04x13 - Kathy

Episode transcripts for the TV Show "Diff'rent Strokes". Aired: November 3, 1978 –; March 7, 1986.*
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Series follows Arnold and Willis Jackson, two African-American boys from Harlem taken in by a rich white Park Avenue businessman and widower, Phillip Drummond, for whom their deceased mother previously worked, and his daughter, Kimberly.
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04x13 - Kathy

Post by bunniefuu »

♪ Now, the world don't move ♪

♪ To the b*at of just one drum ♪

♪ What might be right for you ♪

♪ May not be right for some ♪

♪ A man is born ♪

♪ He's a man of means ♪

♪ Then along come two ♪

♪ They got nothin'
but their jeans ♪

♪ But they got
diff'rent strokes ♪

♪ It takes diff'rent strokes ♪

♪ It takes diff'rent strokes ♪

♪ To move the world ♪

♪ Everybody's got ♪

♪ A special kind of story ♪

♪ Everybody finds
a way to shine ♪

♪ It don't matter that you got ♪

♪ Not a lot... So what? ♪

♪ They'll have theirs
and you'll have yours ♪

♪ And I'll have mine ♪

♪ And together we'll be fine ♪

♪ 'Cause it takes
diff'rent strokes ♪

♪ To move the
world, yes, it does ♪

♪ It takes diff'rent
strokes to move the world ♪

Hi, arnold.

Arnold, I've got a
terrific surprise for you.

Mrs. Gordon is coming by to
discuss some business with me,

And she's bringing
kathy with her.

That's nice.

Well, you don't seem
too happy about it.

Is something wrong?

No, and I don't want
to talk about it.

Arnold, what happened in school?

Did you get a bad grade?

Worse. Did somebody
steal your lunch?

Worse. I got a part
in my class play.

It's about abraham lincoln.

What's so terrible about that?

I got to be lincoln.

Hey, that's a switch.

A black abe lincoln.

That's nothing. John
wilkes booth is chinese.

And most of the
slaves are white.

Well, what are
you unhappy about?

You must be good if the teacher
picked you to play the lead.

She didn't pick me.

She picked my
name out of a bowl.

You got the part, didn't you?

And you're going to be great.

I'll be the only abe
lincoln in history

Who's shorter than his hat.

Son, you'll have a great time.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Oh, sure, because you're not
gonna be the one up there on stage

With all those
people staring at you

Just sitting there waiting
for you to throw up.

Arnold, you're
going to be just fine.

You kidding? If I
stand up in class

Just to give a book report,

I shake so hard the
kids call me charo.

Think of it this way, arnold.

What's the worst
that can happen?

I can make a complete
jerk of myself

In front of all my friends.

I mean besides that?

Look, arnold, lots
of us feel nervous

If we have to get up in
front of a group of people.

That's natural.

That's right.

I remember the first play I
was in in grammar school,

Boy was I nervous.

Did you have the
lead in the play?

No, but I had a
very difficult part.

I was a tree stump.

And the little girl that
played the woodpecker

Had very sharp teeth.

Don't worry about it, arnold.

It'll be a piece of cake.

That's easy for you to say.

While you're all
sitting in the audience,

I'll be on stage
ducking tomatoes.

Arnold, they're not going
to be throwing tomatoes,

Not at today's prices.

What bothers me most
is having the main part.

If I goof up, I ruin
it for everybody.

Look, arnold, if it
makes you uptight,

Don't do it.

But I want to be abe lincoln.

Then do it.

But I'm scared.

Then don't do it.

But I want to.

I'm getting whiplash.

Arnold, of course you'll
make your own decision,

But remember this...

It never helps to
run away from fear.

How about if I just tiptoe away?

[Doorbell rings]

I'll get it.

Here they are. Hi,
kathy. Hi, dorothy.

Hello, hello.

Come on in.

Hello, kathy.

Thanks for coming over.

Oh, I brought those listings

On the properties we discussed.

Hey, arnold, how about a ride

On the jackson expressway?

You got it. Hold on tight.

Don't go over .

Oh, I won't.

Easy, arnold.

Watch out for the
dummy in the road!

That's it!

Errrr! Errrr!

[Sighs]

Thanks for the ride, parnelli.

Kathy, tell arnold
your good news.

Oh, yeah.

You lucky devil.

Next semester, guess what
terrific kid in a wheelchair

Will be going to your school.

You? All right!

Oh, hey, that's
marvelous, kathy.

I'm happy to say

They're finally putting
in ramps and elevators

At arnold's school.

Hey, that's great.

It's about time.

Well, let's get a
look at these listings.

Will you excuse us, kids?

Sure. Sure.

Isn't that terrific, kathy?

Now you'll get to
see arnold every day.

Yeah. We can have
recess together.

Right.

We can have lunch together.

Right.

We can even do our
homework together.

Don't press your luck.

Hey, arnold, why
don't you tell kathy

About your good news.

Oh, yeah.

I get the chance to
make a fool of myself

In front of a bunch of people.

Well, you do that all the time.

Thanks.

Arnold's got the
lead in his class play,

But he doesn't want to do it.

Why not?

Because I have to
wear a stupid costume

And memorize a
bunch of dumb lines

And waste all my
free time rehearsing.

In other words, you're chicken.

That, too.

Well, remember what they say.

When the going gets
tough, the tough get going.

But they didn't say
in which direction.

Hey, forget it, kathy. He's
not going to want to do it.

What part are you
supposed to play, arnold?

If I tell you, you'll
make fun of me.

No, I won't.

I'm supposed to be
abraham lincoln.

Who you gonna
free, the munchkins?

See? I told you
you'd make fun of me.

You were right.

Come on, arnold. You know kathy

Was only kidding. Yeah, arnold.

Sure. Do the play, arnold.

You'll be terrific.

You really mean that?

Of course I do.

Please, do it for me.

If you do, I'll come see it.

You will?

Yeah, and I'll be right in the
front row rooting for you.

Yeah. Come on, arnold. Do it.

Show 'em you're not afraid.

Ok. All right.

Move over, brando.

Make room for jackson.

Hey, why don't we celebrate
with some ice cream?

Hey, that's a good idea.

This calls for a
-scoop salute.

Ok, follow me, partner.

All right.

You like rocky road?

Yeah, it's ok.

Hey, dad! Mrs. Gordon!

Hey, you guys, don't
start without me, ok?

Would you like me to
bring you some ice cream?

Ice cream?

I really should watch my figure.

Eat the ice cream.
I'll watch it for you.

We're celebrating. Kathy
got arnold to change his mind.

He's all excited about
doing the play now.

That's wonderful.

Excuse me. I'll be
back in a minute.

Boy, that kathy's
something else.

She's very good for arnold.

Well, arnold is
good for her, too.

You know, phil...

I'm having a... A little problem

Getting kathy to do something.

Maybe arnold could help.

Well, I'm sure all
you have to do is ask.

What is it?

It's about her walking.

Walking? You mean kathy walks?

Yes, she does, if
she wants to. See...

Hey, I thought you guys were
rehearsing the lincoln play with arnold.

We will be if we can get
mr. President down here.

Have you tried playing
hail to the chief?

Ah, come on, arnold, we've
got other things to do.

Yes, arnold, we
haven't got all day.

Ok, I'm ready. Give me my cue.

"The year is ,

"And our nation is at w*r
over the issue of sl*very.

"One man comes forward

"To provide leadership
in this troubled time.

"Ladies and gentlemen,

The president of
the united states."

How do I look?

I think the slaves
are in trouble.

I think you look very
impressive, arnold.

And when the play's over,

You should consider
growing a beard.

Look, you got my vote,
abe. Let's get started, ok?

Not yet. I promised kathy

She could have a sneak preview
before the play tomorrow.

Oh, arnold, look, I've
got homework to do.

You just call me
when you're ready, ok?

Yeah, same here,
arnold. All right.

Arnold.

You now, kathy's mother told
me something the other day

That's very exciting.

What's that?

Kathy can walk with crutches.

She can?

How come she never does?

Well, she doesn't like to.

See, when she's in a wheelchair,

She feels very secure.

When she's on her crutches,

She feels embarrassed,
self-conscious.

She's afraid the kids
will laugh at her.

Well, they better not
laugh in front of me,

Or I'll leave a trail of bloody
kneecaps around this town.

Well, arnold, I think what
kathy needs right now

Is a good friend, not a hit man.

You think you
could encourage her

To try walking
with her crutches?

Sure, I could, dad.

By the time I'm
through with her,

She'll want to run
the boston marathon.

Thanks, arnold. I knew I
could count on you to help her.

Of course. You're talking to
the guy who ended the civil w*r.

[Doorbell rings]

Thank you. I'll get it, dad.

It's probably kathy.

Hey, look at you.

What's going down, abe?

Step into the oval office.

Hi, kathy, dorothy.

Hi, phil. Hi, mr. Drummond.

Arnold, you look just
like abraham lincoln.

Yeah, except you could use
more height and less color.

The kids are going to
rehearse while we work.

Let's go. Oh, terrific.

Oh, did you have a
chance to talk to him?

Yeah.

All right.

I gotta go call
kimberly and willis

So they can help me to rehearse.

Hey, I got a better idea.

How about you
helping me tonight?

Ok. I'd love to.

Well, here's what you do.

Mm-hmm.

Just open this like that,

And read all the parts
that aren't underlined.

Start right here.

Ok.

"The year is

"And our nation is at w*r

"Over the issue of sl*very.

"One man comes forward

"To provide leadership
in this troubled time.

"Ladies and gentlemen,

The president of
the united states."

Four score and seven years ago,

Our fathers brought
forth on this continent

A new nation.

[Snoring]

Hey, come on.

[Laughing]

You were terrific, arnold.

You're gonna be
the hit of the play.

I'm gonna wheel
myself up on that stage,

And I'm gonna throw
flowers at you.

Thanks.

But why wheel up?

Why not walk up
on your crutches?

My crutches?

How do you know
about my crutches?

Has my mother been blabbing?

What's the difference?

The difference is it's
none of your business.

Hey, what are you
getting so mad about?

What's wrong with walking
up on your crutches?

Have you ever tried it?

No.

Has anybody ever told you

That you look like a
reject from the muppets?

No.

Well, that's what
they say to me,

And sometimes even worse.

Aw, those kids are just
a bunch of airheads.

Don't let that stop you.

Don't you ever want to
get out of your wheelchair

And go to school
without any help?

That's the reason they're
putting in ramps and elevators.

Don't you know anything, dummy?

But kathy, what about the
places that don't have ramps?

Don't you want to be able to go
anyplace you like without your chair?

When I need your
help, I'll ask for it.

Mom!

Mother!

But kathy, all I was...

Mom!

What is it, dear?

I want to go home.

What's wrong, honey?

Nothing.

What happened, arnold?

Dad, I just asked her
about her crutches,

And world w*r iii broke out.

Arnold didn't mean
any harm, dear.

I don't care what he meant.

He's not my friend anymore,

And you shouldn't have told him.

Oh, sweetheart.

And another thing...
About your acting.

What about my acting?

It stinks.

What you talkin' 'bout, kathy?

Kathy, that's not very nice.

Yeah, and you said
my acting was terrific.

I only said that to
make you feel good.

They're gonna laugh you
off the stage tomorrow.

You couldn't act your
way out of a baggie.

She didn't really
mean that, arnold.

I'm sorry.

I'll talk to you later, phil.

Sure. Bye, dorothy.

Well, dad.

Got any other great
ideas for helping a friend?

I'm sorry, arnold.

I had no idea that
she'd take it that way.

Not only did I lose a friend,

But did you hear what
she said about my acting?

It stinks.

She didn't say it
stinks real bad.

I'm sure she just said
that out of anger.

Ummm, yeah.

I wonder who's
going to k*ll me first,

John wilkes boothe

Or the audience.

Better get going, arnold.

You don't want to be
late for the school

On the day you free the slaves.

[Mumbled] I'm too sick to talk.

What'd you say?

[Mumbled] I'm too sick to talk.

Arnold, I can't understand
a word you're saying.

I said I'm too sick to talk.

Hey, guys,

The bathroom's all yours.

Well, if you're sick, arnold,

I guess I better tell dad.

He's sick? What's
the matter with him.

I think honest abe is jiving us.

I am not. I'm in great pain.

Hey, what's the
holdup here, g*ng?

Adelaide's got
breakfast on the table.

Arnold says he's
sick and in great pain.

Oh, well, that
sounds very serious.

I guess I'd better
call the doctor

And ask him to
come give him a sh*t.

It's not that serious.

It's not? Then
what is it, arnold?

I guess it's just
something semi-fatal.

Oh, what tough luck...

Getting sick on
the day of his play.

Yeah, what a bad break.

I even had a speech ready
for the end of the play

When I was going to
thank all the little people

Who helped me
make it to the top.

Well, I wouldn't worry, arnold.

You can still make that speech.

How, if I'm not in the play?

Oh, you're gonna be in the play.

You'd send a sick kid

Into the middle
of the civil w*r?

Little brother, you're not sick.

You're just upset
because of what kathy said.

Well, when your best friend
says your acting stinks,

It doesn't exactly fill
you with confidence.

Oh, arnold, you know
she really didn't mean it.

She only said it
because she was upset.

Arnold?

Arnold?

When you agreed
to play that part,

You made a commitment.

A lot of people are
depending on you.

The teacher, the
kids in the play,

The audience.

You also made a
commitment to yourself.

Now, if you don't
go through with it,

You'll regret it
the rest of your life.

That long?

Ok.

I better get my stovepipe hat

And start emancipating.

[Speaking to himself] four
score and seven years ago,

Our fathers brought
forth on this continent

A new nation... All right
children, is everybody ready?

[All] yes, ma'am. Great.

Feeling o.k., Mr. President?

Miss chung,

To tell you the truth,

My stomach feels like
it's on the spin cycle.

That's perfectly normal, arnold.

But believe me, once you get out
there in front of that audience,

All your nervousness
will disappear.

It will? Sure,

You'll feel right at home
as if you've been doing it

All your life.

In fact, you'll probably forget

All those people are out there.

Well then, what
am I worried about?

Let's get the show on the road.

All right.

[Singing] there's no
business like show business,

It's like no business I know.

This is so exciting.

I love an opening night...

Even when it's an
opening afternoon.

You know, they should've made
me technical advisor on this play.

I know all about
abraham lincoln.

I was here when all
this really happened.

That's right, kids.

She's the one that
persuaded lincoln

To go to the theater that night.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I'm ms. Chung

And I'd like to
welcome you to p.s. .

We hope you'll enjoy
yourselves this afternoon.

And now, I'm proud to present

Our fifth grade class
in a wonderful play...

abe lincoln, the
great emancipator.


[Applause]

The year is ,

And our nation is at w*r

Over the issue of sl*very.

One man comes forward

To provide leadership
in this troubled time.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The president on
the united states.

[Applause]

[Audience laughs]

Four years ago,
the score was -

In favor of our fathers.

[Laughing]

I mean, uh... Four fathers ago,

The nation scored.

[Mouthing]

Fathers couldn't score.

Four score and seven
years ago, dummy.

Four score and seven
years ago, dummy...

Ladies and gentlemen,

If you'll excuse
us for a moment,

Thee seems to be
a small problem.

I think I'd better go backstage

And have a talk with
the small problem.

Oh, poor arnold. He's
absolutely petrified.

I didn't think he
was that relaxed.

I've never seen him
that scared before.

I'm just glad he didn't
leave a puddle on the stage.

Arnold, please come out.

Arnold...

Oh, arnold, please
let go of that radiator.

There's nothing to be afraid of.

I'm not afraid. I'm just cold.

Oh, mr. Drummond, maybe
you can get through to him.

Dad, they were laughing at me.

No, they weren't, son.

They were laughing with you.

Well, I wasn't laughing.

Look, arnold, if
you'll just relax,

Everything will be fine.

Everybody out there
wants you to do well.

They're all rooting for you.

They wanna root, bus
'em to a football game.

Now, arnold...

Everybody's gonna
call you a quitter.

I can live with that.

Now, arnold, please,
let go of the radiator

And go back out on the stage.

The show must go on.

Well, it can go on without me.

I'm retiring from show business.

Turning in my beard.

Ms. Chung, will you excuse
us for a minute, please?

Of course.

Arnold, everybody
is waiting for you.

Now, I'm not asking
you, I'm telling you.

Let go of that thing

And get your little
butt out on the stage.

Dad, no way, no how,

No chance, and no
further discussion.

Hey, arnold.

Look who's here.

What's going down?

Kathy, what are you doing here?

You invited me, remember?

Where's your mother, kathy?

She's out front waiting
for the gutless wonder

To get back out on stage.

Who you calling
a gutless wonder?

The radiator isn't
exactly hanging on to you.

She's got you there, arnold.

Well, she should talk.

Somebody who's too
afraid to use their crutches

In front of other people.

Wrong.

Wrong? What do you mean, kathy?

Well, I thought about
what arnold said yesterday,

And he was right.

So I walked this morning,
and right out in public.

Yeah. You did?

Well, how come you
didn't call and tell me?

She wanted to
surprise you, arnold.

Hello, phil.

Hi, dorothy.

Dig this, arnold.

Here, help me up, mom. Please?

Ok.

Here we go.

Ok.

Yeah. Ok?

How about that?

All right!

That is marvelous, kathy.

Thank you.

Now listen, you turkey.

If I can do it, so can you.

Now get out on that
stage and knock 'em dead.

All right, I will.

Good boy.

Don't go away.

I may be right back.

Good for you, son. Good for you.

[Whispering]

Well, how'd it go, dad?

Yeah. Does arnold
still have cold feet?

He did, but kathy showed up

And gave him a hot foot.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for your patience.

And now, once again,
we are proud to present

abe lincoln, the
great emancipator.


[Applause]

The year is ,

And our nation is at w*r

Over the issue of sl*very.

One man comes forward

To provide leadership
in this troubled time.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The president of
the united states.

[Applause]

Four score and seven years ago,

Our fathers brought
forth on this continent

A new nation,

Conceived in liberty,

And dedicated to the proposition

That all men are created equal.

Wait! Wait a minute!

There's more.

Now we are engaged...

♪ Now, the world don't move ♪

♪ To the b*at of just one drum ♪

♪ What might be right for you ♪

♪ May not be right for some ♪

♪ A man is born ♪

♪ He's a man of means ♪

♪ Then along come two ♪

♪ They got nothin'
but their jeans ♪

♪ But they got
diff'rent strokes ♪

♪ It takes diff'rent strokes ♪

♪ It takes diff'rent strokes ♪

♪ To move the
world, yes, it does ♪

♪ It takes diff'rent strokes ♪
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