01x18 - The Soul Club

[bunniefuu]

[PARTRIDGE FAMILY THEME PLAYING]

♪ Come on now
And meet everybody ♪

♪ And hear us singing ♪

♪ There's nothing better
Than being together ♪

♪ When we're singing ♪

♪ The five of us ♪

♪ And Mom working all day ♪

♪ We knew we could help her
If our music would pay ♪

♪ Danny got Reuben
To sell our song ♪

♪ And it really came together
When Mom sang along ♪

♪ Come on now
And meet everybody ♪

♪ And hear us singing ♪

♪ There's nothing better
Than being together ♪

♪ When we're singing ♪

♪ When we're singing ♪

♪ When we're singing ♪♪

REUBEN:
Okay, slow down.

I think we turn left
at the next signal.

DANNY: You're holding
the map sideways.

I knew the map was sideways,

and I was taking that
into consideration.

Shirley, when the light changes,

turn left.

Right. Turn right.

Are you sure you know
where we are?

Of course
I know where we are.

This is
a Detroit city map.

Yeah, but are we
in Detroit?

Hey, what's the name
of that club again?

The Fire House.

I never heard of it.

You never heard
of Detroit.

That's true.

SHIRLEY: Reuben, are you sure
you know where we're going?

REUBEN:
Why does everyone doubt me?

Of course I know
where we're going.

We're going right-- there.

SHIRLEY:
I thought this nightclub

was in a resort hotel.

REUBEN: That's what
the booking agent told me.

SHIRLEY: This doesn't look like
any resort area I've ever seen,

unless the guests
like to play stickball.

LAURIE: Oh, my gosh!
Mom, pull over!

Is that the world-famous
Fire House?

Well, it can't be.

It's a real firehouse.

DANNY: Now we know
where they got their name.

Reuben, this is hardly

the plush nightclub
you said it would be.

Well, this must be it.

Look. The Temptations
were just here.

But the booking agent
told me that--

Aw, wait.

I get it.
It's a gimmick.

Like that club in Los Angeles
that's in an old warehouse.

Yeah, on the outside,

it may look like
a condemned firehouse,

but on the inside...

On the inside, it...

it still looks like
a condemned firehouse.

[INDISTINCT SPEECH]

It's not so bad...

The hole in the ceiling
looks as good as new.

Hi.

Are you folks lost?

No.

Is-- is the owner around?

Which one?
There's two of us.

Oh, it doesn't matter.
Either one.

Speaking.

You're the owner?

Yeah.

We're the Partridge Family.
You were expecting us.

I was?

You weren't?

No.

If we're not
supposed to be here,

where are we supposed to be?

It's a good thing

you didn't lead
the invasion of Normandy.

Our troops would have
landed in New Jersey.

Man, we've got problems.

We've got a lot
around here.

Oh, sorry.

I didn't know
we had visitors.

This is my brother, Sam.

He's the co-owner.
He washes and I dry.

How do you do?

We're the Partridge Family.

DANNY: And this is
Mr. Kincaid.

Better known
to his friends

as "The Pathfinder".

What's up?

I think
I'm glad to know you.

Now, are you friends
or bill collectors?

Employees.

They seem to think
they're gonna work here

for us this weekend.

Here? At the Fire House?

I take it you weren't
expecting us either.

Not unless
you're The Temptations.

If you are,

you sure look
different in person.

We're much shorter.

The booking agent sent us here.

There must be
some kind of mix-up.

Oh, no.

If they sent you here,

what if they sent
The Temptations

to the wrong place too?

Couldn't do that,

because two wrongs
don't make a right.

Ask him where
the Partridge Family

is supposed to be.

Say, man, they're
supposed to open here tonight.

You don't send nobody
to Tucson, Arizona, man.

That's right.
Unless they got sinus trouble.

Come on,
are you jivin', man?

Hey, man, later. Okay?

Much later.

Where is the
Partridge Family

supposed to be?

In Tucson,
clearing up their sinuses.

If they expect us in Tucson,

they better tell the opening act
to fake it for a few days.

We can't get
to Tucson in time,

and The Temptations
can't get here.

Sam, it's not my fault.

The booking agent
messed everything up.

I know it's not
your fault, brother.

It's just bum luck,
that's all.

Well, I can't take it
as calm as you, man.

I got to let it out, physically.

I'm going in the kitchen
and beat up a head of lettuce.

It never did
anybody any good

to beat up on
a head of lettuce.

Well, I'm not
gonna beat it up,

but I'm gonna lean
on it a little.

I know it's none
of my business,

but I keep wondering

why you want
to beat up vegetables.

Because that's
the only thing I can bruise

that can't bruise me back.

We borrowed money
from a guy,

and if we don't
open tonight,

we can't pay him,

and if we can't pay him,
Monday, the place is his.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Is there anything
we can do to help?

Yeah.
Don't mess with the lettuce.

It's mine.

Are you boys
keeping my place clean for me?

Friends of yours?

No, that's Heavy,

the man we borrowed
the money from

to go broke.

Hey, how would you kids
like to go with me

and get some ice cream?

Great!

That's a terrific idea.

Let's get some ice cream.

Come on.

I don't want
any ice cream.

You should do
as I tell you.

Mr. Kincaid! I said
I don't want any ice cream.

It's my treat!
Mr. Kincaid...

I don't want
any ice cream.

Well, you know,
I got a nice place here.

A little fixing up,
and it'll be real nice.

Heavy, this is my place,
mine and Sam's.

Oh, then you have
this week's payment?

I'll have the money
on Saturday,

like I usually
have it, man.

You know, that's funny.

There's a rumor going around
that you don't have a group.

Where'd you
hear that news so soon?

Well, your booking agent
is my bookie.

With no paying customers,
how are you going to pay me?

Uh, I've been meaning
to talk to you

about that, Heavy,

and I thought maybe me and you

could set up
a little meeting, right?

Say, like, what are you doing
two weeks from Wednesday?

Two weeks from Wednesday,
I'll be owning this club.

As a matter of fact,
I'll be owning it this Monday.

You can't do that, Heavy, man.

James Brown's
gonna be in town next weekend,

and we can make up the money
that we owe you.

Hey, James Brown working for me?

Maybe I can get his autograph

for my boys.

Hey, boys,

how would you like
James Brown's autograph?

But you had a good thing.

Why ruin it by doing
business with that, that--

I think the word is loan shark.

Because we needed money.

I don't get it.

If you don't have
any collateral

for a bank,

what collateral
do you have

for a loan shark?

Our health.

Oh.

We almost
had Heavy paid off, man.

Another month and a half,
we could see daylight.

What difference
does it make, man.

As of Monday, we're gonna
be living in the bus depot.

To be perfectly honest,
I don't understand your problem.

That's because
you never lived in a bus depot.

No, I mean it.

Look, the reason
you can't open tonight

is because you don't
have a group, right?

It's too late to get
a name group now.

Well, I realize
we're no substitute

for The Temptations,

but it did occur to me

that we're
not doing anything,

and we could be of some help.

Now, wait a minute.

Shirley, let's not
rush into anything.

I mean, those are
gangsters out there.

Well, let's face it,

I get a kink in my neck

when I fall asleep
looking over my shoulder.

I think we should do it.

Children should be seen
and not heard.

Well, I appreciate it, Danny,

but it's
not that simple, man.

We-- we can't afford you.

You see,
we started this place out

to be a community club,
a place for our people to go.

They don't have much,
so we don't charge much.

It's the only place
they can go

and see a name group
for practically nothing.

Sam and I are the only ones
who can't afford this place.

The groups know
what we're trying to do here

so they play
just for expenses.

Great, we can
at least get

our expense money back.

Well, you see, the thing is,

I'm not sure
you're the right kind of group

for our club.

You mean, because we're white?

No, wow, no.

I mean, our people
like soul music, right?

I just don't know
if they'll turn out.

Well, we do have
somewhat of a reputation.

I think we could bring
some people in.

At least it'll prevent you
from closing down.

She's got a point.

Then it's settled.

What about the hoodlums?

Don't worry, Mr. Kincaid,

I'll protect you.

I guess
the first thing we'd better do

is find a place to stay.

Good idea.

We'll call you
when we get settled.

We'll be registered
as The Singing Smith Family.

The groups stay with us.

We have plenty of room.

That's how we save
on expenses.

They stay here,

and we cut out
all the middle men.

Well, why don't you go

and set up
your equipment,

and we'll bring
your things up in a minute.

Thanks.

Oh, don't forget

to change your sign
out front.

No sweat, little bro.
We'll change it.

Wow, they sure are
nice people, A.E.

Do you think
we have a chance?

Yeah, I think
we got two chances--

slim and none.

Well, how do I look?

Beautiful, honey.

KEITH: How much longer
before we go on?

[KNOCKING]

Come in.

Hi.

Hi there.

Wow, you look beautiful.

Whoo-hoo!

Thank you.

Yeah.
That's a great tie.

Oh, thanks.

Guy couldn't
guess my weight.

[MURMURING]

Sam?

Do you have the time?

Oh, yes, ma'am.

Oh, it's : .

Well, what time
do you usually start

the first show?

Hmm, around : .

Yeah.

We'd better get going.

When are you going
to let the audience in?

Oh, uh--

well, we already
let the audience in.

You have?

They're awfully quiet.

You really look beautiful.

Thank you. You too.

There's no one
out there.

I think our audience
went to make a phone call,

but he'll be back
in a minute.

He?

You mean our entire audience
is a he?

It's Albert.
You'll love him.

He's a big fan of yours.

I knew we shouldn't
have taken this job.

At least then
I wouldn't feel so bad

about letting you down.

I don't understand it.

We've had
a couple of hit records,

and we draw crowds
at other clubs.

Hey, Danny, man,
it's not your fault.

It's just our people march
to a different drum.

Good morning,
everybody.

REUBEN: How can you
be so cheerful?

Well, I certainly wasn't happy
about last night,

but we've come up with an idea,

and I think it's
a pretty good one.

Yeah, it's sort of far out,
but it just might work.

We're going to have
another performance.

Thanks, Laurie,

but even if we filled
the club to capacity,

we still won't have enough
money to pay off Heavy.

Well, don't look so defeated.

You haven't heard the idea yet.

Look, what's the use
of kidding ourselves?

This whole
community club thing

was just a pipe dream.

Now it's over.

Let it rest in peace.

Good morning.

Good morning.
Good morning.

Man, don't you know
how to knock?

You don't
own this place yet.

I heard about
your turn-away crowd last night.

You know, Heavy,
you and them chumps

are about as welcome
as rheumatism.

Don't jive me, man.

This trip is strictly friendly,
like a housewarming.

Hey, baby,
I brought you a present.

See?

How do you like it?

How about you?

Do you like it?

Me? I like it.
I like it.

It's simple,
bold lettering.

Mr. Kincaid.

I was only expressing
a personal opinion

about his simple,
bold-lettered sign.

I think it's
a rotten sign, man.

No, the sign's rotten.

It's a really rotten sign.
It stinks.

It's a stinking
rotten sign.

It's rotten
and it stinks.

HEAVY: Easy, A.E.

Nobody likes uppity debtor.

Yeah, well, we're not gonna be
in your debt much longer, man,

because we got a great idea.

Right? A great idea.
It's really great.

Tell me about your great idea.

We're gonna
tell you, right?

It's great, ain't it?

And it's, uh--
tell us a great idea.

Wait and see.

That's right, man.
Wait and see.

Why should we tell you
our great idea, anyway, huh?

Who do you think you are?

I don't like your attitude.

And I don't like yours.

You're frightening
my children,

so I think you'd better leave
before I call the police.

Lady, you'll never play
in my club again.

Now, that's an offer
too good to turn down.

You'll be out of here
Monday morning.

That was
really something.

I mean,
that was right on him.

Laurie...

Laurie, would you get
my blue overnight bag, please?

Sure. What do you want?

Smelling salts.

Never mind.
You can use mine.

You can tell us
the great idea now

that you got that's
gonna save the club

and save the world

and make us all rich
and famous.

Are you ready?
Yep.

We're gonna
have a block party.

Man, don't hog it all.

A block party?

Sure, we'll block off
the whole street

and invite
everyone we can.

We'll get
all the businessmen to chip in.

Free drinks for everyone.

Everything free.

Then we'll
take up donations

and save the firehouse.

You know, man,
it might work.

I'll bet Lucky's Restaurant
would go for it,

and we'd get
some free groceries.

But no, man, there's no time.

We have to get permits,

and besides,
who would know about it?

DANNY: Look, there's
a lot of problems.

There's a lot of us
to work them out.

Well, not to blow my own horn,

but I'm a genius
at organization.

Hey, man, what have
we got to lose, anyway, right?

Even if it fails,

we'll have the biggest party
the town's ever seen,

and we'll
just go on down in flames.

That's, uh,
not the best choice of words.

I'll go get
the businessmen together.

I'll go to the police
and get the permit.

Listen, I have
an idea for a song.

It's sort of
an Afro thing.

Oh, you haven't heard

I'm the world's greatest
musical arranger?

No, I haven't.

I just told you.

Okay, man, you're on.

Laurie,
you stay and watch the kids.

Okay, great,

and I can
help prepare the food.

What about me? What do I do?

Well, you stay here
and organize.

Nobody recognizes my potential.

Hey, brother.

What can
I do for you, Sam?

Well, I want
loaves of bread.

Oh?

Do you want them to go,
or you going to eat them here?

A whole raft of violins,
you dig.

Oh, yeah, right!

What's the matter?
Can't you dig it?

Yeah, I can dig it.
Except for one thing.

What?

Where are we going
to get a raft of violins?

[MARTIAL ARTS GRUNTING]

[KNOCKING]

Excuse me, sir.

Danny Partridge is the name.

The reason I'm here

is because
we're having a block party

for the Simon brothers.

We hope to save the club

from financial fiasco.

But if we don't,

we're gonna
go down in flames.

I saw you were
a cultural club,

so I thought you might know

where we can find
some violin players.

And I want to apply
for a permit

for a block party.

Okay, Ms. Partridge.
Where do you live?

San Pueblo, California.

And you're applying here?

Lady, that's
some block party!

Hey, that's something.

I know a lot about wood
because I whittle,

and that's
really something.

Okay, little brother.
I found three fiddlers.

Now, is there anything else
I can do for you?

A few horns? Maybe a harp?

Why don't you invite them all?

It's a party.
The more, the merrier.

Ah, hey!

Oh, wow!

Whoa!

And there's more
where this came from.

Man, they all kicked in.

If they couldn't
supply food,

they're furnishing
decorations.

Hey!
All right!

It got all around!

I mean, like,
people have been coming by

all morning long
just giving us things.

Say, we even have
pounds of chitlins

cooking in the kitchen.
Ooh, hoo-hoo!

What's chiplings?

It's chitlins,
and you don't want to know.

[LAUGHING]

I got the police permit!

Oh, beautiful! Whoo!

At first the policeman thought
I was some California weirdo.

He wouldn't believe me
when I told him who I was.

I have that problem
all the time.

But you did convince him.

Well, our picture isn't
on the " Most Wanted" list,

and our name is on the top .

Mom, wait till you hear
the song I wrote.

A.E. arranged it.

Yes, it's beautiful.

Yeah.

There's only one
small problem, however.

We need an orchestra.

An orchestra?

Keith, where are you
gonna get an orchestra?

I don't know.

[MARCH MUSIC PLAYING]
What's that?

LAURIE: Hey, look!
One of them is Danny.

Left, left,
left, right, left.

Left, left,
left, right, left.

Left, left,
left, right.

Company, halt!

Hi, Mom.

Hi.

I'd like you to meet the members

of the Afro-American
Cultural Society

and their newly formed
marching band.

["MY BABY BANDALA" PLAYS]

♪ My baby
Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ I need ya
Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ Oh, oh, I want ya
Banda-lay-la ♪

♪ Hold on, I'm comin' for ya ♪

♪ Banda-lay-la ♪

♪ Hold on, be there to getcha ♪

♪ I rise with the sun
And start my existence ♪

♪ With dreams of a day
When we'll move away ♪

♪ Far from the hard times
Poor town's been givin' ♪

♪ And move on uptown
To a better way of livin' ♪

♪ Ooh, ooh ♪

♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪

♪ She's not a beauty ♪

♪ And she don't
Wear fine clothes ♪

♪ Her heart and soul ♪

♪ Is all I'm livin' for ♪

♪ Hold on ♪

♪ Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ Oh, you know I need ya
Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ I want ya
Banda-lay-la, hold on ♪

♪ I'm comin' for ya ♪

♪ Banda-lay-la ♪

♪ Hold on
Be there to getcha ♪

♪ I'll be the fella
To save his Cinderella ♪

♪ By turnin' her dream world
Into real life ♪

♪ One day soon ♪

♪ I'm gonna carry Bandala away
And make her my wife ♪

♪ We're gonna make it, baby ♪

♪ Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ Be there to getcha ♪

♪ Banda-lay-la, hold on ♪

♪ I'm comin' for ya
Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ You know I want ya
Banda-lay-la, hold on ♪

♪ You know I need ya
Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ You know I want ya ♪

♪ I rise with the sun
And start my existence ♪

♪ With dreams of a day
When we'll move away ♪

♪ Far from the hard times
Poor town's been givin' ♪

♪ And move on uptown
To a better way of livin' ♪

♪ We're gonna make it, baby
Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ Be there to getcha ♪

♪ Banda-lay-la, hold on ♪

♪ I'm comin' for ya
Banda-lay-la my love ♪

♪ You know I want ya ♪

♪ Banda-lay-la, hold on ♪

♪ You know I need ya
Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ You know I want ya ♪

♪ Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ Hey, my baby
Banda-lay-la, my love ♪

♪ You know I want ya ♪♪

Bye.

Take care. See you.

Well, I guess
that's everything.

Yeah, and I'm glad

everything worked out
all right for you.

All right?

Man, not only did we pay Heavy
this week's debt,

but we made enough to pay him
everything we owed him.

A.E.: That's right.
This place is ours--

free and clear.

And if you folks
ever need a place to play...

for expenses,

you've found
yourself a home.

Thanks.

Maybe we'll take you up on that.

Well, I guess
we'd better get going.

Take it easy.

MAN: Hey, Danny!

Hey, I'm glad
I caught up with you, man.

Oh, what's wrong?

Nothing.
Stand at attention.

For your dedication
and service

in helping
our community,

I'm hereby making you
an honorary member

of the Afro-American
Cultural Society.

Wow, thanks!

Look, Mom,
I'm official.

Maybe I can start

my own chapter
at home.

Well, we'll
talk about that

in the bus, Danny.

Bye.
Goodbye.

See ya.

[KIDS ON BUS YELL GOODBYE]

[ENGINE STARTS]

[♪♪♪]