Stonewall (1995) Movie Script
[orchestral music]
[serene music]
[bell dings]
[Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata"]
[lips smack]
[La Miranda] The past.
Past.
Well, now, let me tell
you about the past.
The past is filled
with silent joys
and broken toys.
Laughing girls and teasing boys.
Was I ever in love?
I called it love.
I mean.
It felt like love.
There were moments when,
well.
There were moments when...
[footsteps clicking]
[sign buzzing]
[Interviewee] Nobody, on
that particular night,
showered and shaved
to go to a riot.
-[car engine rattling]
-[jangly guitar music]
[protestors shouting]
[crowd cheering]
There had been race riots.
There had been anti-war riots.
There had been all sorts
of civil rights riots.
And, now, it was time
for the gay riots.
Raids were not unusual.
You've seen a raid,
you've seen a raid.
This was just a raid.
Every other group had made
their point in the sixties.
But we were never
going to make ours.
Nobody was worried
about the faggots.
You could do what
you want with them.
But, suddenly, here
were the faggots
now revolting.
And the paper talks about
people lighting bonfires
and trash baskets and throwin'
them through the windows.
And I, personally,
thought, "Oh my God.
The homosexual's gonna be the
bogeyman of the seventies."
Well, I think it
had to do something
with Judy Garland's death.
It was beyond frightening.
It was traumatising.
And, in part, I am still
traumatised by it to this day.
You know, on a
scale of one to ten,
as far as a riot goes,
it wasn't a very good riot.
You know, it was over
before it started.
Some heads were
busted on both sides,
but that was it.
If my mother hears
the word Stonewall,
she has to take a heart pill.
[gravel crackles]
I was with the
Mattachine Society.
And we sort of believed
in wearing coat and tie
and makin' the most respectable
appearances we could.
And I didn't wanna see
gay people go on a rampage
and destroy their
own neighbourhood.
[La Miranda] See, there's
as many Stonewall stories
as there's gay
queens in New York.
And that's a shit
load of stories, baby.
Everywhere you go in Manhattan,
or America,
or the entire damn world,
you're gonna hear
some new legend.
Well, this is my legend, honey.
Okay?
My Stonewall legend.
[buttons clacking]
[jukebox spinning]
[record buzzing]
Ooh wah, ooh wah
cool, cool kitty
Tell us about the boy
from New York City
Ooh wah, ooh wah,
come on, kitty
Tell us about the boy
from New York City
He's kinda tall
He's really fine
Yeah yeah
Someday, I hope to
make him mine all mine
Yeah yeah
And he's neat
And oh so sweet
And just the way
he looked at me
He swept me off my feet
Yeah yeah
Ooh whee
You ought to come and see
How he walks
And how he talks
Ooh wah, ooh wah
cool, cool kitty
Tell us about the boy
from New York City
He's really down
And he's no clown
Yeah yeah
He has the finest penthouse
I've ever seen in town
Yeah yeah
And he's cute
In his mohair suit
And keeps his pockets
full of spending loot
Yeah yeah
Ooh whee
You ought to come and see
-[sirens wailing]
- He's the most
From coast to coast
[door creaking]
[heels clicking]
[locker squeaks]
[coin rattling]
[train rumbling]
[Moxie] Moves your
hooves, you lazy hoe.
[Helen] Hey, it ain't
lady-like to run, dammit.
[indistinct chattering]
[train pulling out]
[indistinct chattering]
Ooh.
What's goin' on, Moxie?
[Helen] You can't get
so far as Coney Island.
[La Miranda] Life's a
cruise for you, bitch.
[Moxie] Hey, matinee
girl, showtime.
[sputtering]
[all laughing]
[Helen] Going out with
Robert Clohessy tonight.
[Moxie] More like Andy Walrus.
[All] She's booted.
Cackled.
And gagged.
Okay.
Hey, lindo.
Get into some of that myself.
[siren wailing]
Big car, small weenie.
[heels clicking]
[Moxie] I'm tellin' you, girl,
you should've came
to that party.
[Helen] God, all
the guys was there.
[Moxie] Lollipop was there.
Chucky was there.
With bells on.
[La Miranda] Yeah,
but no balls, right?
[Moxie] Slow down.
[Ethan] Sir, please
take this pamphlet.
How you doin' today?
March on Philadelphia.
[Ethan] Homosexual rights.
Please join us.
No, honey.
Support homosexuality.
No, but, thank you, sir.
Hey.
March on Philadelphia.
What?
Homosexual rights.
Why don't you be there?
-[Matty] Sure.
-Great.
Don't forget.
[heels clicking]
[drag queens chattering]
[All] Trick or treat.
[lips smack]
[La Miranda] Hey, Vito, you
remind me of my dead father.
[Helen] Hello.
[Moxie] Hey, Vito,
do you want me
to come home with you tonight?
Baby?
[door slams]
[everyone chattering]
No, you smell like you
are wearing my perfume.
Hey, Vito, how they hangin'?
Shavin' our shoulders yet?
'Kay, girls, we see ID
or we see blood.
Ooh.
[La Miranda] Here's my ID, baby.
You recognise?
Looks outta date to me.
Come on, sissies.
Move on, move on.
Let's go.
Ah, kiss my ID.
Hey, Mussolini.
Hey, punk.
Hey, Vito.
My ID's in the car.
Take a hike.
Uh uh.
I'm with them.
And your fuckin'
mother's with them.
[drag queens chattering]
Vito, what are
you going through?
Quit raggin' on our ride.
Yeah, Vito.
Don't bust my balls, buddy.
[Moxie] Yeah, Vito,
don't bust his balls.
You fairy.
Get the fuck out of my face.
[loud music]
[people chattering]
[Moxie] Party over here.
[Diva] Diva coming through.
Moxie, girl, ain't
it past your bedtime?
Back up, fellas.
The bitches is
back on the block.
Outta my way.
I'm drinkin', who's payin'?
[woman vocalising]
Hey, Bo, how's it going?
[Bonita] Hello.
Listen, uh.
Thanks a lot.
You owe me one, okay?
Have a nice life.
[crowd chattering]
Young man.
Young, young, young, young man.
My ID's in the car.
When your here, sweetness,
a face is all the ID you need.
See the old money
by the Wurlitzer?
He would like to
furnish your thirst
with a cooling libation.
Right.
A drink, twinkie.
What'll it be?
Oh.
All right.
Sure.
Bud.
Ah. House beer.
Hit me with it.
Believe me, baby.
You won't feel a thing.
[laughs]
Ah, Angelo.
Oh, shit.
We're out.
Chica.
Hi, Chica, I love that outfit
more every time I see it.
Which is a lot of love, honey.
And, a lot of nerve too, girl.
Tramp.
[all laughing]
[bottles clinking]
[Bartender] Fish is
on the hook, honey.
Reel him in.
Say somethin'.
Don't let them move.
Allow me to thank you in
person for accepting my offer.
Don't mention it.
Ice or nothin' on
your taste buds?
Do have one yourself, my dear.
Why?
What the hell have
I ever done to you?
Hey Lady Ernestine.
Give me a shot of
Jackie D., will you?
That's Princess
Ernestine to you, bitch.
That's Princess
Bitch to you, lady.
Just get your ass
in line, La Miranda.
I'm servin' Mr. Smith here.
Smith?
We're all Smith in
this place, baby.
I'm Princess Ernestine Smith.
[La Miranda] I'm
La Miranda Smith.
And this is?
Matty Dean.
Smith.
Well, my name is August.
Looks more like December to me.
[Matty chuckles]
I trust you're
immune to Hepatitis?
Whoops.
Damn it, Perry, what day is it?
[La Miranda] Oh dear.
[Ernestine] They were
already here on Tuesday.
Excuse me.
Keep the change.
[Ernestine] Call
Vinnie, Goddammit.
[button clicks]
[crowd murmuring]
[purses clacking]
[case thuds]
[heels clicking]
Don't give your real name, baby.
[heels clicking]
[chair creaks]
[door creaking]
[people murmuring]
[stick smacks]
[Officer] School
time, ladies, come on.
Let's go.
Let's keep it movin'.
[Officer 2] Come on.
You know the drill.
I have two letters
for everyone here.
I.
And D.
[Officer 2] Come on, come on.
Move, move.
Move, move, move, move, move.
Get 'em out for the boys, girls.
[Detective] You.
Washroom.
[crowd chattering]
Hey Ernie.
[Officer] Let's go, let's go.
I don't have all night.
ID.
I don't see anything.
-Come on, ladies.
-Oh, Ernie.
Ernestine?
Good evening, officer.
How 'bout a drink while
we're sweatin' away here, hm?
What was I thinking of?
[Vinnie] Put that shit away.
Johnny Walker for New
York's finest, Princess.
You know that.
Officers.
Gentlemen.
Welcome to the Stonewall Inn.
We weren't expecting you fellas.
Orders from on high.
What can I tell you?
What can anyone tell anybody?
Right?
So.
Drink.
[glass clinks]
Is that Whiskey?
Or is that Goddamn Whiskey?
Friggin' angel's piss.
These stupid ass fairies
don't know how lucky they are.
Am I right?
Damn straight.
Best booze.
[serene music]
And the prettiest bar chicks.
[Vinnie] Ha.
Damn straight.
Awooga.
If it ain't
Holly-go-friggin-Lightly.
Let's see you, pretty thing.
Oh, so classy and dainty, it is.
[Officer] Hm.
Smells good too.
Ah, she looks
better without 'em.
[sunglasses clatter]
[Detective] There.
Now, we can get us
a real good look.
[Officer] She's gonna cry.
Washroom.
[liquid pouring]
I gave you two words.
Wash.
And room.
[Officer] Come on.
You heard him.
Go.
[liquid sloshing]
This way, fellas.
[Officer] All right, let's
go, let's go, let's go.
[heels clicking]
Yeah, let's see if
a cheap wig floats.
[water splashing]
[officers laughing]
[water splashing]
[Officer] Poor, poor
little wet faggot.
Very nice, E.
[water splashing]
[melancholy music]
[water blubbing]
Jesus Christ.
[La Miranda breathing heavily]
[water dripping]
[heels clicking]
[melancholy music]
ID.
Oh, baby.
La Miranda, girl.
Why do you always put
yourself through this?
Why, Princess Ernestine?
It's for the sheer,
irresistible, Goddamn
glamour of it all.
[lips smack]
[men shouting]
Hey.
Leave him alone.
Come on.
He ain't hurtin' nobody, right?
He ain't hurtin' nobody, right?
[groans]
That's right, kid.
No one's hurtin' no one.
'Cept you.
He don't
Hang around
With the gang no more
And he don't do the wild
things that he did before
Ooh
[Detective] Easy, easy.
[Vito] Watch it, motherfuckers.
[Matty groans]
[Officer] Come on, you too.
Little girl.
[doors clattering]
[La Miranda] You are
all gonna pay for this.
[Officer] Make it easy.
His heart is out
in the streets
He don't
Comb his hair
Like he did before
[men shouting]
[La Miranda] Don't
look at me, goddammit.
Son of a bitch, I think
he broke my goddamn nose.
Ah forget you.
They confiscated
my damn makeup bag.
'Kay?
Now, that's brutality.
How can they just do this?
Like we don't have a fuckin'
constitution or nothin'?
We don't.
They do.
Who the fuck is they?
America.
Big America.
The other America.
Fuck big America.
We're the real America.
At least we believe
in fuckin' freedom.
Right?
You don't even get what
I'm talkin' about, do ya?
Yeah, little ol' dumb me.
How could I possibly get it?
I'm sorry.
Shit, I don't even get it.
God, I am such an asshole.
Somehow, I really believed
that it would be different
in New York.
Yeah, well Miss Liberty lies.
I almost forgot people did that.
Well, you can join
me if you'd like.
I don't do tears.
Don't you ever get this angry?
I don't do angry.
It's all I do.
That's her right over there.
[car pulling up]
[La Miranda] Now you
know you all are gonna be
raptured up to Heaven
for your deeds today,
don't ya, Bostonia?
Oh, you got that goddamn right.
See if I ain't dragged
screamin' to Bellevue first.
I mean, am I crazy or what?
And who is this kid I'm
bailin' outta the slammer
for gettin' his goddamn ass
caught where it ain't wanted
or paid for.
Excuse me?
I'm Matty Dean.
Matty Dean?
Goddamn hillbilly.
Oh, Bostonia-
[Bostonia] You do not speak.
I will slap you
upside your head.
Kid.
I was there and I
saw what you did.
Now, you may think that it
looked sort of cool, huh?
Yeah, maybe even felt kinda
cool in some freaky way.
It is not cool to give
those motherfuckers
any kind of excuse to
put their hands on you.
If we bleed, we do not win.
Y'all dig?
Well, maybe it's
their turn to bleed?
Wake up call.
If you give them cause
to mess with you again,
I'll kick your asses myself.
Is that clear?
Goddammit.
You kids are gonna
break my goddamn heart.
You know, I think
he kinda liked me.
Matty Dean, do they got
drags where you come from?
Naturally.
Then, you know it ain't
hip to call a DQ he.
Oh, did I call him, him?
Uh, he.
She?
[keys jangling]
[horn honking]
Is your family rich?
What's my family
got to do with me?
I'm just tryin' to figure
out how somebody so smart
can be so stupid.
Well, I ain't got no
buddy in a stretch limo.
That ain't hers.
Bostonia's got some rich
john that takes care of her.
[woman laughing]
[keys jangling]
[people chattering]
So, which are you?
A he or she?
Depends on who's payin', babe.
[door squeaks]
[paper rustling]
[Matty] That's a
draught notice, right?
Yep.
Unfortunately for
them, I have flat feet.
[footsteps thudding]
[door creaking]
Welcome to teeny bop heaven.
[door slams]
I'll make you up a bed.
[keys rattling]
[Matty] Mine was this kid.
I was a kid, myself.
He used to come
around with his dad.
You know, to paint
the fence and stuff.
I used to watch
him from my window.
Like, mowin' the lawn
with his shirt off.
Did you ever tell
him how you felt?
Well, he always used to
come over with his pop.
Then, one time, he came alone.
And we came together.
But, I never told him.
No.
Who was your first?
First lay?
[Matty] First love.
I don't do love.
Ain't no percentage in it.
La Miranda.
What do your family
think of you?
[La Miranda] They
drink to forget me.
Yours?
Well, when I first told them
that I was a homosexual-
Wait.
When you what?
[Matty] They didn't believe me.
You did not.
I did.
Fuck you.
You did not.
[Matty] When I was 15.
Get out of town.
Didn't I say you was rich?
You did, yeah.
Mary, please.
You tell poor folks,
"Mommy, I'm a homosexual."
And they will drag your
ass out into the damn yard
and whip you with
a car area, okay?
[Matty chuckles]
Is that what happened to you?
We're not talkin' about me.
You want some breakfast?
Oh Christ, I should
get outta here
and let you get some sleep.
As a matter-of-fact, I
have to go to a meeting.
AA?
[Matty] Well, no.
Um.
Okay.
I'm going to a meeting
of the Homophile Society.
A group of homosexual men
working for liberation,
acceptance, and integration.
You travelled across
America to hand out flyers
and then you talk
to me like I'm dumb?
Let's eat.
Listen.
You don't have to go.
You can stay as
long as you need to.
I know I never said thank you.
I'm lousy at this shit.
[feet shuffling]
[dishes clatter]
[horn blares]
[piano tone]
[car drives past]
[bell dings]
[piano tone]
[Person On Phone] You
should've called me.
I'm not a policeman.
You can talk to me
before you screw up.
Okay?
Yeah.
I'm calm now.
After I hang up, I'm gonna
go chant or something.
How's that?
-[phone dings]
-[phone clatters]
[Burt] Moving on.
We're here today
to confirm details
with the Daughters of Palides.
Represented today
by Agnes Pudgin.
As to the precise
nature of our march
on Independence Hall
in Philadelphia.
Agreement on codes of
conduct, et cetera, et cetera.
Well, naturally, the ideal
would be to take a cache
of mortar shells
and level the place.
[group laughing]
However.
Since we are a peaceful
political lobby group.
We're not the Black Panthers.
We'll forgo your mortar shells.
The Panthers never
bombed anyone, Burt.
God knows who'd blame them.
Moving on.
Okay.
Dress sense.
Agnes has confirmed that
the Daughters of Palides
are in complete accord with
our decision that everyone
should dress as sensibly
and as formally as possible.
Tuxes.
Prom dresses.
[Bert] Ethan.
[Agnes] Suits.
Ties.
No patterns, please.
Dark socks.
Polished shoes.
Neat haircuts.
No denim, no chinos.
If you've got glasses,
please wear them.
Excuse me.
Haircuts?
You can wear a hat and
tuck your hair into it.
But neat hair would be ideal.
And, I might add,
possibly quite becoming.
[group chuckling]
[Agnes] Listen, people,
this dress code thing.
It's really a drag, I know.
But, this is the first
civil action of its kind
and it's vital that we
make a good impression.
Do you see?
[Group Member] Yes.
[Bert] Moving on.
For the ladies.
The women.
[group chuckling]
Skirts.
Blouses.
[car engines running]
[heels clicking]
[horn honks]
[door creaks]
[Bonita] Vito.
Oh.
New cologne?
[Bonita] Hey, is Vinnie
in his office, babe?
Stop me if I'm borin' ya.
A cosy grand.
Stash it.
We got company.
There's a lady in the house.
Don't mind me, boys.
So what you're telling me is.
I pay you to bust me
less, you bust me more.
I pay you for warnings,
I get jack shit.
How am I s'posed to
make money to pay you?
Build a mint in my ass
and shit dollar bills?
[Detective Over Phone]
It's a routine shakedown.
I know we're supposed to give-
What the fuck are
you doin' here?
Listen, I got a cousin runs a
fag bar in the East Village.
The precinct there is
so friggin' organised,
they get a bust rota.
Now that's business.
Last night, I got
two Nellie's in-store
and an empty bar by 1:30.
That is not business.
[Detective Over Phone] Okay.
I'll talk to the
chief, how's that?
Yeah, you do that.
And you ask him,
"Are we in business?"
Or am I paying the wrong
precinct, all right?
[phone clatters]
[door creaks]
[door slams]
What?
What?
What kind of face is that, huh?
Cryptika?
I'm warning you, Bostonia.
You keep your foot off my dick.
I'm on the phone chewing
out the Deputy Chief
of friggin' police,
for Christ sakes.
Blow it out your ass,
you goddamn loser.
If you're so hot, why you
talkin' to the fuckin' deputy?
I do not like to see my
kids bleedin' on the floor
of no paddy waggon, okay?
Come on.
Your kids?
That daffy little heifer was
asking to get roughed up.
She gets off on making waves.
You know that.
Ah, to Hell with 'em all.
Couldn't we just get
a-goddamn-way from
this tired town?
Some place where
nobody knows us?
Honey, nobody knows us here.
[lips smacking]
Hey, yeah.
Gonna keep it that way.
You get off me.
Before some sucker comes
in here and sees us.
Vinnie, you are such a romantic.
[chair creaking]
[footsteps plodding]
Yeah, catcher.
Angelo.
[footsteps thudding]
Boss?
[Vinnie] Any other sad
freak walks past you
into my office,
without so much as
a knock on my door,
I'm gonna break your
fuckin' feathers for you.
All right?
[door creaking]
You have to try and
understand, Burt.
He's not the hippest
guy on the block.
But, he has a great
brain, great connections,
and a great deal of money.
All of which he
contributes generously-
Oh, and it's cash
that counts, right?
Hey, hey.
You only hear what
you wanna hear.
Bert's given a great
deal of himself
to furthering this cause.
He's just kind of
out of another time.
It's just that I didn't
come across America
to hand out flyers
in a suit, ya know?
What did you come here for?
I know.
I came here as a
freshman at Columbia.
And I was gonna kick
the world's ass.
When you're 19 finding
something to fight for
can be kind of a thrill.
I'm glad somebody's
gettin' a kick out of it.
I'm not 19 anymore.
I've spent almost ten years
teaching Brooklyn kids about
Walt Whitman and Shakespeare.
Never mentioning what
really mattered to me
or I'm outta there.
I've seen 'em come and go.
And the ones who survive
are the ones who learn
how to work it from inside.
See, I'm not in this
for the fight anymore.
I'm in this to win.
[scoffs]
Listen, what are
you doin' right now?
Nothin'.
I mean, I gotta
meet somebody later.
Much later.
But I'm free right now.
For now.
Wanna walk?
I'll show you New York.
[soft music]
[footsteps plodding]
[car driving by]
[indistinct chattering]
[police radio chatter]
[Police Radio] Roger
on the information.
Frequency 15.
[car engine accelerating]
[police radio chatter]
So how late is he now?
About 30 seconds later than
the last time you asked me.
Don't piss me off, girlfriend.
Ooh boy, this stud must be
something for Miss La Miranda
thing to sit waiting on
her hind legs this way.
There must be some
serious dish here.
You know what I'm saying?
Pardon a moi?
Does he kiss?
Is he hung like an
ox or a chipmunk?
Is he a bull dagger in man drag?
Come on.
I think maybe he's a communist.
Oh, him so cute.
I don't know.
He's kinda freaky, you know?
Mm hm.
I think, maybe, he dropped
out of college or something
to slum it with
the street trash.
Oh.
But we never really
did nothin' yet.
God, you are sad.
Well.
We almost kissed this morning.
And it was, you know, scary.
But nice.
Hm.
And last night, we
just talked all night.
And, he helped me
cook breakfast.
All night?
No sex?
Hm.
No wonder you look like shit.
Oh my God, is that
him over there?
[La Miranda] Matty Dean.
Matty Dean!
[footsteps clacking]
You're late.
That's okay.
Good meeting?
[Matty] Kinda weird.
Wow.
Your eyelashes are
really big. [chuckles]
[Helen] 'Scuse me.
Matty Dean, I want you to
meet my best girlfriends.
This is Miss Moxie.
Kissy, kissy.
And, this is Helen Wheels.
Oh.
Hi.
Evenin'.
Ladies.
Taxi!
[soft music]
-[car pulls up]
-[indistinct chattering]
[car engine accelerating]
[Moxie] I always do this.
Yeah, I got it.
I'm the bellhop.
[indistinct chattering]
Okay, up we go.
First floor, lingerie.
[heels clicking]
[soft chiming music]
Tonight, my beautiful sisters.
We kiss goodbye to little Jose'.
For tonight, little Jose dies.
Goodbye, Little Jose.
[kiss smacks]
And now.
This little body holds
the soul of Camilla.
I release her with a kiss.
[kisses smack]
Welcome into the life, baby.
You remember, child, it's
gonna be a hard life.
But, oh, Camilla, what
riches it will show you.
[kisses smack]
[kiss smacks]
[kiss smacks]
[kiss smacks]
[kisses smacking]
Embrace it all, sweetness.
Let it embrace you.
[kiss smacks]
[Television Reporter]
Years of rigorous training
and waiting.
Who will be chosen?
Who will go?
But, now the wait
is finally over.
The moment of America's
date with destiny has come.
The nation rises to
meet the challenge posed
by President Kennedy.
In just a short time-
What are you doing?
I'm lookin' at you.
Oh God.
[Matty] Hey.
Don't hide from me.
You know what I'd like?
I'd like to see you naked.
Baby, you ain't ready for that.
No way.
[Matty] I'm ready.
I need to see you.
[horn honking]
Dare me?
I will if you will.
[clothes rustling]
[jacket thuds]
[horns honking]
[Matty] Wow.
You know me.
Such a tomboy.
Don't worry, baby,
if Kinzie calls,
you're the butch one.
I don't mind it.
I like it.
I like to look at you.
Do you like to look at me?
[La Miranda] What are
you some kinda fag?
[laughs]
I'm gettin' a testosterone rush.
I feel the need to compete.
[La Miranda] Oh no,
don't waste that.
Get someone under there!
[Matty] Come here.
[La Miranda] You come here.
Is that the way you got named?
Exactly that way.
Except I cried a lot more.
It was the last
time I ever cried.
What was your name before?
[scoffs]
I forget.
Hector.
More manly, right?
La Miranda's nice.
It's you.
It all makes me
feel kinda not...
Not complete.
Oh, baby.
One thing you ain't
is incomplete.
You wanna join the life?
I wanna join you.
[belt buckle rattles]
[horn honks]
[brakes squeal]
Thank you.
What do you think?
Good?
How you doin'?
[typewriter clacking]
You're prowling, Matt.
Sorry.
[typewriter clacking]
[bell dings]
Uh uh.
There's no way I can work
with you standing this close.
I'm reading this letter.
"Dear Bruce Compton.
I read your beautiful
article on the brotherhood
over and over and over.
Your words go 'round
my head like a song.
I wanna shout them
out in school.
You're so far from New
York and a million miles
from anything real.
I can dream of someone
to stand beside me
to fight together for love."
Bruce Compton?
How come you didn't
use your real name?
I should have.
I wonder what his real name was.
Ah.
What's a real name, anyhow?
Coulda been anyone.
Coulda been me.
[Ethan] Could it, Matt?
Matty Dean's not your real name.
It is to me.
[Ethan] Why would you
choose Matty Dean?
Such a hick name.
I guess I never really
wanted a classy life.
[laughs]
You came to the right town.
How'd you get a hold of
our magazine out there?
My first copy.
A friend.
Of a friend of a friend.
You know, it's the oldest story.
How does the story end?
It's just beginnin'.
Ooh wah, ooh wah,
come on, kitty
Tell us about the boy
from New York City
He can dance
And make romance
Yeah yeah
And that's when I fell in
love with just one glance
Yeah yeah
He was shy
And so was I
And now I know we'll
never, ever say goodbye
Yeah yeah
[heels scuffing]
You ought to come and see
He's the most
From coast to coast
Ooh wah, ooh wah,
cool, cool kitty
Tell us about the boy
from New York City
[Draftee] Psst.
[heels clicking]
[Crowd Member] I
love those shoes.
Weapons down, men.
At ease.
Hey, bros,
fros, and sisters with soul.
I'm ready for action.
Where do I sign?
Ladies to the left.
[La Miranda] Oh, I ain't no
lady, mister sir, I'm sorry.
See, that's why I walked
the middle of the room.
Story of my damn life.
Oh.
I have this little old
induction notice here.
[chair squeaks]
Hector Duarte?
Well.
Kind of.
See, I had my name
legally changed.
La Miranda Queredis.
Reporting for duty, sir.
[crowd laughing]
Are we to understand
you're some kind of invert?
[La Miranda] Shy?
Me?
Oh, Mary.
Are you a homosexual?
[La Miranda] Oh.
Sure.
Least so my boyfriend tells me.
We was kinda hopin' he could
enlist at the same time
and be posted to the same crew.
Shut up.
[La Miranda] So sorry, I'm sure.
Room 17?
Definitely.
Room 17 'round the
side of the building.
Entrance in the back.
Room 17.
[Draft Officer] For
psychological evaluation.
Oh.
My favourite.
[heels clicking]
So you cruise through this
in ten minutes time, okay?
Then we're home in time
for the Dolly show.
Yeah, well I never was
no good at cruisin'.
La Miranda.
Are you scared?
I seen a shrink.
Okay?
They made me see one when
I was in juvenile hall
when I was 11.
They wanted to give me
that electronic treatment.
You know, when they show
the pictures of oily boys
and then they zap you?
Aversion Therapy?
For what?
For staying out late
on a school night.
What do you think?
Shit, Matty Dean.
Come on.
You're with me now.
I won't let them hurt you.
You know that?
[scoffs] What do I
know about anything?
Hector Julio Duarte.
Hector.
La Miranda, doctor.
La Miranda Queredis.
But you weren't born La
Miranda were you, Hector?
You weren't born a
doctor, but you qualify.
And you're now a what?
A man?
Or a woman?
[laughing] Oh, doctor.
How fifties you be.
Me, I'm livin' in
the other state.
Between male-ness
and female-ness.
[Doctor] Which is?
Fabulousness.
[Doctor] Hector.
[lighter flicks]
Do you wanna fight
for your country?
[Matty] Oh.
I wanna fight, doc.
I wanna fight for love.
Liberty.
And the constitution.
I wanna fight the Kong.
The Russkis.
You.
Your mom.
Your pop.
And the whole house of fuckin'
un-American activities.
I wanna kick the world's ass.
And I don't need you to let me.
You're forcin' me.
[stamp thudding]
[subway rushing]
What?
Guess it's my turn
to look at you.
I'm scared, Matty.
I ain't never had
no hero before.
I never kissed no one before.
Or made love.
But you ain't never been
loved like this before.
Baby.
[finger snaps]
[La Miranda chuckles]
You love me?
Now it's me scared.
When I say I'm in love, you
best believe I'm in love.
L-U-V.
[upbeat music]
Here comes my guy
Walkin' down the street
Look how he walks
To that dancin' beat
Thick wavy hair
A little too long
On and on here
Singin' his song
And when I see
him in the street
My heart takes a
leap and skips a beat
March on Philadelphia.
But I walk right up to him
March on Philadelphia.
Give him a great big kiss
Mwah.
Tell him that I love him
Tell him that I care
Tell him that I'll
always be there
Well, what colour are his eyes?
I don't know.
He's always wearin' shades.
Is he tall?
Well, I gotta look up.
Yeah?
Well, I hear he's bad.
Ah, he's good bad.
But he's not evil.
Tell me more
Tel me more
Big bulky sweaters
Tell me more
To match his eyes
Tell me more
Dirty fingernails
Tell me more
Oh boy, what a prize
Tell me more
Tight, tapered pants
High button shoes
He's always lookin'
Like-a he got the blues
And when I see
him in the street
My heart takes a
leap and skips a beat
Gonna walk right up to him
Give him a great big kiss
Mwah.
Tell him that I love him
Tell him that I care
Tell him that I'll
always be there
Is he a good dancer?
What do you mean, "Is
he a good dancer"?
Well, how does he dance?
Close.
Very, very close.
Look at Miss Piglet
in her mud bath.
When was the last time
you took a bath, girl?
Hey, I don't have to
answer that question.
Oh, girl, be still and stop
switchin' before I miss
the last few strands of
hair you got up here.
Well, at least some of it
is still my own damn hair.
Uh oh.
Is this fuzzy fella hair
some source of pride
to the sick, seedy, messy queen
I'm dealin' with over here?
Would you shut the hell up?
My man is tryin' to call
upon his muse, dammit.
[Matty vocalising]
[guitar strumming]
My eyes have seen
the comin' of
- The Negroes and the Jews
-[Helen] Mm mm.
I have seen the
countries tremble
Where the laws of men abuse
[Helen] Did he just say Negroes?
[Moxie] Uh huh.
But you crush the homosexual
[Moxie] La Miranda, better
commentate to your man, please.
-[Helen] Girl.
-[Moxie] La Miranda,
please have him stop.
[Helen] Yes, please.
- And we go marchin' on
-[Moxie] Now?
[La Miranda] Uh, baby?
-Sucks, don't it?
-[Helen] Mm hm.
Sucks?
[lip smacks]
Chicky, how could
anything about you suck?
Well, it just sounds
a little literary-
Literal.
Literal.
Istic.
You dig?
You think it's too literal?
[La Miranda] Well, that's
what I said, ain't it?
I don't know.
Whatever.
It's too...
It's too goddamn
preachy, you know?
It's a little white bread, also.
Yeah.
White boy.
-[La Miranda] But.
-[Moxie] White boy.
It's fabulous otherwise.
Permission to puke, ma'am?
Shut up, bitch.
I ain't the one that's
coming on like Bobby Dylan
in a coma, now am I?
[Speaker] Females, by
nature, do not have the same
sexual drives as males.
And, therefore, men who
suffer from an abnormal
sexual compulsion are
forced to turn to others
who have the same uncontrollable
need to satisfy their
unnatural desires.
They turn to other homosexuals.
And, now, this, of course,
finds the seed falling
on barren soil.
Which leads to more frustration
and increasing compulsion.
Like, the dope addict.
Unlike drug addiction, however,
none of this can be blamed
on the individual.
Homosexuality is an illness.
A condition.
[chair squeaks]
Sparked by a chemical
imbalance in the brain.
[footsteps thudding]
[people chattering]
Their basic
constitutional rights.
I thank you.
[Burt] Thank you.
[hands clapping]
Any questions?
You're not talking, Matty.
Oh, I was just wonderin'.
Why are we headin'
into Greenwich Village
to meet the press?
When we should be checkin'
into the psycho ward
to have our excess sperm
deposit syphoned off?
It's just an opinion, Matty.
Hitler and the boys
had an opinion, Burt.
Now wait.
The fact is that the idea
of sickness is a concept
that America can deal with.
And at this stage, quite
frankly, sympathy would be
a huge step for us.
You mean pity?
Any word that means
not hate is a step,
don't you think?
I can't think.
Couldn't you try thinking?
[Matty laughs]
[trash cans clattering]
You done?
No.
[trash cans clattering]
Okay.
We can fight all
we want between us.
But this meeting is with
our only ally in the press.
We need to present
a united front.
Isn't that reasonable?
But, naturally, Burt.
We're always reasonable.
[men chattering]
You tell him I'm here, right?
[Ethan] I'm gonna
tell them everything.
[Matty] We have a couple drinks?
[Ethan] We're gonna
have a lot of drinks.
[Matty] Good, however I can't...
Randal Frazertski?
Yes.
Yes, yes, hi.
Hi.
Hello.
-Hi.
-Glad to meet you.
-Burt?
-Right.
Please call me Randy.
[laughing]
[Burt] This is the Village
Voice reporter, Randy.
Ethan.
-[Randy] Hi.
-[Ethan] Hi.
-[Burt] Matty Dean.
-Nice to meet you.
-Both members of the group.
-Matty.
Matty Dean.
Oh, Raoul.
Listen, I brought along
a photographer with me.
Would you guys be wiling
to pose for some shots?
It's not a problem for us.
Right?
Oh, good.
-Great, great.
-Good, like to hear it.
I'm gonna start the first
shot right over here.
[camera shutter clicking]
Stay right there.
Right there.
Great.
Okay, that's great.
That's a good one.
Good.
Okay?
Smiling a little.
Good.
Yeah.
Keep that hand down.
Thanks.
A little to the left please.
All right.
Like it.
Good.
Shades, Ethan?
Just injecting a little style.
[camera shutter clicks]
[Raoul] That's great.
[bar patrons chattering]
[Randy] So the
plan here is what?
[Burt] We sit down.
We announce ourselves
as homosexuals.
And then we order drinks.
At which point, they're
compelled to refuse us.
Dictated by-
Our fascist and
un-American state laws.
And then we flame
throw the place.
He's a real getter.
Matty.
You know how it is, Burt.
Chemical imbalance.
[Waitress] What
can I get you guys?
We are a group of
homosexuals and we would like
to order a beer each.
It's a tequila for me, Burt.
[Waitress] Okay, so that's
beers and a tequila?
Right?
For this group of homosexuals.
Yes.
[Waitress] Right.
Thank you.
Right.
Um, how 'bout him?
Tequila, please.
[clears throat]
Lime, little salt.
Okay.
Nice.
[car driving by]
That's how many beers
and how many homosexuals?
Well, it's three actual and
two honorary homosexuals.
Including a quite
young homosexual.
And we're drinking
four beers and tequila.
As a matter of fact,
make that two tequilas.
Actual tequila or
honorary tequila?
Let me see your manager.
What can I do for ya?
Homosexuals?
How do I know if
you're homosexuals?
Seem pretty normal to me.
Kinda super normal,
as a matter-of-fact.
These days.
Who could tell?
Even I could be a
homo for chrissakes.
And fag money is still money.
Get these boys a drink.
On the house, fellas.
Drinks are on me, fellas.
We'll see if you can
tell their homo drinks
or hetero drinks.
I can't do this much longer.
I just don't have
the constitution.
In front of the press,
suddenly everybody's a liberal.
Maybe you guys are
behind the times.
No.
It is a state law.
Well, there's one
place we can guarantee
self-professed faggots
will not be served.
A faggot bar.
Follow me, guys.
[Randy] Faggot bar?
I like that.
[Matty] Hey, Vito.
[Ethan] Hi.
[Burt] Good evening.
[Raoul] Hi, we're a couple.
[Randy] Hi, Vito.
[Ernestine] Matty!
You little showstopper.
My pretty pitooty.
How's the classy chassis?
[Ernestine] In need of a little
service and tender boxing.
Oh, you tease.
What language is this?
I feel like a wetback
in my own neighbourhood.
You are.
Hey.
Burt.
Burt.
Yeah?
Oh.
Hi.
Uh, we're a homosexual group
of self-confessed homosexuals.
Hey, Vito.
Goddamn troublemakers.
Vito, girl, where are you?
Hey, Princess, be cool.
You just have to refuse.
I done that, sweetie.
Now get these losers out.
Vito.
Vito, you hear me.
Throw these fools outta here.
[men clamouring]
Cool it, baby.
[Randy] Get the
guy in the dress.
Get the guy in the dress.
-The guy in the dress.
-[Raoul] All right.
Now, isn't that nice of people?
You kids want a drink?
Actually, no.
Excuse me?
We wanna be refused, Bo.
It's a political stint.
Watch your goddamn mouth.
Now, you know Vinnie don't
allow that shit in here, Bo.
Child, now what'd I
tell you about messin'
with that stuff?
We just want an
official refusal.
And then, we'll be done, okay?
For cryin' out loud.
Princess.
I done refused twice
already, goddammit.
Refuse again.
Official-like.
The state liquor authority
prohibits the selling
of liquor to homosexuals.
Therefore, I regrettably
must refuse to serve you.
Happy?
Everybody?
[men shouting]
You owe me a dance.
It's allowed here, sweetness.
[Ethan] It's allowed
here, sweetness.
Don't step on her
blue suede shoes.
Well.
I think we got our story.
Let's get the hell outta here.
This a private revolution
or can anyone join?
Hi, baby.
[lip smacks]
So, how's life on
the front line?
Oh, you know. [laughs]
Oh, La Miranda.
This is Ethan.
La Miranda?
I never knew radicals came
with such pretty packages.
I'm gonna have to check out
one of these meetings myself.
You know you really should.
We should take you
down to Philly with us.
That would wake
up middle America.
You guys goin' to Philadelphia?
On a sight seeing tour to
the Liberty Bell or what?
[Ethan] We got a big deal
civil rights march happening.
In a couple days,
as a matter-of-fact.
It's kind of a drag.
They want us all to wear
dresses and suits like
John and Jackie
Kennedy style squares.
Well, I know who I'm goin' as.
[Matty laughs]
Sounds like my kinda drag.
Seriously, I maybe might be
interested in coming along.
[Ethan laughs]
Matty's been telling me what
you guys are trying to do and
it all sounds kind of
up-ass-words to me, but,
at least you're getting
something together, right?
Matt.
You been doin' a
little outreach work?
Oh, La Miranda and
I are roommates-
Oh, don't oversell
it on my account,
Massah Matty Dean, suh.
Why don't you just
tell lover boy
that I'm your fucking maid?
[door creaking]
[heels clicking]
[Matty] La Miranda.
Baby.
I'm too drunk to run.
Just stop.
[door slams]
You see this face?
You will see no
tears here, okay?
No tears.
I didn't tell ya about
the picket in Philadelphia
'cause they got these
dumb ol' dress codes.
And I knew that would
never go with you.
Yeah, and you never
told them about me
because I don't go
with you, right?
[scoffs]
My hero.
[car passing by]
Is it my fault you don't
know how to be a guy?
What?
Is it my fault
that I wasn't born with
a prominent sissy gene?
Is it my fault there
are men who look good
without six pounds
of face paint?
Is that my fault?
It ain't my fuckin' fault.
Yeah, whose fault is it
that you're such a prick?
[heels clicking]
[sirens wailing]
[bar patrons murmuring]
You wanna lead a little while?
It's nice to follow
for a change.
[Bonita] Rough day?
Hm.
Try decade.
I never danced
with a man before.
[Bonita] Oh get out of here.
I haven't.
I'm serious.
Not even in private?
Been so busy fighting
for the right to dance,
I just never took
the time to try it.
When we formed this
society over 15 years ago?
Mm hm?
You couldn't find
three people who'd even
say the word
homosexual in public.
Then this kid comes along
with all the answers
like it's so damn easy.
You can't tell these
youngins nothin'.
I was never young.
[Bonita chuckles]
We didn't have
teenagers back then.
No, we got old the
minute we hit puberty.
You shoulda been a
drag queen, sweetness.
[Burt laughs]
No, serious.
Our motto is dance, dammit.
'Cause, honey, they may be
comin' for you in the mornin'.
So you may as well
dance all night.
I'm just a plain old
vanilla flavoured homo.
No kinks, no twists,
no additives.
Plenty of nuts, though.
And, between you and me.
I do salute you.
Between you and
me, I'm honoured.
Dance, dammit.
[knock pounding]
[Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata"]
Go out with you?
Why not?
Do I like to dance?
Of course.
[shower water running]
Take a walk along
the beach tonight?
I'd love to.
But don't try to touch me.
-Don't try to touch me.
-[shower water running]
Because that will
never happen again.
Shall we dance?
[orchestral music swelling]
[car driving up]
Why, Vinnie.
Top o' the mornin' to ya, baby.
My back seat or yours?
Will you stop with the
ironics for right now?
I'd like some conversation.
Are you okay, sweetness?
Sure I'm okay.
I'm always okay.
I just need to talk to you
back and forth for awhile.
Keep followin' me.
Huh?
[tense music]
[car engine accelerating]
[cars passing by]
[brakes squeaking]
[gravel crackling]
Vinnie, darlin'.
Now, don't think I ain't into
this five in the mornin',
frozen and confused,
drag ass walks through the
middle of nowhere thing.
But you in danger
of spoilin' me.
You see that window up there?
There's a clinic
behind that window.
Called "The Palace of Dreams".
[Bonita laughs]
And that's how they
laugh the day away
in the merry old land of OZ.
It's okay.
It's okay to laugh.
Remember Angelina Hart?
Yeah, that prissy
get-me little queen?
We used to call her Angina.
That high court
judge she was seeing
bought her a little holiday
at The Palace of Dreams.
Now, she's a married woman.
The most admired
hostess in St. Louis.
No.
Damn.
She always did see
herself as Coco Chanel.
[tense music]
Listen.
Now, that's a sweet story,
doll, and it's dish to die for.
But, that ain't the palace
of my dreams, honey.
But it is the palace
of my fuckin' dreams.
And you get with it.
All right?
Vinnie, you'd make
an ugly chick.
You'd have to shave your
damn knuckles just for start-
Shut up.
-Shut the fuck up!
-Jesus, Vinnie!
You're fuckin' dead.
You don't make me
kick shit out of you.
You made me touch you.
Right out here in the open.
Just.
You just listen for one second
in your smart-ass freakin' life.
I need you to listen.
And hear me, all right?
I am listenin'.
I hear you, baby.
Don't fuckin' touch me.
I don't need a fuckin' mother.
I need a wife.
I need to be just
Mr. Normal Everyday.
And what is wrong with that?
Now, I've already booked
you in to see the doc.
So's how's about that?
Well, you can just
unbook me, sweetness.
How's about that?
See, this is just so you.
What, are you scared of bein'
a normal person or what?
I am scared of losin' Little
Bo downstairs is what.
What are we talkin'
about this for?
I am a chick with a dick who
ain't done with her dick, yet.
And let's face it, sweetness.
Neither are you.
I can take it or leave it.
Bo, it's you I gotta have.
You've got me.
But they ain't never
gonna let us be.
No, they ain't never
gonna let us be.
Ain't no operation
gonna change that.
[melancholy music]
Come here.
I can't.
There's too many windows.
I was walkin' down the street.
And it was gettin' mighty late.
Well, the truth of the matter is
this poor girl had been
abandoned by her date.
When, from out of nowhere came
this music loud and clear.
Let me see.
From over there?
No, over there.
Over there?
Yeah.
Well, I opened up the door
and much to my surprise,
the girls were wearin' formals
and the boys were wearin' ties.
And I feel that I should mention
that the band was at attention.
They just stood
there all so neat
while they played
their swingin' beat.
So, I grabbed this little boy
who came struttin'
'cross the room.
I said, "What's that?"
And he say.
Sophisticated boom boom
It's been long overdue
Sophisticated boom boom
We been needin'
somethin' new
Sophisticated boom boom
Now stand up straight and tall
like your back's
against the wall.
Take two steps forward
and shake your hips.
[woman vocalising]
[Burt] Morning, Agnes.
[woman vocalising]
[Burt] Okay.
Just take any seat.
Let's go, folks.
Let's go.
[woman vocalising]
It's been long overdue
That's not very sophisticated.
We been needin'
somethin' new
I do think she's blown her cool.
Now stand up straight and tall
like your back's
against the wall.
Take two steps forward.
Now shake your hips.
[women harmonising]
[footsteps plodding]
[camera reel clicking]
[bell tolling]
[bluesy guitar]
My eyes have seen
the struggles
Of the Negroes and the Jews
I have seen the
country's trampled
The laws of men, abused
But you crush the homosexual
with anything you choose
And we go marchin' on
Glory, glory, Hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
As we go marchin' on
We're drowned
out by injustice
'Til our whispers
can't be heard
You have shattered all
our hopes and dreams
And, yet, we've
never stirred
We're rising in a chorus
And soon you'll
hear every word
As we go marchin' on
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
As we go marching on
The civil rights
you took from us
We want them back again
And we'll talk
and rag and picket
Until we see you bend
If you don't give them to us
We will take them in the end
As we go marchin' on
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
As we go marching on
[keys rattling]
Thank God that's over.
The big one.
At least no one got killed.
You want coffee?
[Matty] No milk, plenty sugar.
Maybe it woulda been better.
[Ethan] What?
If we'd all been killed.
If the whole march had
been wiped out by a grenade
or somethin'.
Least it would've
made the papers.
Maybe that woulda
mobilised people.
There's gotta be more than
30 people who actually
give a shit.
We need somethin' to get
'em outta whatever hole
they're in.
Well, a lot of those
people are just not able
to even conceive
of these issues.
Let alone march for them.
That ditzy queen we were
talking with the other day.
La Miranda?
Him.
He's gonna march?
He could barely cross
the room in those heels.
She prefers to be called her.
Well, there you have it.
I asked her why they
prefer to be called her.
She said the feminine
was the highest any male
could aspire to.
[laughs]
I know you're paraphrasing,
because no way is that
in his vocabulary.
Okay.
Pack your bags.
We need a holiday.
I'm taking you to Fire
Island for a couple days.
Bring your swimsuit,
some shades, and a
frivolous attitude.
I have to work tomorrow.
Who doesn't?
Call in sick.
Come on, Matt.
You can advance your
dish washing career
after a long weekend.
We need to surround you with
positive images of faggotry.
Right now.
[lips smack]
Do this with me, huh?
I wanna see you smile again.
Sounds terrific.
[horns honking]
[footsteps scuffing]
[door slams]
[footsteps thudding]
[door creaks]
Forgive me, Father.
For I have sinned.
It's been a lifetime
since my last confession
and every sin, Father.
I've committed every sin.
Lust, greed, anger.
Even pride.
Who am I to feel pride?
A man who has everything?
In fact, actually has nothing.
The only thing I want is the
one thing that I do have.
And I ain't allowed
to want it, so,
I don't really have it.
That's me, Father.
This is me.
Forgive me, Father.
For I have sinned.
[dark music]
Seems like the other day
My baby went away
He went away 'cross the sea
[wave crashing]
Since I saw my baby go
And then this
letter came for me
It said that we were through
He met somebody new
Let me think, let me think
What can I do
Oh no
Oh no
Oh no no no no no no
Remember
Walking in the sand
Remember
Walkin' hand in hand
Remember
The night was so exciting
Remember
His smile was so inviting
Remember
Then he touched my cheek
Remember
We were spinnin' deep
Softly
Softly, we'd
meet with a myth
Whatever happened to
The boy that I once new
The boy who said
He'd be true
Oh what would happen to
-[men chattering]
-[waves crashing]
[Ethan] No, tell me.
Am I confused?
Did we die and
just go to heaven?
This place has it all
Wait 'til later at the dance.
You're gonna see
more beautiful men
in one room than
you ever dreamed of.
Walkin' hand in hand
Remember
Got it in the water.
Get it, get it, get it.
-[waves crashing]
-[men shouting]
[whistle blowing]
Put your towel on, Matty.
What?
Local ordinance
from the Dark Ages.
You can't wear
suggestive swimsuits
uncovered on the beach.
You mean we can't.
Don't give these assholes
any excuses, okay, Matty?
Fine.
Did we just die
and go to heaven?
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There's a land
that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
[TV pops]
[whimsical music]
[Announcer] America's
most beloved entertainer
from the age of 14, Judy
Garland started working
in Vaudeville at the age of two.
A family act called
The Gumm Sisters.
[TV pops]
Punishing schedules involved
led to a lasting addiction
to barbiturates.
The special Oscar at the
age of 17 for Best Juvenile
in The Wizard of Oz,
Judy Garland became identified-
[TV Pops]
She recently married to
the husband number five,
Mickey Deans.
Judy Garland died
in London, England,
where they were
staying together.
Deans is said to
be inconsolable.
So is Hollywood and,
indeed, America itself,
as thousands mourn the loss
of one of the last true greats
and genuine stars.
Came as soon as I heard.
That's sweet of you.
-[door thuds]
- Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
You okay?
I heard she got
found on the john.
God, life is sordid.
I gave up followin' politics,
'cause I could not deal
with the heartbreak, honey.
Kennedy.
Malcolm X, Dr. King.
And what happens?
I retreat into the
safety of superficiality
only to find greater grief
than I think I've ever known.
Boy, oh boy.
Check you out.
You should be Italian.
I do wallow good, don't I?
It's because I'm sincere.
[Vinnie sighs]
What would it take
to bring you up?
Ice cream.
In the sun.
With the man I love.
Nothin' much.
[lips smack]
Okay.
Excuse me?
[hands clap]
Get up.
Takin' you out.
You mean amongst people?
Yep.
Amongst folks.
Get dressed.
Vinnie, are you high?
[laughs] I ain't changed.
I'm just comin' out a little.
Get dressed, you
dizzy friggin' filly.
-Get dressed, goddammit!
-[light crashing]
Please.
That's the magic
word, sweetness.
[upbeat music]
Wild party.
[Ethan] They can't dance, yet.
They will.
There's a choreographer
comin' or?
You're hating this.
Anyway, they can't dance
until the woman dances.
[Matty] Who?
The drag queen in
the Roman sandals?
[Ethan] [laughing] That's
not a drag queen, Matty.
And since you've gotta go
Boy, you had better go now
Go now
Before you see me cry
I don't want you to tell me
That's what you
intend to do now
[Chaperone] Hey.
Keep it clean, boys, all right?
It's not like this.
It's like this.
Okay?
What the fuck is that?
Ancient local ordinances?
Jesus, Ethan.
[soft music]
[Bonita moaning softly]
[Vinnie] More ice cream, baby?
I been eatin' the stuff all day.
Anymore and I'm gonna be a
dancer with a beef roast chorus.
What're you gonna eat all night?
Vinnie.
Ambrosia?
[lips smacking]
-[silverware clattering]
-[people murmuring]
[Patron] Isn't she
a little muscular?
[Patron 2] Yeah.
Don't.
[child murmuring]
[Waiter] Your check, sir.
[clears throat] What
other ice cream you got?
I'm afraid you've
exhausted our entire stock.
Well, send out for some.
We're hungry.
[Waiter] My apologies, sir.
Please, let me present you
this meal with compliments
of the establishment.
Oh yeah?
[Waiter] And, I beg
your forgiveness,
but through an unforgivable
error by a junior member
of our staff,
this table has
been double booked.
And the management were
wondering if you would mind
sacrificing your places
just a little early?
To avoid disappointing
the next party of diners.
[napkin thuds]
-[glasses clattering]
-[people shouting]
Sweetness.
[finger snaps]
My compliments.
[money fluttering]
[Patron] Look at all that money.
[people murmuring]
[silverware clattering]
[classical music]
I'm sorry, Matt.
The world's too big to
save all at one time.
Look at us.
Now, there's no eye
contact in private.
Been waiting.
We could really love each
other, you know, Matt?
Shit, I'm sorry.
It's a habit.
When you've spent your life
looking over your shoulder.
Well, you know how it is.
The future
Tomorrow.
Well.
Tomorrow's a long way off.
Maybe, someday, I'll
hold somebody's hand.
Maybe, somewhere,
someone will understand.
You know, I used to sing,
"A tisket, a tasket.
Green and yellow basket.
I'm all packed up
and I'm on my way.
I'm gonna fall in love."
But, at the moment.
Doesn't look good.
At the moment.
It'll never happen again.
[soft piano music]
I don't think.
It will ever.
Happen.
Again.
[water running]
[loud knocking]
[Matty] La Miranda?
[door creaking]
Matty Dean?
Baby?
[melancholy music]
I'll be your knight in
shining armour, baby.
Your boy and your lady.
I'm your mama lion.
I'm your man.
I will fight for
you, dress for you.
Even cry for you.
But only for you, baby.
Never for them.
Never
for them.
[kiss smacks]
Hey, Cryptika.
Hm?
You love me?
Now, what kinda asshole
question is that?
I ever tell ya I love you?
No, you son of a bitch.
[kiss smacks]
[money crinkling]
[gunshot firing]
[Bonita screams]
[Bonita] Vinnie!
No!
God!
No!
No, Vinnie, God!
No!
[jukebox rattling]
[vinyl buzzing]
[News Reporter] All America
takes time out to mourn
its own girl next
door, Judy Garland.
One of the last true
greats and genuine stars.
Aged only 47 when
she came to the end
of her yellow brick road,
her tragic saga over,
she's at peace at last.
Something inside of me
Started a symphony
Quick went the
strings of my heart
[sirens blaring]
[police radio chatter]
[brakes squeaking]
[footsteps shuffling]
[people murmuring]
[button clacks]
Judy stays.
[door clacking]
[Bar Patron] Wipe
off your gloves.
[door clatters]
And who is gonna be our
first lucky contestant
on this week's
edition of Jeopardy?
I hope everyone is wearing the
legal minimum requirement of
three items of clothing
appropriate their gender
as prescribed by nature.
Otherwise,
those contestants are
gonna find themselves
with the grand booby prize.
An all-expenses paid
luxury trip downtown.
You.
I'm sorry, sister.
That pathetic little
blouse don't say man to me.
Bust the little
Jodie for solicitin'.
Bust that one for
lookin' at me funny.
What the hell?
Bust a selection.
[crowd cheering]
[Detective] All right,
get 'em all out of here.
[crowd shouting]
Give them Hell, Helen honey.
Woo!
[crowd shouting]
[woman yelling indistinctly]
Don't push me, Mary,
I am not in the mood.
Aw, she ain't in the mood.
Ain't we in the mood?
Are we on the rag, dearie?
I wonder if my little buddy
here is in the mood, huh?
[body thuds]
Poor little faggot
don't know whether
to kill me or kiss me.
[blow thuds]
[crowd cheering]
Guess I made up my mind.
[crowd shouting]
[blows thudding]
[Officer] Stand back.
Stand back.
-[kicks pounding]
-[crowd shouting]
[Officer] Pull back.
Pull back.
Pull back.
Go, go, go, go, go, go.
[crowd shouting]
[metal clanging]
[crowd chanting]
I do so love a party.
It's the fourth of fuckin' July.
Come on.
Yes, it is.
[drag queens cheering]
[metal rattling]
[cars thudding]
[wood cracking]
[Officer] Get away
from that window.
[wood cracking]
[men grunting]
[glass shattering]
[men shouting]
[hooves clapping]
[horse blows raspberry]
[heels clicking]
[crowd cheering]
Hey.
I'll kick your ass.
Go on, hit me.
I dare you.
[horse whinnies]
[hooves clopping]
[Matty shouting]
[La Miranda] It's our rights.
You have no right
to do this to us.
[Matty] Bastards.
You bastards.
Come on, hit me with it.
Come on, hit me with it.
Come on, baby.
[blows thudding]
Let's get out of here.
[blows thudding]
[metal thundering]
[crowd shouting]
[footsteps clopping]
We are the Stonewall girls
We wear our hair in curls
We wear no underwear
We show our pubic hair
We are the Village queens
We always wear blue jeans
We were our hair in curls
Because we think we're girls
[La Miranda] Everyone has
their own Stonewall legend.
That's mine.
I maybe didn't get exactly
every detail down perfect.
But that's the story
of my life, honey.
We always wear blue jeans
We wear our hair in curls
Because we think we're girls
[crowd cheering]
What the hell?
I am a drag queen.
And we don't always
deal in reality.
You can say we deal in
something kinda realer.
We deal in dreams.
We're American as apple pie.
[soft piano]
When I was born
They look at me and said
What a good boy
What a smart boy
What a strong boy
When you were born
They look at you and say
What a good girl
What a smart girl
What a pretty girl
'Fraid of change
Afraid of stayin' the same
When temptation comes
We just look away
This name is the
hairshirt I wear
This hairshirt is woven from
Your brown hair
When I was born
They looked at me and said
What a good boy
What a smart boy
What a strong boy
When you were born
They looked at you and said
What a good girl
What a smart girl
What a pretty girl
Yeah, yeah
[static buzzing]
[serene music]
[bell dings]
[Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata"]
[lips smack]
[La Miranda] The past.
Past.
Well, now, let me tell
you about the past.
The past is filled
with silent joys
and broken toys.
Laughing girls and teasing boys.
Was I ever in love?
I called it love.
I mean.
It felt like love.
There were moments when,
well.
There were moments when...
[footsteps clicking]
[sign buzzing]
[Interviewee] Nobody, on
that particular night,
showered and shaved
to go to a riot.
-[car engine rattling]
-[jangly guitar music]
[protestors shouting]
[crowd cheering]
There had been race riots.
There had been anti-war riots.
There had been all sorts
of civil rights riots.
And, now, it was time
for the gay riots.
Raids were not unusual.
You've seen a raid,
you've seen a raid.
This was just a raid.
Every other group had made
their point in the sixties.
But we were never
going to make ours.
Nobody was worried
about the faggots.
You could do what
you want with them.
But, suddenly, here
were the faggots
now revolting.
And the paper talks about
people lighting bonfires
and trash baskets and throwin'
them through the windows.
And I, personally,
thought, "Oh my God.
The homosexual's gonna be the
bogeyman of the seventies."
Well, I think it
had to do something
with Judy Garland's death.
It was beyond frightening.
It was traumatising.
And, in part, I am still
traumatised by it to this day.
You know, on a
scale of one to ten,
as far as a riot goes,
it wasn't a very good riot.
You know, it was over
before it started.
Some heads were
busted on both sides,
but that was it.
If my mother hears
the word Stonewall,
she has to take a heart pill.
[gravel crackles]
I was with the
Mattachine Society.
And we sort of believed
in wearing coat and tie
and makin' the most respectable
appearances we could.
And I didn't wanna see
gay people go on a rampage
and destroy their
own neighbourhood.
[La Miranda] See, there's
as many Stonewall stories
as there's gay
queens in New York.
And that's a shit
load of stories, baby.
Everywhere you go in Manhattan,
or America,
or the entire damn world,
you're gonna hear
some new legend.
Well, this is my legend, honey.
Okay?
My Stonewall legend.
[buttons clacking]
[jukebox spinning]
[record buzzing]
Ooh wah, ooh wah
cool, cool kitty
Tell us about the boy
from New York City
Ooh wah, ooh wah,
come on, kitty
Tell us about the boy
from New York City
He's kinda tall
He's really fine
Yeah yeah
Someday, I hope to
make him mine all mine
Yeah yeah
And he's neat
And oh so sweet
And just the way
he looked at me
He swept me off my feet
Yeah yeah
Ooh whee
You ought to come and see
How he walks
And how he talks
Ooh wah, ooh wah
cool, cool kitty
Tell us about the boy
from New York City
He's really down
And he's no clown
Yeah yeah
He has the finest penthouse
I've ever seen in town
Yeah yeah
And he's cute
In his mohair suit
And keeps his pockets
full of spending loot
Yeah yeah
Ooh whee
You ought to come and see
-[sirens wailing]
- He's the most
From coast to coast
[door creaking]
[heels clicking]
[locker squeaks]
[coin rattling]
[train rumbling]
[Moxie] Moves your
hooves, you lazy hoe.
[Helen] Hey, it ain't
lady-like to run, dammit.
[indistinct chattering]
[train pulling out]
[indistinct chattering]
Ooh.
What's goin' on, Moxie?
[Helen] You can't get
so far as Coney Island.
[La Miranda] Life's a
cruise for you, bitch.
[Moxie] Hey, matinee
girl, showtime.
[sputtering]
[all laughing]
[Helen] Going out with
Robert Clohessy tonight.
[Moxie] More like Andy Walrus.
[All] She's booted.
Cackled.
And gagged.
Okay.
Hey, lindo.
Get into some of that myself.
[siren wailing]
Big car, small weenie.
[heels clicking]
[Moxie] I'm tellin' you, girl,
you should've came
to that party.
[Helen] God, all
the guys was there.
[Moxie] Lollipop was there.
Chucky was there.
With bells on.
[La Miranda] Yeah,
but no balls, right?
[Moxie] Slow down.
[Ethan] Sir, please
take this pamphlet.
How you doin' today?
March on Philadelphia.
[Ethan] Homosexual rights.
Please join us.
No, honey.
Support homosexuality.
No, but, thank you, sir.
Hey.
March on Philadelphia.
What?
Homosexual rights.
Why don't you be there?
-[Matty] Sure.
-Great.
Don't forget.
[heels clicking]
[drag queens chattering]
[All] Trick or treat.
[lips smack]
[La Miranda] Hey, Vito, you
remind me of my dead father.
[Helen] Hello.
[Moxie] Hey, Vito,
do you want me
to come home with you tonight?
Baby?
[door slams]
[everyone chattering]
No, you smell like you
are wearing my perfume.
Hey, Vito, how they hangin'?
Shavin' our shoulders yet?
'Kay, girls, we see ID
or we see blood.
Ooh.
[La Miranda] Here's my ID, baby.
You recognise?
Looks outta date to me.
Come on, sissies.
Move on, move on.
Let's go.
Ah, kiss my ID.
Hey, Mussolini.
Hey, punk.
Hey, Vito.
My ID's in the car.
Take a hike.
Uh uh.
I'm with them.
And your fuckin'
mother's with them.
[drag queens chattering]
Vito, what are
you going through?
Quit raggin' on our ride.
Yeah, Vito.
Don't bust my balls, buddy.
[Moxie] Yeah, Vito,
don't bust his balls.
You fairy.
Get the fuck out of my face.
[loud music]
[people chattering]
[Moxie] Party over here.
[Diva] Diva coming through.
Moxie, girl, ain't
it past your bedtime?
Back up, fellas.
The bitches is
back on the block.
Outta my way.
I'm drinkin', who's payin'?
[woman vocalising]
Hey, Bo, how's it going?
[Bonita] Hello.
Listen, uh.
Thanks a lot.
You owe me one, okay?
Have a nice life.
[crowd chattering]
Young man.
Young, young, young, young man.
My ID's in the car.
When your here, sweetness,
a face is all the ID you need.
See the old money
by the Wurlitzer?
He would like to
furnish your thirst
with a cooling libation.
Right.
A drink, twinkie.
What'll it be?
Oh.
All right.
Sure.
Bud.
Ah. House beer.
Hit me with it.
Believe me, baby.
You won't feel a thing.
[laughs]
Ah, Angelo.
Oh, shit.
We're out.
Chica.
Hi, Chica, I love that outfit
more every time I see it.
Which is a lot of love, honey.
And, a lot of nerve too, girl.
Tramp.
[all laughing]
[bottles clinking]
[Bartender] Fish is
on the hook, honey.
Reel him in.
Say somethin'.
Don't let them move.
Allow me to thank you in
person for accepting my offer.
Don't mention it.
Ice or nothin' on
your taste buds?
Do have one yourself, my dear.
Why?
What the hell have
I ever done to you?
Hey Lady Ernestine.
Give me a shot of
Jackie D., will you?
That's Princess
Ernestine to you, bitch.
That's Princess
Bitch to you, lady.
Just get your ass
in line, La Miranda.
I'm servin' Mr. Smith here.
Smith?
We're all Smith in
this place, baby.
I'm Princess Ernestine Smith.
[La Miranda] I'm
La Miranda Smith.
And this is?
Matty Dean.
Smith.
Well, my name is August.
Looks more like December to me.
[Matty chuckles]
I trust you're
immune to Hepatitis?
Whoops.
Damn it, Perry, what day is it?
[La Miranda] Oh dear.
[Ernestine] They were
already here on Tuesday.
Excuse me.
Keep the change.
[Ernestine] Call
Vinnie, Goddammit.
[button clicks]
[crowd murmuring]
[purses clacking]
[case thuds]
[heels clicking]
Don't give your real name, baby.
[heels clicking]
[chair creaks]
[door creaking]
[people murmuring]
[stick smacks]
[Officer] School
time, ladies, come on.
Let's go.
Let's keep it movin'.
[Officer 2] Come on.
You know the drill.
I have two letters
for everyone here.
I.
And D.
[Officer 2] Come on, come on.
Move, move.
Move, move, move, move, move.
Get 'em out for the boys, girls.
[Detective] You.
Washroom.
[crowd chattering]
Hey Ernie.
[Officer] Let's go, let's go.
I don't have all night.
ID.
I don't see anything.
-Come on, ladies.
-Oh, Ernie.
Ernestine?
Good evening, officer.
How 'bout a drink while
we're sweatin' away here, hm?
What was I thinking of?
[Vinnie] Put that shit away.
Johnny Walker for New
York's finest, Princess.
You know that.
Officers.
Gentlemen.
Welcome to the Stonewall Inn.
We weren't expecting you fellas.
Orders from on high.
What can I tell you?
What can anyone tell anybody?
Right?
So.
Drink.
[glass clinks]
Is that Whiskey?
Or is that Goddamn Whiskey?
Friggin' angel's piss.
These stupid ass fairies
don't know how lucky they are.
Am I right?
Damn straight.
Best booze.
[serene music]
And the prettiest bar chicks.
[Vinnie] Ha.
Damn straight.
Awooga.
If it ain't
Holly-go-friggin-Lightly.
Let's see you, pretty thing.
Oh, so classy and dainty, it is.
[Officer] Hm.
Smells good too.
Ah, she looks
better without 'em.
[sunglasses clatter]
[Detective] There.
Now, we can get us
a real good look.
[Officer] She's gonna cry.
Washroom.
[liquid pouring]
I gave you two words.
Wash.
And room.
[Officer] Come on.
You heard him.
Go.
[liquid sloshing]
This way, fellas.
[Officer] All right, let's
go, let's go, let's go.
[heels clicking]
Yeah, let's see if
a cheap wig floats.
[water splashing]
[officers laughing]
[water splashing]
[Officer] Poor, poor
little wet faggot.
Very nice, E.
[water splashing]
[melancholy music]
[water blubbing]
Jesus Christ.
[La Miranda breathing heavily]
[water dripping]
[heels clicking]
[melancholy music]
ID.
Oh, baby.
La Miranda, girl.
Why do you always put
yourself through this?
Why, Princess Ernestine?
It's for the sheer,
irresistible, Goddamn
glamour of it all.
[lips smack]
[men shouting]
Hey.
Leave him alone.
Come on.
He ain't hurtin' nobody, right?
He ain't hurtin' nobody, right?
[groans]
That's right, kid.
No one's hurtin' no one.
'Cept you.
He don't
Hang around
With the gang no more
And he don't do the wild
things that he did before
Ooh
[Detective] Easy, easy.
[Vito] Watch it, motherfuckers.
[Matty groans]
[Officer] Come on, you too.
Little girl.
[doors clattering]
[La Miranda] You are
all gonna pay for this.
[Officer] Make it easy.
His heart is out
in the streets
He don't
Comb his hair
Like he did before
[men shouting]
[La Miranda] Don't
look at me, goddammit.
Son of a bitch, I think
he broke my goddamn nose.
Ah forget you.
They confiscated
my damn makeup bag.
'Kay?
Now, that's brutality.
How can they just do this?
Like we don't have a fuckin'
constitution or nothin'?
We don't.
They do.
Who the fuck is they?
America.
Big America.
The other America.
Fuck big America.
We're the real America.
At least we believe
in fuckin' freedom.
Right?
You don't even get what
I'm talkin' about, do ya?
Yeah, little ol' dumb me.
How could I possibly get it?
I'm sorry.
Shit, I don't even get it.
God, I am such an asshole.
Somehow, I really believed
that it would be different
in New York.
Yeah, well Miss Liberty lies.
I almost forgot people did that.
Well, you can join
me if you'd like.
I don't do tears.
Don't you ever get this angry?
I don't do angry.
It's all I do.
That's her right over there.
[car pulling up]
[La Miranda] Now you
know you all are gonna be
raptured up to Heaven
for your deeds today,
don't ya, Bostonia?
Oh, you got that goddamn right.
See if I ain't dragged
screamin' to Bellevue first.
I mean, am I crazy or what?
And who is this kid I'm
bailin' outta the slammer
for gettin' his goddamn ass
caught where it ain't wanted
or paid for.
Excuse me?
I'm Matty Dean.
Matty Dean?
Goddamn hillbilly.
Oh, Bostonia-
[Bostonia] You do not speak.
I will slap you
upside your head.
Kid.
I was there and I
saw what you did.
Now, you may think that it
looked sort of cool, huh?
Yeah, maybe even felt kinda
cool in some freaky way.
It is not cool to give
those motherfuckers
any kind of excuse to
put their hands on you.
If we bleed, we do not win.
Y'all dig?
Well, maybe it's
their turn to bleed?
Wake up call.
If you give them cause
to mess with you again,
I'll kick your asses myself.
Is that clear?
Goddammit.
You kids are gonna
break my goddamn heart.
You know, I think
he kinda liked me.
Matty Dean, do they got
drags where you come from?
Naturally.
Then, you know it ain't
hip to call a DQ he.
Oh, did I call him, him?
Uh, he.
She?
[keys jangling]
[horn honking]
Is your family rich?
What's my family
got to do with me?
I'm just tryin' to figure
out how somebody so smart
can be so stupid.
Well, I ain't got no
buddy in a stretch limo.
That ain't hers.
Bostonia's got some rich
john that takes care of her.
[woman laughing]
[keys jangling]
[people chattering]
So, which are you?
A he or she?
Depends on who's payin', babe.
[door squeaks]
[paper rustling]
[Matty] That's a
draught notice, right?
Yep.
Unfortunately for
them, I have flat feet.
[footsteps thudding]
[door creaking]
Welcome to teeny bop heaven.
[door slams]
I'll make you up a bed.
[keys rattling]
[Matty] Mine was this kid.
I was a kid, myself.
He used to come
around with his dad.
You know, to paint
the fence and stuff.
I used to watch
him from my window.
Like, mowin' the lawn
with his shirt off.
Did you ever tell
him how you felt?
Well, he always used to
come over with his pop.
Then, one time, he came alone.
And we came together.
But, I never told him.
No.
Who was your first?
First lay?
[Matty] First love.
I don't do love.
Ain't no percentage in it.
La Miranda.
What do your family
think of you?
[La Miranda] They
drink to forget me.
Yours?
Well, when I first told them
that I was a homosexual-
Wait.
When you what?
[Matty] They didn't believe me.
You did not.
I did.
Fuck you.
You did not.
[Matty] When I was 15.
Get out of town.
Didn't I say you was rich?
You did, yeah.
Mary, please.
You tell poor folks,
"Mommy, I'm a homosexual."
And they will drag your
ass out into the damn yard
and whip you with
a car area, okay?
[Matty chuckles]
Is that what happened to you?
We're not talkin' about me.
You want some breakfast?
Oh Christ, I should
get outta here
and let you get some sleep.
As a matter-of-fact, I
have to go to a meeting.
AA?
[Matty] Well, no.
Um.
Okay.
I'm going to a meeting
of the Homophile Society.
A group of homosexual men
working for liberation,
acceptance, and integration.
You travelled across
America to hand out flyers
and then you talk
to me like I'm dumb?
Let's eat.
Listen.
You don't have to go.
You can stay as
long as you need to.
I know I never said thank you.
I'm lousy at this shit.
[feet shuffling]
[dishes clatter]
[horn blares]
[piano tone]
[car drives past]
[bell dings]
[piano tone]
[Person On Phone] You
should've called me.
I'm not a policeman.
You can talk to me
before you screw up.
Okay?
Yeah.
I'm calm now.
After I hang up, I'm gonna
go chant or something.
How's that?
-[phone dings]
-[phone clatters]
[Burt] Moving on.
We're here today
to confirm details
with the Daughters of Palides.
Represented today
by Agnes Pudgin.
As to the precise
nature of our march
on Independence Hall
in Philadelphia.
Agreement on codes of
conduct, et cetera, et cetera.
Well, naturally, the ideal
would be to take a cache
of mortar shells
and level the place.
[group laughing]
However.
Since we are a peaceful
political lobby group.
We're not the Black Panthers.
We'll forgo your mortar shells.
The Panthers never
bombed anyone, Burt.
God knows who'd blame them.
Moving on.
Okay.
Dress sense.
Agnes has confirmed that
the Daughters of Palides
are in complete accord with
our decision that everyone
should dress as sensibly
and as formally as possible.
Tuxes.
Prom dresses.
[Bert] Ethan.
[Agnes] Suits.
Ties.
No patterns, please.
Dark socks.
Polished shoes.
Neat haircuts.
No denim, no chinos.
If you've got glasses,
please wear them.
Excuse me.
Haircuts?
You can wear a hat and
tuck your hair into it.
But neat hair would be ideal.
And, I might add,
possibly quite becoming.
[group chuckling]
[Agnes] Listen, people,
this dress code thing.
It's really a drag, I know.
But, this is the first
civil action of its kind
and it's vital that we
make a good impression.
Do you see?
[Group Member] Yes.
[Bert] Moving on.
For the ladies.
The women.
[group chuckling]
Skirts.
Blouses.
[car engines running]
[heels clicking]
[horn honks]
[door creaks]
[Bonita] Vito.
Oh.
New cologne?
[Bonita] Hey, is Vinnie
in his office, babe?
Stop me if I'm borin' ya.
A cosy grand.
Stash it.
We got company.
There's a lady in the house.
Don't mind me, boys.
So what you're telling me is.
I pay you to bust me
less, you bust me more.
I pay you for warnings,
I get jack shit.
How am I s'posed to
make money to pay you?
Build a mint in my ass
and shit dollar bills?
[Detective Over Phone]
It's a routine shakedown.
I know we're supposed to give-
What the fuck are
you doin' here?
Listen, I got a cousin runs a
fag bar in the East Village.
The precinct there is
so friggin' organised,
they get a bust rota.
Now that's business.
Last night, I got
two Nellie's in-store
and an empty bar by 1:30.
That is not business.
[Detective Over Phone] Okay.
I'll talk to the
chief, how's that?
Yeah, you do that.
And you ask him,
"Are we in business?"
Or am I paying the wrong
precinct, all right?
[phone clatters]
[door creaks]
[door slams]
What?
What?
What kind of face is that, huh?
Cryptika?
I'm warning you, Bostonia.
You keep your foot off my dick.
I'm on the phone chewing
out the Deputy Chief
of friggin' police,
for Christ sakes.
Blow it out your ass,
you goddamn loser.
If you're so hot, why you
talkin' to the fuckin' deputy?
I do not like to see my
kids bleedin' on the floor
of no paddy waggon, okay?
Come on.
Your kids?
That daffy little heifer was
asking to get roughed up.
She gets off on making waves.
You know that.
Ah, to Hell with 'em all.
Couldn't we just get
a-goddamn-way from
this tired town?
Some place where
nobody knows us?
Honey, nobody knows us here.
[lips smacking]
Hey, yeah.
Gonna keep it that way.
You get off me.
Before some sucker comes
in here and sees us.
Vinnie, you are such a romantic.
[chair creaking]
[footsteps plodding]
Yeah, catcher.
Angelo.
[footsteps thudding]
Boss?
[Vinnie] Any other sad
freak walks past you
into my office,
without so much as
a knock on my door,
I'm gonna break your
fuckin' feathers for you.
All right?
[door creaking]
You have to try and
understand, Burt.
He's not the hippest
guy on the block.
But, he has a great
brain, great connections,
and a great deal of money.
All of which he
contributes generously-
Oh, and it's cash
that counts, right?
Hey, hey.
You only hear what
you wanna hear.
Bert's given a great
deal of himself
to furthering this cause.
He's just kind of
out of another time.
It's just that I didn't
come across America
to hand out flyers
in a suit, ya know?
What did you come here for?
I know.
I came here as a
freshman at Columbia.
And I was gonna kick
the world's ass.
When you're 19 finding
something to fight for
can be kind of a thrill.
I'm glad somebody's
gettin' a kick out of it.
I'm not 19 anymore.
I've spent almost ten years
teaching Brooklyn kids about
Walt Whitman and Shakespeare.
Never mentioning what
really mattered to me
or I'm outta there.
I've seen 'em come and go.
And the ones who survive
are the ones who learn
how to work it from inside.
See, I'm not in this
for the fight anymore.
I'm in this to win.
[scoffs]
Listen, what are
you doin' right now?
Nothin'.
I mean, I gotta
meet somebody later.
Much later.
But I'm free right now.
For now.
Wanna walk?
I'll show you New York.
[soft music]
[footsteps plodding]
[car driving by]
[indistinct chattering]
[police radio chatter]
[Police Radio] Roger
on the information.
Frequency 15.
[car engine accelerating]
[police radio chatter]
So how late is he now?
About 30 seconds later than
the last time you asked me.
Don't piss me off, girlfriend.
Ooh boy, this stud must be
something for Miss La Miranda
thing to sit waiting on
her hind legs this way.
There must be some
serious dish here.
You know what I'm saying?
Pardon a moi?
Does he kiss?
Is he hung like an
ox or a chipmunk?
Is he a bull dagger in man drag?
Come on.
I think maybe he's a communist.
Oh, him so cute.
I don't know.
He's kinda freaky, you know?
Mm hm.
I think, maybe, he dropped
out of college or something
to slum it with
the street trash.
Oh.
But we never really
did nothin' yet.
God, you are sad.
Well.
We almost kissed this morning.
And it was, you know, scary.
But nice.
Hm.
And last night, we
just talked all night.
And, he helped me
cook breakfast.
All night?
No sex?
Hm.
No wonder you look like shit.
Oh my God, is that
him over there?
[La Miranda] Matty Dean.
Matty Dean!
[footsteps clacking]
You're late.
That's okay.
Good meeting?
[Matty] Kinda weird.
Wow.
Your eyelashes are
really big. [chuckles]
[Helen] 'Scuse me.
Matty Dean, I want you to
meet my best girlfriends.
This is Miss Moxie.
Kissy, kissy.
And, this is Helen Wheels.
Oh.
Hi.
Evenin'.
Ladies.
Taxi!
[soft music]
-[car pulls up]
-[indistinct chattering]
[car engine accelerating]
[Moxie] I always do this.
Yeah, I got it.
I'm the bellhop.
[indistinct chattering]
Okay, up we go.
First floor, lingerie.
[heels clicking]
[soft chiming music]
Tonight, my beautiful sisters.
We kiss goodbye to little Jose'.
For tonight, little Jose dies.
Goodbye, Little Jose.
[kiss smacks]
And now.
This little body holds
the soul of Camilla.
I release her with a kiss.
[kisses smack]
Welcome into the life, baby.
You remember, child, it's
gonna be a hard life.
But, oh, Camilla, what
riches it will show you.
[kisses smack]
[kiss smacks]
[kiss smacks]
[kiss smacks]
[kisses smacking]
Embrace it all, sweetness.
Let it embrace you.
[kiss smacks]
[Television Reporter]
Years of rigorous training
and waiting.
Who will be chosen?
Who will go?
But, now the wait
is finally over.
The moment of America's
date with destiny has come.
The nation rises to
meet the challenge posed
by President Kennedy.
In just a short time-
What are you doing?
I'm lookin' at you.
Oh God.
[Matty] Hey.
Don't hide from me.
You know what I'd like?
I'd like to see you naked.
Baby, you ain't ready for that.
No way.
[Matty] I'm ready.
I need to see you.
[horn honking]
Dare me?
I will if you will.
[clothes rustling]
[jacket thuds]
[horns honking]
[Matty] Wow.
You know me.
Such a tomboy.
Don't worry, baby,
if Kinzie calls,
you're the butch one.
I don't mind it.
I like it.
I like to look at you.
Do you like to look at me?
[La Miranda] What are
you some kinda fag?
[laughs]
I'm gettin' a testosterone rush.
I feel the need to compete.
[La Miranda] Oh no,
don't waste that.
Get someone under there!
[Matty] Come here.
[La Miranda] You come here.
Is that the way you got named?
Exactly that way.
Except I cried a lot more.
It was the last
time I ever cried.
What was your name before?
[scoffs]
I forget.
Hector.
More manly, right?
La Miranda's nice.
It's you.
It all makes me
feel kinda not...
Not complete.
Oh, baby.
One thing you ain't
is incomplete.
You wanna join the life?
I wanna join you.
[belt buckle rattles]
[horn honks]
[brakes squeal]
Thank you.
What do you think?
Good?
How you doin'?
[typewriter clacking]
You're prowling, Matt.
Sorry.
[typewriter clacking]
[bell dings]
Uh uh.
There's no way I can work
with you standing this close.
I'm reading this letter.
"Dear Bruce Compton.
I read your beautiful
article on the brotherhood
over and over and over.
Your words go 'round
my head like a song.
I wanna shout them
out in school.
You're so far from New
York and a million miles
from anything real.
I can dream of someone
to stand beside me
to fight together for love."
Bruce Compton?
How come you didn't
use your real name?
I should have.
I wonder what his real name was.
Ah.
What's a real name, anyhow?
Coulda been anyone.
Coulda been me.
[Ethan] Could it, Matt?
Matty Dean's not your real name.
It is to me.
[Ethan] Why would you
choose Matty Dean?
Such a hick name.
I guess I never really
wanted a classy life.
[laughs]
You came to the right town.
How'd you get a hold of
our magazine out there?
My first copy.
A friend.
Of a friend of a friend.
You know, it's the oldest story.
How does the story end?
It's just beginnin'.
Ooh wah, ooh wah,
come on, kitty
Tell us about the boy
from New York City
He can dance
And make romance
Yeah yeah
And that's when I fell in
love with just one glance
Yeah yeah
He was shy
And so was I
And now I know we'll
never, ever say goodbye
Yeah yeah
[heels scuffing]
You ought to come and see
He's the most
From coast to coast
Ooh wah, ooh wah,
cool, cool kitty
Tell us about the boy
from New York City
[Draftee] Psst.
[heels clicking]
[Crowd Member] I
love those shoes.
Weapons down, men.
At ease.
Hey, bros,
fros, and sisters with soul.
I'm ready for action.
Where do I sign?
Ladies to the left.
[La Miranda] Oh, I ain't no
lady, mister sir, I'm sorry.
See, that's why I walked
the middle of the room.
Story of my damn life.
Oh.
I have this little old
induction notice here.
[chair squeaks]
Hector Duarte?
Well.
Kind of.
See, I had my name
legally changed.
La Miranda Queredis.
Reporting for duty, sir.
[crowd laughing]
Are we to understand
you're some kind of invert?
[La Miranda] Shy?
Me?
Oh, Mary.
Are you a homosexual?
[La Miranda] Oh.
Sure.
Least so my boyfriend tells me.
We was kinda hopin' he could
enlist at the same time
and be posted to the same crew.
Shut up.
[La Miranda] So sorry, I'm sure.
Room 17?
Definitely.
Room 17 'round the
side of the building.
Entrance in the back.
Room 17.
[Draft Officer] For
psychological evaluation.
Oh.
My favourite.
[heels clicking]
So you cruise through this
in ten minutes time, okay?
Then we're home in time
for the Dolly show.
Yeah, well I never was
no good at cruisin'.
La Miranda.
Are you scared?
I seen a shrink.
Okay?
They made me see one when
I was in juvenile hall
when I was 11.
They wanted to give me
that electronic treatment.
You know, when they show
the pictures of oily boys
and then they zap you?
Aversion Therapy?
For what?
For staying out late
on a school night.
What do you think?
Shit, Matty Dean.
Come on.
You're with me now.
I won't let them hurt you.
You know that?
[scoffs] What do I
know about anything?
Hector Julio Duarte.
Hector.
La Miranda, doctor.
La Miranda Queredis.
But you weren't born La
Miranda were you, Hector?
You weren't born a
doctor, but you qualify.
And you're now a what?
A man?
Or a woman?
[laughing] Oh, doctor.
How fifties you be.
Me, I'm livin' in
the other state.
Between male-ness
and female-ness.
[Doctor] Which is?
Fabulousness.
[Doctor] Hector.
[lighter flicks]
Do you wanna fight
for your country?
[Matty] Oh.
I wanna fight, doc.
I wanna fight for love.
Liberty.
And the constitution.
I wanna fight the Kong.
The Russkis.
You.
Your mom.
Your pop.
And the whole house of fuckin'
un-American activities.
I wanna kick the world's ass.
And I don't need you to let me.
You're forcin' me.
[stamp thudding]
[subway rushing]
What?
Guess it's my turn
to look at you.
I'm scared, Matty.
I ain't never had
no hero before.
I never kissed no one before.
Or made love.
But you ain't never been
loved like this before.
Baby.
[finger snaps]
[La Miranda chuckles]
You love me?
Now it's me scared.
When I say I'm in love, you
best believe I'm in love.
L-U-V.
[upbeat music]
Here comes my guy
Walkin' down the street
Look how he walks
To that dancin' beat
Thick wavy hair
A little too long
On and on here
Singin' his song
And when I see
him in the street
My heart takes a
leap and skips a beat
March on Philadelphia.
But I walk right up to him
March on Philadelphia.
Give him a great big kiss
Mwah.
Tell him that I love him
Tell him that I care
Tell him that I'll
always be there
Well, what colour are his eyes?
I don't know.
He's always wearin' shades.
Is he tall?
Well, I gotta look up.
Yeah?
Well, I hear he's bad.
Ah, he's good bad.
But he's not evil.
Tell me more
Tel me more
Big bulky sweaters
Tell me more
To match his eyes
Tell me more
Dirty fingernails
Tell me more
Oh boy, what a prize
Tell me more
Tight, tapered pants
High button shoes
He's always lookin'
Like-a he got the blues
And when I see
him in the street
My heart takes a
leap and skips a beat
Gonna walk right up to him
Give him a great big kiss
Mwah.
Tell him that I love him
Tell him that I care
Tell him that I'll
always be there
Is he a good dancer?
What do you mean, "Is
he a good dancer"?
Well, how does he dance?
Close.
Very, very close.
Look at Miss Piglet
in her mud bath.
When was the last time
you took a bath, girl?
Hey, I don't have to
answer that question.
Oh, girl, be still and stop
switchin' before I miss
the last few strands of
hair you got up here.
Well, at least some of it
is still my own damn hair.
Uh oh.
Is this fuzzy fella hair
some source of pride
to the sick, seedy, messy queen
I'm dealin' with over here?
Would you shut the hell up?
My man is tryin' to call
upon his muse, dammit.
[Matty vocalising]
[guitar strumming]
My eyes have seen
the comin' of
- The Negroes and the Jews
-[Helen] Mm mm.
I have seen the
countries tremble
Where the laws of men abuse
[Helen] Did he just say Negroes?
[Moxie] Uh huh.
But you crush the homosexual
[Moxie] La Miranda, better
commentate to your man, please.
-[Helen] Girl.
-[Moxie] La Miranda,
please have him stop.
[Helen] Yes, please.
- And we go marchin' on
-[Moxie] Now?
[La Miranda] Uh, baby?
-Sucks, don't it?
-[Helen] Mm hm.
Sucks?
[lip smacks]
Chicky, how could
anything about you suck?
Well, it just sounds
a little literary-
Literal.
Literal.
Istic.
You dig?
You think it's too literal?
[La Miranda] Well, that's
what I said, ain't it?
I don't know.
Whatever.
It's too...
It's too goddamn
preachy, you know?
It's a little white bread, also.
Yeah.
White boy.
-[La Miranda] But.
-[Moxie] White boy.
It's fabulous otherwise.
Permission to puke, ma'am?
Shut up, bitch.
I ain't the one that's
coming on like Bobby Dylan
in a coma, now am I?
[Speaker] Females, by
nature, do not have the same
sexual drives as males.
And, therefore, men who
suffer from an abnormal
sexual compulsion are
forced to turn to others
who have the same uncontrollable
need to satisfy their
unnatural desires.
They turn to other homosexuals.
And, now, this, of course,
finds the seed falling
on barren soil.
Which leads to more frustration
and increasing compulsion.
Like, the dope addict.
Unlike drug addiction, however,
none of this can be blamed
on the individual.
Homosexuality is an illness.
A condition.
[chair squeaks]
Sparked by a chemical
imbalance in the brain.
[footsteps thudding]
[people chattering]
Their basic
constitutional rights.
I thank you.
[Burt] Thank you.
[hands clapping]
Any questions?
You're not talking, Matty.
Oh, I was just wonderin'.
Why are we headin'
into Greenwich Village
to meet the press?
When we should be checkin'
into the psycho ward
to have our excess sperm
deposit syphoned off?
It's just an opinion, Matty.
Hitler and the boys
had an opinion, Burt.
Now wait.
The fact is that the idea
of sickness is a concept
that America can deal with.
And at this stage, quite
frankly, sympathy would be
a huge step for us.
You mean pity?
Any word that means
not hate is a step,
don't you think?
I can't think.
Couldn't you try thinking?
[Matty laughs]
[trash cans clattering]
You done?
No.
[trash cans clattering]
Okay.
We can fight all
we want between us.
But this meeting is with
our only ally in the press.
We need to present
a united front.
Isn't that reasonable?
But, naturally, Burt.
We're always reasonable.
[men chattering]
You tell him I'm here, right?
[Ethan] I'm gonna
tell them everything.
[Matty] We have a couple drinks?
[Ethan] We're gonna
have a lot of drinks.
[Matty] Good, however I can't...
Randal Frazertski?
Yes.
Yes, yes, hi.
Hi.
Hello.
-Hi.
-Glad to meet you.
-Burt?
-Right.
Please call me Randy.
[laughing]
[Burt] This is the Village
Voice reporter, Randy.
Ethan.
-[Randy] Hi.
-[Ethan] Hi.
-[Burt] Matty Dean.
-Nice to meet you.
-Both members of the group.
-Matty.
Matty Dean.
Oh, Raoul.
Listen, I brought along
a photographer with me.
Would you guys be wiling
to pose for some shots?
It's not a problem for us.
Right?
Oh, good.
-Great, great.
-Good, like to hear it.
I'm gonna start the first
shot right over here.
[camera shutter clicking]
Stay right there.
Right there.
Great.
Okay, that's great.
That's a good one.
Good.
Okay?
Smiling a little.
Good.
Yeah.
Keep that hand down.
Thanks.
A little to the left please.
All right.
Like it.
Good.
Shades, Ethan?
Just injecting a little style.
[camera shutter clicks]
[Raoul] That's great.
[bar patrons chattering]
[Randy] So the
plan here is what?
[Burt] We sit down.
We announce ourselves
as homosexuals.
And then we order drinks.
At which point, they're
compelled to refuse us.
Dictated by-
Our fascist and
un-American state laws.
And then we flame
throw the place.
He's a real getter.
Matty.
You know how it is, Burt.
Chemical imbalance.
[Waitress] What
can I get you guys?
We are a group of
homosexuals and we would like
to order a beer each.
It's a tequila for me, Burt.
[Waitress] Okay, so that's
beers and a tequila?
Right?
For this group of homosexuals.
Yes.
[Waitress] Right.
Thank you.
Right.
Um, how 'bout him?
Tequila, please.
[clears throat]
Lime, little salt.
Okay.
Nice.
[car driving by]
That's how many beers
and how many homosexuals?
Well, it's three actual and
two honorary homosexuals.
Including a quite
young homosexual.
And we're drinking
four beers and tequila.
As a matter of fact,
make that two tequilas.
Actual tequila or
honorary tequila?
Let me see your manager.
What can I do for ya?
Homosexuals?
How do I know if
you're homosexuals?
Seem pretty normal to me.
Kinda super normal,
as a matter-of-fact.
These days.
Who could tell?
Even I could be a
homo for chrissakes.
And fag money is still money.
Get these boys a drink.
On the house, fellas.
Drinks are on me, fellas.
We'll see if you can
tell their homo drinks
or hetero drinks.
I can't do this much longer.
I just don't have
the constitution.
In front of the press,
suddenly everybody's a liberal.
Maybe you guys are
behind the times.
No.
It is a state law.
Well, there's one
place we can guarantee
self-professed faggots
will not be served.
A faggot bar.
Follow me, guys.
[Randy] Faggot bar?
I like that.
[Matty] Hey, Vito.
[Ethan] Hi.
[Burt] Good evening.
[Raoul] Hi, we're a couple.
[Randy] Hi, Vito.
[Ernestine] Matty!
You little showstopper.
My pretty pitooty.
How's the classy chassis?
[Ernestine] In need of a little
service and tender boxing.
Oh, you tease.
What language is this?
I feel like a wetback
in my own neighbourhood.
You are.
Hey.
Burt.
Burt.
Yeah?
Oh.
Hi.
Uh, we're a homosexual group
of self-confessed homosexuals.
Hey, Vito.
Goddamn troublemakers.
Vito, girl, where are you?
Hey, Princess, be cool.
You just have to refuse.
I done that, sweetie.
Now get these losers out.
Vito.
Vito, you hear me.
Throw these fools outta here.
[men clamouring]
Cool it, baby.
[Randy] Get the
guy in the dress.
Get the guy in the dress.
-The guy in the dress.
-[Raoul] All right.
Now, isn't that nice of people?
You kids want a drink?
Actually, no.
Excuse me?
We wanna be refused, Bo.
It's a political stint.
Watch your goddamn mouth.
Now, you know Vinnie don't
allow that shit in here, Bo.
Child, now what'd I
tell you about messin'
with that stuff?
We just want an
official refusal.
And then, we'll be done, okay?
For cryin' out loud.
Princess.
I done refused twice
already, goddammit.
Refuse again.
Official-like.
The state liquor authority
prohibits the selling
of liquor to homosexuals.
Therefore, I regrettably
must refuse to serve you.
Happy?
Everybody?
[men shouting]
You owe me a dance.
It's allowed here, sweetness.
[Ethan] It's allowed
here, sweetness.
Don't step on her
blue suede shoes.
Well.
I think we got our story.
Let's get the hell outta here.
This a private revolution
or can anyone join?
Hi, baby.
[lip smacks]
So, how's life on
the front line?
Oh, you know. [laughs]
Oh, La Miranda.
This is Ethan.
La Miranda?
I never knew radicals came
with such pretty packages.
I'm gonna have to check out
one of these meetings myself.
You know you really should.
We should take you
down to Philly with us.
That would wake
up middle America.
You guys goin' to Philadelphia?
On a sight seeing tour to
the Liberty Bell or what?
[Ethan] We got a big deal
civil rights march happening.
In a couple days,
as a matter-of-fact.
It's kind of a drag.
They want us all to wear
dresses and suits like
John and Jackie
Kennedy style squares.
Well, I know who I'm goin' as.
[Matty laughs]
Sounds like my kinda drag.
Seriously, I maybe might be
interested in coming along.
[Ethan laughs]
Matty's been telling me what
you guys are trying to do and
it all sounds kind of
up-ass-words to me, but,
at least you're getting
something together, right?
Matt.
You been doin' a
little outreach work?
Oh, La Miranda and
I are roommates-
Oh, don't oversell
it on my account,
Massah Matty Dean, suh.
Why don't you just
tell lover boy
that I'm your fucking maid?
[door creaking]
[heels clicking]
[Matty] La Miranda.
Baby.
I'm too drunk to run.
Just stop.
[door slams]
You see this face?
You will see no
tears here, okay?
No tears.
I didn't tell ya about
the picket in Philadelphia
'cause they got these
dumb ol' dress codes.
And I knew that would
never go with you.
Yeah, and you never
told them about me
because I don't go
with you, right?
[scoffs]
My hero.
[car passing by]
Is it my fault you don't
know how to be a guy?
What?
Is it my fault
that I wasn't born with
a prominent sissy gene?
Is it my fault there
are men who look good
without six pounds
of face paint?
Is that my fault?
It ain't my fuckin' fault.
Yeah, whose fault is it
that you're such a prick?
[heels clicking]
[sirens wailing]
[bar patrons murmuring]
You wanna lead a little while?
It's nice to follow
for a change.
[Bonita] Rough day?
Hm.
Try decade.
I never danced
with a man before.
[Bonita] Oh get out of here.
I haven't.
I'm serious.
Not even in private?
Been so busy fighting
for the right to dance,
I just never took
the time to try it.
When we formed this
society over 15 years ago?
Mm hm?
You couldn't find
three people who'd even
say the word
homosexual in public.
Then this kid comes along
with all the answers
like it's so damn easy.
You can't tell these
youngins nothin'.
I was never young.
[Bonita chuckles]
We didn't have
teenagers back then.
No, we got old the
minute we hit puberty.
You shoulda been a
drag queen, sweetness.
[Burt laughs]
No, serious.
Our motto is dance, dammit.
'Cause, honey, they may be
comin' for you in the mornin'.
So you may as well
dance all night.
I'm just a plain old
vanilla flavoured homo.
No kinks, no twists,
no additives.
Plenty of nuts, though.
And, between you and me.
I do salute you.
Between you and
me, I'm honoured.
Dance, dammit.
[knock pounding]
[Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata"]
Go out with you?
Why not?
Do I like to dance?
Of course.
[shower water running]
Take a walk along
the beach tonight?
I'd love to.
But don't try to touch me.
-Don't try to touch me.
-[shower water running]
Because that will
never happen again.
Shall we dance?
[orchestral music swelling]
[car driving up]
Why, Vinnie.
Top o' the mornin' to ya, baby.
My back seat or yours?
Will you stop with the
ironics for right now?
I'd like some conversation.
Are you okay, sweetness?
Sure I'm okay.
I'm always okay.
I just need to talk to you
back and forth for awhile.
Keep followin' me.
Huh?
[tense music]
[car engine accelerating]
[cars passing by]
[brakes squeaking]
[gravel crackling]
Vinnie, darlin'.
Now, don't think I ain't into
this five in the mornin',
frozen and confused,
drag ass walks through the
middle of nowhere thing.
But you in danger
of spoilin' me.
You see that window up there?
There's a clinic
behind that window.
Called "The Palace of Dreams".
[Bonita laughs]
And that's how they
laugh the day away
in the merry old land of OZ.
It's okay.
It's okay to laugh.
Remember Angelina Hart?
Yeah, that prissy
get-me little queen?
We used to call her Angina.
That high court
judge she was seeing
bought her a little holiday
at The Palace of Dreams.
Now, she's a married woman.
The most admired
hostess in St. Louis.
No.
Damn.
She always did see
herself as Coco Chanel.
[tense music]
Listen.
Now, that's a sweet story,
doll, and it's dish to die for.
But, that ain't the palace
of my dreams, honey.
But it is the palace
of my fuckin' dreams.
And you get with it.
All right?
Vinnie, you'd make
an ugly chick.
You'd have to shave your
damn knuckles just for start-
Shut up.
-Shut the fuck up!
-Jesus, Vinnie!
You're fuckin' dead.
You don't make me
kick shit out of you.
You made me touch you.
Right out here in the open.
Just.
You just listen for one second
in your smart-ass freakin' life.
I need you to listen.
And hear me, all right?
I am listenin'.
I hear you, baby.
Don't fuckin' touch me.
I don't need a fuckin' mother.
I need a wife.
I need to be just
Mr. Normal Everyday.
And what is wrong with that?
Now, I've already booked
you in to see the doc.
So's how's about that?
Well, you can just
unbook me, sweetness.
How's about that?
See, this is just so you.
What, are you scared of bein'
a normal person or what?
I am scared of losin' Little
Bo downstairs is what.
What are we talkin'
about this for?
I am a chick with a dick who
ain't done with her dick, yet.
And let's face it, sweetness.
Neither are you.
I can take it or leave it.
Bo, it's you I gotta have.
You've got me.
But they ain't never
gonna let us be.
No, they ain't never
gonna let us be.
Ain't no operation
gonna change that.
[melancholy music]
Come here.
I can't.
There's too many windows.
I was walkin' down the street.
And it was gettin' mighty late.
Well, the truth of the matter is
this poor girl had been
abandoned by her date.
When, from out of nowhere came
this music loud and clear.
Let me see.
From over there?
No, over there.
Over there?
Yeah.
Well, I opened up the door
and much to my surprise,
the girls were wearin' formals
and the boys were wearin' ties.
And I feel that I should mention
that the band was at attention.
They just stood
there all so neat
while they played
their swingin' beat.
So, I grabbed this little boy
who came struttin'
'cross the room.
I said, "What's that?"
And he say.
Sophisticated boom boom
It's been long overdue
Sophisticated boom boom
We been needin'
somethin' new
Sophisticated boom boom
Now stand up straight and tall
like your back's
against the wall.
Take two steps forward
and shake your hips.
[woman vocalising]
[Burt] Morning, Agnes.
[woman vocalising]
[Burt] Okay.
Just take any seat.
Let's go, folks.
Let's go.
[woman vocalising]
It's been long overdue
That's not very sophisticated.
We been needin'
somethin' new
I do think she's blown her cool.
Now stand up straight and tall
like your back's
against the wall.
Take two steps forward.
Now shake your hips.
[women harmonising]
[footsteps plodding]
[camera reel clicking]
[bell tolling]
[bluesy guitar]
My eyes have seen
the struggles
Of the Negroes and the Jews
I have seen the
country's trampled
The laws of men, abused
But you crush the homosexual
with anything you choose
And we go marchin' on
Glory, glory, Hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
As we go marchin' on
We're drowned
out by injustice
'Til our whispers
can't be heard
You have shattered all
our hopes and dreams
And, yet, we've
never stirred
We're rising in a chorus
And soon you'll
hear every word
As we go marchin' on
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
As we go marching on
The civil rights
you took from us
We want them back again
And we'll talk
and rag and picket
Until we see you bend
If you don't give them to us
We will take them in the end
As we go marchin' on
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
As we go marching on
[keys rattling]
Thank God that's over.
The big one.
At least no one got killed.
You want coffee?
[Matty] No milk, plenty sugar.
Maybe it woulda been better.
[Ethan] What?
If we'd all been killed.
If the whole march had
been wiped out by a grenade
or somethin'.
Least it would've
made the papers.
Maybe that woulda
mobilised people.
There's gotta be more than
30 people who actually
give a shit.
We need somethin' to get
'em outta whatever hole
they're in.
Well, a lot of those
people are just not able
to even conceive
of these issues.
Let alone march for them.
That ditzy queen we were
talking with the other day.
La Miranda?
Him.
He's gonna march?
He could barely cross
the room in those heels.
She prefers to be called her.
Well, there you have it.
I asked her why they
prefer to be called her.
She said the feminine
was the highest any male
could aspire to.
[laughs]
I know you're paraphrasing,
because no way is that
in his vocabulary.
Okay.
Pack your bags.
We need a holiday.
I'm taking you to Fire
Island for a couple days.
Bring your swimsuit,
some shades, and a
frivolous attitude.
I have to work tomorrow.
Who doesn't?
Call in sick.
Come on, Matt.
You can advance your
dish washing career
after a long weekend.
We need to surround you with
positive images of faggotry.
Right now.
[lips smack]
Do this with me, huh?
I wanna see you smile again.
Sounds terrific.
[horns honking]
[footsteps scuffing]
[door slams]
[footsteps thudding]
[door creaks]
Forgive me, Father.
For I have sinned.
It's been a lifetime
since my last confession
and every sin, Father.
I've committed every sin.
Lust, greed, anger.
Even pride.
Who am I to feel pride?
A man who has everything?
In fact, actually has nothing.
The only thing I want is the
one thing that I do have.
And I ain't allowed
to want it, so,
I don't really have it.
That's me, Father.
This is me.
Forgive me, Father.
For I have sinned.
[dark music]
Seems like the other day
My baby went away
He went away 'cross the sea
[wave crashing]
Since I saw my baby go
And then this
letter came for me
It said that we were through
He met somebody new
Let me think, let me think
What can I do
Oh no
Oh no
Oh no no no no no no
Remember
Walking in the sand
Remember
Walkin' hand in hand
Remember
The night was so exciting
Remember
His smile was so inviting
Remember
Then he touched my cheek
Remember
We were spinnin' deep
Softly
Softly, we'd
meet with a myth
Whatever happened to
The boy that I once new
The boy who said
He'd be true
Oh what would happen to
-[men chattering]
-[waves crashing]
[Ethan] No, tell me.
Am I confused?
Did we die and
just go to heaven?
This place has it all
Wait 'til later at the dance.
You're gonna see
more beautiful men
in one room than
you ever dreamed of.
Walkin' hand in hand
Remember
Got it in the water.
Get it, get it, get it.
-[waves crashing]
-[men shouting]
[whistle blowing]
Put your towel on, Matty.
What?
Local ordinance
from the Dark Ages.
You can't wear
suggestive swimsuits
uncovered on the beach.
You mean we can't.
Don't give these assholes
any excuses, okay, Matty?
Fine.
Did we just die
and go to heaven?
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There's a land
that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
[TV pops]
[whimsical music]
[Announcer] America's
most beloved entertainer
from the age of 14, Judy
Garland started working
in Vaudeville at the age of two.
A family act called
The Gumm Sisters.
[TV pops]
Punishing schedules involved
led to a lasting addiction
to barbiturates.
The special Oscar at the
age of 17 for Best Juvenile
in The Wizard of Oz,
Judy Garland became identified-
[TV Pops]
She recently married to
the husband number five,
Mickey Deans.
Judy Garland died
in London, England,
where they were
staying together.
Deans is said to
be inconsolable.
So is Hollywood and,
indeed, America itself,
as thousands mourn the loss
of one of the last true greats
and genuine stars.
Came as soon as I heard.
That's sweet of you.
-[door thuds]
- Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
You okay?
I heard she got
found on the john.
God, life is sordid.
I gave up followin' politics,
'cause I could not deal
with the heartbreak, honey.
Kennedy.
Malcolm X, Dr. King.
And what happens?
I retreat into the
safety of superficiality
only to find greater grief
than I think I've ever known.
Boy, oh boy.
Check you out.
You should be Italian.
I do wallow good, don't I?
It's because I'm sincere.
[Vinnie sighs]
What would it take
to bring you up?
Ice cream.
In the sun.
With the man I love.
Nothin' much.
[lips smack]
Okay.
Excuse me?
[hands clap]
Get up.
Takin' you out.
You mean amongst people?
Yep.
Amongst folks.
Get dressed.
Vinnie, are you high?
[laughs] I ain't changed.
I'm just comin' out a little.
Get dressed, you
dizzy friggin' filly.
-Get dressed, goddammit!
-[light crashing]
Please.
That's the magic
word, sweetness.
[upbeat music]
Wild party.
[Ethan] They can't dance, yet.
They will.
There's a choreographer
comin' or?
You're hating this.
Anyway, they can't dance
until the woman dances.
[Matty] Who?
The drag queen in
the Roman sandals?
[Ethan] [laughing] That's
not a drag queen, Matty.
And since you've gotta go
Boy, you had better go now
Go now
Before you see me cry
I don't want you to tell me
That's what you
intend to do now
[Chaperone] Hey.
Keep it clean, boys, all right?
It's not like this.
It's like this.
Okay?
What the fuck is that?
Ancient local ordinances?
Jesus, Ethan.
[soft music]
[Bonita moaning softly]
[Vinnie] More ice cream, baby?
I been eatin' the stuff all day.
Anymore and I'm gonna be a
dancer with a beef roast chorus.
What're you gonna eat all night?
Vinnie.
Ambrosia?
[lips smacking]
-[silverware clattering]
-[people murmuring]
[Patron] Isn't she
a little muscular?
[Patron 2] Yeah.
Don't.
[child murmuring]
[Waiter] Your check, sir.
[clears throat] What
other ice cream you got?
I'm afraid you've
exhausted our entire stock.
Well, send out for some.
We're hungry.
[Waiter] My apologies, sir.
Please, let me present you
this meal with compliments
of the establishment.
Oh yeah?
[Waiter] And, I beg
your forgiveness,
but through an unforgivable
error by a junior member
of our staff,
this table has
been double booked.
And the management were
wondering if you would mind
sacrificing your places
just a little early?
To avoid disappointing
the next party of diners.
[napkin thuds]
-[glasses clattering]
-[people shouting]
Sweetness.
[finger snaps]
My compliments.
[money fluttering]
[Patron] Look at all that money.
[people murmuring]
[silverware clattering]
[classical music]
I'm sorry, Matt.
The world's too big to
save all at one time.
Look at us.
Now, there's no eye
contact in private.
Been waiting.
We could really love each
other, you know, Matt?
Shit, I'm sorry.
It's a habit.
When you've spent your life
looking over your shoulder.
Well, you know how it is.
The future
Tomorrow.
Well.
Tomorrow's a long way off.
Maybe, someday, I'll
hold somebody's hand.
Maybe, somewhere,
someone will understand.
You know, I used to sing,
"A tisket, a tasket.
Green and yellow basket.
I'm all packed up
and I'm on my way.
I'm gonna fall in love."
But, at the moment.
Doesn't look good.
At the moment.
It'll never happen again.
[soft piano music]
I don't think.
It will ever.
Happen.
Again.
[water running]
[loud knocking]
[Matty] La Miranda?
[door creaking]
Matty Dean?
Baby?
[melancholy music]
I'll be your knight in
shining armour, baby.
Your boy and your lady.
I'm your mama lion.
I'm your man.
I will fight for
you, dress for you.
Even cry for you.
But only for you, baby.
Never for them.
Never
for them.
[kiss smacks]
Hey, Cryptika.
Hm?
You love me?
Now, what kinda asshole
question is that?
I ever tell ya I love you?
No, you son of a bitch.
[kiss smacks]
[money crinkling]
[gunshot firing]
[Bonita screams]
[Bonita] Vinnie!
No!
God!
No!
No, Vinnie, God!
No!
[jukebox rattling]
[vinyl buzzing]
[News Reporter] All America
takes time out to mourn
its own girl next
door, Judy Garland.
One of the last true
greats and genuine stars.
Aged only 47 when
she came to the end
of her yellow brick road,
her tragic saga over,
she's at peace at last.
Something inside of me
Started a symphony
Quick went the
strings of my heart
[sirens blaring]
[police radio chatter]
[brakes squeaking]
[footsteps shuffling]
[people murmuring]
[button clacks]
Judy stays.
[door clacking]
[Bar Patron] Wipe
off your gloves.
[door clatters]
And who is gonna be our
first lucky contestant
on this week's
edition of Jeopardy?
I hope everyone is wearing the
legal minimum requirement of
three items of clothing
appropriate their gender
as prescribed by nature.
Otherwise,
those contestants are
gonna find themselves
with the grand booby prize.
An all-expenses paid
luxury trip downtown.
You.
I'm sorry, sister.
That pathetic little
blouse don't say man to me.
Bust the little
Jodie for solicitin'.
Bust that one for
lookin' at me funny.
What the hell?
Bust a selection.
[crowd cheering]
[Detective] All right,
get 'em all out of here.
[crowd shouting]
Give them Hell, Helen honey.
Woo!
[crowd shouting]
[woman yelling indistinctly]
Don't push me, Mary,
I am not in the mood.
Aw, she ain't in the mood.
Ain't we in the mood?
Are we on the rag, dearie?
I wonder if my little buddy
here is in the mood, huh?
[body thuds]
Poor little faggot
don't know whether
to kill me or kiss me.
[blow thuds]
[crowd cheering]
Guess I made up my mind.
[crowd shouting]
[blows thudding]
[Officer] Stand back.
Stand back.
-[kicks pounding]
-[crowd shouting]
[Officer] Pull back.
Pull back.
Pull back.
Go, go, go, go, go, go.
[crowd shouting]
[metal clanging]
[crowd chanting]
I do so love a party.
It's the fourth of fuckin' July.
Come on.
Yes, it is.
[drag queens cheering]
[metal rattling]
[cars thudding]
[wood cracking]
[Officer] Get away
from that window.
[wood cracking]
[men grunting]
[glass shattering]
[men shouting]
[hooves clapping]
[horse blows raspberry]
[heels clicking]
[crowd cheering]
Hey.
I'll kick your ass.
Go on, hit me.
I dare you.
[horse whinnies]
[hooves clopping]
[Matty shouting]
[La Miranda] It's our rights.
You have no right
to do this to us.
[Matty] Bastards.
You bastards.
Come on, hit me with it.
Come on, hit me with it.
Come on, baby.
[blows thudding]
Let's get out of here.
[blows thudding]
[metal thundering]
[crowd shouting]
[footsteps clopping]
We are the Stonewall girls
We wear our hair in curls
We wear no underwear
We show our pubic hair
We are the Village queens
We always wear blue jeans
We were our hair in curls
Because we think we're girls
[La Miranda] Everyone has
their own Stonewall legend.
That's mine.
I maybe didn't get exactly
every detail down perfect.
But that's the story
of my life, honey.
We always wear blue jeans
We wear our hair in curls
Because we think we're girls
[crowd cheering]
What the hell?
I am a drag queen.
And we don't always
deal in reality.
You can say we deal in
something kinda realer.
We deal in dreams.
We're American as apple pie.
[soft piano]
When I was born
They look at me and said
What a good boy
What a smart boy
What a strong boy
When you were born
They look at you and say
What a good girl
What a smart girl
What a pretty girl
'Fraid of change
Afraid of stayin' the same
When temptation comes
We just look away
This name is the
hairshirt I wear
This hairshirt is woven from
Your brown hair
When I was born
They looked at me and said
What a good boy
What a smart boy
What a strong boy
When you were born
They looked at you and said
What a good girl
What a smart girl
What a pretty girl
Yeah, yeah
[static buzzing]