So General De Gaulle looks
straight into my eyes
and he says to me,
and you must bear in mind
that although he
was quite old at this point
he was, nevertheless,
an imposing figure.
Whoops.
Forgot my sugar.
By right back.
Geez, Frank, could we have
a little courtesy, please?
The man's telling a story.
Okay, okay,
I'm back.
Sorry, Jim.
So, Gen. De Gaulle said to you?
De Gaulle stares right at me
and he says,
Package.
Sounds like a wedding gift.
Hello,
I'm over here.
How long is this
going to go on?
You've been married
for almost a year,
and you're still Lord & Taylor's
customer of the month.
According to
wedding etiquette, Miles,
guests have one
full year to buy gifts.
In case anybody was worried
about offending me with
a gift at this late date,
Frank.
I gave you my
love and support, Corky.
What? You want
a gravy boat, too?
I have a gravy boat, Frank.
I want a ladle.
And I want it by close
of business on Friday.
Don't open that now, Corky.
Jim's right in
the middle of a story.
Go on, Jim.
We're all ears.
Well, all right.
Charles De Gaulle leans over to me
and in that distinctive voice
known to a generation of Frenchmen,
he says,
You're not Murphy Brown.
That package is for Murphy Brown.
For me.
Really?
Sign here.
Gen. De Gaulle leans over,
grabs my arm and says ...
Jim, please.
I have this
package to open.
Who could be
sending me a gift?
Whoa. It's from Barry Tartiledge.
Barry Tartiledge?
President of the
Wolf Television Network?
Gee.
What an interesting thing.
Barry Tartiledge sent you a gift.
I didn't realize
you knew him.
I don't.
He called me last week.
Wanted to take me to lunch.
Take you to lunch?
Now why would
he need to do that?
You know how to get your own lunch.
You've been doing it for years.
I think it's obvious, Miles.
My contract here is up in two months.
The Wolf Network is new.
They're aggressive.
I'd have to say
I'm being wooed.
Wooed?
Don't swallow
your tie, Miles.
I turned down his invitation.
I told him I didn't have time.
Now he sends me this ...
jar ...
of thyme.
Here is all the thyme
a busy woman could want.
Let me know if you need
parsley, sage, or rosemary.
Now how about that lunch?
Well done, Mr. Tartiledge.
Hand-cut crystal,
sterling-ringed neck,
$ .
Now, De Gaulle had a
collection of fine crystal ...
Gee Murph, it must be nice
to be wooed, huh?
Management panics,
people giving you anything
to make you happy,
Oh, come on, Frank.
You don't really buy
into that, do you?
This Tartiledge guy
must be really dumb.
Sending a gift
to a journalist.
I've never
seen anything
so pathetic in
my entire life.
Have you ever
seen anything
so pathetic in
your entire life?
Murphy?
Miles, relax.
I'm going to call the man
and say thanks for the thought,
but I'm happy where I am.
You're going to call him?
Don't you have enough to do today?
I'd be happy to call him for you.
Come on, Miles.
You can listen.
It's all right.
I don't need to listen.
Why would I need to listen?
What's going on here?
Another gift from Tartiledge?
Doesn't the man have anything
better to do than shop?
What kind of amateurish
operation is he ...
What?
What's that?
What can you give
someone that's hard to get,
except something
that's hard to find?
Hope you'll
reconsider lunch, Barry.
Whoa.
It's a first edition of .
Price check, Jim.
... no, $ .
Oh, man.
Please.
Some gift,
a used book.
Who knows
where it's been.
Oh, look, someone
even wrote all over it.
George Orwell.
$ .
Okay, look, look,
this is starting to get to be
too much of a disruption.
I think you should
meet the guy for lunch,
thank him for his little trinkets,
and that'll be that.
And don't be
concerned about me.
I'm absolutely
fine with it.
Really.
Good bluff, Miles.
I could never tell
you were scared.
Look, I don't want to
add to worries,
by mentioning that the
president of ABC
was talking to me
at a party last month.
I know, Frank.
I was there.
He told you to stop
staring at
his wife's chest.
Miles, will
you relax?
For the last time,
I'm happy here.
You're not going to lose me
to the Wolf Network. Okay?
Okay, Murphy.
Oh, ho.
I was kind of shaking
in my shoes, there for a while.
I've never been
faced with this before.
I don't know
why I was worried.
They said you
weren't going anywhere.
Who said that?
The guys upstairs.
Kinsella, Harris, Lahey.
I told them
about the gifts,
but they said you'd
be crazy to leave.
Oh, really?
Deepest sympathy on
your unfortunate blunder, Miles.
So they said
I'd be crazy to leave, huh?
Because you belong here.
You're a fixture,
like the Washington Monument.
They compared me to
a big, pointy slab of granite?
No, no, that was me.
Right now.
Grasping at straws.
And digging myself
deeper with every word.
Why can't I
learn to shut up?
Oh, God, I'm still talking.
Miles, are you finished?
I want to tell you something.
When I say I'm happy here,
that's one thing.
But when I'm
taken for granted here,
that's a whole
new ball game.
You know,
suddenly, I have a
taste for some lunch.
All right,
here we go, people.
Going live.
Thank you.
In five, four, three ...
Murphy,
Good day.
Good day?
What is this?
Noel Coward week?
God, Miles.
I can't believe
you came here
to spy on me.
Well, aren't you
about to feel foolish.
It just so happens,
I have a poppyseed
caught in my teeth
from a bagel this morning
and I needed a toothpick.
Murphy, hello.
I'm Barry Tartiledge.
The late Barry Tartiledge.
I really apologize.
But I had to go to three
different florists to find these.
I hope I'm forgiven.
Sterling Roses.
My favorites.
You're a very thorough man,
Mr. Tartiledge.
It's nice to finally meet you.
You're late.
We were worried.
And this is Miles Silverberg.
Executive Producer, FYI.
Please, don't feel
awkward about this.
Oh, I don't.
I much prefer everything
be out in the open.
After all, we're
both after the same thing.
The sad fact is only one of us
will get a chance to work
with the most intelligent and
talented journalist in America.
Well, you'll learn how to
deal with disappointment
when you've been in this
business as long as I have.
Wasn't there something else
you were going to say, Miles?
I believe it was goodbye.
Right.
Enjoy your lunch.
And if you're going to sit by the door,
wear your scarf.
You don't want to catch a cold.
I care about you.
Bye.
I do wish you would have
let me take you to Sardella's.
A guy likes to show off a little.
Look, Barry,
I think I should get something
out of the way right up front.
I appreciate all the gifts
and the thought
but I'm really not
looking to leave FYI.
I know.
But you did promise me
the chance to seduce you.
So,
Murphy,
We're prepared to
double your salary,
if you come to
the Wolf Network.
So much for foreplay.
I'm sorry,
but I am trying to compete
with your network.
I imagine they're
offering you everything
underneath the sun,
to stay at FYI.
You'd be surprised.
No, I wouldn't.
You deserve it.
Especially, after
your report last week
on America's cities.
That was remarkable stuff.
I'll bet your phone is
ringing off the hook
with calls from every executive
at your network.
Well, I wouldn't say
ringing off the hook, exactly.
I think they were a little
disappointed with the ratings.
Since when, are ratings
the only thing we care about?
I mean that piece had
so much heart.
The way you showed that one mother,
talking to her son about gangs,
that taught me a lot
about what television could do.
Well, thank you.
It means a lot
for you to say that.
But look, Barry,
the people at FYI
are my family.
No, Murphy,
you're family's in Idaho.
Idaho?
and Tennessee,
and Vermont,
and Rhode Island,
everywhere in this country
that people sit down
in front of the TV set
to let you teach them
how the world works.
That's who your family is.
Wow.
You're really
good at this.
Naturally, you'd anchor the
political conventions for us next year.
Election night, as well.
I promise you,
that no one at the Wolf Network
will be offered an assignment
until Murphy Brown has turned it down.
I want you
to be the cornerstone
of our news operation.
Your agenda
is our agenda.
Look, the last thing I want to do
is waste your time.
I'm not willing to accept defeat,
but if your mind's made up.
Well,
actually, I think
I'd like to hear more.
Good, very good.
Okay.
I'd like you to do
four specials a year.
Interviews of your choice.
You say the name.
We'll get them.
Do you like Barbados?
We've got a corporate beach house,
fully staffed.
Well,
look who's back.
How was your lunch, Murphy?
Jim, it was a lunch.
There's no need to pry.
Thank you, Miles.
I appreciate your professionalism.
But you know nothing
finishes off a lunch
like a good, strong
cup of coffee.
I just happen to
have some right here.
Mmm.
Rich and full bodied.
So, as long as I'm here,
anything else I can get you?
All right, Miles.
You want to hear about my lunch?
I'll tell you.
It was very eye opening.
I never realized how
unappreciated I am around here.
Do you realize
my contract is up in two months,
and I haven't heard word
one from this network?
You do know if it were up to me,
you'd get whatever you ask for.
And I'm sure the guys upstairs
feel the same way. It's just that ...
God, Miles.
How long are you going to
keep apologizing for them?
And what about you?
Some old jar, a beat up book
and suddenly you're on
sale to the highest bidder.
Well, what do you
expect me to do?
Stay here under these
sweatshop conditions
just because we're family?
Well, let me tell you,
my family is in Idaho,
and Tennessee,
and Barbados!
Okay, fine.
Go over to Wolf.
Go work for Tartiledge.
Marry him and have his
babies, for all I care.
You'll be making the
biggest mistake of your life.
Excuse me, Ms. Brown.
I'm Barbara Griffin.
I'd just wanted to introduce myself and say
I took the liberty of
updating your Rolodex,
while you were at lunch.
Also, that opening tonight
at the Kennedy Center?
I called a friend who
works at the White House.
You'll be seated in the
presidential box with the Bushes.
Well, sorry to interrupt.
Wait a minute. Barbara was it?
You know, I've been looking years
to find someone like you.
Please, come on in.
I wish I could, but Mr. Tartiledge
sent me over just to help
you out for a few hours.
Yeah, I'm in the secretarial
pool at the Wolf Network.
But, who knows?
Maybe we'll meet again soon. Bye.
You tell them. If they want me
to stay on at FYI,
it's going to cost them big.
Of course, they're
going to hate you.
You wouldn't be a good agent,
if they didn't.
Now, I've added some
things to my list.
I need a stereo system
in my dressing room,
a masseuse on show night,
Nope, sorry,
I want an answer
from them immediately.
And every day that goes by
my price goes up $ .
Oh, that's good.
Be sure to tell them that.
Yeah?
Well, that's what
the short hairs are for.
Bye.
You know, you think
you know somebody.
You paint their walls,
you miter their joints,
You don't understand, Eldin.
In this world, money means respect.
The sooner you learn that,
the better off you'll be.
May I remind you,
I now have
$ , ,
from that mural I sold.
I've got stock brokers
and investment counselors
all over me,
trying to tell me how to
turn it into more money.
Do I look like
I need more money?
I already feel funny about
that tanning salon I bought.
(doorbell)
I'll get that
on my way out.
No charge.
Hi, Eldin.
She's inside.
If you're smart,
you'll hide your money
in your shoe.
Hi.
Hi.
Murphy.
I just came by to tell you
how really awful I feel
about our conversation
earlier today.
It got so bad I found myself
in the Georgetown Mall
running from store to store
trying to find a gift that
would really impress you.
Miles, you didn't
have to do that.
I know. I suddenly
realized what a
ridiculous, competitive
little gesture it was.
Anyway, here.
It's a cheese slicer with
a picture of the
Alps on the handle.
I know you've been
to Switzerland.
Gee, thanks.
I always wanted
one of these.
Murphy, I was such
a jerk today.
If you didn't
already know why,
It's because I know
I'm losing you.
Believe me, Miles,
I don't want
to leave FYI.
It's just that I need to be where
I have the respect of the people I work for.
And so far, Gene Kinsella
and the others
don't seem to be
willing to give me that.
Actually, I talked to them
about an hour ago.
and I sort of demanded
that they negotiate a new
contract with you immediately.
They said okay.
Miles,
thank you.
Thank you very much.
So, when will I be
hearing from them.
Actually, again,
you won't be hearing from them.
Mr. Kinsella thought
I should negotiate your new deal.
You?
Doesn't that put you
in an awkward position?
Negotiating with a friend?
I'm a little surprised
Gene would do that.
So was I.
But he feels
I can handle it.
To be honest,
I'm a little nervous.
After all, I've never
done anything like this.
But like you said,
we're friends.
So we should be able
to get through it without
any of that silly game
playing other people do, right?
Right.
Right.
Oh, I hate that.
One sides tries to get
the advantage
over the other side.
But hey, as long as we're here
why don't we just sit down
and try to work out a deal
right here, in the
comfort of my living room.
Gee, Murphy, I wasn't
really ready to start tonight.
Here in your house.
Seems to me negotiation
is something that should
be done in an office.
So what do you say
my office
tomorrow morning
: .
I have absolutely
no problem with that.
Tomorrow it is.
But what about my office?
It's more intimate.
True, true.
But you know,
My office is a lot quieter.
Although my office is closer to Phil's
in case we get hungry.
Yes, but
my office has that kitchenette.
Oh, Miles, an office is an office.
If you prefer your office,
that's fine with me.
Oh hey, Miles.
Good to see you.
Is it : already?
I must have lost
track of the time.
Let's go up to your office.
Shall we?
No, Murphy,
we shall not go up to my office.
There are three big guys with
carpet shampooers
working up in my office.
Seems someone
called them last night
and told them my office
had to be cleaned
first thing this morning.
That crazy bureaucracy.
Go figure.
Well, as long as we're here,
why don't we do
this in my office?
Pull up a chair
and sit down.
Maybe I don't
want to sit.
Maybe I want to stand.
Fine, then stand.
Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you?
I'll just sit.
Thank you very much.
All right.
Have it your way.
Let's get started.
I've drawn up a proposal
of what I'd like in my new contract.
It's pretty straightforward.
You know,
I don't think I realized
until this moment how much
our relationship has
changed over the years.
At first,
it was strictly boss, employee.
But now, we have
this great friendship.
It's great to work
with a friend, isn't it?
It adds such an
interesting slant to things.
I know what you mean.
Here I am wondering
whether my friend should have
her own personal trainer
on staff or not.
Well you know,
I just want you to be happy.
I'll tell you what --
why don't you bargain
me out of something.
Say the weekly masseuse.
That way the boys upstairs
will be impressed,
I'll almost be
completely happy,
and we both
walk away winners.
Thank you, Murphy.
That's very generous of you.
Okay.
Why don't we
go celebrate?
How about I treat you
to a late breakfast?
What are you doing?
What's that?
A % salary increase?
I don't think so.
Miles...
My friend.
My buddy.
Wolf was ready to
double my salary.
I think I'm
being totally fair.
But, Murphy,
my pal, my compadre,
that would throw
off the balance
of our salary structure.
We don't do things that way.
Isn't it funny?
I seem to remember you saying
if it were up to you,
I'd get everything I asked for.
And I remember
you mentioning
how you didn't
want to leave FYI.
Guess we both know
more than we should.
So what do you say
we cut the crap,
roll up our sleeves,
hammer out a deal,
and my the best man win.
You're on.
♪♪ The best things
in life are free. ♪♪
♪♪ But you can give them
to the birds and bees. ♪♪
♪♪ I need money. ♪♪
♪♪ That's what I want. ♪♪
♪♪ That's all I want. ♪♪
♪♪ That's what I want. ♪♪
♪♪ That's all I want. ♪♪
♪♪ Your love gives
me such a thrill. ♪♪
♪♪ But your love
don't pay my bills. ♪♪
Okay, that's it.
My absolute bottom line.
I guess it all comes
down to whether
you think I'd really
leave FYI or not.
All I can tell you, Miles,
is my father taught me
that the only way to
get what you want
is if you're prepared
to walk away.
Trust me, Miles.
I'm prepared
to walk away.
I'll give you a minute
to think about it.
I'm going to go
get some tea.
Murph, you guys have
been in there for hours.
What's going on?
It's in the bag.
The deed is done.
The fat lady has sung,
and she's gone out for donuts.
They sent a boy
to do a man's job.
Frank, I played Miles
like a violin.
I'm going to let him
sweat for a few minutes.
And then, I'm going
back for blood.
Well, I'm happy for you.
And it's a good thing
you worked it out.
I just heard that the
Wolf Network signed Diana Ryan
for the job they were
talking to you about.
Diana Ryan?
That anchor from New York.
Yeah, I tell you, if I
were the cynical type,
I might think they
were just using you
to get her to
agree to their terms.
It doesn't matter.
You are staying.
And that's all
I care about.
Would you just
excuse me for a minute?
I have to
feed my fish.
So, Miles,
how's it look?
Should we start
the old celebration?
Murphy,
I can't agree
to these terms.
The network would
have my head.
This has to be the
lowest moment of my life.
But I just can't do it.
I really loved
working with you, Murphy.
I hope you know that.
Whoa,
Miles, hey.
There are bottom lines,
and there are bottom lines.
Now come on,
sit down.
We're family.
We can work this out.
Your family's in Idaho.
Forget them.
I'm writing in
your salary offer.
The profit participation ...
gone.
What do I need with my own hairdresser?
Free dry cleaning?
I have to tell you,
I never really expected it.
Out. Out. Out.
So what do you think, Miles?
How does it look?
I don't know.
I guess I can live with this.
Well, there we go.
Now, let's just sign this, so it's legal,
until we can get it all
drawn up nice and neat.
Well, it's official.
I'm back.
Murphy.
Clear the way, people.
I need coffee.
Well, look at this.
He's still able to walk.
That's a good sign.
I never want to have to go
through anything like that again.
Say, this must be a big day for deal making.
Did you hear?
The Wolf Network
just signed Diana Ryan.
You're kidding.
Where did you hear that?
It's all over the building.
I don't know, Frank.
You can't believe
everything you hear.
Come on. Why would
somebody start a rumor like that?
Well, Frank,
You never know.
Nope.
You just never know.