Tin Men 1987

In the sweltering summer of 1963, the streets of Baltimore became the battleground for two rival door-to-door aluminum siding salesmen, Ernest Tilley and Bill “BB” Babowsky. While both were armed with the talent of persuasion, their approaches diverged significantly: BB’s charm was often used to deceive unsuspecting young women, whereas Tilley found it nearly impossible to finalize a deal.

Their rivalry ignited when BB, zooming in his brand-new Cadillac, collided with Tilley’s vehicle, leading to a fiery argument over who was at fault. What followed was a dynamic cycle of vengeance—BB smashed Tilley’s headlights, and in retaliation, Tilley shattered BB’s car windows, escalating their feud to unprecedented levels.

With the stakes raised, BB plotted to exact further revenge by seducing Tilley’s long-suffering wife, Nora. Tilley, already crestfallen and lamenting the state of his marriage, heard this news and coldly declared that BB could have Nora, as he was weary of the burdens of marriage.

At the same time, both men battled their own inner demons. BB’s mentor and business associate, Moe Adams, was gravely ill in the hospital, while Tilley’s gambling addiction to horse racing was leading him to financial despair and steep debts owed to creditors and the IRS. As the authorities moved in to seize his belongings due to overdue property taxes, Tilley found himself teetering on the edge of devastation.

Ultimately, Tilley and BB decided to settle their fierce rivalry with a game of pool, agreeing that the victor would claim Nora for himself. BB emerged triumphant, yet his victory was ephemeral, as he soon found himself enchanted by Nora, agreeing to take her in. However, their struggles did not abate, as the newly established Maryland Home Improvement Commission summoned both men regarding their dubious sales tactics.

Reluctantly, Tilley agreed to surrender his business license, while BB willingly renounced his, having discovered a renewed purpose in his personal life. In a twist of fate, it was BB who took pity on Tilley’s situation, offering him a ride and initiating an unexpected camaraderie between them. Despite their differences, the two men soon realized their shared experiences were the foundation of a burgeoning friendship, leading them to brainstorm ideas for a new business venture, thus cementing a bond that would withstand the test of time.