Transcript: (2x9) Terms of Enlistment

From Bravo 3/44th

Directed by: Charles Correll

Story by: Dennis Cooper and Rick Husky

Teleplay by: Dennis Cooper, Rick Husky, Steven Phillip Smith, and Jerry Patrick Brown

See the Episode Guide

[01.30] Stepped on a mine

TAYLOR: Don’t move Woods. Come on man, don’t panic. Sit tight Thayer, this ground shakes too much, it’s all over.

GOLDMAN: I have a man on a pressure plate, two hundred meters south of reference point Oscar-Whisky. Over.

RADIO: Roger Two-Six. I’m on the horn to ordnance. Will get right back to you. Over.

WOODS: Oh God! I can’t believe this is happenin’ to me. I don’t wanna go up this way.

TAYLOR: Look, you don’t move, you ain’t goin’ up.

[02.44] VC's coming

PERCELL: VC’s comin’ about four hundred meters off.

GOLDMAN: How many?

PERCELL: Maybe a squad. Sergeant Anderson an’ Ruiz are setting up a hasty ambush.

[03.06] Soften up treeline?

MCKAY: I see Charlie humpin’ towards you. You want me to soften up that treeline Two-Six? Over.

GOLDMAN: Negative—negative. I’ve still got men in there. Over.

MCKAY: If I try an extraction my prop wash could blow your man right off that mine. Over.

GOLDMAN: Just hold your pattern until my men are clear.

MCKAY: Roger Two-Six. Please advise when target is available. Over.

[03.30] Stay alert

GOLDMAN: Alright people stay alert, Charlie’s comin’ and watch for Anderson and Ruiz.

TAYLOR: Let me dig him out LT – I think I can do it. It did it once with a guy up by Chu Lai.

GOLDMAN: You did it?

TAYLOR: Well I watched somebody do it Sir. I figure it’s our only chance.

GOLDMAN: Well you’re gonna need some cover.

THAYER: I got it Sir.

GOLDMAN: Alright.

TAYLOR: Thayer, didn’t anybody ever tell you about volunteering?

THAYER: Didn’t they tell you?

TAYLOR: Just take it easy brother.

WOODS: You know what you’re doin’?

TAYLOR: If I don’t, we’re both gonna end up in the same place.

TAYLOR:  ??? Now ease up real slowly on that foot.

WOODS: You mean take the weight off?

TAYLOR: Pound at a time. I’ll tell you when you’re getting too light.

[04.46] Whose doin' the shootin'?

WOODS: Who’s doin’ the shootin’?

TAYLOR: Nothin’ to worry about.

ANDERSON: Let’s di-di Ruiz, we’re gonna get smoked.

RUIZ:  ???

TAYLOR: You’re clean brother, now let’s di-di. Come on Thayer.

???: It’s Sarge.

ANDERSON: ??? right behind us.

[05.41] Smokes out

GOLDMAN: Smoke’s out. Go.

MCKAY: Keep your heads down Two-Six, I’m rollin’ in hot this time. Over.

GOLDMAN: Roger Blue Velvet. Two hundred Sierra Echo meters from smoke. Over.

MCKAY: Lay down some fire boys.

MEN: (cheering McKay)

ANDERSON: You know what LT? Looks like I’m gonna make it to my R ‘n’ R.

GOLDMAN: As long as you don’t fall out the chopper on the way back to the base.

[06.22] Tokyo - you an' me

ANDERSON: I can’t believe it. Tokyo – you an’ me.

SEYMOUR: It’s gonna be wonderful.

ANDERSON: It’s gonna be weird, that’s what it’s gonna be. I don’t have to worry about mortars or officers, my men getting’ in trouble.

SEYMOUR: And we’ll eat good food and we’ll sleep in a real bed for as long as we like. Hey wait, you really ought to let me pay for half.

ANDERSON: Are you kiddin’ me? I’m the one getting’ the bargain here. I need somebody—somebody civilized like you to show me how to act.

SEYMOUR: Maybe you’d like to start your lessons this evening. Major Darling wants to see me tonight but after that, I’m all yours.

ANDERSON: Didn’t I tell you to stay away from them officers?

[07.04] Major Seymour?

DARLING: The army is in the process of updating it’s care of psychiatric patients and your work has come to their attention. Doctor Seymour, they want to make you part of the team.

SEYMOUR: I thought I was part of the team.

DARLING: You’re a civilian attachment. I’m talking about the real team. One of the instructors in psychiatry at Fort Sam Houston is retiring and they want you to replace him as Major Jennifer Seymour. A direct commission.

SEYMOUR: I don’t know what to say.

DARLING: Well it’s a two year commitment. You’d be one of the chief instructors. You’d have a real voice in revamping the army guidelines on patient care. Of course, you’d no longer be able to fraternize with enlisted men but you’d meet plenty of officers. I’ve had the orders drawn up…….

SEYMOUR: Wait Major, I—I’m flattered, but—er it’s a lot to think about.

DARLING: I can give you forty eight hours.

SEYMOUR: Forty eight hours?

DARLING: The next class of psychiatrists reports in three weeks. You’ll need almost that long to process in, learn the ropes, work on your saluting.

SEYMOUR: I think I grasp your enthusiasm.

DARLING: Leaving aside whatever modest recognition I’d get for recruiting someone of your quality, it’s a great opportunity for you – and for the army. Major Seymour – sounds right to me.

SEYMOUR: Sounds strange Major Darling – but I’ll think about it.

DARLING: You’ve gotta be on a plane in forty eight hours.

SEYMOUR: It’s not a simple decision sir. I’m afraid I’ll have to take as long as I need. Thank you.

[08.42] Long as Wood keeps buying

TAYLOR: I’ll tell you what. Long as Woods keeps buyin;, I’m gonna keep drinkin’. I was never as scared as I was today.

RUIZ: Yeah, I thought we almost lost you to. Had me almost cryin’.

TAYLOR: Half the ladies back in the world be cryin’ if that happened.

JOHNSON: Yeah, I know Thayer was scared. Looks like you’re ready to shove ??? mug way down into a cold one.

THAYER: Lead me to it.

[09.00] Boxing not fighting

ALEX: It amazes me, these guys fight all day long and then they spend their off hours watching more fighting.

BARTENDER: It’s boxing ma’am, not fighting. It’s always been a big part of military life.

ALEX: Sure looks like fighting to me. These guys are beating each other’s brains out.

BARTENDER: GIs always like to see who’s the best. Course the army guys used to be better but some of the Air Force guys have been stealing all their thunder lately. We’ll get it back though.

ALEX: Yeah

[09.32] I'll knock that sucker out

TROTTER:  ??? man, I’d knock that sucker out in no time flat.

THAYER: I gotta go an’ see a man about a dog.

TAYLOR: There’s Woods.

TROTTER: Hey boy, what the hell you drink’ milk for? I asked you a question fool.

WOODS: You got the need to know?

TROTTER: The need to know? Who are you, Dick Tracy?

TAYLOR: Wow! That was somethin’ else breeze.

WOODS: You all drink up. I’m goin’ back to change.

[10.16] In Texas

ANDERSON: Major Seymour huh? --- well that doesn’t sound too bad.

SEYMOUR: Sounds ridiculous, and it’s a two year commitment. Of course, med school was four years but it’s in Texas.

ANDERSON: Hm. Well Texas can’t be any stranger than it is here.

SEYMOUR: Zeke, I’m no teacher.

ANDERSON: I think you’d be a very good teacher.

SEYMOUR: Are you trying to get rid of me?

ANDERSON: No ma’am, you know I’m not. I just want you to do what will make you happy.

SEYMOUR: That settles it then. I don’t like making snap decisions so I think I’ll stay where I am for a while.

ANDERSON: Alright, as long as you understand somethin’. I know how important your career is to you.

SEYMOUR: Let me worry about my career. Speaking of which, I have to go see a couple of patients that were having problems this afternoon.

ANDERSON: You are one dedicated woman, aren’t you?

[11.17] Promoter Marcus Taylor

PERCELL: Well I guess that guy should’ve known better than to mess with somebody who stepped on a mine.

TAYLOR: That wasn’t the mine brother that was talent. Real talent. You know, you put a guy like Woods with the right promoter, he could go straight to the top.

JOHNSON: And the right promoter’s name is --- Marcus Taylor.

TAYLOR: You think I’m a player don’t you Johnson? But the truth is I’ve always wanted to promote a genuine article like Woods, not all this low rent jive.

PERCELL: Well you certainly promoted your share of that.

TAYLOR: That’s all I had to work with. Look motivating people’s what I’m good at. I’ve always had this dream of pushin’ somethin’ that wasn’t phoney. I’m not just talkin’ about boxers – I’d just like to sell somethin’ legit for once in my life.

[11.59] Low life queer

RUIZ: Thayer! Buddy, you don’t wanna miss all this deep thinkin’. Grab a beer, Woods is paying for everything.

JONES: You boys wanna drink with a faggot? Low-life queer tried to move on me in the john. Tell ‘em Thayer.

TAYLOR: Thayer, you gonna let him talk to you like that man?

THAYER: No-one would believe me if I denied it anyway.

ALEX: What’s that soldiers name?

[12.40] Gonna ask her to marry me

ANDERSON: I mean they offered her a direct commission to major and she turned it down.

GOLDMAN: To stay with you?

ANDERSON: Yeah, to stay with me.

GOLDMAN: I can only comment on that way you handle yourself in the field, the rest of it I dunno.

ANDERSON: LT.

GOLDMAN: Hm?

ANDERSON: I’m gonna ask her to marry me. We’re gonna be in Tokyo in a couple of days, I’m gonna ask her while we’re there.

GOLDMAN: That’s serious stuff Sergeant.

ANDERSON: Am I crazy?

GOLDMAN: Yeah.

ANDERSON: No, seriously. Am I crazy? I mean because it hasn’t been that long since Carol showed up here an’ then said goodbye an’, I dunno, I’m around all this death and destruction, maybe …….

GOLDMAN: Ask her. You’ve got my blessing. She’s lucky to have a guy like you.

ANDERSON: Yeah?

GOLDMAN: Yeah.

ANDERSON: Alright then—alright then, it’s settled. Now all I gotta do is get a ring.

GOLDMAN: I can’t help you there.

ANDERSON: Oh no, I don’t need any money. I’ve got two months back pay coming from Chu Lai.

GOLDMAN: Sounds like you’ve got everything covered.

ANDERSON: I thought I’d do it right this time.

GOLDMAN: Come.

RUIZ: LT—Sarge, you’ve gotta come. Thayer just tried to hang himself.

JOHNSON: Easy Thayer.

???: What’s goin’ on?

???: What’d he do?

???: …. Kill himself

JOHNSON: Just breathe easy.

???: Yeah, I’d hang myself too if I was queer.

[14.23] Putting on a boxing match

ANDERSON: Wake up, listen up an’ shut up. In order to get everybody’s mind what happened to Thayer, the brass is staging a little boxin’ match on the base tomorrow night.

TAYLOR: Who’s fightin’ who Sarge?

ANDERSON: Well, it’ll be the Air Force welterweight champion against whoever they can get to volunteer.

RUIZ: Probably some Korean.

PERCELL: Hey, they ought to get that guy Woods in the ring.

TAYLOR: Just what I was thinking.

ANDERSON: Well, whoever they get, you’re all gonna be there to see it. The good news is you’ve got tomorrow night off. The bad news is they might ask you to set up the ring.

RUIZ: You know, I’ve been meaning to tell you about my bad ………

ANDERSON: Nobody’s talkin’ about volunteering. Now you don’t have today off so get up out of those racks, come on now.

JOHNSON: Hey Sarge. Any word on how Thayer’s doin’?

ANDERSON: He’s surviving.

[15.00] Let me save you some time Doc

SEYMOUR: As a psychiatrist my first concern is the feelings that prompted your suicide attempt. But because of the accusations made by Sergeant Jones, Administration’s requested a character assessment.

THAYER: You mean to determine if I’m a homosexual?

SEYMOUR: Yes.

THAYER: Well, let me save you some time. I had my first homosexual experience when I was sixteen.

SEYMOUR: Did you try to seduce Sergeant Jones?

THAYER: Hell no. He read my diary and he told me that if I paid him off, he wouldn’t tell anyone about me.

SEYMOUR: Did you report him to your CO?

THAYER: What am I gonna say? That Sergeant Jones is blackmailing me because I’m queer? I told Jones to shove it but I guess underneath I was kinda scared, ‘cos I burned my diary. Maybe I should have paid him.

SEYMOUR: Are you eager to leave the army?

THAYER: Not without being recognized for the job that I’ve done. I mean you gotta be crazy to wanna be in here, but I thought that if a person wants to be a real man, he’s gotta face the music.

SEYMOUR: What music were you facing last night?

THAYER: When the whole world thinks that you should be ashamed of who you are, sooner or later it gets to you. So I thought that if I could keep things to myself and come out of my tour with a good record – well that would be something everybody would have to respect. But I guess that’s not gonna happen now.

SEYMOUR: It hasn’t been decided yet.

THAYER: In the army, when it comes to being queer You’re guilty until proven innocent.

SEYMOUR: Granted, the policy’s pretty strict. But everything you’ve said about Sergeant Jones has to be taken into account.

THAYER: It’s his word against mine and unless I lie about what I am, they’re gonna buy his story.

SEYMOUR: I don’t have to buy it.

THAYER: Forget it Doc. This is bigger than you or me. Don’t you know what they call a homosexual with a Silver Star? ------ Faggot.

[17.59] Woods’ ain’t interested

TAYLOR: First I hear the army’s tryin’ to get everybody’s mind off this suicide thing by arranging by arranging a little boxing championship. Then I hear that the challenger everybody wants to see is turning down the chance of a lifetime. So I said “let me go talk to the man myself”.

WOODS: It’s no big deal, I’m just not into it.

TAYLOR: Yeah, but it is a big deal. See I thought he was scared ‘cos the champion’s bigger an’ more experienced.

WOODS: I ain’t scared.

TAYLOR: Then I though, well maybe he’s just afraid of the big crowd, since he knows all the GIs gonna get time off to be there pullin’ for him.

WOODS: You’re sellin’ me.

TAYLOR: You’re damn right. I can’t let you turn this down.

WOODS: What’s it got to do with you?

TAYLOR: Because all you an’ I have is our natural talents. My whole life I’ve been makin’ somethin’ out of nothin’. Well, you’re a lot more than nothin’ and this is our chance for the big score. See I know a rep from a French beer company that’ll pay a grand just to put his name on your robe. And I got a dozen PX sergeants willing to cough up top dollar just to sit close enough to smell your sweat. An’ it ain’t just the money. You win this fight I’ll have Armed Forces TV flash your smile from here to Germany. I will have taken you off that mine and put you on the front page. That’s what it’s got to do with me.

WOODS: If you’re askin’ me to do this as a favor to you, I guess I owe you that.

TAYLOR: You owe you an’ me. An’ I ain’t gonna let you down.

WOODS: I guess I’d better get back to my detail.

TAYLOR: Hold it, I’m goin’ over to the company office right now an’ get you out of this mess so you can start some training.

TAYLOR: I bet you thought it was a lot of jive, huh?

PERCELL: If I did, I know you well enough to tell you.

TAYLOR: I guess you do.

PERCELL: I just don’t understand why he looked so unhappy.

TAYLOR: Probably just worried how he’s gonna pay all his taxes.

[19.29] Alex interviewing Jennifer

ALEX: Do you feel peculiar using your clinical judgment in an investigation?

SEYMOUR: It’s part of my job as a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, deciding who gets investigated isn’t.

ALEX: With all that’s going on here and back in the States, it’s amazing that the army is so quick to paint one of it’s own as the enemy.

SEYMOUR: I think they’re worried. There’s a lot of latent impulses around here that nobody wants to recognize. But don’t quote me.

ALEX: You know, in my writing at least I have some control over how the story is told. I don’t think I could ever be a “by the book” player. Unless they let me write a few of the pages.

SEYMOUR: I’ll get over it. That’s what R ‘n’ R’s for.

[20.13] Zeke's back pay's

ANDERSON: My name’s Clayton Ezekial Anderson. That’s E-Z-E-K-I-A-L. I just want two months back pay comin’ to me from Chu Lai. There’s a clerk in here named Rainey and he said my money should be here this week.

CLERK: Anderson—Anderson. No. No, I don’t see it. Rainey’ll be back from R ‘n’ R next week. Take it up with him, huh?

ANDERSON: Whoa—hold on—hold on. Now I’m gonna be goin’ on R ‘n’ R my ownself before Rainey gets back and I need my money. I don’t want it just to spend, I’m—I’m gonna be proposing to this woman to get married, I need the money to buy an engagement ring. So I want my money.

CLERK: Hey, I don’t make the waves, I just ride ‘em.

ANDERSON: Excuse me?

CLERK: I don’t make the waves, you know I just ride ‘em.

ANDERSON: “I don’t make the waves I just ride ‘em.” What kind of an answer’s that ….

CLERK2: Hey Sergeant—Sergeant.

ANDERSON: Well I mean…..

CLERK2: Easy—easy. C’mon, there’s really nothing…….

ANDERSON: No, wait a minute……….

CLERK2: ……… we can do. But—but--how much cash you got for R ‘n’ R?

ANDERSON: Two hundred dollars.

CLERK2: See this guy on Mu Bac Street. He’s a hustler but he likes GIs.

ANDERSON: Likes GIs. Great!

[21.04] See this guy - he likes GIs

[21.21] Need more time

SHIVELY: I don’t understand. You interviewed Private Thayer this morning. Where is your assessment?

SEYMOUR: I need more time to review his background. I intend to talk to some of the people in his unit, including Sergeant Jones.

SHIVELY: Lieutenant Duncan is handling the criminal investigation, he’ll talk with Sergeant Jones. We just want your assessment based on your interview.

SEYMOUR: I still need more time Doctor Shively.

SHIVELY: Excuse us Lieutenant. I sense a personal agenda here.

SEYMOUR: Call it what you like. I don’t want to see a nineteen year old kid condemned before he’s tried.

SHIVELY: I’m sure – I’m equally sure it’s irrelevant. Your job is to determine if Thayer’s character meets a very specific guideline. As specific as the guidelines at the draft board for eyesight or shoe size.

SEYMOUR: What I’m assessing is a helluva lot more important than whether my patients fits in an army uniform.

SHIVELY: Our priority is the psychological stability of the men on this base, which is not well served by having homosexuals here.

SEYMOUR: Doctor Shively, isn’t it better served by judging soldiers on their performance in the field instead of how they spend their personal time?

SHIVELY: The army’s guidelines are clear.

SEYMOUR: They’re certainly clear enough to hide behind. But maybe that’s the difference between you and me.

SHIVELY: The difference is I respect the fact that we treat the patients but we serve the army. If that’s beneath you, I suggest you do some personal assessing. In the meantime, have Thayer’s report on my desk my noon tomorrow. Is that clear?

[22.55] Clubhouse

ALEX: What was it like when you found Thayer?

JOHNSON: Scary. I mean it’s not the kind of thing you just put out of your mind. In fact, I’m thinkin’ about going’ to see him tomorrow.

ALEX: Really? Any particular reason?

JOHNSON: Well ’ ???. I’m just goin’ to see him like I would any other GI who was with me in the field and ended up in the hospital.

ALEX: I understand that.

GI: But don’t forget to say “hi there”.

JOHNSON: Was anybody talkin’ to you?

GI: You got more to say?

RUIZ: Alright

BARTENDER: Alright, cool it or I’m callin’ the MP’s.

RUIZ: Alright it’s over, alright? It’s over!

PERCELL: They’re just gonna call the MPs. Just settle down. I’ll get you a beer.

JOHNSON: Sorry about your shirt.

ALEX: It’s no problem.

ALEX: You think Thayer’s a joke? From what I hear he’s a damn good soldier who’s looking at a possible court martial. That’s not so funny.

GI: Awww

[23.52] Better off left alone

RUIZ: Look Johnson, if I went to see Thayer I’d just be asking for trouble man. ‘Cos MP’s or no MP’s, if somebody says something about me we’d have to get into it.

PERCELL: You know, personally I think the guy’s better off just left alone.

JOHNSON: Yeah, maybe, but I remember being bussed to this all-white school. The name callin’ wasn’t nearly as bad as the isolation – it’s like being trapped in a separate world. I just wanna go see Thayer, say “get well”, shake his hand and split.

ALEX: Listen, would I be intruding if I asked to go along with you?

JOHNSON: I’ll find you.

ALEX: Thanks, I appreciate that. I’ll see you guys later. Thanks for the beer.

MICHAELS: Hey—uh—excuse me. Was that true what you were saying about Thayer being court-martialled?

ALEX: Yeah, if Sergeant Jones accusations stand.

MICHAELS: No kiddin’.

ALEX: Yeah, wanna say something about it.

MICHAELS: Nope, just glad I ain’t a homo.

[24.47] Jennifer & Zeke

SEYMOUR: Whenever I forget how good it feels to tell the rest of the world to take a hike, you somehow manage to remind me.

ANDERSON: Oh yeah?

SEYMOUR: Yeah.

ANDERSON: What part of the world are we tellin’ to take a hike tonight?

SEYMOUR: The Major Shively part.

ANDERSON: Sorry girl that’s not gonna happen. I mean maybe if we could get him out on patrol with us for about five minutes…..but—uh

SEYMOUR: I wish I could tell you the details but—uh this Thayer kid might end up damaged for life and it doesn’t mean anything to Shively. Some people are so rigid, it’s like they’re obsessed with rules twenty four hours a day.

ANDERSON: Well, then they are the people who are obsessed with their jobs twenty four hours a day, but they’re usually better lookin’.

SEYMOUR: I don’t think it qualifies as an obsession if you’ve got somebody you can always pull you out of it.

ANDERSON: Always? That’s a pretty long time.

[26.21] Jewellers

ANDERSON: I’ll give you two hundred and forty now an’ then I’ll give you the other sixty as soon as I get back from R ‘n’ R.

JEWELLER: I can see the ring is very important to you. Perhaps you have something worth sixty dollars?

ANDERSON: How much will you give me for one of these?

JEWELLER: I will give you the sixty dollars for all of them.

ANDERSON: Okay—yes.

JEWELLER: Trust me. You have made a very good deal.

ANDERSON: Hey, better than you know.

[27.16] Guy sure can move

MCKAY: Ooowee. This guy can sure move.

TAYLOR: That’s what it’s all about LT. Knowin’ what gifts you’ve got an’ making them work for you.

MCKAY: Well, he is definitely a natural.

TAYLOR: Hey—hey—hey--hey Woods baby. Take it easy, save some for tonight. You’re just supposed to loosen up a little.

RUIZ: Taylor, a guy just dropped off a box for you. It has the beer company’s name on it.

TAYLOR: It’s got to be my man’s robe. Hey, don’t leave your fight in the gym. Better get your money in early LT you wanna get in on the action. (?See you Woods?)

[27.45] Talk to you Doc?

SEYMOUR: Type up this character assessment on Private Thayer for Doctor Shively but don’t break any records getting it done.

MICHAELS: Doc --- talk to you? It’s-uh about Thayer.

SEYMOUR: In my office.

MICHAELS: What I tell you is just between us?

SEYMOUR: It can be.

MICHAELS: Better be. Anyway, I won’t ever admit I told you this an’ I’m not gonna repeat it – to nobody. It’s about Jones.

SEYMOUR: What about him?

MICHAELS: He wrecked a jeep an’ he lost some gear an’ he’s havin’ to make good on all of it. He’s flat broke – and—uh broke won’t work for a junkie.

SEYMOUR: He’s a heroin addict?

MICHAELS: Jones has got a monkey on his back the size of King Kong.

SEYMOUR: Look, this could make a difference for Thayer if you’ll testify.

MICHAELS: No way lady! If there’s one thing a guy hates worse than a queer it’s a squealer. Myself, I don’t think a queer belongs in the army but I don’t hate ‘em the way Jones does. I mean he’s ready to string ‘em all up. To me, this Thayer guy, he shouldn’t go to jail. They should just cut him loose from the army.

SEYMOUR: If you were willing to talk ………

MICHAELS: Forget it!

SEYMOUR: I can’t prove any of this without you. And if I can’t, Thayer is in serious trouble.

MICHAELS: This is Jones’s connection in town. He’s gonna try to score tonight. You take it from there.

[29.29] Check this out LT

ANDERSON: Yeah, see look here. It’s broke in a couple of places an’ I think it’s pretty well strung out too loose anyway. I think we ought to replace it.

GOLDMAN: Alright, requisition the wire and get a detail out here to change it -- and have ‘em check the trip flares, make sure they don’t need restringing.

ANDERSON: Will do. Hey LT. Check this out.

GOLDMAN: Hey, nice. Well the back pay finally came through in time huh?

ANDERSON: Not exactly. It just turned out I had some collateral I didn’t know about. An’ I’m not gonna wait till Tokyo to ask her either, I’m gonna ask her tonight when she gets off work at the dispensary.

GOLDMAN: Did you work up a speech for the occasion?

ANDERSON: Yeah I did. I think I’d make it something that’s assertive an’ forceful like “please God, please marry me”.

GOLDMAN: Well, you’re two real nice people Zeke. I’m real happy for you.

ANDERSON: I appreciate that LT, I do.

[30.12] Olympic contender

TAYLOR: Look at that. Beer company’s gonna pay a thousand bucks for Woods to wear this beauty in the ring. An’ I get half which I’m puttin’ on my man. What do you think about that?

RUIZ: It looks like what my cousin got married in.

TAYLOR: C’mon man, this is business. What’s the runnin’ odds?

RUIZ: Two to one on the Air Force.

PERCELL: Not any more. I just ran into some guys from Arkansas where Woods is from. They’re takin’ even money.

TAYLOR: That’s okay too when you’re betting on the winner.

PERCELL: Odds aren’t the only thing Marcus. This kid’s the state amateur champ – he’s plannin’ on boxing in the Olympics.

TAYLOR: Oh-lympics?

PERCELL: His family’s all sharecroppers, poor as dirt. Seems like this kid’s the only one with a chance of maybe makin’ somethin’ of himself. Of course, an Olympic medal’s gonna give him a shortcut to big money when he turns pro.

TAYLOR: What’s he doin’ to me? This is a money fight. He can’t get into the Olympics if he takes this money.

PERCELL: Well he might as well. You see this fight ain’t sanctioned by the Amateur Boxing Association, so the way it stands now – if this kid fights, he’s out.

TAYLOR: Why the hell didn’t he tell me this?

PERCELL: Well I guess he figured he owed you. He knew how much this fight meant to you. Think how cheated you’d have felt if you let a championship boxer slip through your fingers.

RUIZ: Sounds like the kid’s putting his future on the line man.

TAYLOR: What about my future? I spotted the talent, I got him the Inc.(?) I even got us a sponsor. Now that’s somethin’ sports writers and agents back in the world have been lookin’ for. Now I deserve this shot.

RUIZ: I’m just sayin’ the kid’s got a lot to lose man.

TAYLOR: Look, Woods is a grown man, he knows what he’s doin’. They’d be bringing him home in a shovel if it wasn’t for me.

PERCELL: Nobody’s arguing that.

TAYLOR: When the hell am I gonna get another chance like this again, you tell me that.

PERCELL: I just figured you’d wanna know all the facts man.

RUIZ: Whatever you decide Marcus, we’re behind you man.

[32.20] Jennifer's gone to town

ALEX: Sergeant –Zeke.

ANDERSON: What’s wrong?

ALEX: Jennifer’s not here. Apparently a soldier was here late this afternoon an’ whatever he said upset her. She called for a driver.

ANDERSON: To go where?

ALEX: Cholon. But she sent the driver back early so he wouldn’t break curfew. She also borrowed his pistol.

ANDERSON: Let me talk to the driver.

ALEX: Zeke. It’s the trip ticket, it says exactly where she went.

ANDERSON: Thanks.

[32.40] Better than confined to quarters

JOHNSON: So, any idea how long you’ll be n here?

THAYER: No but it sure beats being confined to quarters – or the stockade. I appreciate the visit man but you shouldn’t be in here. Somebody’ll see you.

JOHNSON: Do you need anything from the barracks.

THAYER: I’m not allowed to have anything. I’m still on suicide precaution.

JOHNSON: Well I hope you get that stuff worked out. If you need anything, let me know.

THAYER: Hey. Weren’t you scared to come in here?

JOHNSON: Not as scared as I was when I saw you helping Taylor with that mine. Besides, you’d have done the same thing for me right?

THAYER: Sure would.

JOHNSON: Right. Take care of yourself

THAYER: Yeah, you too.

[33.00] Permission denied

DARLING: If Doctor Seymour’s personal business in Saigon keeps her out past curfew, it’s no concern of the army. She’s very attached to her civilian status.

ANDERSON: Yes Sir. But she went into a dangerous neighborhood, she took a weapon with her.

DARLING: There’s no proof she’s in any danger. And if she were, it would be a matter for the police. Would you like me to have them called?

ANDERSON: No Sir. What I would like is for you to authorize a jeep for me and an after curfew pass.

DARLING: Denied.

[34.00] More important

ANDERSON: LT, it’s Anderson.

GOLDMAN: Come on in Zeke. Just finishing this review of the perimeter……..

ANDERSON: Excuse me LT, I’ve got something more important on my mind. Jennifer’s in trouble. She went into town, she’s got a weapon. I’ve gotta go after her.

GOLDMAN: What about curfew?

ANDERSON: I ain’t gonna make it, that’s what I wanted to tell you. Just please don’t report me till it’s absolutely necessary.

GOLDMAN: How can I report you if I’ve gone with you.

[34.20] Opium Den

???: No-no-no-no. You too strung out. You pay me now.

JONES: I can get the cash tomorrow man. Just cover me for tonight.

SEYMOUR: Sergeant Jones. I’m Private Theyer’s doctor. You an’ I can help each other.

JONES: I don’t know any Thayer.

SEYMOUR: Don’t play dumb with me. If I report you for buying drugs they’ll throw you in Long Binh jail. Or, we can make a deal.

JONES: What kinda deal.

SEYMOUR: If you turn yourself in to me, you’ll qualify for a detox program and amnesty. But you’ve got to admit you lied about Thayer.

JONES: I can’t afford any detox program on my record.

SEYMOUR: It’s better than jail.

JONES: That ain’t gonna happen either.

[35.55] Zeke & LT to the rescue

SEYMOUR: Zeke, it’s Sergeant Jones, he’s got a gun.

GOLDMAN: Put it down soldier!

ANDERSON: It’s alright—it’s alright

SEYMOUR: He tried to kill me.

ANDERSON: It’s over

[36.19] Too proud to tell me

TAYLOR: Lookin’ sharp man – sharp as an Olympic contender. Yeah, you too proud to tell me man?

WOODS: I ain’t used to makin’ excuses. I’m used to payin’ my debts as I go. Dig?

TAYLOR: Yeah, well the world ain’t cut me a lot of slack either. But I didn’t ask you to do all of this.

WOODS: What’s your point?

TAYLOR: The point is now we’re deep in it. I’ve been talkin’ a lot of mess, I got people all excited – I gave ‘em somebody who could make this a fight, making deals left an’ right.

WOODS: Home, all your promotions gonna pay off, you’re gonna come out fine. I ain’t gonna fight like I got a big career ahead of me, but I’ll be in the ring. Don’t worry, no-one-s gonna say you chumped ‘em off.

TAYLOR: I ain’t worried – I’m stuck.

WOODS: I’m hip – just like I was on that mine. An’ now I’m gonna pull you off brother. If you don’t mind, I like to be alone before I put on the gloves.

[37.32] Witness dead

SEYMOUR: Your one witness is a heroin addict who is now dead.

SHIVELY: That doesn’t change the army’s position on homosexuality.

SEYMOUR: I’m willing to accept that if you’re willing to discuss Theyer’s disposition.

SHIVELY: What did you have in mind?

SEYMOUR: He’s out of the army ASAP but with a general discharge under honorable conditions. You’ve got no case against him.

SHIVELY: I think I could put in his evaluation he had to be released for a medical reason.

DUNCAN: It still doesn’t address the question of Lieutenant Goldman’s actions in Saigon after curfew.

GOLDMAN: We could talk about that – but it’ll bring up the subject of a drug addicted sergeant who was completely overlooked by any investigative unit.

SHIVELY: Everything discussed in this office is confidential. I think that could apply to all the events mentioned this evening.

[38.35] Boxing match

PERCELL: Johnson, you seen Taylor?

JOHNSON: He wasn’t in the hootch.

MCKAY: He’s probably tryin’ to duck out (?of this square dance?) after all the talking he did about Woods.

PERCELL: C’mon LT, Taylor’s got a lot on his mind.

JOHNSON: So, what’d I miss?

MCKAY: Nothin’. Nobody’s been hit, nobody’s been down. I thought this Woods guy was supposed to have dynamite in both fists.

RUIZ: He’s an amateur, give him a break.

PERCELL: Look at this this way, it’s a lot better than havin’ to fight the VC. Why don’t we just relax an’ try enjoy it.

MCKAY: Just givin’ you boys a little grief. Besides, there’s the guy I should be teasin’.

TAYLOR: Woods! Woods! Woods! Your amateur status has been squared away. The money’s been taken care of an’ the ABA sent a telex – you’re still an amateur. Now go in there an’ fight like you’ve got a future. Go. Go.

PERCELL: What did you say to Woods?

TAYLOR: Just gave him a little somethin’ to fight for.

EVERYONE: One-two-three-four-five-six-seven-eight-nine-ten.

[40.31] Hot shower & warm whisky

GOLDMAN: Your lady just worked them over. They’re dropping in the charges. Just remember, she’s lucky to have you. Good luck.

SEYMOUR: You know what I need? A hot shower an’ a warm whisky. Care to join me?

ANDERSON: Jennifer, I’ve been thinkig’ about somethin’. About Major Darling’s offer. I think you oughta take it. Now it’s a position you’ve been waitin’ for. You’ve just gotta take it.

SEYMOUR: Think again. What about us?

ANDERSON: Right now the most important thing in your life are your patients. Just look what happened the last coupla days here.

SEYMOUR: Zeke, you’re important to me.

ANDERSON: I know I am an’ you’re important to me. And I’d like nothin’ better than to wake up tomorrow morning with you in my arms an’ the morning after that an’ just to be able to see you every day. But the first time one of your patients gets in some sort of trouble an’ you don’t have the stripes to reel him in, you’re gonna regret it. An’ I’m afraid I’m gonna regret it too.

SEYMOUR: I was really hoping things would work out.

ANDERSON: They’re gonna work out. But for right now you’re gonna be the best teacher that Fort Sam Houston ever had ‘cos that’s where you belong right now. Just like I belong right here.

SEYMOUR: This is really gonna louse up your R ‘n’ R.

ANDERSON: Yeah well I would’ve have probably just gotten drunk and disorderly anyway.

SEYMOUR: Hold me

SEYMOUR: Zeke, I’m gonna miss you.

ANDERSON: I’m gonna miss you too baby. I’m gonna miss you too.

[42.38] Taylor's still broke

RUIZ: So how’d you pull this one off huh?

TAYLOR: Turns out the Air Force champion never fought pro either. So I called the Amateur Boxing Association back in the States an’ I begged a lot.

RUIZ: So what about the money?

TAYLOR: Well it’s going to the boys’ club in Woods’ home town. Maybe they can buy some equipment he can train with.

PERCELL: So that means you’re still broker?

TAYLOR: It’s okay. There’s more where that came from.

PERCELL: Hey Taylor, there’s got to be. It took a helluva promoter to pull this off.

[43.11] Early out, honorable discharge

JOHNSON: They let you out of the dispensary.

THAYER: Yeah I’m on my way to out-processing. They’re sending me home. I got an early out an’ an honorable discharge.

JOHNSON: Congratulations.

THAYER: I’m getting’ out of here in one peace with a decent record. Sure can’t complain.

JOHNSON:  ???

THAYER: Listen man, I just wanted to wish you luck and thank you for the way you treated me. Nothing special, nothing strange – just like a regular person.

JOHNSON: Well, when you get right down to it, that’s all most of us are.

[43.55] Jennifer leaving

SEYMOUR: and I take this obligation freely

DARLING: and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion

SEYMOUR: and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion

DARLING: and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office which I am about to enter

SEYMOUR: I’m sorry Sir, will you excuse me

SEYMOUR: You will come to Houston as soon as your tour is up?

ANDERSON: You better believe it. I’m gonna check in my weapon, I’m gonna jump on the plane – I’m not even gonna change my uniform. This is gonna work. This is definitely gonna work.

End

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