Original subtitles

[theme music]

[sounds of battle]

Oh!

Joe.

Joe, what's the matter?

Oh, honey, I'm sorry.

It's all right.

I scared you.

What were you dreaming about?

I don't know.

[baby crying]

Oh, no.

I got the baby up.

It's all right.

I'm sorry.

He needed to be fed anyway.

Where's that toothache medicine, honey?

Oh, I put it back in the medicine chest.

Oh, no.

Oh, hiya, big guy.

Look at that guy go.

His face is getting thinner.

He's starting to look like a grown up, isn't he?

He's starting to look like you.

You think so?

Sure he does.

Your mother said he just looks like you.

Of course, she's my mother.

Oh.

Oh.

They're killing you, aren't they?

Oh, are they ever?

Oh, I hope that paperwork comes through at the VA tomorrow.

I can't stand it.

I can't believe the red tape.

I mean six weeks just to get clearance for dental work?

What if I needed a heart transplant or something?

Thank God, you're covered.

$3,800.

I don't know how people do it.

They are?

They're doing it?

Yeah, they are.

Why don't you go back to bed and let

me rock this child to sleep.

Night, big guy.

Hope you're not waiting for an answer.

Say Dada, Dada.

Missed again.

Oh, come on, look, I've come down here four times

trying to get this thing squared away, you know?

I know.

I know, you know.

I got to take off work from the bank to do this.

All right.

All right, Mr. Mason.

OK.

All right, well, let's see here.

Yeah, the findings of the board are

that you are not entitled to dental care in this instance.

What?

I'm sorry.

That's got to be a mistake.

No, there's no mistake.

How can that be?

I mean, how can it be?

Well, you see, the problem is that the dental problem

you have is not directly connected

to your time in the service.

You mean, I got to get my face blown away,

then you fix my teeth for me?

Is that it?

In a way, that's what it means.

That's crazy.

Something's wrong here.

I'm a disabled veteran.

I know that.

I wish there was something I could do, but--

I want the board to review this

again, because there is definitely something wrong

here.

It won't do any good.

Those are the rules.

I lost a damn arm and leg, man.

I know that.

Look, I didn't make the rules.

What can I say?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I do not believe it.

You never do.

I mean, all these people screaming that we've got to get

rid of all our nuclear weapons.

So?

So?

So, Jonathan, if we get rid of all those weapons,

you know what we're going to wind up in?

A conventional war, and I do not want to have a conventional war

with a country that's got more people in their marching band

than we got in our entire army.

I mean, I thought the bomb was supposed

to do away with the World Wars.

It's all so stupid.

You'd think people would learn.

Yeah.

Well, if they want to get rid of war,

I mean, if they're really serious about it,

they should use my suggestion.

Your suggestion?

What are you talking about?

We use the hunter's philosophy.

The hunter's philosophy?

Yeah.

You got to eat what you shoot.

I guarantee that will put an end to it.

Hold on, we got an assignment.

All right, I want you to go up to a Dr. Bonner's office.

He's in room 144, you make an appointment for 3

o'clock this afternoon.

For who?

You.

Wait, hold it.

What's wrong with me?

That's the assignment, isn't it?

The boss told you something.

You're not the assignment, and it's not serious.

Jonathan, you tell me the truth.

I'm checking out, that's it, isn't it?

That's not it.

Will you stop worrying.

I'll see you here later.

Jonathan?

What?

This Dr. Bonner, he's a heart surgeon, right?

Wrong.

He's a dentist.

A dentist?

I hate going to dentists.

My teeth are fine.

[music playing]

And now the local news.

At 11 o'clock this morning, after a three week delay,

the trial for accused killer Raymond Bourne

will resume tomorrow.

Bourne, indicted on 17 counts of murder,

has spent the past 21 days in the dentist chair.

Known in the press as The Hilltop Killer,

Bourne had complained constantly during his trial

of pain due to dental problems.

His attorney, claiming his client could not fully

concentrate on the court proceedings,

was granted the needed time to correct his problems.

Bourne, in turn, thanked the taxpayers as he

left the dentist's office.

Hi.

How are you doing?

Jonathan Smith.

I just started.

Oh, yeah, Joe Mason.

Good to see you.

Where do you guys go to eat around here?

Any place that's cheap and still good?

Sally's there around the corner.

Price is right, and it's not bad.

Hey, you mind some company for lunch?

No.

No, that'd be fine.

All right, terrific.

Thanks.

Hey, what's the matter, sandwich no good?

No, no, it's fine.

I just got a bad toothache.

It hurts to chew.

Oh, nothing worse.

You really ought to get in to see a dentist.

What's funny?

Nothing.

Hey, if you need a good dentist,

my buddy's going to one.

A guy named Bonner over on 3rd.

Bonner?

That's my dentist.

- You got to be kidding? - No.

Boy, out of all the dentists in this town,

now don't tell me is that a small world.

I'll be darned.

Hey, look, I'm supposed to meet him

over there after work today.

If you're going to go to the dentist office,

I'd like to have a right over with you if it's OK?

Well, sure, yeah.

That'd be all right.

All right, great.

We better get going.

Eve?

Yes?

Can I have the check, honey?

Your check's been taken care of.

By whom?

That gentleman at the counter over there.

He insisted.

Friend of yours?

I never saw him before in my life.

Do I know you?

No.

Rudy Reinhardt, how are you doing?

Oh, I'm doing just fine, Rudy.

I want to know why you picked up my check.

Just being friendly.

Why?

Why what?

Why aren't you picking up my friend's

check that's sitting with me?

I mean, you know maybe he's a better guy than I am.

Hey, Joe, it's getting late.

I don't give a damn.

I want Rudy here to tell me why he picked up my check.

Hey, hey, hey, look, I'm sorry, OK?

I don't need sorry.

I want an answer.

Now spit it out, Rudy.

Come on, tell me why you picked up my check.

- Hey, I said I was sorry. - And?

I made a mistake, and I didn't mean--

I didn't mean anything by it.

And?

I just saw your combat pin--

So you thought you'd buy a disabled veteran a free lunch?

Let me tell you something, Rudy.

I don't need a free lunch.

I don't need a damn medal, and I don't need your pity.

I tell you what I do need though,

I need someone to treat me as well

as you treat your murderers and your thieves.

That's what I need.

Well, I bet you're glad you came to lunch with me.

Don't worry about it.

Why, you think I've got a right

to act like that because I'm missing a few parts too, huh?

You said that, I didn't, so don't get on my case.

It's my teeth.

- What? - My teeth.

My teeth.

They're killing me.

They hurt.

That's all it really is is my teeth.

There you go.

Thank you very much.

This is a stickup.

Hey, Kathy, come on, that's not funny.

I hope you were dreaming about me?

What?

Well, you had your eyes closed,

and I was just hoping you were dreaming about me.

Well, who else?

What are you doing here?

We came to say hello to my husband and his father.

How'd it go this morning?

Oh, yeah, real good.

Everything's covered.

It's about time.

Did they give you any excuse for the delay?

The usual, honey, red tape, you know?

Well, at least it's over, huh?

Did you make an appointment?

Oh, no, I just thought maybe I'd drop by after work.

I'll call now, see if he has an opening up 4:30.

Kath, I can do it.

I'd like to do it, all right?

Here, give your son a kiss.

Daddy a kiss.

I'll make some marrow bone soup tonight.

It'll be easy after the dentist.

Oh, good.

I love you.

Yes, I love you, too, honey.

Well, I'll see you when you get home.

Yes, dear.

Yes, dear.

My wife and kid.

He's a cute looking boy.

Looks like you.

You've been talking to my mother.

Excuse me?

I would like to make a deposit.

Yeah, sure.

JOE (VOICEOVER): Why didn't you tell her?

Tell her it was all for nothing.

Tell her nobody gives a damn.

She's making the appointment.

Where the hell are you going to get the money?

Is there something wrong?

Oh, no, I'm sorry.

JOE (VOICEOVER): Is something wrong?

Yeah, you're damn right something's wrong.

I was born here.

I fought for my country for what?

You die they give you a memorial.

You live they give you the shaft.

You stopped again.

Something wrong?

Nothing's wrong.

Nothing's wrong.

[non-english speech]

Take it easy.

What's going on here, Joe?

It's his tooth, Mr. Kagin.

It's driving him up the wall.

Don't be a hero, Joe.

If you're feeling that bad, you should just tell me.

No, no, I'm OK.

I'm sorry.

Smith will take over here.

No, I'm fine.

Joe, we close in 10 minutes, take it easy.

Come on.

Go relax.

I'll see you in the parking lot.

I'll take care of this for you.

Just a little more, Mr. Gordon.

Listen, Doc, it doesn't have to be perfect, you know?

I hardly ever smile.

It's not hurting you, is it?

It hurts me to be in the same room with you.

I could dull it a little more for you, if you like?

No. No.

No. No.

No.

Just leave the needle right there on the tray, huh?

OK, almost done.

Open wide.

Come on, wide.

Come on.

Hey, how you doing, buddy?

Oh, fine.

It's a piece of cake.

Be right with you, Joe.

Oh, Mr. Gordon, your teeth could use a real cleaning.

Yeah, well, maybe some other time, huh, Doc?

We got nothing but time.

You got a lot of plaque there.

You shouldn't put it.

Sandra, you got any openings?

Oh, yes, in fact, I'm clear the rest of the afternoon.

If you have the time, Mr. Gordon, I'd take care of it.

Hm?

Oh, time.

Hey, I got a lot of time.

Nothing but time.

These old chompers could use a good brushing.

Right this way.

You bet.

Make yourself comfortable, Mr. Gordon.

You bet.

Here we go.

Hey, what kind of toothpaste are you going to use?

You know, I like spearmint.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no toothpaste yet.

No toothpaste?

No, this is a deep cleaning.

Here's what we use.

How you been Joe?

Oh, Doctor, not too good.

This whole side of my face is killing me.

Yeah, well, I told you that would be the bad area.

We'll have a look.

Yeah, you got quite a lot of infection in there.

One really bad pocket.

I can't start any of the dental work today,

but I can do something to ease that pain.

We'll drill a little hole there and ease the pressure,

but you'll be on antibiotics until the infection dies down.

Whatever you say.

Some zylocaine, Helen.

Doctor, could I see you?

Be right back.

Would you excuse us a second, Helen?

Your wife called today to make your appointment.

Yeah, I know, I was going to call,

but, well, you know how wives are.

Yeah.

Well, she said that you'd straightened

out your problem with the VA.

That's right.

Well, according to their office that isn't so.

Well, they said it might just take

a couple more days, that's all.

Oh, well, that's fine.

You'll be on antibiotics till then, I'm sure.

You do understand though that I can't

begin any major dental work until this is cleared up?

I understand, Doctor.

I understand.

I understand.

Man, that was a cute hygienist.

Yeah, I thought so too until she turned

into the Marquis de Sade.

Deep cleaning, she says.

I mean, she was scraping my brain before she was done.

Joe, I hope you're feeling better than my friend here.

No, I feel great.

I feel better already actually.

Glad to hear it.

Well, we'll see you at work tomorrow.

Yeah, OK.

Hey?

Yeah?

You guys feel like having a drink?

Sure, why not?

We'll follow you in our car.

Good.

[music playing]

Oh, God, I haven't been in a place like this in almost two

years, especially after work.

Ever since Kathy got pregnant.

Boy, I tell you.

Having a baby sure changes your life.

Well, what'd you have?

A boy.

Jonathan saw him.

He's a cute little guy.

Little guy?

He's a big house, the kinds of terror.

She's got her hands full.

Oh, she's so glad I made her quit her job, I tell you.

What did she do?

Physical therapy.

That's where I met her.

That's where I fell in love with her.

It was love at first sight.

It happens, you know?

Come on, don't you guys want a drink?

No, it's getting kind of late.

Well, I'm going to stay right here

and celebrate my dental work.

Innkeeper?

You want us to stay with you?

Why?

Don't you think I can take care of myself?

Sure I do, I just thought--

Hit the road.

The same?

No, just a double.

You got it.

Hit the road.

Go on.

I'll see you.

See you tomorrow.

Thanks.

Oh.

Hey, friend.

Got a cigarette?

I don't smoke.

Well, I'm gonna have to buy a pack then?

I got no matches either, buddy.

Well, I'm going to need some money then.

You got some money, don't you?

Yeah.

You want some money?

That's right.

Then get a job, buddy.

Just go get a job.

Hey, don't be funny, or you're going to get yourself hurt.

Come on, you punks.

Come on, I'll fight you.

You want my money?

You want my money?

You come and get it.

Come on.

You just made a big mistake, Mister.

So did you, Sonny.

You stay out of this.

I don't want you here.

You just stay out of this.

You better do what he says, get out of here.

Sorry, I can't do that.

Hey, you better stay back, man.

You stay out of it.

Come on, you guys.

Hey, I'm not kidding around.

Hey, come on, Lenny, let's get out of here.

No.

I'm telling you one last time.

OK, that's it.

You guys want a part of this?

Mark, let him go.

We're not going to let him get away.

He can't get away.

He's chosen his road.

He'll reach the end tomorrow.

Hey, you all right?

Yes, I'm all right.

You saved me.

Why in the hell--

why in the hell didn't you just get away like I asked you to?

Oh, come on.

There were three of them, and you're in no shape to fight.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah?

Maybe the old gimp will surprise you?

I mean, maybe I got some things left.

I'm not talking about your limbs.

I'm talking about your brain.

You're drunk.

I know what I'm doing.

You knew what you were doing, you'd have given them the money

and walked away from it instead of trying to act like a hero.

I'm a hero.

You didn't know that?

I am a hero.

I am a hero.

Give me the car keys.

I'm driving you home.

Just leave you alone, will you?

Look, it's not you I'm worried about.

It's the innocent people you're going to hurt.

Now give me the car keys and stop acting like a jackass.

Mark, follow us.

All right.

[doorbell]

Oh, Joe, thank God.

I'm home.

He's all right.

He's just a little bit under the weather.

I'm Jonathan Smith.

I work with your husband at the bank.

This is Mark Gordon.

Hello.

Thanks for bringing him home.

Listen, I better get him in the bedroom.

- Right this way. - You should have seen him.

He had a guy by the neck.

He strangled him.

[laughing]

Here we go.

Oh.

Oh.

Oh.

Oh.

He's out like a light.

Thank you.

I was so worried, when I heard the door,

I thought it was the police.

Oh, here's his car keys.

Oh, thanks.

Joe's never done this before.

Are you sure he was drunk?

He went to the dentist today.

Maybe it could have been the medication?

Oh, he's taking antibiotics, but it

was definitely the booze.

What in the world got into him?

He's been pretty upset all day because

of what happened at the VA.

Why would he be upset?

He just finally got clearance for his dental work.

He told you that?

Yes.

Why?

He didn't get clearance.

He was turned down.

No, you're wrong.

I talked to Joe at the bank.

He wouldn't have any reason to lie to me.

But he did.

And Mrs. Mason, I think your husband is going

through a very tough time.

Over what?

His benefits?

Partly.

Mr. Smith, you don't know my husband very well.

He wouldn't let something like this get him down.

That's just not Joe.

I mean, the man lost an arm and a leg.

He never once lost courage.

He never complained, never had any anger.

He's the strongest man I've ever met.

Then why did he lie to you?

I don't know, but I'm sure he'll tell me tomorrow.

I'm sure he's going to tell you something tomorrow.

I just don't hope it's the truth.

Mr. Smith, my husband and I have a very good relationship.

We don't keep secrets from each other.

Mrs. Mason, we all try to be honest in our relationships,

but sometimes we hide things because we're afraid.

Now I know you don't know my husband very well.

After all he's been through, what on Earth

would he have to be afraid of?

Of not being the hero you fell in love with.

Goodnight, Mrs. Mason.

Come on, Jonathan, I still say you're getting

all worked up about nothing.

I mean, he got mad so he tied one on.

Who can blame him?

Besides, you heard what his wife said,

he's the rock of Gibraltar.

He's a real John Wayne.

Come on, John Wayne was a human being

just like the rest of us.

I know that.

You know what I mean.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

Look, after you dropped me off at the bank,

I want you to deliver this letter to a Patrick Daley.

Who's Patrick Daley?

An old friend of Joe's from his platoon.

[alarm buzzing]

Oh.

Oh, it's 8 o'clock.

Kath--

Here's some coffee.

It's 8 o'clock.

Well, I gave you an extra hour.

I figured you need it.

How did I get home?

Your friend at the bank.

Oh, Jonathan.

Honey, I'm sorry about last night.

We just stopped for one drink, started to talk, you know?

Yeah.

Sorry.

How'd you make out with your dental appointment?

Oh, good.

Yeah, I'm on antibiotics.

They can't do anything until after the infection goes away.

Joe, why'd you lie to me about the VA?

Who told you that, Jonathan?

Hm-hmm.

I would have found out anyway.

I know, I would have told you last night.

Why didn't you just tell me when I saw you?

Oh, no, we were in the bank together.

That's why and I know you, and I know your temper,

so I just wanted to wait till I got home.

Is that the truth?

That's the truth.

Your friend seems to think that you're

going through something, and you're not telling me.

What is it with this guy?

I mean, first of all, he's not my friend.

I just met him.

Second, I told you why I lied.

Now, come on, you know me better than that.

I'll tell you what I told the VA.

I don't think it's fair, but rules are rules.

I just don't want you to be upset.

I'm not, if you're not.

I'm not.

I'm not upset.

I'll get a loan at the bank, get my teeth fixed, big deal.

Come on, go on out of here now.

Let me get dressed, or they'll fire

me at the bank for being late and I'll never get the loan.

OK.

You know, I tried to tell that Jonathan he didn't know you.

KATHY (VOICEOVER): Your friend seems

to think that you're going through something

and you're not telling me.

JOE (VOICEOVER): I don't think it's fair, but rules are rules.

I just don't want you to be upset.

KATHY (VOICEOVER): I'm not if you're not.

JOE (VOICEOVER): I'm not.

I'll get a loan.

NEWSCASTER: Known in the press as The Hilltop Killer,

Bourne had complained constantly during his trial

of pain due to dental problems.

Bourne, in turn, thanked the taxpayers as he

left the dentist's office.

KATHY (VOICEOVER): Your friend seems

to think that you're going through something

and you're not telling me.

JOE (VOICEOVER): I'm not.

I'll get a loan.

I'll get a loan.

I'll get a loan.

[honking]

Hey, let's go, the light's green.

The hell I will.

The hell I'll get a loan.

Hey, Joe.

How you feeling this morning?

I'm fine.

I met your wife last night when we took you home.

Yeah, she told me.

She also told me the rest of it.

I don't know what the hell it is with you,

but I want you to stay out of my life, you hear me?

You understand?

I don't know you, you don't know me.

I want to keep it that way, you got it?

Are you Pat Daley?

Yeah. Can I help you?

I's Mark Gordon.

You who don't know me, but a friend asked

me to give you this letter.

I'm supposed to stay till you read it.

Sure.

Hey, this your boy?

Yeah, Matthew.

I'm off on Wednesdays, so I get to pick him up after school.

Joe Mason?

My God, I didn't even know he lived here.

Look, it says you know where he's working.

Yeah, you can follow me if you like.

Yeah.

Yeah, let me get Matthew changed,

and I'll be right with you.

All right.

There you are, sir.

Thank you.

Joe?

Joe, it's Pat Daley.

I was in your platoon.

Oh, Pat. Damn.

I'll be damned.

How are you doing?

I'm doing fine thanks to you.

It's been a long time.

Yeah, I'll say, a hell of a long time.

Who's this?

Oh, this is my boy Matthew.

How you doing, Matt?

I got a boy a year old.

Hey, that's great, man.

Say, Matthew, you know who this?

This is Joe Mason.

This is the man who saved your daddy's life during the war.

If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here and neither would you.

Thank you.

Mr. Mason.

All right, Matt.

Look, I know you're busy, but say, why don't we get together

some time with the wives?

I want May to meet you.

You're darn right, Pat.

Yeah, we'll do that soon, huh?

Look, here's my card.

It's pretty fancy for an electrician, huh?

I'll say.

All right.

Real good.

I'll give you a ring.

OK, good enough.

God bless you.

[crying]

I couldn't help but overhear that buddy of yours just now.

He thinks you're a real hero.

Yeah, big deal.

Yeah, of course, so does your wife.

What a guy, never complained, never lost his courage, never

even had any anger.

Ah, what the heck, it's just an arm and a leg, right?

What is it with you?

That's the question I was going to ask you.

What is it with you?

You really think you're getting away with that money?

What?

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

They owe it to me.

You're damn right they do.

Look, you're angry and you've got a right to be angry.

The system stinks.

But then try to change it, and if you can't change it,

at least share you're hurt and anger with the one

person who really cares.

You're not alone in this.

You've got a wife, you know?

What do you want me to do, go cry on her shoulder?

Yeah, if that's the way you feel.

Come on, be honest with her, be honest with yourself.

What the hell are we supposed to do when we hurt?

Just keep a stiff upper lip and a smile on our face?

That's crap and you know it.

You don't know anything.

When I first met Kath, I knew exactly how I felt.

You want to know why she loves me?

Do you?

Because I was strong.

She could lean on me.

She could count on me.

I was solid.

She needed me.

Your wife doesn't love you because she needs you.

She needs you because she loves you.

Stop trying to be a hero, Joe.

Just trying to go it alone.

It just doesn't work that way, buddy.

For what it's worth, your buddy was right today.

If it wasn't for you, he and this kid wouldn't be here.

So you don't have to try to be a hero, Joe.

You already are.

I still say they owe it to me.

And I still say you're damn right they do.

Yep.

Hey, what time is it?

- 10 to 6:00. - Come on, let's go.

We're late.

We got an assignment?

No, no, you got an appointment.

For what?

To get your teeth finished.

Oh, come on, John, I don't want to.

Mark, will you stop it?

I can't.

You're acting like a coward.

I am not acting.

I am a coward.

You want me to sit here and pretend I'm a hero?

No.

No, I guess I don't.

JOE (VOICEOVER): I don't need a free lunch, or a medal,

or your damn pity.

I need to be treated as well as you treat

your murderers and thieves.

That's what I need.

[theme music]