Just tell them that.
Tell them my reasons.
Tell them why.
End of tape four...
February 22, 1974.
Testing.
One, two, three.
Mr. Maestro, Leonard Bernstein, tape number one.
Mr. Bernstein...
I have the utmost respect for you.
Your music...
is both pure and honest.
And that is why I have chosen you...
to present the truth about me to the world.
My name is Sam Bicke.
And I consider myself a grain of sand.
On this beach called America...
there are 211 million grains of sand...
three billion on the beach we call Earth.
If I am lucky...
the action that I am about to take...
will show the powerful...
that even...
the least grain of sand...
has in him...
the power to destroy them.
These come in brown?
We do have that in a brown. And a harvest gold. And an avocado.
Give me three of the brown and an avocado.
Are you interested in that chair?
This is a Naugahyde, very good for avoiding stains.
I look like that big a slob?
I can't sit on this plastic stuff. I get sweaty and stick to it.
This doesn't come in leather, huh?
Not this chair...
- Jack Jones. - Bill Wilson.
Bill, what our new associate's trying to explain, I think is...
that this is leather with a Naugahyde coating.
Coating?
Exactly. Comfort of leather. Just a little easier to clean.
No extra cost. How does it feel?
It is comfy.
- You know what you look like sitting there? - What?
You look like the boss. Are you the boss?
I got my own place.
What did I tell you? Did you write the gentleman up, Sam?
No, he didn't...
Write the gentleman up.
Can we deliver this for you Monday, or is Tuesday better?
Tuesday's probably better.
Mr. Bernstein, sir...
there are times that I have felt alone on this planet.
And that's how they want us, isn't it?
Alone. Divided. Weak.
- To our new closer. - Hear, hear.
You smell something? I do.
I smell success. And you've got the odor.
All right, Sam.
Why do I say that to you, Sam?
Well, I certainly am trying.
Got nothing to do with trying. It's believing.
When you believe in what you're selling, you succeed.
Because then you're not selling. You see what I'm saying?
You're talking from somewhere here. You've got to believe.
It's a gift. I've got it. Marty's got it. You may have it.
I can believe in anything. Isn't that right, Marty?
It's true.
You want to know who the greatest salesman in the world is?
That man, right there.
He sold the whole country, 200 million people...
on himself. Twice.
And what was Nixon's sales pitch in '68?
In '68, it was...
He said he would end the war.
He would get us out of Vietnam. And what did he do?
He sent another 100,000 troops...
and then he bombed the living shit out of them.
That's what he did. Now, what did Nixon run on last year?
Ending the war in Vietnam. And he won. By a landslide.
That is a salesman. He made a promise. He didn't deliver.
And then he sold us on the same exact promise.
All over again. That's believing in yourself.
These are for you. Read them.
These, you listen to.
While you're driving. While you're shaving.
While you're taking a shit in the morning.
You gotta believe, Sam.
This book right here will really teach you to believe in yourself.
This book right here will really teach you techniques.
These will make you a salesman.
I guarantee it.
The salesman who believes is the salesman who receives.
Remember, power is a state of mind.
You have as much as you think you have.
If you don't think you have any, you don't.
Talk about yourself as you see yourself.
And someday that will be yourself.
The salesman must see himself as a winner.
The salesman who believes is the salesman who receives.
- For crying out loud. - Hi, Mel.
Did you see your brother?
- No. - He just walked out, just now.
So, how's it going? What're you up to?
I just came by to give this. This is what I owe him...
and if you could just get that to him for me, I'd appreciate it.
Come on, Sam. Julius felt bad how things turned out.
Why don't you stick around till he gets back?
He didn't go home?
No. He just ran out to the bank. He'll be right back. Sit down.
- I really got to go. - Sit down.
I can't sit down, Mel, but it's very good to see you.
Don't be a stranger.
Look at you, man.
Look at that.
"Sam Bicke, Salesman. " Damn.
You can keep that. They made a thousand of them.
- A thousand? - One thousand.
Man, they got big plans for you. You look good, Sam.
I feel good. I believe.
Amen, brother. You've got to believe.
Sam Bicke, salesman.
I was just thinking that I would go see Marie.
That I would surprise her because I have a little extra for her this month.
All right, then.
You don't think it's a good idea.
You've got to know what's right, Sam.
Nobody thinks that Sam Bicke is going to make it.
I didn't say that.
Hi, there.
How are my princesses?
- I got an A in Social Studies. - You did?
That's great.
Go wash up, you two.
- Hi. - Hey.
Looks good.
You can keep that. They made a thousand of them.
- Thanks. - It's good to see you.
You know you're supposed to call first.
I know.
What's this?
I'm on a roll.
That's great. Maybe I can get the roof fixed.
It's done. Paid for. Do it.
- Job's working out? - Yeah.
Marie...
I really think that this is gonna change things for us.
Sam, job sounds good.
I've got dinner on the stove.
Thanks.
I just wanted to have a little talk.
- Mommy, Julie's standing on the chair. - Julie, come on, down.
I gotta get inside.
I'm sorry. Just call first. All right?
- When? - I don't know. Try Sunday.
- After 10:00, though, all right? - Okay.
I'll call you Sunday after 10:00.
You look good.
Back to work.
Mommy.
Julie, come on. Ellen, go get your brother, please.
You look nice, Marie.
Hey, Tuffer.
Hey, boy.
Volume on the New York Stock Exchange was 16,500,000 shares.
What happened, Mr. Bernstein, to the land of plenty?
When there's plenty for the few, and nothing for the plenty?
Is that the American dream?
Now remember, the customer's weapon is money.
That's what he'll want to talk about. Your weapon is quality.
That's what you'll insist on talking about. Don't get caught in the price game.
You tell him how great it is.
How much?
This is a very high quality desk. This one is 38 inches.
How much is it?
This is $529.
I really believe in this desk. I want to show you something. This is...
It's all right. I know pretty much what to look for in a desk.
Sam, I'm gonna be buying a lot of stuff...
and I'm just wondering, what's your best price?
- I'll see what I can do for you. - All right.
Give it your best shot.
I'll do that.
Okey-dokey.
What I can do is I can give you 10% off that desk, which is $476.
Jesus! Sam, that's it? That's your best price?
It's our selection of the month.
Excuse me. Can I see you in my office for a minute please, Sam?
Yes, I'll be right...
I'll be right with you.
What are you doing? Are you out of your fucking mind?
Offering 10%? Are you trying to give this stuff away?
- You said... - It's already been marked down.
For Christ's sake, that's less than we paid for the damn thing.
You know I think there's been a misunderstanding...
I'm not interested in what you think.
I'm interested in what you're gonna do about it.
I guess I could tell him...
You can't tell him shit. You've made the offer.
That's it. Go out and hope he doesn't take it.
All right, Mr. Jones.
Sir, can I show you some of our other very nice...
All right, then. Yes.
You looked like you're gonna shit your pants.
You're on the board.
- You see him write that check? - He did it to me, we do it to you.
Fifty-fifty all right with you?
- Sure. - Good job, Sam.
It's not lying. It's business.
But it's not right. I should have said something on the spot.
No, you shouldn't have.
What are you saying, that I should swallow something like that?
It makes me sad that you would accept something, of all people.
Sam, I'm just saying it's not that big a deal.
It is a big deal. Bonny, if we're going to be partners...
we have to get this kind of thing straight.
Sam, I get it. Okay? I've been there.
But this guy's your boss.
If he wants to be an asshole, you might just have to let him do.
- But, Bonny... - There's no "but," Sam.
- What about my rights? - You've got a right to be mad, sure.
Exactly. That's what I'm saying, partner. That's all I'm saying.
Sam, it's a job.
This is what I mean. A man doesn't give up his rights at a job.
A man doesn't give up his rights anywhere. You of all people should know that.
What should I know? 'Cause I'm black, I should mouth off to my boss?
All this rights shit. Rights this, rights that.
Rights, my ass. It's a job.
You got a right to pay your bills, pay for your kids.
I'm just saying you can't keep quitting jobs.
We all gotta work somehow.
Come on. You're a salesman, right?
Like you do.
Explain this to me, Mr. Bernstein.
All I want is a little piece of the American Dream.
Like my father and his father.
Is that too much to expect?
Hey, Tuffer. Hey, boy.
You miss me, don't you?
Of course you miss me.
This is a good country, Maestro. Filled with good people.
But what good is good...
in times like these?
I've been trying to call.
Double Scotch, Scotch and soda, double bourbon.
It's not a good time, Sam.
Oh, no. I know. I just came to say hi.
- You want to see a menu? - Yes, please.
- Here you go. I'll be right back. - Thank you.
...great change, at the same time.
One change is defense spending is on the way down now.
For the first time in 20 years, the Federal government is spending more...
That's too much salt.
I know. Sorry.
How is it?
It is good. Remember Sam Jr. Used to call these "mashapotos"?
That's right. Is everything okay at work?
Top of the charts. Top of the sales board.
I'm doing very well.
That's great.
Maybe I'll be driving a Cadillac soon.
He was a friend of yours?
Who?
The one with the Cadillac. I drove by last night.
- Jesus, are you spying on me? - No.
What you doing lurking around the house for?
I wasn't lurking, Marie. I just...
You told me to call. I called and nobody answered, so...
I said, try me, okay?
You know what? I don't want to talk about this.
I respect that.
I just want you to know I'm not seeing anyone.
Okay, that's your business.
It's important to me that you know that.
Fine. Now I know.
Table four wants their check.
I'm sorry. Okay? I didn't mean...
Can I call you later?
Look, if I get off at a decent hour, I'll call you.
- All right? - All right.
Mr. Bernstein, sir, there are people who sit and wait their lives away...
on the promise of a dream that will not come.
They are the sheep.
We have a great deal to be thankful for as Americans tonight.
You've chosen El Dorado, with front wheel drive. It's our most...
But there are also many more like us, Maestro...
- who will not be pushed around. - The time has come when the masses...
...have been pushed to the wall.
When they cannot any longer address their grievances through the legal...
political machinery of this country.
We're not the decision-makers, the masses are.
If they think it's time to overthrow the system, there's nothing you...
or anyone else can do.
Hi. I'm Sam Bicke.
Harold.
- How are you? - Yeah.
Are you with the police?
I'm not police. I'm Sam Bicke.
Yeah, I got that. What can I do for you?
As a matter of fact...
I've seen you on television. I mean, the Panthers on television...
and I'm in complete agreement with your stand.
Except that I'm white.
We've all got to be born something.
Do you know what that means?
It means you're not getting to your whole audience.
I mean, I'm white, but I'm in the same boat.
You own the boat.
No, I don't own the boat. I'm not the man in the Cadillac.
That's not me.
May I?
- Harold. - Yes.
I feel like I can talk to you. I sort of knew it would be like that.
I know what it's like to not be respected, and be lied to...
and be treated like a great, big nothing.
And I want to do something.
You want to do something?
Like the Black Panthers, I want to do something...
The system is not right.
I have to go, but I want to throw an idea at you.
Zebras.
Zebras?
See, they're black and they're white.
The Black Panthers become the Zebras...
and membership will double.
I don't want you to answer me right now. Just think about it.
This is $107.
I wanted to feel like I was starting to do something.
Sam. It's a great start.
Take a look.
- You see what I see? - What's that?
You're familiar with Carnegie, right?
I gave it to you.
Dale Carnegie. How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Oh, yes. I know the book.
No, you don't.
You've seen the book.
Maybe browsed through it. But you don't know the book.
If you knew the book, you'd know what I mean when I say...
"Always give a dog a good name. "
Always give a dog a name.
A good name. Damn it. You've really got to listen better.
You're right. I'm sorry.
It's a Carnegie technique for dealing with people.
When somebody's performance isn't good, you don't criticize them.
You don't say, "Your work's shit. " Right? Instead you say:
"Your work used to be great, now it's not so great. "
And then you ask them a question like:
"Everything okay at home?"
Are you asking me?
I'm teaching you. You just learned a management technique.
Don't mind me teaching you, do you?
Sir. - Good. Just one more little thing.
But, Marie, he wants me to cut it.
It's a job, Sam. Shave it off. You'll forget you ever had a mustache.
I won't forget. I'll never forget. Marie, don't you remember?
Remember what?
Daddy, do you like my picture?
Yes, honey, it's very nice.
I grew it for you.
Sam, please.
Mom!
You've got to see these people, they just lie to make money.
And then, I'm the sleazy one of these so-called businessmen.
God damn it.
I mean they don't have any right...
to say half of the things that they say to us.
I mean, look at the way they make you dress.
I dress like this so I can support my family.
Can't you see what they're doing to us?
You're going to lose this job, aren't you?
What? I'm not going to lose my job.
Just tell me now, because I can do it on my own.
I'm doing great.
I'm so tired of this.
I don't want you stopping by like this anymore.
I really mean it.
I think it looks good.
And it makes me look a little older and trustworthy.
You would trust me.
That's not really the point, though. What I'm saying is...
I'm surprised you would say that, Bonny. I really am.
Because I would think that you would have more feeling.
Joey, let's get some of these dishes cleared and get you to bed.
No. You sit.
Joey.
Yes, ma'am.
That's a good kid. That's a real good kid.
His mother taught him well.
I bet she did.
No offense, but I wouldn't be surprised...
if his father had a little something to do with that.
He probably got something from me.
What do you think? If your father went away...
would that make you sad?
He's not gonna go away.
Of course he's not. If he did?
If your mommy wanted him to go.
She wouldn't say that.
Why don't you just leave those there.
It's past your bedtime. Give your father a kiss.
- Good night, Daddy. - Good night, baby.
Things will work out, Sam. You'll see.
- Good night, Mommy. - Good night, baby.
Say good night to your Uncle Sam.
Good night, Uncle Sam.
Good night, son.
I know it was important to you, Sam. I want to thank you for the sacrifice.
I think it was a good decision. Now you can smile.
You look like a family man instead of some schmuck with a pussy on his face.
- Marty? - Yes.
Get up to the spic's place and get me an egg salad...
and whatever else you want.
Is independence too much to ask, Mr. Bernstein?
I mean, you're your own boss, right?
You don't have any idea what it's like to work for somebody else...
like some kind of a slave.
But I'm telling you, slavery never really ended in this country.
They just gave it another name. Employee.
Remember power is a state of mind.
You have as much as you think you have.
If you don't think you have any, you don't.
Talk about yourself as you see yourself...
and someday that will be yourself.
The salesman must see himself as a winner.
Say it along with me.
I'm not sure I understand this business about the school bus.
That's just it. The bus is the business.
It's a movable store.
- A movable tire store? - Exactly.
You see, we take out all of the seats, just gut the whole bus...
and put the tires. Fill it up with the tires.
Then you bring the tires to the customer, at his convenience.
You're a delivery service.
That's just the beginning of it, because I would bring the tire...
and change it, I'll put the tire on your car while you're mowing the lawn.
Or anything else that that you want to do.
And we'd paint the bus a bright red because that would give the company...
its own individual identity and make it memorable. A sort of trademark.
And you have the bus already?
My friend, my partner, Bonny, has the bus and he has the tools.
And I bring the management experience.
And that you have as well?
That I do, sir. Yes, I do.
It says here you're currently employed as an office furniture salesman?
That's correct. But I'm ready to move on.
And prior to office sales, you were a tire salesman with your father?
Julius Bicke, that's my brother.
Brother. Okay, and why did you leave his employment?
He expected me to lie.
I don't believe that someone should have to lie to make a living.
All right.
Over and over he would tell me...
that 15% is rock bottom.
Sell below that, we lose money. That's a lie.
In the retail tire business, the markup is always at least 30%.
So, 30 is rock bottom.
What one should tell the customer... Let me show you.
Good morning, Mr. Ford.
I think I understand, Mr. Bicke...
Let me just show you.
Good morning. Sam Bicke. You're here to buy tires.
Yes.
Let's get down to brass tacks. This is the deal.
The markup on all of my tires is 30%.
I will show you the company invoice to prove that to you.
I'll do that for you, Mr. Ford. I'll make you my best offer.
I'll split the difference with you. I'll take half the markup as my profit...
and you'll take half the markup as your savings.
Even Steven. Fair deal.
What do you think?
What do I think? Or...
Yes. No, I'm back to normal now.
- It's 15%. - Exactly.
But it's the same thing, what your brother offered.
No. My brother...
will go to 15%, but he wants you to hold at list.
5% if you have to...
10% if you're gonna lose the customer out the door.
But the salesman who offers 15%, he's a failure.
He's a man who doesn't know how to hold his ground.
And who do you think, at the end of the month...
gets the promotion, gets the bonus?
The one with the biggest profit margin?
The biggest liar.
I'm sorry.
I just want you to know that I would run an honest business.
That I would not ask my salesmen to lie...
or make them feel like a failure...
or some kind of a piece of garbage.
Well, that's...
I admire that.
- Your idea? - Yes, sir.
Well, that's it.
That's it?
Mr. Ford, I want to thank you, sir, because this loan isn't just for me.
I think it can change the way we think about American business.
Mr. Bicke, I'm really very sorry.
That's it for now. I have to send your application on to Washington...
and they will review it. And it's a whole process.
Of course.
Mr. Ford at the SBA...
Bonny, I gotta tell you, he was very impressed.
Did you tell him the bus don't run?
I didn't.
Did you tell him your partner was black?
I did, yes. I checked the "Negro" box.
That was stupid, Sam. This isn't working.
No, Bonny.
The government is looking for black businessmen.
I've been here 16 years, and they haven't found me yet.
Ellen, sit next to Julie. Sam. Come on, son.
Ellen, can you just sit. That's great, Julie.
Ellen, sit next to your sister. Come on, Sam Jr.
Ellen, honey, sit next to Julie.
Come on, you guys. Dinner's ready.
Daddy's taking a picture.
That's all right, honey, I got it.
- See you next Sunday, Sam. - Yeah, I'll see you next Sunday.
Tuffer! No.
$125 is your total. I let the tax slide.
Thank you.
You remind me of my ex-wife.
She's got the dimples, also, when she smiles. They're nice.
Compliments and a good deal. I should shop here more often.
You should, miss, or is it missus?
Miss.
- Is this the current phone? - Yes.
Would you like me to deliver it?
No. That's all right. I'll have someone from the office stop by.
It wouldn't be a problem.
I'll be just fine.
You already are.
I don't want you to deliver it. I'll have it picked up.
I didn't mean me, personally. We have people who deliver.
I think there's been a misunderstanding.
I love my wife very much.
We are all married men. Family men.
Yeah.
Because...
what's odd about your aborted flirtation with that woman today...
according to Marty's recollection, correct me if I'm wrong...
is that you referred to her dimples...
as being like those of your ex-wife's.
- I don't think I did that. - He sure did.
I think there's been a misunderstanding.
As I told you when I took you on...
I only hire married men.
A single salesman is distracted.
A divorced salesman fails at selling, the same as marriage.
It's all right for a guy to...
lie to some broad about not being married when he is.
That's fine. That's to be expected.
But you wouldn't expect that guy to lie to his boss, would you?
I guess I did try to pick up on that woman.
I didn't want you to think that I was being dishonest to my wife.
You did try to pick her up then?
Yes.
My son was correct in his estimation of your character?
Yes.
And if I were to ask you and your wife to join...
me and Marty and our wives for dinner in, say, a week or two...
that would be okay with you?
Yes, I think that...
she'd like that very much.
When I was little I was taught not to be rude, Mr. Bernstein, but...
what am I supposed to do about the people who won't respect me?
What I wanted to do is just check on the status of my application.
Sorry, Mr. Bicke.
Mr. Ford should have told you, but processing takes eight to ten weeks.
No, he did not tell me that.
Perhaps you could check back, say, September 1.
- September? - Yes.
I do understand your position.
I'm sure that you deal with a lot of incompetence.
But I am a businessman...
and a businessman can't wait.
If you gonna have a future, you gotta make it.
So I would really appreciate it if I could see Mr. Ford.
What was your first name?
Samuel J.
I will talk to Mr. Ford...
and if he has time for a meeting, we'll call you next week.
Since I'm here, maybe I could just see him...
If he has time, we'll call you next week. Deal?
Deal.
Least you could do is discourage him.
Double bourbon and a vodka martini up.
It would help if you wore your wedding ring.
For God's sake, Sam, aren't we done yet?
Would you consider going to the dinner? You could drive your own car.
I'm not gonna put on some charade. If you're their top salesman...
what do they care if you're married, divorced, or queer?
Sir, you should be ashamed of yourself. That woman is my wife.
They make her wear that.
Sam.
Really, it's all right. I'll just wait here. I'm fine here.
Mr. Bicke, please...
He'll understand. He'll leave at some point and he'll be going to his car.
He'll leave at some point, I'll walk him down. That's all the time...
- Mr. Bicke. - Mr. Ford.
It's good to see you, sir.
Why don't we step outside and get a cup of coffee? How's that?
Coffee. In the cafeteria.
Actually, there's a machine in the lobby.
The lobby's fine.
Have a seat.
Now, how exactly can I help you, Mr. Bicke?
Yes, well, sir...
Funnily enough, my situation is that I really...
It's very urgent that I get this thing rolling, if you know what I mean.
No, I don't.
The bus thing. The tire thing.
Yes, I remember your application and I sent it along.
Now there's really nothing more I can do.
You can't tell me anything else?
No, I can't.
I told you in our meeting, and I believe you were told again...
that the process will take eight to ten weeks. You'll be notified by mail.
You can't expedite that?
It will take eight to ten weeks and you'll be notified by mail.
Now, I have to get back.
Is there some way that this could be speeded up?
Is there some way that could happen?
No, there isn't. And if you come back again, I will have to add that to your file.
Impatience is not a virtue, Mr. Bicke.
Okay. Good luck.
In the mail then?
Yes.
A nation, like a person, has to have a certain inner drive in order to succeed.
In economic affairs that inner drive is called a competitive spirit.
Whether this nation stays number one in the world's economy...
...over 40 rounds from the hotel's rooftop. The sniper, former Navy seaman...
Mark Jimmy Essex, had testified in his court- martial...
For his part, Allende vowed he would not give in.
He would not, he said, "Betray the working classes. " In the end he found...
Who are these men, Maestro...
who keep us waiting at their feet?
The meek shall not inherit the earth.
The earth belongs to the bullies who do not care how they get to the top...
as long as they arrive.
I am an honest man, and if that is to be my undoing, then so be it.
But I will not go quietly.
You've just got to have a little more patience.
It's all about money.
It ain't all about money.
Now what?
- You got a problem? - Yeah, I got a problem.
I paid you to fix the leak.
- You've still got one? - I've got half-a-fucking-dozen of them.
What kind of rip-off joint you running here, anyhow?
- You sound like you're having a bad day. - I'm having a bad day with this fucking car.
- You have a nice day, now. - Yeah.
What is the matter with you? This thing is loaded.
Nobody should talk to another person like that.
So you start swinging this fucking thing around?
- You out of your mind? - He didn't respect you.
So what? You think I'm losing sleep over that bullshit?
But how can you take that racist crap?
Just because I didn't cuss his ass out doesn't mean I took shit off of him.
All I took off of him was the money that he owed me.
And I sure as shit ain't some Uncle Tom, if that's what you're trying to say.
Are we clear on that?
Yes, we're clear.
Jesus Christ!
I didn't mean you were a Tom. I didn't mean that.
I'm so sorry, Bonny.
Are we still friends?
Yeah, we're friends.
Last night near the site of that massacre, some 200 Indians...
took control of two buildings on the Pine Ridge Sioux reservation.
The Indians attacked at midnight...
fully aware of the cliché that Indians don't fight at night.
We have bet our lives that we can make change...
for the American Indian, whether we live or die.
And I'm prepared to die. I would rather die than submit to slavery.
...Internal Security Division of the Justice Department of the FBI...
And I apologize, Ma.
She's your daughter, but she's my wife and you have to tell me where Marie is.
Okay. Mrs. Anderson, where is Marie?
Then I'll just have to keep calling.
9082. Thank you.
Marie Bicke, please.
Yes, I know exactly what time it is.
It's 3:27 in the morning and I demand to speak to my wife.
That's right, this is Sam Bicke, and who is this?
Who is this, sir?
Marie?
Wait. No, you hold on.
Marie, I got a divorce decree today...
and we're supposed to be separated, we're supposed to be working on this.
It's only been one year.
It certainly has not been two years.
No, it has not been almost two!
I have a life. Why would you say that, Marie?
When you're... Marie?
God damn it!
I could stand here before this audience, and make all kinds of excuses...
I appreciate all the time you've taken.
I have spent a lot of time, but it's okay because I know you're gonna be happy.
I need to measure the space.
So we can deliver it this afternoon, or is Saturday better?
As I said before, I have to still measure the space.
I'll have the boys come over. They can measure the space.
You're not gonna let me down, are you, Stan?
This doesn't have to be done today because we'll be here in the morning.
Turn that down.
God damn it!
What did you just do? You out of your fucking mind?
Actually, I have some bad news because I'm not going to...
This is my last day.
- What? - Actually...
I'm not going to be able to finish today because...
I have a very important letter that's coming in.
I'm starting my own business...
and I have an enormous amount of plans that I have to make.
Have your desk cleared in 10 minutes.
All right.
...'cause people have got to know whether or not their president is a crook.
Well, I'm not a crook. I've earned everything I've got.
I sold all my stocks for $300,000. It's all I owned.
I sold my apartment in New York...
It's about money, Dick.
...and the testimony you gave us last week...
was that you had dispersed some $69,000...
in what you might call a sabotage program.
And that you also perjured yourself at the trial...
at Mr. Magruder's request.
Would you explain to the committee how you dispersed the $69,000?
I don't think that was gone into with much detail.
Roger Zeffler, please. Sam Bicke, Bicke Tires.
Speaking to Haldeman and Ehrlichman I said "The boil had to be pricked. "
No.
...prick the boil and take the heat.
You're the prick.
Hello, Roger. No, I wasn't saying that. This is Sam Bicke.
Yes, that's right, Julius' brother.
As a matter of fact, I'm back with Julius now.
I'm handling shipping and receiving for him. I have a purchase order that...
we sent in a couple of days ago. It's number 3765.
Well, it is a lot of tires. We're opening an outlet in the Hill district.
Black people have to have tires, too, Roger.
Yes, that's the correct address. If you could just drop-ship those, that would be fine.
Monday's fine.
The operation they're talking about is the burglary of the Watergate.
That's correct, sir.
Mr. Magruder, just one very brief question.
Did John Dean prepare you for your grand jury?
...by making their lives better at home, for themselves and their children.
That key is in your hands. Every action I have taken tonight...
is designed to help us snap out of this self-doubt...
this self-disparagement that saps our energy.
She declared it was all part of the national plan...
to bring an end to the Black Panther party.
Darn it.
I want the American people...
I want you to know beyond the shadow of a doubt...
that during my term as president...
justice will be pursued fairly, fully...
Please let them know, Maestro...
let them know I was nervous...
that unlike the powerful, I was not so arrogant...
as to be sure that my actions were righteous.
Certainty is the disease of kings, Maestro.
And Sam Bicke was many things, but not a king.
He just wanted to make a change. To stop the lies.
And he aimed high.
Hello, Samuel.
The landlord was kind enough to allow me in.
He stopped by. I see you received his note.
Julius.
We have some things to discuss, don't you think?
To discuss?
- Good seeing you, of course. - Cut the crap. Sit down.
You're a very strange man, Samuel.
I've always known this. I've always tried to help.
So why would you steal from me, your brother?
- I didn't steal... - You did.
I had to bail your friend, Bonny, out of jail this evening.
Bonny?
For receiving stolen goods. My goods.
Did you think Roger Zeffler wouldn't become suspicious of your friend?
That somehow this delivery was kosher? That 550 tires belonged to that address?
Roger Zeffler is a racist.
Perhaps that's so. Shame on Roger Zeffler. But you are a crook.
So, you tell me, Sam. Which shame is greater?
- I am not... - Look at me.
This is your brother.
Do I deserve this now, for you to lie to me?
Julius, please.
No. No "please, Julius". No!
I have been to the police.
Begging forgiveness for a mistake that was not a mistake.
Because I took responsibility, Samuel.
So that no one would go to jail.
So that this man, Bonny, your friend, would not go to jail.
And my family caused this.
So you must tell me, Sam, please...
which is the greater shame?
I'm sorry, Julius.
What is your name?
I had an idea.
For a tire business. Like you.
I wanted to get a head start until my loan came in, and my loan was denied.
Because they're racists. Nixon.
All of them. Like Zeffler.
I didn't get the money because my partner is black.
I was gonna pay you back. I'm just trying to keep my family together.
And the little guy just can't do it anymore.
Because there's a cancer in the system.
The whole system has a cancer, and I'm being punished because I resist.
But somebody has to resist.
You're my brother.
As of this moment, Samuel...
I wash my hands of you. No more. That's it. Nothing.
And if you steal from me again, brother or no brother...
I will send you to jail.
You can pick the only luxury convertible made in America.
But no matter which of nine Cadillac models you are to select...
they're all part of the Cadillac tradition.
Tonight, February 17.
Good evening. Secret Service officials are still puzzling over...
the landing of an Army helicopter early today...
on the south lawn of the White House.
It all started shortly after midnight last night...
when Army Private First Class, Robert Preston...
stole an unarmed helicopter...
from Fort Mead, Maryland.
The joy-riding pilot was identified as 20-year-old PFC Robert Preston...
an Army helicopter mechanic...
who was reportedly unhappy over flunking out of flight school.
He was charged with unlawful entry into the White House grounds.
I sincerely believe that if his attitude was to crash into the White House...
he could have accomplished it without any problem.
Do you think his attitude was to crash into the White House?
I do. I really do.
It wasn't like a light bulb really.
It was more like an old candle...
just a plain, simple idea.
But in that moment, Mr. Bernstein, I knew...
the die was cast.
Mr. Bernstein...
I have the utmost respect for you.
Your music...
is both pure and honest.
And that is why I have chosen you...
to present the truth about me to the world.
$120, 40, 60, 80, 200.
One, two, three, four and 33 cents.
There you are, Mr. Bicke. All cashed out.
I'm sorry.
It's a shame innocent lives are going to have to be lost, Maestro.
And I will do my best to prevent as many deaths...
as I possibly can. But that won't be easy.
If history teaches us anything...
it's that you have got to get the seat of government.
The whole goddamned chair, you just kick it out.
Let the system dangle till it doesn't breathe.
If you destroy the seat of government, then you've made a change.
A real change.
And I am going to do it.
No, this is... I'm sure it's just...
I have an injury.
It's okay. Thank you.
Good morning, gentlemen. My name is Sam Bicke.
If you do what I say, no one will be hurt.
I want you to fly this plane, and I want you to fly it low.
I want you to fly it very low.
I have to take control here.
It's a shame there aren't more people like Bonny.
What a beautiful man.
I hope that he will forgive me for stealing his gun.
They let you in looking like that?
I wanted to talk to you.
I'm sorry things didn't work out. No hard feelings.
I wanted to thank you for teaching me...
that to be a salesman...
you don't have to be a good man.
You got a fever, Bicke?
You're sweating like a pig.
Here, wipe your forehead, for Christ's sake.
I'm trying to eat a meal.
You all right, son?
You love me. Don't you, boy?
Because I would never leave you.
Come on.
Good boy.
Sir? Excuse me.
You left your case.
TWA skycap with wheelchair, please come to TWA ticket counter.
I have received reports from various parts of the country...
of many instances of sharp increases in the price of gasoline.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to begin boarding Flight 523 to Atlanta.
In accordance with our security measures, we do ask you to begin to form a line.
Please have your tickets and any carryon baggage with you at this time.
This is the general boarding call for Flight 523 to Atlanta.
Nobody move. I'll kill you.
I've got a bomb, I'll kill you.
You, come here. Close that door. Close it.
Sir, please just calm down.
- What? - Just calm down.
We're gonna take care of anything you need.
No!
Write down that my name is Sam Bicke.
If you don't move, then no one will get hurt.
You understand? I want you to fly this plane.
I want you to fly it low. I want you to fly it very low.
I hear you, Sam. I just need to call the tower. Okay?
I'm gonna call the tower.
I'm gonna reach over here and get my headset.
I'll put it on and then call the tower...
because I need them to come and take the tugs out in front of the wheels.
You have to help him to fly the plane. Okay?
She's gonna help you fly the plane. You have to move him.
Sam, I can fly the plane myself. Just let her go.
Please let me go.
I don't want to die.
Look at me, Maestro. Am I smiling?
Tell them why I did this, Maestro. History needs to be clear on this.
They can rebuild the White House, but they will never...
forget me.
Not ever.
I was here, Maestro.
I did this.
And a man is only remembered for his work.
Just tell them that.
The first hijack attempt in the United States in more than a year...
was made today in Baltimore. It failed.
There had not been another hijacking attempt in this country until today.
And it happened at the same Baltimore airport, but with far worse consequences.
Forty-four-year-old Samuel Bicke walked to the departure gate...
carrying a harmless-looking attaché case which contained gasoline and a detonator.
He was running and acting like he was crazy. Out of his mind.
Bicke ran through the boarding bridge yelling for passengers to get out of his way.
A policeman ran after him, but by that time...
Bicke was inside and had forced the stewardesses to close the door.
The policeman fired through the door's window...
and killed the would-be hijacker.
His motive may never be known, but authorities say that there's no question...
the hijacker intended to destroy himself and everyone else aboard Delta Flight 523.
Neil Strauser, CBS News, at the Baltimore Washington International Airport.