The following is transcript dialogue from Wall Street (1987), Charlie Sheen’s most indelible film of his career. Intriguingly, he shared screen time with his own father Martin Sheen (famous as Captain Willard in “Apocalypse Now”). In light of his current disgraceful public conduct, this dialogue, to be found at the 88-minute mark, is strangely eerie in how it links to downfall now. Charlie said in his primary 20/20 interview with Andrea Canning that his father Martin should “Shut it,” and stay out of his business. I have highlighted the lines in bold that I think amount most prophetically.
“Well congratulations, Dad. You just did a great job of embarrassing me in there, not to mention yourself!” – Charlie
(Dad scoffs.)
“Save the workers of the world unite speech for next time. I heard it too much growing up!” – Charlie
“Oh, yeah?” – Martin
“Yeah! You are gonna get axed, Dad, no two ways about it. You and the whole shitty airline are going down the tubes just like Braniff. And if it isn’t Gekko, it’s gonna be some other killer!” – Charlie
The two enter the elevator to go down.
“He’s using you, kid. He’s got your prick in his back pocket, but you’re too blind to see it.” – Martin
“No. What I see is a jealous old machinist who can’t stand the fact that his son’s become more successful than he has.” – Charlie
“What you see is a guy who never measured a man’s success by the size of his wallet!” – Martin
“That’s because you never had the guts to go out into the world and stake your own claim!” – Charlie
(Long reflective pause.)
“Boy, if that’s the way you feel, I must have done a really lousy job as a father.” – Martin
The two get off the elevator and head for the exit the building out onto the street.
“As far as being axed, I’m still around. And as long as I am, I have a responsibility to the union membership I represent.” – Martin
“Your responsibility is to present the facts, not your opinions to your men. You’re gonna destroy their lives. Let the membership decide for themselves.” – Charlie
“When my men come to me tomorrow morning wanting to know what the hell’s going on, I’ll be damned if I’m gonna lie to them!” – Martin
“Oh, yeah, your men! Your f**king men! All my life, your men have been able to count on you! Why is it you’ve never been there for me, huh?” (Pause). “And so what if you’re wrong? What if one day the sun didn’t rise in the east, the birds didn’t fly south for the winter and for once, your compass was off? Would you be willing to wreck your men’s future, my future? Dad, think for a change! Be practical! I’m asking you. I’m f**king begging you.” – Charlie
“I don’t go to sleep with no whore, and I don’t wake up with no whore. That’s how I live with myself. I don’t know how you do it.” – Martin
(Scene concludes with…)
“I hope I’m wrong about this guy, but I’ll let the men decide for themselves. That much I promise you.” – Martin
