A Hole in the Head

Tony Manetta leaves New York and relocates to Miami with two friends about 20 years ago, chasing wealth and a fresh start. Jerry Marks becomes a prosperous promoter, while Tony's younger friend ends up driving a taxi. Tony earns the job of managing a small hotel named the Garden of Eden, beginning a life shaped by debt and grand ambitions.

Tony lives with mounting debt as rent arrears accumulate; the landlord gives him 48 hours to raise $5,300 or lose the hotel. He spends and borrows while insisting on expensive suits and a Cadillac, refusing to become more responsible. The pressure of the deadline sets the stage for further desperation.

In a panic, Tony calls his older brother Mario for a loan. Mario and his wife Sophie fly to Miami and uncover that Ally's illness claim was a lie. They realize Tony's pattern of debt and risk, challenging his dreams.

Mario agrees to stake funds, but only if Tony pursues a sensible small business rather than a grand hotel or casino dream. He wants Tony to prove himself through hard work and honesty. This conditional support marks a turning point away from Tony's riskier fantasies.

Mario introduces Eloise Rogers, a widow who has lost her husband and son, as a potential partner for Tony. Eloise is seen as a more suitable companion than Shirl, and Ally approves of her. Eloise confesses that she wants to be with someone who needs her.

Jerry invites Tony to a party where Tony outlines his scheme to buy land in Florida and open a second Disneyland. Jerry appears intrigued and considers partnering again. The moment underscores Tony's persistent dream of big, risky ventures.

Tony uses $500 earned from selling his Cadillac to match Jerry's big bet at a greyhound track. His dog wins, but he lets it run again in the next race, revealing escalating desperation. Jerry rebukes him and, after a contemptuous cash exchange, his bodyguard punches Tony.

Tony decides Ally should live in New York with Mario and Sophie and tells Ally that he is unwanted. This painful declaration marks a shift in his priorities from personal dreams to stabilizing Ally's life.

Tony goes to the beach by himself to reflect on his future and the weight of his debt. The quiet moment shows him trying to recalibrate his path away from reckless dreams.

Ally eventually finds Tony on the beach and Eloise joins them, forming a small circle of support. Mario and Sophie decide to take a long-overdue vacation, stepping back from the immediate crisis. The scene sets up a transition where Tony's priorities begin to shift around family and relationships.