(tires squealing)
(horn honking)
(groaning)
(thudding)
Please, stop!
No more!
(panting)
(yelling)
(screaming)
Help me!
Get this thing out of my head!
It won't come out!
We've got to get you to a hospital.
No! I won't last until then!
Get it out of my damn ear now!
All right, all right, just take it easy.
Come on. Just get it out!
(yelling)
It'll help if you tell me what surgery you've had.
(sobbing, groaning)
(screaming)
No...
No! You can't make me...
Not anymore!
(screaming)
(thunder crashing)
(phonograph powers up)
(slow ragtime jazz playing)
(mechanical creaking)
(chimes tinkling)
(thunder crashes)
(typing)
Micki, we're going to be late.
Jack, I'm coming.
Have you got the auction tickets?
They're in your desk, remember?
Ah.
What are you writing about?
"Bigfoot Rescued Me From UFO"?
Um, Johnny, you do know that most of the stuff
in those papers is made up.
It's just a springboard.
I mean, you guys won't let me write about
any of the stuff we do.
Because you write fiction and that has to make sense.
JACK: Ah, good.
They wouldn't let us past the gates without these.
What kind of auction do you have to buy tickets for?
A very exclusive one.
It's an estate auction
that's a huge private collection of antiques.
People from all over the world want a piece of this.
And the guy who owned it bought things from here?
Half a dozen purchases were listed in the manifest.
We've been trying to get in touch with him for months,
but he's a wealthy investment banker.
Didn't even answer our calls.
Well, at least he won't be using any of the objects anymore.
Well, we're not sure that he did.
Let's hope we can get them before somebody else does.
(door chimes jangling)
Ladies and gentlemen, you must concentrate for him.
Pam, I want you to think the image in your head.
I'm seeing a child.
It's a photograph of your son.
Please concentrate.
Psychic communication is a two-way street.
Adam's powers are nothing without you.
All right, Adam,
what do I have in my hands now?
(audience chuckling)
It's bigger than a breadbox!
(audience laughing)
Quiet, please.
Concentrate.
I think we may have him beat.
It's, um...
It's a beautiful woman.
All right, Adam, what else can you tell me?
I-I'm sorry, Phil, I didn't hear you.
Cou-Could you repeat the question?
I said,
(voice fading): what else can you tell me?
I'm sorry, Phil, I didn't hear you.
Cou-Could you repeat the question?
What else can you tell me?
Phil, do you really want me to tell these people
that she's not wearing a wedding ring...
but the guy she's with is?
(audience laughing)
PHIL: It's all right, sir.
Adam has no way of knowing that you're here with your daughter.
(audience applauding)
Thank you, thank you very much.
Adam Cole, ladies and gentlemen, Adam Cole.
(jazzy fanfare plays)
Adam Cole, ladies and gentlemen, thank you.
Thank you so much.
You're getting a hearing aid.
I don't need a hearing aid.
Look, I looked like an idiot out there tonight.
I gave you the same clue so many times
they had to know I was feeding you.
I'm not wearing a hearing aid.
Look, you'll do what I say.
This is my act.
I created it.
Finally, after two years, we're getting hot.
Important people are coming to see us.
Yeah? Well, it's me they're coming to see, Phil.
(laughing)
Yeah, and how far did that pretty face of yours
get you before I came along?
You ran this hustle for 20 years
and never made the rent until I joined you.
Look, without me, you're just another
no-talent hustler.
So, don't blow it.
Okay?
The nerve damage is extensive.
This left ear is irreparable.
Your right ear won't get any better.
What's the good news?
Oh, I think a hearing aid will help.
What?
I said, a hearing aid will help.
I can't wear one of those things.
What about surgery?
I'm in show business.
I depend on my image.
If I wear a hearing aid, I'll look like a dork.
But you'll be able to hear.
NURSE: Dr. Risbeck, I have a call
on line three from Dr. Odell.
Thank you very much.
Why don't you pick something out?
(rhythmic thumping)
(thumping continues)
(inaudible conversation)
RISBECK: No, I don't have
that particular information right here.
But I'll try and get it for you.
Yes, okay.
Just a second, I'll get the file.
No, not that one.
That belonged to another patient.
Besides, its very old.
One of the first cordless models
ever made.
RISBECK: I need my file on Mrs. Caldwell.
(loud typing)
(typing growing louder)
(jazzy lounge music plays)
How's it sound?
Perfect.
Good, now you got no excuse for screwing up.
Remember, when I say "What can you tell me about this person?"
It's a blonde. Yeah, yeah.
Then I say, "So far so good." "Not a real blonde."
The audience loves it when you...
I know the routine.
What if somebody sees this thing?
Look, nobody's going to see it.
It's going to be hidden by the blindfold.
(sighs)
Randi Hamel's here tonight.
The talent coordinator for The Stan Elliott Show.
I'll pick her out in the audience,
I'll say "How about this guy?"
And then you spill your guts
with everything I told you about her, okay?
All right,
let's knock 'em dead.
PHIL: Adam, can you tell me what I've got in my hand?
It's metal.
Small.
It's a wristwatch.
(audience cheering)
That's correct.
But I'll bet you a grand you can't tell me the make.
It's a Rolex.
But, but...
It's an imitation.
(audience laughing)
PHIL: Thank you very much, sir!
Let's see if we can find someone, Adam.
How about this guy?
(crowd laughing)
Do you need glasses, Phil?
You're standing next to a very beautiful woman.
(audience cheering)
Tell us more.
(muffled voices)
(chatter stops)
(overlapping conversations)
Last drink was pretty weak.
No decent looking women here.
(sighing): What a waste of time.
Do something!
(vague, overlapping voices)
You'll have to be quiet.
Can you tell us more?
(distorted, echoing voices)
Shut up!
(distorted, echoing voices)
(rhythmic beating)
(distorted voices fade away)
Ha, he's a fake!
You'd kill yourself if anyone found out about your cousin.
The police couldn't have found the body.
Uh... Uh, Adam, I was asking you about...
You were in business together.
Things were going bad.
You needed the insurance.
What are you talking about?
You shot him.
Twice in the head, three times in the heart.
I don't think this is funny.
Neither do I!
(rhythmic beating)
Then you wrapped his body in chains
and dropped it in the water at the quarry. WOMAN: He's crazy.
You told the police he was going south on business.
I told them the truth. Yeah.
He went south, all right, with five bullets in him.
You've still got the gun, Andy.
What are you gonna do with the last bullet?
(people yelling)
(gunshot)
No!
No! He's a fake, I told you!
Leave me alone! Leave me alone!
Got to call Stan.
This guy's a sensation.
Adam, what's going on?
Got the look-- sort of rugged.
Love to have a drink with him.
Adam?
(gagging)
(distorted, echoing voices)
Adam, what the hell's going on?
(gagging)
(distorted, echoing voices)
(gagging)
(thunder crashing)
Thank you. Yeah.
Jack, the last one's here.
Five of the six items
that we went after in the auction--
and we didn't break the bank.
What's still missing?
Um, something that wasn't in the collection.
An antique hearing aid.
Hearing aid?
Hearing aid!
Jack, what was this guy's name?
Gerald Maxwell.
You know he did have a hearing problem,
so it's quite possible
that hearing aid was buried with him.
How did he die?
Apparently, he died in a doctor's office.
JACK: Johnny, what is it?
There's a story in here.
Yeah.
Listen to this.
"A respected ear specialist witnessed the bizarre scene
of a patient exploding in his office."
Oh, Johnny. No, no, no, listen, listen.
"Dr. Walter Risbeck reportedly told colleagues
"a man barged into his office demanding help
for a hearing aid he couldn't remove."
What? "Police say the man,
"Gerald Maxwell, committed suicide.
"But this paper learned he literally exploded
when the hearing aid malfunctioned."
Let me see that. Hearing aid.
Suicide. Maxwell.
It all fits.
Maybe.
If only it wasn't in one of those papers.
I don't know.
Where's the phone book?
(distorted, echoing voices)
(groaning)
(phone ringing)
Risbeck here.
Doctor, my name is Jack Marshak.
I'm calling you about
a death that occurred in your office.
(distorted, echoing voices)
What have you done to me?!
Uh... Dr. Risbeck?
Make it stop.
Get away from me!
(screaming)
Hello-- anyone there?
(grunting)
PHIL (echoing): Adam, can you tell me what I've got in my hand?
(distorted, echoing voices)
(voices speeding up)
PHIL: Adam, what the hell's going on?
ANDY: I told them the truth!
(voices speed up, stop)
Jack, what happened?
Something happened to Risbeck. Let's go!
(gasps)
(thunderclap)
I thought you might be ready for that drink.
It's late-- I really shouldn't.
No?
I thought you found my...
"rugged" good looks irresistible.
Your first appointment's at 11:00.
I think you can risk a drink.
Jack, what does this thing look like?
It's old.
It's an antique.
I have a feeling it's already gone.
I found his appointment book.
I think we should check out his patients.
Very good, Micki.
Let's divide up the pages and get right at it.
(both moan)
What have you done to me?
Nothing you didn't really want.
(chuckles)
You're reading my mind, aren't you?
Okay, read this.
(both laugh)
I thought you were a lady.
I was thinking--
but of course you know that.
You want me to do the show tonight.
Can you do that on such short notice?
I'm not waiting for eight levels of network executives
to approve this.
You want to run the show, don't you?
Why not? I've got the talent.
Stan's ratings are so high
because I get him the best people in the country.
I should be running it.
Well, maybe someday you will.
Not if I'm late.
(phone ringing)
Adam?
Adam, where are ya?!
That's not important.
I got news.
You've got news?
The phone's been ringing off the hook.
Booking Agents. Reporters. The police.
Police?
Yeah, they wanted to know how you knew about that killer.
We're in every paper in town.
Terrific.
Adam, we got offers.
All kinds of them.
Club dates, TV, Vegas.
Anything we want.
I know. Guess who's appearing
on The Stan Elliott Show tonight.
We got it!
Oh, you gotta come on home. We gotta rehearse.
Actually, I, uh, won't be coming home Phil.
From now on, I'm a single.
What?
I don't need you feeding me cues onstage anymore.
And, uh, I don't need the crap you feed me offstage either.
I can make it by myself.
Now, wait a minute...
So long, partner.
Adam?
Adam!
(knocking on door)
Adam Cole?
Wrong.
Who the hell are you?
My name's Jack Marshak.
I'm sorry to bother you so early.
Does Adam live here?
Yeah, when the whim strikes him.
Are you his father?
No, I'm not his father, I'm his partner.
At least I was until five minutes ago.
What do you want?
Did he visit an ear specialist yesterday?
Yeah.
What about it?
The doctor he saw was murdered.
Not that he had anything to do with it.
I would like to ask him some questions.
So, I need to know where to find him.
The Stan Elliott Show.
Maybe if you rush right down there,
you'll be able to get a place in line.
(door chimes jangling)
Well, I hope you had better luck than we did.
Most of the people that I talked to
didn't even wear hearing aids.
MICKI: And one of mine turned out
to be a six-year-old girl.
I think I found the man we're after.
Who? He's a mentalist
named Adam Cole.
And he's gonna be on The Stan Elliott Show tonight.
What makes you-- what makes you think it's him?
Well, last night he was working for a grade-B nightclub.
And tonight he's headlining the top talk show in the country.
I heard about this guy on the news.
He picked a killer out of the crowd at this club,
and knew everything about the crime.
That's another thing that doesn't make sense.
I've worked with a lot of mentalists
at the time that I was doing my magic act.
There's no mind reading involved.
JOHNNY: There isn't? No.
One partner just feeds the other
a whole lot of verbal clues.
And that's another thing.
This guy's just fired his partner.
He's gonna do this show solo.
Do you think he really can read minds?
Well, I think--
I think that you two should take in the show
and leave me to do some digging.
Oh, and be very careful.
Because if he can read minds--
he's gonna know exactly what you're up to, isn't he?
ADAM: That's a nice, big hand
for Carl and his lovely wife Joan.
Looks like a straightforward nightclub act to me.
Let's wait and see.
MICKI: He's wearing the hearing aid.
Now... who's next?
How about you... Cheryl?
How did you know my name...?
(laughter)
ADAM: I know what color underwear you're wearing,
but let's just skip that.
(laughter)
Now, Cheryl,
you can ask any question you like.
Any question... about your boyfriend.
Now, don't be scared.
We're all friends here.
Okay.
Does Robby really want to marry me?
Really?
MICKI: He's Risbeck's patient.
He could be the killer.
ROBBY: I guess so.
Who else would I marry?
I'm afraid...
it's true love.
(audience sighs)
Give her the ring, Robby.
The engagement ring.
It's in your breast pocket, isn't it?
Oh!
(squeals)
Congratulations, Robby and Cheryl.
Let me kiss the bride.
(upbeat theme music plays)
(cheering, applause and whistling swells)
Well, it must be thrilling
to know what other people are thinking.
Well, I like to think of it as knowing things about people
that they don't even know themselves.
Well, could you give us an example?
Well...
...the most pressing thing on your mind, is,
can I answer your questions quicker
so you won't be late going to commercial?
(laughter)
(applause)
Where are you going?
Backstage.
MICKI: The hearing aid must let him read minds.
Got to get it back.
Stop him before others die.
Great show.
He wants you back tomorrow.
He's crazy about you.
Nobody gets on the couch the first time on.
Well, there's a first time for everything.
RANDI: We could go places together.
Maybe his own show.
I've never felt this way before with anyone.
I want him so bad...
Ah!
Well, you tell Stan
I'll come back as often as he wants...
on one condition.
That you're producing the show.
You can't do that.
That's the bottom line.
I think you'll find he's looking for an excuse
to get rid of the bozo who's running things now.
You really know that.
It's not an act?
It's an act.
I'm just very perceptive.
Trust me.
What are you doing in here?
I told them I was your partner.
Talk to you later.
Used me until I wasn't useful.
Hope she has a longer shelf life.
Sure treat you well around here, don't they?
Why don't I call a limo so they can run you home?
We were partners. I should be a part of this.
Well, it wasn't working out, Phil.
You should be happy for me.
You can't leave me like this.
You're whining again.
I know what happened last night.
I know how you did it.
A guy came by this morning.
He asked about that doctor you'd seen.
That was the shtick you used
in the club last night, wasn't it?
What?
That ear doctor's killer comes into the club.
And you see your chance to be a real mind reader,
so... so, you pull it off.
You don't know how wrong you are.
You're just a no-talent hustler.
But it won't last.
Somebody already knows you just got lucky.
Other people will find out.
I'll tell 'em, if I have to.
A man came to my apartment asking questions.
Jack Marshak.
Said doctor was murdered.
You dumb son of a bitch!
You're only going to be famous for 15 minutes.
Go on, get out of here.
Find yourself another boy.
But your little act is going to look pretty pale
next to what I can do.
You're gonna come crawling back to me.
You're gonna have to!
Hi.
I'm Micki Foster.
I saw your performance.
You were astounding.
Thank you.
I just wanted you to know,
just in case you hadn't read my mind.
MICKI: He's wearing the hearing aid.
I know it. Wonder what's wrong with his neck.
Well, thank you very much.
I can see you're going places.
Good night.
MICKI: Jack was right.
We got to get it back.
JOHNNY: Wait a minute.
You're telling me you let him read your mind?
If he's really got that power, I'm sure he'll be after me.
This is crazy.
If he knows what I'm thinking,
we'll only get close if he comes to us.
I'll be right behind you.
MICKI: It's okay.
He won't try anything in public.
MICKI: Don't be afraid.
Need to know what he does.
Got to get to Jack.
Maybe he's got some idea.
MAN: Hey, what the hell are you doing? You could've killed us!
What, are you asleep or something?
(knocking on window)
MICKI: Johnny, where are you?
Don't leave me alone.
(screaming)
(Adam grunts)
(grunts)
(whimpers)
You shouldn't meddle in other people's business!
I can help you!
I don't need help!
PHIL: The phone's been ringing... (horn honking)
Booking agents, reporters, the police.
CHERYL: How did you know my name?
You okay?
(grunts)
(Micki panting)
(screaming)
Jack!
Jack?!
Johnny, what happened?
Adam Cole tried to kill her.
My God, Micki. Come on. You all right?
Jack, he knew.
He read my mind.
I watched him follow her.
He kept grabbing his head like he was in pain.
Yes.
He was gathering enough thoughts to kill her.
I found out how the curse works.
The hearing aid lets you hear what other people are thinking.
But then the thoughts have to be released, or you die.
Unless they're released into another person.
How are we gonna stop him?
He'll know every move we make before we make it.
I don't know, Micki, but we've got to find a way.
Because nobody who's close to him is safe until we do.
ADAM: Phil!
(whimpering)
(gasping)
Ow!
What the hell are you doing here?
Help me!
Crawling back already?
What are you, drunk?
(panting)
You were right, Phil.
I do need you.
(grunts)
(shouting)
(overlapping, echoing voices)
(voices speeding up)
(voices speed up, stop)
(labored breathing)
(Adam sighs)
(gasps)
(whimpers)
(muffled scream)
Don't scream.
He was a loser. He doesn't matter.
All that matters is you and I.
What have you done to him?
ADAM: What I had to do to keep my power.
You came to tell me
Stan's letting you produce the show, didn't you?
RANDI: He always knows.
Because of me,
you've got what you always wanted.
And because of me...
...you'll have everything you want
for the rest of your life.
Someone will find out.
No. I'll always know the moment someone's suspicious.
Can't be happening.
You've dreamt of running the network one day.
Well, I can give that to you, now.
You've dreamt of money and power.
With me, you can have all of that.
The Stan Elliott Show is just exposure.
You and I aren't stopping there.
RANDI: He could. He could do it.
No.
You'll never be alone again.
You'll always have someone who cares for you,
someone who knows what you need.
All your worries are over.
Oh, he's perfect. So perfect.
This could work.
MICKI: The Stan Elliott Show is offering $50,000
to anyone who can prove Adam can't read their mind.
This is becoming a circus.
Jack, if this guy can read minds,
why would he settle for a talk show?
Well, his agenda will get bigger.
You can bet on that... unless we can stop him.
His partner.
Hmm?
His partner.
He must know something.
It's a good place to start, Micki.
Yes, come on.
RANDI: Adam.
I'd like you to meet
Henry Feldman, president of the network.
Adam Cole.
It's an honor, Mr. Feldman.
Pleasure's all mine, Mr. Cole.
You're generating a tremendous amount of press for us.
Well, I hope it doesn't cost you the $50,000.
Small price to pay for the ratings we'll get.
Maybe he's right for a variety show.
God knows we need one.
Come to my office tomorrow.
We'll talk.
He'll give me my own show.
Let's really let him see what I can do.
Cancel the other guests.
Hello?
Anybody home?
Bet you Adam was real hungry
to get out of this place.
Who wouldn't be?
Jack.
Jack!
(thudding)
Come on.
(murmuring)
Ten seconds, Mr. Elliott.
I have never done a show with one guest.
How the hell can anyone talk to one person for an hour?
He'll work the audience most of the time.
And what do I do, pretend I'm wallpaper?
This is nuts.
It will work, Stan.
Trust me.
ANNOUNCER (over PA): And now
America's favorite
late night host, Stan Elliott!
(theme music playing, audience applauding)
(audience cheering, whistling)
JACK: He can only read one mind at a time.
If we go after him together,
one of us should be able to get to him.
Please concentrate.
Stan hid my paycheck on one of you.
If I can't find it, I'm out of luck.
(audience laughing, clapping)
Well, I'm glad you think it's funny.
I got mortgage payments to make.
SECURITY GUARD: I'm sorry, you're not allowed
back here. JACK: Please, please.
It's very important that we see Mr. Cole.
Can I help?
I'm the producer.
Uh, my name is Jack Marshak.
It really is urgent that we see Adam.
Uh, we're halfway through the show.
I'm... I'm sorry, you'll have to wait.
I'll show you to his dressing room.
This way.
Right away, this way.
(suspenseful theme playing)
It's...
(music stops)
the cop.
Three people in.
(man laughs)
ADAM: Your 50 G's is still safe, Stan.
(audience laughing)
(audience applauding over speakers)
Right in here, Mr. Marshak.
ANNOUNCER: And we'll be back with mentalist Adam Cole.
(show theme music playing)
Jack, he's leaving the stage.
He's holding his head like he was last night.
(door closing, lock clicking)
What did she do?
She's helping him.
(thumping at door)
(approaching footsteps)
I hope you found someone.
JACK: Open this door!
'Cause I can't get through the show without this.
JACK: Anybody!
That Marshak guy is in there.
A girl's with him and some guy.
(screaming)
Stupid bitch!
I told you one person.
No, no, I thought he'd help me! We were partners!
HENRY: Pleasure's all mine, Mr. Cole.
RANDI: What have you done to him?
STAN: How the hell can anyone talk to one person...
RANDI: I'd like you to meet Henry Feldman.
(Randi gasps sharply)
(Randi gasping)
(theme music playing)
Welcome back.
And we're ready for our next challenger
to take on Adam Cole, but it, uh, seems as though he's left.
Maybe he had a mental image of the rest of the show.
(audience groans, chuckles)
STAN: Wait a second.
I'm getting a premonition myself.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, here he is...
the amazing Adam Cole.
(cheering, applause)
Oh, ma'am, you're too easy.
That envelope contains
half a snapshot of your cat.
Your husband has the other half in his pocket.
(applause)
(audience applauding over speaker)
(sighs)
No.
Who's next?
Where is my next challenge?
Oh, come on.
Must be somebody here
who can keep a secret.
Well, one of you has to have a mind that I can't read.
Come on.
Who's my next challenger?
There must be someone.
Yes.
I'll challenge you. (audience applauds)
Got to stop him.
Can't let him know.
Well...
take your best shot,
Mr. Marshak.
(applause)
Now, what's hidden in your mind
that I shouldn't know?
Know about Phil, Risbeck.
Ask your question, Mr. Marshak.
Just remember:
You have to prove you've outsmarted me.
Know about Randi.
First, I challenge you to take off that hearing aid.
I used to do a magic act.
I've seen mentalists use receivers
to get information from a plant in the audience.
ADAM: I'm not using a plant. JACK: You won't mind proving it.
Take off the hearing aid. I need this to hear.
I'm not going to be saying anything.
(beating)
JOHNNY: You can't get away.
You're surrounded.
It's over, Adam.
MAN: Get him off!
MAN 2: Oh, my God, what's happening?
Jerk! Rip-off! JACK: Nowhere to run.
Give it up for your own sake.
(cacophony of voices blaring)
He's a fake. Charlatan.
(voices blaring)
I know you can't do it
without the hearing aid.
(voices blaring)
(gasping)
That's terrible. It's a receiver.
JACK: Give it up. MICKI: It's over.
Take out the hearing aid.
This is nuts.
...use receivers to get information
from a plant in the audience.
(screaming)
(voices continue blaring)
We got to get it back.
HENRY: Small price to pay for the ratings...
JACK: I challenge you to take out that hearing aid.
This is crazy. JACK: I know you can't do it.
I'm not going to be saying anything.
(voices continue blaring)
(Adam screaming)
(audience groaning)
(voices continue blaring, then abruptly stop)
I guess that thing made Adam believe
he could satisfy his hunger for fame.
And he destroyed himself rather than live without it.
(sighs)
Weren't you afraid he'd find out what you were planning?
Well, in a way, I didn't have to.
Once he was in the spotlight, he couldn't back out.
His ego trapped him.
He really should have found what was in his own mind
before he went looking for what was in other people's.