Comedy / Horror (1959) 66 minutes ~ Black & White
Walter Paisley, nerdy waiter at a Bohemian cafe, is jealous of the talent (and popularity) of its various artistic regulars. After accidentally killing his landlady's cat and covering the body in plaster to hide the evidence, he is acclaimed as a brilliant sculptor. However, his newfound friends want to see more of his work. Lacking any artistic talent whatsoever, Walter has to resort to similar methods to produce new work, and soon people start mysteriously disappearing.
Director: Roger Corman
Writer: Charles B. Griffith (screenplay)
Stars: Dick Miller, Barboura Morris, Antony Carbone
Walter Paisley, nerdy waiter at a Bohemian cafe, is jealous of the talent (and popularity) of its various artistic regulars. After accidentally killing his landlady's cat and covering the body in plaster to hide the evidence, he is acclaimed as a brilliant sculptor. However, his newfound friends want to see more of his work. Lacking any artistic talent whatsoever, Walter has to resort to similar methods to produce new work, and soon people start mysteriously disappearing.
Director: Roger Corman
Writer: Charles B. Griffith (screenplay)
Stars: Dick Miller, Barboura Morris, Antony Carbone
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00I will talk to you of art, for there is nothing else to talk about, for there is nothing else.
00:00:18Life is an obscure hobo bumming a ride on the omnibus of art.
00:00:25Burn gas buggies and whip your sour cream of circumstance and hope,
00:00:31and go ahead and sleep your bloody heads off.
00:00:35Creation is. All else is not.
00:00:40What is not creation is graham crackers.
00:00:44Let it all crumble to feed the creator.
00:00:49The artist is. All others are not.
00:00:54A canvas is a canvas, or a painter.
00:00:59A rock is a rock, or a statue.
00:01:04A sound is a sound, or is music.
00:01:12A creature is a creature, or an artist.
00:01:21Where are John, Joe, Jake, Jim, Jerk?
00:01:26Dead, dead, dead.
00:01:30They were not born before they were born.
00:01:33They were not born.
00:01:36Where are Leonardo, Rembrandt, Ludwig?
00:01:40Alive, alive, alive.
00:01:45They were born.
00:01:48Bring on the multitude with a multitude of fishes.
00:01:52Feed them to the fishes for liver oil to nourish the artist.
00:01:58Stretch their skins upon an easel to give him canvas.
00:02:03Crush their bones into a paste that he might mold them.
00:02:09Let them die.
00:02:12And by their miserable deaths become the clay within his hands.
00:02:18That he might form an ashtray, or an ark.
00:02:23For all that is comes through the eye of the artist.
00:02:28Arrest no blind fish swimming in the cave of aloneness.
00:02:33Swim on, you maudlin, muddling, maddened fools.
00:02:38And dream that one bright and sunny night
00:02:43some artist will bait a hook and let you bite upon it.
00:02:49Bite hard and die.
00:02:53In his stomach you are very close to immortality.
00:03:00Bravo!
00:03:03Walter?
00:03:06Walter, what are you doing here?
00:03:08I was looking at Carla's picture.
00:03:09Do I pay you to look at pictures?
00:03:11Get to work.
00:03:12I was just looking.
00:03:13There are empty cups all over the place.
00:03:15Clear them out.
00:03:18You shouldn't be so rough on him, Leonard.
00:03:26Yes, sir, Walter.
00:03:27All right.
00:03:39I think I'll cut.
00:03:52Yes, man.
00:03:53How are you making?
00:03:54Good enough.
00:04:06Valdez, Vice.
00:04:07Yeah, McCoy checking in.
00:04:09Lou took over a couple of minutes ago.
00:04:10Anything new at the door?
00:04:12Well, nothing you can pound nails in.
00:04:14A couple of hustlers.
00:04:15One of them short, fat, brunette, named Skinny.
00:04:18The other one was short also.
00:04:20She was bleached and skinny.
00:04:22Name of fat?
00:04:23Probably.
00:04:24He didn't get it.
00:04:25They didn't give any pictures, though.
00:04:26Guess you can keep an eye on him.
00:04:28Okay.
00:04:29Any hits?
00:04:30Well, Jerry Sachs looked like he was straight.
00:04:32I'm sure he's on it anyway.
00:04:34Didn't see any pushers around the place.
00:04:35Lou said he'd check out on Jerry,
00:04:37sound him out later if he gets any higher.
00:04:39I guess that's about it.
00:04:41Okay.
00:04:42Go on home and get a good night's sleep, you think.
00:04:45Okay.
00:04:46So long.
00:04:50Everyone listen to my new poem.
00:04:52Do you think they really heard it?
00:04:53I heard it, Mr. Brock.
00:04:55Thank you, Walter.
00:04:56I'm sure you did.
00:04:57Bring on the multitude with a multitude of fishes.
00:05:00Feed them to the fishes for liver oil to nourish the artist.
00:05:04That was word for word.
00:05:06Is it?
00:05:07I've forgotten.
00:05:08You mean you don't remember your own poem?
00:05:09I refuse to say anything twice.
00:05:11Repetition is death.
00:05:13I don't get it.
00:05:14When you repeat something, you are reliving a moment,
00:05:16wasting it, severing it from the other end of your life.
00:05:20I believe only in new impressions, new stimuli, new life.
00:05:23I thought you believed that life is an obscure hobo
00:05:25bumming a ride on a...
00:05:26I do believe that, Walter, but I also believe creative living.
00:05:30To be uncreative, you might as well be in your grave
00:05:33or in the army.
00:05:35They tried to draft me once.
00:05:37I couldn't pass the test.
00:05:41Walter, Leonard's looking at you.
00:05:47He's just about gone.
00:05:49Walter has a clear mind.
00:05:51One day something will enter it, feel lonely and leave again.
00:05:54That's too much.
00:05:55Yes, cats, yes.
00:05:57If you want to know how beatniks live,
00:05:59William and me will show you.
00:06:01We'll introduce you to some wild ones.
00:06:03You may even discover an artist of your own.
00:06:06And how much is that going to cost us?
00:06:08What cost? A couple of bucks.
00:06:10You want to meet some beatniks, don't you?
00:06:12Oh, no, it's the artist.
00:06:13I'm just crazy about artists.
00:06:15All that is comes through the eye of the artist.
00:06:17The rest are just blind fish swimming in a cave of aloneness.
00:06:20Oh, you must be an artist.
00:06:22And working as a busboy, too.
00:06:24Feed him that he will be satisfied.
00:06:26The artist is. All others are not.
00:06:28That's most intriguing.
00:06:30Are you a painter?
00:06:31Well, no, I work...
00:06:33I'm working on something that's not ready yet.
00:06:35What is it, man? Finger painting?
00:06:37Draw me a picture of a house, Walter.
00:06:39Make some smoke coming out of the chimney.
00:06:41I am working on something. I'll show you soon.
00:06:43Walter?
00:06:48Is he...
00:06:49Cheers.
00:07:12Did you get a good look, kid?
00:07:16Not at all.
00:07:45Hello, Mrs. Swicker.
00:07:47Walter, you look awful pale.
00:07:49What did you have to eat tonight?
00:07:50I had a salami sandwich, Mrs. Swicker.
00:07:52Oh, if you were my son,
00:07:54why don't you let me fix you a nice bowl of soup?
00:07:56Won't take but a minute.
00:07:57Oh, it's okay. I can fix myself something.
00:07:59Besides, I got something important to do.
00:08:01Oh, say, Walter,
00:08:02did you see anything of Frankie tonight when you went out?
00:08:05I didn't see him at all.
00:08:06Well, if you do,
00:08:07tell him I got a nice, fresh piece of halibut for him.
00:08:10Tell him that?
00:08:11I mean, do you think he'll understand?
00:08:13He's only a cat.
00:08:14Good night, Walter.
00:08:17Good night.
00:08:47Good night.
00:09:17Good night.
00:09:47Frankie?
00:10:04Frankie?
00:10:13A canvas is a canvas or a painting.
00:10:17A rock is a rock or a statue.
00:10:20A sound is a sound or it's music.
00:10:39Come on, be a nose.
00:10:45Be a nose.
00:10:47Come on.
00:11:13Frankie, shut up!
00:11:15Oh, what's the matter, Frankie?
00:11:17How'd you get yourself stuck in a wall?
00:11:21Wait a minute, I'll get you out.
00:11:36Frankie?
00:11:39Frankie?
00:11:40Frankie?
00:11:43You all right, Frankie?
00:11:59Frankie?
00:12:06Oh, Frankie.
00:12:09I'm sorry.
00:12:19Poor Mrs. Swickard.
00:12:25She had a nice, fresh piece of halibut for you.
00:12:33I'll give it to her in the morning.
00:12:38Repetition is death, Frankie.
00:13:08Frankie?
00:13:39Let them die, and by their miserable deaths
00:13:43become the clay within his hands
00:13:46that he might form an ashtray or an ark.
00:13:51Pray that you might be his diadem,
00:13:54gold, glory, paint, clay,
00:13:57that he might take you in his magic hands
00:14:00and wring from your narrow wonders.
00:14:08We're a John Joe Jim jerk.
00:14:22Dead, dead, dead.
00:14:38Hi, Carla.
00:14:40Walter, what are you doing here so early?
00:14:42Well, I've brought something. I think you'll like it.
00:14:44Take that stuff to the laundry mat, Walter.
00:14:46Huh?
00:14:47Don't mind him.
00:14:48What have you got?
00:14:49It's a thing I made.
00:14:58Walter.
00:15:00You like it?
00:15:01What's he got?
00:15:02Oh, come look at this, Leonard.
00:15:04Where'd you get that, auction?
00:15:06I made it.
00:15:08You made that?
00:15:09I said I did, didn't I?
00:15:10Walter, it's very good.
00:15:12Honest?
00:15:13Honest.
00:15:14What's it called?
00:15:15Dead Cat.
00:15:17Dead Cat?
00:15:18That's its name?
00:15:19Sure.
00:15:21Well, it sure looks dead enough.
00:15:23You want to buy it?
00:15:25Buy it? That thing?
00:15:27Scare people out of the place.
00:15:29Don't be silly. It's tremendous.
00:15:31Look at the detail.
00:15:33The anatomy's perfect.
00:15:35Look at the expression on its face.
00:15:38How come you put a knife into it?
00:15:40I didn't mean to.
00:15:42Just got carried away, huh?
00:15:45Well, all right.
00:15:48I'll tell you what I'll do.
00:15:49I'll put it in the corner of the alcove.
00:15:51If it sells, we'll split 50-50, okay?
00:15:53Sure.
00:15:54Does this mean I'm an artist?
00:15:56Maybe so.
00:15:57You can do other things as well.
00:15:59All that is comes through the eye of the artist.
00:16:02Yeah, you're a real artist now.
00:16:04I go in back and scrub down those garbage cans.
00:16:07Much now.
00:16:11You really like it?
00:16:13We like it.
00:16:14Go on.
00:16:27Did you see my cat?
00:16:28What's the matter? You lose him?
00:16:38How do you like my cat?
00:16:40You make this thing, man?
00:16:41Uh-huh.
00:16:43It's crazy.
00:16:45Crazy.
00:16:46You want to buy it?
00:16:48Don't mean that.
00:16:50I'm tapped.
00:16:58He likes my cat.
00:16:59Get to work.
00:17:08Hey, Walter.
00:17:09Come here a minute.
00:17:13Hey, congratulations, man.
00:17:16Walter, you're famous.
00:17:17I saw your cat.
00:17:18Did you like it, Mr. Brock?
00:17:20You may call me Maxwell.
00:17:21How'd you do it, Walter?
00:17:23Oh, I just took some clay and fixed it up.
00:17:29Attention.
00:17:30Attention, everyone.
00:17:32As you pass through these yellow borders,
00:17:34I am sure you noticed on your right a small clay figure
00:17:37and assumed this transfixed effigy
00:17:39to be the work of a master sculptor.
00:17:41And indeed, so it is.
00:17:44That master sculptor is in our midst.
00:17:47He is none other than Walter Paisley,
00:17:49our very own busboy,
00:17:52whose hands of genius have been carrying away
00:17:54the empty cups of your frustrations.
00:17:57Mark well, this lad.
00:17:59His is the work of a master sculptor.
00:18:02Mark well, this lad.
00:18:04His is the silent voice of creation.
00:18:07Within the dark, rich soil of humility,
00:18:10he blossoms as the hope of our nearly sterile century.
00:18:16Beautiful, Maxwell.
00:18:17Bring me an espresso, Walter.
00:18:19Hey, Maxwell, really beautiful.
00:18:22Man, you are in.
00:18:24Oh, Walter, it was wonderful.
00:18:26Yes, yes.
00:18:28This is my man.
00:18:30Yes, yes.
00:18:31Listen, man, you got a pen?
00:18:36Hey, Bob, so what's happening?
00:18:38Making a big scene for Walter.
00:18:40Who'd he shoot?
00:18:41He made a cat.
00:18:44Out of clay.
00:18:46See you around.
00:18:48Later.
00:18:59Will somebody clear this table, please?
00:19:02Will somebody clear this table?
00:19:09Did you hear them, Mr. DeSantis?
00:19:11They all like my cat.
00:19:12Yeah, very good.
00:19:13Now, look, Walter, you must be tired.
00:19:16Why don't you take the rest of the night off?
00:19:18No, no, no, no, you got it coming.
00:19:20Besides, you're creating an incident.
00:19:22When people are applauding, they don't order coffee.
00:19:24So go on home and work on something.
00:19:27Make another cat.
00:19:28Well, I haven't got another cat.
00:19:31Just go to the movies.
00:19:33Please, Walter, go.
00:19:34All right, Mr. DeSantis.
00:19:36Good night.
00:19:37Good night, Walter.
00:19:39Walter?
00:19:40Walter, wait a minute.
00:19:41Oh, hello, Naomi.
00:19:43Walter, I dug it.
00:19:45My cat?
00:19:47It was the most wonderful, wildest, like, wiggies thing I've ever seen.
00:19:53Walter, you've done something to me.
00:19:55Something deep down inside of my prana.
00:19:58I have?
00:20:00Oh, Walter, I want to be with you.
00:20:03You're creative.
00:20:05You've got a hot night bulb glowing inside of you,
00:20:08and I want to be warmed by it.
00:20:11Gee, that's nice of you, Naomi.
00:20:14Walter, take me away from here.
00:20:16Take me away to some cool, blue place.
00:20:20Gas me.
00:20:21I can't. I got to go home.
00:20:23Oh, then I'll go home with you.
00:20:24Oh, no, Mrs. Swickard wouldn't like that.
00:20:26She's my landlady.
00:20:28Isn't there anything I can do for you?
00:20:31I don't think so, Naolia.
00:20:33Walter, I can't let you just split like this.
00:20:37I've got to do something.
00:20:39I've got to contribute.
00:20:41You don't have to do anything.
00:20:44Wait.
00:20:46Wait, there is one thing I can do.
00:20:48One little thing.
00:20:50Don't leave, Walter.
00:20:51I want to give you something.
00:20:54Something that will make you remember me.
00:21:01Put it in your pocket.
00:21:04Now go, Walter.
00:21:06Don't look back.
00:21:07Just go.
00:21:21Come on.
00:21:52Can I have your autograph, Mr. Paisley?
00:21:55Why, certainly, my good woman.
00:21:59Everybody likes my cat.
00:22:03Do you want to buy my statue?
00:22:05Sure.
00:22:07I'll take it.
00:22:09I'll take it.
00:22:11I'll take it.
00:22:13I'll take it.
00:22:15I'll take it.
00:22:17I'll take it.
00:22:18I'll take it.
00:22:19I'll take it.
00:22:21How much do you want to pay me, mister?
00:22:23$10,000?
00:22:25Okay.
00:22:29See, I'll be famous.
00:22:32And then I can ask Carla and she'll say yes.
00:22:35I knew she will.
00:22:52Hello, Walter.
00:22:53Oh, hi.
00:22:54Hey, you're Lou, ain't you?
00:22:55I seen you down the yellow door plenty.
00:22:57Come on in.
00:22:58I was just making some pancakes.
00:22:59You can have some if you like.
00:23:01Did you see my cat?
00:23:02Yeah, I saw your cat.
00:23:03I also saw that chick lay these on you.
00:23:05Oh, that was Naomi.
00:23:06She's a nice girl.
00:23:07She's kind of strange, though.
00:23:10I guess she figures I get headaches or something.
00:23:12Okay, Walter.
00:23:13Who's your connection?
00:23:14Connection?
00:23:15Yeah, connection.
00:23:16Who do you score from?
00:23:17Where do you buy your horse?
00:23:18Horse?
00:23:19Horse, junk, white stuff, heroin.
00:23:22Is that what that is?
00:23:23I never seen any of that before.
00:23:25I always thought that was expensive.
00:23:26Yeah, Walter, that can be real expensive.
00:23:28Gee, well, wasn't that nice of Naomi
00:23:30to give me that expensive horse?
00:23:32Walter.
00:23:33Huh?
00:23:34Police officer.
00:23:35Oh, you're like an undercover man.
00:23:39You're under arrest, Walter.
00:23:40Under arrest for what?
00:23:41Possession of narcotics.
00:23:42For me?
00:23:43What are you talking about?
00:23:45Walter, I'm not talking about you.
00:23:47What are you talking about?
00:23:48Walter, I got you cold.
00:23:50Now, you just come along quietly.
00:23:52I didn't do nothing.
00:23:53Naomi would give me those.
00:23:54I didn't ask her for it.
00:23:55I didn't even know what was in them.
00:23:56All right, you can tell them that downtown.
00:23:58Now, let's go.
00:23:59I ain't going no place with you.
00:24:00Walter, do I have to point this at you?
00:24:02You're going to shoot me.
00:24:03No, don't shoot me.
00:24:04Walter, just relax.
00:24:05No, you're going to shoot me.
00:24:06Now, just relax.
00:24:07Don't shoot me.
00:24:08Just shut up, Walter.
00:24:09No, you're going to shoot me.
00:24:10Don't shoot.
00:24:18Walter?
00:24:22Walter!
00:24:27Walter!
00:24:29Are you all right?
00:24:30I thought I heard you shouting a minute ago.
00:24:36Walter!
00:24:37Walter!
00:24:47What's all the noise in here?
00:24:48Noise, Mrs. Swickett?
00:24:49What noise?
00:24:50Don't tell me I didn't hear a racket.
00:24:53Are you sure you're all alone?
00:24:55I'm always alone, Mrs. Swickett.
00:24:57Walter, have you been talking to yourself again?
00:25:00Well, I guess maybe I have, Mrs. Swickett.
00:25:02Somebody's got to.
00:25:03Walter, you know, what you need is a girl.
00:25:06She doesn't have to be pretty, just so long
00:25:08as she takes good care of you.
00:25:10Well, I can take real good care of myself, Mrs. Swickett.
00:25:12Yeah, I can see that.
00:25:13Look at this pad.
00:25:14It's terrible.
00:25:15When did you ever clean it up?
00:25:17And when did you change these sheets last?
00:25:19They look like they're alive.
00:25:21Mrs. Swickett, I've got to meet some friends
00:25:23in a little while, and I've got to take a shower.
00:25:25Well, why don't you clean up?
00:25:26If you don't mind.
00:25:27What's the matter?
00:25:28Oh, please, Mrs. Swickett.
00:25:36I didn't mean to hurt you, Lou.
00:25:51But if you'd have shot me, you'd
00:25:54be mopping up my blood now.
00:25:57I can't help it if I got scared and hit you.
00:26:00I didn't mean it.
00:26:04I didn't know you had it in you, Walter.
00:26:08How'd you do it?
00:26:11Well, I just took some clay and fixed it up.
00:26:18Go home and make something, Walter.
00:26:21I'll be back in a minute.
00:26:24I'll be back in a minute.
00:26:27I'll be back in a minute.
00:26:30I'll be back in a minute.
00:26:33Walter, make another cat.
00:26:46But I haven't got another cat.
00:26:50Well, I reported in here around midnight.
00:26:52Lou had already been gone over an hour.
00:26:54No, nobody seems to know where he went.
00:26:57Why don't you put an alert out on him and I'll check on him from here.
00:27:01Okay, right.
00:27:31A little fraud.
00:28:01Louis Raby, age 29.
00:28:045 foot 11 inches tall.
00:28:06Dark complexion.
00:28:08Hair black and curly.
00:28:10Last seen wearing blue jeans and gray sweaters.
00:28:17Tim Evans was a murderer
00:28:20All in his prison cell
00:28:23I was a murderer
00:28:26I was a murderer
00:28:29In his prison cell
00:28:32And those who read about his crimes
00:28:35They damned his soul to hell
00:28:38Saying, go down, you murderer
00:28:41Go down
00:28:44For the murder of his own true wife
00:28:47And the killing of his own child
00:28:50The jury found him guilty
00:28:53And the hanging judge, he smiled
00:28:56I suppose.
00:28:59What do you suppose they want here?
00:29:01You, man. You.
00:29:04Hey, maybe they're looking for old Walter. He's a criminal type.
00:29:08Ain't you, Walter?
00:29:11I'm sorry, Mr. DeSantis.
00:29:13Oh, that's all right, Walter. Sit down.
00:29:15Me?
00:29:18Greetings, man.
00:29:20I'm not supposed to sit with the customers.
00:29:23Now, why shouldn't you sit at the table, Walter?
00:29:25After all, you're a big artist now.
00:29:27A true creator above mere mortals.
00:29:30What's the big idea?
00:29:32Idea?
00:29:34I was just telling Walter the truth.
00:29:37Man wanted to pay me $100 for the cat.
00:29:40In fact, he's taking it home to show to his wife.
00:29:43Proves that I underestimated Walter's ability.
00:29:46His work has enormous realism.
00:29:49You can hardly tell it from the real thing.
00:29:51Boy, that sounds like a real put-down.
00:29:53Get off Walter's back, Leonard.
00:29:55So I have his back?
00:29:57You're not very funny.
00:29:59I'm not trying to be.
00:30:01Walter, what are you going to make next?
00:30:05A dog, maybe.
00:30:07Or a bird.
00:30:09How about a few dozen cockroaches from your room?
00:30:13Hey, man, why don't you make an elephant?
00:30:15I got a new one.
00:30:17Great. What is it?
00:30:19It's a full-length, life-size figure.
00:30:23Crazy. What is it called?
00:30:25A murdered man.
00:30:28When do we get to see it?
00:30:30Anytime.
00:30:31Hey, that's a pretty far-out name for a statue.
00:30:33I saw a statue once.
00:30:35It was called, The Third Time Phyllis Saw Me, She Exploded.
00:30:38What kind of a statue was that?
00:30:40I don't know.
00:30:41It was made out of driftwood and dipped in fluoric acid.
00:30:44Very wild.
00:30:47What's wrong, Leonard?
00:30:49Nothing, nothing at all.
00:30:52It's the food in this dump.
00:30:54Oh, man, you should try the Sorel sewer.
00:30:56They got wheat germ bagels.
00:30:58Too much.
00:31:00Excuse me, please.
00:31:02I think he really is sick.
00:31:05So who isn't?
00:31:09Santus!
00:31:11I've been trying to get to you all evening.
00:31:13Got to make a call. Got to call Lieutenant Valdez.
00:31:15Listen, I was wrong about my wife.
00:31:17She wants that cat after all.
00:31:19Do you hear me? I'll give you that $100 for the cat.
00:31:21I can't talk to you just now.
00:31:23All right, then, $200.
00:31:25No.
00:31:27No!
00:31:28$300, and that's tops.
00:31:32$300 for the cat?
00:31:35I know I'm going out of my mind,
00:31:38but I've been collecting art pieces all over Europe for years.
00:31:41And this boy, Walter Paisley, has got it.
00:31:43I want to buy his first work.
00:31:45And to make very sure that I get it,
00:31:47I'll pay you $500.
00:31:49$500 for the cat and a first look at his next stuff.
00:31:59Someone has the cat just now,
00:32:01but I'll have him back in a few days.
00:32:03Then you can have it for the $500.
00:32:06Oh, thank you, sir.
00:32:08I think I've made a bargain.
00:32:10Call me when you're ready.
00:32:12Good night.
00:32:16Leonard!
00:32:18You feel better?
00:32:20Listen, I'm going over to Walter's later
00:32:23after the place closes to see Murdered Man.
00:32:25You feel up to coming along?
00:32:27The rope was fixed around his neck
00:32:30And a washer behind his ear
00:32:33And the prison bell was tolling
00:32:36But Tim Evans didn't hear
00:32:39Saying, go down, you murderer, go down
00:32:51Look at the size of it!
00:32:53Well, it's not really that big.
00:32:55I got it on kind of a stamp.
00:32:57Well, let's see it.
00:32:59I'm a little nervous.
00:33:01I never did a person before.
00:33:03You can do anything if you set your mind to it.
00:33:05It's hot in here.
00:33:06You want me to open a window?
00:33:08Come on, Walter, take off the sheet.
00:33:20Don't you like it?
00:33:25Walter, it's a masterpiece.
00:33:28I've never seen anything like it before.
00:33:33And I hope I never see anything like it again.
00:33:36Neither do I.
00:33:40It's hideous.
00:33:41And it's eloquent.
00:33:43It expresses modern man and all his self-pity.
00:33:49How did you ever find that in yourself, Walter?
00:33:51Well, it wasn't easy.
00:33:56What's the matter with you?
00:33:58Nothing.
00:33:59Nothing at all.
00:34:00I've never seen anyone so squeamish.
00:34:03What's your opinion, Leonard?
00:34:05Don't ask me.
00:34:06Oh, come on.
00:34:08Now, even you must see its value.
00:34:10Do you think that you or I could have conceived of such a thing,
00:34:13much less executed it?
00:34:16Well, then admit it.
00:34:17It's a work of genius.
00:34:19I admit it.
00:34:21Then let's take it down to the yellow door.
00:34:24No.
00:34:25Why not?
00:34:26I'll tell you.
00:34:28But you cover it up again, please.
00:34:30Please.
00:34:37What is all this nonsense?
00:34:38Why do you want to hide it?
00:34:40Well, I've been thinking.
00:34:44I didn't realize how much talent Walter actually had.
00:34:49It would be wrong to show his pieces one at a time.
00:34:52Dead wrong.
00:34:53You're right.
00:34:55You should build a collection first.
00:34:59Good.
00:35:00That's the idea.
00:35:01Maybe when it's big enough, we can have a show.
00:35:03A show?
00:35:04Is this for me?
00:35:05No.
00:35:06Well, not exactly.
00:35:07I mean, you could take years and years.
00:35:11It's getting hot again.
00:35:13Well, it would take you years to make that many statues.
00:35:16But your work would be featured.
00:35:18It's a wonderful idea, Walter.
00:35:20It's the only way to gain recognition.
00:35:22All the big art critics and art dealers will be there.
00:35:24It'll be an event.
00:35:25Yes, then we can unload.
00:35:27You'd sell this stuff for a lot more.
00:35:29But a show.
00:35:30How soon can we go?
00:35:31Don't rush things.
00:35:32It takes time.
00:35:33But first of all, you've got to stop making these horrible statues.
00:35:38Carla and I will guide you.
00:35:40Maybe you can turn to free form.
00:35:41Free form?
00:35:42Well, that's the movement today.
00:35:43With his talent for realism?
00:35:44But you can see the direction his realism takes.
00:35:46It's unhealthy.
00:35:47But you said I was a genius.
00:35:49I don't want to be a busboy anymore.
00:35:51Yes.
00:35:52Maybe you've got a point there.
00:35:53You shouldn't keep working at the Yellow Door.
00:35:55Look, I'm sure that man is going to buy you a dead cat.
00:35:58So, here.
00:35:59Here's your fee in advance.
00:36:01Fifty dollars.
00:36:02And if you need more, I've got it, so don't worry.
00:36:05I've got great faith in you, Walter.
00:36:08Gee, fifty dollars for something I made.
00:36:10Now you're a professional.
00:36:12Let's go.
00:36:14Okay.
00:36:16Good night, Walter.
00:36:18Keep up the good work.
00:36:19Yeah, but don't rush things.
00:36:21You've got all the time in the world.
00:36:23Come on, Carla.
00:36:26Good night.
00:36:33Yahoo!
00:36:36Did you holler, Walter?
00:36:38I'm an artist, Mrs. Swickard.
00:36:40Oh, sure you are, Walter.
00:36:42I am.
00:36:44Look.
00:36:49Come on.
00:37:03One of the greatest advances in modern poetry
00:37:05is the elimination of clarity.
00:37:07I am proud to say my poetry is only understood
00:37:09by that minority which is aware.
00:37:11Aware of what?
00:37:12Why not of anything, stupid?
00:37:14Just aware.
00:37:17Man, this place is beginning to feel like a line-up.
00:37:20Yeah, baby.
00:37:22If it don't cool off pretty soon,
00:37:23I'm going to haunt somebody else's joint.
00:37:26We may have to go.
00:37:27I've got to go.
00:37:28If it don't cool off pretty soon,
00:37:29I'm going to haunt somebody else's joint.
00:37:31We may have to start drinking.
00:37:41Yes, man.
00:37:42Yes.
00:37:43Yes.
00:37:44That's my man.
00:37:45Yes.
00:37:49Yes, man.
00:37:50Yes.
00:37:53Good evening, Walter.
00:37:54Good evening, Carla.
00:37:59Sylvia.
00:38:01Didn't you see me wave my Zen stick?
00:38:03Oh, it's Walter Paisley.
00:38:05Bring me a cappuccino and a piece of papaya cheesecake.
00:38:08And a bottle of Yugoslavian white wine.
00:38:10Yes, sir, Mr. Paisley.
00:38:12Good evening, Walter.
00:38:13Maxwell, how have you been?
00:38:15I see the rewards of achievement have come your way.
00:38:17Well, after all, I'm a successful sculptor now.
00:38:21Indeed.
00:38:23Dig, Walter, the wigger.
00:38:25He's coming out like he just cured cancer.
00:38:28What a snake to see.
00:38:30Crazy.
00:38:31I was just suggesting to Walter
00:38:33that he try his hand at free form.
00:38:35Why do you suggest anything to Walter?
00:38:37Are you the spokesman for society
00:38:39come to put your stifling finger in his eye?
00:38:41Good evening, gentlemen.
00:38:43Oh, now, who invited these two down from the clouds?
00:38:45Maxwell!
00:38:46Yoo-hoo!
00:38:47Clear the table.
00:38:48Bring a bowl.
00:38:49I may be sick.
00:38:50It's Alice the Awful.
00:38:51Comes to spread cheer and cholera.
00:38:54Look at my suntan, everybody.
00:38:55Do we have to?
00:38:57Where have you been, Alice?
00:38:58I went up to Big Sur to look for Henry Miller.
00:39:00You didn't find him, I hope.
00:39:02No, he's in Europe.
00:39:03Good.
00:39:05Why is the busboy sitting here?
00:39:07I'm not the busboy anymore.
00:39:09That's right, Walter has become a sculptor.
00:39:11Oh, really?
00:39:13I'm a model, you know.
00:39:15I only charge $25 an hour.
00:39:17Would you like to do me?
00:39:20I just might.
00:39:21Never mind that.
00:39:22Walter's going to try free form.
00:39:24There you go again.
00:39:25I may take my business to the sorrel sewer.
00:39:28As a matter of fact, I was going to suggest to Walter
00:39:30that he try a female figure.
00:39:32As a change from the violent death theme.
00:39:35You really should, Walter.
00:39:37You know what?
00:39:38If you like, I'll be your model for free.
00:39:41I couldn't.
00:39:42Not you.
00:39:43Man, if you're going to be an artist,
00:39:44you've got to do nudes.
00:39:46Nudes.
00:39:48Right, right, right.
00:39:50Ain't nobody an artist unless he does nudes.
00:39:54Will you get them out of here
00:39:55before we wind up in night court?
00:39:57Oh, let's change the subject.
00:39:58I'm sick of hearing about sculpture.
00:40:00Nobody knows how to do that anymore.
00:40:02Much less the busboy from the yellow door.
00:40:04Who do you think you're talking about?
00:40:06Don't shout at me.
00:40:09I don't like you.
00:40:11Nobody asked for your opinion, Walter.
00:40:14You're just a simple little farm boy
00:40:16and the rest of us are all sophisticated beaconics.
00:40:18That's all, man.
00:40:20Let's split.
00:40:22Yeah, man.
00:40:24I've got to make peace in there.
00:40:28See, you made them leave.
00:40:30What did I do?
00:40:31The first beneficial service of your benighted life.
00:40:34It proves we're all good for something.
00:40:37Are you saying that this busboy is better than I?
00:40:39Yes.
00:40:40I think this whole bit about him being a sculptor
00:40:43is just a big put on for my benefit.
00:40:45That's not true.
00:40:46I am a sculptor.
00:40:47Oh, yeah?
00:40:48Prove it.
00:40:49Make something out of this.
00:40:51There.
00:40:52Hand.
00:40:54That isn't a real hand.
00:40:55If you were a sculptor, you'd create something for me.
00:40:58Our food would be very nice.
00:41:00I'm going home.
00:41:05Alice?
00:41:06You're obnoxious.
00:41:08But he's such an idiot.
00:41:17Hey.
00:41:18Hey.
00:41:19Hey.
00:41:20Hey.
00:41:21Hey.
00:41:22Hey.
00:41:23Hey.
00:41:24Hey.
00:41:25Hey.
00:41:26Hey.
00:41:27Hey.
00:41:28Hey.
00:41:29Hey.
00:41:30Hey.
00:41:31Hey.
00:41:32Hey.
00:41:33Hey.
00:41:34Hey.
00:41:35Hey.
00:41:36Hey.
00:41:37Hey.
00:41:38Hey.
00:41:39Hey.
00:41:40Hey.
00:41:41Hey.
00:41:42Hey.
00:41:43Hey.
00:41:44Hey.
00:41:45Hey.
00:41:46Hey.
00:41:47Hey.
00:41:48Hey.
00:41:49Hey.
00:41:50Hey.
00:41:51Hey.
00:41:52Hey.
00:41:56Yes?
00:41:57What are you doing here?
00:41:59I wanted to apologize for being nasty to you this evening.
00:42:02So your apologized.
00:42:03Good night.
00:42:12Listen, Thorp.
00:42:13Why don't you get out of here and let me go to bed?
00:42:15I didn't finish talking to you.
00:42:17I decided to make that female figure after all.
00:42:19Oh?
00:42:20I'd like you to pose for it.
00:42:22Remember what I said about my price?
00:42:24$25 an hour.
00:42:26If you want to pay it, I don't mind posing.
00:42:29When do you want to start work?
00:42:31Tonight.
00:42:32You mean right now?
00:42:34Uh-huh.
00:42:35Wait till I get my sweater.
00:42:43♪
00:43:12You could use a little more heat around this place.
00:43:15It's bad for the clay.
00:43:17You'll get used to it.
00:43:23Well, I'm almost ready.
00:43:29Here.
00:43:31Sit in this chair and I'll pose you.
00:43:43Kind of rickety.
00:43:45How's this pose?
00:43:47That's fine.
00:43:48It's very good.
00:43:50Just stay like that.
00:43:53That doesn't look like very much clay.
00:43:56Oh, it's enough.
00:43:59Put this around your neck.
00:44:01♪
00:44:12Uh, oh, oh, oh.
00:44:18Oh!
00:44:22Ah, breakfast.
00:44:25Watch it, the plate's hot.
00:44:27Watch it, the plate's hot.
00:44:30Are these fertile eggs?
00:44:32Are these eggs fertile? Naturally.
00:44:35What did you fry them in?
00:44:36We ran out of the safflower seed oil, but I found a bottle of peanut oil on the shelf.
00:44:41Don't worry, it's not hydrogenated.
00:44:43Is that the cold press stuff or the junk Hilda bought by mistake?
00:44:48Yes, man, yes.
00:44:50Hi.
00:44:51Good morning, Walter.
00:44:52Hi, Walter. What brings you here?
00:44:54Have some breakfast, man.
00:44:55What are you having?
00:44:56Soy and wheat germ pancakes, organic guava nectar, calcium lactate and tomato juice,
00:45:02and garbanzo omelets sprinkled with smoked yeast. Join us?
00:45:05No, thanks.
00:45:06Sounds great, though.
00:45:08I brought something to show you. Could I have some of the guys help me?
00:45:11Is it murdered, man?
00:45:12It's better.
00:45:13Come on.
00:45:14Borders.
00:45:21Put it in the middle of the room.
00:45:23When did you do this, Walter?
00:45:24Last night. It doesn't take me very long.
00:45:26You should say not.
00:45:28Well, let's see it, man.
00:45:45Walter, I can't believe it.
00:45:47I'm honored to know this man.
00:45:49Do you think it's nice?
00:45:51Hey, she's beautiful.
00:45:53Do you think it's nicer than murdered man?
00:45:55Oh, I don't know, Walter. It's impossible to choose.
00:45:58They're both great.
00:46:00Walter, I'm deeply moved.
00:46:02Show my appreciation, I'm going to give a party tonight at the Yellow Door.
00:46:05In your honor.
00:46:06And I shall compose a poem.
00:46:24Some more champagne, Your Majesty?
00:46:26Here, here.
00:46:27Where, where?
00:46:28There, there.
00:46:31It's fine.
00:46:32I'm just having a little kiss.
00:46:35Walter, you're a wretch.
00:46:37I am?
00:46:42Here we go.
00:46:53All right.
00:46:54Walter.
00:46:56The bird that flies now pays later
00:46:59through the nose of Amadextra's apathy.
00:47:01Necrophiles may dance upon the placemats
00:47:04in an orgy of togetherness.
00:47:06The highway of life cuts sharply through the shady ghettos
00:47:09and the ivy-covered tombs.
00:47:11And laughter rings from every time capsule
00:47:14in the star-spangled firmament.
00:47:16And in the deep freeze it is the children's hour.
00:47:19And no one knows that Duncan is murdered.
00:47:22And no one knows that Walter Paisley is born.
00:47:27Duncan knows.
00:47:29Tuesday sunrise knows.
00:47:31Alley cats and garbage cans and steaming pavements
00:47:35and you and I and the nude descending the staircase
00:47:39and all such things with souls.
00:47:41We know that Walter Paisley is born.
00:47:44Ring rubber bells.
00:47:46Beat cotton gongs.
00:47:47Strike silken cymbals.
00:47:49Play leathern flutes.
00:47:51The cats and cans and you and I
00:47:54and all such things with souls.
00:47:56We shall hear Walter Paisley is born.
00:48:01And the souls become flesh.
00:48:03Walter Paisley is born.
00:48:14Marvelous, darling. Marvelous.
00:48:17Man, like that was the greatest gas I ever heard.
00:48:20Crazy, what did he say?
00:48:22Didn't you hear him?
00:48:23No, man, I'm too far out.
00:48:31Maxwell, that was magnificent.
00:48:33I feel so elegant.
00:48:35Walter deserved every word of it.
00:48:37Makes me so glad I'm aware.
00:48:41Did you hear what he said?
00:48:43Yes, Walter.
00:48:45All about me.
00:48:48It's true, isn't it?
00:48:50Every word.
00:48:55You better hold off on the bubbly, artist.
00:48:57Yeah, why?
00:48:59We might talk too much.
00:49:01What would I say?
00:49:03Most anything I expect.
00:49:05Are you two trying to ignore the rest of us?
00:49:07Oh, not me, Maxwell.
00:49:09I wouldn't ignore you.
00:49:11I know what it is to be ignored.
00:49:14Tell us what you're going to do next, Walter.
00:49:16I'm going to make the most wonderful, wildest, wickedest things you've ever seen.
00:49:21I'm going to make big statues and little statues, tall statues and short statues.
00:49:27I'm going to make statues of nobodies and statues of famous people.
00:49:33Statues of actors and poets.
00:49:37And people who sell things on television.
00:49:40And a statue of the mayor.
00:49:42And a statue of the mayor.
00:49:44And some opera singers and their intimate friends.
00:49:47And everybody will say, Walter, let me shake your hand.
00:49:51It's been a real pleasure to have known you.
00:50:00Alley cats and garbage cans, they know that Walter Paisley is born.
00:50:06Ring ruffle bells, beat cotton gowns, strike silken cymbals, play leather flutes.
00:50:15Tell us what you're going to do next, Walter.
00:50:19I'm going to make big statues and little statues.
00:50:24Movie stars and poets and guys who sell things on television.
00:50:29And the mayor and some opera singers.
00:50:34Tell us what you're going to do next, Walter.
00:50:40What am I going to do next?
00:50:44What am I going to do next?
00:50:48I've got to do something before they forget.
00:50:53I know what it's like to be ignored.
00:51:03I know what it's like to be ignored.
00:51:10Who are you? What do you want?
00:51:12Life is an obscure hobo, bumming a ride on the omnibus of art.
00:51:16What did you say?
00:51:17What is not creation is graham crackers.
00:51:19Let them all crumble to feed the creator.
00:51:21You must be nuts.
00:51:34No!
00:51:36No!
00:51:37No!
00:51:38No!
00:51:39No!
00:51:40No!
00:51:55Hello, Leonard.
00:51:56Beautiful morning, isn't it?
00:51:58It was.
00:52:00What's that you've got in the box?
00:52:01Just wait until you see this.
00:52:15Leonard.
00:52:20What's the matter, Leonard?
00:52:25You made a mess.
00:52:27Yes, isn't it wonderful?
00:52:30What's the matter, Leonard?
00:52:31Put it down, Walter, please.
00:52:39Walter.
00:52:40Walter, listen to me carefully.
00:52:43I don't want you to make any more statues.
00:52:45Do you understand?
00:52:46No more statues.
00:52:48Why not?
00:52:49I've got to make statues, Leonard.
00:52:51You heard Brock, they want me to make them.
00:52:53If I stop making them, I'll just be a busboy again.
00:52:56Brock, he's behind all of this with his stupid, bitter poetry.
00:53:00Listen, you've got to stop it right away.
00:53:03I'm beginning to feel responsible.
00:53:05Why?
00:53:06What did you do?
00:53:08Never mind.
00:53:10Walter, I've decided to have that show for you right away.
00:53:15Yes.
00:53:16When Carla comes, we'll have her work up some nice invitations.
00:53:19We'll have them printed up.
00:53:21We'll invite the critics and the art collectors.
00:53:24We'll tell them.
00:53:29Well, I don't see why we can't go.
00:53:31Mr. Leonard DeSantis is afraid to have you come.
00:53:34You who buy his coffee and lure his tourists.
00:53:37You are the heart and soul and meat of the yellow door.
00:53:40He's slighted you.
00:53:41Did you get an invitation?
00:53:43I did not.
00:53:44But I'm going anyway.
00:53:46Not to drink his champagne, but to see Walter's trial.
00:53:49After that, we go no more.
00:53:51Hi, Maxwell.
00:53:53I won't say good luck, Walter.
00:53:55Why not?
00:53:56It would imply you could not succeed on your ability alone.
00:54:03You look so handsome.
00:54:04I do?
00:54:05So do you.
00:54:07I mean, you look so pretty.
00:54:10Are you ready?
00:54:11Oh, we've got plenty of time.
00:54:13I know, but I wanted to talk to you.
00:54:15Okay, we can go now if you like.
00:54:18Bye.
00:54:20Later, man, later.
00:54:22Swing.
00:54:23Man, why do you suppose Walter wants to get her alone?
00:54:27Do you suppose he could be physically attracted to her?
00:54:30No, man, he ain't the type.
00:54:32He don't get enough vitamin E.
00:54:34Maxwell gave him a bottle of wheat germ oil once.
00:54:37Maybe he just started taking it.
00:54:40What did you want to talk to me about, Walter?
00:54:42Well, what kind of people do you like, Carla?
00:54:47Oh, thinking people.
00:54:51Artistic people, I guess.
00:54:53You think I'm artistic?
00:54:55Of course I do.
00:54:56That means you like me.
00:54:57I like you very much, Walter.
00:54:59I thought you did on account how you kissed me the other night.
00:55:02I don't like you.
00:55:03I don't like you.
00:55:04I don't like you.
00:55:05I don't like you.
00:55:06I thought you did on account how you kissed me the other night.
00:55:11Oh, that was for your sculptor of the girl.
00:55:13You're nude in the chair.
00:55:15Carla, I've been alone for a long time,
00:55:19and I know you've been alone,
00:55:20because you never seem to go out with anybody,
00:55:22even though Leonard's always asking you to go out with him,
00:55:24and I just...
00:55:27What are you trying to say?
00:55:36Carla,
00:55:39I don't want to make statues anymore.
00:55:41I want to get married.
00:55:43To you.
00:55:48How long have you been thinking about this, Walter?
00:55:51Oh, for a long time.
00:55:53Ever since you first came to work at the club.
00:55:56You were the only one who was ever nice to me.
00:55:59I didn't know you loved me until you kissed me.
00:56:03Walter, I do like you.
00:56:06And I did kiss you.
00:56:09But that was because of your work.
00:56:14There's more to being in love with someone than just that.
00:56:19You mean you don't love me?
00:56:23I'm afraid that's what I mean.
00:56:26But...
00:56:28But you've got to love me.
00:56:30But you've got to love me.
00:56:31Why do you think I made that statue of Alice?
00:56:34Walter, I'm sorry, but...
00:56:36You just can't be sorry.
00:56:38I want to marry you.
00:56:40Now calm down, Walter, and let's go in there,
00:56:43and then maybe when the show's over we can talk about it some more.
00:56:46Well, I want to talk about it.
00:56:50I get it.
00:56:52I see the whole thing now.
00:56:56Nobody knows that Walter Paisley is born.
00:57:01Carla.
00:57:05Will you do one favor for me?
00:57:08Just about anything, Walter.
00:57:12Would you let me make a statue of you?
00:57:16Would you really like to?
00:57:19That would make me very happy.
00:57:22Okay.
00:57:24Tonight.
00:57:26I'll make a statue of you tonight, okay?
00:57:34Come on.
00:57:54Come on.
00:58:04Walter?
00:58:06No, thanks.
00:58:09This could bring about a return to realism.
00:58:11Yes, a one-man return.
00:58:14We have many artists about, but no craftsmen.
00:58:17This man knows his anatomy.
00:58:20I'd give $1,500 for this.
00:58:22After you read my review, it'll probably cost you $5,000.
00:58:29So what's the trouble?
00:58:32Why should you be so depressed?
00:58:34Have you heard the things they're saying?
00:58:36You can make $25,000 on these pieces alone.
00:58:38I thought you put money down.
00:58:40I do, but $25,000?
00:58:42Leave me alone.
00:58:53Out!
00:58:55We're here to make a scene.
00:58:57Let's have some cappuccino.
00:58:59We're not open for business.
00:59:01This is an art exhibition.
00:59:03Art is above men.
00:59:05He's sober.
00:59:07That's his problem.
00:59:08We'll wait outside.
00:59:10You wait outside.
00:59:22Let's go.
00:59:46Where are you going, Carla?
00:59:48What's going on?
00:59:50There's a body inside that statue.
00:59:54That's Alice.
00:59:56It's okay, Carla.
00:59:58Maxwell says it's okay.
01:00:00Let them become clay in his hands so that he can mold them.
01:00:04Walter, stay away from me.
01:00:08Don't you see, Carla?
01:00:10I made them immortal.
01:00:12I can do the same for you.
01:00:20Let's go.
01:00:44Call Valdez.
01:00:46I'm going to the station.
01:00:47I'm going with you.
01:00:49What's the score?
01:00:51He's a murderer.
01:00:53I saw him chasing Carla down the street.
01:01:19I saw him chasing Carla down the street.
01:01:45What was that?
01:01:47Nobody knows I'm here.
01:01:52No.
01:01:53They couldn't know.
01:01:55They're dead.
01:01:59How could they know?
01:02:01Did you see him?
01:02:03He's hiding somewhere.
01:02:05He can't hide because we're in clay and he's not.
01:02:18Walter, go home.
01:02:20He doesn't know where else to go.
01:02:23Walter, go home.
01:02:29Where is he?
01:02:47Where is he?
01:03:47What's wrong with you?
01:04:01We'll find him.
01:04:05We'll have him soon, Lou.
01:04:07We'll have him soon, Lou.
01:04:09We'll find him.
01:04:11We'll have him soon, Lou.
01:04:13We'll find him.
01:04:15We'll have him soon, Lou.
01:04:17We'll teach him he can't murder us and get away with it, won't we?
01:04:25Walter.
01:04:31Walter.
01:04:35What are you going to do now, Walter?
01:04:38I'll hide.
01:04:46I'll hide. They'll never find me.
01:05:00There he is, Rummy. He's crazy.
01:05:02Open up.
01:05:04Crazy.
01:05:07I suppose he would have called it Hanging Man, his greatest work.