The Last Shark (L'ultimo squalo)

- Coming up on eight in the a.m. here at South Bay's

very own WSGA.

Bill Hoyt with you hoping it's gonna be

just another perfect day, sun, surf,

whatever it takes to make you feel just right.

Time for all you windsurfers out there

to roll out of those racks and into the sea.

There's just two days left to get in shape

for the South Bay Centennial Regatta on Saturday.

Of course we all know that our own local surf sailor,

Mike Patterson's pretty sure that he's got that trophy

wrapped up.

And, just to make sure, he's been putting in eight hours

a day for the last couple of weeks.

Where'd you get input Hoyt?

Mike's just about sleeping on his board these days.

Of course, Billy Joe Wells figures

he's got a chance too.

Don't you Billy Joe?

Here we go again.

Cub reporter's gotta have his morning shot at dad.

- Well who knows maybe his daddy will buy that trophy.

Oh Billy Joe, that's now way to talk to a pal.

I'll tell you what I'll play a record for you anyway.

I was gonna play it to Mike, but I don't think

he can hear it.

Good morning to you too.

I thought you were coming to pick me up.

I see Mike's early as usual.

He's been out almost an hour already.

He's really out to win, huh?

He will too.

There's nobody around here who can touch him

unless he gets careless.

He'll have to forget to put his flag up

to lose that cup.

WSGA wants to remind one and all

that Saturday marks the beginning of the Centennial Week

festivities.

After the wind surfing event, committee chairman

William Wells senior has graciously provided

the grounds of the state for an open house barbecue.

Now I'm sure that now one will think

for a moment that Mr. Wells generosity

has anything to do with the fact

that he's running for governor in the November elections.

What's he got against my old man?

Makes no difference, Billy Joe.

WSGA listeners don't vote anyways,

and your dad knows it.

Hi honey.

I assume it was a flash of literary genius

that kept you from making the coffee while I was out.

Some flash of literary genius.

I'd have probably made just as bad coffee.

How's the ocean this morning?

Now there's a little chop but nice.

Where's Jenny?

Still asleep?

No, she left just after you did.

She's gone surfing with the boys.

- Oh by the way, you haven't forgotten the committee

meeting have you?

I promised you'd be there with me today.

Oh yeah.

Okay.

I guess I've used up all the excuses I can think of.

Yes, you have.

Daddy?

Daddy, we need your help.

Why, what's the matter?

Mike, he disappeared.

Disappeared, what do you mean?

He was out surfing about 200 yards out

when all of sudden, we didn't see him anymore.

We were watching him.

It looked like he was doing fine,

and then like Jenny said, he was gone.

No sign of him or anything.

We need your boat, dad.

Okay I'll see you guys inside.

Peter didn't show, huh?

That doesn't surprise me.

He has his own reasons, Ned.

I bet.

The artist can't be bothered with little things

like his hometown celebration.

He doesn't owe you any explanations

and neither do I.

- Excuse me, Mr. Rosen.

Later.

Peter!

Hey John.

Hello Mrs. Benton.

What a pleasure to see you here.

Do you Georgie Ferguson.

- You've got to keep everyone under control.

This is an opportunity you can't afford to screw up.

Good morning, Mr. Wells.

Gloira, where's Peter?

He couldn't come.

- I thought you said he'd be joining us today.

Yes, I know.

- You know temperamental writers, Mr. Wells.

They're excused from every responsibility.

You can't interrupt inspiration.

- Gloria, we're depending on Peter to help us

with the regatta.

Of course, I know and so does Peter.

But, we had a bit of a problem this morning.

A problem?

What kind of problem?

One of Jenny's--

- Mr. Wells, Washington on the phone for you.

Okay you guys, move ahead.

Slow, that's good.

Follow the hats.

Jim, okay good.

You want me to hold?

- No, we stay on them, we lead them, and end up here,

and zoom in for a tight shot on the big man.

Oh Mr. Wells, we're laying out the shooting schedule.

Fine, when do I get to see it?

Would tomorrow morning be convenient?

- I need it in about a half an hour in my office.

Half an hour?

Sorry, Mr. Wells--

Bob, I'm relying on you.

- One thing's for sure, it wasn't a floating chainsaw.

I've lived here 30 years, never been a reported

shark sighting of anything big enough

to have done this since I've been here.

It had to be one hell of a specimen too.

- Well the trouble is once they get a free meal,

once they get a taste, they tend to hang around

looking for more.

- Well there's still a missing half of Mike's surf board.

Maybe Mike's on it drifting around out there.

Maybe.

Jesus.

What?

- They got a wind surf regatta on Saturday.

I wouldn't bet on it.

I'll radio in the Coast Guard,

have 'em start the search for the boy.

Okay.

Oh darn it, Dave.

I'm a boat.

What's wrong with you guys?

You almost scrapped my side off.

- Sorry kiddo, just didn't want you drifting out

to sea that's all.

What makes you so sure it's a shark,

could've been a prop, couldn't it?

Come on Bill, look at that board.

You seriously think a propeller made those cuts?