I want him alive. I don't care if his head's in a fishbowl!
There's something you have to know before you go in that room.
They say that you're paralyzed.
They say you're paralyzed from the waist down.
They say that you ain't gonna walk again.
From the waist down?
I fucking love you.
I'm so sorry, Althea.
- Dearest, how are you? - The pain...
I feel like I'm in hell.
No, you're not in hell. You belong to God.
I wish he would have killed me. I can't ever walk again.
I can't make love to my wife.
- I can't have a child with her. - Don't give in to the bitterness.
You'll be stronger if you keep your faith. God will see you through.
Ruth... there is no God.
Take this down. I want this Christian stuff out of here.
Ladies, gentlemen... The reign of Christian terror is now over.
We're smut peddlers again. We are porn again.
- When is Larry coming back? - Soon.
- What do we know? - The FBI ain't got nothing.
- Who would want to shoot you? - Who wouldn't want to?
I'd say it was the CIA because of the reward for JFK's killers.
- No. I think it was the KKK. - It wasn't the KKK. It was the mob.
The extreme religious right...
You've just named every American psycho.
You're always, always gonna have to watch your ass.
I should move somewhere where perverts are welcome.
- Where are you going? - For ice cream. Do you want some?
- I want some more. - I just gave you twice your dose.
- You're gonna overdose. - No. I'm in pain.
- You're just doing this to get off. - More!
I'm only giving you half.
Don't ask for any more for a while.
Let go.
- Are you all right? - I love you, baby.
Oh. God...
MARCH 1979 - MARCH 1983
- Hi. Dr. Bob. - Hello. How's Larry today?
- Shitty. - Pretty shitty.
- How are you today? - Terrible. I'm in pain.
We're running out of options. The drugs, the pain. It'll kill you.
Something stronger.
This is $30,000. Can we just have our medicine in peace?
There is an operation for this kind of pain.
- Ready for the laser. - Laser ready. Five watts.
Hi, baby. What's that?
Some lady died down the hall and I got her flowers.
- How do you feel? - Good.
- You feel good? - Yeah, I feel great.
For the first time since those bullets, I don't feel pain.
I don't want it, baby. I don't want it. I feel good.
And you're not on nothing? You're fooling me, or you're a liar.
You've been on drugs for five years. I doubt you feel great on nothing.
Is it that hard to believe that I don't want any?
I took the drugs because I was in pain. I'm not in pain now.
Why would I want it? I don't know why you want it.
If I don't take it, I'll get sick. And it makes me feel good.
- You'll want it again. - I'm done with it.
You've said this before. That's because you're fucking on...
- Get away! I don't want it! - Stop it. You'll hurt yourself.
We've been through a lot together. We can make it through this.
- You're gonna go cold turkey? - Yes, and so are you.
- No. - Yes.
No. I can't, Larry.
- What am I gonna do? - What do I need that shit for?
The pervert is back!
- What's your name? - Sophie.
Tell everybody the pervert is back.
The pervert is back.
Circulation is down by a third. Color reproduction is horrible.
The models look like $3 whores.
The writing is by some moronic idiots.
Mr. Flynt... I don't want to step on your toes, -
- but things have changed.
I looked back at what you did in the 70's. It was racy and crazy.
But Reagan has rebuilt America. The Moral Majority is gaining power.
- You're fired. - Excuse me?
Get the fuck out of my building! Get him out of here!
Throw that blow-dried jerk motherfucker in the incinerator.
Cut him up and feed him to the animals!
You can't do that! He's the vice-president of marketing!
Are you challenging my authority? Do you see that on the wall?
LFP. Larry Flynt Publications! Not JFP.
- I'm the big kahuna here! - You're the boss.
So, Larry, what's the plan?
Plan... The plan is simple.
The establishment took my manhood, but they left half of me.
They left the half with the brain. I'm gonna use it... to get back.
- Wake up. - Who is this?
It's Larry Flynt. Is CBS interested in a video tape -
- of the FBI selling John DeLorean 50 kilos of cocaine?
Are you Mr. Waverly? I'm Mrs. Flynt.
Do you want some coffee or tea or sandwiches or something?
No, that's all right. Can I just see the tape?
John DeLorean.
- Guess what this is. - The coke. That whole suitcase?
Yeah. Watch this. DeLorean... the first time he touched it.
That's all the contact he had with that cocaine.
This is my favorite part. They can't get the suitcase closed.
There's a lot of cocaine in there. How do you get it closed?
- It's amazing. - Now they do a toast. Watch this.
There's a knock at the door. Tubby gets up and goes to the door.
There's $4 million worth of cocaine and nobody's nervous. Watch.
FBI. FBI.
This guy has a good camera sense. Watch him clear the camera.
Watch this guy. He grabs his champagne and leaves.
These guys aren't concerned about him because they're FBI!
- We have a right to broadcast... - Ridiculous. This is stolen...
A fair trial will be impossible. We'll never find an impartial jury.
We're talking basic constitutional rights...
Gentlemen...
- That's enough! - It's stolen.
Here is the Campari ad campaign parody.
Jerry Falwell talks about his first time.
- You guys are stupid. - Do you ever say anything positive?
You're subpoenaed to appear in court to reveal the source of the tape.
The FBI got very pissed off. They want you in court tomorrow.
I'm wiping my ass with this subpoena!
- Why is your client doing this? - He's a very complicated man.
I believe him to be an undiagnosed manic depressive.
I'll give him cause for depression. I'm issuing an arrest warrant.
- Holy shit! - Freeze!
Federal marshals! Drop the gun! Hands on your head!
On your knees!
NBC. ABC... What's wrong with you, CBS?
- Larry Flynt, you come out! - Shut up!
Where are your fucking priorities?
I turned the whole world into a tabloid!
Larry, are you going somewhere?
- Roll out of there. now! - Will you get me some bananas?
- Yes, I'll get you bananas. - Thank you, honey.
U.S. DISTRICT COURT LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 1983
Raise your right hand and put your left hand on the Bible.
Do you swear to tell the truth so help you God?
- No. - No?
I'm an atheist. I can't swear to a god I don't believe exists.
- You are a handful. - I know. Your Honor.
We'll allow you to affirm, if that's satisfactory with you.
I just need you to answer one question, then you can go home.
- Shoot. - What was the source of this tape?
Vicki Morgan was Alfred Bloomingdale's mistress...
Alfred introduced her to all of Reagan's Cabinet buddies.
They really liked her, if you know what I mean.
The thing about Vicky is she was a bit naive.
She started writing a book about all their orgies.
And bam. she's murdered! What these White House killers don't realize -
- is that Vicky kept some video tapes of their sexcapades.
These tapes are pure carnality. Filthy. I've never seen anything...
Well, I have, but most people haven't seen anything like this.
What has this got to do with the DeLorean trial?
- That's a good question. - Technically, nothing, Your Honor.
I have those tapes and this tape, and it just made me think of it.
I'd appreciate it if you would stick to the subject. I'll ask you again:
- What was the source of this tape? - You don't have the right to ask!
You're in contempt of court!
I'm fining you $10,000 a day until you reveal the source.
Mr. Flynt, is this a conspiracy?
Larry, where did you get the tapes?
What have you done with the Vicky Morgan tapes?
Do you really have the sex tapes?
No. I just said I had the DeLorean tapes. They believe anything I say.
You'll have to take the helmet off.
- There's no war here. - You can never be too careful.
The government will protect you. We brought extra marshals in today.
Are you going to reveal the source of the tape or pay the $10,000?
Your Honor...
It is my right, under the 1st Amendment, to protect my sources!
- Listen. Let me talk to him. - Shut up! Relax.
- Is that an American flag? - I fashioned it into a diaper.
If you're gonna treat me like a baby, I'm gonna act like one.
I'm ordering you arrested for desecration of the American flag.
- We'd like to post bond. - Just a minute. marshal.
The court will set a bond for $50.000.
- I'd prefer a cashier's cheque. - Understood.
I'm gonna keep Mr. Flynt on a very tight leash.
As a condition of his bond. he cannot leave California.
You're not getting on that plane. Do you think this is a game?
You're right. It's a fucking joke! 51/2 years since they shot me...
I was there. too. You don't see me pissing off everyone around us.
You can walk and you can fuck, and I'm in this chair!
I have money, and that gives me the power to shake up this system.
Find somebody else to help you.
I don't know what we're engaged in. If you get on that plane, I quit.
Don't be so melodramatic. I'm your dream client.
I'm the most fun. I'm rich and I'm always in trouble.
Go to hell, Larry.
Bye.
Why did you disobey this court? You were not to leave California.
- We had an honest misunderstanding. - Counselor, he's right.
Some rules are made to help us, not hurt us. I apologize.
I want to fess up and reveal my source.
Who was the source of this tape?
The samurai.
- The samurai gave me the tape. - Who is he. and where is he?
He had a critical groin injury on the way to give me the tape, -
- and he's undergoing acupuncture treatment in China.
This court fears that you are seriously mentally ill.
Opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one.
Shut up, Alan!
- Let your lawyer do the talking. - No. I know the rules!
- You're fired. - I'm so tired of you. You're fired.
- You can't fucking fire me! - Don't curse in this courtroom.
How about spitting?
Marshal, put a gag on that man. Sit down.
Be seated there in the back. Everybody down!
All right, Mr. Flynt. Are you willing to calm down?
If I take the gag off, will you show us the respect we deserve?
All right, marshal.
- Fuck you! - I've had enough!
You leave me no choice but to sentence you to nine months.
- Is that all you got? - Three more months. then.
Do you want more? Sit down, lady!
Larry Flynt, you're sentenced to 15 months in a psychiatric prison.
Don't look at me. Ask for bail. counselor.
Can I post bail?
No. Get him out of my courtroom!
You can say those foul words behind four padded walls!
There's something we'd like to show you.
I don't understand. The reverend wouldn't endorse a liquor company.
- There's a larger problem. - Substantially larger.
It says that the reverend...
It says that he fornicated with his mother in an outhouse.
Give me a second.
What do you boys have for me today?
Reverend... I think you need to read this.
Give me your jacket, please.
Stand up, please.
Raise your foot.
- Arms up. - What?
Larry...
...you look so good.
You look like shit.
I don't want to work at the magazine any more. People don't listen to me.
They don't talk to me. They're afraid of me -
- and they don't shake my hand.
I went to Dr. Robert.
He told me that I was sick.
I mean. sick-sick.
I have AIDS, Larry.
They won't shake your hand?
Yes. sir. Yes.
Code pink. Code pink.
Larry, it's Jimmy. Are you there?
- Are you there? - I have an important announcement.
- How's the hospital treating you? - Never mind. Is everybody there?
Good. You're all fired.
You can't just fire these people. We need them.
It's my business and I'll run it into the ground if I want to.
- That's all. I have to go. - What the fuck was that?
- Calm down. No one is fired. - But Larry just said that...
He's in a nuthouse. I said you're not fired!
Jesus. Althea...
Hi. Sit down.
- Are you all right, Mrs. Flynt? - Fine. thanks.
You look different. Did you change your hair?
- I like it. - Yeah, my hair is different.
What's up?
I got this the other day. Would you look at it, please?
That is... This is...
- It's intense. - Yes. it is.
- What are we gonna do? - Give it to Larry's lawyers.
You are our lawyers. You're part of the family.
- Don't listen to Larry. - I don't know. Althea.
We really need your help. Please. Please help us.
This is great, Larry. I hope it was worth it.
- Didn't I fire you? - I ignore most of what you say.
I know the timing is lousy, but do you remember the Campari ad?
Jerry Falwell in the outhouse with his mother...
Well. he saw it.
I guess it's safe to say he didn't find it funny.
He is suing you for libel and infliction of emotional distress.
And he is asking for $40 million.
This is Jerry Falwell in his home state.
If you're up to it, we should figure out how to deal with this.
Countersue.
- Yeah, Jerry, he's suing you. - Me? On what grounds?
You xeroxed his ad and sent it out in a million fund-raising letters.
But you didn't get his permission. That's copyright infringement.
The depth of his depravity sickens me.
Your testimony is going to make or break us, as always.
Downplay how much you hate Falwell. Let them know it was a joke.
Take this one seriously. It'll be an expensive case if you lose.
U.S. DISTRICT COURT ROANOKE. VIRGINIA 1984
- Reverend, you're a preacher. - Yes. I am.
You speak to a fairly broad audience on television and radio.
You've achieved a certain notoriety, a national reputation, -
- for your sermons and your leadership of the Moral Majority.
Our membership is now over five million.
You've been recognized and awarded for your efforts all over America.
I have many honorary degrees. In a poll of Good Housekeeping, -
- I was voted second most-admired American behind President Reagan.
Good Housekeeping! You're famous.
I suppose you could say that.
Have you ever had sex with your mother?
- Absolutely not! - Never... as Hustler suggested?
That is an absurd question. My mother was a very godly woman, -
- and as close to a saint as anyone I have ever known.
- Have you ever preached drunk? - Never.
You never drank before going on the radio?
- That's an outrageous suggestion! - Outrageous?
You don't think anyone would have reason to believe you could do that?
I find that difficult to believe.
So nobody could reasonably think that these statements are true?
That's what I've been saying.
Judge Kirk has given specific instructions to the jury:
"If a reasonable person could not believe -
- that Hustler describes facts about Falwell. dismiss the libel claim."
Do you remember these instructions? Obviously not.
- Why are you suing for libel? - I'm not a lawyer, Mr. Isaacman.
I am. and I can't figure it out, either.
- State your name for the record. - Yes. sir.
Christopher Columbus Cornwallis I.P.Q. Harvey H.N. Pagey Piu.
Are you also known as Larry Flynt?
AKA Jesus H. Flynt, esquire.
Are you the publisher and editor-in-chief of Hustler Magazine?
I publish the most disgusting ...greatest porn magazine on Earth.
I have a typewritten script of the Campari ad.
When you approved this ad, did you have any knowledge -
- that Reverend Falwell had ever had sex with his mother?
No. But I have a photograph -
- of Falwell having fellatio with a sheep.
My client is heavily medicated. No such document exists.
I have it. and Mr. Fartwell is a liar and a sheepophile.
- My client's name is Jerry Falwell. - Yes. Jerry Fartwell.
- You're holding him up to ridicule? - No. Contempt.
- Obloquy. - Parlez-vous francais?
- Mieux que toi, monsieur. - Embrace mon derriere.
- My French is so rusty. - Bon appetit!
- I love her. - Quiet.
- I love you, baby. - Jesus loves me.
Mr. Flynt, do you have an aversion to religion?
- A virgin? - Aversion! An aversion to religion.
You bet your sweet ass I do.
Does that give you license to mock leaders of religious movements?
- Goddamn right. - Objection! This is irrelevant.
Free expression is absolute.
If you can't control yourself, you'll have to leave.
Was it your intention to hold Falwell out to be a hypocrite?
That's what he is.
But Falwell must have an integrity that people can believe in, -
- if he is to practice his profession.
Was it your intention to destroy that integrity and his livelihood?
To assassinate it.
It's a weird decision. He's guilty, but not of libel...
- "Inflicting emotional distress". - Flynt has to pay him $200,000.
This ruling shows that nobody can prostitute the 1st Amendment.
Pornography has thrust its ugly head into our lives.
The billion dollar sex industry of which Larry Flynt is the leader.
Lust and greed have replaced decency and morality.
We must make a commitment to God to turn this nation around.
- Fucking AIDS junkie. - You crazy cripple.
It's just not that funny. It wasn't funny the first time.
I'm open to suggestions.
I suggest that if we're going to recycle it...
I thought I fired all of you. Jimmy?
Come here.
I'm sorry if I tried to run things, -
- but I was just trying to protect you.
Come here. Closer.
Come on.
Don't sweat it. bro. I love you.
I love you, too.
- Larry! You look great. - Chester. Shake Althea's hand.
- Hi, Althea, you... - Hi. Chester.
Don't sneak up on us like that. Good to see you, Althea.
- Welcome back. - What do you do?
I'm a secretary.
Arlo, hi.
- I got it. - I'm gonna take my bath.
Why don't you hop on? I'll give you a ride.
Go ahead. Buckle up.
You're crushing my legs!
You're shivering, baby.
You're shivering.
Detour!
You're gonna kill us.
It's okay. They'll freeze us and thaw us out in the year 3000.
Curbside service. That'll be $8.50, lady.
Dr. Kipper, please. Larry Flynt.
Dr. Kipper? She doesn't look good.
There's got to be more we can do. Some new technology or drug.
What are they doing in Europe? Money is no object.
Althea...
Althea!
Baby...
Help!
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life."
"No man comes to the Father. but by me."
"He that liveth and believeth in me shall never die."
"In my father's house are many rooms."
"I will prepare a place for you, and come again, -
- and receive you unto myself. Where I am, you will be also."
"And you will live with me forever and ever."
You cannot mock God. You cannot fool God.
If you violate his laws, God almighty will judge you.
AIDS is a plague. These perverted lifestyles have to stop.
If you break moral laws, you reap the whirlwind.
It's Larry. I want to appeal the Falwell case.
- This is over. - No. We can go higher.
The Supreme Court. Call them.
It's not that simple. Thousands of people petition the Supreme Court.
- Our case is as good as any. - Yes, but you're missing my point.
They will never pick you, because you're a nightmare!
They're afraid you'll wear a diaper or throw oranges at the justices.
All the times you asked for help, you never showed the court respect.
They think you're a pig!
You always said, in principle, a pig has the same rights as a president.
- People get tired of a pig. - Bullshit! You're scared. Alan.
It's not just them, Larry! It's me!
I am not taking you.
Lawyers dream about a case in front of the Supreme Court.
And they would probably hear us, but I am not going with you!
I've been giving you my best since the beginning.
Every time I come in there now, you fuck me with this circus act!
I'm not going to do it in front of the Supreme Court.
Your sentimental speeches don't work on me any more, -
- because I don't believe you.
I don't believe you.
You're my... my friend.
We're friends.
I would love to be remembered for something meaningful.
If you have research problems, please use my archives.
Tell the reverend that I've dealt with this filth-monger myself.
- I wish to offer my support. - Is that the Tin Man?
Yes. That's the Tin Man.
God versus the devil. Minister versus pimp. Today's the showdown.
Many were surprised the court would hear the case. -
- but Flynt was supported by the New York Times...
The Honorable. the Chief Justice and the Associate Justices.
All persons having business before the Honorable -
- are admonished to draw near and give their attention.
God save the United States and the Supreme Court.
We'll hear the argument first in number 86-1278. -
- Hustler Magazine and Larry C. Flynt versus Jerry Falwell.
Mr. Isaacman, you may proceed whenever you're ready.
Mr. Chief Justice. and may it please the court...
One of the most cherished ideas that we hold -
- is the right to uninhibited debate and freedom of speech.
Should a public figure's right to protection from emotional distress -
- outweigh being allowed to freely express one's views?
What was the view expressed in exhibit A?
It's a parody of a known Campari ad.
I understand.
More importantly, it was a satire of Jerry Falwell, -
- the ideal candidate. as he is such an unlikely subject for a liquor ad.
We usually see him at the pulpit, preaching with a smile on this face.
Is there a public interest in making him look ludicrous?
Yes. There is a public interest in making him look ludicrous, -
- as there is an interest in Hustler expressing that he is full of BS.
Hustler has every right to express this view. They have the right -
- to say that somebody who has campaigned against our magazine, -
- who has publically said that it poisons the minds of Americans, -
- who says that sex out of wedlock is immoral, you shouldn't drink...
Hustler has a 1st Amendment right -
- to respond to these comments by saying that he is full of BS.
It says, "Let's bring him down to our level."
Which, admittedly, is a very low level.
That's sort of the point.
The 1st Amendment is important, but it's not our only value.
Good people should be able to enter public life and service.
The rule you give us says that if you become a public figure, -
- you can't protect yourself against a parody of committing incest.
Would Washington have stood for office if that was the consequence?
It's interesting you mention him. I once saw an old political cartoon.
George Washington is riding on a donkey, being led by a man -
- that's "leading an ass to Washington".
I can handle that. I think George can handle that.
But that's a far cry from committing incest with your mother.
Is there no line between the two?
No, there isn't. You're talking about a matter of taste and not law.
As you yourself said in "Pope versus Illinois", -
"It's useless to argue about taste, and more useless to litigate it."
The jury has already determined that this is a matter of taste.
No one could reasonably believe that Falwell had sex with his mother.
Why did Hustler have them together?
As an example of literary travesty, if you will.
What purpose does this serve?
The same as having Gary Trudeau say that Reagan has no brain.
It lets us look at public figures a bit differently.
If Falwell can sue purely for emotional stress. so can others.
Imagine suits against people like Gary Trudeau and Johnny Carson.
When public figures are criticized, they'll feel emotional distress.
It's easy to claim and impossible to refute. It's a meaningless standard.
All it does is allow us to punish unpopular speech.
This country is founded, in part, on the belief -
- that unpopular speech is vital to the health of our nation.
Thank you, Mr. Isaacman.
- Are you confident that you'll win? - Absolutely.
The Supreme Court couldn't possibly come down on the side of Flynt.
- Mr. Keating, why are you here? - I want pornography outlawed.
If the 1st Amendment protects... What did Gruntman call me?
...scumbags like me, it'll protect all of you.
- Because I'm the worst. - Do you have any regrets?
Only one.
Larry!
Larry...
- They brought the decision in. - Is it good or bad?
- It's unanimous. - Is it good or bad?
I want you to hear this.
"At the heart of the 1st Amendment is the free flow of ideas."
"Freedom to speak one's mind is an aspect of liberty."
"It is essential to the quest for truth and the vitality of society."
"Many unadmirable, public affairs are protected by the 1st Amendment."
- So we won. - Yes.
- Thank you, Alan. - Don't mention it.
We won, baby.
Strip for me, baby.
Why?
When you're old and ugly you can look back at this.
I'll never be old and ugly. You'll be old and ugly.
Larry Flynt lives in Los Angeles and publishes 29 magazines.
He is still paralyzed. His assailant was never found.
Alan Isaacman lives in Los Angeles and is still Larry Flynt's attorney.
Falwell remains one of America's most respected religious figures.
Charles Keating was convicted on 72 counts of racketeering.
His actions cost taxpayers over $2 billion.
English subtitles: IFT