03x25 - The Final Days

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

- Ow! My back!

- Dad! Are you okay?

Oh, yeah, yeah.

I'm fine.

It's just that..

...sometimes when you get

to be my age

your body doesn't always do

what you tell it to.

Oh, you mean

you're getting old?

No, I'm not getting old.

Of course not.

It's just.. "Getting old."

I'm in my prime.

- Your prime?

- That's right, my prime.

Here, you stay here

and catch.

I'll show you the old

Bradford screwball.

- Are you ready?

- Yeah.

You excited?

Ow! My shoulder!

Dad! Dad.

Are you alright?

Dad, isn't there any way you can

get out of your...prime?

♪ There's a magic

in the early morning ♪

♪ We've found ♪

♪ When the sunrise smiles on ♪

♪ Everything around ♪

♪ It's a portrait

of the happiness ♪

♪ That we feel

and always will ♪

♪ Oh 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 time ♪

♪ There's a plate

of homemade wishes ♪

♪ On the kitchen window sill ♪

♪ And eight is enough ♪

♪ To fill our lives with love ♪♪

[telephone ringing]

I'll get it.

Hello?

Oh, hi, Peggy. What's up?

Oh, why? You haven't found

a band for the prom yet?

'Yeah, well, of course,

I'll help.'

'I mean, I want the music

to be just right'

when I'm dancing in the arms

of Steve Robinson, don't I?

Yeah, I know he lettered

in swimming.

I know he drives

a convertible.

I know, he's a hunk.

Well, listen, I'll see

what I can do, okay.

Okay.

Catch you later.

Elizabeth, shouldn't

you be more concerned

with finals than with,

uh, hunks?

Dad, I don't have

any finals.

You see it's the traditional

graduation present

from the faculty

to the senior class.

Oh, that's awfully

generous of them.

Ah, we deserve it.

- Oh, hi, dad.

- Oh, hi, Nancy.

Hey, it was really nice of you

to think of me.

Oh, you read today's column?

'Yep. And I loved

every word of it.'

Uh, especially the part

where you urge

responsible men and women to..

How did you say it?

'Oh, yeah, "Put their trust

in today's youth'

"and pass the torch of hope

and challenge

to a new generation

of Americans."

Um.. Well, I hope

the message inspires

some prospective employers.

Well, what's important is,

you inspired me.

And as soon as I finish

typing up my new resume

I'm gonna go out and knock

on every door in town

till somebody passes

me the torch.

Good for you, Nancy.

And I hope I helped

open a door or two for you

and every other young worker.

Thanks, dad.

[Joannie grunts]

[rattling]

Hey, no joke. I read

that the su1c1de rate

among students skyrockets

during finals week.

Hey, Tommy, somehow I'm not

too worried about you.

Oh, I'm taking my finals

seriously this year.

I brought my books home.

I thought you were

going to the library.

I did.

And it's standing-room only.

Oh, Joannie, uh, how about we

flip for the bedroom?

Sorry, Susan.

Seniority.

Here, let me see, I got..

...look, four, forty,

sixty eight hours

to the first of four exams.

When I cram, I cram alone.

Hey, great attitude, kid.

Look, I thought we agreed

to respect each other's peace

privacy and the pursuit of

passing grades.

Hey, we'll tell that

to my professor

when I hand him an

empty blue book

and uh, thanks a lot, chum.

Hi, Tommy you remember

the band

that opened for

The Beach Boys concert?

Yeah, The Zygotes.

Well, do you know where

I can find 'em?

Yeah, they play down at

The Embryo every weekend.

- You gonna go see 'em?

- No, no, no.

I'm helping Peggy Butler

find a band for the prom

and we think

they'd be perfect.

Elizabeth, The Zygotes

just got a record deal.

They're not gonna play

for a prom.

Well, if you think of anybody,

it's a $ gig.

Three hundred dollars.

Nicholas?

What?

Hey, sorry, little buddy,

but this territory

has been claimed in the name

of Professor Harris

'and Accounting .'

What is that supposed to mean?

It means scram.

Where am I supposed to go?

Everybody's studying.

Oh, go find dad, he probably

doesn't have anything to do.

Uh-uh, Tom,

I have to study.

Oh, come on,

you can take a little break.

No, I-I would love to, but it's

out of the question, really.

- It is?

- Yes.

Do, uh, do you realize

what I'm going through?

First I have to prepare

a final exam for each one

of my students,

and as soon as that's finished

I-I get to cram

for my own test

not to mention the fact

that they all come in--

- Yes, yes. I get the picture.

- Okay.

Um...why don't you go

find Nicholas?

He probably doesn't

have anything to do.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

[instrumental music]

Yes, sir, here is the man

you want to meet.

I may be the publisher

of this newspaper

but in certain areas I prefer

to remain in the background.

And I hold no

editorial reins

on any of my columnists,

right, Tom?

- Tom?

- What?

Oh, right, that's right.

What, I don't-what..

Tom, I'd like

you to meet Mr..

- Ben Ryan.

- Oh. How do you do, Mr. Ryan?

Mr. Ryan would like to discuss

some comments

that you made in your

column yesterday, Tom.

Oh, isn't that nice.

Good or Bad?

Depends on what side

of the fence you're on.

Yes, well I have

an appointment

so I'll let you gentlemen

talk things out.

- Talk what out?

- Right. Bye.

But uh-uh-uh..

W-won't you sit down, Mr. Ryan?

I expected a younger man.

Oh, really?

A man your age

should know better

than to write that trash

you called a column.

Well-well-well,

my column is not trash.

"Passing the torch to

the younger generation." Huh!

Why don't you tell

the whole story?

I don't think you read

the whole story.

What about

the older generation?

You wanna see the old people

sitting on park benches all day?

And going home at night

and eat dog food?

I never said anything like that.

You know how far social security

goes with today's prices?

My column wasn't even

about senior citizens.

Oh, come on, sonny,

I can read between the lines.

I don't write between the lines.

Look, I-I didn't

come here to argue.

I came here

to give you this.

What is this?

What is it?

Your next column.

Oh, now just a second,

Mr. Ryan.

Nobody writes my column

except me.

Did you ever hear

of "Freedom of the press?"

Yeah, and you're free

to do what you want.

But if were you,

I'd print those words.

Well, I am me, and I won't.

Okay, Bradford.

I'll be seeing you.

[dramatic music]

(Nancy)

Hello. Who?

Oh, yeah, Elizabeth.

Uh, just a second.

I think she's home.

Elizabeth?

Telephone.

- Who is it?

- Marshall Spector.

- Well, tell him I'm not home.

- 'Why?'

Because he wants to

ask me to the prom.

So, that's nice.

Nancy, number one,

I've already got a date.

And number two, would you

wanna go to the prom

with the president

of the chess club?

Elizabeth, I think

you should have the decency

to tell him you can't go.

Uh, just tell him, I'm not home.

He'll get the message.

Elizabeth...you shouldn't be

so cold hearted.

Men have feelings too,

you know.

Hello, Marshall?

Elizabeth, your search

has ended, I've got your band.

- Really, who?

- Tijuana Tokyo.

Well, I like the name.

How do I get in touch with them?

You are in touch.

It's my band.

Ah, since when do you

have a band?

Hey, look, I've been jamming

with these guys for a long time.

This could be our big break.

Forget it, Tommy.

Oh, well,

let us at least audition.

'Why should I?'

Because in this family

we share and share alike.

Oh, don't give me that. What are

you gonna share with me?

Ten percent of the take.

I'll see what I can do.

Boy, I'm starving.

Ah, me too.

I haven't eaten all day.

Well, uh, what's happening

for dinner?

- Mary?

- Oh, I don't know.

- Beats me.

- I've been studying all day.

And I set the table.

Oh, Abby, uh, what are we,

uh, having for dinner?

- Pizza.

- Oh.

Pizza.

- Well, where is it?

- I called over an hour ago.

(Susan)

'Did you give him

the right address?'

I think it's time

to break out

the cheese and crackers, period.

I want pizza.

Oh, hello.

This is Tom Bradford.

You were supposed to deliver

an order to Oak Street.

Uh-uh, quite a while ago.

Your driver won't cross

the picket line?

What is it, a pizza picket?

He won't cross my picket line?

[dramatic music]

- What are you doing here?

- Come on now, sonny.

Haven't you ever heard

of freedom of assembly?

This is absurd.

One thing I learnt in my youth,

hit a man where he lives

and he'll listen

to what you have to say.

- 'Right. Right.'

- Now, wait a minute. Please.

Mr. Ryan, maybe if you

would be more reasonable.

We're tired of being reasonable,

it's time for action.

We're not gonna budge

until you tell our side

of the story.

(protestors in unison)

That's right.

I will not be intimidated.

Now, if you don't disperse

immediately I'm..

I'm going to ca-call

the police.

Well, go ahead.

But here's a permit to conduct

the lawful demonstration.

I mean, I.. I don't understand

how demonstrating

in front of my house

could help your cause.

Don't short-change

yourself, sonny.

Everyone in Sacramento

reads your column.

The legislatures,

the governor.

Yes, and that's precisely why

I will not let anybody dictate

to me what I am going

to write in my column.

The politicians say you speak

for the man

on the street,

but we're gonna stay

in your street

until you speak up for us.

(protestors in unison)

Just because we're old and grey

doesn't mean we'll go away.

'Just because we're old and grey

doesn't mean we'll go away.'

'Just because we're old and grey

doesn't mean we'll go away.'

How are we going to study

with all this racket?

Dad, why can't you just

publish the article?

Because I happen to believe

in something called

journalistic integrity.

I mean, If I let myself be

manipulated by pressure tactics

well, I'll lose my credibility

as a columnist.

Right now you're losing

your credibility

as head of this household.

If we ignore them,

they'll go away.

It doesn't sound like they're

gonna give up that easily.

Please, when they find out

that I can't be blackmailed

they'll pick up their things

and go home.

(protestors in unison)

'Just because we're old and

grey..'

Trust me. Will you, please?

'Just trust me,

by tomorrow morning'

everything will be

back to normal.

It's time to get

an equal share.

We want more than Medicare.

It's time to get an equal share.

We want more than Medicare.

'It's time to get an equal..'

- Guess what?

- I know, I know.

Tom, I realize your position

as a journalist

but you have to realize that

there are people who live here

who desperately need

a little peace and quiet.

- Abby, I'll handle it.

- Yes, but when?

We have finals.

[mumbles]

Oh, Tom, I've come up with some

background on your friend Ryan.

Seems that he's been all over

the state organizing

golden agers

into grey brigades.

Who'd believe that, eh?

Middleton Geriatrics.

Elliot, you read my column.

It had nothing to do

with mandatory retirement.

I didn't create that.

This man is creating

an incident.

Tom, you are dealing here

with a real pro.

Seems that, uh, he built

his reputation organizing

the longest strikes

in Sacramento.

Here.

Read what I underlined.

"Known for his

unorthodox tactics

"Ben Ryan att*cks his objectives

with all the subtlety

of a panzer division."

A very accurate description.

- Who said it?

- My father.

Seems that years ago, Ryan

unionized the printers here.

'Got them the best contract

they ever had.'

W-what, what do you

suggest I do?

I don't know what to say, Tom.

I know that you've got

your principles to uphold.

All I can say is this.

Keep that picket line

away from The Register.

We've had enough trouble

with that man.

[door slams]

(protestors in unison)

Fit to hire, not retire.

Put us to use,

we'll still produce.

Fit to hire, not retire.

'Put us to use,

we'll still produce.'

'Fit to hire..'

Oh, those pickets

are driving me crazy.

You know, I can say

one thing for Ben Ryan.

He sure knows

how to stage a protest.

We could have used him

at Berkeley.

(protestors in unison)

'Fit to hire, not retire.'

'Put us to use,

we'll still produce.'

Oh, why is it every time

I open a book

they start chanting again?

I don't know.

- 'Ooh!'

- What?

Oh, Nicholas!

Could you please take your

dribbling elsewhere?

Yeah, like outside.

Where do you think

I was going?

Boy, this house

is full of grouches.

(protestors in unison)

'Fit to hire, not retire.'

'Put us to use,

we'll still produce.'

(Susan)

'Hi.'

Hey.

Elizabeth.

- Elizabeth, what's the matter?

- Hey, what did they do to you?

You okay, kiddo? Huh?

I'm dead.

Oh, come on, Elizabeth,

what is it?

I just found out I have to

take an algebra final.

Half the class are juniors

and the teachers said

if they have to pass the final,

so do the seniors.

Oh, well,

welcome to the club.

You don't understand.

I have not opened

an algebra book

since the mid-term.

I'm doomed.

Go away! Go away!

(male #)

You really think

you can get away with this?

Look, there's no way

I can rehearse with the band

and study at the same time.

Besides, when was

the last time you saw

a teacher look up

a kid's sleeve?

[grunts]

Fini.

Check it out.

The best educated wardrobe..

...in Sacramento.

- Oh, wow!

- Here we have history.

And English.

And of course, chemistry.

And se habla Espanol.

- Bradford, you're a master.

- Yes.

[laughs]

Hey, young fella.

Come over here.

You any good at checkers?

- Yeah.

- Well, come over here.

Sit down and see if you

can whip me.

Here, here, you pick the red.

Here.

I'm Ben.

What's your name, Huck?

Nicholas. I'm supposed

to pretend you are not there.

Is that what your dad said?

Yeah, but can I pretend

you're not here

and still play checkers?

Certainly you can, Nick.

You don't mind if I call

you Nick? Do you?

- You look like a Nick.

- I don't mind.

Good, good, good.

You-you got ahead first.

Watch him close, Nick.

Ryan has no scruples

when it comes to checkers.

Don't listen to him.

He's a sore loser.

How long do you guys

plan to be here?

Well..

That depends on, on when

your father changes his mind.

Well, what do you

want him to do?

We want him to tell the people

about the problems in aging.

What problems?

Well, you lose your job.

You'll lose the feeling

of being needed.

Nobody wants you around.

You feel like a bum.

Come on, Wilson.

You're not a bum.

You see, Nick?

What we are talking

about is pride.

Dignity.

'See, all we really want is

a chance to stay in the game.'

Do you understand?

I think so.

Good.

Go ahead.

[laughs]

If a equals bx

'then how can c possibly

equal a over by?'

Elizabeth, this the only

semi-quiet room in this house.

Can we keep it that way?

Elizabeth, have you

heard anything

about that audition yet?

Tommy, would you quit

bugging me?

I told you I'd set it up.

Okay, okay.

Just let us know when we

have to be ready.

I will.

Elizabeth, uh,

I forgot to tell you.

Nancy, we are trying to work.

I'm sorry.

Marshall Spector called again.

He wants you to call him back.

Oh, are you kidding?

Why would I wanna talk

to Marshall Spector

at a time like this?

Oh, boy. Have you got

a lot to learn about men.

Correction.

I've got a lot to learn

about unbalanced equations.

You know, Elizabeth,

I don't understand you.

Marshall sounds like a very

interesting guy on the phone.

Did you know that he got

a four year scholarship to MIT?

MIT?

That's right.

Marshall maybe a creep, but he's

also a mathematical genius.

You've got his number, Nancy?

Let me have it.

Oh, no, you don't.

You're no taking advantage

of him like that.

- Uh-uh. Forget it

- Give it to me, Nancy.

[rattling]

[thudding]

I'll show you how to do it.

- 'Move over.'

- Oh, sure.

Okay, show me your big

special technique.

- You gotta wack it.

- I did wack it.

You gotta really wack it,

Joannie.

[rattling]

[screaming]

Would you get some help?

[indistinct screaming]

Oh! Oh!

Will, uh.. Will somebody..

Uh, a plumber.

That's what we need.

A plumber.

I'll call him.

Okay.

Uh, someone, uh..

Get some more towels.

[indistinct shouting]

Upstairs.. Are you..

Oh, yeah, sure, I got it.

[car horn honking]

[indistinct chatter]

(protestors in unison)

'Just because we're

old and grey'

'doesn't mean we'll go away.'

'Just because we're

old and grey'

doesn't mean we'll go away.

Just because we're old

and grey

doesn't mean we'll go away.

Just because we're

old and grey

doesn't mean we'll go away.

Just because we're

old and grey

doesn't mean we'll go away.

Just because we're

old and grey

'doesn't mean we'll go away.'

Just because we're

old and grey

doesn't mean we'll go away.

'Just because we're

old and grey'

'doesn't mean we'll go away.'

'Just because we're

old and grey'

'doesn't mean we'll go away.'

'Just because we're old..'

Hello?

[gasps]

(Tom)

What's going on here?

Why didn't you call a plumber?

We did call a plumber, dad.

- Didn't you see him?

- No.

- Where is he?

- Outside.

He won't cross

your picket line.

[dramatic music]

Oh, well, what's the report

from down under?

Pretty grim , dad. All I could

do was shut up the main valve.

You mean, we won't have

any water?

Not unless you wanna flood

your kitchen again.

I'm afraid your problem is

beyond my realm of expertise.

You need a professional plumber.

Sure, find me one that'll

cross the picket line.

Why is it? I write an article

about young people accepting

responsibility and all of a

sudden I can't get a pizza

or a plumber

or a moment's peace around here.

You oughta pick your fights

more carefully, dad.

Ben Ryan still has

a loyal following

among Sacramento's

rank and file.

Well, what do you suggest I do?

- Throw in the towel.

- Hey.

The water went off upstairs.

And it stays off until

dad gets a plumber.

What?

Dad, I have a head

full of shampoo

no water

and a endocrinology exam

'a little more than a day away.'

You have to do something.

Mary, if I were to give in, what

would stop every pressure group

in town from just making

our side walk into a soap box?

Will you look at me?

How can you be so stubborn?

Don't ask me about stubborn.

Ask Ben Ryan.

That's stubborn.

(protestors in unison)

Old age is an outrage.

Old age is an outrage.

Old age is an outrage.

Old age is an outrage.

'Old age is an outrage.'

Good morning.

You have a lot of nerve

saying that to me.

Abby, please.

Be reasonable.

Reasonable? How can I be?

This is my morning

cup of coffee.

I know things

have been difficult, but..

Well, are you just gonna stand

and roll your eyes

or are you gonna do something

about it?

[door slams]

Morning, Abby.

[knocking on door]

(protestors in unison)

'Old age is an outrage.'

'Old age is an outrage.'

Uh..

I hope this isn't

the Bradford residence.

I'm sorry,

but I'm afraid it is.

They called me a fink.

You should've heard

what they called my father.

I beg your pardon.

Never mind.

It's a long story.

Oh..

Uh, my name is

Marshall Spector.

- I'm here to see Elizabeth.

- Oh, hi, Marshall.

- I'm Nancy. Come on in.

- Thanks.

- Uh, we talked on the phone.

- Oh, yeah.

Oh, hi, Marshall.

Uh, you're a little early.

- Oh, I am.

- Yeah.

Unfortunately, I am right

in the middle of cramming

for my algebra exam.

Oh, well, uh..

Maybe I can

help you study.

Oh, no, I couldn't ask

you to do that.

No, really.

Math is my best subject.

Well, come to think of it,

I could use some help.

Come on.

My books are in the dining room.

Nice meeting you.

(protestors in unison)

'Time to get an equal share.'

'We want more than Medicare.'

'Time to get an equal share.'

We want..

What have you got there, Nick?

I picked up the two dozen

prune danishes you ordered.

Oh, thank you, Nick.

Uh..

Mighty nice of you to pick up

the order. Help yourself, boys.

- Here's your change.

- No, no, no. You keep it.

Thanks.

The guy at the store

wanted to know

how long you can hold out?

Well, when I was a boy

working in the coal mines

uh, we lasted days

before the company gave in.

Ninety-seven days?

That's right.

Well, tell me how is your father

taking all this?

I don't know.

Everybody else

is going crazy though.

Even you?

Well, everybody

in the house

is yelling and screaming

and no one wants me around.

But I don't mind 'cause I can

always come out and talk to you.

That's right.

And besides,

as long as you're here

I don't have to take

anymore baths.

[laughs]

Okay. Is this right?

Marshall, is this right?

- Marshall?

- Oh.

- Yes?

- Is this equation right?

Oh, um..

You..

You didn't simplify

all the coefficients.

Oh.

I..

You know, Elizabeth.

I..

I've been trying to get in touch

with you the whole week.

Oh, yeah, well,

I've been real busy.

Oh.

That's alright.

It's probably better

if I ask you in person.

I've got it.

sy times b over c

equals the square root of a.

You know,

how the prom is next week.

Oh, sh**t,

look what I did.

I broke..

Oh, I'm so clumsy.

- Well, here, use mine.

- It's okay.

There's a sharpener

in the kitchen.

Hi.

I thought that you might like

to freshen up.

Oh, a bucket of water

for little ol' me.

Well, actually half a bucket.

I thought we could share.

No, no, no,

it's all yours.

After this I am going to

the YWCA for a nice hot shower.

Abby, this can't go on

much longer.

Or maybe

I'll just get a room there.

Where are the towels?

Well, the last time I looked

they were all over

the kitchen floor.

You mean to say

that we're out of towels?

And you are running

pretty low on underwear.

Abby.

Oh, Nicholas.

Good, good.

Just in time

to help with the wash.

But, dad, how are we gonna

do wash when there's no water?

We'll take it

to the laundromat.

But I hate laundromat.

Don't argue. Go to your room

and get your dirty clothes.

Dad.

Ben Ryan says,

"Anyone who crosses

a picket line

to work is a scam."

No, no, no.

The word is scab.

And if I were you,

I wouldn't listen to Ben Ryan.

Ben Ryan.

[instrumental music]

Okay. I think

I figured out the cosine.

You wanna check it for me?

Elizabeth.

I-I-I have to ask

you something.

Okay, but why don't you

look at this first?

Well, you know,

I-I've been watching you.

From-from far.

Ever since

we were sophomores.

Uh, Marshall, don't you think

we should concentrate

on the equation?

I know you're real popular and

and I'm just a guy

who plays chess, but..

...when you asked me

to come over..

Well, I hoped..

- I mean, I dreamed--

- You must be starving.

Let me get you

something to eat.

I'm not hungry.

Elizabeth.

I want you to go

to the prom with me.

Oh, Marshall, I was afraid

you were gonna ask me that.

You were?

Yeah.

You know, I'd really like

to go to the prom with you

but I already have a date.

Oh.

Well then, why did you

wanna see me?

Um..

You were the only person

who could help me

with my algebra exam.

Oh..

So that's all I am good for.

Oh, Marshall, don't think that.

Elizabeth, you just

wanted to use me.

I'm just a brain to you, right?

Well, I-I thought

you were different

from the other girls

in school.

I guess I was wrong.

Excuse me.

Elizabeth.

Why did Marshall leave

in such a hurry?

To find a date for the prom.

Nancy, would you stop

lookin' at me like that?

Ah, come on, Nancy.

I feel bad enough as it is.

(protestors in unison)

Old age is an outrage.

Old age is an outrage.

Old age is an outrage.

Oh, I'm sorry you had to

see this, Nicholas.

Dad, when is this

gonna be over?

It's getting

to you now too, huh?

No, I just wish

our house would go back

to the way it used to be.

What do you mean,

the way it used to be?

Having dinner and water and

everybody not mad all the time.

Oh, it's just

the pressure of finals.

But everybody had finals last

year and it wasn't like this.

(protestors in unison)

'Old age is an outrage.'

'Old age is an outrage.'

Quiet! Quiet down!

Please, quiet down.

I'm here to make peace.

Mr. Ryan, this thing

has gone on far too long.

Well, I'm glad to see

you've come to your senses.

This means that you're ready

to meet my terms.

I'm ready to negotiate

a settlement.

(Ryan)

'What's your offering?'

I'll see to it that

your article gets printed.

But as a guest column,

not as mine.

- Seems fair enough.

- I think that seems fair.

- Yeah, yeah.

- Alright.

I'll call my publisher

and tell him to start

setting up the print.

As soon as you take these signs

and please go home.

Well, I guess we have a deal.

[all cheering]

Alright, let's go to the bus.

To the bus.

Everybody to the bus.

Excuse me.

Is, is this the Grey Brigade's

demonstration?

- 'Well, it was.'

- Was?

You mean, it's too late?

We were gonna run with it

on the o'clock news.

[chuckles]

- You mean TV?

- Yeah, TV .

- Where are your cameras?

- In the truck.

(Ben)

Well, well, get them out.

- We were just taking a break.

- Wait a minute.

I thought we had an agreement.

He's right, Ben.

A deal's a deal.

- I think we should keep it.

- Well, then you keep it.

This is the break

we've been waiting for.

The rest of us

are going on TV.

'Take your signs

and get in line, everybody.'

(male #)

'Come on, boys, break out

the equipment.'

- 'Get in line.'

- 'Get the cameras out here.'

(Ben)

'Keep the signs high.'

'That's right.

Keep it high.'

Good.

Move it along.

Keep the signs high.

Nice moving. Good.

Move it along, folks.

'Good.

Keep moving, folks.'

Hey, Nicholas,

have you seen my shirts

that were hangin'

in the closet?

Oh, yeah, they're right here.

What are they doing there?

Well, dad and I

washed it for ya.

You mean, you washed

all of my shirts?

Well, not all of them.

Just the one's with all that

junk on the sleeves.

No.

- No, you didn't.

- Yeah, I did.

I'm never gonna have time

to redo 'em before exams.

Nicholas, I'm gonna

launder you.

Uh, Tommy, I'm afraid

I've got some bad news.

Oh, you've got

great timing.

W-what?

Never mind,

what's the bad news?

Uh, the prom committee

hired the The Zygotes.

But we didn't even get

a chance to audition.

I mean,

can't you talk to them?

I'm sorry, Tommy.

But I've got

a lot on my mind, okay?

I'm sorry.

I don't believe this.

Flunked out.

Unemployed in less

than five minutes.

Keep moving.

Keep them high, folks.

You're doing well, Blanche.

'That's good.'

Keep moving, folks.

Nick, Nick, come here.

You wanna meet the TV man?

He's a friend of mine.

I'm back to pretending

you're not here.

Well, what's the matter?

Well, my dad says

you double crossed him.

I don't see it that way.

Well, I do.

See, he was gonna write

what you wanted him to write.

But, but you just went out

on your deal

and finked out.

Well, Nick,

you don't understand

it was a decision

I had to make.

I was thinking of my people.

Well, then what about my family?

I'm sorry for your family,

but sometimes you do things

you don't like in order

to accomplish a greater good.

Then you can do without me.

And my name is not Nick.

It's Nicholas.

Excuse me.

Mr. Ryan, uh,

just what you are hoping

to accomplish

by this demonstration?

The older people

want their rights.

You know they

call us useless?

Well, we're useful.

Just because we're old and grey

doesn't mean we'll go away.

Just because we're old and grey

doesn't mean we'll go away.

Just because we're old and grey

doesn't mean we'll go away.

Oh, no, they're after

Marshall again.

Hey, they're going crazy

out there.

I know. Come on in.

I'm sorry.

You okay?

Well, what brings

you back so soon?

Oh.

I decided I couldn't

let Elizabeth flunk algebra

just 'cause she wouldn't

go to the prom with me.

What a nice thing to do.

Oh, well..

Uh..

I figured why single out

Elizabeth.

No girl wants to go

to the prom with me.

Marshall, that isn't true.

Yes, it is.

I'm through

kidding myself.

Um, I'll go to

the prom with you.

You see, I've accepted

the fact..

Did you just say..

...what I think you said?

You..

...and me?

The prom.

Thank you.

I think I better sit down.

Marshall, what are you

doing here?

Uh..

Oh, uh..

I came back

to help you study.

I tried to call you

to apologize.

You see, I know what I did

wasn't very nice

and I thought that,

well, if you still

wanna take me to the prom

I'll call Steve Robinson and--

Uh, no.

Uh, you don't have to.

I..

Elizabeth.

- I already have a date.

- You do?

With Nancy.

Nancy, who?

Nancy, your sister.

[instrumental music]

Tom, I checked

with the legal department

and they don't quite know

what to advice.

If Ben Ryan has

a legal permit

'you're just not

in a strong position.'

Well, can't I get an injunction

or something?

An order to stop

the picketing.

Well, they thought about that,

but they've decided that

rather than cut through

all that legal red tape

it'll be easier

if you just stick it out.

Oh, yeah, sure.

That's easy for them to say.

Oh, well, now,

Tom, it'll pass soon.

- In the meantime--

- Yes?

Well, in the meantime, The

Register's decided that as long

as TV is covering the story

well, we ought to

have a reporter there.

What?

Uh, now, you just give them

your full cooperation.

After all we don't want The

Register scooped on this story.

Put us to use,

we'll still produce.

(protestors in unison)

Put us to use,

we'll still produce.

I can't hear you!

'Put us to use,

we'll still produce.'

Come on, give me some "Ah."

Give me some "Ooh."

Give me some "Ah."

(protestors in unison)

Put us to use,

we'll still produce.

Put us to use,

we'll still produce.

Put us to use,

we'll still produce.'

Put us to use,

we'll still produce.

'Put us to use,

we'll still produce.'

'Put us to use,

we'll still produce.'

'Put us to use,

we'll still produce.'

'Put us to use,

we'll still produce.'

'Put us to use,

we'll still produce.'

Put us to use,

we'll still produce.

Put us to use,

we'll still produce.

This is a riot!

Enough is enough!

Well, well,

come out to join the protest?

No, we came out to launch

one of our own.

What more do you want, Mr. Ryan?

My father agreed to your terms.

You have your

television coverage.

Whatever it is to promote

the cause.

Oh, I see.

The end justifies the means.

You know, you don't care

about anybody else

as long as you

get what you want.

What do you want us to do?

Turn invisible so you don't have

to think about us.

We just want you to realize

what you're doing to our future.

Hey. We're doing this

for your future.

Believe it or not,

one day you'll be like us.

Did you hear

that speech at Blanche's?

That's what people

need to know.

Look, Mr. Ryan, we-we sympathize

with your causes, okay.

But we have to study.

And you people have made it

absolutely impossible

'to cr*ck a book!'

Why don't you stop

reading books

and take a look

at the real world?

(Susan)

'Well, why don't you pack up

your signs and let us study?'

(Tommy)

'Yeah, you've had your chance

in life, now, step aside'

and let us have ours.

That's great.

You wanna put us on the shelf.

Oh! You're one to talk.

You want us to sit around

until we're middle aged

'before we could even

do anything.'

[indistinct arguing]

Shut up!

[sighs]

I know I'm not supposed

to say that word.

But why is everybody being

so mean to each other?

[instrumental music]

What's going on here?

Shh-shh!

People are trying

to study upstairs.

You see, Nicholas?

This old galvanized pipe

couldn't handle

the pressure anymore,

so it burst.

- Is it all fixed?

- Yep.

What..

Well, what are you doing

in my house?

Hello, Mr. Bradford.

Quiet enough for you?

Yes. But how or why?

Well, what we were trying

to say all along was that, uh

people deserve a chance

to be useful.

Now, what's a better way

to be useful but, uh

put back in order a home

that's been torn apart.

Well, that-that's very nice,

but, Mr. Ryan I..

Ben.

What-what brought about

this sudden change of heart?

Oh, a..

A little fella..

...with a big bullhorn.

You know, I-I guess there were

mistakes made on both sides

but if I hadn't been

so stubborn

the whole thing

wouldn't have happened.

Listen, if someone came

into my office

and hollered the way I did, I

wouldn't listen to them either.

If it does you any good,

that offer

to write a guest column

still goes.

Well, that's very nice of you.

It's gonna do us

a world of good.

I-I got a couple of beers

in the fridge

would you care for one?

Thanks.

[instrumental music]

♪ Blue moon ♪

♪ You saw me standing alone ♪

♪ Without a dream in my heart ♪

♪ Without a love of my own.. ♪

Listen to that music.

I haven't heard that song

in decades.

Look!

♪ You knew just what

I was there for.. ♪

Tommy.

My, my..

Well, a gig's a gig, huh?

♪ Somewhat I really.. ♪

Well, glad you folks could come.

- Uh, can I get you anything?

- No. Everything is fine.

That's just what I was

saying to Blanche.

Well, I-I guess you're glad

the picketing is over, huh?

Over?

We got such great reaction

from the TV coverage

we hit the-the state house

the first thing in the morning.

[indistinct]

♪ Whisper please adore me ♪

♪ And when I looked to the moon

it turned to gold ♪♪

Sonny, do you think you can

liven things up a bit?

Folks are beginning

to nod off.

You mean like, uh,

rock and roll?

Anything with a b*at, man.

Hey, Pete? Hit it!

[rock and roll music]

♪ Blue moon ♪

♪ You saw me standing alone ♪

♪ Without a dream in my heart ♪

♪ Without a love of my own ♪

♪ Blue moon ♪

♪ You knew just

what I was there for ♪

♪ You heard me

saying a prayer for ♪

♪ Someone I really could

care for ♪♪

[sighs]

- Guess we all survived, huh?

- I know.

You mean, finals or,

uh, Tijuana Tokyo?

- Both.

- Well, barely.

I think Tommy

rolled over Beethoven

one too many times,

last night.

Mm-mm. It was an unforgettable

performance.

Mm, but nothing compared

to the way he passed his exams.

Oh, that's right.

The infamous crib shirt's, yeah.

Crib shirt's?

You mean Tommy cheated?

- Well..

- Not really.

He didn't get a chance to.

You see,

Nicholas washed the shirt's.

[chuckles]

But he wrote it out

so many times

I think he knew

the answers.

Off the cuff.

Bad joke.

Hey, Elizabeth.

How was the prom?

Huh, some prom.

I was in by eleven.

Steve Robinson's in training.

(all)

Oh.

[Tom whistling]

Good morning.

Good morning.

In a way.

[whistling]

[rattling]

Ben Ryan

maybe a great strike leader

but he's a lousy plumber.

[all whistling]

[rattling]

[theme music]

[music continues]