The Incredible Hulk (1978) s04e09 Episode Script
King of the Beach
MAND Y: You're really special.
You're gonna give the King a run for his money.
What if I don't win? Of course you'll win.
BILL BIXBY: This is Bill Bixby.
Next, in his first speaking role, Lou Ferrigno meets the Incredible Hulk.
You're the closest friend I've ever had, but you still can't know what it's like to be a freak.
Are you asking Carl not to win this contest? King has got to win this and no one is gonna screw it up.
(ROARS) I would never do anything to hurt you.
Maybe you should have asked Carl what he wanted before you sold him out to the highest bidder.
(ROARS) NARRATOR: Dr.
David Banner, physician, scientist.
Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have.
Then, an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry.
And now, when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs.
(ROARS) The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter.
Mr.
McGee, don't make me angry.
You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.
The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit.
David Banner is believed to be dead.
And he must let the world think that he is dead until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.
(ROARS) (BREATHING HEAVILY) (GRUNTING) (TIRES SCREECHING) (WOMAN SHRIEKING) MAN: Is she all right? STEVE: Swear to God, I didn't see her.
I didn't feel her hit the car or nothing.
Maybe we should call an ambulance.
Oh, my ankle.
Can you move it? Oh, you ought to be arrested.
Hey, stay out of this, lady.
I saw the whole thing, honey.
Now, you should call the cops and have these guys thrown in jail.
Cops? (SCOFFS) Wait a minute.
Look, it could be a sprain.
I think you ought to check it out.
Did you hit your head? No.
It's okay.
So, should I call the police? Oh, I don't know.
Hey, come on.
Why bring them into it? We can work something out.
Well, okay, sure.
But could you tell me where I can find both of you in case I need witnesses? I'm sorry, I didn't see the accident.
But you did hear him say he could work something out.
Yes.
Well, okay, I work at the King's Beach Cafe.
My name is David Banner.
I'm Mandy.
Thanks a lot, David.
And I'm gonna have the doctor look at my ankle.
That'd be a good idea.
(MUSIC PLAYING ON RADIO) Hey! Hey! Listen, I know this looks bad, but I've seen those two jerks before.
They get their kicks rolling old people for their social security money.
So it looked like a great chance to get back at them, so I took it.
Okay, how much? You want a cut, right? That's why you followed me? I was concerned that you might be hurt more than you let on.
I guess I was wrong.
Hi, Carl.
How's it going? Carl.
You just get here? Old man yelling at you again? Small lunch crowd.
Mmm.
Why do I put up with him? Because, where else could you get a job that gives you a bed and all the food you can eat, which is considerable.
Anyway, in no time at all, you will have saved enough money to open that place of your own.
CARL: Yeah, won't he be surprised.
The first time he saw me, he figured I was just a big, dumb lump of muscle.
And when I opened my mouth, he knew it.
Happens all the time.
Because you had to learn how to speak without actually being able to hear.
That's quite an accomplishment.
Nobody ever bothers to figure that out.
Anyway, I won't have to listen to him for long.
I looked at that place that I told you about.
(RINGS BELL) How is it? Perfect.
Great location.
The rent's cheap.
Everything's built in, except the food and linen.
What's it gonna take? I figure another $1,000, with the $1,000 I have already after deposit.
I can open in a month.
That's fantastic.
A thousand bucks, Carl? What, you're gonna get another job? Why not? You're already doing double shift here! Tell him, David.
You don't have to yell, Annette.
I'm looking right at you.
Well, it's just not worth killing yourself over.
Yes, it is.
It is! Don't let her bother you.
She was born to give advice.
I left home to get away from people who think I can't make it on my own.
Well, you've already proved them wrong.
Not yet.
Not till I've got my own place.
Hi, David.
I thought maybe you could put some of these up out front? It's for the bodybuilding contest.
You'd really be helping me out.
How about it? Sorry.
Can't help you.
Why not? I'm not the owner.
You know, I can't figure you out, man.
What do you want, anyway? I just want to stay as far away from trouble as possible.
Hey, I've seen you working out at Gary's Gym, haven't I? Sure, real early in the morning.
Carl.
Carl Molino.
Yeah, right.
Hey, you're really something to watch, I'll tell you.
You're really special.
You're gonna give the King a run for his money.
Sorry? The contest.
The King of the Beach contest.
Oh, no.
I just train for myself.
I don't compete.
What? You gotta be crazy.
You could wipe the floor with those other guys.
(SIGHS) I mean, all the work you've done.
Take a look at yourself.
You're amazing.
What a waste if you don't get anything for it.
$3,000.
(SNAPS FINGERS) Like that.
Unless, of course, you don't need the prize money.
Everyone needs that kind of money.
Well, you're practically there already.
Your only real competition is the King and he's gotten lazy, soft.
Everybody says so.
They want some fresh blood.
Somebody good.
That's you.
Oh, no.
I've got other plans.
Well, suit yourself.
But I just didn't have you pegged as a guy who's happy working for minimum wages in a dump like this.
Not with your looks.
CARL: No, Pop, everything's fine.
I got a nice place, Ma.
I've made friends.
I'm sure they're from very nice families.
Pop, it's a great place for my restaurant.
You'll see it.
No, I don't want you and Ma to come out and help.
Ma, stop crying.
It's not gonna work this time.
Pop, tell Ma to stop crying.
It'll be open in a month.
I don't need your money.
Because I've got it already.
That's right.
It's already taken care of.
Look, I gotta go.
I've got a date.
Yeah, Ma, a very nice girl.
Yeah, bye.
Yeah, Pop.
Bye.
I guess they must love you a lot, huh? Too much.
All my life, they hear for me, they talk for me, they think for me.
Too much.
Is that why you left? They want me to come back.
They figure everyone's making fun of their kid.
It hurts them.
What about you? People don't make fun of a winner.
That's what I'm gonna be.
Are you out looking for more work? Yeah.
Painting storefronts doesn't pay much.
I'm not too good at anything else.
But I'm not gonna let them take care of me anymore.
I'm gonna get that money.
If I have to steal it, I'm gonna get it.
(MEN GRUNTING) MANDY: King of the Beach, ha! Pretty hot, isn't it? At least he thinks so.
See, it's all in how he carries himself.
Self-confidence.
You've got it, too.
I've seen you.
You know when you're working out and you don't think that anybody's looking at you and you know you look terrific? I don't.
Yes, you do! It's okay.
You should be proud of yourself.
You've got it, you know? You're a head taller than that phony.
You've got more style.
You're a natural.
It doesn't seem right, does it? He's got his pick of anybody.
He's got nice clothes, fancy cars.
(MANDY SCOFFS) Of course, you'd have better taste, but he's got ambition.
I've got ambition.
Where's he going to be in 10 years? Five years? I don't know.
If he's lucky, he'll manage the gym.
If he's not, he'll be a bouncer or pumping gas, bragging what a big shot he used to be.
I'm going to be the King of the Italian Restaurants, not a muscle-bound has-been.
Oh, Carl, with $3,000 you could get your restaurant that much sooner, plus some of his fringe benefits.
Look, I could take care of all the business stuff.
All we'd need is, what, $500 for the entry fee plus a couple of hundred more for wardrobe, promotion, get some flyers, get some T-shirts made up.
Get a couple of gorgeous girls with bikinis to put them in.
That's almost $1,000 dollars.
That's all I've got.
Oh, you can triple your investment.
More than triple it with local endorsements.
Get bigger prizes if you want.
Go on to bigger contests.
You could be Mr.
West Coast, Mr.
America.
Mr.
Olympia.
What if I don't win? Of course you'll win.
You know, you can buy a lot of pasta for $3,000.
It's okay, you go do whatever you were doing.
It's my day off.
If I hadn't come in to get my paycheck, there'd be nobody in here.
Did the old man notice I wasn't here? I noticed.
I'm sorry, David.
The bank was really crowded.
I owe you one.
You okay? Terrific.
David, I'm going to be the next King of the Beach.
Oh, that's great.
So you see, I had to get Mandy the money so she could sign me up.
You should hear her.
She's got great ideas.
What do you think? Come on, you got opinions.
I want to hear them.
You don't want my two cents worth.
It's Mandy, isn't it? All right, maybe I've been a little harsh on her.
But I don't know that I'd trust her with my money.
I know Mandy's a hustler.
But it's not my entry fee she wants.
She wants some glory, a piece of the new King.
What if you don't win? Mandy says the only real competition is the King, and he's had it.
Mandy says I can't lose.
She really believes in me.
Yeah, Mandy has a lot of high hopes.
She's also willing to gamble.
With your money.
So you're saying I shouldn't enter the contest? I'm just saying you ought to look at it from both sides, that's all.
Suppose you don't win.
Then instead of having half a restaurant, you're gonna be back where you started.
David, I promised my folks if the restaurant doesn't work out this time, I'd come home.
I can't let that happen.
I've got to get to Mandy.
Once she signs me up, I can't get my money back.
Yeah, well, look.
Maybe she'll wait until you think about it, okay? You can always enter the contest tomorrow, right? Where the hell are you going? I gotta do something.
Like find another job? I'm through making excuses for you.
David, we gotta stop Mandy.
I can't afford to lose this job, too.
Yeah, I know.
If I don't get to her, it'll be too late.
David, help me out of this, please.
Comfy, isn't it? You live here? Occasionally, when I have to.
I was just leaving for the gym.
Well, actually, Carl would prefer it if you could wait until tomorrow.
Oh, well, it didn't take you long to talk him out of it.
I didn't.
Oh, I will admit that I encouraged him to think about it.
But if he really wants to compete, I'll back him completely.
And I suppose you want to take his money back, too.
It's not exactly safe here.
(SIGHS) Come on, David.
You think I'm gonna take the money and run? Nothing personal, but it did cross my mind.
You and me, we understand each other.
Maybe we don't like each other too much, but we don't pull any punches, either, right? Listen, you may find this hard to believe, but I'm serious about this Carl business.
I mean, I really like the guy and I wanna see him win.
Out of the goodness of your heart.
Sure, okay, there's something in it for me.
What, 15% off the top.
But he's gonna get what he wants out of it, too.
And you can forget about getting a cut in on the action, 'cause he's signed to me exclusively.
You have a contract? It's a little crude, but it's legal.
I'm not about to let Sol Diamond or some other big-time manager cash in on my work.
You thought of everything, didn't you? Well, we all have to look after ourselves.
Nothing personal, but I think I'll go with you to take the money back.
(GROANS) (SCREAMING) (EXCLAIMING) I heard you spend a lot of time getting hit by careless drivers.
Pretty good scam.
But try to stick to the tourists and leave the locals alone.
Give me the money! Or what? You'll call the police? If I were you, I'd take the loss and consider yourself lucky.
I'll pay you back, but not with that money.
I'll give you more.
I have other money.
Really? Where? Over there.
Get it! Got free.
(LAUGHING) That's real good, honey.
I'm real scared.
(EXCLAIMS) (LAUGHING) Throw it down! Whoa! Chick plays rough.
MANDY: Throw it on the ground.
Whoa.
(LAUGHING) What are you gonna do with that? You gonna open up a bottle? (EXCLAIMS) Let her go! Let her go! Come on, Steve.
(EXCLAIMING) Your girlfriend's got a big mouth.
She's not my girlfriend.
Five bucks! A lousy five bucks! Where's the rest? I don't have any more.
A lousy five bucks? With the cons you two pull? Where's the rest? I don't have any more.
(GASPING) RUDY: I bet it's under the pier.
Is that it, huh? Is it hiding under the pier? Answer me! We'll look ourselves.
(HULK GRUNTING) (GRUNTING) RUDY: Find anything? STEVE: Nothing.
(ROARS) No! (ROARS) (ROARS) (GROANING) (ROARS) (SCREAMING) (SCREAMING) (GASPING) (ROARS) (ROARS) Hey! Is that some weird kind of suntan lotion or something? Hey, stop that! You're ruining it! Stop that! You're ruining it.
Go away! Go on! You wrecked everything.
Go on.
Go away! Go on! Thanks a lot.
So Mandy came running in, yelling that you were being attacked.
And so you just left everything? Of course.
Anyway, when we couldn't find you, I came back here, and that's when the old man fired me.
Boy, I'm sorry, Carl.
I'm not.
I'd do it again if you were in trouble.
You're sure you wanna go back home? No job, no place to live, and just enough money for a plane ticket.
What do you think I should do? I think you ought to stop worrying about other people and start doing what you want.
Well, I don't know what I want.
So you're gonna pack it in, huh? I'll be leaving soon, but my rent's paid up.
You could stay there if you want.
Look around and see what jobs are available.
Take the time to work things out.
I don't want you to adopt me, David.
Oh, Carl! You'd still have a job and a place to live if you hadn't tried to help me.
Now it's my turn.
You're right.
I'm just not used to being treated like this.
I really appreciate your friendship.
But you still can't know what it's like to be a freak.
I always wondered what it would be like to have a roommate.
(CHUCKLING) CARL: Working out always makes me think better.
(GRUNTING) (MEN GRUNTING) (BREATHING DEEPLY) You know, if I had the entrance fee, I could win the $3,000.
(GROANING) You look like a winner.
You ought to try it sometime, David.
Work on those muscles.
You'd look great all pumped up.
(CHUCKLING) It's all there.
Your entry fee, the promo money, plus a little extra to help us live.
And none of it is counterfeit or stolen.
I don't get it.
Contrary to popular opinion, I do have a conscience.
It's gonna take more than two jerks to ruin my Our future.
I'm going to get changed.
Then I think we should celebrate.
And I'll buy.
Well, you better make it good, 'cause it's your last night out.
Tomorrow you start on vitamin pills and protein drinks.
I've got your schedule all worked out and it's a killer.
You don't know.
Thank you.
Both of you.
David.
I know we got off on the wrong foot and I feel really bad about it.
But now we just have to work together and help Carl to win.
Well, actually, I was thinking of leaving town.
Hey, I'll give you half my cut.
Don't you think you ought to get a real trainer? Oh, no, we can't afford that.
And I can't do it by myself.
Look, you're the only one that Carl really trusts.
And if you leave, then It's gonna be one week and that's all.
And I promise you, you won't have to see me that much.
Mandy, about that money.
If it's at all questionable, I don't want anything to do with it.
And it could hurt Carl.
I had something of value, I hocked it.
Lf When Carl wins, I'll buy it back out of my percentage.
This is a chance for me, too, David.
You know, to be legit? This may come as a surprise to you, but I don't like what I do.
It's just kind of been a way to get through it, you know? (SIGHS) Okay.
Where do we start? (CHUCKLING) All right.
I'm telling you, the King's getting tense.
And for good reason.
Molino's looking real hot.
All right.
Okay, okay.
You tell His Royal Highness that I love him, and I'll be down to see him first chance I get, okay? Oh, and listen.
You give him my word.
Molino is not going to win this competition, okay? She finally says, "Are those muscles real?" You know, my muscles.
I say, I'm keeping a real straight face, I say, "No, I buy them at a sporting goods store "in different sizes for different moods.
" And she believed me.
(LAUGHING) Oh, come on.
SOL: Hey, Carl.
I hear you're looking pretty good these days.
You must be new around here.
I make it my business to get to know all the boys, 'cause eventually they all work for me.
How are you? Solly Diamond.
David Banner.
Mr.
Diamond manages the King.
Yeah, listen, Dave, I'd like to talk to Carl for a few minutes if you don't mind.
If you can't say it in front of David, I don't want to hear it.
Okay.
Now, this is the King's third competition.
I've managed to convince some pretty heavyweight sponsors to come around and take a look at him.
If they like what they see, they're gonna put him in the big time.
Big money.
The whole works.
Now, you're still young, but if the King doesn't break out this year, that's it.
His career is over.
He can't afford to lose.
And with the time and the money that I've invested in him over the years, neither can I.
Are you asking Carl not to win this contest? I would like Carl not to compete this year, okay? Out of respect for the champion.
But he's already paid his entrance fee.
All right, I'll see to it that he gets it back somehow and next year it'll pay off for him.
I need the prize money this year! I didn't know you were strapped.
Hey, okay, count on me to tide you over.
What do you need? I don't want your money.
Really? Where do you think your entry fee came from, huh? Sweet kid, that Mandy.
I don't know.
Real upset.
Some sad story about getting ripped off.
So I lent her the money with Carl's contract as collateral.
I don't believe it.
Except I have the right to call in the loan whenever I want, which I'm doing right now.
You got 1,000 bucks plus interest? So, you see, I own you.
Like it or not.
And as your manager, I am ordering you to pull out of this contest.
Mr.
Diamond, I really think it would be a great idea if you left.
Right now.
You'll get over it, Carl.
Besides, I can be a big help to you.
Meantime, I gotta protect my interest, right? Oh, listen.
If he's having trouble hearing me Carl, Carl! you tell him the King has got to win this one.
And no one is gonna screw it up.
Goodbye, Mr.
Diamond.
Come on.
You should've heard my sales pitch.
"Carl's the best, Mr.
Diamond.
He's hardly any risk at all.
"He's as good as got the prize money in his pocket.
" I thought I had him snowed.
That's a switch, huh, David? This time I'm the sucker.
He's got a few years experience on you, Mandy.
(SIGHING) Carl.
I would've never done it if I'd known.
You gotta believe me.
I would never do anything to hurt you.
Would you tell him, David? I only did it to make up for messing up everything the first time.
Carl.
Please, would you just look at me? Mandy.
I just wanted to do something to help him.
Is that so terrible? Maybe you should've asked Carl what he wanted before you sold him out to the highest bidder.
I'll tell you what I wanted.
I just wanted a normal life! Carl.
Do you know how many people touch me without asking, like I can't feel or hear? I'm not that strong.
I do feel, as much as anyone! Carl, I know that saying I'm sorry won't fix it.
But you've worked so hard.
Look, I'll go away if you want me to.
But you're so close now.
Don't go home.
Don't worry.
You'll find another meal ticket.
You think I'm a quitter.
Really? What else do I think? No.
I've finally made a decision.
I'm going home.
Do your parents know? They're ecstatic.
My room is waiting and Pop was working on getting my old job back.
Oh, great.
They've taken care of everything.
Yeah, just like always.
Isn't that what you want? It's so mixed up.
All the emotion.
I don't know what I'm feeling anymore.
Muscles.
Emotions are like muscles.
First you have to make them strong because if you don't use them, they'll atrophy.
But then when you use them, they're gonna be sore.
But the more you use them, the easier it gets.
It's like training, huh? You could tell me what you think, David, or my parents, or Mandy, but no one can do the workout for me.
That's right.
Exactly.
If I go through with the competition, Sol Diamond will own me.
But only as a professional bodybuilder.
So, I can pay him his cut, take the rest of the money and get my restaurant or whatever I want.
Right.
What about Mandy? Well, you'll get around to that.
One thing at a time, hmm? MAN ON PA: All backstage visitors, please take your seats in the auditorium.
Contestants and trainers only are allowed in the backstage area.
Thank you.
(EXHALING LOUDLY) How soon is it starting? I'll go find out.
Now, come on, come on.
Let's see it again.
Atta boy.
(CONTESTANTS CHATTERING) Well, I'm glad you came.
Can I see him? Now could be a little difficult.
Right.
It might upset him.
Well, I think you might distract him, but not for a bad reason.
Diamond asked me to talk Carl out of competing.
He offered to give me Carl's contract back.
Mmm-hmm.
I told him, "If Carl comes back to me, "it'll have to be because he wants to.
" ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 12th Annual King of the Beach contest.
You're going to see some of the West Coast's greatest bodybuilders today and that means some of the world's greatest bodybuilders.
We're a major competition in bodybuilding and you can believe our contestants will be in top form today.
I can't risk these money guys changing their minds.
I'll have Molino taken care of.
All right.
But don't mess him up.
I don't want damaged merchandise.
Just find a way to stop his solo posing.
If he misses his spot, he can't compete, right? Steve Taylor couldn't compete last year due to a case of pneumonia which sidelined him for several months.
But if you ask me, he suffered no ill effects from his illness.
He looks great.
(WOMAN CHEERING) MAN: Carl.
Can I help you? There's a phone call for Molino.
It's an emergency.
Where? Down the hall.
First door on the left.
All right, thanks.
I'll tell him.
TRAINER: Now that's it.
That's it.
Flex it, now.
That's it.
(DOOR CLOSING) (BODYBUILDERS CHATTERING) What's wrong? I'm not sure.
Listen, no matter what, you make sure he hits that platform when he's supposed to, okay? Okay.
(CROWD CHEERING) A great performance today, ladies and gentlemen, from Steve Taylor.
Bravo! (EXCLAIMS) Damn it, it's the wrong guy.
That's okay.
We'll use him as bait.
Here he is, the reigning King of the Beach, Bill Flowers.
And King certainly is a fitting word for this man.
(CROWD CHEERING) Where's David? I'm up next.
I don't know, but he told me to tell you to go on.
I can't.
Yes, you can.
I know you can.
(LOUD CHEERING) He can't be disturbed.
I got a message for Carl, from David.
Fine.
You can tell me.
That's okay.
Well, you're one crazy broad! You tell him if he goes out there, he won't recognize David.
(SIGHING) What a performer, what an athlete! (CROWD HOOTING) MAN: Where's Molino? He should've bitten by now.
(CHOKING) And now, a newcomer to competition, Carl Molino.
Originally from the East Coast, Carl now makes his home here.
(CHEERING) David! (MANDY SCREAMING) (GASPING) (SCREAMING) Shut her up.
From the looks of this fellow, we'll be seeing him again.
(SHRIEKING) (CROWD CHEERING) (MANDY GASPING) (SCREAMING) Shut up or I'll shut you up.
(CHEERING CONTINUES) (MANDY SCREAMING) (GROWLS) (GRUNTS) (MANDY SCREAMING) Never had to do this to a chick before.
(ROARS) (ROARS) (GROWLING) (CHEERING WILDLY) Carl Molino, a bright new star in the world of bodybuilding.
He looks to me like championship material.
I've never seen What's that? (CROWD CHATTERING) MAN 1: Who's the girl? MAN 2: Pose for us! Pose for us! (CHEERING) (ROARS) (CHEERING WILDLY) (ROARS) (ROARS) (CROWD CHEERING) So between the two of us, I figure we can make this a nice restaurant.
Mandy agreed to kick in her 15%.
Hey.
And with his championship, we should get a lot of free publicity.
But I'll never figure out how you got through that competition with all that chaos going on.
Yeah.
I turned off my hearing aid.
(ALL LAUGHING) Hey, listen.
You two be good to each other, you hear? And you, my friend, you keep working on those muscles.
But he's not gonna compete anymore.
You'll be back.
Remember, we're your family.
Bye-bye.
You're gonna give the King a run for his money.
What if I don't win? Of course you'll win.
BILL BIXBY: This is Bill Bixby.
Next, in his first speaking role, Lou Ferrigno meets the Incredible Hulk.
You're the closest friend I've ever had, but you still can't know what it's like to be a freak.
Are you asking Carl not to win this contest? King has got to win this and no one is gonna screw it up.
(ROARS) I would never do anything to hurt you.
Maybe you should have asked Carl what he wanted before you sold him out to the highest bidder.
(ROARS) NARRATOR: Dr.
David Banner, physician, scientist.
Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have.
Then, an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry.
And now, when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs.
(ROARS) The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter.
Mr.
McGee, don't make me angry.
You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.
The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit.
David Banner is believed to be dead.
And he must let the world think that he is dead until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.
(ROARS) (BREATHING HEAVILY) (GRUNTING) (TIRES SCREECHING) (WOMAN SHRIEKING) MAN: Is she all right? STEVE: Swear to God, I didn't see her.
I didn't feel her hit the car or nothing.
Maybe we should call an ambulance.
Oh, my ankle.
Can you move it? Oh, you ought to be arrested.
Hey, stay out of this, lady.
I saw the whole thing, honey.
Now, you should call the cops and have these guys thrown in jail.
Cops? (SCOFFS) Wait a minute.
Look, it could be a sprain.
I think you ought to check it out.
Did you hit your head? No.
It's okay.
So, should I call the police? Oh, I don't know.
Hey, come on.
Why bring them into it? We can work something out.
Well, okay, sure.
But could you tell me where I can find both of you in case I need witnesses? I'm sorry, I didn't see the accident.
But you did hear him say he could work something out.
Yes.
Well, okay, I work at the King's Beach Cafe.
My name is David Banner.
I'm Mandy.
Thanks a lot, David.
And I'm gonna have the doctor look at my ankle.
That'd be a good idea.
(MUSIC PLAYING ON RADIO) Hey! Hey! Listen, I know this looks bad, but I've seen those two jerks before.
They get their kicks rolling old people for their social security money.
So it looked like a great chance to get back at them, so I took it.
Okay, how much? You want a cut, right? That's why you followed me? I was concerned that you might be hurt more than you let on.
I guess I was wrong.
Hi, Carl.
How's it going? Carl.
You just get here? Old man yelling at you again? Small lunch crowd.
Mmm.
Why do I put up with him? Because, where else could you get a job that gives you a bed and all the food you can eat, which is considerable.
Anyway, in no time at all, you will have saved enough money to open that place of your own.
CARL: Yeah, won't he be surprised.
The first time he saw me, he figured I was just a big, dumb lump of muscle.
And when I opened my mouth, he knew it.
Happens all the time.
Because you had to learn how to speak without actually being able to hear.
That's quite an accomplishment.
Nobody ever bothers to figure that out.
Anyway, I won't have to listen to him for long.
I looked at that place that I told you about.
(RINGS BELL) How is it? Perfect.
Great location.
The rent's cheap.
Everything's built in, except the food and linen.
What's it gonna take? I figure another $1,000, with the $1,000 I have already after deposit.
I can open in a month.
That's fantastic.
A thousand bucks, Carl? What, you're gonna get another job? Why not? You're already doing double shift here! Tell him, David.
You don't have to yell, Annette.
I'm looking right at you.
Well, it's just not worth killing yourself over.
Yes, it is.
It is! Don't let her bother you.
She was born to give advice.
I left home to get away from people who think I can't make it on my own.
Well, you've already proved them wrong.
Not yet.
Not till I've got my own place.
Hi, David.
I thought maybe you could put some of these up out front? It's for the bodybuilding contest.
You'd really be helping me out.
How about it? Sorry.
Can't help you.
Why not? I'm not the owner.
You know, I can't figure you out, man.
What do you want, anyway? I just want to stay as far away from trouble as possible.
Hey, I've seen you working out at Gary's Gym, haven't I? Sure, real early in the morning.
Carl.
Carl Molino.
Yeah, right.
Hey, you're really something to watch, I'll tell you.
You're really special.
You're gonna give the King a run for his money.
Sorry? The contest.
The King of the Beach contest.
Oh, no.
I just train for myself.
I don't compete.
What? You gotta be crazy.
You could wipe the floor with those other guys.
(SIGHS) I mean, all the work you've done.
Take a look at yourself.
You're amazing.
What a waste if you don't get anything for it.
$3,000.
(SNAPS FINGERS) Like that.
Unless, of course, you don't need the prize money.
Everyone needs that kind of money.
Well, you're practically there already.
Your only real competition is the King and he's gotten lazy, soft.
Everybody says so.
They want some fresh blood.
Somebody good.
That's you.
Oh, no.
I've got other plans.
Well, suit yourself.
But I just didn't have you pegged as a guy who's happy working for minimum wages in a dump like this.
Not with your looks.
CARL: No, Pop, everything's fine.
I got a nice place, Ma.
I've made friends.
I'm sure they're from very nice families.
Pop, it's a great place for my restaurant.
You'll see it.
No, I don't want you and Ma to come out and help.
Ma, stop crying.
It's not gonna work this time.
Pop, tell Ma to stop crying.
It'll be open in a month.
I don't need your money.
Because I've got it already.
That's right.
It's already taken care of.
Look, I gotta go.
I've got a date.
Yeah, Ma, a very nice girl.
Yeah, bye.
Yeah, Pop.
Bye.
I guess they must love you a lot, huh? Too much.
All my life, they hear for me, they talk for me, they think for me.
Too much.
Is that why you left? They want me to come back.
They figure everyone's making fun of their kid.
It hurts them.
What about you? People don't make fun of a winner.
That's what I'm gonna be.
Are you out looking for more work? Yeah.
Painting storefronts doesn't pay much.
I'm not too good at anything else.
But I'm not gonna let them take care of me anymore.
I'm gonna get that money.
If I have to steal it, I'm gonna get it.
(MEN GRUNTING) MANDY: King of the Beach, ha! Pretty hot, isn't it? At least he thinks so.
See, it's all in how he carries himself.
Self-confidence.
You've got it, too.
I've seen you.
You know when you're working out and you don't think that anybody's looking at you and you know you look terrific? I don't.
Yes, you do! It's okay.
You should be proud of yourself.
You've got it, you know? You're a head taller than that phony.
You've got more style.
You're a natural.
It doesn't seem right, does it? He's got his pick of anybody.
He's got nice clothes, fancy cars.
(MANDY SCOFFS) Of course, you'd have better taste, but he's got ambition.
I've got ambition.
Where's he going to be in 10 years? Five years? I don't know.
If he's lucky, he'll manage the gym.
If he's not, he'll be a bouncer or pumping gas, bragging what a big shot he used to be.
I'm going to be the King of the Italian Restaurants, not a muscle-bound has-been.
Oh, Carl, with $3,000 you could get your restaurant that much sooner, plus some of his fringe benefits.
Look, I could take care of all the business stuff.
All we'd need is, what, $500 for the entry fee plus a couple of hundred more for wardrobe, promotion, get some flyers, get some T-shirts made up.
Get a couple of gorgeous girls with bikinis to put them in.
That's almost $1,000 dollars.
That's all I've got.
Oh, you can triple your investment.
More than triple it with local endorsements.
Get bigger prizes if you want.
Go on to bigger contests.
You could be Mr.
West Coast, Mr.
America.
Mr.
Olympia.
What if I don't win? Of course you'll win.
You know, you can buy a lot of pasta for $3,000.
It's okay, you go do whatever you were doing.
It's my day off.
If I hadn't come in to get my paycheck, there'd be nobody in here.
Did the old man notice I wasn't here? I noticed.
I'm sorry, David.
The bank was really crowded.
I owe you one.
You okay? Terrific.
David, I'm going to be the next King of the Beach.
Oh, that's great.
So you see, I had to get Mandy the money so she could sign me up.
You should hear her.
She's got great ideas.
What do you think? Come on, you got opinions.
I want to hear them.
You don't want my two cents worth.
It's Mandy, isn't it? All right, maybe I've been a little harsh on her.
But I don't know that I'd trust her with my money.
I know Mandy's a hustler.
But it's not my entry fee she wants.
She wants some glory, a piece of the new King.
What if you don't win? Mandy says the only real competition is the King, and he's had it.
Mandy says I can't lose.
She really believes in me.
Yeah, Mandy has a lot of high hopes.
She's also willing to gamble.
With your money.
So you're saying I shouldn't enter the contest? I'm just saying you ought to look at it from both sides, that's all.
Suppose you don't win.
Then instead of having half a restaurant, you're gonna be back where you started.
David, I promised my folks if the restaurant doesn't work out this time, I'd come home.
I can't let that happen.
I've got to get to Mandy.
Once she signs me up, I can't get my money back.
Yeah, well, look.
Maybe she'll wait until you think about it, okay? You can always enter the contest tomorrow, right? Where the hell are you going? I gotta do something.
Like find another job? I'm through making excuses for you.
David, we gotta stop Mandy.
I can't afford to lose this job, too.
Yeah, I know.
If I don't get to her, it'll be too late.
David, help me out of this, please.
Comfy, isn't it? You live here? Occasionally, when I have to.
I was just leaving for the gym.
Well, actually, Carl would prefer it if you could wait until tomorrow.
Oh, well, it didn't take you long to talk him out of it.
I didn't.
Oh, I will admit that I encouraged him to think about it.
But if he really wants to compete, I'll back him completely.
And I suppose you want to take his money back, too.
It's not exactly safe here.
(SIGHS) Come on, David.
You think I'm gonna take the money and run? Nothing personal, but it did cross my mind.
You and me, we understand each other.
Maybe we don't like each other too much, but we don't pull any punches, either, right? Listen, you may find this hard to believe, but I'm serious about this Carl business.
I mean, I really like the guy and I wanna see him win.
Out of the goodness of your heart.
Sure, okay, there's something in it for me.
What, 15% off the top.
But he's gonna get what he wants out of it, too.
And you can forget about getting a cut in on the action, 'cause he's signed to me exclusively.
You have a contract? It's a little crude, but it's legal.
I'm not about to let Sol Diamond or some other big-time manager cash in on my work.
You thought of everything, didn't you? Well, we all have to look after ourselves.
Nothing personal, but I think I'll go with you to take the money back.
(GROANS) (SCREAMING) (EXCLAIMING) I heard you spend a lot of time getting hit by careless drivers.
Pretty good scam.
But try to stick to the tourists and leave the locals alone.
Give me the money! Or what? You'll call the police? If I were you, I'd take the loss and consider yourself lucky.
I'll pay you back, but not with that money.
I'll give you more.
I have other money.
Really? Where? Over there.
Get it! Got free.
(LAUGHING) That's real good, honey.
I'm real scared.
(EXCLAIMS) (LAUGHING) Throw it down! Whoa! Chick plays rough.
MANDY: Throw it on the ground.
Whoa.
(LAUGHING) What are you gonna do with that? You gonna open up a bottle? (EXCLAIMS) Let her go! Let her go! Come on, Steve.
(EXCLAIMING) Your girlfriend's got a big mouth.
She's not my girlfriend.
Five bucks! A lousy five bucks! Where's the rest? I don't have any more.
A lousy five bucks? With the cons you two pull? Where's the rest? I don't have any more.
(GASPING) RUDY: I bet it's under the pier.
Is that it, huh? Is it hiding under the pier? Answer me! We'll look ourselves.
(HULK GRUNTING) (GRUNTING) RUDY: Find anything? STEVE: Nothing.
(ROARS) No! (ROARS) (ROARS) (GROANING) (ROARS) (SCREAMING) (SCREAMING) (GASPING) (ROARS) (ROARS) Hey! Is that some weird kind of suntan lotion or something? Hey, stop that! You're ruining it! Stop that! You're ruining it.
Go away! Go on! You wrecked everything.
Go on.
Go away! Go on! Thanks a lot.
So Mandy came running in, yelling that you were being attacked.
And so you just left everything? Of course.
Anyway, when we couldn't find you, I came back here, and that's when the old man fired me.
Boy, I'm sorry, Carl.
I'm not.
I'd do it again if you were in trouble.
You're sure you wanna go back home? No job, no place to live, and just enough money for a plane ticket.
What do you think I should do? I think you ought to stop worrying about other people and start doing what you want.
Well, I don't know what I want.
So you're gonna pack it in, huh? I'll be leaving soon, but my rent's paid up.
You could stay there if you want.
Look around and see what jobs are available.
Take the time to work things out.
I don't want you to adopt me, David.
Oh, Carl! You'd still have a job and a place to live if you hadn't tried to help me.
Now it's my turn.
You're right.
I'm just not used to being treated like this.
I really appreciate your friendship.
But you still can't know what it's like to be a freak.
I always wondered what it would be like to have a roommate.
(CHUCKLING) CARL: Working out always makes me think better.
(GRUNTING) (MEN GRUNTING) (BREATHING DEEPLY) You know, if I had the entrance fee, I could win the $3,000.
(GROANING) You look like a winner.
You ought to try it sometime, David.
Work on those muscles.
You'd look great all pumped up.
(CHUCKLING) It's all there.
Your entry fee, the promo money, plus a little extra to help us live.
And none of it is counterfeit or stolen.
I don't get it.
Contrary to popular opinion, I do have a conscience.
It's gonna take more than two jerks to ruin my Our future.
I'm going to get changed.
Then I think we should celebrate.
And I'll buy.
Well, you better make it good, 'cause it's your last night out.
Tomorrow you start on vitamin pills and protein drinks.
I've got your schedule all worked out and it's a killer.
You don't know.
Thank you.
Both of you.
David.
I know we got off on the wrong foot and I feel really bad about it.
But now we just have to work together and help Carl to win.
Well, actually, I was thinking of leaving town.
Hey, I'll give you half my cut.
Don't you think you ought to get a real trainer? Oh, no, we can't afford that.
And I can't do it by myself.
Look, you're the only one that Carl really trusts.
And if you leave, then It's gonna be one week and that's all.
And I promise you, you won't have to see me that much.
Mandy, about that money.
If it's at all questionable, I don't want anything to do with it.
And it could hurt Carl.
I had something of value, I hocked it.
Lf When Carl wins, I'll buy it back out of my percentage.
This is a chance for me, too, David.
You know, to be legit? This may come as a surprise to you, but I don't like what I do.
It's just kind of been a way to get through it, you know? (SIGHS) Okay.
Where do we start? (CHUCKLING) All right.
I'm telling you, the King's getting tense.
And for good reason.
Molino's looking real hot.
All right.
Okay, okay.
You tell His Royal Highness that I love him, and I'll be down to see him first chance I get, okay? Oh, and listen.
You give him my word.
Molino is not going to win this competition, okay? She finally says, "Are those muscles real?" You know, my muscles.
I say, I'm keeping a real straight face, I say, "No, I buy them at a sporting goods store "in different sizes for different moods.
" And she believed me.
(LAUGHING) Oh, come on.
SOL: Hey, Carl.
I hear you're looking pretty good these days.
You must be new around here.
I make it my business to get to know all the boys, 'cause eventually they all work for me.
How are you? Solly Diamond.
David Banner.
Mr.
Diamond manages the King.
Yeah, listen, Dave, I'd like to talk to Carl for a few minutes if you don't mind.
If you can't say it in front of David, I don't want to hear it.
Okay.
Now, this is the King's third competition.
I've managed to convince some pretty heavyweight sponsors to come around and take a look at him.
If they like what they see, they're gonna put him in the big time.
Big money.
The whole works.
Now, you're still young, but if the King doesn't break out this year, that's it.
His career is over.
He can't afford to lose.
And with the time and the money that I've invested in him over the years, neither can I.
Are you asking Carl not to win this contest? I would like Carl not to compete this year, okay? Out of respect for the champion.
But he's already paid his entrance fee.
All right, I'll see to it that he gets it back somehow and next year it'll pay off for him.
I need the prize money this year! I didn't know you were strapped.
Hey, okay, count on me to tide you over.
What do you need? I don't want your money.
Really? Where do you think your entry fee came from, huh? Sweet kid, that Mandy.
I don't know.
Real upset.
Some sad story about getting ripped off.
So I lent her the money with Carl's contract as collateral.
I don't believe it.
Except I have the right to call in the loan whenever I want, which I'm doing right now.
You got 1,000 bucks plus interest? So, you see, I own you.
Like it or not.
And as your manager, I am ordering you to pull out of this contest.
Mr.
Diamond, I really think it would be a great idea if you left.
Right now.
You'll get over it, Carl.
Besides, I can be a big help to you.
Meantime, I gotta protect my interest, right? Oh, listen.
If he's having trouble hearing me Carl, Carl! you tell him the King has got to win this one.
And no one is gonna screw it up.
Goodbye, Mr.
Diamond.
Come on.
You should've heard my sales pitch.
"Carl's the best, Mr.
Diamond.
He's hardly any risk at all.
"He's as good as got the prize money in his pocket.
" I thought I had him snowed.
That's a switch, huh, David? This time I'm the sucker.
He's got a few years experience on you, Mandy.
(SIGHING) Carl.
I would've never done it if I'd known.
You gotta believe me.
I would never do anything to hurt you.
Would you tell him, David? I only did it to make up for messing up everything the first time.
Carl.
Please, would you just look at me? Mandy.
I just wanted to do something to help him.
Is that so terrible? Maybe you should've asked Carl what he wanted before you sold him out to the highest bidder.
I'll tell you what I wanted.
I just wanted a normal life! Carl.
Do you know how many people touch me without asking, like I can't feel or hear? I'm not that strong.
I do feel, as much as anyone! Carl, I know that saying I'm sorry won't fix it.
But you've worked so hard.
Look, I'll go away if you want me to.
But you're so close now.
Don't go home.
Don't worry.
You'll find another meal ticket.
You think I'm a quitter.
Really? What else do I think? No.
I've finally made a decision.
I'm going home.
Do your parents know? They're ecstatic.
My room is waiting and Pop was working on getting my old job back.
Oh, great.
They've taken care of everything.
Yeah, just like always.
Isn't that what you want? It's so mixed up.
All the emotion.
I don't know what I'm feeling anymore.
Muscles.
Emotions are like muscles.
First you have to make them strong because if you don't use them, they'll atrophy.
But then when you use them, they're gonna be sore.
But the more you use them, the easier it gets.
It's like training, huh? You could tell me what you think, David, or my parents, or Mandy, but no one can do the workout for me.
That's right.
Exactly.
If I go through with the competition, Sol Diamond will own me.
But only as a professional bodybuilder.
So, I can pay him his cut, take the rest of the money and get my restaurant or whatever I want.
Right.
What about Mandy? Well, you'll get around to that.
One thing at a time, hmm? MAN ON PA: All backstage visitors, please take your seats in the auditorium.
Contestants and trainers only are allowed in the backstage area.
Thank you.
(EXHALING LOUDLY) How soon is it starting? I'll go find out.
Now, come on, come on.
Let's see it again.
Atta boy.
(CONTESTANTS CHATTERING) Well, I'm glad you came.
Can I see him? Now could be a little difficult.
Right.
It might upset him.
Well, I think you might distract him, but not for a bad reason.
Diamond asked me to talk Carl out of competing.
He offered to give me Carl's contract back.
Mmm-hmm.
I told him, "If Carl comes back to me, "it'll have to be because he wants to.
" ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 12th Annual King of the Beach contest.
You're going to see some of the West Coast's greatest bodybuilders today and that means some of the world's greatest bodybuilders.
We're a major competition in bodybuilding and you can believe our contestants will be in top form today.
I can't risk these money guys changing their minds.
I'll have Molino taken care of.
All right.
But don't mess him up.
I don't want damaged merchandise.
Just find a way to stop his solo posing.
If he misses his spot, he can't compete, right? Steve Taylor couldn't compete last year due to a case of pneumonia which sidelined him for several months.
But if you ask me, he suffered no ill effects from his illness.
He looks great.
(WOMAN CHEERING) MAN: Carl.
Can I help you? There's a phone call for Molino.
It's an emergency.
Where? Down the hall.
First door on the left.
All right, thanks.
I'll tell him.
TRAINER: Now that's it.
That's it.
Flex it, now.
That's it.
(DOOR CLOSING) (BODYBUILDERS CHATTERING) What's wrong? I'm not sure.
Listen, no matter what, you make sure he hits that platform when he's supposed to, okay? Okay.
(CROWD CHEERING) A great performance today, ladies and gentlemen, from Steve Taylor.
Bravo! (EXCLAIMS) Damn it, it's the wrong guy.
That's okay.
We'll use him as bait.
Here he is, the reigning King of the Beach, Bill Flowers.
And King certainly is a fitting word for this man.
(CROWD CHEERING) Where's David? I'm up next.
I don't know, but he told me to tell you to go on.
I can't.
Yes, you can.
I know you can.
(LOUD CHEERING) He can't be disturbed.
I got a message for Carl, from David.
Fine.
You can tell me.
That's okay.
Well, you're one crazy broad! You tell him if he goes out there, he won't recognize David.
(SIGHING) What a performer, what an athlete! (CROWD HOOTING) MAN: Where's Molino? He should've bitten by now.
(CHOKING) And now, a newcomer to competition, Carl Molino.
Originally from the East Coast, Carl now makes his home here.
(CHEERING) David! (MANDY SCREAMING) (GASPING) (SCREAMING) Shut her up.
From the looks of this fellow, we'll be seeing him again.
(SHRIEKING) (CROWD CHEERING) (MANDY GASPING) (SCREAMING) Shut up or I'll shut you up.
(CHEERING CONTINUES) (MANDY SCREAMING) (GROWLS) (GRUNTS) (MANDY SCREAMING) Never had to do this to a chick before.
(ROARS) (ROARS) (GROWLING) (CHEERING WILDLY) Carl Molino, a bright new star in the world of bodybuilding.
He looks to me like championship material.
I've never seen What's that? (CROWD CHATTERING) MAN 1: Who's the girl? MAN 2: Pose for us! Pose for us! (CHEERING) (ROARS) (CHEERING WILDLY) (ROARS) (ROARS) (CROWD CHEERING) So between the two of us, I figure we can make this a nice restaurant.
Mandy agreed to kick in her 15%.
Hey.
And with his championship, we should get a lot of free publicity.
But I'll never figure out how you got through that competition with all that chaos going on.
Yeah.
I turned off my hearing aid.
(ALL LAUGHING) Hey, listen.
You two be good to each other, you hear? And you, my friend, you keep working on those muscles.
But he's not gonna compete anymore.
You'll be back.
Remember, we're your family.
Bye-bye.