Gossip (1987)

I should go. [Music] [Applause] What happened? [Music] >> I think his sister's pregnant and he didn't like what someone was saying about her. >> It wasn't a sister. [Music] [Applause] I thought I had something to do with drugs. At least that's what I heard the other day. [Applause] [Music] [Music] I want an explanation for what went on here. >> Amy, >> I guess it's going to be me. Mrs. Clark, can we go inside and talk? It started a few days ago in the drama room. >> Anyway, I'm sure it'll be terrific. Terry, you will still have to audition with the other girls, though. And Sean, thank you for coming back to your old school and helping us out. >> Oh, it was no problem. You're always my favorite teacher when I was here anyway. Besides, this is perfect for my high school project. I mean, it's great to have the opportunity to be your assistant director. >> Good. Then we're all set. Listen, I've got to run over to the office to copy these papers, but I'll be right back and then we can lock up for the day. >> Okay. See you later. You know, Terry, you seem a little down. Aren't you excited about all this? >> Well, sure. I'm fine. >> Come on. >> Okay. It's my dog. She's having some surgery today and I'm really worried about her. I've raised her from a puppy. >> I understand. But listen, she's going to be okay. >> Everything's going to be fine. >> Sure hope so. >> Thanks, Sean. >> Whoa. Sorry. I didn't think. Well, I guess we should be going. >> Hey. Hi. >> Yeah, yourself. How's it going? It could be going real well. Guess what? >> What? >> I just found out that Terry is fooling around with older boys. >> Come on, Amy. >> No, really. Brian and I just walked in on her with an older guy and they were real friendly, if you know what I mean. >> Wow. When did this happen? >> Let's just say it's a hot item. Hey, I've got to get home or my mom will kill me. Can you believe I finally got the goods on Terry? I'm so tired of her superior attitude. Talk to you tomorrow. Okay, >> Amy, >> no time. See you tomorrow >> about Terry. [Music] Are you tired of Where? [Music] Okay, people. We do have a purpose here. Let's pay attention. >> Everybody ready? Look at the camera. Watch the tomato and smile. 1 2 3. >> I think Amy should start the plane. Not Terry. For sure. I haven't heard anything good about Terry. Besides, she probably dropped out anyway. Amy's a lot better. Yeah. [Applause] Hi Michelle. How's it going? Hey, congratulate me. I had to finish this paper two days before it's due. Congratulations. What's it about? >> It's about how people start rumors. In my paper, it's especially about rumors after disaster, like war or an earthquake, something like that. >> What do you mean? Oh, you know, wild rumors instead of facts. I'll give you some examples. During World War II, there were rumors that the Japanese had invaded Oregon and one that the army was dumping food into the ocean. There was even one in 1906 after the big earthquake in San Francisco that the zoo animals had escaped from eating the people camped out in Golden Gate Park. >> Come on. >> Really? Yeah, that one's pretty funny. But rumors and gossip can really hurt people, destroy their careers, even ruin their lives. Believe me, it's always good to check out stories before you repeat them. >> I know what you mean. Is everything okay, Squirt? >> Yeah, I just have something on my mind. I'll work it out. >> Okay. >> Listen, I have to type this up, but if you need to talk later, let me know. >> Okay. Thanks. [Applause] >> And I wouldn't be surprised if Terry got pregnant. >> Hi, Jenny. Come on or we'll be late for school. Amy and Bella are safe. >> Come on, Jen. We don't want to be late, do we? Anyway, I heard this morning that she's pregnant. >> Her? But she's so quiet. [Music] >> Hey, did you hear about the guy from the high school coming onto our campus and dealing drugs? >> No kidding. >> Yeah, I heard it happened in the drama class after school the other day. >> So, what happened? >> Amy probably just wants to get Terry into trouble. She always hated her. I know, but Well, Brian saw it, too. >> Did not. It's not true. Did so? I heard it yesterday. I thought we were friends. I'm only telling you for your own good. >> Hey, Alex, for a good time, call Terry. Someone's even written her number in the bathroom. >> What are you talking about? Just that Terry knows how to have a good time, if you know what I mean. >> I got you. Look, I don't know what you're talking about. >> You mean I saw her hugging this guy from high school, and I think they were doing more than that when I walked in. >> But you didn't actually see anything. >> So what? >> So you're jumping to conclusions. It might not be true. You know, there are lots of reasons for a hug. Come on, Brian. If this isn't true, and I repeat it, it sort of makes me a liar, doesn't it? >> Yeah, but I just thought, did you really Hey, Terry could really get hurt by these stories. Think about it. >> I guess I got kind of carried away there. Alex, do you have to be right all the time? >> Sure. I've got a reputation to maintain. >> Want to say sandwiches? I've got turkey. >> I got roast beef. Not bad. >> Amy, wait up. Journey. Hey. Hi. I need to talk to you. What's up? That's what I wanted to ask you. I've seen you've been spreading rumors about Terry, like she's a bad person or something. >> Since when are you and Terry such good friends? >> We're not. I mean, I hardly know her. But what you're doing doesn't seem right. And what do you think I'm doing? I think you're spreading stories about Terry to hurt her. And you got other kids to repeat those stories. >> Hey, I can't help what other kids are saying. I thought we were best friends. We are, but this thing is getting out of hand. You know how stories get distorted and stuff? >> What I know is that if you were really my friend, you'd help me instead of getting on my case. >> Even if it means hurting someone else. We both know the stories about Terry aren't true. A little gossip never hurt anyone. Hey, I've got to get home. I guess it's your choice whether we're really friends or not. Jenny. Jason's here. >> Okay. [Applause] >> Hi, Jenny. How's it going? Your genius computer tutor would like to teach you a new program. Okay. Okay, I guess. >> Well, don't get so excited, kid. >> Hey, is everything okay? >> Not really. I've been thinking and thinking, and I just don't know what to do about this problem I have. >> What's up? >> It's my friend Amy. She's spreading some pretty outrageous stories about this other girl in our class. It doesn't seem fair. H >> Well, you think that Amy's just being malicious? That she wants to hurt this other girl? >> Yeah. She saw something and made up her own conclusion. >> And you and Amy are pretty close, aren't you? >> Yes, but I keep wondering what I do in Terry's place. Terry's the other girl. I've already tried talking to Amy. >> Well, how'd that go? She said if I was really her friend, I would back her up. Have you ever known somebody who is hurt by people talking about them behind their back? >> Yeah, I guess I have. It's even happened to me once or twice. >> What did you do? >> Oh, you know me. Always joking around. Yeah, I I used humor to try to make people laugh instead of trying to hurt. And there's other choices, too. >> Like what? >> Well, like ignoring it. Sometimes the best weapon in your defense is silence. You could also confront the person who's doing the talking. >> Or maybe you could talk it over with a teacher or a counselor. Get some good advice. Michelle was telling me earlier how much rumor and gossip could hurt people. But if I help Terry, then I'd lose my friendship with Amy. >> That's pretty tough. Personally, I'd rather wrestle the alligators rumored to be in New York sewers than deal with this kind of gossip. >> Even your computer programs are easier. >> That's what you think. I have faith in you, kid, but it's up to you. Now, ready to tackle that new program? >> I'd rather hear about the alligators. Okay. Okay. At least you'll get my mind off of this stuff for a while. [Music] I'm sorry, Amy. What you're doing to Terry isn't right. It's affected the whole class. Everybody seems to be fighting these days. I think it's too much to ask of our friendship, for me to hurt other people just to be your friend. I hope this works. Leave her alone. You don't know if that stuff is true. >> What are you, one of her boyfriends or something? >> Cut it out. >> What do you know about it? You're probably just like Terry. What's that supposed to mean? You know exactly what it means. >> What have you done with your stupid bickering? Brian, go get the school nurse. Have her call the ambulance now. And Brit, go get Mrs. Clark. Everybody else, move back. [Music] And that's when you came over and asked for an explanation. By the time I got to school, the kids were already arguing, and that's when the accident happened to Alex. >> I see. So, you gave Amy a chance to tell me on her own. You did the right thing, Jenny. Thank you for telling me. Things were getting out of hand. >> Now, what happens? >> Well, I'll have to talk to the kids who were fighting, and of course, I'll have to speak with Amy about her part in all of this. But I have a special idea for the whole class. How about if we write and present an original play about the damage that gossip and rumors can do? >> That sounds great. >> Well, now it means that everyone will have to cooperate, especially Terry and Amy. And that sounds exactly like what we need right now. Well, I'll keep an eye on them and we can talk about this more in class this afternoon. Right now, it's time for you to start school, and I want to check on Alex. >> Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. I I guess I didn't look where I was going. >> Boy, can you believe this? Some of TV's greatest stars are really aliens. They're out to control our airwaves. That's amazing. >> David, I think you've just written the first act of our new play. But I I don't understand. >> I'll explain later. >> Wait a minute. What about the aliens? >> Oh, David, you can't believe everything you read are here. Consider the source. >> I got a call from the hospital, and Alex is just fine. He'll be back at school tomorrow with a little bump on his head. >> Now, that's good news. >> And a good source. Heat. Heat.