One of them with a phantom correspondent,
and the other with a lunatic.
I can get you a handwriting expert.
I can get you a bulletproof vest.
But what I can't provide
is what you're never going to know
as long as you're involved
with this woman
A scandal-free life.
Is she HIV- negative, by the way?
Did you have her tested, Coleman?
Did you use a condom, Coleman?
And if you don't use protection
does she?
How do you know she doesn't want to use
you to make up for all that she's lost?
Do I represent you in
a paternity suit, Coleman?
Give up the girl, Achilles.
I took your Intro to European Lit
umpteen years ago as an undergrad.
Give her up,
and your troubles go away.
Faunia Farley is not in your league
and she's not from your world.
Last night, you got
a good look at her world.
The fact is...
she ain't worth it.
Achilles on Viagra. How much sense
does that make anyway?
Ah, Nelson.
I'm sorry, have you quite finished?
Yes.
Nelson, you're a genuine vocal master.
And so rich with contempt
for every last human problem
you've never had to face.
- Listen, I was only
- No, you listen.
I never again want to hear
that self-admiring voice of yours,
or see your smug, lily-white face.
Good! Good-Good-Good! Yeah.
- Get out of the corner
- Finish it off, finish it off
That's enough. That's enough.
Next week, West Point.
Oh, come on, Doc.
That guy's got five pounds on me.
But he's slow.
You can take him easy.
Besides, the coach of Pitt is
gonna be there. He's a buddy of mine.
I want him to see you fight.
- So?
- So?
Once he sees your stuff, and once
I tell him about your grades,
I'm pretty sure
he'll offer you a scholarship.
I can't go to Pitt!
My father wants me to go to Howard.
- He's an optician, your dad?
- Used to be.
He lost his business in the Depression.
Well, look, Coleman.
Just box for the guy, that's all.
- Then we'll see what happens.
- Okay
One thing.
When you meet the guy from Pitt,
don't tell him you're colored, okay?
- Don't tell him?
- Don't bring it up.
You're neither one thing nor the other.
You're Silky Silk, that's all.
- He won't know?
- How's he going to know?
Here's the top kid from East Orange
High and he's with Doc Chizner.
He's going to think you're Jewish.
- You're late!
- I know.
- Walter's home on leave.
- Hide this for me, will you?
Sorry I'm late.
Hey, Mom.
- Walt.
- Cole.
- How are you?
- Fine.
So what's this I hear about
you being class valedictorian?
It's all true.
Hey, with the only 4.0 grade average,
who else were they going to choose?
Yes, we're very proud of Coleman.
- May I inquire how you did, Cole?
- How I did?
Today in the boxing ring.
I'm asking whether
you won or lost your bout.
- Did you tell him?
- Kindly answer my question.
I won.
How many fights have you won?
Eleven.
And how many have you lost?
- None.
- So far.
Just when were you planning on
turning professional?
- Dad, I don't think
- This does not concern you, Walter.
I asked you a question, young man.
Doc says I could get
an athletic scholarship.
Maybe to Pitt.
Like Walter,
you will go to Howard.
And after Howard, should you
choose to become a doctor,
you will not be doing
your hands any good
pummeling them in
a boxing ring, will you?
You know, Coleman, if I were your father,
do you know what I would tell you now?
- You are my father.
- I'm not at all sure.
I was thinking Doc Chizner
was your father.
He's my coach. That's all.
He teaches me how to fight.
You're my father.
Well, if I were your father, do you
know what I would tell you now?
I would say, "You won today. Good.
Now you can retire undefeated."
You're retired.
If you'll excuse me,
I don't wish to be late for my train.
Boy!
Yes, sir?
This fish is overcooked.
Very sorry.
I will attend to it right away, sir.
Cowards die many times
before their death.
The valiant only taste
death but once.
Of all the rumors that
I yet have heard,
it