[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]
05x08 - Strike
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The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.
The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.