- Dad likes David best.
- Nope, it's Nicholas.
Oh, come on, Tommy.
Open your eyes.
It's David.
You're still far off-target.
I can't believe it.
What's off-target?
Hey, what are you guys
fighting about?
Well, there's no fight,
we're just trying
to decide on dad's favorite.
- That's easy, it's vanilla.
- Vanilla?
Yeah, and in baseball
it's between the A's
and the Phillies.
No, Nicholas,
what we're talkin' about
is dad's favorite child.
I said it was you.
No, it's David.
- See, Tommy.
- David?
Yeah, he had David first,
didn't he?
And would he like me best
and let David be oldest?
It's David.
No, I don't think so, Nicholas.
Nicholas, after all the times
that I have told you
'not to leave your
bicycle on the driveway'
why did I just
almost run over it?
Sorry, dad.
Go put it in the garage
where it belongs
'and while you're out there'
'take your skateboard
off the front porch.'
And as long as
you're on your feet
you might as well
take out the thrash.
[instrumental music]
You're right, Tommy.
Dad does like me best.
[theme song]
♪ There's a magic in the
early morning we found ♪
♪ When the sunrise smiles ♪
♪ On everything around ♪
♪ It's a portrait
of the happiness ♪
♪ That we feel and always will ♪
♪ For eight is enough ♪
♪ To fill our lives with love ♪
♪ Oh we spend our days ♪
♪ Like bright
and shiny new dimes ♪
♪ If we're ever puzzled ♪
♪ By the changing times ♪
♪ There's a plate
of homemade wishes ♪
♪ On the kitchen windowsill ♪
♪ And eight is enough ♪
♪ To fill our lives with love ♪♪
[instrumental music]
[car horn honking]
(Susan)
'Hi. Hotshot.'
Well, how's it look?
(Abby)
'I thought you said
you were gonna get'
'a sign painted on your office.'
But this is my office.
Oh, boy.
That's magnificent, David.
Um, do we still
call you David
or state license number
------?
- Just call me boss.
- Boss of what?
Myself, Nicholas.
Myself, see.
David, this is terrific.
We're really happy for you.
I'm envious.
No job hunting.
No getting fired.
No money coming in.
Oh, Susan, I hate to deprive you
of your pessimism
but I already
have my first customer.
Now that's what I call
enterprising.
No, that's desperation.
The apartment job I had
with Western Construction
is all over with,
and they ran out of work.
It was either start my own
company or be unemployed.
But some of the greatest tycoons
started just this way.
Let's hear it for the first one
in the Bradford family.
[cheering]
Dad..
...are you really happy that
David's gonna boss himself?
'Oh, yes. Very happy.'
It's something he's wanted it
for a long time.
Oh, well, then you weren't just
smiling to make him feel good?
Oh, no. Why?
Well, I didn't wanna bother you
if you were just smiling
to make him feel good.
No, no, no,
you weren't bothering me.
Well, I think I will,
when I give you this.
What is it?
It's a note from Mrs. Walker.
I think she wants to see you.
Really?
What about?
Well..
...the way she talked
I think
you're ruining my future.
Ruining your future?
Dad, you talk to Mrs. Walker.
It's out of my hands.
Nicholas!
Oh, dad.
Dad, look what
"The Independent" says.
Oh, Joannie,
I thought that we had a deal.
If you have to read
that fish wrapper
you need to do it outside,
next to the garbage can.
I don't ever wanna see
this thing inside my house.
Just because we're always
scooping "The Register."
They have never
scooped "The Register."
Oh, really? Well, I think
you better read this review.
Your drama critic
didn't even come to our show.
"The Weekly Independent"
gave us a whole column
and they gave me
four whole adjectives.
- Really?
- Look, yes, see.
They say, I'm discerning
inventive,
and technically proficient.
Hmm, that's three adjectives
and one adverb
but it is a wonderful thing.
Well, gosh,
finally they're hiring
somebody with intelligence.
Yeah, the-the reviewer's name
is Charles Alistair Gibson.
- Do you know him?
- No.
No, I can't say that
I ever heard of him
but I'll tell you one thing,
I could tell that this man
definitely knows
fine acting when he sees it.
Not just fine acting.
Discerning, inventive
and technically proficient.
Why would such a good writer
write for such a bad paper?
- You really think he's good?
- Oh, yes.
I mean, if I were
reviewing your performance
I would use
three better adjectives
and a superior adverb.
Oh, thanks, dad.
But this man's not my father,
and, and he doesn't have
to say these things about me.
You know, it's..
Listen, do you think I should
express my appreciation?
Hmm, I'd say that was
discerning, inventive
and technically proficient.
Oh, speaking of performances
I am going to get those tickets
for "The Mikado" tomorrow.
- Huh?
- "The Mikado."
You know, our annual visit to
the Gilbert and Sullivan orgy.
You and I every year.
Right, dad, right, of course.
I forgot, sorry.
- Uh, can I have the review?
- Yeah.
- Thanks. There you go.
- Thanks.
- Charles Alistair Gibson?
- Yes.
I never heard of him.
- But he's a drama critic.
- Drama critic?
We don't have a drama critic.
Oh, you mean the guy
who, uh, freelances?
Our local, uh, artsy stuff?
Uh, Charlie, what's his name?
Alistair Gibson.
May I speak to him, please?
He's not here.
He, uh, works out of his
apartment, as I recall.
Oh.
Um, do you have a telephone?
I guess not.
He never left me a number.
[sighs]
Oh. Um..
Well, can I leave him a message?
Sure, sure.
Here, leave a message.
I, uh, I can't promise you
I'll get it
but leave it anyway.
Oh.
[chuckles]
You, uh, you a bill collector?
- No, I'm an actress.
- An actress?
[laughs]
Sure you are, honey.
Until that
big break comes along
you're a bill collector, right?
[chuckles]
Right.
Oh, uh, Mrs. Walker?
Yes.
Hello,
I'm Nicholas Bradford's father.
Uh, you-you gave him this note,
you wanted to-to see me?
Oh, yes, of course,
Mr. Bradford.
I appreciate
you're being so prompt.
Actually I'm ten minutes early.
I've been walking
around this school yard
waiting for the
o'clock bell to ring
but I got so nervous
I-I just had to come in
and find out.
What's wrong with Nicholas?
- Nothing, Mr. Bradford.
- Nothing?
Oh, then it is my fault.
What have I done?
It's what you haven't done,
Mr. Bradford.
'And what I haven't done.'
'We are both to blame.'
To blame?
For what?
Totally ignoring
Nicholas's exceptional
musical aptitude.
Nicholas is musical?
He scored in the th percentile
in the schoolwide test
conducted by our
visiting music teacher.
Amazing.
I, I don't think I ever even
heard him hum.
A th percentile talent
deserves total encouragement.
Mr. Bradford..
...would you be willing
to encourage Nicholas
by renting an instrument
and arranging lessons?
Willing?
Oh, I'd be overjoyed.
[chuckles]
I, I thought
you were gonna put Nicholas
back into the third grade.
What instrument
do you recommend?
Oh, a budding talent
in the th percentile
should have any instrument
he chooses.
Oh, boy.
How, ahem, how could you give
a nine year old
the power of choice
without retaining
the power of veto?
You don't understand.
Nicholas is in
the th percentile.
Oh. Well, don't ask me what
percentile I'd put you into.
- Charles Alistair who?
- Gibson.
Oh, come on in.
I'll tell Joannie you're here.
Oh, I-I'll tell her, Elizabeth.
- Hi.
- Hi.
(Abby)
'If you really wanna be
nice to him'
let him wait outside.
So I figured
if you are nice enough
to thank me for the review,
the least I could do is
thank you for thanking me.
Oh, how could I help,
but thank you.
I mean,
your writing was so, uh..
It had so much insight in it.
It was so sensitive.
No, I wish somebody would say
that about my real writing.
You..
Why, don't you think
drama criticism is real?
I think poetry is more real.
- Poetry?
- Poetry.
Do you know Hasi-Al-Qatar?
- 'He's Syrian.'
- He's universal.
Someday I could write
only half as well.
No.
I bet someone will say that
about you someday.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I just don't understand.
I mean, how can they give you
a contract one day and then
take it away the next?
Oh, it's not their fault,
until this zoning hassle
gets straightened out,
they can't break ground.
Well, how long would that take?
Well, you know better
than I would.
- It's going to court.
- Oh.
Well, that's a minimum
of eight months
and a maximum of two years.
Any chance that your
old company would hire you back?
Well, they are in the same boat.
I guess they'll just have
to hustle up another contract.
Well, at least
we have my salary.
Correction.
You have your salary.
Well, I don't mind sharing it,
David.
I do.
You know our arrangement.
You said yourself that
the construction business
was very tight.
So, I'll hustle harder.
Chauvinist.
No, tycoon.
[chuckles]
Unemployed tycoon.
Um, dad, I think
Charles would like
another slice of roast beef.
Oh, oh, yes, of course.
Of course.
- That's a third.
- Uh, who's counting?
- Me and dad.
- Nicholas, please. Eat.
What's left.
Well, tell me, Charles,
have you ever considered
'applying for work
at a real newspaper?'
Why, Tom, are you
leaving "The Register"
and become a diplomat?
Oh, no, I didn't mean
that to sound undiplomatic.
I-I meant it as a compliment.
'We're always looking
for bright young writers.'
Well, the truth is,
Mr. Bradford
I've considered it.
You see, Abby.
He has considered it.
And I've decided that I'm too
young to prost*tute myself.
To what?
- Oh, he said that--
- Nicholas, go play your drums.
What I mean is, until I can give
serious writing a real try
I don't wanna
sell it for easy hackwork.
Now wait a minute.
Journalism is not easy hack--
Dad, um, I think we ought to let
Charles enjoy his dinner.
If you think I can chew
with my foot in my mouth.
[both chuckling]
They only went for a coffee.
How come I get this feeling that
you so completely disapprove?
Oh, come on now, Abby.
Who am I to disapprove?
I'm just a hack journalist,
remember?
You heard Mr. Wonderful.
[sighs]
(Tom)
'Nicholas!'
Nicholas!
Nicholas!
Nicholas, hi.
David would like to
hear you play all morning
but we have to talk.
Oh, well you go ahead and talk,
dad.
You won't bother me.
Nicholas!
'You know those places
in between the notes'
'where you have to pause?'
Yeah.
Practice those outside
in your little playhouse.
[Tom sighs]
Wow.
Well, now we don't have
to converse in sign language.
Dad, there is really nothing
to talk about.
I'm sorry, Janet mentioned
my problem to Mary.
Don't worry, I'll find another
contracts to bid on.
'Oh, well,
I admire your attitude.'
Knock a Bradford down and they
bounce right back up again.
But of course sometimes
it's good to bounce back up
into the realm of practicality.
I mean, uh, we all know that
there's a long time gap between
bidding on a job
and actually doing the work.
True,
but what can I do about it?
'Well, I thought that
you might consider doing a job'
'for a client where
there is no bidding involved.'
You know where the client
knows you're working.
He's anxious for you to start
work this very afternoon.
Now, who has bounced clear pass
practicality?
Dad, that's impossible.
Oh, I don't think
renovating this living room
and the entryway is impossible.
- Renovating what?
- Come on.
Let's face it.
The work has to be done.
I'm gonna have to hire somebody.
Now that you have a license
and you're available
'why not you?'
Dad, I don't need your charity.
Please, this is not charity.
This is shrewd bargaining.
I'm taking advantage of you
while business is slow.
Actually it's stopped
before it started.
I don't wanna
hear your problems.
Just do my work
in the time we set
and at the price we negotiate.
- You're really serious?
- Oh, yes. Serious?
Oh-ho,
I'm demanding and heartless.
I will be the fussiest customer
you've ever had.
Well, in that case,
we better draw up a contract.
Very good. I'll have my lawyer
call your lawyer.
My lawyer is Janet.
That'll make it easy.
So is mine.
"The curtain opened
revealing you.
"Sweet velvet curtain
I did not know..
...my life would open to."
[instrumental music]
Thank you.
And you like it?
Yes, I love it.
It..
It's the most beautiful thing
I've ever read.
As good as all the other poems
men write about you?
[chuckles]
It's the only poem
anyone's ever written about me.
Unh-unh. I've got four more
in my notebook
but they're not ready
to choke you yet.
You do?
I thought you said
you had a writer's block.
It was cured by meeting you.
Really?
Really, Joannie.
[music continues]
[chuckles]
- I hope you keep writing.
- I will.
You've taken my mind off
all my problems.
Oh, problems with?
Nothing that an independent
income wouldn't cure
but then whoever heard
of a rich poet.
Oh, really?
I mean, Hasi-Al-Qatar
d*ed of pauper.
Now figure it this way.
Some men enrich the world.
Lesser men enrich themselves.
Exactly.
Dad! No!
You can't do this to me.
Don't worry, Tommy.
I'll only play
on my side of the room.
Yeah, and I'll go deaf on mine.
I'm sorry, Tommy.
There's no alternative.
David needs it as clear as
possible downstairs.
Yeah, but-but, dad,
how will I sleep?
How will I study?
Look, if Nicholas' drums
make you worry
that much about studying
we should have moved them
in here ten years ago.
[telephone rings]
I'll get it.
I can't find it.
Use the kitchen phone, alright?
[ringing continues]
I can't get there.
Look, if it's important,
they'll call back.
It's not important,
it's crucial.
Dad's phone.
(Elizabeth)
'Oh, no.
He'll never call again.'
I really admire you
for that, Charles.
I've always dreamed about
just talking off
and really seeing life.
Guess I've never had the courage
to do it by myself.
Maybe what you need is
an experienced guy.
Maybe.
[laughs]
- I could do it.
- Maybe.
[both laugh]
Joannie, guess what?
I've got good news.
- Hello, Charles?
- Mr. Bradford.
(Joannie)
'Well, what's happening?'
I was able to get reservations
for the Riverview tomorrow night
'and if we get there
at o'clock sharp'
you could have that Veal Oscar
that you love so much
without missing a single note
of the overture.
Oh, dad, that was nice
but you wouldn't have to do
that. It's kind of expensive.
It's not part of the tradition.
Oh, well, even traditions
could be improved
and what better way
to improve "The Mikado"
'than with Veal Oscar?'
Gilbert and Sullivan.
Yeah. Are you a fan too?
- Not really.
- 'Oh'
'Well, it's a rare taste,
Charles.'
In fact, in the
entire Bradford clan
Joannie and I are the only ones
that share the enthusiasm.
'We've been going ever since
she was years old.'
A couple of times,
we had to drive all the way
to San Francisco
to catch their performance.
[chuckles]
Yeah, it's, it's been nice, dad,
really. It..
But, um, don't you think
I've outgrown a little? I mean..
Oh, come on. Nobody outgrows
Gilbert and Sullivan.
Goodnight, Charles.
Nice to see you.
He's staying for dinner.
Oh.
(Abby)
'No, Tom, it has not been
four nights in a row'
'it's only been three,
and it's only dinner.'
(Tom)
'Exactly. It's only dinner.'
- Why can't Joannie see that?
- S-see what?
Well, don't you see,
that Charles is just like those
stray cats that Joannie
used to bring home.
They're not after her affection.
They're after my groceries.
Tom, that's ridiculous.
No, no, Abby, I understand
my daughter very well.
She's warm, she's sympathetic
and she's very maternal.
In short, she's a sucker
for every hard luck stray
that wants to play
on her sympathy.
And you think
Charles is doing that?
I do. I mean, why else would a
girl of Joannie's caliber
even get involved
with an unemployed
unmannered, unmedicated--
'Well, I, I don't know.'
I-I think
that's a little unfair.
Oh, really?
You'll see, you'll see.
'I don't know, Tom.'
I also think
I understand Joannie.
I think she's very bright
and I think she's very tuned
into people's feelings
and quite frankly, Tom,
I'm a lot more concerned
about what's going on in your
head right now than Joannie's.
I'm fine!
We'll see, Tom.
We'll see.
Come on, Elizabeth.
Susan,
it's Joannie's turn to dry.
Oh, I should do the same
for you someday, so now.
When you're in love.
How could she be in love?
She just met the guy.
So she's not in love,
she's just infatuated
but she still shouldn't
have to dry the dishes
and tremble at the same time.
Okay. Okay.
Hey, do you really think
she's that stuck on Charles?
All I know, Elizabeth, is that
I've watched Joannie
since she first discovered
the opposite gender.
And I've never seen her like
any boy so much and so fast.
(all)
Hmm-hmm.
Hold it, dad, um..
Unless you like
obstacle courses
I would suggest that
you use the back door.
Yeah, David's half
as good at renovating
as he is in messing up,
he should make a fortune.
Oh, well,
thanks for reminding me.
I'd hate to get trapped on my
own hallway on such a big night.
(Susan)
'A big night, what?'
Yes, "The Mikado."
Joannie and I have been
'looking forward to this
for almost a year.'
- That's tonight.
- It sure is.
Um, dad, I think we better
tell you something.
Can't it wait, Mary?
I'm kind of pressed for time.
- And I've gotta get Joannie.
- Dad, Joannie's not home.
No, she's got to be.
Um, no, she left about an hour
ago with Charles.
Charles? Well, he better
get her back here
in the next five minutes,
we're very late.
(Susan)
'Well, dad,
I wouldn't count on her.'
She said she wouldn't
be home till :.
He had an important book
to show at the library.
The library?
Look, dad, if we'd known
about your special evening
we would've reminded her.
I'm sure she just forgot.
How could she forget?
We just talked
about it yesterday.
Dad, Joannie hasn't been
able to concentrate
on anything lately
except Charles.
Then, why didn't
Charles remind her?
He's supposed to be the genius.
- Dad.
- Aah.
[sighs]
[instrumental music]
Are you sure you're alright?
If you wanna miss class,
it's okay with me
but don't use me as an excuse.
Well, I mean, you could see
"The Mikado" tomorrow night.
No.
[sighs]
Nicholas!
I can't hear you!
I wonder why!
Come on. Practice is over.
I know.
I'm just doing this for fun.
Well, it's no fun
for the rest of us.
You'll have to knock it off
until morning.
Okay. Okay.
[sighs]
Hey!
I gotta finish this song,
don't I?
Finish it someplace else.
Okay, okay.
[sighs]
[sighs]
[Joannie murmuring]
- 'No, Joannie.'
- 'No, I want you to.'
(Charles)
'I'm not gonna take your money.'
(Joannie)
Shh.
See, it's okay.
That's $.
And I'll try to get more.
(Charles)
'I really, really don't like
taking this.'
(Joannie)
'Oh, don't be silly. Take it.'
I wanna help.
Dad, can I ask you a question?
Oh, well, you already did.
Now, is the next question
easy or harder?
Harder. How come Joannie asked
to pay Charles to kiss her?
What?
Well, Charles kissed Joannie,
and Joannie gave Charles $.
- When?
- Just now, downstairs.
You wait right here.
Joannie!
[door closes]
'Joannie!'
Just a minute.
- Yeah, dad, what is it?
- I wanna talk to you.
In private!
You know, it's bad enough
that that Charles
lured you away
from our Mikado date, but now--
Oh, "The Mikado."
Dad, I forgot--
But now you gave him money.
Why? Why?
(Joannie)
'I don't think
that's any of your business.'
Can't you see that
he's just a leech?
- Dad!
- I don't like him.
I don't trust him.
I want him out of this house.
And I want him out of your life.
You don't mean that.
- That's exactly what I mean.
- Da..
Where do you think you're going?
- To Charles.
- What do you mean?
Did you hear me?
Stop right there!
- It's alright, Joannie.
- I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
I don't wanna cause
any problems.
I'm leaving.
Please, be my guest.
[dramatic music]
I'll never talk to you again.
Ever!
[dramatic music]
Oh, I'm sorry, I..
Guess I'm keeping
you awake, huh?
Oh, no, how can you say that?
Ah.
I should have thrown that
Charles out of the house
the first night, none of this
would have even happened.
No, if you had thrown
Charles out the first night
all of this
still would have happened.
It's just that Joannie would
have stopped speaking to you
a few days earlier, that's all.
Doesn't she realize,
I'm only trying to protect her.
[yawning]
Tom, it's her money.
She can do
what she wants to with it
and how do you know that
Charles won't pay her back?
Oh-ho-ho.
Fat chance. I know his type.
I mean, no man
with any self-respect
would allow themselves
to sponge over woman
and take advantage
of her generous impulses
and romantic nature.
Oh, yeah, then how come
you still owe me cents
from those triple-scooped
ice cream cones
the other night
at the restaurant
'when you didn't
remember your wallet?'
Alright, I'll pay you back
right now.
'No, no, no.
I was just teasing.'
Don't you understand,
I'm just trying to help you
get this into
a proper perspective.
Tom, do you realize
that my father
still thinks of you as,
as an irresponsible
'middle-aged adolescent'
'who makes his living
in a very shady profession?'
That has nothing to do
with Joannie and Charles.
Yes, it has everything
to do with Joannie and Charles.
Tom, every father
thinks that there is no man
who is good enough
for his daughter.
Right. Well, in this case,
this father happens to be right.
I mean, he didn't like Charles
from the minute they met.
He didn't even
give him a chance.
Oh, Joannie, I'll admit
that dad didn't take
to Charles in the beginning
but you have to admit
that Charles didn't
exactly try to make
a good impression.
Of course not.
He's no hypocrite.
I guess not.
Who lends hypocrite bucks?
[sighs]
I told Charles that he didn't
have to consider it alone.
Joannie, you gave
Charles the money?
Oh, Susan
they were going to kick him out
of his apartment.
I mean, it's not his fault
that he's broke
he can't work at some,
some menial job.
He wouldn't have time to,
to do his real work
to perfect his talent.
[Susan scoffs]
'Oh, really?'
Well, how come Mary works
at a menial job
while she's trying
to perfect med school.
How come I work
at the daycare center
while I try
to perfect college, huh?
It is totally different.
Charles is an artist.
Yeah, he's an artist, alright
at convincing you
he shouldn't work.
(Nicholas)
'Oh, hi, dad. Glad I found you
before you left.'
(Tom)
What is it, Nicholas?
Well, I just learnt my first
real song, you wanna hear it?
Oh, uh, no, not right now.
I have a headache.
But it's your favorite.
"Rudolph
The Red Nosed Reindeer."
Tonight, Nicholas.
Maybe tonight.
What about you, Mary?
Mm, sure, Nicholas,
I'd be glad to listen
but, uh, you have
to tell me something first.
What?
Well, I'm not an expert
on drum playing.
You know that, but
I was wondering
how do you know for sure that
you're playing "Rudolph
The Red Nosed Reindeer"
and not some other song?
Well, you like
the "Star-Spangled Banner?"
Yeah.
Hmm.
Can you ask me that question
after I had my other lesson?
Well, that's the best news
I've had in the last four days.
(David)
'Thanks, dad, but I haven't
told you all of it.'
The only reason
I got the job is because
they're five weeks behind
and I have to start today.
Well, if those are the terms,
then those are the terms.
No,
I don't think you understand.
You see, I have to pull
my helpers off this job here
and, uh, put them on the
contract that just came through.
Oh, I see.
Then-then you'll have to hire
new helpers for this job.
Yeah, if I can find some.
But don't worry,
I guarantee you
that this job will be finished
just as we agreed.
And tonight, in fact, I'm gonna
come here all by myself
and do all the work
that was scheduled for today.
- By yourself?
- Sure.
Oh, now..
Wait a minute.
After doing a full day's work
on the new job?
Please, dad,
this is not your problem.
We made an agreement, I'm gonna
make sure that it's met.
Yeah, but I'm not so sure
that I want you
burning yourself out.
I mean, I can always
extend the deadline.
No, dad. Look, I can handle it.
Listen, you taught us to always
meet our obligations, right?
And I don't want the David
Bradford Construction Company
to fail in its first assignment.
Alright, David,
if that's the way you want it.
I couldn't be more proud.
- That is no big deal.
- Yes, it is a big deal.
I'm glad someone around here
remembers what I taught them.
[chuckles]
[telephone ringing]
I'll get it.
Hello?
Um, just a second.
Um, is Joannie still here?
Why? Who's calling?
Um, I-I don't know,
they didn't say.
Well, ask.
Who's calling, please?
- It's Charles.
- Hang up.
- But, dad..
- Hang up.
There will be no more calls
in this house from that person.
Is that clear?
[instrumental music]
Good morning, Joannie.
Morning, Tommy.
Morning, Elizabeth.
Morning, Joannie.
[music continues]
My, my,
it's chilly this morning.
Freezing.
(Mary)
'Hey, friend. It's : a.m.
Time for lunch break.'
(David)
There's more work here
than I thought.
Then hire an extra helper
for tomorrow night.
I can't find anybody
who's willing to work nights
at this hour and pay.
- No helpers.
- No helpers.
Well, then ask dad
for more time.
No, I can't.
I'd feel like a failure.
Dad seems to be counting on me
to come through
like a dutiful son.
It must be his feud
with Joannie.
Dad had never feud
with Joannie.
Uh, believe me, David,
he's feuding.
They haven't spoken
since last night.
I can't believe that.
I mean, Joannie's dad's
special remembrance of mom.
She's named after mom.
She's like mom.
Yeah, that's probably
why it's so hard for him to..
...accept the fact that she's
going with someone he hates.
Oh, I get it,
the old Electra complex.
Actually, David, I think
dad's got good reason
to dislike Charles.
I mean, maybe
he did move too fast
but so did Joannie.
Well, I'd like to hear
the whole diagnosis
from the entire family.
But if I don't get back up
on this ladder
I will have more trouble
than I can handle
with my own love life.
David, don't tell me you
and Janet are having trouble.
No, I don't think so.
We're not together enough
to find out.
You know, when I leave here
to go home and take a shower
before my day job,
Janet will be gone.
When she comes home to take
a shower before going off
to law school,
I'll be here on my night job.
[clicks tongue]
Nice being your own boss,
isn't it?
- I love it.
- Goodnight.
Goodnight.
[sighs]
[instrumental music]
[Joannie yawning]
[moans]
[yawns]
[music continues]
(Mary)
'I'll be out in a minute.'
[door opens]
[door closes]
(Mary)
This whole thing
is ridiculous.
I mean, they're both
acting like six year olds.
Well, I think it's dad's fault.
Charles is probably
the most fascinating boy
Joannie's ever dated.
Are you crazy?
Charles is a creep.
Does a creep write poetry
to a woman he loves?
Oh, come on, Nancy, why
shouldn't Charles write poetry
I mean, all he's got to do is
stand in the unemployment line.
Yeah, that's a shrewd way to go.
Sure beats the Corvette
rat race.
I can't believe it.
I mean, who cares about Charles?
Our father and our sister
are not speaking to each other.
Well, dad is just gonna have to
get over it before the wedding.
- The wedding?
- Yeah, the wedding.
I can see it now,
it'll probably be outside
with a Renaissance theme,
and Charles will probably
write the ceremony himself.
Yeah, and I can play my drum.
Preferably while Charles
is reading his poetry.
Yeah, and dad's
having his heart att*ck.
Will you guys stop this, please?
This is not a joke.
Look, dad and Joannie
have both backed themselves
into very serious corners.
We can't just let 'em
stay there hurting each other.
- But how do we stop it?
- It's very simple.
If they won't talk, we better.
You're so naive, both of you.
If I let myself
talk to dad just once
I'd say things just as cruel
as he said about Charles.
Joannie, maybe if you really
talked to dad
you'd find out
he didn't mean those things.
Oh, he meant them, Susan.
He meant them to hurt him.
He thought he'd scare him away.
He doesn't know what kind
of person Charles really is.
Well, then maybe
you could tell him.
Oh, I'll tell him, alright..
...but I won't talk to him.
Joannie, that's impossible.
[scoffs]
Is it?
(Mary)
'One of you
has to break the ice.'
'At least hear
Joannie's side of the story.'
Oh, despite the fact
that she has totally
ignored my side of it?
Look, dad, you said
there are never just
two sides to any story.
That's a platitude.
Well, that's your platitude.
And I guess
you're stuck with it.
That's right, you live
by the fatherly advice
and you die
by the fatherly advice.
Alright, alright,
I guess we should back up
and start all over again.
[instrumental music]
Joannie...this is your father.
May I come in?
Joannie, please, let's talk.
Joannie?
I think they're empty, dad.
Empty?
Yeah, I saw Joannie
leaving with her suitcase
and I'll give you one guess
where she went.
[knock on door]
- Hi.
- Joannie.
- Oh.
- Hi.
- Oh, Charles.
- Oh.
I've been trying to call you
but they wouldn't
let me through.
I know. I know.
Well, is this where
the poet's tour leaves?
- What?
- You know, uh..
Big Sur, Kerouac's "Highways",
Whitman's "America."
They always said
you were the perfect guide.
I'm ready to be guided.
You serious?
This serious?
Maybe you better come in.
Maybe I better.
[instrumental music]
[sighs]
Donna, hold my calls.
No. Just two exceptions.
Abby and Joannie.
[music continues]
[sighs]
Mary, Elizabeth, come quick!
- What's wrong, Nicholas?
- How should I know?
You're the one that goes
to medical school. Come on!
[sighs]
I don't believe it.
- Poor David.
- Where am I?
When you start seeing again,
you might recognize
this is our living room floor.
Oh, no! What time is it?
It's about :.
Oh, no.
I'm late for my other job.
Well, David, look,
it'll keep for a while.
You need more sleep.
No, I can't have sleep.
My work is awaiting for me.
This is costing money.
Who cares if you sleep?
You're the boss.
Please, Nicholas,
don't remind me.
Oh, I'm afraid
it's not gonna work.
He'll probably blow
both contracts.
Well, we'll just have
to lend him a hand.
We can't.
David's pride is at stake.
He won't even know.
Oh, how can he not even know
we're helping him?
Because we'll do it
when he can't see us.
He'll see the work we did.
Elizabeth, are you kidding?
You saw how bleary-eyed he is.
He doesn't even know
where he left off.
And look,
when he comes in tonight
he'll just figure he got
more done than he remembered.
'You really think so?'
Will you stop arguing
and pick up the roller?
(Charles)
'Are you sure you really
wanna leave school?'
Quit the repertoire company
and just take off?
Well, we don't have to do it
right away, Charles.
I mean...we could
wait till June.
You know that poem you wrote
"All Roads Beckon Me
But Summer Roads Command."
[chuckles]
So what happens till June?
- We live here.
- Here?
Oh, well, we can get
a larger place if you want.
And what's your father
gonna say?
Don't worry about that.
I'm not gonna let him hurt
either one of us anymore.
Oh, I'm so sorry
for what he said about you.
'Consider the source, Joannie.'
Your father is old-fashioned,
middle class
and he thinks "The Mikado"
is high culture.
Oh, I know.
Oh, I know.
I don't know
how I stood it for so long.
Be careful, everybody.
Now, look, it has to look like
David did it himself.
Oh, yeah, and remember
dad also has to inspect it.
Okay, okay, I just wish
you would've consulted with me
before you rushed into this.
Oh, come on, Tommy,
don't you wanna help
save David's health, pride and
his new company, huh?
Well, sure, but I just think
we could have negotiated
for something better
than zero wages.
Hey, what's everybody doing?
Um, we're helping David,
Nicholas, but, uh
just pretend you never saw us
and it never happened.
- 'Yeah, it's a secret.'
- A secret, huh?
Yeah, and if you blab,
we're gonna renovate you.
I don't wanna blab,
I just wanna help.
Oh, sorry, Nicholas, this isn't
finger-painting time.
Yeah, you definitely have
to paint inside the lines.
But I'll be careful.
Why don't you find some other
way of, uh, helping?
I got it.
I can cheer you up
by playing my drums.
Uh...no,
on-on second thought, uh
why don't you help Tommy
and hold the ladder, okay?
Oh, boy. Hold the ladder.
Yeah. Oh, boy.
What's wrong?
I just wish I thought
more secure about this.
Secure?
I can't figure if you're here
because of your love for me
or your anger at your father.
Oh, Charles.
How can you say that, hmm?
I mean,
isn't this what you wanted?
I wanted the words, Joannie.
I wanted to write new poetry.
I didn't want you
standing in my dirty linoleum
telling me I'm gonna
have to worry
about feeding two people and
paying rent on a larger place.
Oh, I'll help you with that.
We'll do it together.
Even so, it's responsibility.
It's weight.
It's what men
like your father do.
I don't want a man like that.
Not at this moment maybe.
But that's what you should have.
- No.
- Yes, Joannie.
We had a beautiful first act,
you and I.
I wrote some verse
you spun some dreams.
But I'm just a bit clear.
I disappear before
the first act curtain
so that you can meet your hero.
No. No, I don't believe that.
Okay.
We'll talk about it later.
Later?
Sorry, sweet love,
I've gotta run.
Unemployment lines
wait for no man.
[instrumental music]
Donna, any calls?
Alright, if anybody does call,
I'll be home.
Because I couldn't work
if I tried.
[tires squealing]
[car horn honking]
No luck?
I, I.. "The Weekly Independent"
doesn't know where he lives.
I even went
by the police station
and they can't help us either.
Abby, I've lost her.
Why did I do it? Why did I say
those things to her?
Because she's your
special daughter
and because
you love her very much.
Sometimes that's not enough.
Come on.
- Hmm.
- What is this?
- What's going on here?
- Hi.
Dad, what are you doing here?
That's not the question.
Why are you all
working like this?
(Tommy)
'Dad, please, whatever you do'
don't blame David,
this is our idea.
Yeah, dad, we just
wanted to help David out.
All of us.
All of you?
All of us, daddy.
[instrumental music]
I, uh..
I would've missed you very much.
I hope that someday
you'll be able to forgive me.
[music continues]
I'll try, dad.
I never loved anyone
the way I loved Charles.
Loved?
Don't ask me what happened.
Alright.
If that's what you want.
You really hurt me, dad.
Because I, I didn't want
Charles to hurt you more.
In some ways,
you were right about him.
And in some ways..
...you were very wrong.
So was I.
[sighs]
Are you just gonna stand there
or you're gonna help David
like the rest of this family?
Alright.
Where should I start?
Wait.
You can start right here.
Beside me.
I'm impressed, David.
I'm really impressed.
I'm glad you like it, dad.
I think for the first first job
that David Bradford
Construction Company
ever did,
it's very professional.
- Except--
- Except, what?
Except this area right here,
where you left the roller marks.
Me?
Come on, dad, you can't
blame on Joannie, come on.
How did you know?
Well, because
you're a little too helpful.
I mean, one wall
I might've done in my sleep
but three walls
and two coats, never.
Alright, alright.
It was a good cause, and you can
thank your brothers and sisters.
I plan to. Everybody,
tomorrow night, party time.
- 'My treat.'
- Alright.
Yeah, I-I'll have food,
I'll have music.
Oh, good, I'm glad
you volunteered the music
before Nicholas volunteered
to play the drums.
Go ahead, laugh
but I'm not playing
the drums anymore.
- You're not?
- Nope.
Hey, that gives us
two reasons to celebrate.
Nicholas, I-I thought
you loved to play the drums.
I do, but I traded
for something better.
What did you trade for?
The tuba.
Tuba?
Yeah, dad. Listen.
Oh, boy.
Yeah.
Oh.
Abby, why didn't you
tell me about this?
- It's the first I've heard.
- Yeah, dad, it just happens.
Well, I can't allow this.
I'm gonna have to throw that
out of the house.
(Abby)
'Oh, no, wait a minute, Tom.'
Remember what happened
the last time
you said something like that.
Yeah, remember, dad?
I remember.
You're absolutely right.
This is absolutely different.
Nicholas.
[theme music]
[music continues]
03x24 - Dads, Daughters, Different Drummers
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The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.
The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.