Original subtitles

[music playing]

[alarm]

Wake up, lady.

Another workday.

Want coffee?

No thanks, babe.

I got to get to work kind of early today.

What's that?

It's a computer program I've written.

Should save the company thousands.

They'll like that.

We'll see.

Oh, I called the hotel.

Our room's been confirmed.

Yeah?

You mean, we're finally going to have

a wildly romantic weekend you've been hounding

me about for all these years?

Yeah, don't you think we deserve it?

A lot.

But I got to get to work to pay for this wild weekend.

Want to meet me for lunch about 12:30 at Ramones?

I think I can make that.

Bye.

Bye.

Jonathan, look.

Lon Chaney's star.

Boy, this guy scared the bejesus out of me when I was

a kid, man of Thousand Faces.

Well look, here's another one of my favorites--

Michael Landon.

Never heard of him.

Are you kidding?

"Bonanza," "Little House On The Prairie?"

Sorry, it didn't ring a bell.

I keep forgetting you've been dead for 40 years.

Now look, don't yet have enough pictures yet?

Not until I find Betty Davis.

I promised my sister next time I was in Hollywood,

I'd got a picture of Betty Davis' star.

You know we could find it a lot faster if you use the stuff

and tell me where it is.

It's a block and a half from here.

A block and a half?

Why don't you tell me that an hour ago?

Because we've got an appointment

to meet somebody here.

Oh.

Oh.

Hey pal, let me give you a hand there.

There we go.

How do you like that?

Try to be nice to people.

Think it would've killed that guy to say thank you?

Why should he?

I helped him up the curb.

What do you think someone like that would be if it

wasn't for people like me?

It's people like you that built the curb.

Now we've got a bus to catch.

But we've got to meet somebody here?

We just did.

[sighs]

Ma'am, we've got to lift that seat up

to let a passenger onboard.

Some people think the whole world should just

get up and move aside for them.

Good morning.

Oh nuts.

What's the matter?

This darn lift, we've been having trouble with it.

Come on, I got to get off.

I work here.

I'm sorry, sir.

It's broken down.

I'll have to call it in. - Now, wait a minute.

How long is it going to take this time?

I have got to get to work.

So do I, driver.

How long are we going to be sitting here because of him?

We're not, I'll call it in in, and the maintenance

truck will meet us on route.

Come on.

If you keep going, I'm going to have to get another bus

to bring me back here.

I'll be late for work.

I've got to get off this bus.

Excuse me, driver.

My friend and I can carry the man off the bus.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I can't allow that.

Company policy.

What policy?

Look, what if you drop him?

Who do you think he's going to sue, you or the bus company?

What if you hurt your back?

Who are you going to sue?

Get the picture?

I'm sorry, sir.

If you want to file a complaint with the bus company.

What good is that going to do?

Is the bus company going to get me another job

when I lose this one?

You know, you ought to show a little gratitude.

The city has spent millions of dollars on this equipment

just to get you people around.

What more do you want?

I want it to work.

Jonathan, can't you just use the stuff and fix that lift?

No.

He's supposed to be late for work.

Why?

So he'll get fired.

Get fired?

Why would the boss want him fired?

Because Mr. Seacrest has a more

important job waiting for him.

He just doesn't know it yet.

[music playing]

You're here early, I thought I'd beat you.

I had some time to kill.

I never knew you to drink in the middle of the day.

What are we celebrating?

I was fired today, Patty.

The lift on the bus broke down again, and I couldn't get off.

I was two hours late to work.

But it wasn't your fault. I mean, didn't you explain?

Yeah, I explained.

I gave them handicap excuse number 13--

failure of public transportation.

He was just tired of hearing it.

But Wayne, anyone could be late for work a few times.

It's not that, Patty.

You don't understand.

They were looking for an excuse to fire me.

I don't believe that.

Maybe you're just being overly sensitive.

No.

Dammit, no.

I lost a bearing on my wheel, remember,

I told you about that?

And my chair wouldn't roll.

I overheard some guy talking to the boss.

Guy says, well, what if there's a fire?

Who's going to carry old Wayne down five flights of stairs?

Well, that got the boss to thinking real good, worrying,

you know, about the insurance and all that stuff.

I knew right then my days were numbered.

What about the computer program that's supposed

to save the company thousands?

You should have been there.

I put two real good scratches on each one of those disks,

and then I sailed those floppies through the room

till it looked like an explosion in some Frisbee factory.

[chuckling]

You know, this weekend couldn't come at a better time.

Patty, let's not.

All right?

Wayne Seacrest, you've been promising

me this time together forever.

We made a deposit on the room, and I'm going.

Now are you going with me?

Or are you going to wallow in self-pity for two

long, miserable days alone?

Hm?

[sighs]

I got all the luggage in the car.

Great.

I'll be with you in just a minute, babe.

Something wrong with your chair?

Na.

Haven't you ever heard about the squeaky wheel getting

the grease?

[doorbell]

Yes?

Mrs. Seacrest, I'm Jonathan Smith.

This is Mark Gordon.

We wondered if we could talk to your husband for a minute.

Wayne?

Yeah?

These gentlemen want to speak with you.

They're with the handicapped awareness group.

Don't need it, I'm well aware that I'm handicapped.

We're with Actions to Advance the Handicapped, Mr. Seacrest.

I'm Jonathan Smith.

This is Mark Gordon.

Well, you caught us at kind of a bad time, fellas.

We were just on our way out the door.

OK, what can I do for you?

We need your help.

[chuckles] That's a good one.

I'm sorry to laugh, but I can't even help myself.

I was fired from my job today, so right now I'm feeling

kind of useless to anyone.

Why were you fired?

I suppose the reason was for being late,

but the lift on the bus wouldn't work again.

That's just the kind of thing we're working on.

We need people to help demonstrate the problems

of the handicapped-- access to public buildings,

restrooms, buses.

Look, I'm sorry, guys.

I'm no crusader.

I can just barely take care of my wife and myself.

Sure as hell I'm not going to take on any more new burdens

right now.

You know what they say, Mr. Seacrest.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

All we want to do is make a little noise right now,

draw attention.

Make people more aware of the problem.

No, I'm sorry.

Patty and I are on our way out to the Bridgemore Hotel

right now for a weekend of fun and relaxation.

Beyond that, I make no commitments.

We understand.

Look, let me leave you my card just in case

you change your mind.

You have a nice weekend.

Thanks, we will.

[telephone ringing]

May I help you?

Yes, we'd like to check in.

Mr. and Mrs. Seacrest.

Seacrest?

Yes.

It's room 912.

Sounds like the ninth floor?

We asked for a room on the first or second floor.

I'm sorry, 912, that's all we have.

It better be a good view.

[music playing]

Glad you came?

What do you think?

I think you avoided the question.

Just tell me you're having a good time.

It's allowed, you know.

I'm having a good time.

It's all because of you, Patty.

You're the best thing in my life, babe.

You're the reason I'm going to make it.

I don't know what I'd do without you.

Wayne, knock it off.

You will never be without me.

So don't even think it.

Patty, you deserve so much more.

So come dance with me?

Oh, Patty.

You heard me, Sadie Hawkins.

You can't refuse.

[laughter]

Where does that guy think he's going?

Maybe it's time for the rumba contest.

[laughter]

[laughter]

Oh boy.

Is it hot in here?

Is it just me?

It's you.

I'll cool ya!

[laughter]

[shouting]

No, no, no!

Don't, I give up.

Here, give it back to me.

[laughter]

Hey, look.

Hey, you want to have some real fun?

Let's smoke it.

Hey, you better not.

Come on, come on, come on.

There's nothing funnier than seeing people

running all over the place.

[laughter]

[music playing]

[alarm]

Dear God, it's--

Fire alarm!

[dramatic music playing]

Is it a fire?

I don't know, but I'm not hanging around to find out.

The elevator is shut down during a fire, so use the stairs.

Wayne!

Wayne, I'm locked out!

God, Wayne!

The elevator's not working, so we have to take the stairs.

- I can't - You can.

You have to.

[shouting]

- Well, come on! - Go, Patty, go!

No, I won't!

My husband [inaudible] Can you help us?

I'll tell someone he's up here.

Patty!

Damn it, go!

- Won't somebody help us? - Patty, go!

Go!

Get down there!

Get down there now!

Move it!

Now!

Come on!

Everyone, it was a false alarm.

No fire.

Thanks.

You bet, man.

[sobbing]

I haven't been that scared since 'Nam.

In fact, I don't think I've ever been that scared.

At least in 'Nam, you just had to watch out

for yourself and your buddies.

Last night, I had to protect Patty,

and I couldn't even get her to leave me.

I could just see us burning up on those stairs.

I've never felt so helpless in my whole life.

Now, we in our organization hear stories

like yours all the time.

That's why I called you, Jonathan.

I'm ready to help.

What can I do?

Madam Mayor, we at the Thatcher Corporation

are proud indeed to have you rededicate

the Thatcher Building.

As you know, this structure was built in 1923

by my late grandfather and founder

of the company, Hiram Thatcher.

And if he were here today, I feel certain that he--

I'd say this is the [inaudible]

we've been looking for.

I guess it's time for me to go on stage.

Good luck.

MR. THATCHER: --and this proud, old building

has been restored to its original elegance.

And we'll enjoy another 65 years as a landmark in our community.

[applause]

Now, may I present to you the scissors to cut the ribbon.

WAYNE SEACREST: Madame Mayor!

Madam Mayor, I have something to say.

Hey you!

[dramatic music playing]

[squealing]

I wish you'd let us take you to a hospital.

I'm all right.

I've survived a lot more than a bump on the head.

But in that case, maybe you can tell

us what happened out there.

I came here for a job, Mr. Thatcher.

If you'd had a ramp, I would have come down the easy way.

Looked to me like you rolled down on purpose.

Nobody pushed him.

Is that right?

Did you come down those steps on your own?

I was just trying to get your attention.

You have.

I can tell a phony lawsuit a mile away, young man.

Are these your witnesses?

Just relax, Mr. Thatcher.

I'm not here to sue anyone.

What is this all about?

You've done a great job restoring

this old building, sir.

You spent a lot of time and money on it.

But I am just a little ticked off

that you didn't think about me.

Why didn't you make a way so handicapped people

could get into your building?

Why didn't we do that?

I guess we just never thought about it.

That's why we're here, to get you

and people like you to think about it.

Build us a ramp, Mr. Thatcher put in automatic doors.

Widen the bathroom stalls.

That's all we ask.

Goodbye.

Wait.

Now you've had your say, let me have mine.

How about a job?

We could use a man like you around here.

Doing what?

I don't know.

What is it that you do?

I'm a computer programmer.

Well, then.

That's what you'll do for us.

You'd give me a job just like that?

You'd hire me without checking my work

experience or my references?

I don't see why not.

I'm afraid I'm going to have to turn you down, Mr. Thatcher.

I want a job, not a handout.

Just a minute.

Who is that man anyway?

Watch the 7:00 o'clock news, Mr. Thatcher.

You'll find out.

[chatter]

[cameras clicking]

GALE LEWIS: The Thatcher Building

was the scene of a most courageous,

or some might say foolhardy, stunt by a disabled American

veterans today when the double amputee drove his wheelchair

off the front of the building.

It occurred during rededication of the newly renovated building

just as the mayor and the president

of the Thatcher Corporation were about to cut the ribbon.

Why did you do it, Mr. Seacrest?

I did it to draw attention to the plight

of handicapped people.

I'm real tired of everyone giving

lip service to the problems and blessed little

ever being done about it.

There's a saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Just call me squeaky.

GALE LEWIS: Well, that's it from the Thatcher Building.

I'd call you a lunatic.

GALE LEWIS: This is Gale Lewis reporting from downtown.

Wayne Seacrest, whatever was in your mind

to pull a stunt like that?

I don't know, babe.

I was just sitting up there trying

to get somebody's attention, and I just wanted

to make a speech his all.

And then this guard came for me, and I could see the whole thing

going into the dumper.

And I just pushed off.

Jonathan, is that the kind of thing your group promotes?

No, this is not exactly what we had in mind.

You promise me not to do anything like that again.

What, do you think I'm crazy?

You've seen the last of my daredevil career.

I want to tell you, you made some people sit up

and take notice.

That's just what we needed.

I don't know, Mark.

You know, maybe it was a slow news day

and they needed some filler and I gave it to them.

You know, whacked out Viet vet takes dive, film at 11:00.

I got a sick feeling that tomorrow

I'm going to be yesterday's news,

and nothing will have changed.

Good morning.

[grunts]

You sound like a sour tuna fish.

What's the matter?

I just woke up and realized I don't have a job to go to.

It's not a very good feeling.

Did you get the paper?

Ta-da!

Let me see that.

Yesterday's news, huh?

You're on the front page.

[telephone ringing]

I don't believe it.

They were talking about it on the radio this morning.

People were calling it in.

You got a new name now, Squeaky.

Hello?

Yes, it is.

I'm Mrs. Seacrest.

Oh my God, really?

It's the "Bigelow Show," they want you to be a guest.

"The Bigelow Show?"

That's national television.

So what do I tell them?

Say yes, of course.

Yes, yes.

We'd be happy to come.

[music playing]

You've got to be kidding. [laughter]

I'm not kidding.

I was so nervous before "The Bigelow Show,"

I didn't know what to do.

I'm in makeup, and I'm smiling, and I'm trying to be friendly,

and my mouth is so dry from nerves

that my upper lip sticks to my teeth.

[laughter]

The makeup guy put some Vaseline on my teeth

so my lips would slide down.

[laughter]

I got to tell you, you didn't come off that way.

You looked great.

Thanks.

You realize what you've accomplished

the past few weeks?

Had hundreds of phone calls people wanting to help

and some very nice contributions.

Yeah, Thatcher wanted me to let

you know the ramp's going in.

They've already converted the doors,

and they're working on the restrooms.

Not bad for two week's work.

And speaking of work, Thatcher's

been watching your interviews.

He's been pretty impressed by it.

He'd like to offer you a job in public relations.

Wayne, you'd be great at that.

Patty, you know why he's offering me a job.

You bet I do.

I've watched you these past weeks too.

Patty's right, why don't you knock

that chip on your shoulder.

Take a better look at yourself.

People like you, they listen to what you have to say.

If that isn't what it takes to be a PR man,

I don't know what it is.

Look, he sent over a proposal.

At least take a look at it.

Wayne.

Wow.

Not bad for starters.

And a company car.

Fully converted so you can drive it.

I haven't driven a car in years.

Well, would you like to take it for a spin after dinner?

What?

I took the liberty of driving the car over tonight

just in case you happen to accept the proposal.

He accepts.

Yes, I accept.

[laughter]

Well, that's it, you know.

It's all the same except for the brake and the accelerator,

they're both up here.

Nothing to it.

Ready for a spin?

Roger.

All right, take it easy.

You know, drive around the parking lot

a little bit until you get used to it.

Gotcha.

[engine starting]

[music playing]

Hey, I'm driving, I'm driving!

All right!

Look, ma!

Woo!

What a lead foot!

[laughter]

All right!

[music playing]

Honey, I'm home.

How was your first day?

Don't ask.

What happened?

What happened?

I'll tell you what happened.

I was brilliant.

Damn near scared to death.

I'm a natural for this job.

It was made for me.

I got right in there, and I had ideas,

and they really liked them.

And they weren't just being nice to a guy in a chair either.

They really liked them.

A great bunch of people too.

There's this guy named Fred, funny guy.

We hit it right off.

What are you grinning at?

My PR husband.

No cooking for you tonight.

We're going to go out and celebrate.

Are you sure?

You've been working all day.

Yeah, ain't it great?

Now go get dressed.

Yes, master.

Tell you what.

After we eat, we'll go to a drive-in movie.

PATTY SEACREST: A drive-in?

Yeah, we're due.

We haven't been to a drive-in since high school.

We need to do a little necking.

Better not let my father hear you say that.

You know how daddy's are about their little girls.

WAYNE SEACREST: No, but I'd sure like to find out.

[music playing]

You always wanted kids.

Four of them, right?

Two of each?

Right now I'd settle for just one.

I'm not afraid anymore, Patty.

And I know it's kind of sudden with the job

and all that's happened, but I feel

like I'm ready for a family.

I know I can take care of you.

I love you.

I love you too.

The movie's starting.

That didn't use to stop us.

We didn't used to sleep together either.

Is that an invitation?

Mm, yes.

Accepted.

[inaudible]

[laughter]

[music playing]

Hey, turn it down.

[SHOUTING AND LOUD MUSIC

PLAYING]

Turn it down, would you?

We're trying to hear the movie.

Hey, you got a problem, man?

I don't have a problem.

We're just trying to hear the movie, OK?

Keep it down.

[music gets louder]

Turn it down!

[music gets softer]

You got a bad attitude, man.

You know, we're just a few citizens

watching a movie trying to have a good time.

And you come out of nowhere scream and shouting demands?

We're just trying to watch the movie, OK?

(IN A MOCKING VOICE) We're just trying to listen

to the movie, all right?

I'll tell you, what, man.

Get out of your car, be a man, and then tell me what to do.

I want to go.

Wayne, please.

I want to go.

[car starts]

Wayne, you did the right thing.

When is running away ever the right thing? ?

There were five gang members looking for a fight.

Just forget about it.

[honking and old music]

It's those punks from the drive-in, they followed us.

[bang]

[bang]

[bang]

[music playing]

Breakfast will be ready in a minute.

I'm going to skip breakfast this morning.

I got a presentation to make, and I want to review it.

Oh, hey, you're not still upset about last night,

are you?

No, no, you were right.

That's history.

Good.

Well, don't forget to pick up the tuxedo after work.

Tomorrow is the big night.

I'll remember.

I got to get going.

OK.

See you after work.

And don't forget--

Pick up the tuxedo.

Sorry.

You should be.

I'll see you later.

[music playing]

Will you look at this?

I pick up this tuxedo at the rental place.

Look at these sleeves.

Couldn't you just use the stuff to make it fit?

I could, but I think you'll look funny with a little bitty

short arms, you know.

Oh, that's cute, Jonathan.

That's really cute.

Come on, I have to give Wayne Man of the Year Award,

they asked me to.

I can't-- [telephone ringing]

That's the phone.

I know that's the phone.

What?

Well, you're not sure of that?

All right, I'll tell you what, you stay right where you are.

We'll find him.

And don't worry.

Jonathan, that was Patty.

Wayne didn't show up for work today, and she's afraid.

Jonathan?

Jonathan?

[music playing]

[chatter]

[laughter]

[gun cocking]

Who the hell are you?

I'm the old man, remember?

The one you tried to ride off the street last night.

That was you?

You ain't got no legs, man.

No wonder you couldn't fight.

Don't try it, vato.

I'll tear your legs off just like mine.

What are you going to do?

Are you going to take us down right here?

You going to kill us all?

That's right.

But first, you're going to know why.

Yeah, tell them why, Wayne.

I want to hear it too.

Jonathan.

Go on, tell them.

Tell them how you went to Vietnam

and had your legs blown off.

And you came home and found out nobody really gave a damn.

Don't try it.

Get out of here, Jonathan.

Oh, don't worry about me being in here, Wayne.

Go on, waste them.

It'll make you feel better.

Get some revenge on the little scum over here

who humiliated you in front of your wife.

Of course, don't expect the newspapers to say that.

Now they're going to say it was just another whacked out,

'Nam vet that went over the edge.

I don't give a damn what they say.

Of course not.

The only thing that's important to you

is to prove you're still a man.

Oh, Patty's going to be proud of you, Wayne.

She can tell everybody how you had a wife who loved you,

that you had people who needed you,

but that didn't mean anything.

The only thing that was important

was killing hoods like this.

A hell of a waste of your life, Wayne.

[music playing]

Hey, man.

Wait a minute.

Gracias, man.

De nada.

It's time to introduce Wayne.

Come on, Jon, you do it.

I'm not supposed to do it, you're

supposed to introduce him.

But I can't get up there.

Why can't you get up there?

My sleeves.

Just go introduce him, huh?

May I have your attention, please?

Your attention?

It gives me great pleasure to introduce Man

of the Year, Wayne Seacrest.

[applause]

I want to thank you all for this very great honor.

There's no question that throughout our lives,

we're continually learning new lessons.

We have to in order to grow as human beings.

That's why we have to go out and teach--

never stop teaching.

Making each other aware of the special needs and problems

of handicapped people.

How else can we learn unless we know?

Give us a chance to get to work, and we'll do the job.

Give us a chance to be a part of the world,

we'll make it a better world.

[applause]

I learned a lesson about myself last night.

I learned your manhood isn't measured by your legs.

It's not your ability to stand tall and face a fight.

Your manhood, your humanness, it's in the mind.

[music playing]

It's in the heart.

It's in your soul.

Thank you very much.

[applause]