Children Of A Lesser God (1986) Movie Script
[Bell Rings]
This is the most amazing
resume I've ever seen.
I've been with some really
good schools. The best.
All of them.
All of the best.
One right
after another.
And you've also been
with the Lucky Erin
Bar and Grill.
Pittsburgh. Bartender.
And a disc jockey.
In Oklahoma.
I used to broadcast
in sign language.
You've been
all over the map.
I've got
a lot of energy.
I'm sure you do have
a lot of energy
and a lot of new ideas.
I did, too, when...
But nobody's trying to change
the world around here.
Just trying to help
a few deaf kids
get along a little better,
that's all.
Everything else
is razzle-dazzle.
Am I, uh...
am I making
myself clear?
Yes, I believe
that you are.
[Buzzing]
Are we being punished?
Hi.
I'm James Leeds, and...
my signing is rusty,
so how many of you
can read lips?
No one? O.K.
Class dismissed.
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
Just testing.
Sit down.
Lydia and Tony,
good lip readers.
Would you mind
closing your notebook?
Thank you.
Now, give me
one good reason
why we should learn to
speak. Tony.
To pick up
hearing girls.
To pick up hearing girls.
O.K. Let's work on this.
All right. Now...
here.
You.
You.
O.K. Here are two
beautiful hearing girls.
You two guys
want to pick them up.
What is the first thing
you want to say, Danny?
Are you rich?
Are you r-i-i-ch?
Say it.
Rich.
Good. Lydia.
I'm very rich.
Good. Tony.
Let's go somewhere
and do it.
No, thank you.
Let's go somewhere
and do it- t.
I would rather
do it with her.
Cute.
How about you guys?
You want to join us?
They don't talk.
Fair enough.
O.K. Reasons to talk.
Right.
If your hands
are occupied.
For example,
some guy owes you money.
He comes by,
but you just happen
to be in a handstand.
How will you tell him
to give you your money?
You can't use your hands.
You've got to speak.
Give me my money,
you bum.
Call me names,
will you?
I don't have to stand here
and take that.
You want to fight, huh?
O.K. Put up your feet
and fight like a man.
See?
[Crash]
Take your pots...
and your lousy food
and shove them...
Doesn't mince words,
does she?
Mr. Leeds.
Mr. Leeds.
Oh, Leeds!
Leeds!
Join us.
Sure. O.K.
Sorry.
Good thing you're
out of my classroom.
Sit down, James.
Mary Lee Ochs,
Assistant Superintendent.
Orin Dennis, math
and social studies.
James Leeds.
Leeds. Hi.
Did I hear
Miss Ochs say
you were
one of her students?
Yes. I started here
at 5.
Really? Wow, that's
great. I'm impressed.
For still
being here?
Not what I meant.
See you all later.
Bye.
Who is that?
That's Sarah.
Never mind her.
She's a pain
in the ass.
But who is she?
What does she do?
She works here.
Orin,
I've got an idea.
How about the kids making
potholders for parents' day?
They don't sell.
We've got hundreds left from last year.
We do? Oh.
We do? Oh.
Sarah came here
at 5, too.
We grew up together.
Is she a teacher, too?
She was one of our
brightest students.
Would you give me
some of the water?
Thank you.
Leeds, you're a genius.
You will work.
[Classical Music Plays]
Ooh.
Yeah.
Mr. Bach.
Hear that...
cat?
Ooh.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang.
Again. Faster.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang.
One more time,
faster.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang.
Great. Right.
That is great.
Brilliant.
My Lydia.
Come here, Lydia.
O.K. Put your hands
on the speaker. Come on.
[Music Plays]
Feel that?
Good.
Feel it.
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn,
turn around now
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Use your voice.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Yeah.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
My heart can feel ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Close enough
to steal ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Don't slip by, now
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Don't you know that I'll
be comin'back to find ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
You know a boy
can change direction
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Givin'you
love and affection
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Bein'sweeter
Sweeter
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn,
turn around now
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh, your love
can turn around
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh, my love is
gonna catch ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
It's comin'back
to get ya
It's good
that I met ya
Not givin'up
'Cause now I'm gonna
try to get ya
You know a boy
can change direction
Bringin'you
love and protection
Baby, baby, baby
A drip.
[Very Loud]
Oh! What a drip!
No. No. No! No!
That's not what I meant.
I just wanted
to introduce myself.
I'm James Leeds.
It's Sarah, isn't it?
Would you like
to sit down?
Right here.
O.K. We'll both stand up.
Oh, I see.
Very good.
You got me there.
Could you
look at me, please?
If you don't
look at me, I can't...
So, um...
Dr. Franklin tells me
that you've been here
since you were 5.
Mm-hmm.
Um...
when did you graduate?
And, uh, now... now...
now you work here?
Are you reading
my lips?
I don't think that
you are reading my lips.
Ohhh...
Gee, that was quick of me,
wasn't it?
You could've told me.
Why? I don't know.
How about common courtesy?
How about me
getting out of here
so you can
mop the floor?
Man...
you know,
if you let me,
I bet I could teach you
how to speak.
And you could teach me...
but I don't want
to mop the floor.
Gee, that was quick.
And you don't
want to speak.
Brilliant.
Schmuck.
It's a damn shame.
Costly, too.
Resodding
is damn costly.
No. I'm talking
about Sarah Norman.
Right. Sarah.
Look at this, will you?
What a mess.
Has she ever
tried speaking?
Sarah's not
hard of hearing.
She's totally deaf.
Born that way.
That makes it tough.
The rain's
lousing up the fields.
It's a shame
that a bright woman
is stuck here
cleaning toilets.
Doesn't bother her.
Oh, no?
Look, hotshot,
not everyone
wants to be a star.
Sarah is content.
She had
a rotten childhood.
She was diagnosed
as retarded
until she was 7.
We let her know
how smart she was.
For what?
She's productive.
Pays taxes.
Oh, brother.
All right.
You want to try?
I'll talk to her.
Huh?
I'll talk to her.
Look at this.
Will you look at this?
Damn!
It's going to cost
$2,000 or $3,000 at least.
Oh, brother.
S-S-Sat.
Sat.
All right.
[Bell Rings]
That's good.
You have to work
on S's, though.
O.K.? Go. Out.
James, Sarah has agreed
to give you an hour.
She's really
looking forward to it.
You're really looking
forward to it, aren't you?
What did I tell you?
Well, uh...
have fun, Jim...
as usual.
Well, Sarah, uh...
yeah. I do mind, actually.
Fire laws and all that,
but you go right ahead.
Listen...
how would you like
to fake out Franklin,
make me look real good?
I'm sorry.
I didn't get that.
Uh...
if...
I...
don't...
sign... faster...
the hour will be over
before I finish
my opening speech.
No. I'm all out of jokes.
Good.
I'm not funny.
Oh, yeah?
If you could hear, you'd
think I was a scream.
You're deaf? Well, I'll
try to remember that.
I'll forget?
No, I won't.
Listen, um... why don't we
get this thing started here?
Well, thank you
for stopping by.
The pleasure was mine.
God.
My mama.
Your mama.
Great. Go.
Glen, who's your
favorite person?
Twisted Sister?
Twisted Sister?
It's the name
of the rock group.
Oh. Oh.
Try saying that.
Twisted Sister.
Glen, it takes courage.
I know.
Just give me
one sound.
One. "T."
"T."
Try.
"T."
"T."
Tweeh...
That's great.
That's great.
Yeah. Out of here.
Go.
Great.
Johnny?
Who's your
favorite person?
Princess Di?
Benji?
No.
Terminator?
Uh...
[Bell Rings]
Hey.
Hey, you want to play
stand up, sit down again?
Whoa, careful,
you almost smiled.
Ah, that's a girl.
That's the Sarah Norman
we all know and love.
If my jokes
are terrible
and my signing
is boring,
what are you
doing here?
There's a whole
empty beach.
Unbelievable.
I tried to call
your mother.
Hey. Hold it.
Wait. Wait.
I can't...
I didn't even talk to her.
O.K.?
I mean, can we stop this?
I mean, why can't we...
I mean, why can't we just...
why don't we...
why don't we...
go out and have
some dinner tonight?
Huh? Just give me
a yes or a no.
Yes?
Good.
I think.
O.K. Um...
I will meet you
behind, uh...
the girls' dormitory,
I will whisper
your name.
Hey!
I know that sign.
That's the first sign
I ever learned.
It's in Italian.
Can I suggest something?
Will you
give me a break?
My Italian is worse
than my signing.
The veal piccata
is very good.
Look. I'm sorry.
V-E-A-L P-I-C-C-A-T-A.
I mean, you see,
by the time I finish,
they may be out of it.
It's veal. It's, uh...
sauteed in lemon
and butter.
What's veal?
Uh... God.
What the hell is veal?
Um...
Good evening.
Something to drink
this evening?
You want something
to drink, Sarah?
Our house wine
is very nice.
You want some wine?
Yeah. It's O.K.
Uh, white wine.
We'll take a carafe,
please.
He doesn't think
you're stupid.
He thinks
you're deaf.
No. Only stupid
hearing people
think that deaf
people are stupid.
Do you really like
being a cleaning woman?
Why?
Yeah. I mean,
there are other jobs
where a person can
work alone in silence.
Not with toilet bowl
cleaner?
You should have told me
that was the attraction.
You are smart as hell,
you know?
You want to dance?
Can you feel it?
Vibrations...
through your nose!
Ain't nobody worried
Ain't no smilin' faces
I'm not good at this.
And you are. Great.
Lyin' to the races
Help me
Come on
Come on
Somebody
help me, now
I'll take you there
Help me, y'all
I'll take you there
Help me, now
I'll take you there
Oh... ooh
I'll take you there
Oh, oh
Mercy
I'll take you there
Oh
Let me take you there
I'll take you there
Oh
Let me
Take you there
Play it, Larry
Play your
Play your piano, now
All right
Ah
Do it
Do it
Come on, now
Play on it
Play on it
Daddy, now
Daddy, Daddy, Daddy
Mmm
Mmm
Ooh, Lord
All right
Now
Oh, I
I know a place, y'all
I'll take you there
Ain't nobody
worried, y'all
I'll take you there
Mercy, now
I'll take you there
I'm callin'
Callin', callin' for mercy
I'll take you there
Mercy, mercy
I'll take you there
I've been
Loving you
Too long
To stop now
You were tied
And you want to be free
My love
is going strong, girl
As you become
a habit to me
Ooh, I'm loving you
A little too long...
I don't know why
I became a speech teacher.
O.K.? Let's dance.
It's too hard
to dance and talk.
With you, my life...
Well, maybe I like
to hear myself talk.
Hmm?
Has been so wonderful
Can't stop now...
I am a really good
teacher, though.
You...
You should let me
help you.
What is that?
Lydia does not
talk like that.
Don't you want to be able to
get along in the world?
No one
wants my help?
That's your opinion.
That's fine.
You don't do anything
you can't do well?
I don't want
to stop now
Oh
Oh, oh
I've been loving you
A little too long
I don't want to stop...
Well, I would like
to walk with you.
It's...
my pleasure.
Mrs. Norman?
I'm James Leeds.
I didn't call again...
because I would've
hung up again.
It's 60 miles
here and back.
Please,
just five minutes.
I just got home
from work.
This is my time
to relax.
Discussing Sarah
is hardly relaxing.
Five minutes.
Well.
Well. Uh... let's see.
You haven't seen Sarah
in eight years?
Let's get this straight.
Sarah doesn't want
to see me.
Has she said why?
We don't communicate
very well.
Did you ever learn
to sign?
Some of the parents...
I'm really sick
of you people
coming here
every few years
asking the same
questions,
blaming me.
God. No one's
blaming you.
Of course they are.
They can't blame themselves.
So, it's all
my fault.
Fine. I don't
give a damn anymore.
I really just came
to ask one question.
What happened when
Sarah tried to speak?
What happened?
She looked awful.
She sounded awful.
People made fun of her.
What do you think?
Who made fun of her?
Other kids.
Her sister's friends.
Then she stopped
trying to talk.
She's very pretty,
you know.
Her sister Ruth had
a bunch of boys hanging around,
and they started
asking Sarah out
when she came home
on weekends.
It was wonderful
for her.
The boys really
liked her.
They treated her
just like they treated Ruth...
with respect.
If you didn't know
there was a problem,
you would've thought
she's perfectly normal.
Hi.
It's true.
I'm early today.
No. Don't go.
I wanted to talk
to you, anyway.
No. I want to hel...
work with you.
I understand
that you're scared.
I understand nothing.
Sarah! Come back here.
Sarah.
Yelling at the back
of a deaf person.
Very good, James.
He's been at
all the best schools.
Why did you stop
going home?
Did your sister's
friends,
those boys that you
were going out with,
did they have anything
to do with it?
Yes. I talked
to your mother.
Please, let me
help you, damn it!
How?
By showing you
the joys of sex
with a hearing man?
I think that's
one language you don't speak.
Yeah, O.K. I'm so...
Come on.
I can take it.
You have more than enough
communication skills.
I don't.
They never did?
O.K.
[Stamps Floor]
Hey!
Who is they?
Hearing boys?
They could never be bothered
to learn my language.
I was always expected
to learn to speak.
Well, I don't speak.
Sex was always
something I could do
as well as hearing girls.
Better!
At first,
I let them have me
because they wanted to.
Before long,
the boys were lined up
on a waiting list
my sister kept for me.
No introduction, no talk.
Just went
to a dark place and...
They didn't even take me out
for a Coke first.
That's not what
I wanted to know about you.
I thought I was
such a big deal...
coming on to the deaf girl,
giving her a thrill.
No, Sarah.
All the time,
you were laughing at me.
I was thinking,
"poor little deaf virgin
who spread her legs
for every..."
You think that I'm
threatened by that?
You think that I give
a good goddamn
that you fucked every
pimply-faced teenager?
I don't.
I don't give a shit!
Whoo.
Sarah, please
listen to me.
I'm not going away.
I did the wrong thing.
I'm sorry. I...
I don't know what to say.
Tell me what to say.
Sarah...
you are the most
mysterious, beautiful,
angry person
I have ever met.
I am falling in lo...
Sarah...
Sarah...
I am falling...
into the pool
with you!
God! What a fellow
has to go through.
My love will get ya
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ba-boom...
How are
things going, Jim?
Great. Just great.
Good. Good.
Glad to hear it.
We've got to have you
to the house.
I'd like that.
I warn you, though...
I'm a poker player.
So I've heard.
Are you a card player?
No, not really.
Tic-tac-toe's
my game.
So much the better, huh?
Well...
Thanks
for coming in, Jim.
We're really happy
to have you with us.
Thank you.
Uh-huh.
Oh, uh...
your size?
Yeah.
Be careful, Jimbo.
Right.
Don't fight it.
Relax.
[Tango Music Plays]
Daphne.
Hmm?
You're
leading again.
Sorry.
I got a funny
sensation in my toes...
like someone was barbecuing
them over a slow flame.
Let's throw another log
on the fire.
[Tango Music Plays]
Ole!
[Jim]
Ow! Ow, ow, ow.
You are...
the...
nicest person...
I've...
ever met.
Who, me?
I'm the nicest person
you've ever met?
That's the craziest thing
that I ever heard.
You thought after
what you told me...
that you'd
never see me again?
Here I am.
Yeah, I was in love,
but...
she broke my heart.
Oh. Yeah, I know.
Please don't
break my heart.
Did anyone
ever break yours?
You don't hurt
from other people?
You never hurt
from other people?
That's not true.
Sarah, I know
people have hurt you.
I know.
Suppose you admitted
that you hurt.
I'd...
shrivel up and...
I'll take care
of you, Sarah.
I'll take care of you.
What do you mean,
that was my foul?
You moved into me.
You want to call me
an asshole, say it.
No. Say it out loud.
Watch my lips.
Asshole.
Ah-hole.
Ass...
hole.
Ass-hole.
Great!
Asshole.
Good. It was
still your foul.
Asshole!
Did you know
that waves strike
the average beach
about 750,000 times
a day?
Wha...
That's true.
I just
made it up.
You do?
What do waves
sound like?
Whoo.
That is
what they sound like.
How did you
get to be so brilliant
and beautiful?
And pigheaded.
You're the most
stubborn person.
Yeah, you.
You're not stubborn? O.K.
Hi, beautiful.
What am I saying?
Wait.
Sarah,
that was a joke.
It wasn't funny.
O.K., I won't
do it again.
I promise.
Sarah...
I promise.
Come on!
Mr. Harrison!
How are you?
Couldn't be better,
Curtis.
Ah-ha.
Jim Harrison.
He donated
the chemistry lab.
Your boy Glen
is coming along.
He's a fine lad.
Has he changed
that idiotic haircut?
No. I like to give
the kids a lot of leeway.
Asshole!
Shit For Brains!
Look at
those shingles.
Guess they'll all
have to be replaced.
[Applause]
Thank you,
Mr. Jones' class
for your informative
demonstration
of the importance of
the four food groups.
has a special
treat for us.
[Rock Music Plays]
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn,
turn around now
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn around
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
My heart can feel ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Close enough
to steal ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Don't slip by, now
Don't you know that I'll
be comin'back to find ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
You know a boy
can change direction
Bringin'you
love and affection
Baby, baby
Ooh, and it's sweeter,
sweeter
Sweeter, sweeter
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn,
turn around now
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh, love
can turn around
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
My love
didn't catch ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
But it's
comin'back at ya
Like a boomerang, baby
Glen is singing.
It's really
a stupid song,
but he's
actually singing.
He's wonderful.
Love and protection
Baby, baby
Ooh, and it's sweeter,
sweeter
Sweeter, sweeter
Like a boomerang
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love is
such a strange thing
Love is
such a strange thing
You know it tries
to shoot you down
You know it tries
to shoot you down
Throw it
out a window
Throw it
out a window
And it
comes right back
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Baby, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Don't you know
that I'll find you
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh, love
can turn around, yeah
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can change your life
in a minute
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love will lock
your life up in it
Boomerang
Boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh, baby,
love can turn around
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn around
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Yeah
Your life right now
Like a boomerang,
baby...
I'm very impressed.
Anything that
works, Edward.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Comin'at you, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can
turn around on you
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Where did
they leave it?
In here.
Where in here?
What did they do?
Just a cut, huh?
It's five stitches,
huh?
You stupid son of...
She could have
seriously hurt herself...
in front
of a parent.
It's going
to stop now.
What? I don't know
what made her upset.
You've got no right
to mess her up!
She is not messed up.
I'm not
discussing this.
Nobody's going to fuck
with one of my students.
She's no student!
She's a 25-year-old woman!
Nobody's going to fuck
with one of my employees.
It's going to stop!
She's quitting her job!
She's what?
She's quitting.
She's moving in with me!
Oh.
Oh, I see.
She's going to be
your maid now, huh?
Jesus Christ, Franklin.
James, James...
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
That wasn't fair.
That wasn't fair
to Sarah, either.
I've seen this kind
of thing before.
It just
doesn't work!
This isn't
this kind of thing.
This is us.
This is Sarah and me.
I love her!
Sure, the kids
made me happy.
Is that
against the law?
I don't hate you
for not learning how to speak.
Sarah...
Sarah, I...
Iove you.
I need you.
Where are
your suitcases?
Aha!
[Stamps On Floor]
It's your suitcase.
You are moving in
with me today.
Here.
I'm packing
your clothes.
You'll need
some clothes.
Now, it's your turn.
Screw your job.
I got mine.
You can do
whatever you want.
Sarah...
what do you want?
Me.
You got me.
What else?
Children.
You want...
deaf children?
What do you
want me to say,
that I want
deaf children?
No, I don't.
But if they were,
that would be fine.
Ah.
Could you get me
some more, too?
I don't think
she heard me.
Mr. Leeds!
I don't think you're
an asshole anymore.
No?
No. I
think you're a...
dick-brain.
Dick-brain?
That's fantastic.
I got it right away.
Yeah, Dick-brain.
Really excellent.
Good work.
Choo choo choo choo.
Choo choo choo choo.
Machine, freeze.
Favorite candy, Tony.
Chunky.
Good. Go.
Freeze.
Favorite animal, Lydia.
Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Fine actor,
fine actor.
Go!
Freeze.
Favorite
football player...
Ooh.
Johnny.
Thank you, Johnny.
And favorite
football hero, Cheryl.
Billy "White Shoes"
Johnson.
Great choice. Go.
You ready?
No, Franklin will
not expect you to speak.
My God,
you look so gorgeous.
[Doorbell Rings]
I'll get it.
This is great.
I cannot believe this...
James.
And Sarah!
Oh, come in.
Come in, please.
Oh, Martha,
Sarah's here, too.
You've taught her
to play poker?
Not me.
She learned it
out of a book.
Well,
about that time.
Sarah knows
how to play poker?
It's good
to see you again.
You look... mmm!
Here.
Sit next to me.
No, no, no.
No couples together.
Let's break it up.
Come on,
break it up.
Sarah...
no cheating.
Don't start,
Curtis.
I've seen deaf people
cheat like bandits.
Come on.
Oh, yes.
Those little signs
that no one will see.
Very funny, Franklin.
Don't pay
attention to him.
With Jim, of course.
Together,
you can clean up.
Jim won't cheat.
He's not deaf.
That's very good.
Very good, Sarah.
Very good.
High card deals.
You're high.
You deal.
Nickel,
dime, and quarter.
All of them?
Yes. Ante up,
everybody.
Out of a book, huh?
Five card draw.
One-eyed jacks wild.
One-eyed jacks wild?
One-eyed jacks.
O.K.
You're doing
great with her, Jim.
Yeah,
what a change.
Pretty
impressive, James.
What about the poor
guys that lost?
Want these here
or in the kitchen?
No, I'll clean up.
It's no bother.
It's fine.
I can't believe
how well she played.
There goes my mad money.
Great.
James...
where can I get
a copy of that book?
You are smart.
She bluffed me.
I folded with
three of a kind.
Did you
teach her that?
Quite a coup, James.
A lesson for us all.
Oh, God.
God, I can't ever
get close enough.
Say my name.
Just once,
say my name.
I'm sorry.
I need it... I'm...
I know I promised.
I'm sorry.
I forgot. I...
I'm not lying.
I don't want
you to speak.
It just came out.
Please, it just...
I'm sorry.
Hike!
No. No.
I don't care!
They killed my brother.
Don't kill him!
Don't shoot!
They'll
shoot you, too!
Get out of my way!
Shoot please!
Do it for me!
[Gunshots]
Can we have some soda?
Yes.
[Telephone Rings]
The phone is ringing.
What?
The phone is ringing.
What phone?
The phone you can't hear
because it's so noisy.
Turn that
damn thing down.
Good grief.
What am I saying?
[Ring]
The phone is ringing.
The TV is blasting.
[Teakettle Whistles]
The kettle...
If someone would just fire
a bazooka through the window.
[Gunshots]
Can you hold on?
That would be great.
Water's boiling.
Hello.
What?
Ask him to hang on
for a second.
[Tires Squealing]
It's for you.
It's one of
the dorm counselors.
He's translating
a call from a deaf man.
It's Orin.
Lydia, Danny!
For god's sake...
It's over. Bye.
Thank God
for small favors.
O.K.
You still there?
Great.
You both ready?
We're both ready.
This is Sarah
speaking to Orin.
Hi.
Why are you calling?
I'm having a small
dinner party.
I want you
to come, please.
How about me,
please?
Don't translate
that to Orin.
Please.
No, I'm not
saying please.
Wait a minute.
That was Orin
saying please.
Look,
it's my fault.
I probably
sounded like myself
instead of like
the dorm counselor
sounding like Orin.
He wants you to come
to a party for...
Marian Loesser.
Please.
Great.
Um...
She is dying
to see you.
Bring James!
Friday at 7:00.
O.K. Fine.
We'll be there.
Yeah. Thank you.
My God.
Either I
just went deaf,
or it is suddenly
quiet in here.
I do not make
everything into a joke.
I possibly obscure...
How the hell
would you sign "obscure"?
Obscure.
I'm going to rest my hands
and my eyes
and listen to
You know...
I haven't turned on
my hi-fi since you...
Hold it.
That sounds like...
like I'm blaming you
for me not
listening to music.
Thank you.
I will.
I'll rest my hands...
and listen
to something beautiful.
[Bach Plays]
I can't enjoy it.
I can't,
because you can't.
[Bach Plays]
Show you the music?
Let's see...
I can't.
Don't be sad for you.
All right, I won't.
What should you
wear to the party?
I don't know.
Have I ever
heard of who?
Oh, Marian.
She's the lady the party's for?
No. Should I have?
She's very famous in
the deaf community.
Nice catch.
She has two Ph.D. s,
and she doesn't speak.
Take a look
at these.
Hungry?
I can't communicate
with someone
when my mind is busy
amusing itself.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
What do you hear?
I mean,
is it just silence?
No one has ever gotten
in there to find out?
Will you ever
let me in?
She's something,
isn't she?
Is she a lawyer
or something?
Uh-uh. An economist
in Washington.
A real math whiz.
How thrilling.
Yeah. It is.
I just feel like
everyone is talking
in some far northern
Hungarian dialect over there.
I know the feeling.
Just because I
wanted to leave,
doesn't mean you
wanted to leave.
All right.
Sarah, what the hell
is wrong with you tonight?
I'll wait.
Sure. Marian's great.
So what?
She has everything.
Education.
Great job. Money.
Well, I'll tell you one thing
that she has not got.
Me.
Oh, we're not talking
about me for once.
That's true.
Hey...
Let's crawl under
the covers, sweetheart,
and pretend
we're in some...
romantic, distant place.
We're not. We're here.
Right. O.K.
Let's deal with it.
What is making you
so miserable?
Oh...
Let's go to sleep?
No.
You can't start a bonfire
and then say night- night.
And you can't
start a bonfire
and then run away,
either.
Oh, you can do
anything you want?
Yeah, like what?
Nothing.
I can do nothing.
I'm equipped for nothing
and trained for nothing.
You feel like an idiot.
I treat you
like an idiot?
I pity you?
Wait a second.
And now you see Marian...
What about Marian?
Let you be you?
I don't?
I want you to be
a deaf person
so I can change you
into a hearing person?
I don't want
to help anybody.
I just want
to change and control...
Good night.
No...
you think that
I want you to speak.
And you just
want to be you?
Well, who
the hell are you?
Right.
[Stamps Floor]
What?
God, you want
to make love now?
Fuck you, lady.
Oh, that's what you want.
You understood that.
That didn't help much.
Oh, it helped you?
Great.
That's really wonderful.
Makes me happy.
What a night.
I think that helped.
Yeah? What have
you just decided?
No one's ever going
to speak for you again?
Come on.
How are you
going to manage?
Everyone's always
told me who I am,
and I let them.
"She wants, she thinks."
And most of the time
they were wrong.
They had no idea what
I said, wanted, thought.
And now they won't.
Well, that's all right.
I'll buy that.
No, I won't.
How could I?
Because I love you.
Love has nothing
to do with it?
That's wonderful.
Then what the hell
have we been doing?
Watch your hands?
It's hard to avoid them.
This sign...
to connect...
simple.
But it means
so much more
when I do this.
Now it means...
to be joined
in a relationship.
Separate, but one.
That's what I want.
But you think for me,
think for Sarah.
As though
there were no "I."
She will be with me,
quit her job,
learn how
to play poker,
leave Orin's party,
learn how to speak.
That's all you, not me.
Until you let me
be an "I,"
the way you are,
you can never come
inside my silence
and know me.
And I won't let
myself know you.
Until that time...
we can't be like this...
joined.
Well... that's
all very moving.
But...
how are you
going to manage?
You can lock yourself
back in your
precious silent castle...
I heard.
I heard every word,
goddamn it.
I translated
for myself.
It went
from your hands
into my brain
and out my mouth.
And you know what?
I think
you're lying.
I don't think
that you think
being deaf is so
goddamn wonderful.
I think that you're
scared to death to try.
I think it's nothing
but stupid pride
that's keeping you
from speaking right.
You want to be
on your own.
You don't want
to be pitied.
Then you learn
to read my lips
and use your mouth
for something
besides showing me
you're better
than hearing girls in bed.
Read my lips.
What am I saying?
What am...
You want to talk to me,
then you learn my
language.
Did you understand that?
You've probably been
reading lips for years.
But that's the great
control game, isn't it?
I'm the controller?
What a fucking joke.
Now, come on!
Speak to me!
Speak!
Speak to me!
Aah!
See my mouth?
Aah!
Hear my voice?
Aah!
Aah!
I'm not afraid!
Hot chocolate.
Your favorite.
Have you...
come...
home... to stay?
Of course you can.
As long as you like.
You need a job,
but there's nothing.
I'll... I'll... I'll help.
I... never helped.
Don't...
hurt me now.
The last time, you...
we...
sent you away because...
I didn't know...
how to...
take care of you.
Your father...
couldn't accept you.
He felt...
he'd failed.
You're right.
I hated you...
for...
driving him away.
Please...
forgive me.
[Telephone Rings]
[Ring]
Telephone.
What... What should I say?
[Ring]
[Ring]
[Ring]
Hello.
No...
I'm sorry, James.
No, she's not.
All right.
I'll call you
if I see her.
[Bach Plays]
Favorite books.
Favorite books.
Good.
Do you have any
favorite books, Glen?
Yeah.
Skull?
I'll put that
on my summer reading list.
I have to see her.
I know she doesn't
want to see me.
She's made that
very clear.
But I have
to see her.
She'll let you know
when she
wants to see you.
She's working now.
She's saving her money.
She wants
to go to college.
That's fine.
That's wonderful.
Um...
I've looked all over,
Mrs. Norman.
Please.
Spring cleaning.
How was your day?
Are you O.K.?
No.
You're not fine.
You're lonely.
[Music Box Plays]
He was here.
He misses you.
You don't know
what to do.
I think maybe you do.
Hold me
I'll give you all
that you need
Wrap your love
around me
You're so exciting
I can feel you
gettin'hotter
Oh, baby
I'll take you down
I'll take you down
Where no one's
ever gone before
And if you want more
If you want more
More
More
Betterjump
For my love
Jump in
And feel my touch
Jump
If you want to
taste my kisses
In the night, then
Jump for my love
Jump
I know my heart
can make you happy
Jump in
You know these arms
can fill you up
Jump
If you want to taste
my kisses
In the night, then
Jump
For my love
You told me
I'm the only
woman for you...
Have a good summer,
William.
Language skills
can be dangerous.
Use a little
common sense, O.K.?
I will, Mr. Leeds.
So long, William.
So long, Fuckface.
Betterjump
For my love
Jump in
And feel my touch
Jump
If you want to taste
my kisses
In the night, then
Jump
For my love, jump
I know my heart
can make you happy
Jump in
You know these arms
can fill you up
Jump
If you want to taste
my kisses
In the night, then
Jump
Jump, jump
Ooh, yeah
You know my heart
can make you happy
You know these arms
can fill you up
Jump in
If you want to taste
my kisses
In the night, dear
Jump
Jump for my love
Ooh-hoo
Come on and jump on in
Jump
You know
I need you...
You look beautiful.
You wanted to see me.
It was a shock,
seeing you in there.
I didn't
know what to do.
You were scared, too.
I hear that
Boomerang song.
Ooh, my love
can't catch ya
You've been angry
since you
were a little girl.
You didn't want
to hurt again,
so you
used your anger...
to push me away.
You're sorry.
I'm sorry...
for hurting you.
But you
learned from me.
You learned
that you can hurt...
and you won't shrivel up
and blow away.
I don't want to be
without you, either.
Do you think...
that we could
find a place...
where we can meet...
not in silence...
and not in sound?
[Waves Crashing]
This is the most amazing
resume I've ever seen.
I've been with some really
good schools. The best.
All of them.
All of the best.
One right
after another.
And you've also been
with the Lucky Erin
Bar and Grill.
Pittsburgh. Bartender.
And a disc jockey.
In Oklahoma.
I used to broadcast
in sign language.
You've been
all over the map.
I've got
a lot of energy.
I'm sure you do have
a lot of energy
and a lot of new ideas.
I did, too, when...
But nobody's trying to change
the world around here.
Just trying to help
a few deaf kids
get along a little better,
that's all.
Everything else
is razzle-dazzle.
Am I, uh...
am I making
myself clear?
Yes, I believe
that you are.
[Buzzing]
Are we being punished?
Hi.
I'm James Leeds, and...
my signing is rusty,
so how many of you
can read lips?
No one? O.K.
Class dismissed.
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
Just testing.
Sit down.
Lydia and Tony,
good lip readers.
Would you mind
closing your notebook?
Thank you.
Now, give me
one good reason
why we should learn to
speak. Tony.
To pick up
hearing girls.
To pick up hearing girls.
O.K. Let's work on this.
All right. Now...
here.
You.
You.
O.K. Here are two
beautiful hearing girls.
You two guys
want to pick them up.
What is the first thing
you want to say, Danny?
Are you rich?
Are you r-i-i-ch?
Say it.
Rich.
Good. Lydia.
I'm very rich.
Good. Tony.
Let's go somewhere
and do it.
No, thank you.
Let's go somewhere
and do it- t.
I would rather
do it with her.
Cute.
How about you guys?
You want to join us?
They don't talk.
Fair enough.
O.K. Reasons to talk.
Right.
If your hands
are occupied.
For example,
some guy owes you money.
He comes by,
but you just happen
to be in a handstand.
How will you tell him
to give you your money?
You can't use your hands.
You've got to speak.
Give me my money,
you bum.
Call me names,
will you?
I don't have to stand here
and take that.
You want to fight, huh?
O.K. Put up your feet
and fight like a man.
See?
[Crash]
Take your pots...
and your lousy food
and shove them...
Doesn't mince words,
does she?
Mr. Leeds.
Mr. Leeds.
Oh, Leeds!
Leeds!
Join us.
Sure. O.K.
Sorry.
Good thing you're
out of my classroom.
Sit down, James.
Mary Lee Ochs,
Assistant Superintendent.
Orin Dennis, math
and social studies.
James Leeds.
Leeds. Hi.
Did I hear
Miss Ochs say
you were
one of her students?
Yes. I started here
at 5.
Really? Wow, that's
great. I'm impressed.
For still
being here?
Not what I meant.
See you all later.
Bye.
Who is that?
That's Sarah.
Never mind her.
She's a pain
in the ass.
But who is she?
What does she do?
She works here.
Orin,
I've got an idea.
How about the kids making
potholders for parents' day?
They don't sell.
We've got hundreds left from last year.
We do? Oh.
We do? Oh.
Sarah came here
at 5, too.
We grew up together.
Is she a teacher, too?
She was one of our
brightest students.
Would you give me
some of the water?
Thank you.
Leeds, you're a genius.
You will work.
[Classical Music Plays]
Ooh.
Yeah.
Mr. Bach.
Hear that...
cat?
Ooh.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang.
Again. Faster.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang.
One more time,
faster.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang.
Great. Right.
That is great.
Brilliant.
My Lydia.
Come here, Lydia.
O.K. Put your hands
on the speaker. Come on.
[Music Plays]
Feel that?
Good.
Feel it.
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn,
turn around now
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Use your voice.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Yeah.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
My heart can feel ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Close enough
to steal ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Don't slip by, now
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Don't you know that I'll
be comin'back to find ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
You know a boy
can change direction
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Givin'you
love and affection
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Bein'sweeter
Sweeter
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn,
turn around now
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh, your love
can turn around
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh, my love is
gonna catch ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
It's comin'back
to get ya
It's good
that I met ya
Not givin'up
'Cause now I'm gonna
try to get ya
You know a boy
can change direction
Bringin'you
love and protection
Baby, baby, baby
A drip.
[Very Loud]
Oh! What a drip!
No. No. No! No!
That's not what I meant.
I just wanted
to introduce myself.
I'm James Leeds.
It's Sarah, isn't it?
Would you like
to sit down?
Right here.
O.K. We'll both stand up.
Oh, I see.
Very good.
You got me there.
Could you
look at me, please?
If you don't
look at me, I can't...
So, um...
Dr. Franklin tells me
that you've been here
since you were 5.
Mm-hmm.
Um...
when did you graduate?
And, uh, now... now...
now you work here?
Are you reading
my lips?
I don't think that
you are reading my lips.
Ohhh...
Gee, that was quick of me,
wasn't it?
You could've told me.
Why? I don't know.
How about common courtesy?
How about me
getting out of here
so you can
mop the floor?
Man...
you know,
if you let me,
I bet I could teach you
how to speak.
And you could teach me...
but I don't want
to mop the floor.
Gee, that was quick.
And you don't
want to speak.
Brilliant.
Schmuck.
It's a damn shame.
Costly, too.
Resodding
is damn costly.
No. I'm talking
about Sarah Norman.
Right. Sarah.
Look at this, will you?
What a mess.
Has she ever
tried speaking?
Sarah's not
hard of hearing.
She's totally deaf.
Born that way.
That makes it tough.
The rain's
lousing up the fields.
It's a shame
that a bright woman
is stuck here
cleaning toilets.
Doesn't bother her.
Oh, no?
Look, hotshot,
not everyone
wants to be a star.
Sarah is content.
She had
a rotten childhood.
She was diagnosed
as retarded
until she was 7.
We let her know
how smart she was.
For what?
She's productive.
Pays taxes.
Oh, brother.
All right.
You want to try?
I'll talk to her.
Huh?
I'll talk to her.
Look at this.
Will you look at this?
Damn!
It's going to cost
$2,000 or $3,000 at least.
Oh, brother.
S-S-Sat.
Sat.
All right.
[Bell Rings]
That's good.
You have to work
on S's, though.
O.K.? Go. Out.
James, Sarah has agreed
to give you an hour.
She's really
looking forward to it.
You're really looking
forward to it, aren't you?
What did I tell you?
Well, uh...
have fun, Jim...
as usual.
Well, Sarah, uh...
yeah. I do mind, actually.
Fire laws and all that,
but you go right ahead.
Listen...
how would you like
to fake out Franklin,
make me look real good?
I'm sorry.
I didn't get that.
Uh...
if...
I...
don't...
sign... faster...
the hour will be over
before I finish
my opening speech.
No. I'm all out of jokes.
Good.
I'm not funny.
Oh, yeah?
If you could hear, you'd
think I was a scream.
You're deaf? Well, I'll
try to remember that.
I'll forget?
No, I won't.
Listen, um... why don't we
get this thing started here?
Well, thank you
for stopping by.
The pleasure was mine.
God.
My mama.
Your mama.
Great. Go.
Glen, who's your
favorite person?
Twisted Sister?
Twisted Sister?
It's the name
of the rock group.
Oh. Oh.
Try saying that.
Twisted Sister.
Glen, it takes courage.
I know.
Just give me
one sound.
One. "T."
"T."
Try.
"T."
"T."
Tweeh...
That's great.
That's great.
Yeah. Out of here.
Go.
Great.
Johnny?
Who's your
favorite person?
Princess Di?
Benji?
No.
Terminator?
Uh...
[Bell Rings]
Hey.
Hey, you want to play
stand up, sit down again?
Whoa, careful,
you almost smiled.
Ah, that's a girl.
That's the Sarah Norman
we all know and love.
If my jokes
are terrible
and my signing
is boring,
what are you
doing here?
There's a whole
empty beach.
Unbelievable.
I tried to call
your mother.
Hey. Hold it.
Wait. Wait.
I can't...
I didn't even talk to her.
O.K.?
I mean, can we stop this?
I mean, why can't we...
I mean, why can't we just...
why don't we...
why don't we...
go out and have
some dinner tonight?
Huh? Just give me
a yes or a no.
Yes?
Good.
I think.
O.K. Um...
I will meet you
behind, uh...
the girls' dormitory,
I will whisper
your name.
Hey!
I know that sign.
That's the first sign
I ever learned.
It's in Italian.
Can I suggest something?
Will you
give me a break?
My Italian is worse
than my signing.
The veal piccata
is very good.
Look. I'm sorry.
V-E-A-L P-I-C-C-A-T-A.
I mean, you see,
by the time I finish,
they may be out of it.
It's veal. It's, uh...
sauteed in lemon
and butter.
What's veal?
Uh... God.
What the hell is veal?
Um...
Good evening.
Something to drink
this evening?
You want something
to drink, Sarah?
Our house wine
is very nice.
You want some wine?
Yeah. It's O.K.
Uh, white wine.
We'll take a carafe,
please.
He doesn't think
you're stupid.
He thinks
you're deaf.
No. Only stupid
hearing people
think that deaf
people are stupid.
Do you really like
being a cleaning woman?
Why?
Yeah. I mean,
there are other jobs
where a person can
work alone in silence.
Not with toilet bowl
cleaner?
You should have told me
that was the attraction.
You are smart as hell,
you know?
You want to dance?
Can you feel it?
Vibrations...
through your nose!
Ain't nobody worried
Ain't no smilin' faces
I'm not good at this.
And you are. Great.
Lyin' to the races
Help me
Come on
Come on
Somebody
help me, now
I'll take you there
Help me, y'all
I'll take you there
Help me, now
I'll take you there
Oh... ooh
I'll take you there
Oh, oh
Mercy
I'll take you there
Oh
Let me take you there
I'll take you there
Oh
Let me
Take you there
Play it, Larry
Play your
Play your piano, now
All right
Ah
Do it
Do it
Come on, now
Play on it
Play on it
Daddy, now
Daddy, Daddy, Daddy
Mmm
Mmm
Ooh, Lord
All right
Now
Oh, I
I know a place, y'all
I'll take you there
Ain't nobody
worried, y'all
I'll take you there
Mercy, now
I'll take you there
I'm callin'
Callin', callin' for mercy
I'll take you there
Mercy, mercy
I'll take you there
I've been
Loving you
Too long
To stop now
You were tied
And you want to be free
My love
is going strong, girl
As you become
a habit to me
Ooh, I'm loving you
A little too long...
I don't know why
I became a speech teacher.
O.K.? Let's dance.
It's too hard
to dance and talk.
With you, my life...
Well, maybe I like
to hear myself talk.
Hmm?
Has been so wonderful
Can't stop now...
I am a really good
teacher, though.
You...
You should let me
help you.
What is that?
Lydia does not
talk like that.
Don't you want to be able to
get along in the world?
No one
wants my help?
That's your opinion.
That's fine.
You don't do anything
you can't do well?
I don't want
to stop now
Oh
Oh, oh
I've been loving you
A little too long
I don't want to stop...
Well, I would like
to walk with you.
It's...
my pleasure.
Mrs. Norman?
I'm James Leeds.
I didn't call again...
because I would've
hung up again.
It's 60 miles
here and back.
Please,
just five minutes.
I just got home
from work.
This is my time
to relax.
Discussing Sarah
is hardly relaxing.
Five minutes.
Well.
Well. Uh... let's see.
You haven't seen Sarah
in eight years?
Let's get this straight.
Sarah doesn't want
to see me.
Has she said why?
We don't communicate
very well.
Did you ever learn
to sign?
Some of the parents...
I'm really sick
of you people
coming here
every few years
asking the same
questions,
blaming me.
God. No one's
blaming you.
Of course they are.
They can't blame themselves.
So, it's all
my fault.
Fine. I don't
give a damn anymore.
I really just came
to ask one question.
What happened when
Sarah tried to speak?
What happened?
She looked awful.
She sounded awful.
People made fun of her.
What do you think?
Who made fun of her?
Other kids.
Her sister's friends.
Then she stopped
trying to talk.
She's very pretty,
you know.
Her sister Ruth had
a bunch of boys hanging around,
and they started
asking Sarah out
when she came home
on weekends.
It was wonderful
for her.
The boys really
liked her.
They treated her
just like they treated Ruth...
with respect.
If you didn't know
there was a problem,
you would've thought
she's perfectly normal.
Hi.
It's true.
I'm early today.
No. Don't go.
I wanted to talk
to you, anyway.
No. I want to hel...
work with you.
I understand
that you're scared.
I understand nothing.
Sarah! Come back here.
Sarah.
Yelling at the back
of a deaf person.
Very good, James.
He's been at
all the best schools.
Why did you stop
going home?
Did your sister's
friends,
those boys that you
were going out with,
did they have anything
to do with it?
Yes. I talked
to your mother.
Please, let me
help you, damn it!
How?
By showing you
the joys of sex
with a hearing man?
I think that's
one language you don't speak.
Yeah, O.K. I'm so...
Come on.
I can take it.
You have more than enough
communication skills.
I don't.
They never did?
O.K.
[Stamps Floor]
Hey!
Who is they?
Hearing boys?
They could never be bothered
to learn my language.
I was always expected
to learn to speak.
Well, I don't speak.
Sex was always
something I could do
as well as hearing girls.
Better!
At first,
I let them have me
because they wanted to.
Before long,
the boys were lined up
on a waiting list
my sister kept for me.
No introduction, no talk.
Just went
to a dark place and...
They didn't even take me out
for a Coke first.
That's not what
I wanted to know about you.
I thought I was
such a big deal...
coming on to the deaf girl,
giving her a thrill.
No, Sarah.
All the time,
you were laughing at me.
I was thinking,
"poor little deaf virgin
who spread her legs
for every..."
You think that I'm
threatened by that?
You think that I give
a good goddamn
that you fucked every
pimply-faced teenager?
I don't.
I don't give a shit!
Whoo.
Sarah, please
listen to me.
I'm not going away.
I did the wrong thing.
I'm sorry. I...
I don't know what to say.
Tell me what to say.
Sarah...
you are the most
mysterious, beautiful,
angry person
I have ever met.
I am falling in lo...
Sarah...
Sarah...
I am falling...
into the pool
with you!
God! What a fellow
has to go through.
My love will get ya
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ba-boom...
How are
things going, Jim?
Great. Just great.
Good. Good.
Glad to hear it.
We've got to have you
to the house.
I'd like that.
I warn you, though...
I'm a poker player.
So I've heard.
Are you a card player?
No, not really.
Tic-tac-toe's
my game.
So much the better, huh?
Well...
Thanks
for coming in, Jim.
We're really happy
to have you with us.
Thank you.
Uh-huh.
Oh, uh...
your size?
Yeah.
Be careful, Jimbo.
Right.
Don't fight it.
Relax.
[Tango Music Plays]
Daphne.
Hmm?
You're
leading again.
Sorry.
I got a funny
sensation in my toes...
like someone was barbecuing
them over a slow flame.
Let's throw another log
on the fire.
[Tango Music Plays]
Ole!
[Jim]
Ow! Ow, ow, ow.
You are...
the...
nicest person...
I've...
ever met.
Who, me?
I'm the nicest person
you've ever met?
That's the craziest thing
that I ever heard.
You thought after
what you told me...
that you'd
never see me again?
Here I am.
Yeah, I was in love,
but...
she broke my heart.
Oh. Yeah, I know.
Please don't
break my heart.
Did anyone
ever break yours?
You don't hurt
from other people?
You never hurt
from other people?
That's not true.
Sarah, I know
people have hurt you.
I know.
Suppose you admitted
that you hurt.
I'd...
shrivel up and...
I'll take care
of you, Sarah.
I'll take care of you.
What do you mean,
that was my foul?
You moved into me.
You want to call me
an asshole, say it.
No. Say it out loud.
Watch my lips.
Asshole.
Ah-hole.
Ass...
hole.
Ass-hole.
Great!
Asshole.
Good. It was
still your foul.
Asshole!
Did you know
that waves strike
the average beach
about 750,000 times
a day?
Wha...
That's true.
I just
made it up.
You do?
What do waves
sound like?
Whoo.
That is
what they sound like.
How did you
get to be so brilliant
and beautiful?
And pigheaded.
You're the most
stubborn person.
Yeah, you.
You're not stubborn? O.K.
Hi, beautiful.
What am I saying?
Wait.
Sarah,
that was a joke.
It wasn't funny.
O.K., I won't
do it again.
I promise.
Sarah...
I promise.
Come on!
Mr. Harrison!
How are you?
Couldn't be better,
Curtis.
Ah-ha.
Jim Harrison.
He donated
the chemistry lab.
Your boy Glen
is coming along.
He's a fine lad.
Has he changed
that idiotic haircut?
No. I like to give
the kids a lot of leeway.
Asshole!
Shit For Brains!
Look at
those shingles.
Guess they'll all
have to be replaced.
[Applause]
Thank you,
Mr. Jones' class
for your informative
demonstration
of the importance of
the four food groups.
has a special
treat for us.
[Rock Music Plays]
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn,
turn around now
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn around
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
My heart can feel ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Close enough
to steal ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Don't slip by, now
Don't you know that I'll
be comin'back to find ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
You know a boy
can change direction
Bringin'you
love and affection
Baby, baby
Ooh, and it's sweeter,
sweeter
Sweeter, sweeter
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn,
turn around now
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh, love
can turn around
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
My love
didn't catch ya
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
But it's
comin'back at ya
Like a boomerang, baby
Glen is singing.
It's really
a stupid song,
but he's
actually singing.
He's wonderful.
Love and protection
Baby, baby
Ooh, and it's sweeter,
sweeter
Sweeter, sweeter
Like a boomerang
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love is
such a strange thing
Love is
such a strange thing
You know it tries
to shoot you down
You know it tries
to shoot you down
Throw it
out a window
Throw it
out a window
And it
comes right back
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Baby, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Don't you know
that I'll find you
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Like a boomerang, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh, love
can turn around, yeah
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can change your life
in a minute
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love will lock
your life up in it
Boomerang
Boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Ooh, baby,
love can turn around
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can turn around
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Yeah
Your life right now
Like a boomerang,
baby...
I'm very impressed.
Anything that
works, Edward.
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Comin'at you, baby
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Love can
turn around on you
Ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang
Where did
they leave it?
In here.
Where in here?
What did they do?
Just a cut, huh?
It's five stitches,
huh?
You stupid son of...
She could have
seriously hurt herself...
in front
of a parent.
It's going
to stop now.
What? I don't know
what made her upset.
You've got no right
to mess her up!
She is not messed up.
I'm not
discussing this.
Nobody's going to fuck
with one of my students.
She's no student!
She's a 25-year-old woman!
Nobody's going to fuck
with one of my employees.
It's going to stop!
She's quitting her job!
She's what?
She's quitting.
She's moving in with me!
Oh.
Oh, I see.
She's going to be
your maid now, huh?
Jesus Christ, Franklin.
James, James...
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
That wasn't fair.
That wasn't fair
to Sarah, either.
I've seen this kind
of thing before.
It just
doesn't work!
This isn't
this kind of thing.
This is us.
This is Sarah and me.
I love her!
Sure, the kids
made me happy.
Is that
against the law?
I don't hate you
for not learning how to speak.
Sarah...
Sarah, I...
Iove you.
I need you.
Where are
your suitcases?
Aha!
[Stamps On Floor]
It's your suitcase.
You are moving in
with me today.
Here.
I'm packing
your clothes.
You'll need
some clothes.
Now, it's your turn.
Screw your job.
I got mine.
You can do
whatever you want.
Sarah...
what do you want?
Me.
You got me.
What else?
Children.
You want...
deaf children?
What do you
want me to say,
that I want
deaf children?
No, I don't.
But if they were,
that would be fine.
Ah.
Could you get me
some more, too?
I don't think
she heard me.
Mr. Leeds!
I don't think you're
an asshole anymore.
No?
No. I
think you're a...
dick-brain.
Dick-brain?
That's fantastic.
I got it right away.
Yeah, Dick-brain.
Really excellent.
Good work.
Choo choo choo choo.
Choo choo choo choo.
Machine, freeze.
Favorite candy, Tony.
Chunky.
Good. Go.
Freeze.
Favorite animal, Lydia.
Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Fine actor,
fine actor.
Go!
Freeze.
Favorite
football player...
Ooh.
Johnny.
Thank you, Johnny.
And favorite
football hero, Cheryl.
Billy "White Shoes"
Johnson.
Great choice. Go.
You ready?
No, Franklin will
not expect you to speak.
My God,
you look so gorgeous.
[Doorbell Rings]
I'll get it.
This is great.
I cannot believe this...
James.
And Sarah!
Oh, come in.
Come in, please.
Oh, Martha,
Sarah's here, too.
You've taught her
to play poker?
Not me.
She learned it
out of a book.
Well,
about that time.
Sarah knows
how to play poker?
It's good
to see you again.
You look... mmm!
Here.
Sit next to me.
No, no, no.
No couples together.
Let's break it up.
Come on,
break it up.
Sarah...
no cheating.
Don't start,
Curtis.
I've seen deaf people
cheat like bandits.
Come on.
Oh, yes.
Those little signs
that no one will see.
Very funny, Franklin.
Don't pay
attention to him.
With Jim, of course.
Together,
you can clean up.
Jim won't cheat.
He's not deaf.
That's very good.
Very good, Sarah.
Very good.
High card deals.
You're high.
You deal.
Nickel,
dime, and quarter.
All of them?
Yes. Ante up,
everybody.
Out of a book, huh?
Five card draw.
One-eyed jacks wild.
One-eyed jacks wild?
One-eyed jacks.
O.K.
You're doing
great with her, Jim.
Yeah,
what a change.
Pretty
impressive, James.
What about the poor
guys that lost?
Want these here
or in the kitchen?
No, I'll clean up.
It's no bother.
It's fine.
I can't believe
how well she played.
There goes my mad money.
Great.
James...
where can I get
a copy of that book?
You are smart.
She bluffed me.
I folded with
three of a kind.
Did you
teach her that?
Quite a coup, James.
A lesson for us all.
Oh, God.
God, I can't ever
get close enough.
Say my name.
Just once,
say my name.
I'm sorry.
I need it... I'm...
I know I promised.
I'm sorry.
I forgot. I...
I'm not lying.
I don't want
you to speak.
It just came out.
Please, it just...
I'm sorry.
Hike!
No. No.
I don't care!
They killed my brother.
Don't kill him!
Don't shoot!
They'll
shoot you, too!
Get out of my way!
Shoot please!
Do it for me!
[Gunshots]
Can we have some soda?
Yes.
[Telephone Rings]
The phone is ringing.
What?
The phone is ringing.
What phone?
The phone you can't hear
because it's so noisy.
Turn that
damn thing down.
Good grief.
What am I saying?
[Ring]
The phone is ringing.
The TV is blasting.
[Teakettle Whistles]
The kettle...
If someone would just fire
a bazooka through the window.
[Gunshots]
Can you hold on?
That would be great.
Water's boiling.
Hello.
What?
Ask him to hang on
for a second.
[Tires Squealing]
It's for you.
It's one of
the dorm counselors.
He's translating
a call from a deaf man.
It's Orin.
Lydia, Danny!
For god's sake...
It's over. Bye.
Thank God
for small favors.
O.K.
You still there?
Great.
You both ready?
We're both ready.
This is Sarah
speaking to Orin.
Hi.
Why are you calling?
I'm having a small
dinner party.
I want you
to come, please.
How about me,
please?
Don't translate
that to Orin.
Please.
No, I'm not
saying please.
Wait a minute.
That was Orin
saying please.
Look,
it's my fault.
I probably
sounded like myself
instead of like
the dorm counselor
sounding like Orin.
He wants you to come
to a party for...
Marian Loesser.
Please.
Great.
Um...
She is dying
to see you.
Bring James!
Friday at 7:00.
O.K. Fine.
We'll be there.
Yeah. Thank you.
My God.
Either I
just went deaf,
or it is suddenly
quiet in here.
I do not make
everything into a joke.
I possibly obscure...
How the hell
would you sign "obscure"?
Obscure.
I'm going to rest my hands
and my eyes
and listen to
You know...
I haven't turned on
my hi-fi since you...
Hold it.
That sounds like...
like I'm blaming you
for me not
listening to music.
Thank you.
I will.
I'll rest my hands...
and listen
to something beautiful.
[Bach Plays]
I can't enjoy it.
I can't,
because you can't.
[Bach Plays]
Show you the music?
Let's see...
I can't.
Don't be sad for you.
All right, I won't.
What should you
wear to the party?
I don't know.
Have I ever
heard of who?
Oh, Marian.
She's the lady the party's for?
No. Should I have?
She's very famous in
the deaf community.
Nice catch.
She has two Ph.D. s,
and she doesn't speak.
Take a look
at these.
Hungry?
I can't communicate
with someone
when my mind is busy
amusing itself.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
What do you hear?
I mean,
is it just silence?
No one has ever gotten
in there to find out?
Will you ever
let me in?
She's something,
isn't she?
Is she a lawyer
or something?
Uh-uh. An economist
in Washington.
A real math whiz.
How thrilling.
Yeah. It is.
I just feel like
everyone is talking
in some far northern
Hungarian dialect over there.
I know the feeling.
Just because I
wanted to leave,
doesn't mean you
wanted to leave.
All right.
Sarah, what the hell
is wrong with you tonight?
I'll wait.
Sure. Marian's great.
So what?
She has everything.
Education.
Great job. Money.
Well, I'll tell you one thing
that she has not got.
Me.
Oh, we're not talking
about me for once.
That's true.
Hey...
Let's crawl under
the covers, sweetheart,
and pretend
we're in some...
romantic, distant place.
We're not. We're here.
Right. O.K.
Let's deal with it.
What is making you
so miserable?
Oh...
Let's go to sleep?
No.
You can't start a bonfire
and then say night- night.
And you can't
start a bonfire
and then run away,
either.
Oh, you can do
anything you want?
Yeah, like what?
Nothing.
I can do nothing.
I'm equipped for nothing
and trained for nothing.
You feel like an idiot.
I treat you
like an idiot?
I pity you?
Wait a second.
And now you see Marian...
What about Marian?
Let you be you?
I don't?
I want you to be
a deaf person
so I can change you
into a hearing person?
I don't want
to help anybody.
I just want
to change and control...
Good night.
No...
you think that
I want you to speak.
And you just
want to be you?
Well, who
the hell are you?
Right.
[Stamps Floor]
What?
God, you want
to make love now?
Fuck you, lady.
Oh, that's what you want.
You understood that.
That didn't help much.
Oh, it helped you?
Great.
That's really wonderful.
Makes me happy.
What a night.
I think that helped.
Yeah? What have
you just decided?
No one's ever going
to speak for you again?
Come on.
How are you
going to manage?
Everyone's always
told me who I am,
and I let them.
"She wants, she thinks."
And most of the time
they were wrong.
They had no idea what
I said, wanted, thought.
And now they won't.
Well, that's all right.
I'll buy that.
No, I won't.
How could I?
Because I love you.
Love has nothing
to do with it?
That's wonderful.
Then what the hell
have we been doing?
Watch your hands?
It's hard to avoid them.
This sign...
to connect...
simple.
But it means
so much more
when I do this.
Now it means...
to be joined
in a relationship.
Separate, but one.
That's what I want.
But you think for me,
think for Sarah.
As though
there were no "I."
She will be with me,
quit her job,
learn how
to play poker,
leave Orin's party,
learn how to speak.
That's all you, not me.
Until you let me
be an "I,"
the way you are,
you can never come
inside my silence
and know me.
And I won't let
myself know you.
Until that time...
we can't be like this...
joined.
Well... that's
all very moving.
But...
how are you
going to manage?
You can lock yourself
back in your
precious silent castle...
I heard.
I heard every word,
goddamn it.
I translated
for myself.
It went
from your hands
into my brain
and out my mouth.
And you know what?
I think
you're lying.
I don't think
that you think
being deaf is so
goddamn wonderful.
I think that you're
scared to death to try.
I think it's nothing
but stupid pride
that's keeping you
from speaking right.
You want to be
on your own.
You don't want
to be pitied.
Then you learn
to read my lips
and use your mouth
for something
besides showing me
you're better
than hearing girls in bed.
Read my lips.
What am I saying?
What am...
You want to talk to me,
then you learn my
language.
Did you understand that?
You've probably been
reading lips for years.
But that's the great
control game, isn't it?
I'm the controller?
What a fucking joke.
Now, come on!
Speak to me!
Speak!
Speak to me!
Aah!
See my mouth?
Aah!
Hear my voice?
Aah!
Aah!
I'm not afraid!
Hot chocolate.
Your favorite.
Have you...
come...
home... to stay?
Of course you can.
As long as you like.
You need a job,
but there's nothing.
I'll... I'll... I'll help.
I... never helped.
Don't...
hurt me now.
The last time, you...
we...
sent you away because...
I didn't know...
how to...
take care of you.
Your father...
couldn't accept you.
He felt...
he'd failed.
You're right.
I hated you...
for...
driving him away.
Please...
forgive me.
[Telephone Rings]
[Ring]
Telephone.
What... What should I say?
[Ring]
[Ring]
[Ring]
Hello.
No...
I'm sorry, James.
No, she's not.
All right.
I'll call you
if I see her.
[Bach Plays]
Favorite books.
Favorite books.
Good.
Do you have any
favorite books, Glen?
Yeah.
Skull?
I'll put that
on my summer reading list.
I have to see her.
I know she doesn't
want to see me.
She's made that
very clear.
But I have
to see her.
She'll let you know
when she
wants to see you.
She's working now.
She's saving her money.
She wants
to go to college.
That's fine.
That's wonderful.
Um...
I've looked all over,
Mrs. Norman.
Please.
Spring cleaning.
How was your day?
Are you O.K.?
No.
You're not fine.
You're lonely.
[Music Box Plays]
He was here.
He misses you.
You don't know
what to do.
I think maybe you do.
Hold me
I'll give you all
that you need
Wrap your love
around me
You're so exciting
I can feel you
gettin'hotter
Oh, baby
I'll take you down
I'll take you down
Where no one's
ever gone before
And if you want more
If you want more
More
More
Betterjump
For my love
Jump in
And feel my touch
Jump
If you want to
taste my kisses
In the night, then
Jump for my love
Jump
I know my heart
can make you happy
Jump in
You know these arms
can fill you up
Jump
If you want to taste
my kisses
In the night, then
Jump
For my love
You told me
I'm the only
woman for you...
Have a good summer,
William.
Language skills
can be dangerous.
Use a little
common sense, O.K.?
I will, Mr. Leeds.
So long, William.
So long, Fuckface.
Betterjump
For my love
Jump in
And feel my touch
Jump
If you want to taste
my kisses
In the night, then
Jump
For my love, jump
I know my heart
can make you happy
Jump in
You know these arms
can fill you up
Jump
If you want to taste
my kisses
In the night, then
Jump
Jump, jump
Ooh, yeah
You know my heart
can make you happy
You know these arms
can fill you up
Jump in
If you want to taste
my kisses
In the night, dear
Jump
Jump for my love
Ooh-hoo
Come on and jump on in
Jump
You know
I need you...
You look beautiful.
You wanted to see me.
It was a shock,
seeing you in there.
I didn't
know what to do.
You were scared, too.
I hear that
Boomerang song.
Ooh, my love
can't catch ya
You've been angry
since you
were a little girl.
You didn't want
to hurt again,
so you
used your anger...
to push me away.
You're sorry.
I'm sorry...
for hurting you.
But you
learned from me.
You learned
that you can hurt...
and you won't shrivel up
and blow away.
I don't want to be
without you, either.
Do you think...
that we could
find a place...
where we can meet...
not in silence...
and not in sound?
[Waves Crashing]