your heart.

No more pain, Wally?

No.

No, kid.

No more pain.

It's Heaven.

Yeah.

Heaven.

He's asleep.

I, uh, hope you don't mind me saying you was angels too.

It was hard to make the kid believe something he can't see.

We didn't mind.

Yeah, good.

I don't guess he'd be angry at a little white lie

like that, huh?

JONATHAN: Believe me, the boss understands.

Boss?

Um, I mean God.

Oh.

Yeah.

Never heard it put that way before.

Well, we better get started.

I have to be at the home by 3:00.

The home?

The old folks.

Them and kids, my best audience.

No doubt about it.

Wally's the one all right.

You bet he is.

WALLY: High diddley-dee, an actor's life for me.

A high silk hat and a silver cane,

a watch of gold with a diamond chain.

High diddley-do, you sleep til after 2:00.

You promenade with a big cigar, you

tour the world in a private car, you dine on chicken and caviar,

an actor's life for me!

[applause]

We thank you.

Boy, they really love him, don't they?

Oh, they should.

It's been three years now, three times a week.

No matter what the weather, Wally's here.

He's the most special person I've ever met.

See you in a couple of days.

Now you be good.

AGNES: You were great as always, Wally.

Yeah?

Thank ya, Agnes.

Well listen, I want to go up and see Sylvia now.

Who's Sylvia?

WALLY: Old friend from the street.

You guys can come along if you want.

Hi, Sylv.

Missed me?

Oh yeah, missed you too.

Oh, these are my friends, Jonathan and Mark.

Pleased to meet you.

WALLY: Sylvie can't, uh, talk or anything.

She had a bad stroke.

Yeah, real bad.

Things just aren't the same on the street without her.

Always had a smile and a joke, didn't you, Sylv.

Hey, they treating you good?

You sure now?

Boy, I mean, I'll give 'em what's what if they don't.

Food OK and everything, huh?

Paul and Irv all the gang said to say hi to ya.

They love ya.

Yeah.

I'll tell 'em you love them too.

I'll see you Monday, OK?

Bye, Sylv.

Poor old gal.

She know what you're saying to her?

Oh yeah.

Yeah, didn't you see her blink?

One blink for yes, two blinks for not.

That's our, our code.

We were real close.

Look at the picture she gave me.

She's about 15 then.

MARK: And that's her?

WALLY: Beautiful, isn't she?

How does somebody like this, you know?

How'd she end up on the street?

MARK: Yeah.

Well, a day before her sweet 16 birthday party, her father

molested her.

You know in those days, nobody told kids to speak up.

It was her father, after all and, well, she

was afraid and confused and went on for a long time.

She finally just fell apart.

In and out of mental hospitals, some of 'em not so good either.

And, uh, after her stroke, I had to put her in here.

I mean, she just couldn't make it on the street anymore.

You mean you pay for this place?

Well, me and some of the other guys have a few bucks.

You know, I do pretty good with my, uh, puppet show.

And then why do you live in a boxcar?

Well, I can't pay rent and keep her in here.

But you know, I've been on the street a long, long time.

I'm kind of used to it now.

You really are amazing, Wally, I mean,

the way you do for people.

Well, why shouldn't I?

I mean, I'm one of the lucky ones.

You know, I've been blessed, you know?

I know.

I don't know where he gets all that energy.

He's packing up to go to his show.

Hey, you all right?

[police siren]

Yeah.

It really makes you think, doesn't it?

I've been patting myself on the back

about traveling around the country

with you trying to help people.

Then you meet a guy like Wally and--

And what?

I don't know.

It just makes you feel kind of guilty, you know?

I cried because I had no shoes until I

met a man who had no feet.

Yeah.

JONATHAN: I don't feel guilty, my friend.

Wally's not like you and me.

We could try our whole time on this earth

and not begin to be half the person he is.

You see, he doesn't know it yet.

He wasn't lying when he told that little boy

he was an angel.

WALLY: High diddely-dee, an actor's life for me.

A high silk hat and a silver cane,

a watch of gold with a diamond chain.

High diddely-doo, you sleep till after 2:00.

Your promenade with a big cigar, you tour the world

in a private car, you dine on chicken and caviar,

an actor's life for me!

Hello, Wally, my love.

Why, oh, Margaret.

What are you doing?

What do you mean, what am I doing?

I'm talking to you.

Are you drunk, Wally?

Margaret, you were doing so good.

Your job.

I don't have a job.

They fire you?

No.

I quit it, Wally.

Why?

Why would you do a thing like that?

Cause I don't deserve it.

I'm nothing, Wally.

I'm just this stupid ugly person and I don't deserve

anything, except my pumpkin.

I have a pumpkin, Wally.

That's one thing I always wanted when I was a kid.

Now I go one of my very own.

I'm on the night train.

I'll see you, Wally.

I thought she was going to make it this time.

She had her chance.

Yeah.

She hates herself too much to take it.

[loud noise]

The liquor store.

Margaret!

Five times I've been robbed!

You ask for more police, they said, we ain't got 'em.

Well I'll tell you.

Next time I'll kill.

I'm not taking this anymore!

You hear me!

Be quiet, will you?

Wally?

I'm right here.

You shot me, Wally.

You sure have shot me.

An ambulance is on the way, Margaret.

I don't hear an ambulance.

I don't want anybody going to all that trouble.

I not worth it, Wally.

Oh yes you are, Margaret!

You're-- you're more than worth it.

You're the best.

You always tell me that.

It's true.

You're a wonderful person.

Don't lie.

You take care of my pumpkin.

The ambulance is almost here.

No need.

I feel funny, Wally.

Oh.

Now lay me down to sleep.

I praise the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to--

You know what I wish?

What?

I wish--

I wish I could have gotten Margaret to believe that she

was a wonderful person, that she was somebody of worth,

that she was loved.

I wish she could have believed that.

She believes it now.

WALLY: What?

She's with her father, Wally.

She feels love now, far more than she ever

could of felt here on Earth.

You really believe that, don't you?

You're really sure of it?

Yeah.

I want to believe that.

I want to believe that everything I feel inside

is true.

But sometimes things happen and I--

I wonder.

You wonder why.

Yes.

Why?

Why Margaret?

Why couldn't she be happy?

She went through so much.

She never hurt anybody but herself.

It's because she couldn't accept the love that she

needed, not yours, not God's.

None of us can make it alone, Wally.

None of us is strong enough.

Don't be afraid to believe what you feel in your heart.

There's more truth there than you'll never find in your mind.

You're really sure, aren't you, about all that?

Wally, I'm very sure.

How?

How can you be so sure?

Because I've touched the face of God.

I think I'll go to sleep now.

[barking]

First of the month comes awful quick these days.

My life insurance payment.

I didn't think you had a family, Wally.

For Sylvie, just in case anything happens, you know.

It's enough to keep her taken care of.

What would the world do without Wally Dunn?

WALLY: I'm sure he'd do quite well.

Mind if we tag along with you?

Well, that depends on your feet.

I'm going across town to visit Stevie again.

I thought you go to see him on Friday.

Well, I do, but he's having a tough time right now.

I just want to make sure he's doing all right,

you know what I mean?

Yeah.

I know what you mean.

MARK: Wally, this little pup's is sure walking a lot better.

Yeah.

Like all young ones, they heal quick when

you give 'em half a chance.

He should have that split off in a couple--

[ambulance siren]

Stevie.

Officer, was that the Markham boy?

Yeah.

He went into a coma this morning.

What hospital?

POLICE OFFICER: St. James, but, uh, I'd say yourself a trip.

Poor kid.

[police siren]

We got to see him.

Excuse me.

How would I find a patient named Stevie Markham?

Are you a relative?

No, friend.

I'm sorry then.

But, uh, I have to see him.

I said I'm sorry, but those are the rules, relatives only.

Why?

MAN: Why what?

Why is that the rule?

I mean, people always want to see their friends.

They don't always want to see their relatives.

That may be true, but--

Look, I'll vouch for the man.

I'm a doctor.

Sure you are.

WOMAN OVER SPEAKER: X-ray technician on call.

Please call the emergency--

Here's my identification.

If you look under the Markham's boy's name, you'll find out

he's my patient.

WOMAN OVER SPEAKER: IV nurse to 4-West, stat.

Uh, yes, Dr. Smith.

I'm sorry I-- uh, why are you dressed that way?

I don't overcharge my patients.

Oh.

Uh, intensive care unit, third floor.

I'll notify them that you're here.

Thank you very much.

[elevator ringing]

WOMAN OVER SPEAKER: Inhalation therapist, ICU.

Inhalation therapist, ICU.

Mrs. Markham?

Wally.

I just heard about Stevie.

How is he?

He's, uh in a coma.

They don't-- they don't expect him to come out of it.

WOMAN OVER SPEAKER: Sixth floor, nursing supervisor,

please call your office.

Sixth floor, nursing supervisor.

Call your office.

Could I see him?

Oh, he won't know you're there.

I just want to see him.

OK.

WOMAN OVER SPEAKER: Paging Mr. Farrell, Mr. Bob Farrell.

Paging Mr. Farrell.

I'll just wait out here.

First Margaret, now my little Stevie.

God, please, let this boy--

you've worked miracles before.

Work one now.

Let him live.

His life, it's just beginning.

Please, God.

God, take me instead.

My life's nearly over.

Been full.

Let him live.

I think I'd like to be alone, if it's all right.

It's tonight, isn't it?

Yeah.

That's the way it's supposed to be,

Jonathan, but isn't there a chance?

No, Mark.

Wally's one of the chosen ones.

His prayer will be answered tonight.

WALLY: You just weren't listening.

That's why you didn't get the message.

What message?

There but for the grace of God go I.

Don't give me that stuff, ya bum.

That's all you are, you're just a bum.

Sure, just a bum.

MAN: All right.

That'll be $1.03 now.

All right, John.

All right.

I'm taking a quarter here.

$0.25. - $0.25.

$0.50.

All right.

$0.75.

All right, leave it open!

Come on, give me all the bills, man.

Now come on!

Move it!

Hurry up!

No, you drop it.

Hey, come on.

I said drop it, boy.

MAN: If you shoot, I won't kill him.

I'm not getting robbed.

Turn him loose.

If you don't shoot--

I'm putting you away if you don't--

Man, get me out of here.

Come on.

Will you put it down?

It's easier to say we're just bums.

MAN: He's got a gun!

He's got Paulie!

Stop or I'll shoot!

I'm not going to drop it.

Put the gun down.

Put it down!

[gun shot]

Oh, God.

Somebody, get an ambulance!

Get an ambulance, quick!

Somebody call an ambulance, please!

Somebody call an ambulance, please!

[ambulance siren]

JONATHAN: Wally?

Wally.

Jonathan.

You were a real hero tonight, Wally.

Paulie, is he OK?

JONATHAN: Paulie's fine.

Oh, thank God.

When I saw that gun on him, all I could think about

was Margaret, Stevie, now Paulie?

All the people I love.

JONATHAN: Oh, they love you, Wally.

I'm hurt bad, huh?

Yeah.

I don't feel any pain.

MAN: How's he doing?

He's delirious.

He's talking to himself.

What's he talking about, delirious?

I'm talking to my friend here.

JONATHAN: They can't see me, Wally.

What?

They can't see me or hear me.

Jonathan, you've been drinking some of that cheap wine.

No, Wally.

I'm an angel.

An angel.

An angel?

That's right.

You're not kidding, are you?

JONATHAN: No, Wally, I'm not kidding.

So that's it.

In the hospital, your name was on that list.

When we we're talking this Stevie about being angels,

you said, swear to God.

You weren't lying, were you?

No, I wasn't lying.

And you know, because you touched the face of God.

And so will you tonight.

And when you do, your prayer will be answered.

Prayer?

See I'm an angel now, but you've

been a angel your whole life.

And because of that your special prayer will be answered.

It's Stevie!

He's not going to die.

Oh no.

He's going to live, Wally.

And it's all true.

Just the way you always knew it was in your heart.

Give me your hand, Wally.

Oh.

If I live--

I'm flying.

MAN: Slow down, Harry.

He's gone.

The world got him.

Just a bum who wasted his life.

Mr. and Mrs. Markham, come quick!

What is it?

Stevie, he's out of the coma.

He's calling for you.

Oh!

Oh my God!

Oh, Mark, Jonathan, come in.

How you doing?

Oh, just fine.

How's Stevie?

Oh, healthy and hungry.

It's a miracle.

I mean, the doctors, everybody, it's all they can say.

I mean, it's not just remission it's--

it's gone.

I mean, it just has to be a miracle.

There's just no other explanation.

No there isn't.

Look, we promised Wally we'd bring he'd pup by.

Stevie loved him.

He was just afraid to take him before because--

I know.

Oh, poor sweet Wally.

I-- I haven't told Stevie yet.

I just couldn't.

He loved that man so.

STEVIE: Mom!

John Silver!

Wally said you had him out here.

What?

STEVIE: Wally's going on a long trip.

He stopped by to say so long and he said

you were bringing the pup over.

Uh, Stevie, Wally couldn't have come by.

Well, he did, Mom!

He's in my room.

Come and see for yourself!

Wally!

Wally!

He said he was in a hurry.

Guess he had to go.

He said he was taking a real special trip.

Stevie, I think you're letting your imagination

run away a little bit.

I am not!

I'll prove it.

Look what he gave me.

His name's Wally too.

WALLY: I wasn't born a bum.

Maybe-- never mind.

I know.

It's easier to say, we're just bums.

[theme music playing]