05x08 - Strike

[bunniefuu]

[indistinct chattering]

I have a column to turn in.

I have to cross the picket line.

- I thought you were a friend.

- I am.

You got a funny way

of showing it.

We have got to do

their jobs for them.

That's the only way we can get

them back to work on our terms.

I've seen the terms.

They're not ours.

- You mean it?

- I mean it.

They can't fire me.

I have a contract.

- Even when you picket?

- Even when I picket.

Corporate just called.

They're shutting us down.

- What?

- We're out of business, Tom.

[theme song]

♪ 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 times ♪

♪ There's a plate

of homemade wishes ♪

♪ On the kitchen window sill ♪

♪ And eight is enough ♪

♪ To fill our lives ♪

♪ With love ♪♪

[instrumental music]

(Nancy)

'Now, how can I drop you

at school by : '

'when I have to get Mary

to the hospital by : ?'

- I mean, it's impossible.

- I guess you're right.

Hey, maybe I could

con Tommy into it.

Ah, Elizabeth,

that'd be real nice of you.

I can hardly wait.

I'm gonna get conned.

Tommy, that was just

a figure of speech.

Actually, I know

you'll be thrilled

to drop me in my campus, huh?

Well, here's another

figure of speech...forget it.

Oh, Tommy, please? I can't miss

this class. We're havin' a quiz.

Yeah, and I've got

band rehearsal. Ask dad.

Maybe he'll take you.

- You think I should?

- Why not?

Uh, dad, it's me.

Can I talk to you a sec?

How many times do I have

to tell you not to interrupt me

when I'm having

a writer's block?

That's why not.

- Tom?

- Oh, what now?

Well, I just had to leave.

I just wanted to see

how you were getting along.

Well, you know this column

is not the easiest thing

in the world to write.

Yeah, I gathered that

when you kept groaning

in your sleep all night.

Who slept?

I spent most of the night

trying to figure

which side to take.

Until : a.m.,

I was agreeing with management.

And from : to : ,

I was on the side of labor.

And all of it happened

on my side of the bed.

Why don't you just

write about something else?

Because it's impossible

to think about anything else.

Abby, these contract

negotiations are very tense.

I mean, it's like

an armed camp down there.

Union calling management names

that I wouldn't want Nicholas

to read off a wall.

Well, why don't you

just tell them to slow down

and take a look at themselves?

Hm.

You know, that is a good idea.

An-and I could be like the,

the voice of...calm and reason.

[indistinct chattering]

Look, would you please

knock it all back there?

I can't hear myself be calm.

He's even making

more noise than we are.

You better be quiet

or you're gonna really

hear some.

Okay, listen, everybody,

I've got an idea.

Now, uh, Nancy, you can take

Jeremy and Nicholas, alright?

Elizabeth can ride with me

and, Tommy,

you can take Mary, huh?

- That's it and it works.

- Joannie, you don't understand.

I can't spend all morning

chauffeuring you people around.

All that I want is somebody to

move the car, so I can get out.

Look, I'm on the way.

I'm gonna--

No, Nancy,

I'm taking the wagon.

No, I'm taking the wagon,

Elizabeth.

- No, you're not.

- I think I'm sick of this.

- Nicholas, let's walk.

- To school together?

- Same side of the street?

- Yeah, same side.

It's America.

Well, I have an idea.

Joannie, you could ride with me.

- Abby, we don't need any ideas.

- But if we--

All's we need is somebody to

move the car, so I can get out.

If you in such a great,

big hurry, Tommy

why didn't you park

at the end of the line?

When I parked

it was the end of the line.

I think they all

need counselling.

Yeah.

When I'm ,

I'm gonna buy my own car

so I don't have

to put up with that hassle.

- Me, too.

- You?

I bet you don't even know

how much money

it takes to buy a car.

Well, maybe I can get

my car without money.

- The old hot-wire, huh?

- No.

I'll do

what the pioneers did.

- I'll barter for it.

- You'll what?

You know, barter, trade stuff.

We're learning

about it in school.

It means you don't

even need money.

Oh, sure. Just like

you don't need blood, right?

Oh, let me show you

how it works.

- Suppose you have a turkey..

- I don't want a turkey.

I want a doberman pinscher.

Just have a turkey.

It's not real anyways.

Oh, it's one of those

hypothetical turkeys, huh?

No, it's just pretend.

Okay, so I get this

pretend turkey, now what?

Now, you're gonna

trade it for my musket.

How come you get a musket

and I get a turkey?

'Cause that's the way

Mrs. Rodgers says it works.

But you're too young

for a musket.

See, but we're bartering.

So, everything

is gonna work out perfect.

I'm gonna get the turkey

and you're gonna get the musket.

Yeah, what I should have got

was that ride from Nancy.

[sighs]

"In short,

let the negotiations continue

in a spirit of patience

and co-operation."

Well, that's perfect.

That's terrible.

Where is everybody?

[knock on door]

Well, little pumpkin

you wanna get daddy

or you want me to?

Come on in.

Oh, Susan, you won't

believe this. I'm marooned.

Oh, we'll believe you, daddy.

We just saw everybody leaving.

No, no, I'm gonna

miss my deadline

if I can't borrow

Merle's truck.

Well, I don't know, dad,

you know Merle's pretty fussy

about who drives his truck

and you haven't even been

checked out in it.

Think you can handle it?

Young lady,

who taught you how to drive?

The same person who taught me

that you don't lend cars

to everybody who wants

to borrow them, you.

I wouldn't be doing this

if it wasn't an emergency.

Well, dad, you know how many

times I've had an emergency

and you wouldn't

let me use your car?

Please. Take your revenge out

at some other time.

Now, I'm late.

I really mean it.

Well, if you feel that

strongly about it, here.

Hold Sandra Sue

while I get the keys for you.

Oh, uh..

Re-remind me to talk to you,

kiddo, about not growing up.

[indistinct chattering]

(male # )

'We want money!'

'Money!'

(crowd)

'We want money!'

[indistinct chattering]

Yeah, alright, huh?

Joe, hi.

What happened?

Management got real stubborn,

Tom. Wouldn't budge an inch.

It wasn't negotiations.

It was a stone wall.

So, we voted a strike.

Oh, gosh, I never thought

it would go this far.

Well, we tried.

Don't blame us.

- Here.

- Oh, what's this?

Oh, you're not gonna

cross the line.

So, you might as well join it.

I have a column to turn in.

I have to cross the picket line.

Hey, you trust somebody else

to set your column and type?

No, not the way I trust you.

But my contract says

I have to handle this column.

It's a good one too, Joe.

Might even help

to settle this thing.

You'd help a lot more,

if you'd honor this picket line.

Try to understand. I-I have

to do what I promised I'd do.

Yeah. I guess after years

I should know that.

Hey, make some room,

Tom Bradford is coming through.

Oh, good morning, Aldo.

Good morning, George.

I thought you were a friend.

I am.

[instrumental music]

You got a funny way

of showin' it.

Platitudes, Tom,

empty platitudes!

That's right,

which both sides

around here should have

listened to.

You'll have to write

something else.

There is no time. My deadline

was up ten minutes ago.

There's plenty of time.

We just got to push

all the deadlines back

until we'd figure out some way

to get the presses rolling.

Tom, why don't you

write a column

exposing the irresponsibility

of these strikers

for walking out on us?

Well, I'd prefer

to restate my old column.

I'm gonna bring it up-to-date

in light of the strike.

More dull cliches, Tom?

Well, I'll try to write

some exciting cliches.

Oh, Roland, yes, uh.

Uh, Roland,

hold on a moment, please.

Uh, Tom, it's Roland Armstrong

in New York corporate

headquarters who's had a meeting

trying to make up their minds

what to do about the strike.

Um, I'm sure

you understand that..

Oh, yes, In understand.

I'll go and write some cliches.

Oh, good, good, Tom.

And, Tom,

keep a stiff upper lip.

But, not that one.

Hey, it's my favorite roommate,

how you doin'?

- Replacing darts?

- Forget it, Jeremy.

Forget dart

or I let you win?

Forget whatever

it is you want from me.

Who said I want anything?

You did when you called me

your favorite.

Yeah, but you are my favorite.

Okay, then don't ask

for whatever it is

you want from me.

This is something

you'll be happy to do

and I'll pay you back

every penny.

Hold it, you want money?

Nothing you can't afford.

After everything I said

to you, you want money?

Two measly bucks

from my favorite person.

Why do you need money when you

can barter for what you want?

Barter?

Yeah, you know..

Remember you had the turkey

and I had the musket?

Yeah, I remember.

But if you want to stay

my favorite person..

Just forget it.

[instrumental music]

Mr. Bradford.

How's the re-write coming?

Oh, no,

the re-write's were finished

at three o'clock this afternoon.

I'm now working

on the second revised

re-write of the re-write.

Mm, I know.

It's been a real tough day.

What makes it really hard

is knowing that

this may never see print.

Oh, no, you'll be happy to know

that corporate finally solved

'the typesetting

impressment problem.'

How did they do that?

All I know is that Mr. Randolph

wants to see you immediately

with your column ready to go.

But I haven't finished

the re-write.

'Mm, hand in the next

to the last re-write.'

Oh, I hate it.

Well, uh, in that case..

...uh, here.

- Oh, this is the original.

- Yeah, I know.

Face it, Mr. Bradford,

you like it the best anyway.

And the truth is, so do I.

In that case, make way

for the dull cliches.

[instrumental music]

Hi, Tommy,

how's my favorite roommate?

What?

I said, "How is my

favorite roommate?"

I'd like to discuss,

uh, my financial life.

Jeremy, will you

pipe down a minute?

I'm trying to hear my muffler.

Well, how could you hear

anything with this engine

running so loud?

Don't bug me, Jeremy.

[sighs]

Woo!

Hey, what's happening, men?

Well, I'm trying to decide

whether I've got some

transportation here,

or a piece of junk.

[gasps]

Uh!

Huh!

[glass shattering]

Hey! You.. You alright?

I don't believe it,

not a scratch.

At least not on me.

[engine rumbling]

I sure hope the old man

comes home in a good mood.

Oh, boy!

I-I-I can't do it, Elliot.

Tom, even I'll be doing it,

all the executives

all the editorial personnel

have got to do

the strikers work for them.

Otherwise we'll never get

this paper out.

I'm sorry, Elliot.

Tom, I know that you can set

type, you may be a little rusty

you may make a few mistakes,

but I know you can do it.

My contract says

I have to write columns

not provide scab labor

while my colleagues

are out on strike.

Tom, how can you still

call them colleagues?

I mean, have you heard what

they're calling me out there?

But how can you

not call them colleagues?

Well, you've known everyone

of those men as long as I have.

I thought I knew them, Tom.

I can't help destroy

their livelihoods.

Tom, they're trying

to destroy this newspaper.

Now, we have got to do

their jobs for them.

That's the only way we an get

them back to work on our terms.

I've seen the terms.

They're not ours.

I'm sorry, Elliot,

but that's what I believe.

[sighs]

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chattering]

[sighs]

You look tired.

You look mad.

Take a break,

I'll take that sign.

You mean it?

Yeah...I mean it!

And did you see

the approaching car, ma'am?

- Oh.

- Oh, she had to see it.

Oh, I didn't see anything,

I-I was too busy

trying to unstick

my accelerator.

Huh, you ever hear

of your break?

I'm sorry, I'm really sorry.

Oh, now, do me a favor,

please don't cry.

Well, it's easy for you

to say, you're innocent.

Uh, how fast

were you going, ma'am?

- Oh..

- It had to be at least .

Oh, are you kidding?

I-I-I bet..

I bet it was more like .

I don't think so.

Oh, I do, it was ,

put it down.

(David)

'No, it wasn't that fast.'

I-it was at least ,

it was all my fault.

[crying]

You sure

you want me to say that?

Don't you believe me?

Well, it's not that

I don't believe you, ma'am

it's just that...I don't

know where to put it

in my accident report.

I mean...

nobody's ever said that before.

[sobbing]

I knew you wouldn't let us down.

What happened in there?

Oh, you'll read

about it in my column.

You mean you're still

writing a column?

Well, right now,

it's all up here.

But it's in favor

of the strike.

They'll never print it.

But I have a contract

that says they have to.

Thanks.

I appreciate

what you're doing, Tom.

I know the boys do too.

It's been rough on all of us.

You won't believe

what I have been called.

I bet it wasn't colleague.

What?

Private joke.

I guess you realize

that stand of yours

won't make you

too popular in there either.

I can handle it.

You can't preserve

your principles

by backing away from a fight.

That sounds like

a good lead for your column.

Yeah.

I might be at that.

(Joe)

'You know, I think it might

be a good idea if you go home'

and get it down on paper.

It'll do us a lot more good

than just carrying that sign.

- Maybe you're right.

- 'I know, I'm right, buddy.'

Go on home,

where you can find some quiet.

Oh!

Oh!

- Oh!

- Oh..

Relax, Tom, at least

there were no injuries.

Oh, really?

What about my apoplexy?

Oh!

I can't believe this,

how did it happen?

I take full responsibility.

It was my own klutziness

and I'm sorry.

- Oh, no, Rowena, take it easy.

- It's alright, it's alright.

(David)

'Breathe deeply.'

Wait a minute, doesn't anybody

care about my breathing?

Oh, yes, of course

we do, dad, but..

Oh, Rowena,

just rest easy now, okay?

Oh, this is your father?

(David)

'Yes, this is dad.'

I've got some mail for you,

Mr. Bradford, back in the truck.

Mail?

Uh, oh, I'm afraid

it's mostly bills.

Oh, well, thank you.

You can thank me after all this?

Oh, that's sweet.

Oh, tsk, well, as long as

I had to run into somebody

I'm lucky it was

nice people like you.

[laughing]

[crying]

(Elizabeth)

'No, Nicholas,

I don't think you should'

'bother dad with your idea.'

- What about the deductible?

- What about it?

Oh, when dad was talking

to the insurance man

he said the deductible

on four cars

would send him

to the poor house.

Dad was exaggerating,

he'll find the money.

Yeah, but that's just it.

You don't need money,

you could barter for it.

- For the deductible?

- 'Sure.'

What would anyone barter

for the deductible?

Lots and lots of things.

'Well, like what?'

You really want me to tell you?

Yeah, I really do.

Okay, I will.

But, uh, first,

you tell me something.

- 'What?'

- What's a deductible?

But the rest of the damage

is covered and you'll start

repairing the cars tomorrow?

Yes. And no.

Yes, what? And no, what?

Well, you're fully covered.

But as your insurance carrier

we're taking the position

that the mail service

should pay all expenses

including your deductibles.

So repairs can't start

until they inspect the accident

'company policy.'

When will that be?

Well, they promised to send an

accident analyst out tomorrow.

I hope he's not coming by mail.

(Chuck)

'Well, I advice you not

to disturb the accident scene'

'until the analyst

makes his report.'

Well, how do we get to work?

Well, I advised Mr. Bradford

at renewal time

that, uh, he should buy

the extra coverage

which would provide rental cars

in a situation like this.

And I advised you that I'd had

to sell all the Bradford cars

to pay for it.

So how do we get to work?

Oh, I'm sure they'll

take it under advisement.

Or you could call in sick.

Well, but that would be lying.

It would?

I want you to know,

Mr. Bradford

that we are % behind you.

Yes, like the mail truck

was behind David.

Uh, you didn't deserve that,

I'm sorry.

It's just, I've had a hard day.

Well, if it's any consolation,

I'm gonna submit you

to insurance news

as claim of the month.

Well, I feel better already.

Oh, Donna.

Hi, Mr. Bradford.

I was just looking

at your drive way

looks like I came

at the worst possible time.

Oh, come on in.

- I'm interrupting?

- Oh, no, I-I'm just leaving.

And don't forget,

I'm as close as your phone.

Oh, I appreciate that.

Goodnight.

So what is this all about?

Donna was fired?

With just one hours notice.

Well, how could they do that?

It's called cutting expenses.

And it begins with

f*ring the secretaries.

But that's terrible.

Yeah, but these things

happen in strikes

the paper figures it's facing

some rough days ahead.

So they figure they're gonna

share 'em generously

with Donna, huh?

What is she gonna do?

Does she have any money?

Just what I lent her tonight.

Hey, that's really nice.

And I might have been

a little hasty.

What with the money

that Donna needed

and the accident,

our emergency fund

is in a severe

state of emergency.

Well, it doesn't matter,

because they can't fire me

I have a contract.

Even when you picket.

Even when I picket.

I wish I'd been there.

I had no idea you were

a closet Samuel Gompers.

Well, I mean,

it was good exercise

and the Register is being

unfair to the pressmen

and to people like Donna.

Well, it sounds like

you have a lot

to write about

in your next column.

Mm, it's gonna be

a minor classic.

Oh, minor?

Well, it could be

a major classic.

If only Elliot will have

the guts to print it.

(male # )

'Uh, huh.'

'Oh, yeah!'

Well..

So how soon

do we get it fixed?

Please, when I want your

official statement

I'll ask for it.

I don't understand why we

have to go through all of this

I mean, your own driver said

it was all her fault.

We have not yet

determined the fault.

But she said that

to the police.

I know, I have

the police report right here.

You don't understand,

we've got three witnesses

that can testify

to exactly what happened.

I know, David L. Bradford,

Thomas B. Bradford Junior

Jeremy, uh, no middle initial,

Andretti, a minor child.

So what's the hang up?

There is no hang up.

Everything is proceeding

precisely on schedule.

Huh!

[whispering]

Paint, tsk, tsk, tsk.

I don't believe this guy.

He's gonna make our accident

his whole life's work.

Just tell us how soon

the cars will be fixed.

Well, that depends on

when he's ready for retirement.

Well, I'm not gonna ride

to work like this ever again.

Yeah, you know, with Tommy here

it's kinda crowded for everybody

maybe I'll sit in a cab.

Just what gives you

that privilege?

Well, you guys, you know,

how is it gonna look for me

to show up at a TV station

looking like a load of turnips?

It's the same way Elizabeth

and I will look.

- Yeah.

- Oh!

Well, are you ready girls?

Who could be ready for this?

Well, if you're not

ready to walk, you're ready.

Remember now, hang on tight.

I wish I had a picture of this.

You wouldn't dare.

[chuckles]

Right, call it the Joad family

meets Sacramento.

[laughing]

[indistinct chattering]

Come on, let's go.

Yes, Roland, I do understand

and I'll take care of it.

Well, Tom, I see you've given up

picketing this morning.

What changed your mind?

No, I'm sorry, Elliot,

but it isn't changed.

In fact you're going to like

this column even less

than you did yesterday's,

but why don't you

read it for yourself.

Oh, come on, Elliot,

just because you don't agree

with me, that doesn't mean

that you have a right

to-to see that the column

never sees print.

Please, Tom,

it just doesn't matter.

My opinion doesn't matter?

Oh, don't get artistic

on me, Tom.

I could agree a % with you

and still the writing

of this column would be a..

...an exercise in futility.

I'll read it if it pleases you.

I'm the only one who will.

You can't k*ll my column.

Don't you understand, Tom?

It's not just you,

it's the paper!

Corporate just called.

They're shutting us down.

What?

They can't meet

the union demands.

We can't afford to keep going

with unskilled help.

We're out of business, Tom.

Finished.

(Nancy)

'Don't worry, dad.'

'Look, we'll all cut our

expenses to bare bones.'

Oh, thanks, Nancy.

But have you priced

bare bones lately?

Look, dad, we all know

it's going to be rough but

I'll contribute my salary

to the family

till the strike's over.

Yeah, me too, and with Abby

and Mary that's four incomes.

Yeah, ten outgoes.

(Tom)

'I have to agree with Jeremy.'

You're all

very generous, but..

I mean, we've been

running this house

with a very heavy deficit.

Well, look at it this way, dad,

the strike can't last forever.

The strike has already lasted

longer than our savings.

Dad, they can't keep

the Register closed down.

Let me tell you something,

did you know that last year

over a dozen newspapers

just folded up?

Anyway, we'll fall off

that bridge when we come to it.

What Tom is trying

to say is that

we've got to prepare

for the worst.

So if you're not gonna eat it,

don't buy it, okay?

Right and everybody

go on a diet.

Right, pinch those pennies.

So, what else is new?

Alright, does anyone

other than Jeremy

have any Smart Alec

remarks to make?

(Nicholas)

'I have an idea.'

'And it doesn't take any money.'

No money?

None at all?

Not a penny,

you still get anything you want.

I don't believe it, Nicholas.

Okay, just try,

what do you want?

Besides Robert Redford

and a trip to Paris?

Gimme a break.

Well, I could use a new scarf.

Something to tie my hair back

when I have to ride in

that horrible truck pool

dad's organized.

One scarf.

What would you like to trade?

Well, how about this lipstick.

Tropical Interlude. Ugh!

Right. One lipstick.

I can't spell interlude.

I'll take care of it.

Oh, wait a minute, Nicholas.

There is still somethin'

I don't understand.

- What do you get out of this?

- Proof.

'Of what?'

That I know

what I'm talking about.

Which is more than

most people around here.

Oh!

[instrumental music]

[doorbell ringing]

I'll get it.

Uh, good morning,

I wonder if you could help me.

- Uh, what kind of help?

- Uh..

I'm Bradley Carruthers

from the City of Sacramento

Department of Traffic Safety.

Is this really,

, Oak Street?

Really is.

I don't understand.

Where is the intersection?

Intersection?

Yes, uh,

where did that disaster occur?

Right over there.

Here?

- In the driveway?

- 'Yeah.'

I-I thought the wrecks

have been towed there.

Well, it was a very

convenient accident

as far as towing is concerned.

Well, I must say this makes

my assignment challenging.

(Nancy)

'It does?'

Where do you think

the traffic light should be?

Uh, in the driveway

or on the front lawn?

Traffic light?

[chuckling]

That's crazy.

No, actually, it's very logical.

You see, we recently

computerized our division

and, uh, all police reports

regarding multi car crashes

four or more vehicles

are flagged to my attention.

I then investigate

this high risk areas

'to see if a sign, signal

or traffic light is needed.'

Couldn't you just tell

the computer it's our driveway?

Well, yes. I mean, I..

Obviously

it's-it's your drive way.

And I think on the basis

of my field inspection

I should recommend

a negative decision.

Thanks!

Uh, my pleasure.

By the way..

...don't you make your report

near the city hall?

That's right.

'Well, you know, that's just

right near my brokerage office.'

And, well,

would you mind some company?

I'd be delighted.

Great! Just a second.

Hey, you guys, hurry!

We got a real ride now!

[indistinct chattering]

Well, Sydney,

wh-what do you think?

I think you should let me finish

before you ask questions.

[machine whirring]

Well?

Well, my opinion

is your account is your friend.

What's the difference?

'As your friend

I can loan you money.'

Well, thanks anyway.

Be my accountant.

Well, we don't know when

or if the strike is going to end

and the paper

will call you back.

'But it's a little too soon

to start a thing about'

finding another job.

But you have an immediate

cash flow problem here.

Yes, I notice that.

Yes, you've got to get

as many dollars as you can

coming into this house.

The way the interest rate

are these days

I just refuse

to put you in debt.

If I were you I'd apply

for unemployment insurance.

Unemployment?

Never!

But, Tom, you are unemployed.

No, no, wrong Sydney,

my employer quit.

I mean, I wasn't raised

to be unemployed.

Much less paid for it.

[sighs]

We need a bucket.

- I'll get it.

- No, just keep mopping.

What happened?

Daddy, could you help us?

Could you get a bucket?

- Oh, the washing machine OD'd.

- On baby clothes.

But listen, dad,

don't worry about it

the repair man is on his way

and I insist on paying for it.

Well, I'm glad to hear that.

But I need a cash advance

until Merle gets his paycheck.

Cash? Mm.

'Well, do you think that

you could get along without'

'a washer temporarily?'

Well, yeah, sure, we could,

but your grand daughter can't.

Oh, well, then,

don't worry, Susan.

- We'll work it out.

- Thanks, dad.

- Dad?

- Yes.

Are things really that tight?

Yeah, I'm afraid so.

I don't even wanna tell you

what my accountant said.

What?

I don't wanna mention it.

Well, then maybe

I shouldn't mention

what I was gonna mention.

No, mention it,

it'll take my mind off

what I don't wanna mention.

Well, I was gonna ask you

about my tuition, but, uh

I-I guess I should just

drop out this semester

and find a job.

Oh, no, you can't do that.

Don't worry I'll-I'll raise

the tuition money.

How?

Don't ask,

I prefer we keep it a secret.

A secret?

You aren't planning

something illegal are you?

No, it's perfectly legal.

It's just hard to swallow.

[indistinct muttering]

Next.

Next.

Oh, uh, um, I'm sorry.

- I'm-I'm next.

- Right.

Well?

Hi.

What do I do?

Uh, what do you mean,

what do you do?

I've never been here before,

I don't know the procedure.

Give me your form.

What form?

The procedure is that this line

is for people with forms.

You belong in another line.

Well, uh, which line do I go to?

What's your name?

- My name?

- Yeah, what is it?

[whispering]

Thomas C. Bradford.

What?

Thomas C. Bradford.

Radford?

Or Bradford?

Bradford! With a B.

B's go to window two.

Over there, Mr. Bradford.

Next.

Mr. Bradford?

- Oh.

- Mr. Bradford, how you doin'?

Oh, hello there, Donna.

I-I never expected

to see you here.

No, I, uh, neither did I.

I guess nobody's safe,

you, Mr. Randolf.

- Oh, Eliot too?

- Mm-hmm.

You're, uh, you're just filing.

Yes, just filing.

It's kinda like old times, huh?

I'll go up to the window

and I'll just say

"Mr. Bradford can't come

to the line right now.

He's in conference."

[chuckling]

That's funny.

Um, I'm really sorry,

Mr. Bradford.

I really am, if I'd known

this was gonna happen

I never would have

asked you for that money.

I-I know Donna.

You want it back?

- No, no.

- 'You sure?'

Positive, I wouldn't do

a thing like that.

That's good,

'cause I already spent it.

Oh, Mr. Bradford,

you have no idea

how fast money disappears

when there's nothing coming in.

I'm learning.

You know, you look great

in those glasses.

I mean, if it were anybody but

me, they'd never recognize you.

Oh, thanks a lot, Donna.

This is rid..

[sighing]

Good luck.

Yes, to you too, all of us.

- I'll see you.

- Bye.

- Hi.

- How's this, Nancy?

Nicholas, that is really pretty.

- Yeah, well, it's all yours.

- Mine?

Just goes to show you

what barter can do.

You're not still

into that, are you?

What next? Astrology?

Jeremy, barter works.

Nancy had this lipstick

and I traded it to

Kenny P. Landers for his

little league catchers mask.

What does Kenny P. Landers

want with a lipstick?

Sounds like an identity crisis.

I don't know.

He said something

about fireworks.

- 'Fireworks?'

- Yeah.

He said he's gonna hide one

in his dad's glove compartment

and let his mom find it.

That's terrible.

That's ingenious.

So anyways, I traded

the catchers mask to Marvin

for three tennis balls

and that scarf

his little sister didn't want.

What happened to tennis balls?

There are upstairs in my room,

my commission.

Your commission?

(Nicholas)

'Yeah.'

Nicholas, me and you gotta talk.

Mr. Willoughby, you must get

these cars to the repair shop.

I'd love to.

Uh, but the mail service

has asked for

a district inspection team

to come up from San Francisco

and verify all the details

of the accident.

Why? They have photos.

They have police reports.

They have eye witness

testimony.

Their own driver

even said it was her fault.

That's just it,

it-it puts 'em

in a very vulnerable position.

What about our position?

'Well, it should only

take another day.'

'They're trying to make sure

they any liability'

'they have is justified.'

It's justified.

Think of it this way.

Do you want to be responsible

for an increase

in the price of stamps?

If my truck doesn't get fixed

I won't be able

to afford stamps.

One hundred and forty seven

dollars and eleven cents?

Are you sure?

Yes, daddy, I'm sure.

I saw the old motor

and it had to be replaced.

With diamonds?

Alright.

I know the timing's lousy.

Oh, it's not your fault,

I mean, appliances seem to have

ESP for

the worst possible moments.

- Here.

- Look, thanks.

I'm talking to Merle tonight

and we're gonna pay you back.

Alright.

[knock on the door]

Hey, dad.

Remember when I was Nicholas'

age and there was this real

nice man who used

to set my name in type

'when I visited the paper?'

Joe, Joe Jackson?

Yeah, that's his name.

He's here to see you.

Really? Bring him on in.

Come on in, Mr. Jackson.

Good to see you again.

Thank you. Hello, Tom.

Hiya, Joe.

What brings you here?

Well, it's my boys,

they are all pretty discouraged.

We hadn't figured

on this lockout.

Yeah, well,

it fooled a lot of us.

I, uh..

...I wondered if you'd

come down to the union hall

and give us a pep talk.

Me?

All you have to do is tell

them the things you said

you were putting in your column

supporting the strike.

I'm sorry, Joe, but I-I don't

think I can do that.

I don't understand.

Well, since I planned

that column..

...well, there's been

a lot of changes.

My daughter Elizabeth may have

to drop out of college.

My secretary's having

financial problems.

I-I might even have to go

on unemployment insurance.

- I mean, what next?

- So, it's rough.

But it seems to me

you're the man who told me

"You don't preserve

your principles

by backing away from a fight."

But it's not Elizabeth's fight.

I-it's not my secretary's fight.

It's not even my family's fight.

I mean, this strike is hurting

a lot of innocent people.

In other words,

writing columns is one thing..

...but standing

behind them is another.

No, I-I've seen what can happen

and I've changed my mind.

Your mind? Or your principles?

Please try to understand.

I think I understand.

My old friend,

Tom Bradford is a hypocrite.

Well, we really appreciate

the two of you agreeing

to come here and meet with us.

Yeah, maybe now we can get

some straight answers.

Oh, well,

what David means is that, uh..

...sometimes it's very helpful

when two opposing sides

can actually interphase

on a one to one basis.

No, I mean, now maybe we can get

some straight answers.

Well, that's what

we're here for, David.

- Right, Byron.

- Oh, that's right, Chuck.

See, what I don't think

you understand is that

Byron has a very

difficult assignment here.

True, but I sure wouldn't want

to be in your shoes on this one.

An accident of this proportion

will probably be reviewed

all the way to the top.

'Byron could get transferred

down to poduck'

'if they catch him off base.'

On the other hand, Chuck's

company has to be positive

that they're not over committing

themselves on items

that we won't reimburse,

for which, uh

they would blame Chuck.

[clearing throat]

I have to tell you,

frankly, that, uh

Byron is doing a better job

than I could do.

Well, I just like to say,

if I were a member

of the Bradford family,

I'd sure want Chuck

'as my insurance agent.'

Now, what was it

you wanted to tell us?

We were just hoping

to break this logjam

by working together.

But not this together.

(Tom)

'He's been more than a friend.'

And now we're enemies.

All because I worry

about my family.

I mean, is that so wrong?

Don't you think Joe's just

worried about his family too?

Yeah, you are right.

How did this thing get

so far out of control so fast?

And when's it gonna end?

And how?

I'm glad I'm not

writing a column.

Why?

I don't have the answer.

Don't worry, Elizabeth,

we'll work it out.

- You think so?

- No problem.

(Elizabeth)

'Nicholas thought it was.'

Yeah, well,

he's the junior party.

You just tell me

what you wanna trade.

- A Strand album.

- Impossible.

Don't listen to him,

it's a simple transaction.

Nicholas, just tell me

where you got fouled up.

Okay, you wanna

trade Tommy a car wash

for a guitar lesson, right?

- Right.

- Tommy doesn't want a car wash.

He wants to trade

Mary a guitar lesson

'for Mary's

racquetball racquet.'

'But Mary doesn't want

a guitar lesson.'

Wait, I got it,

if Elizabeth trades me the album

then I'll give her a car wash.

I don't want a car wash.

See, that's what always happens.

Don't panic.

If Tommy takes the album

and I trade him a car wash

and he trades Mary

for the racquetball racquet..

...and he gives the racket ball

racket to Elizabeth!

I could accept that.

But that means Tommy has to give

the guitar lesson to himself.

You sure?

I think so.

Figure it out.

No, Nicholas, you figure it out.

You've just became senior

partner and sole proprietor.

Elizabeth,

I own three bucks stash.

So, why don't you

show me that album?

Did you say money?

Yeah, come on. Let's go.

No.

I don't regard that

as your failure, Nicholas.

Yeah, but if it had worked,

this whole family

could've saved money

when we really need it.

No, it was

the system that failed.

Not you.

Yeah, but it could

have gone great if..

If what?

If people wanted

to give something good

to get something good.

It doesn't work

when you only think about

your part of the trade.

I'll drink to that.

It wasn't you

that failed, Nicholas.

Not by a long sh*t.

In fact..

[indistinct chattering]

- Hello, George.

- Tom.

Uh, I was hoping

I could find Joe Jackson.

Uh, he's meeting

with the attorneys.

I hope it's about a settlement.

Nope, we're gonna sue.

- Unfair labor practices.

- Terrific!

Well, we gotta do something,

Tom. Things are desperate.

It's like picketing a corpse.

Yeah, I can see that.

Do me a favor, George.

If you see Joe,

tell him I'm looking for him.

I'll be inside for a while.

[engine revving]

You mean I have a new truck

and yours is still here?

Yes, I'm afraid so.

I sure am sorry.

I caused this mess.

'You're my favorite house

on the whole block.'

'So warm.'

So friendly, besides..

...I get rid of half

my mail on this one stop.

Listen, you don't have any

suggestions as to how we can

clear this mess up, do you?

Do you mean

you're giving me

the chance to help you?

'You Bradford's

are unbelievable.'

I'm honored.

And I'll do it.

Come on.

Oh, it's you, Mr. Bradford!

Is there anything

I can do for you?

Hiya, Marv.

I was just looking

for Mr. Randolph.

Oh, he's taking some personal

things out of his office.

Anybody else around?

No, sir, nobody.

'The whole place

is kinda spooky.'

Spooky is right.

I hate to think

of it staying this way.

Be a terrible waste.

I know.

It shouldn't just die,

Mr. Bradford.

It's a newspaper.

[instrumental music]

Hello, Eliot.

Can we talk?

Battered.

Oh, crushed!

Demolished!

Just like my career.

Well, frankly, Roweny,

you should have considered that

before you, uh

lost control of your truck

and your mouth.

I know, I'm sorry.

Thank heavens, I have the two

of you here to rescue me.

[chuckles]

Rescue you?

Oh! Now hold on.

Are you suggesting a cover up?

Oh, never, I wouldn't

ask you to do such a thing.

'And you wouldn't do it.'

I'll take my punishment,

just let it be fair.

Rowena,

we're proceeding as judiciously

and carefully as we can.

(Rowena)

'Don't you see how

that can ruin me?'

What?

The longer you keep

the investigation going

the more attention I attract.

'I become

the subject of meetings.'

'They'll name

a committee after me.'

'I'll never get promoted.'

- Is that true, Byron?

- She has a point, Chuck.

Just ask yourselves

how you would feel in my shoes.

Wouldn't you want this over

as fast as possible?

I suppose we are

prolonging your punishment.

Well, as long as we double

checked the fact to..

...why triple check them?

Alright with you, Byron?

No, if it's okay

with you, Chuck?

Oh, fine, then I'll

authorize immediate repair.

We'll guarantee

prompt reimbursement.

When?

Well, I think we can

get the paper work on

it's way...by lunch?

- 'By lunch, yes.'

- 'Oh!'

Thank you, gentlemen.

I had a hunch

you would understand.

Ah.

Dad's right in here,

Mr. Jackson.

Thank you.

Hello, Joe,

I'm glad you could make it.

What's up?

You changed your mind

about that pep talk?

Oh, no.

No, no, no, Joe.

Please, don't go.

I-I-I want you

to hear something.

Uh, you know

my youngest son, Nicholas?

Hi.

Nicholas was just going to

explain something to all of us.

Go on, son.

It's about barter, Mr. Jackson.

Barter?

Well, he tried to start

this barter-system in the house

and...the whole

thing fell apart.

People didn't wanna give what

other people wanted to get.

Sounds familiar.

And people didn't wanna get what

other people wanted to give.

Yes, I've noticed that.

If the other guy

can't give what you want

well then you gotta want

something he can give.

'Or else nobody gets anything.'

And I think he's right.

I'm sorry, Tom.

It's a cute gimmick.

But it didn't work.

No, Joe, come on. Don't go.

We've been friends too long,

all of us.

A friend of mine

wouldn't set me up like this.

Joe, this is no set-up.

Look, I didn't know

you'd be here.

But I'm glad you're here.

I don't like

what's happened to us.

You think I do?

I think we need each other, Joe.

I think we need

to talk to each other.

Well..

Like...colleagues.

Or just like...friends.

Nicholas, why don't you

and I go to the other room?

But I only had one donut.

No, but there's a whole box

of donuts in the kitchen.

Good thinking.

Dad, I like your style.

Yeah, and I kinda like

yours too, Nicholas.

[instrumental music]

Tom, I got a message for you.

And I've got a message

for you, young man.

Uh, I'll let you know

when you can call me Tom.

Yeah, okay, Mr. Bradford,

I got carried away.

'You know, all

the excitement and all.'

I never thought watching

cars being towed away

could be so beautiful.

- Yeah.

- 'It's not that excitement.'

Jeremy, we interrupted

you, what excitement?

Well, some Mr. Randolph

called...Mr. Bradford.

The, uh, strike's been set.

- Alright!

- What?

[indistinct shouting]

Now, listen, you can call me

Tom, to celebrate the occasion.

(Elizabeth)

'Oh, I don't believe it!'

(Nancy)

Well, I knew bad luck

couldn't last forever.

What a relief,

only a few more days

of riding in

the back of Merle's..

[honking]

[screaming]

[gasping]

[theme music]

[music continues]