When I look back on it,
I still can't make sense of how a normal kid like me ever
wound up meeting Buck Howard.
When I was 5 years old, my dad ask me
what I wanted to be when I grow up.
I said I wanted to to drive a steamroller and he said, No!
You want to be a lawyer. I said astronaut.
He said lawyer, I said policeman, he said lawyer.
So we compromised, on lawyer.
Which is how 20 years later I ended up in law school.
And even though this was my father's dream,
for the first couple of years,
I bought into the whole thing.
Until one day, I finished an exam early and I just sat there...
thinking.
Thinking that somewhere, there must be somebody
whose dream it's to be a lawyer.
But after more than 2 years in law school,
I hadn't met a single one, and suddenly it occured to me.
I'm not happy, I gotta get out of here.
So this moment right here became
my last chance to stop everything.
Hit ''pause'' and find a dream before it was too late.
Later on, it felt fantastic.
Of course, I haven't told my father any of this
but I was pretty sure that he had understand,
I just had to present my case.
-Hey dad. -Troy.
School is tough, you know. The contract's is really hard.
See, I would have been a terrible lawyer.
The thrilling thing though, is that now all I had were options.
I could do anything I wanted.
You named it, I thought of being it.
I could be a private investigator.
A test driver for Nascar,
or a talkshow host.
How do you get that job, anyway.
The truth though is that,
I did have an idea in the back of my head.
I always have this secret dream of becoming a writer.
And while I didn't know how to get that job, either,
I did have a pen and paper, so I just did what came naturally.
And that's when I was hit with something else, reality!
The reality of having to find something to do,
to pay for the little things
like food and rent and getting my car fix. I had to find a job.
But who said it couldn't be something with a little adventure.
Something with words like celebrity
and performer attached to it.
And that's how it happen.
That's how I found myself meeting the one
and only, great Buck Howard.
-You must be Troy, I'm Gale. -Hi, I'm Troy.
-Sorry, I'm late. -Relax, not a problem.
Let's grab a seat.
He should be here any minutes.
We were impressed that you've been to law school.
I should probably explained that.
I didn't finished, actually.
Good evening, Mr Howard!
Oh, here he is.
Hi Buck!
-I am Buck Howard. -Troy Gable.
Young man, I'm delighted that you're interested
in this job, I'm very busy, I did over...
One thought kept racing thru my mind as Buck talk.
I had no idea who this guy was,
and I guess that must have shown.
You do know who I'm, don't you?
You have seen The Tonight Show?
You've to say with Johnny Carson,
not the nitwit who's on there now.
Buck did The Tonight Show with Johnny 61 times.
I think you're a magician, right.
Buck's a mentalist!
But here it's kind of a dirty word around here.
I was a magician when I was 3 years old
but I've evolved out of that.
Not that I have anything against magicians,
as long as they're dead.
Ha ha!
Look, Buck has been in on all the big shows.
Jim Nabors, John Davidson, Sally Jessy Rapheal...
Diane, the co-host on the Diane Rehm many times.
He has performed all over the world, Las Vegas...
Not lately!
Your job would be to take care of all Buck's travel,
and then to go on the road with him to ensure that
the engagements were handled smoothly.
It's a very demanding but ultimately rewarding job,
for instance, in a few months time we'll be very hard
at work on the benefits that I started for sick children
with my friend George Takei
who is perhaps best known for his potrayal of Sulu
on the Star Trek. He's a dear friend.
This certainly wasn't the kind of job my
father would've envision for me but
there was something kind of exciting about Buck.
He told this long stories about a world
full of his famous friends,
Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon!
The Captain and Tenille.
It was wonderful to meet you, young man.
I think this is going to work out.
Yo! Call me later.
So the job is yours if you want it pay 650 a week to start.
Err!
Yeah, sounds great!
Good, you'll be going to the Vegas show this weekend
and somebody'll meet you and show you the ropes.
-Good luck, Troy. -Thank you Gale!
Edward, your younger readers might not be aware, that
it was actually Johnny Carson who dubbed me the Great Buck Howard.
Do you recall what trick you did that night?
It's not a trick. It's an effect!
Gee, I'm sorry, I didn't know there was a differences.
Troy ...
Edward, I'm going to give you a coin, I would like you to
grasp it between your thumb and your forefinger.
I'm going to count and whenever you feel compelled
to do so, you simply drop the coin, you understand?
Ready? 1, 2, 3...
Troy could you show Edward what's written on that piece of paper.
-Welcome to Bakersfield. I am Sheila Heller. -I'm Buck Howard!
-Oww. -This's Alan, Troy and this is Edward. He's a magazine writer
doing a profile on me to be the cover story, right.
Buck needs to head back to the hotel
to prepare for the performance,
but if you can show Troy and I around...
Oh, that would be no problem at all!
You know, I love to come to the venue first
and meet the people like you who keep this places
up and running.
Dude, check it out. I like that nice and big rump.
Right thru here is where we've the main celebrity dressing room,
which is for Buck and we've snacks. -Where's the brandy?
Oh god! I know we've forgot something.
-So sorry, I'll send out for a bottle right away.-Okay!
Okay! Yeah, sorry.
Excuse me!
Alright.
Oh my gosh!
Aah, best part of my job, you know what I'm saying.
There aren't any cues but we don't want to lull them to sleep.
Yeah, how about the intro?
Please tell Buck I'm so sorry about the crowd.
I thought it would at least be half full.
Err...go tell Buck he's on and if he ask tell him
there's a huge crowd.
So ...
Come in!
- How's the crowd? -It's pretty full.
Pretty full? What does that mean?
Nothing, it's a big crowd. It's a pack house.
Great, let's do it!
-Err Buck, this way. -Let's do it!
- You ready? -Yes, of course
Ready...mumbling.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's my pleasure to introduce to you a man
who has performed in over 27 countries on radio,
television and other medias,
including the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
presenting the great Buck Howard!
Hello, here we go!
Stupid amateurs.
I love this town.
Alright, the next cue in 15 minutes
when he goes over to the piano, I'll be outside.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'll need a volunteer, in fact these two
handsome strapping young lads down front will do perfectly.
Gentlemen ...
Here's the thing that struck me about Buck as I
watched the progression of the show.
He was cheesy, there was no denying that.
But he also had the sort of timeless
charm that the audiences really seem to love.
Uh-ho!
Oh!
Now, I asked you to choose a number between 1 and 100,
But you didn't, didn't you? -I guess I do.
Did you choose the number 0?
Zero!
Isn't that right? Isn't that right!
Deep and profound sleep, nighty nite.
# What the world needs now
# is love.
# Sweet love.
Now, I need to impose on you one last time before I vanished.
I'll need 4 volunteers, two of whom...
will go with me to the green room,
the other two will stay here in the auditorium,
and they'll take my entire fee, in cash
and they'll hide that fee in here.
If I'm unable to find that cash when I return,
that money'll stay here in Bakersfield, California. I love this town.
I saw him do this last week at Starkton,
apparently he never fails to find his money,
-in over 5000 tries. -Hmm.
I'll let you choose your four volunteers.
Guys, come on! We've to go to the green room.
Gentlemen, this is my entire entourage, just so you
can see there's absolutely nothing fishy going on.
while they hide my money, You will be my witnesses.
Would either of you like a sign photograph?
Yeah!
Alan, some sign photos. Color ones, please.
I don't see any of the color ones.
Seek and you shall find, Alan. They're in there. My ink
pen, please. Ink pen!
Thank you, Troy!
-Black and white is fine. -No, it's not. It's not fine.
-Alan! -Buck, these are the only ones we have.
Mr Howard, they are ready for you.
Oh, that's fantastic news. Sorry folks, there
won't be any photograph due to Alan incompetence.
I still like a black and white.
What's the point in having a black and white?
What's the point?
Let's go!
-Thanks a lot. -Sorry!
Sir, may I look in your right shoe please?
Well, I thought it would be more.
How did he do that?
I love this town!
That's not true!
-Come and said that to my face. -C'mon, get the hell out of here,
-and leave the petty cash with Troy, that's my money. - Oh yeah, Buck...
well, you suck!
I can't train you anymore. You'll have to figure out for yourself.
-C'mon, I don't even know where to begin. -It's not that complicated.
Listen, if you take this job you are an idiot. You...
Troy, I'm sorry you had to see this.
Edward, this wouldn't be a pleasant story I'm sure.
You wouldn't even want to write that down.
Alan, I think it's time for you to leave, othewise I'm gonna call security.
Oh, call security. You fossil!
Well, I guess this is adious, fellas.
Excuse me for interrupting, could I have your autograph?
Anything for a beautiful young lady.
Did you enjoy the show?
No, I didn't see the show.
In fact, I didn't even know you were here.
There was nothing about it in the paper or anything.
I used to watch you all the time on the Carson's show though.
That's super. There you go!
Thank you!
Something's bothering you it seems.
About the whole thing with Alan,
Alan and I've been having problem for years.
That's why I had to let him go.
You know Troy, I know you've aspirations beyond this job.
Well, no matter what you decide to do in the future,
you'll need life experience, I can give you that.
Some very big things're about to happen for me.
What kind of things?
Well Troy, why don't you stick around awhile.
Work with me, maybe you'll find out.
Deal?
I dove in. My life became all Buck Howard all the time.
The auditorium we played in were old,
usually half full but Buck didn't seem to notice.
The minute he came out on stage, he was in his element.
Buck walk the edge, everything
he did, he make the impossible seem possible.
Is that wild?
Wild!
Buck did've his followings and we went to 'em.
I love this town!
For some reason the people of Afrens, Ohio went nuts for him.
In some parts of the country I've never seen before,
-Welcome to the Lambville, Oregon. -I love this town.
that I've never heard of before.
Welcome to Wattas, Wisconsin.
I love this town!
Buck did have his quirks,
How much did you tip the bellman?
-2 dollars! - That's it?
You represent me Troy! You're making me look cheap.
Troy, can you come in here?
- Did you just give the bellman $10? Yes, why?
It's far too much!
$1 cash American per bag. I'm not made of money.
And sometimes he went beyond quirky.
Pick me up in the minivan! This show's already ruined.
You're incompetent!
Yeah, Buck could be difficult. Frustrating and at times...
I wonder why I put up with it all.
Mr Howard, I want to thank you so much for having me.
I just want to say though,
I won't be doing the "You can call me, Ray" jig.
but I don't want to do that.
You know, and by the way, is Mr Takei here?
No, he is... he won't be with us this year.
I mean, my college room-mate was managing
a multi-million dollar hedge funds
and here I was helping Buck Howard with his benefits
starring Gary Coleman and the guy
from the Police Academy movies.
The strange thing though, was that I didn't mind.
"Hello Buck Howard"
It was kind of cool. Earth sad depending on how you look at it.
You gotta tell me how you do it, I mean
I keep getting older and you look the same.
-Clean living! -Yeah, clean living.
And keeping all your money under a mattress, right?
Anyhow, Buck I really want to thank you for calling me
You know, nobody calls me anymore.
Buck, we're ready to start.
Have a great show everyone.
I would like to dedicate this next song,
to one's very, very dear friend of mine.
Sulu from the Star Trek,
Mr George Takei.
George...
May the force be in you!
# What the world needs now.
No matter how corny Buck show could be,
and no matter how much he yelled at me before it,
I never missed the money effect,
it was the one part of the show that always amazed me.
Ladies and gentlemen, my money.
Ladies and gentlemen, my money!
And without fail, it always amazed the audience.
It would be a pleasure to retrieve it personally,
as a gentleman I fear I must refrained.
My money is in your brassiere.
Ladies and gentlemen, there's the money!
I hadn't found my place in the world but this finale was
Buck's place.
And just getting to be a part of it,
make me feel like I was on the right track.
Finally we've the last of the great Buck's autograph seekers.
Err, color photograph. Now to whom shall I address it?
Dad, what're you doing here?
I was going to ask you the same question.
Err!
This is your father? I didn't know you've a family in Lisberg.
He doesn't.
Sir, what a pleasure! I am Buck Howard.
But before you congratulate me on the show,
I've to congratulate you
on something...I want you to know you've
raised a very, very fine young man
who's doing a wonderful job for me.
Hmm, I thought he was in law school
because that's what he told me but I,
I am thrilled to hear that he's doing a wonderful job for you.
Oh..ho!
You know, Mr Gable, I can imagine how you feel.
My father didn't want me to go into show business,
he wanted me to be an accountant,
obviously but wasn't my calling!
Yeah well, I'm not gonna touch that,
but if carrying your bags is Troy calling...
Well then, I just wasted a lot of money on his education.
-Dad...! -Troy, may I?
You know sir, I've a theory about what
I called it my onwards and upwards theory.
Perhaps you've noticed in the musical portion of my...
Listen, I like to talk to my son alone.
Very well, I was merely trying to add a
little padis pectivo as the latin say.
I think you've done that.
Very well!
Good evening! Troy you can bring that and tossed my salad
when you get back to the hotel.
Well, he's a hell of a guy.
Dad, I'm sorry!
Haven't heard from you in over a month.
I've to call your friends like I was some kind of freaking cop.
I know!
I would have killed to go to law school, Troy.
I would've killed.
I hated it. I wasn't happy at...
You think I dance out the front door
every morning of my adult life happy
about where I was gonna be spending my day?
I don't know what you do in here?
And I don't think you do either.
Come on, you're smarter than this. You are!
You are smarter than this.
I hope he enjoy his cob salad.
I just don't think err...
I don't think I can do this anymore. I'm sorry.
I've to resign.
Gale's not here yet?
Err, no! No, he's not.
But there's something I need to discuss with you.
Sorry I'm late, traffic!
Listen, can we talk later, we'll get back to this
but there're some business I need to discuss.
I've tried. I'm on the horn to the guys
at Leno, Letterman every week,
They want to have you on the show,
they're just book really tightly right now.
Listen, Letterman I understand because
I don't have a history there but
this Jay Leno, I think he's doing the show
a great disservice by not having me,
I practically built the tide show.
Look, I know we need to get you some attention right now,
I speak to the bookers in Vegas, I'll tell them you're better now
than you've ever been. They tell me they just need to see it.
If they need to see something, I've something I can show them.
For the past 3 years I've been rehearsing in secret a new effect,
I can't tell either of you what it's, not that I don't trust you,
but I cannot afford that the tabloid get a hold of this now
let me just say it's enormous.
And I think Cincinnati is the perfect place to unveil it.
They've always loved me in Ohio not so much Ohio but Afrens.
which is called Cincinn.... It's the same state.
I need you to call Steve Keating in New York at the top PR firm.
I want local press and national press,
I can feel this, it's going to be huge.
Cincinnati!
-Welcome to Cincinnati! -I love this town.
-I'm Dory. -How do you do? I'm Buck Howard.
-And this is my brother, Kenny. -Hello Kenny, how're you?
Uhm, on behalf of both of us and Cincinnati Chapter the Red Hat society,
I'd like to present you with this pin.
Oh my goodness! Isn't that beautiful!
Oww! Argh! Ugh!
-You may've drawn blood there. -I'm so sorry.
It's alright. It's a beautiful pin from a beautiful woman and
I'll wear it while I'm here the entire time
I'm here. I'll wear it for good luck.
Boy, I love to come to this venue before the show but
I'm afraid I'm going to have to get back to the hotel
because my press relation attache has flown in for
a rendezvous from the burrow of Manhattan.
That's no problem at all. We're your host.
We'll be taking you anywhere you need to go
the whole time you're here.
That's how we do it in Cincinnati.
I'm gonna drive you. We got a limo and everything.
I saw you, 1989 performing in Green University.
You were awesome! You remember that?
Honestly, I do vaguely remember that
but of course it's nearly 20 years ago
and I do 400 or so shows a year.
You do 400 shows a year?
Yeah, I do the calculations in my head.
You might wanna face that way.
...that's 300 days...
...physically possible, I mean.
That pretty much a show every night.
You know, I mean where do you performed
on Monday and Tuesday nites and how's that allow for travel time?
Boy, he has to be check in by now, it's Steve Keating.
Kea...
Buck, I know how to spell. I told them his name a 1000 times.
-They say he hasn't check in. -This is absurd.
I've to do the TV show this afternoon.
I don't have my press attache,
I'm forced to be driven around
by this 2 hasties all day long.
Maybe that's him, Troy! Get the door.
Hello!
Do I've the right room? I'm looking for Buck Howard.
Troy, can you hang up my pants, please. How can I help you, miss?
Mr Howard, I'm Valerie Brennan from KPT, Steve couldn't make it.
Okay so, there was this emergency in London
with Gary Oldman so I'll be working with you.
With you? You're practically an embryo.
I really don't take this very well.
I'm sorry! I don't like this kind of changes.
I have a very big weekend!
I've my show Saturday.
I've an enormous event planned for Sunday.
And I know all about it. I've been brief, it's going to be perfect.
I know you hire Steve but I think I can filled in for him quite capably.
Alright, young lady we'll give it a shot, see how it goes.
-Good! My name is Valerie! -Very well, Valerie.
This is Troy, my road manager.
Hi!
Ehm so, why don't you get some rest cause
the news in a couple of hours.
I need to work on your schedule.
If you could spare Troy that would be,
that would be great.
Cause he can help me rolled some calls.
-Troy, do you mind? -No.
It was, it was nice meeting you.
Thank you!
So you wanted to go over something?
Oh no, I just wanted to go over a drink.
Can I've a scotch on the rocks?
Sir?
Same!
I can't believe I'm in Cincinnati with Buck Howard.
- Can I ask you something about Buck? -Yeah!
Is he gay? Cause we had a bet going in at the office.
I don't know!
-Do you not his travelling companion? -No! -Okay, okay!
Look kind of domestic up in the room with you handling his pants.
No,no! Buck is just my boss.
I'm just, doing this to pay the bills you know until I...
-Figure out... -What you really wanna do.
Okay, so let me guess you,
You're a good looking guy. So you're an actor.
No!
-Stand-up? -Oh god! No!
Okay! Hold on, hold on.
-You're a writer. Did I get it? -No. -Yeah!
I do a little writing.
What little writing have you done?
Just little stuff. Silly stuff.
Stuff that happned to me. Stuff that didn't happen that I wish happens.
Things like that.
Well, you sounds like a writer to me.
Thank you!
Yeah, I didn't say you were a good writer.
Okay, I'm gonna go. This was fun. It was nice.
So I'm gonna go freshen-up for our big nite out.
I'll see you at dinner.
I can't believe that you know Sulu from Star Trek.
Hey, what about Spock? You know him too?
I've met Leonard Nimoy but I wouldn't say we are friend,
and for that matter, George and I aren't on the best of terms
at the moment, I'm afraid.
Mr Howard, have you ever been married?
No, I've never met the right little lady.
Yeah, right!
As Shirley MacLaine said, true love is suppose to be rare,
that's how we know it is valuable.
That's beautiful.
Shirley actually is a client's of ours. She's a very nice woman.
You know Shirley MacLaine?
That's what I do. I arranged and coordinates publicity for celebrities.
Well, give us some dirt, we want to know who is sleeping with who.
I know Shirley, she came to a show I did.
C'mon! Alright, tell us who is nice then.
Okay, so people like to make fun of Keanu Reeves.
Cause he, but he's one of the sweetest guy you'll ever meet.
-Okay, tell him... -You can tell that.
He kick butt in the Matrix, tell him.
Okay! Err...
And Jay Leno, he's just a regular guy from Boston,
really down to earth, really sweet.
Do you think Jay Leno is just a regular sweet guy from Boston?
It's obvious you don't have the slightest idea
of what you're talking about.
Well, I've met Jay Leno a number of times
and he always been really warm.
The man was faking. I know Jay Leno. Missy, I know him.
I've dealt with Jay Leno.
-You've to trust me on this. -I...
Buck Howard, to makeup!
-No Buck, this way. -Let's do it!
Look, I'll be right back. I've to go call check on the boys.
She's great, my sister.
She is a genius, very artistic,
been married a whole bunch of times.
I mean...
She has lived a glamorous life.
Sounds like it.
Hey!
How does Buck do his tricks?
-C'mon! I'm not going to tell anyone, I swear. -I don't know. I don't know.
I've never... I don't...
You are his assistant. He's gotta tell you something.
Kenny, as far as I know it's real.
Damn!
They're going to go to commercial in
a couple of minutes and then we're on.
The producer said we can just watch from the...from the booth.
Okay!
You... smell really nice.
Thanks!
Cindy Crown here, back to magician Buck Howard or the great Buck Howard
as he's more commonly known. Well, it's wonderful to have you in Cincinnati, Buck!
Thanks Cindy, I'm very glad to be here.
Yes and I understand you're here for a very special show.
It's correct, Cindy. On Saturday evening...
I'll be performing at the Cincinnati Art Complex,
I was afraid that Ohio may have an art complex
but I never expected it would be in Cincinnati.
And on Sunday afternoon I'll be staging a very important event.
Why don't you tell us about that?
This has been top secret to this very moment.
At roughly 2 pm,
I'll put to sleep 900 souls...
whom I'll wake up immediately afterwards, as if from the death.
Well, that sounds just super.
Be sure to come out for both events, folks.
Now I've heard that you're going to do a warm-up,
by performing a majic trick on me.
Take this piece of paper in your left hand.
I'll need a coin. Aah yes, there's one.
-Aargh. -That is...
I want you to hold that silver dollar in your hand
between your thumb and your forefinger.
I'll begin counting, whenever you feel compelled,
all you need to do is simply drop the coin.
Ready?
1, 2, 3 ...
4...
5...
-20 seconds, Cindy. -6...
Cindy you do understand that at some point in time,
you have to let the coin drop.
I'm sorry! Maybe I didn't understand.
10 Seconds, Cindy.
Well, we're almost out of time.
But we can do this very quickly, go ahead.
Hold out your hand, we'll try it one more time...very quickly.
Ready?
Oh, I'm sorry. We're out of time, Buck and thank you for
-coming by... -Cut him off.
...drop the coin...
We're out!
Maybe you can come back at some other point in the future.
Listen. I'm sorry, Mr Howard.
What the hell's wrong with that guy? You know, he won't pick up his phone
and I'm trying to apologize.
I don't know what for but I'm trying to apologize.
It's okay, just relax!
Trust me! This's what Buck is like.
Tomorrow he'll act like nothing happen.
What are you doing here?
I mean seriously. How on earth does a guy like you
wind-up working with Buck Howard?
I want to know!
I just quit law school and moved to LA.
I'll bet you wish you just stay in school right about now.
No way!
Look! Buck is no picnic but law school is a...
Oh my god, I just hate to wake up everyday there. Just dreading life.
Look! I'll admit, I've...I've no idea what I'm doing.
And obviously I gotta quit this job and figure it out but
I'm trying and it feels good.
It feels like what I'm supposed to do, you know.
Oh c'mon! You're not supposed to do anything.
Life is not magical like that, okay!
No one is supposed to do anything.
How do you know that?
Cause it boils down to the same thing
for everyone from...from Buck Howard to Meryl Streep to you.
Most creative people they just want...
the whole world to love and adore them...
-which is infantile. -Okay, alright!
Maybe I'm naive but life is short.
You know. I mean...
Someday, we're not going to be here and
if that's the case, I wanna spend the time that I've doing something
that makes my heart race.
I don't care what that say about me. I don't care!
That really turns me on.
-Are you serious? -Yeah that...
whole existence things.
I have a boyfriend ...
Oh, forget I said it.
Hello?
-Troy, are you asleep? -Buck-! No, I'm awake!
Just...think I'm coming down with something. What's up?
Where the hell's Valerie? Is she supposed to be organizing
interviews for me today?
I have no idea where she is.
I don't know where she's exactly
but I'm sure... I'm sure she's..
she's on top of it. I'll try and track her down.
I was just on my way to the theater right now.
Well, I'll be in my room preparing for the show tonite.
I don't want to be disturb unless it's for press.
Okay!
Spotlight on me. Buck walks onto stage, light
come to the microphone...
I love this town do a few effects.
Eventually comes over to the piano.
Basically just stay on Buck the whole time.
That's all!
Hi!
-Err... -Oh, uhm...I've to show you something
Edward's article.
Now, I heard it was coming and I heard it was bad.
-It's not funny. -Oh...no!
Yeah, he pretty much make funs of Buck the entire time.
Okay!
Err...We can't let him see this.
No, dude. This's one right here, Mr Howard.
Mr Howard, I just want to ask you, if it would be okay
for me to introduce you before the show tonite.
No, it wouldn't be okay. I'm always introduce on tape.
Always have been always will be.
That's a nice outfit though. Very becoming.
Just there Kenny, thank you.
Kenny, that'll be all, thank you.
...over there!
Troy, this is urgent!
I don't want this Kenny fellow anywhere near me.
Our policy is out of the way freak, I've to catch a train.
Do you understand?
Give him a photo, a color one,
actually no...get him a black and white.
Second thing, why didn't we do any more
interview's today.What's the mental midget Valerie doing?
She's got you an interview today and
in fact they're on the way here right now.
- With who? -An internet columnist!
See, I don't even know that paper
and here now in a few minutes
I knew nothing about it.
This's the time I've to prepare for the show, Troy.
And what good would it do to do an interview now?
Buck, I think Valerie's concentrating more
on tomorrow big event.
She was told that the locals here
would pack the place tonite.
Buck, I've Mark Simpson here to interview.
Hello young man!
-I've heard alot about you. -I'm a really big fan.
Oh!
Come on over...sit with me. Pull you up a chair.
I won't have long to give you. I've a lot of press today.
Buck, are you ready?
Yeah!
Okay Jeff! Buck's ready.
House lights down.
Cue tape!
-Stage-lights, please. -What's she doing?
Thank you!
It's okay. She has got a big surprise for you.
I wanted to welcome the great Buck Howard
to Cincinnati in my own
special ways. So I composed a little song.
I hope he likes it.
Troy, stop her!
How?
# Do you believe in magic
# Well, Buck Howard's here
# He's gonna give a great show
# So you don't have to fear
# There'll be some magic
# And some mentalism too
# And if we really lucky he might even play the piano
# Do you believe in magic
# Do you believe in magic...
Ladies and gentlemen, the great Buck Howard.
C'mon Buck!
The Great Buck Howard, everybody.
It's the most amateurish thing
I've had to live thru in 40 years.
She nearly ruined the sh... There is a reason Troy,
I'm called the great Buck Howard.
Not the okay Buck Howard,
Not the not bad Buck Howard,
The great Buck Howard!
I know, I'm sorry.
I do not want to see either of those people
for the remainder of our stay here.
We rent our own car, a cheap one...
And we drive ourselves around. Do you understand?
Okay!
I barely got the show back tonite, Troy!
The audience's thought we were clowns.
And by the way,
you're partially to blame.
Buck, there's no way I could've known
she was going to pull that.
Yes, that's true! You could only have known
if you were someone who is observant!
But you're clearly not someone who's observant.
Could you leave my dressing room, please?
He seems really pissed!
Err...he was!
She just wanted to sing, man. You know!
Kenny, I don't know what to tell you
but this is... this is the way it gotta be.
Yeah!
He wanted you to have one of these.
Now, that's class.
We...messed up his whole show.
But he still got the goodness in him.
Giving me a really cool picture.
I'll treasure this, Troy!
I know you will.
Who is this guy?
That's...er Alan News, Buck road manager before me.
They done a whole section about him.
Buck's gonna die when he see this.
Well, it's hard to feel bad for him.
He has this face you just want to punch.
How does he do the things in his act?
I mean, how does he find the money and I know you know.
I don't know!
Why he has a guy that he travel around
with and he slip into the audiences
and he tell him where the money is.
- How, when, he's being watched all the time? - Cause he has a hearing aid.
He does not have a hearing aid.
C'mon, besides that's impractical!
Buck would've to have someone on payroll year round
and he's too much of a cheap-skate for that!
You're cute.
Cause believing he's real! Don't you?
I cannot wait for this weekend to be over.
Not that... I didn't mean about ...
I just hate working with ... You...you're great ...
This has been...
It's okay. It's okay!
I'm sorry. I shouldn't even be here.
I should just...
Go back to my room.
Right!
Yeah, you should just go to your room.
Go ahead! Go, go just up.
-See you in the morning. -What?
-I mean you...-That's alright... -I was just...
Are you...
No, no. Stay, stay.
I've not been on my own since the party.
By this point, all I could really think was one thing.
Thank God I did not quit this job before Cincinnati.
The town hadn't been as kind to Buck though,
but that didn't matter because the whole weekend
was about his big effect.
Buck was counting on it to change everything for him.
And on the day...
It looked like it just might.
You're very good. What did you do cause this is a lot of people.
There's like 300 so far and the press turn out is great so...
Yeah, please tell me to go get ready. We're good!
Ok.
Thank you, Madam!
Hi! Just sign here and make your way to...
Thank you, silence please.
I need complete silence.
I have already begun to take a mental pictures
of each and everyone of you here.
If I feel you're not suited
to this task, I'll tap you on the shoulder
and for your own safety, you'll go off to one side...
where you'll become an observer
and no longer a participant.
Please focus on me.
Let no outside stimulu
break this little bubble we formed between us.
This is getting to be the ideal group.
We're almost ready to begin.
Stop that!
Members of the press, we're delighted that you're here but
in order to ensure your ability to cover this event,
I urge you not to listen too carefully
to what I'm going to say.
Please.
Now.
Let us began!
Ladies and gentlemen, listen to the sound of my voice.
And only my voice.
I'll now count from 1 to 20.
While I'm counting,
you'll slowly feel yourself becoming tired.
In fact more than tired, you'll feel exhausted!
But this is good,you've come to the right place.
This is the ideal locale to lie down and take a rest.
If you decide to gently lower yourself down to the ground,
be my guest.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5...
Hey! Hey...
6, 7, 8...
Where you going?
9...
10...
C'mon, guys!
11...
12, 13...
-Jerry Springer just had some freaking accident. -14...
Everyone's leaving to cover it.
-Did you just say... -15.
-Jerry Springer used to be like the Mayor of Cincinnati... -16.
17.
Aren't they going to come back?
We're losing the press. Is the accident that important?
He's in Columbia Parkway and it was close.
20.
Geez, he did it!
Jerry Springer got into a car accident,
on the Columbia Parkway
and they all got call away to cover it.
Who?
Jerry Springer.
Err...
He was on a TV show awhile back and it's kind of a big thing.
Prior to his TV show, he was the mayor of Cincinnati.
So he is kind of popular here.
It's this pin!
It is curse!
Let's go!
I give up!
Buck!
What?
These people are still asleep.
Wake up.
Wake up!
Make your way...
Thank you very much for coming and be a part of history.
Thank you!
Buck, I'm really sorry about your saying...
Let me get this straight.
The entire local press corps had to leave
to cover a traffic accident.
Yeah! Yeah!
Why didn't you get the National press here as I asked?
They wouldn't had to leave.
I tried and I couldn't get any to come.
No, I'm sure you couldn't because you were so busy
servicing Troy's need that
you couldn't service mine.
Buck ...
Don't say a word.
I just performed one of the most stunning feat's
in the history of mentalism and
there was no one to see it.
This was going to change everything for me.
The two of you have delayed my resurgent's by months.
And I'll have you fire tomorrow morning, I promise you.
Let's go, Troy!
Not going to give you this.
Didn't wanna be the one.
But now I just don't care.
Goodbye Buck!
Buck you can't just...
Forget it.
Valerie!
THE (NOT SO) GREAT BUCK HOWARD.
Almost forty years ago, Johnny Carson gave Buck Howard
the title ''Great Buck Howard'' and it stuck.
Valerie wait!
I just want to get out of here, okay!
My blood is boiling.
I don't blame you.
I'm done. Troy, I've never in my life've I been spoken, I'm done.
I know.
Me too!
He's fine!
We're going to keep him overnight and run some tests.
But I think it's just exhaustion.
Really!
So he's gonna be okay?
Well, he did pinch a nerve.
Whoever gave him CPR didn't know what they were doing.
Thank you.
This is it!
Ugh...yeah!
Yeah!
It's been really nice being with you, Troy. You know!
You know I'm in LA all the time and maybe I...
I'll call ya sometime.
You know when I'm...
In LA.
Have a safe trip.
Ok.
You...one you...
You gotta quit this job!
You know you can do better and...
I know people. I could probably help.
Okay!
It's over for Buck and everyone knows it but him.
No, no, it's not life threatening. He's just fainted!
Look, my wife's say she's leaving me,
if I let a client ruin's another vacation.
I can't go unless his life's in imminent danger.
Yeah, what am I supposed to do?
What do you mean?
Isn't there someone I should call or notified?
No, Troy there's no one.
It's just you!
Okay!
I'm going to sue the human wretched Edward
and his disgusting magazine
right out of business.
They were deceptive, malicious.
Not to mention I was supposed to be on the cover.
I'm sorry about some of the things I said...
I was very upset.
It wasn't you.
I never told anyone this, but I did do The Tonite show 61 times.
But I didn't appeared once,
in Johnny last 10 years.
I have no idea why.
They just stopped calling. No one ever explained.
Even at the end when Johnny was retiring
I kept hoping that he'll call for one last show
but he never did.
That's actually when I realized that it was probably over for me.
I've been denying it ever since.
It's exhausting.
You still entertained a lot of people, Buck.
You still put on a good show.
Good show. Good show!
How are we today, Mr...Howard?
Horrible!
How's Gary Singer?
You mean Jerry Springer?
Very well!
It was a minor accident.
He check out last night.
I am sorry to hear that.
Seeing Buck like this was hard.
Despite everything I...
come to feel not exactly affection for him...
but something like it.
This was the end though.
And just like Valerie had say, it was over for Buck.
The legendary performer and mentalist Buck Howard,
collasped and was rushed to University Hospital yesterday.
Conflicting reports suggest Mr Howard suffered
somewhat of a mental breakdown.
After setting a new world record
in a stunning performance...
Buck Howard is best known for his many appearances
on The Tonite Show with Johnny Carson!
Our reporter Judd McKinley was on hand yesterday
and got this eye witness footage.
And Mr Howard, he seems totally out of it...
Delivery for Mr. Howard.
Call Gales and tell him I am in danger imminent.
He'll know's what it means.
This train is leaving the station and we got to be on it, Troy.
And bring me...a dash of bloody brandy.
The legendary mentalist Buck Howard,
best known for his many appearances
on the Tonite show with Johnny Carson...
check himself out of a hospital in Cincinnati on Monday.
After the completion of a highly taxing stunt
where he put some 800 people to sleep.
Mary Hart was just the beginning.
No one could have predicted it but
suddenly Buck was hip.
David it's great to have you on TRL.
you know a person joining you here,
we do have a big surprise for you here.
We gonna bring him out!
Ladies and gentlemen.
The Great Buck Howard. C'mon out!
I love this town.
I love this man David Blaine field.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much!
Thank you.
Why don't we just mentally shake hand.
Dwell inside into the mind set of the kid's today...
What's your take on kids today?
I supposed I've some degree of insight.
And I...I have one major worry,
and that worry can be summed up in one word,
Drugs!
Today we'll be preparing one of Buck Howard original recipe's.
From his new book, Mentally Cook!
Well, since this picture was taken, it looks
like you had a little work done around the eye,isn it?
No, nothing has changed...
-You don't have to be defensive about it. -No, I don't.
You know, it's a...
A lot of people had work done.
But not me.
Now Buck, this's quite incredible. You're hip now.
Are you aware that you're hip?
I'm aware that I'm hip.
And have to say Colin,
I've always been hip!
It's Coline. It's Coline!
Yeah!
I love this town!
Hello! Hello!
Buck it's good to have you here.
It's great to be back.
Oh my gosh! Yes indeed!
I don't think I'll be the same.
Buck, I've got a friend's of your back stage.
Who you haven't seen in quite awhile now.
So I'm gonna bring him up right now. You ready?
Ladies and gentlemen.
George Takei!
# What the world needs now
# Is love, sweet love
# It's the only thing...
I love this man!
# ...that stay
# Love, still in love
In the wake of this whole crazy circus.
The call came in that Buck had been waiting for.
It was Vegas!
There was talk of a headline spot.
Even a long term deal!
But now, Buck wouldn't hear of it.
And why would he...
He was beyond Las Vegas.
He was bigger than he had ever been.
And he was about to make,
A truimphant return to the place where it all started for him.
It's the Tonite Show with Jay Leno!
Featuring the music from the production...
Tonight we welcome Tom Arnold...
Mentalist Buck Howard!
And now, yes... Jay Leno!
You're right. You're right!
I can't tell you.
We are about out of time.
Okay! Okay!
Do we've any promoter here to promote something....
No, no...I just came to hang out.
You don't have the choco hunt next week...
No, no.... I just got nowhere to go!
Tom, we gotta go. My apology to magician Buck Howard.
We're not able to bring him on tonite.
We're in so much over time.
Time got away with us. So...
We'll have him back at another time.
Good night, stay tune for Connors coming up next.
Good night, everyboby! Bye bye!
So I'm bump for Tom Arnold.
I don't even know who that is.
Hey Buck! I'm so sorry, man.
My wife left me for a rich guy.
My mum got busted for Crystal Meth...
So I had a lot of funny material.
It just kept going on...
You inspired me to come to Hollywood.
Do you remember this?
1978, Top Miles...the Coliseum.
You sign this for me.
Excuse me! Buck, Buck. Buck!
Jay wanted me to tell you he's very sorry...
It couldn't be help.
Buck!
-Buck, Buck! -Thank you Buck, you rock!
C'mon! c'mon! You're not the first person
in the world to get bump.
I mean we want to have you on next week.
Do you know how many times I did the Tonight Show?
61.
Do you how many times Johnny Carson bump me?
Zero! None! Nada!
You can tell J to take his apology
and shove it!
Do you want to be on the show next week or not?
That man is Satan and Buck Howard
does not work with Satan.
Yo! Call Vegas! Let's hear what they've to say.
Hello.
Hi!
Hello.
Aah! Hey Hey! Welcome back to Vegas Buck.
Thank you.
Hey, Dan Green.
Nice to meet you Dan.
-Micheal Perry! Hello, Mike!
Your handshake...
-Buck Howard handshake. -Yeah! That's fantastic.
By the way, a great job on the Stewarts.
-John and Martha. -Oh, Unbelievable!
-Great exposure for you. -Buck you...
You look great. I mean...the whole...the
Very fresh!
-It's got a... -Yeah, terrific!
Listen, I'm gonna jump in.
Err Buck,
as Gales already knows, we've been courting you.
-Yes! -After the come back you had, we think that Vegas
-is the perfect place for you. -Perfect!
We don't mean to offend at all but
we did conduct some initial research.
Yeah and so, Gales he sent a few tapes...
and then you know we screen into a focus group and...
Yeah, the magic slash mentalist part of the show
where you doing the hypnosis and you're looking for your money...
score really high. -Yeah!
Thru the roof. -Yeah! However the...
piano and the stand-up portion of the show,
Hum... not so much.
-A little more the lower end. -Yeah!
-Not bad! -Yeah.
-Not awful! -Just...it was just...
Any...any thoughts?
Well...uhm, I want to get back to Vegas.
Err, it's not that I don't find it sickening,
that people don't like the stand-up and the piano,
but err...I'm open for suggestion.
-Ahh great! -Okay!
That's bacically where... It' kind of...
-Where we're headed. -We're together! -Oh, it's Teddy!
-Listen. -I'll be right back. Sorry!
We're not going to change anything big, you know!
It's the Buck Howard show!
But I've got to tell you, my mum...
This was Buck shot, the hype had died down and now
this was what was left.
Maybe this is where Buck belong,
back in Vegas.
With his name in bright lights.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Prepare for a night that will overwhelm your senses.
Expand your mind and thrill your soul.
Presenting The Great Buck Howard!
And your number is 17.
Oh my God!
How about that, folks? Isn't that wild, folks?
Isn't that wild? It's wild!
Ladies and gentlemen in a few moments time,
These fine citizens.
will wake up to the snap of my fingers,
They'll believe that someone has removed all their clothes.
And that they're standing in front of you,
shall we say, Buck naked!
Isn't that wild folks? Isn't that wild?
Look, this could not be any better.
Now ladies and gentlemen,
these 2 people will come back stage with me...
to keep an eye on me.
To make sure there's no funny business.
And these 2 people.
will hide my fee in cash,
somewhere in this auditorium.
You have my fee.
Alright?
Shall we?
Buck, here we go!
Hey Hey Hey!
Great job Buck!
Going great!
Hey Buck, let me ask you something.
How do they work this thing with your money?
What do you mean?
Well, I assume that the casino pays
about a month or something like that, right...
-So is that a week worth of cash out there? -Honey!
What? I am curious!
-Uhm! -Excuse me! Sorry...hi, how're you sir? I work for the casino, sir!
And it's a good question.
The agreement we've with Buck is that
if he's unable to find the money,
a pro-rate sum for tonight show only,
is deducted from his salary and donated to charity.
Boring's!
They are ready for you.
Mr Howard... They're ready for you.
-Gotta get out there! -Go get 'em!
As I went back to watch him finish the show
I had this feeling that it was time for me to move on.
I was Buck road manager.
And his days on the road were over.
And now for the next effect
I'll need complete silence.
Absolute concentration!
Thank you.
It's your deal, Buck did it.
Yes, his show had change!
The doves, the scarfs...
But it seemed like Buck was okay with these compromises.
And despite it all
the show still came down to this.
His signature effect,
the things he had always been known for.
-Gales, is he alright? -Yes...
Oh fine, just fine.
But then, suddenly...
For the first time in a nearly 40 years career,
Buck couldn't find his money.
And just like that.
It was over.
So here we are!
What're you gonna do now, kid?
Well...er...
I've been doing some writing.
Really!
Like...like for newspaper?
No, no!
Different kind of writing.
Oh!
You mean the kind where they don't pay?
Well I'm hoping eventually but so far not yet.
You know, you don't remember because you were a little kid.
But your mom and I, we...
barely made it in the beginning.
We struggle!
So that I wouldn't have to, yes!
I know!
That's right.
But I didn't have a choice, you do!
So...
How about this?
You come back home, you save up your money...
You go back to school...
Hear me out now. Just hear me out!
Entertainment Law, Entertainment Law!
Dad! Stop!
I wish I could go back to school.
And I know that if I do I'll be accept,
But I can't.
I have to try this!
And it might be a crazy dream,
I might fail miserably.
But I have to at least try.
Because otherwise I'm not gonna be happy at anything.
Okay.
Okay!
Good luck.
You're aware...
that the word writer...
rarely appear with the other
word star in front of them.
So you better finish your breakfast.
And take me to the airport. I gotta get out of Los Angeles.
My dad was right.
I did need to make money.
But I've learned from Buck that
when you do the things you love,
Somehow, magically, you find the money.
Hi!
-Hi! -Hi!
How are you? I'm good!
Wow, so yeah that is...
That's Jonathan Whiteman?
Yes, you don't remember him? He's good!
His show just got pick up
and we've just been doing press round the clock.
No, I grew up watching him.
He was...he was huge.
But listen, I still don't understand why
he would want to meet with me.
The writer assistant got fired,
and I just mentioned you,
but Troy, this could be so great for you.
I mean most of his assistant they made staff in like a year or two.
I don't usually do this sort of thing but
but I had to meet you.
You used to work for Buck Howard?
Yeah, I...I did.
Been a fan of his ever since I was a kid.
I only do a little amateur magic myself.
So much for someone who's I've been curious about...
Not that it matters.
I don't knows how he find's the money.
That's not what I was going to ask.
Is he gay? I was just wondering.
I don't know!
I...I never saw him with anyone. So...
Yeah! I ...well...
I've seen the money anyway...
I found that out. That's a total scam.
Really!
How?
He...he wears an ear piece.
Yeah, I heard about this. And then there's a guy...
That travel's with him...
and tells him where the money is.
Yeah, I think I would've noticed.
Travel separate!
No one's even sure what the guy looks like, you know.
He see where the money is...
goes to the restroom or
out to his car.
Only takes a second.
Whispers into a microphone that goes right into Buck's ear.
Third row!
Lady in the green sweater!
And his job is done.
I don't believe it.
You're loyal!
I like that.
Who would have thought,
that Buck Howard on your resume would land you a job.
Not me.
And seriously thank you very much for arranging this...
-It went very well! -C'mon!
So well, thank you! I mean it.
Okay!
Well, I'm...er over here!
So, that boyfriend of yours, how's that working out?
And you ask just caused you're concern about my well being...
Oh, yes! Yes! Of course...of course. I'm very, very concerned.
I'll call you.
Okay!
Preferably late at night, drunk.
Always.
Okay! Bye!
And just like that, I begin a whole new life.
Still I thought about Buck, all the time.
He just disappeared after that night in Vegas.
I wonder what exactly had gone wrong.
But he never fail to find his money before.
It didn't make sense.
But then again, maybe it proved that he was real.
Because when you think about it.
Only something fake could work 100% of the times.
Regardless, I just wish that there was
someway that I could know he was okay.
Maybe talk to him.
One more time!
ONE NIGHT ONLY! THE GREAT HOWARD BUCK.
SATURDAY 8 PM. OCTOBER 13.
Come in!
Hi Buck.
Troy, my goodness.
-How're you? -I brought you something.
A brandy.
That's very kind of you.
What're you doing here?
You know, just take a trip up to check out
the show.
Come in!
Buck, it's 30 minutes to show time.
Troy, this's Russell... my new road manger.
Russell, Troy used to have your job.
But Troy understood the importance of
not looking like a bum on the job.
Your tie, you're not in a bar.
Well come back when it's 5 minutes and I need some water.
Actually there is some water right there.
That's distilled water.
I'm not an ion.
I drink spring water.
Remember?
Thank you!
So, come out of retirement.
I will never give up, Troy!
So, why are you here?
What happened in Vegas?
Did you blow it on purpose?
Because that is the only explanation that I can think of.
I mean...
I know that you wear an ear piece,
and that you've someone in the audiences
who tell you where the money is.
Troy you know, that thing about the ear piece
has been going around for years.
It's a rumor, do you want to check?
No, no! It's doesn't matter. It's not importance.
Look, I get it. It's a show.
You are there to entertain and I understand.
I just want to know for myself.
What happened in Vegas?
You know, I don't really belong in Vegas.
I mean, I belong in places like this.
I love what I do.
I love this town.
I love these people.
And I'll never cheat them, ever!
Watch the show tonight.
Thank you, thank you! Ladies and gentlemen.
I can't tell you how delighted I'm to be back in Bakersfield.
I love this town.
As I settled in to watch Buck show, it struck me...
This was the first time
I was seeing it as an audience's member.
I want you to take this piece of paper ...
And it was his old show.
The changes he had made in Vegas were gone.
As if they had never happen.
And somehow it felt right.
It was actually kind of beautiful in a way.
Cause I know what the number is.
The number you've written down
is the number 77, is that correct?
Show the audience!
Isn't that wild?
# What the world needs now
# Is love, sweet love
When I tap them on their left shoulder.
They'll be sound asleep in their chairs.
Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall...
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall...
As the show near it's finale,
I saw that Buck actually had made one small change.
And this one was just for me.
For many years there have been rumors.
That I employed some sort of listening device
to aid me with this effect.
I would like to address those rumors tonight.
Is there a doctor in the house?
There are 2.
May I ask you both to come on stage please?
Take these instruments please look in my ear,
and tell the public if I...
have any kind of listening device whatsoever?
It's all clear!
Thank you! Now...
To convinced even the most harden sceptics,
I'll also put this hood over my head.
I'll ask you all to clap in unison,
while my fee's being rehidden here in the auditorium.
and I am ready.
-We're done. -Thank you!
Ladies and gentlemen, members of the public,
I may've to inconvenience you one more time.
I must've please for this effect complete silence!
I couldn't watch because I knew,
Buck wasn't going to find the money.
I could only guess that whatever Buck had use in the past
wether it was an ear piece or his own powers,
it was gone now!
And for the first time I realized
I wanted to believe that
Buck would always be out there.
In some small town, somewhere...
Showing people that the impossible was possible.
That there was magic in this world!
But that wasn't meant to be.
This time it was really over for Buck!
Sir, you've the money!
Sorry, I don't have it!
Sir, you've the money in your left pocket.
I love this town!