Telstar: The Joe Meek Story Page #8

- you're over a month in arrears with the rent.

- Really?

That's the Major's department.

- The man is a crook, I'm sorry to be harsh, but there it is.

- Really?

I'll see what I can do about the rent.

I'll see if I can do something about those rough boys.

I don't see how!

They've been sent by the other record companies

to try and put me off.

- They know I'm going to have another big hit soon, you see.

- Really, Joe?

It was them that engineered that horrible court case against me.

I would never do a thing like that.

How many of those boys do you recognise from 'round here?

- Here's your tea.

- Oh Patrick!

You're very kind, thank you.

You had my brother.

He was only 16, I'll go to the pigs and tell 'em about scum like you. We know where you live.

Of course he knows where I live! He sent me a letter! Bin!

Another one. A photo!

Of you in Hampstead Heath. Does Billy know?

He's done his homework. Send him a fiver. Next.

We have returned invoices from the Major.

He wants to see a breakdown of expenses spent on Heinz.

- Tight-fisted pig.

- Particularly boat.

It's an asset. It's good press. No-one's got a boat.

Not even Adam Faith has got a boat.

- Send in those photos of Heinz fishing.

- I don't know about that.

- He's returned the invoice for the photo session.

- I'll call him later.

- Next.

- "I hope you rot in hell. I hope you see your loved ones

- "scream in agonising pain..."

- That's a bit strong!

- What do they want?

- Nothing. It's from the neighbours.

- Yeah, well, I may have a new backer.

- Really?

- Mmm.

And as soon as my royalties from Telstar arrive,

I will buy you out completely.

I see. I'm very sorry to hear that, Joe.

I genuinely like you and I'm going to give you a piece of advice.

Spreading yourself so thin before you are really established

is more than a risk. It is, to be frank,

simple bloody-minded stupidity.

Don't you dare talk to me like that! I am not one of your lackeys.

I'm talking to you as a friend, Joe. You're a terrible businessman.

I dread to think what will happen to you

if no-one's watching the purse-strings.

Don't you talk to me about business.

My band is number one in America

and you can't get them out of the Billy Fury contract to tour there.

Where was your business acumen then?

Joe.

I am your partner, not your boss.

Unfortunately, you had everything to do with that contract.

You signed it, I did not.

So until your mystery backer coughs up or your royalties arrive,

we shall remain partners.

That is what my business acumen tells me.

Good day.

Stupid idiot.

All right? How you doing, mate?

DOOR CLOSES:

- Hello, Geoff.

- Where's everyone else?

Oh. It's just you and Joe today. He's up top.

There has been a lot of criticism of late.

People have been saying that RGM has been sounding old-fashioned.

Maybe it's because of your classical training,

or maybe you've been spending too much time on your psychic studies,

but the point is, you've been letting the side slip

and I can't allow it to happen any more.

Am I...?

Joe, are you firing me?

- Well, you can't write songs if you're not here.

- I got scared.

Those boys downstairs, I'm not from London, they sense that.

Friend in need, Geoff.

If my work is so old-fashioned,

then why are you recording one of my old tunes?

The song is by my two new boys, it's got nothing to do with you.

Oh, so you didn't steal it? That would be a first!

No!

F***ing...!

You're just jealous because they showed you up

in your f***ing job!

Let's hope they don't have to write for your pretty, tone-deaf pudding!

Who always sings the guide track?

- I'm normally louder on the record than he is!

- Oh, f*** off, Geoff.

You're a sad, jealous little boy.

HE CONTINUES SHOUTING

I'll give you jealous. Your little cherub has already moved out.

Do you think he's going to be living alone?

I don't want to see you any more.

You wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my songs.

You've always been an embarrassment to me.

I wrote hits for you, Joe. I...

The songs come to us from out there.

Somewhere.

If that song is off an old tape then I wrote it.

Patrick!

I'm here, Joe.

Show Mr Goddard to the door.

Thanks for your help, Geoff. Shan't be needing you any more.

Come on, Geoff.

This place used to radiate.

Everyone gave something into the ether

and together we created...miracles.

He got big-headed.

Sucked everyone's energy, like a vampire.

I can see where he's going.

It's dark.

Cold.

I fear it may cost him everything.

Bye, Geoff.

Be careful, Patrick.

RADIO:
Hello, Playmates.

Oh, what a glorious thing to be

A healthy grown-up busy, busy bee

Whiling away the passing hours...

All right, sweetheart?

..I'd like to be a busy, busy bee

Being just as busy as a bee can be

Flying round the garden

Brightest ever seen

Taking back the honey to the dear old queen...

F*** off!

SHOUTING:

Honey bee, honey bee

Bzzz if you like but don't sting me

Honey bee, honey bee

Bzzz if you like but don't sting me!

MUSIC PLAYS:

HE WHISTLES:

"Hello, Playmates!"

Morning. Miserable bastard.

I'm moving into my new digs tonight. Handsome, it is.

You should see it, it's lovely. Bedroom the size of a football pitch.

I've got an ensuite and all. Never had one of those before.

I'm playing the Arthur Askey gig tonight. Are you coming?

I'm a busy, busy bee Oh, what a glorious thing to be.

GASPS What are you doing?!

- What are you doing? What are you doing?!

- Who is she?

- What are you on about?

- Who is she?!

- You've been covering your tracks, haven't you?

- Tongues wag, Joe.

It's good for my image to have a girlfriend.

What f***ing image? I gave you your f***ing image!

I'm not like you.

Go on then, go. Leave your stuff, go, I've got work to do.

Go if you're going! F***ing go!

SOBS:

TURNS ON MUSIC:
"Have I The Right?" by The Honeycombs

You know I'll always miss you

I've loved you from the very start

Come right back I just can't bear it

I've got this love and I long to share it

Come right back I'll show my love is strong

Oh, yeah

Have I the right to touch you?

If I could you'd see how much you

Send those shivers running down my spine

Oooh-ooh-ooh

Have I the right to thrill you?

You know I'll wait until you

Give me the right to make you mine

Come right back I just can't bear it

I've got some love and I long to share it...

- DJ:

- That was The Honeycombs,

with their second week at the top of the charts,

but how long can they keep the new boys off the top spot?

Playing us out, it's the Kinks.

INTRO:
"You Really Got Me" by the Kinks

That's enough of that.

- How was Spain?

- Majorca.

Impressive.

I would have been prepared to be talked down.

I would have settled for less.

Doesn't matter.

If you had waited until after the Telstar case,

- you could have easily bought me out with your own royalties.

- Really?

As it stands, you've just spent our last penny from our latest hit

to buy half a company which is in debt and losing money.

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