Look at that ceiling.
You can feel the history,
you know?
Yeah, looks like we found
ourselves a contractor.
- Oh, no.
- What's wrong?
I'm representing
their proceedings
with Urban Renewal
to have the Opera House
condemned and torn down.
You can't!
There are a dozen other places
they can put that project
without destroying
this town's heritage.
Oh, and my brother's
a fighter, professor.
He doesn't let anybody
push him around.
This is a very big
opportunity for me.
How come it's your case
and not my project?
- You could quit!
- So could you!
[theme music]
♪ 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 ♪
♪ 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 ♪♪
[Sandra crying]
Okay.
Oh, I know
it hurts, honey.
- Wanna get out and go down--
- Shh!
[Sandra crying]
Oh, finally!
The baby should
go to sleep.
Wish I could
go to sleep.
Oh, you'll just
have to accept it, Susan.
That's the way it is
with Bradford teeth.
They grow in very noisy.
All that noise,
I'm glad she's finally quiet.
If it was my kid,
I would have insisted
that it had teeth
before I left the hospital.
Can you do that?
Sure.
It's a standard option.
Costs a little more
but it's worth it.
Dad, is he putting me on?
Only if you believe him.
(Susan)
'Oh! Wish it were true!'
Could've got some rest
the last couple of nights.
I'm afraid I'm gonna sleep
right through Merle's visit.
Well, I'll tell you what.
Why don't you leave
Sandra Sue with me
and you go take a nap
until Merle arrives.
- She's so fussy.
- Don't worry.
I've survived a few
teethings in my life.
Oh, thanks, dad.
- Susan.
- Shh!
I just heard
a car pull in the drive way.
Merle!
[Sandra crying]
Merle!
Does a Nicholas Bradford
live here, son?
Yeah.
Would you tell him
we got a delivery for him.
- For me?
- You're Nicholas?
Yeah!
Ha! I guess
you better read this.
And I guess
you better sign this.
[horse neighing]
It's not quite the way
I had Merle pictured.
Thank you,
professor Edgar Semenza
head of the drama department
Sacramento State College.
This is Joannie Bradford,
Channel News.
Coming to you
from the old Opera House.
Where Sacramento's glorious past
awaits your help
for an exciting new future.
- Terrific, Joannie.
- Yeah? Great! Thanks.
He's right.
I give you an A plus.
Oh, well,
thank you.
I wish you had given me that
in my senior drama seminar.
Well, you were brilliant
in all my classes.
No, I think I was
a B minus actually.
Yeah, well,
just one more mistake
in my long
and checkered career.
Now, these days, I brag
about you to all my students.
Oh, really?
I thought you'd be disappointed
that I was doing this
instead of real theatre.
Oh, Joannie,
your story on the news tonight
will make
a tremendous contribution
to the theatrical arts.
Now, if-if we can save
this magnificent old structure
we can create
a drama center here
'that will serve the community
for generations.'
Oh, that would be so fantastic.
I sure hope
you can do it.
Oh, then please,
keep giving us
all the publicity
that you can.
I will, professor,
I promise, I will.
Is there anything
else I can do?
Would you like to serve
on the restoration committee?
- You mean it?
- 'Oh, we need your enthusiasm.'
(Edgar)
'You'd be perfect.'
What do I do?
When do I start?
Uh, well, we're having
an emergency meeting
in about a half an hour.
Can you join us?
Professor, there isn't
anything I'd rather do
or any place
I'd rather go.
- Good.
- Ha-ha!
(Tom)
'This is obviously
a computer error.'
'We don't have a computer.'
(Tom)
'Then it's just
a plain dumb mistake.'
Dad, listen to this.
No, Nicholas,
you listen to me.
These men are either
in the wrong city
or they've just escaped
from an institution.
I mean,
this is not your horse!
- I know that!
- Oh, well, good.
It's only half mine.
Half?
Yeah, Joe Simons gave me half.
But I don't know
which half.
Joe Simons?
(Jeremy)
'Who's Joe Simons?'
He's kind of an old vagabond.
She means a bum.
Yeah, he helped Nicholas
when he ran away.
Kind of adopted himself
as Nicholas' grand-dad.
"Her name is Royal Flush
in honor of the cards
"I was holding at the time
we acquired ownership.
"She is a real winner, partner.
"And I know
you and I will win a bundle
when we race her."
She's a race horse!
Oh, sure.
"So, take good care of her
'"until I can get
business cleared up here'
and can join you
in Sacramento."
Here?
What does he mean here?
Where is he?
Do you know?
He hired us in Reno.
Said he was going east.
East?
- Or north.
- Oh, terrific.
Well, when he get's here,
he's gonna find his half
and Nicholas'
half of the horse
have both disappeared!
I think I'm just gonna
call my half Royal.
Why Royal?
Oh, I can't call her Flush.
She's too beautiful.
(Joannie)
'Well, actually, David,
it was professor Semenza
'that suggested you.'
I just seconded the motion.
I told them that
I was sure you'd do it.
Do what?
Well, it's right up your ally.
We need
a construction expert
to do
a preliminary survey
to tell us how much
it's gonna cost
to bring the old Opera House
up to code.
There's some rumors
the city might condemn it
before it can be restored.
Hmm, gee, I'd love
to help you, Joannie
but I need
some paying jobs.
Oh, the committee
will pay you, of course.
- You're kidding.
- 'Oh, yes.'
'They've already raised
some money'
and they know that they
need a professional appraisal
to show to the City Council.
That sounds terrific.
I'm glad you
seconded the motion.
Uh, well, umm..
Actually, I didn't tell you
the bad news.
The need the appraisal
right away, like...tomorrow.
- Literally?
- 'Literally.'
Oh.
Well, I'm just sitting here
trying to figure
out who to call for work.
- So, why not?
- Why not!
- Thank you, David. Oh, great!
- No, thank you.
[truck revving]
Tommy, you got a horse
on your lawn.
Face it, Merle,
you got weird in-laws.
I don't see Susan.
- Hi.
- Oh, hi there!
- Hi!
- How you doing?
- How you doing?
- I'm fine! Hi!
- W-where's Susan?
- Well, she's in the house.
See, dad was taking care
of Sandra Sue..
But when the horse came,
she had to.
- Why are we getting a horse?
- 'We probably aren't.'
Well, dad and Nicholas
have a difference of opinion.
Oh, Tommy,
just leave my bags.
I want to see my wife.
- Well, welcome back, son.
- Mr. B!
It's good to see you again.
Now, there's a new member
of the family
that I think
you should meet.
Yeah, Merle,
her name's Royal.
No, Nicholas,
I was referring to Jeremy.
Uh, Jeremy, come here,
I want you to meet Merle.
Howdy, Jeremy.
Now, you're the way
I had Merle pictured.
Oh, slugger,
I bought you a hat.
Oh, thanks, Merle.
[Sandra crying]
Susan!
- Hi.
- Oh, sweetheart!
- Oh!
- Ooh!
Oh...God.
- Oh, have I missed you.
- Oh, me too.
Hi, kiddo!
[laughing]
(Susan)
'Oh, Merle, this present
you brought her is so cute!'
Well, now,
you just wait until
you see what I got you.
Okay.
Huh, no peeking.
Oh, honey,
that's beautiful.
[Sandra crying]
Oh.
(Merle)
'Is she alright?'
Yeah, she's just been
so fussy
since she's cutting teeth.
Phew!
And I think
she wants her bottle.
Want to feed her?
Uh, yeah, I guess.
Here you go.
- The bottle.
- Alright.
Okay.
- Oh, she's smiling!
- Hi, sweetie.
- Here's daddy.
- Okay.
I got her.
- You got her?
- Uh-huh. I got her.
Oh, does she sleep afternoons?
- Hopefully.
- Only hopefully?
Would it help
to mention that her father
hasn't seen his wife
since Christmas?
Hmm, you might mention it.
In the mean time..
...I'll try on your present.
Now that's good thinking.
[rapping]
Well?
Well, you'll have to add
a few joists here and there
but basically
fairly sound.
Great!
Now, let me ask you
about the plumbing.
What plumbing?
- That bad?
- Yeah.
Well, let's just say
that when it comes
to restoring the plumbing
you have complete
creative latitude.
[laughing]
Well, I'd love
creative latitude
on this old place.
Yo-you can feel
the history, you know?
I know.
Look at that ceiling.
'See those beams?
They're hand carved.'
You don't see
that kind of detail anymore.
Yeah, it looks like
we found ourselves a contractor.
'If he will accept.'
Are you kidding?
Of course, I'll accept.
- I'm honored.
- Oh, wonderful.
I told you he was.
You're being real helpful,
Sandra Sue.
Now, just keep sleeping.
Honey?
I'll be right there.
Woo-hoo!
[humming]
Honey, I can't tell you
how many nights
I've been dreaming about this.
Ha-ha!
Alrighty!
I have been dreaming..
...about you
in that night gown
every second
since I saw it in the store.
Susan?
Cheers.
- Hi!
- It's that late already?
No, I'm early.
I thought I'd come home
on time for once
so we could go out
to dinner.
Oh, sorry,
I have to work.
- You've got a contract!
- Mm-hmm.
Congratulations!
What is it?
Well, for starters,
it's not big bucks.
Okay, so it's some bucks.
But it's exactly
what I've always wanted.
A chance to be involved with
something to feel proud of.
Something that will be
around for a while.
You know, to kind of
leave my mark on this town.
It sounds beautiful.
What is it?
Well, you know
the old Opera House?
What about it?
I've been hired
by the restoration committee
to bring it up to code
and to help save it.
Oh, no.
What's wrong?
Well, you know one of those
cases I've been working on?
(David)
'Yeah.'
It's for Reymar Development.
I'm representing
their proceedings
with Urban Renewal
to have the Opera House
condemned and torn down.
You can't.
[horse neighing]
Hey!
Hey, you sweetie!
What are you doing here?
Well, what else
can they eat?
Sugar, they like sugar.
- Oh, hi, Abby.
- Hey, guys.
What's going on here?
Well, you want Mr. Bradford's
version or Nicholas'?
Right, Nicholas, what?
Well, see, Joe Simons
sent me a horse.
Oh, this is
Joe Simons' horse.
Well, no,
actually we're partners.
We're gonna race her
and make a bundle.
Yeah but Mr. Bradford
wants to get rid of it
first thing tomorrow.
Yeah.
(Abby)
'You gotta be careful
of your fingers here.'
'Let me show you
how to do that.'
'Break of this little piece.'
'Put your hand real flat.'
Here, you do it.
(Abby)
'Just, uh..'
So he doesn't get your fingers.
Well, it sure
gets your hands away.
Oh, so it eats carrots,
sugar and fingers.
Oh, she's gonna need
a little more than that.
She's gonna need some oats
and some hay
and a place to stay.
Well, she could stay
in our room.
Yeah, well,
speak for yourself.
No, I was thinking
about the garage actually.
(Jeremy)
'Don't you think we ought
to discuss this'
'with Mr. Bradford first?'
Yeah. Yeah, we'll talk to him.
Yeah, well, let me know,
so I can duck.
(Merle)
'Uh, I didn't think
World w*r III'
'could have woke you.'
And one little hiccup
from Sandra Sue
and you pop up
like a rocket.
Well, that's mother's
radar for you.
Does she nap
after this bottle?
Well, actually she stays
awake after this bottle.
Oh.
You know, honey, you're all
cooped up around here.
I bet you'd really
like a night out.
Merle, I'm really tired.
But you just had a nap.
Look, why don't we get
Nancy or Elizabeth
to babysit
and you and I will go out
for a real fancy dinner.
At the place
by the river
where we celebrated
our engagement.
Merle, I really don't
feel up to it.
We haven't been
our old selves since I got here.
You're right.
And I'm sorry.
Then you'll do it?
Okay.
I'll do it.
Aw.
- Onions?
- Whatever you like.
Thanks, at least, I win
all the salad arguments.
This is a discussion
and I hope we can have it
without it's turning
into a sulk session.
You know,
I keep thinking
about those workmen
that built that Opera House.
They must have really wanted it.
You can see it in
the craftsmanship. They cared.
Are you implying
that Reymar Development
doesn't care?
They are one of the most
respected builders
in California.
No, I'm not saying that.
I'm just saying
I appreciate what they built
and I think
we ought to remember it!
David, I'm not denying
that there is
a certain historical value
to the old place.
But my client's
planning to build
something practical
and beautiful.
Oh, yeah,
parking lots
are the highest form
of beauty.
Not parking lots, David.
The project
is public housing
which Sacramento
needs a lot more than it needs
a place for amateur actors
to play around.
Should I pass those words
along to Joannie?
'You know what I'm saying.'
We're talking about the most
good for the most people.
While we're at it..
...let's talk about your good.
Mine?
Restoring that place, David
is a romantic pipe dream!
They'll never raise
enough money.
You're just wasting your time.
Well, I guess
she'll be alright here.
Just for tonight.
Do you think
that's enough hay?
Yes, Nicholas.
She had most of our front garden
for dinner and she won't
be here past breakfast.
Well, if she goes,
I go.
Well, we'll miss you,
Nicholas.
Dad, what are you gonna
do with her?
I'm gonna start calling
some people I know tomorrow.
Try to find a nice home
for her in the country.
Oh, great! I always wanted
to live in the country.
No, Nicholas.
All joking aside
you're going
to live right here!
Maybe you can visit her
once in a while.
Don't lead him on
like that, Mr. Bradford.
It could result in great
psychological trauma
if he learns the truth.
- That is the truth.
- 'No, it isn't.'
I saw this TV documentary.
You know what they do
with unwanted horses, don't you?
What?
They turn them into dog food.
- Dog food?
- That's not true, Nicholas.
(Jeremy)
'Well, not completely.'
Sometimes they turn them
into chicken feed.
Not Royal.
I won't let 'em.
Jeremy!
Just trying to help.
- Come on in, Elizabeth.
- Hi.
- We sure appreciate this.
- Oh, sure.
Look, you sure
you weren't busy tonight?
No, I was just gonna
do some studying
and I might as well study
while watching Sandra Sue
as television.
Now, you won't have
any friends over, would you?
- Trust me.
- I do, I do.
Now look, umm, bottles
are in the refrigerator--
Right where they always are.
Now go and have a good time.
She's right, honey.
Oh, no! Dr. Max's phone number--
It's on the bulletin board.
No, I wrote the number
of the restaurant on
the bulletin board,
I forgot to write down Dr. Max--
Susan, I can find it
in the book
and if it makes you feel
any better, Mary's home.
Mary's home?
Well, she can help out.
Susan, you don't ask
a doctor to babysit.
Oh, come on,
it won't be for long
and I'm really exhausted.
No, you're just out
of practice
in having a good time.
Now, come on, honey.
Elizabeth can hold
down the fort.
Yes. Now would you please
go with your husband?
- Hey, look, she's very cranky.
- I know.
So am I, Susan.
Come on.
Bye.
[Sandra cooing]
It always comes back to that,
doesn't it? The bucks!
Of course!
You have to be practical
about your ideals.
You can't keep ignoring
the way things get done.
Oh, I don't know
how things get done.
Obviously, if you did,
you'd let me introduce you
to Reymar Development,
then you could work
for winners
instead of losers.
Don't be so sure
they're going to win.
You haven't listened
to anything I've said, David.
I'm trying to help you.
I didn't ask
for your help!
Now, let me handle
my own business.
Well, great.
While you're at it
would you mind
not complicating mine?
It's going
to be very embarrassing
when I tell my client,
my own husband's
on the opposite
side of my case.
How come it's your case
and not my project?
- You could quit!
- So could you!
(Merle)
'And we'll have
the spinach salad.'
Good, honey?
Oh, great.
See, I'll have
the Swiss dressing
and the lady
will have oil and vinegar.
- Okay, honey?
- Hmm.
And I'll have the salad.
Weren't you listening?
Uh, what'd you say?
Honey, you have a salad.
- I have a salad?
- Mm-hmm.
Where?
I think we better go.
- Where?
- Home.
- We're going home?
- Uh-huh, we're going home.
Come on, sweetheart,
Atta girl.
My compliments
to the chef.
[instrumental music]
She sure is beautiful.
Yeah, that's what
I keep telling her.
Just look at these eyes.
Lot of character
in those eyes.
- Oh, is that good?
- Mm-hmm.
It's the first thing
you look for in a horse.
I wish you could
tell dad that.
The only thing he looks for
is a place to get rid of her.
Yeah, I know.
Here you go.
I'm sorry
she ate your flowers, Abby.
Oh, that's okay. She's just
following her instincts.
You mean you're not mad?
Yeah.
Flowers will grow back.
Hey, Nicholas,
she needs to be brushed.
- Do you know how?
- No.
Well, you put your hand
in the brush like this
and you just follow
the line of her hair.
- Like this?
- Yeah.
Just watch how the hair grows
when you follow that line.
- Is that right?
- Yup.
- Doing it good.
- This is fun.
Hey, how come you know
so much about horses?
Listen, I practically
grew up on horses.
I lived on a horse
when I was your age.
- Really?
- 'My horse's name was Blaze.'
- Blaze?
- Yeah, Blaze of Glory.
He looked a lot
like Royal here.
He was red. He had a blazed face
just like this.
- My dad gave him to me.
- Your dad?
- Really?
- 'Yeah, he did.'
[Royal neighing]
Had him till I went
away to college.
Aw, you were lucky.
Real lucky.
I know.
I didn't realise how lucky..
...until now.
Well, as a partner
in my company
you have a certain
financial interest
in my decisions,
so I wanted to get your advice.
Oh, come on, your contract
with Bradford constructions
doesn't really matter,
your marriage does.
So you do
whatever you think
is best for your
relationship with Janet.
Well..
...what's that?
You say the case
is important to her.
Well, then I think you owe it
to her to compromise.
You think Joannie's gonna feel
the same way about it?
I'd bet on it.
Talk to her.
Okay, is she working today?
Yeah, she said she had
a meeting down at the theatre.
Alright.
Well, I'll try to catch her.
Compromise?
Compromise.
Hold on!
- Hey, David!
- Hey, Merle!
- Good to see you.
- How you doing?
Oh, well, we've been busy.
Janet and I
have been meaning to get over
to see you but things
have been a little frantic.
Oh, same here.
Well, maybe when
things un-frantic a bit
we can all get together.
- Terrific.
- Yeah.
- Hey, can I hold her?
- Sure.
Oh! She is beautiful!
Oh, you must be
really proud of her.
Oh, I am.
Real proud.
Oh, did you expect her
to grow this fast?
Nope, I sure didn't.
A lot of things
about her I didn't expect.
I envy you, Merle.
This is what living's
all about, huh?
Well, it's not
an exclusive club, you know?
You and Janet
could have your own.
You're right, Merle.
Don't tell me about it.
David, I was trying
to call you!
Professor Semenza
has the greatest news!
Hello, David.
It looks like we're in business.
Joannie's story on the news
last night was a miracle.
'We're getting
more contributions'
'than we ever dreamed!'
We'll have enough money
to do everything we want.
Isn't that great?
Yeah, but I understand
there could be a problem.
What kind of a problem?
I hear that Reymar Development
wants this site
for public housing.
You hear correctly
but there a dozen
other places they
can put that project
without destroying
this town's heritage.
'Now, I'm sure
that they will back down'
'if we put up
the right kind of fight.'
Oh, and my brother's
a fighter, professor.
He doesn't let
anybody push him around.
You look relieved.
I am.
I talked to dad today
and he thinks
that I should
back out of the project.
- He does?
- Yeah, he does.
And, uh, so then I went
and I talked to Joannie.
Well, how did she take it?
She didn't.
She didn't like you
giving up the contract?
She doesn't even know
I considered it.
And I'm not giving it up.
- David!
- No.
I've been thinking a lot
about us, Janet.
And I don't think
it's right for only one person
in a marriage
to compromise.
And you think
you're that person?
I know I am.
I gave in about
not having children.
I gave in about
our social life.
And now I'm being asked to
change my career to suit yours.
I don't think
that's a healthy marriage.
'So, I'm not going to do it.'
This time,
you compromise.
[crickets chirping]
[instrumental music]
Hey David,
what are you doing here?
Are there any empty beds
in the house?
What happened?
He said the fight got so bad
they couldn't stay
in the same room.
- Poor David.
- And poor Janet.
Didn't David tell you that she
represents the developers?
No, he didn't say a word.
I hate to say this
but maybe you just
'pushed him so fast,
he didn't get a chance.'
What are you saying, Mary?
Look, please don't take
this the wrong way.
It's just that, you get so
enthusiastic about things
'you catch people up,
you sweep them away'
'before they know
all the facts!'
Well, David knew the facts.
Then why is he supporting
the wrong side?
He isn't!
This is the right side.
Joannie, how can you say that?
There are families
out there who really
need this housing project.
There are a lot of other places
that housing project could go!
And if you can see the mail
I'm getting at the station
you'd see that people really
need a theater--
Need? You can actually say need?
For your information, Mary,
people are a lot more
than livers and kidneys
and physiology.
Oh, I agree with you.
But you can't eat Shakespeare.
And two acts of-of Edward Albee
certainly aren't gonna keep
your children out of the rain!
I never realised how
philistine you've become, Mary.
Better philistine
than pretentious.
[door slamming]
David's moved out
on Janet?
Uh, that's what I hear.
If you want to take over
Sandra Sue here
I'll go find out the details.
No, thanks.
We made a deal, remember?
You're gonna take care
of Sandra Sue
for a whole day
and a whole night.
And as much as I'd like
to hear the details
I'd much rather
have a full night's sleep.
Well, okay. I will
see you in the morning.
Okay.
Hey, look, believe me,
it's gonna be worth it!
I'll be a new person.
I just want
the old person I married.
That's what I mean.
Stick around.
Ah..
- Hey, Joannie.
- Yeah?
- Did you hear about David?
- I heard.
I don't understand why you want
to make trouble for the guy.
Have you been
talking to Mary?
No, Elizabeth.
Where does Elizabeth
get off thinking
I want to make trouble?
I don't know,
but it seems to me
both David and Janet
would be a lot better off
if none of his sisters
meddled in his life.
Well, I'd be a lot better off
if none of my family
meddled in mine!
I'll mention that to Elizabeth.
So I figured,
since you talked to your dad
into letting you
have a horse
you could tell me
how to talk to my dad
into letting me
have a horse.
[Royal neighing]
First thing you have to do
is to convince your father
that you can
take care of Royal.
Oh, I can take
perfectly good care of her.
And the next thing
you have to do
is to persuade
your dad that the horse
will in no way
be a problem to him.
Oh, she won't.
I guarantee it.
Okay, now the main thing..
...is that you have
to approach your father
at exactly
the right moment.
You mean when he doesn't
have a headache.
Nancy?
Is that you with the ice?
[screaming]
Nicholas, get in here!
Oh!
[groaning]
Nicholas, will you get in here!
I don't think
she likes it out here.
It is lonely, you know.
Forget it. She's not
sleeping in the house.
In fact, this is the last night
she's gonna stay in the garage.
I don't care what I have to do.
But I'm getting
rid of this horse.
- May I make a suggestion?
- I don't want to discuss it!
The horse goes!
- We blew it, Abby.
- 'No, Nicholas.'
'Don't give up yet.'
Well, this is
a lonely place out here.
Do you think I could spend
the night out here with her?
'You know, just to
keep her company.'
Sure.
Just get a bunch of blankets
and keep warm, okay?
Oh, thanks, Abby.
It is our last night together.
I wouldn't want her
to be lonely.
Goodnight, you guys.
Yeah.
[knock on door]
Janet?
Janet, it's Joannie.
You home?
Oh, my goodness.
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Abby, it's Joannie.
I'm over at David's.
'What're you doing there?'
Well, I wanted to come over
and talk to Janet, you know
and try and straighten
things out.
But I'm afraid I'm too late.
- Janet's gone.
- She's gone?
'Well, she left
David a note saying that'
'she was staying
at her parents'.'
[sighing]
Boy, I'm really
sorry to hear that.
Well, what do you want me to do?
Do you want me
to tell David
or are you gonna tell him
when you get home?
'Look, would you tell him?'
I don't think I'm coming home.
As long as I'm here,
I'm gonna stay overnight.
I can't face the flak
I'm getting back at the house.
Okay, Joannie, I understand.
Listen, sleep good, okay.
- Night.
- Night.
Oh!
[instrumental music]
[Sandra crying]
Hmm. Good girl.
Good girl.
Okay. Here we go.
[sighing]
[Royal snorting]
[hooves clopping]
[Royal neighing]
[Sandra sneezing]
[Sandra gurgling]
[horse neighing]
[groaning]
[sighing]
[Royal snorting]
[Royal neighing]
Did you hear that?
Tom, it's okay,
she's gonna quiet down
when she gets used to it.
She won't have time
to get used to it.
This family is going bonkers.
We've got a horse
living in our garage.
A married son trying to escape
out of the screen porch.
A daughter-in-law living back
with her parents.
My daughter living
in their apartment.
And Merle living out
in Susan's place.
'Wishing he was in New York.'
I'm entitled to headaches.
[horse neighing]
Royal, what are you
doing out here?
You're making it very hard
on both of us, you know.
Do you want to be alone or
do you want to be together?
Come on.
Good morning.
Hi, sweetheart.
Good morning.
Hmm?
[chuckles]
A kiss?
Uh, Merle.
Remember me?
Your wife?
The one who gets
a good morning kiss?
Oh, I remember.
[chuckling]
Well, maybe you could remember
a little better.
Sure.
Just let me get
Sandra Sue her bottle.
Uh, Merle.
You're giving her a beer, uh..
Oh, wrong bottle.
[chuckles]
I guess so.
It's alright.
Hey, you okay?
- Hmm?
- I said are you okay?
Hmm.
Terrific.
- Are you sure?
- Oh, hmm.
Well, good.
Cause I was thinking..
...why don't we
find a baby sitter
pack up a picnic basket
and take off to the snow. Huh?
What do you say?
Merle?
Hey. Honey?
[sighing]
(male # )
'I'm sorry, Mr. Bradford,
but we've had several'
'complaints
from your neighbors.'
Well, I'm in complete sympathy
with my neighbors.
And you can tell 'em for me
that this horse will be
out of here immediately.
I knew you'd cooperate, sir.
But I still have to
give you this citation.
'If you remove
the animal as quickly'
as you say you will, then you
won't have to face the judge.
Believe me, officer, this horse
is much more of a nuisance
to me that it is to the public.
Now considering, the cloudy
nature of the ownership
of this horse..
...where do you
suggest I take her?
Well, sir, I think your best bet
will be the animal shelter.
The animal shelter?
Yeah, they, uh,
they're pretty good about
finding places
for unwanted animals.
She's not unwanted.
Dad, you can't do this.
I'm sorry, Nicholas.
We have no choice.
- Where is Abby?
- Hey, take it easy, sport.
- Well, I need Abby.
- She's not here, Nicholas.
Where did she go?
She went jogging with David.
Is there anything
that we can do?
No, I need Abby.
Wait, wait.
Time out.
After just one lap?
I didn't sleep much.
[sighing]
Well, I haven't talked to her,
but, uh, I'm sure
Janet didn't sleep much either.
You haven't talked to her?
It's not that
I wouldn't like to.
I mean she is my friend.
But I didn't know
how you'd feel about it.
I'd like you to
stay out of it, Abby.
Okay.
I'd like this to be
something Janet decides.
Well, you make that sound
like she better decide
what you want or else..
I just want to know what's
really important to her.
And that you're the most
important, right?
Yeah, yeah.
Something like that.
Well, David, now you could think
about giving her a little time.
Hey, you know, it's not easy
to work all this out.
Janet and Joannie and Mary
and I, we're being pulled in
directions that women have never
had to deal with before.
Including some wrong directions.
Come on, David.
What you want her to be?
Some spineless little person
who-who's afraid to discover
who she really is
and clings to you for her life?
- No, of course not.
- Well, then help her out.
I've tried that, Abby.
But the more room I give her,
the-the smaller I feel.
David, you're not in
competition with her.
If you help her
expand her world
then yours is just gonna be
that much larger.
She'll have that much more
to share with you.
I've heard that theory.
Just tell me, how come
her career is so important
and mine doesn't count?
Let me tell you about careers.
Mine is real important to me.
But, um, well, when Frank d*ed,
I had a career.
But I didn't have anybody
to share my life with.
Let me tell you.
It wasn't too much fun.
Maybe you should talk to Janet.
I'm talkin' to you.
Come on, David.
Work it out.
It's worth it.
Okay. Thanks.
[Sandra cooing]
Hmm. Okay.
Up you go.
Okay.
There you go, sweetie.
Okay. Okay.
Merle.
Hmm?
Wake up.
- What's wrong?
- Nothing's wrong.
- Sandra Sue, I got to feed her.
- No. She's fine, she's fine.
I just want to talk
to you, honey.
I'll bet it's her tooth..
Listen, Merle.
I just wanna talk.
Hmm? Here, come on,
just sit down.
[sighing]
Sit down.
I want to thank you
for last night.
I mean, I know it sounds corny,
but it's one of the most
memorable evenings
of our marriage.
Memorable?
[scoffs]
I can't wait to forget it.
Yeah, well, I don't
want to forget it.
It gave me a chance to see
a whole lot about you and me.
Merle, I understand now when
you're upset when you came home.
Upset?
- Who was upset?
- 'You were upset.'
Just like I was upset
this morning.
I mean, who wants to be
married to a zombie?
(Merle)
Well..
This baby stuff
isn't easy, Susan.
No.
How can you help it?
[sighing]
Look, I've got an idea.
'Why don't you
go back to sleep?'
Hmm.
'And when you wake up..'
...we'll both take care of
Sandra Sue together.
That way we'll be rested enough
to be our old selves again.
In your new night gown?
In my new night gown.
Hey..
[chuckles]
It's good to be home.
[Sandra cooing]
[door latch clicking]
[door closing]
- Joannie.
- Oh.
- I'm sorry.
- What are you doing here?
Oh, I didn't want to face David
or Mary. So I slept over.
What are you doing here?
Well, I don't pack too well
when I'm furious.
Janet, I...actually
I wanted to talk to you
about that last night.
If I'd known about your case,
I'd never would've asked David
to take that theatre job.
Honestly--
- I'm not blaming you.
- I know.
But I don't want you
to blame David, either.
'They was something about
fixing up that old place..'
...that just made him
come alive, you know.
What do you mean?
I haven't seem him
look like that
since...we were
little kids, you know.
He used to build those
soap box racers.
'He used to spend
hours in that garage.'
'Mom could hardly get him
to come in for dinner.'
I don't think that he..
...that he took that
theatre job for me.
He..
He took it more for..
For himself?
No, more for..
...the love of doing it.
[instrumental music]
[dramatic music]
Royal.
Royal!
Royal.
[engine revving]
- Hey.
- She's gone, Abby.
It's gonna be alright.
How can it be alright?
'Cause it is.
Come on with me.
Nicholas.
Would you come on?
Just trust me, okay.
[sighing]
[engine revving]
It's gonna be fine,
I promise.
(Abby)
It's gonna be great.
Hi.
Hi.
Well, you were
right about one thing.
It is old.
Joannie came to see me.
And what did you two decide?
We didn't.
The truth is,
I made the decision.
- That I should back down?
- No, David.
That I should.
What?
I just came from the office.
I explained to them
that I had
a conflict of interest
with my husband's business
'and I asked them to assign
another attorney to the case.'
[laughing]
No, wait, wait,
wait, wait, wait.
Janet, you don't understand.
Would you hold on a second?
David, I don't find
this very amusing.
I resigned from
a great case just for you
and you treated it
like it was a bad joke.
It's not a bad joke.
It's a wonderful joke.
David, did I laugh at this?
No, I tried to understand
how you felt about it.
I love you.
Oh, you have a great way
of showing it.
- I thought I did.
- Oh, by laughing?
No, by telling Professor Semenza
about an hour ago that
I couldn't
accept his contract.
You did what?
I told him I couldn't
accept his contract
because my wife's legal case was
more important to our marriage.
- No.
- Yes.
Oh, David.
[laughing]
Oh.
Okay, Nicholas, remember.
You always get on from the left.
- Right, the left.
- Okay, on three.
One, two, three.
Okay.
So..
How does it feel up there?
Feels great.
I love it.
- She's really ours.
- Really ours.
My dad's old friend says we can
keep here as long as we need to.
Till Joe Simons comes back.
Well, that could
be expensive.
Listen, Nicholas.
I figured she's worth it.
Besides, every boy
should have a horse.
To share with his mom, right?
Right, here,
you better take these.
- Okay. You ready.
- Ready?
Let's go.
[instrumental music]
[horse neighing]
- Oh, hi, Mr. Bradford.
- Oh, hello, Jeremy.
Hey, you got a minute?
Or thirty seconds?
Why-why?
What's on your mind?
Well, ever since
Nicholas got that horse
our bedroom smells
something terrible.
Really?
Yeah, you wanna come down
and sniff?
Oh, no, no,
that won't be necessary.
'Well, I think it's the boots.'
- The boots?
- 'Yeah, the ones he rides in.'
He keeps them
right beside our bed.
He does, huh?
And if I'm not trippin'
over 'em, I'm smellin' 'em.
Wow, I can see your problem.
'Hey, do you think
you could talk to him?'
Uh, well, I'll try.
Yeah, because if you
don't talk to him
I'm just gonna have to take
matters into my own hands.
Really?
What did you have in mind?
Well, I know
you're not gonna like this
but I can't take it anymore.
I'll just tell him
to keep his smelly horsey boots
out of my way or
I'll throw 'em out the window.
- The window?
- 'Yeah, the window.'
Hmm.
Abby's.
Alright.
[theme music]
[music continues]
05x12 - David's Rib
Watch/Buy Amazon
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.