Dad, this is my new
writing partner, Holly.
Hi, nice to meet
you, Mr. Bradford.
♪ I'll learn to love again ♪
♪ Maybe with you ♪
Why isn't Tommy, helping you?
- Where is he?
- Where he always is.
With Holly.
♪ Maybe with you ♪♪
But are you sure?
The two of us in San Francisco,
it'll be great.
I just want you to listen.
I'm still goin' San Francisco
and you're not gonna stop me.
[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 ♪
♪ 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]
- Bradford, be reasonable.
- We'll see you!
Yeah, catch you guys later.
Take it easy.
There's nothin'
wrong with my lyrics.
There is something
definitely wrong with
"A moon in June
beams a sweet loves tune."
That's a matter of opinion.
It's old fashioned
and you know it.
So what's wrong with that?
People want old fashioned.
Some people want
old fashioned.
Alright. Some people.
Yeah and you know where
those people are, Bradford?
They're in rest homes.
It's tough to get
bookings in rest homes.
I'll work on the lines,
will that make you happy?
It'll make me happy, if you'll
see this girl, I told you about.
She's good
and she need the work.
You really think
my stuff's that bad?
Hey, you don't take it so hard.
We all have our
strengths and weaknesses.
You're a good guitar player
and you write great music.
- Really?
- And your lyrics stink.
Thanks.
- 'It's great.'
- 'I like it.'
Well, and the
kitchen's gonna be here
with cabinets here and here.
Then what's this
teeny little place here?
Well, that's either
a bedroom
or bathroom, depending.
Depending on what?
On what you want this other
teeny little place to be.
Oh.
I-I said I could convert
the garage into an apartment.
I didn't say it would
be a luxury apartment.
So what are the damages?
About nine thousand dollars.
- Oh, boy.
- Oh, that's crazy.
Hey, look, dad, Sandra and I
will be will fine upstairs.
No, no, that's alright, Susan.
We'll find a way.
I'd feel guilty about
spending that much money.
Nonsense, I've been
planning to do this for years.
(Jeremy)
'Don't do this to
her, Mr. Bradford.'
Guilt could be a heavy burden.
Let her stay upstairs,
I'll move down.
That's a nice gesture, Jeremy.
No sweat,
I handle guilt very well.
Jeremy, just stay where you are
up in the room, with
Nicholas and Tommy, please.
Dad, the problem is, is labor.
I-I can get
the materials whole sale.
You know there must be
a law against three people
sharing one room
it's, it's unsanitary.
You know what I think?
I think we should all
do the work ourselves.
Oh, that's silly, Nicholas.
(Jeremy)
'That many people in one room'
could be emotionally
unhealthy, too.
(David)
'Hey, you know, I think
Nicholas has something there.'
It's not that difficult
and I can supervise.
Alright, I'm willing
to give it a try.
Well, then I'll get
the materials tomorrow
and we'll start this weekend.
It creates tension.
Oh, and, Nicholas,
since it was your idea
I'm going to make you
the labor contractor.
You're gonna hire
all the workmen
'make sure that they
do their jobs.'
- You mean, I'm the boss?
- That's right.
Alright.
And you know what tension
can lead to, don't you?
- Jeremy..
- It can lead to--
(in unison)
Shut up!
Hostility.
[instrumental music]
[instrumental music]
[knock on door]
- Hi!
- 'Hi!'
(Tommy)
'Come on in.'
- You must be Holly.
- Yes.
Parents got a little carried
away with the Christmas thing.
- Very nice place you got here.
- Oh, thanks.
- We're about to lose it, too.
- Really? Why?
- Yeah, my sister is movin' in.
- Oh, she have a band?
No, she has a baby
and husband that's playing
for the New York Mets.
- Oh.
- Do you play?
Nah, not good enough
for the Mets.
- I meant guitar.
- Yeah, I play.
Well?
Yeah.
Listen, are you
always this charming
or you just tryin' to make
a good first impression?
Oh, well, look,
I didn't mean to be rude--
No, it's alright,
don't worry about it.
Ernie says you needed
a lyricist and that's what I am.
Ah, here's a...couple of
examples of my work, right here.
My phone number's right
above the page there.
So, look, you're interested
just give me a call, alright?
- Okay.
- You do read music, don't you?
Yeah I read.
Well?
[sighs]
[knock on door]
Am I interrupting something?
Ah, no, no,
I was just writing my column.
Oh, great, I'm glad it
wasn't nothing important.
So what's on your mind you know.
- Jeremy.
- Oh.
He's been getting better
and you know it.
Oh, yeah, sure,
this week he only told me
to go can it three times,
instead of his usual five.
What about him?
I think we should
enroll him in school.
- But you said--
- I know what I said.
That it wasn't healthy
to enroll him in one school.
We knew we'd have to
enroll him in another school
just a short time later
when we found a home for him.
Couldn't have said that better,
if I said it myself.
Well, the trouble is
that that short time later
is rapidly becoming
a long time ago.
It seems like an eternity to me.
Tom, he hasn't been that bad.
You said yourself, you were
growing quiet fond of him.
Well, actually,
he reminds me of my childhood.
All those mornings
I spent in the movies.
Watching the "Dead End Kids."
I'm sorry, I was just kidding.
I really am growing
fond of him.
Well, I think you're
growing on him, too.
Lately when brings up your name
he no longer refers
to as the Ayatollah.
That's progress, Abby.
Real progress.
(Nancy)
'Tommy, I thought you said
it would be waste of time.'
Well, I thought it would.
But I listened to her
stuff and it was good.
Really good.
So is she gonna be
your writing partner?
- Yeah, we start tomorrow.
- Oh.
Tommy, I think that's terrific.
You know some of the best
musicians have been women.
- That's right.
- Here it comes.
- Carole King.
- Joni Mitchell.
Carly Simon.
- Janet McDonald.
- Who?
I can't take anymore.
- Jeremy, your dinner.
- 'This isn't dinner.'
It's an ERA rally
with refreshments.
(Tom)
'Sit down, Jeremy.'
Can we just change the subject?
(Tom)
'Sure.'
'The new topic of conversation
will be school.'
Specifically, which school
Jeremy will enroll in tomorrow?
See, Abby,
I told you he'd get excited.
Wait, why do I
have to go to school?
Well, there are
many reasons, Jeremy
but basically, it's so you
won't grow up to be stupid.
Yeah, but the semester
already started.
They'll take you,
we have a lot of pull.
(Jeremy)
'Yeah, but Abby said that--'
Well, Jeremy, I know what I
said, but I changed my mind.
You know it's very difficult to
find the topic of conversation
that will interest that boy.
♪ Learn to love again ♪
♪ I'll learn to love again ♪♪
Well, we got a real solid
beginning anyway.
Either that or top ten disco
tune, one or the other.
Really.
Wait a minute, hold it.
Wait.
- Well?
- Well, what?
Well, come on,
what do you think?
Well, I suppose I've gotta
be totally honest, right?
Absolutely, yeah.
I think we're
talkin' Grammy time.
You really mean it?
No, but I believe in
positive reinforcement.
Oh, cut it out.
No, I like it, really.
It's good.
Really good, I like it,
let's, let's keep going.
Alright, hot-sh*t,
don't get carried away
we're only up to
the third line here.
♪ Learn to love again ♪
♪ Maybe with you ♪♪
- You
- Yeah.
♪ I'll learn to love again ♪
♪ Maybe with you ♪♪
And how old were you
on your last birthday?
Forty seven.
That's pretty old to be freshmen
in a high school, isn't?
- I'm a slow learner.
- Would you cool it?
- He's fifteen.
- Yeah, a very mature fifteen.
I can see that.
- 'Abby?'
- Oh, Ann, hi!
- Good to see you.
- How are you doin'?
Abby was my practice teacher.
- Jeremy, this is Ann Cavalusi.
- Hi!
Oh, don't tell me this
is another Bradford.
Well, he's an honorary one.
You'll probably be seein' her
a lot, she's a teacher here.
In fact,
she's your Homeroom teacher.
(Ann)
'That's wonderful.'
Oh, I know we're
gonna have a fine time.
I wouldn't bet on it.
[telephone ringing]
[instrumental music]
There's something about this
girl that's so...different.
I can't believe
I'm goin' to school.
I can't believe it.
Would Nancy be better
for sawing or painting?
- You know what I think?
- Sawing, right?
I think she likes me,
I really do.
You know all the good electives
are gonna be filled up.
I mean, you realize, what
I'm probably gonna be stuck with
don't you?
Painting.
I wish, wood shop, wood shop.
Yeah, maybe you're right.
Sawing.
Yeah, she's a little
bit older but...who cares?
It's th century, right?
- What about Mary?
- That's right.
Mary even went out
with a married man for a while.
Wood shop!
Maybe dad's got some ideas.
I gotta go talk to Abby,
one more time.
I'll go give her a call.
You see what I mean about,
three people sharing one room?
You can't even hear
yourself think.
[instrumental music]
Hi, come on in,
but you gotta be quiet.
Come on in.
- How's it goin'?
- Oh, you don't have to whisper.
He's in the bed room.
He's in the bed room?
W-well, look, may-maybe
I oughta come back some--
No, it's okay,
because he's asleep.
- Don't worry about it.
- But--
Look, if it wasn't okay, I
wouldn't have invited you over.
Come on. Sit down.
Just sit down.
Make yourself at home.
So?
So.
Look, maybe I better
come back some other time.
Tommy, what's the matter
with you?
Holly, there's someone
in the bedroom.
[chuckles]
You mean, you didn't know
about Aaron?
- Obviously not.
- Oh!
Alright, come here.
Come with me.
- Oh, no, uh-uh.
- Come on, Tommy.
- No!
- Come on, shh, shh, shh.
Come on, come on.
- Holly! Look, I really don't--
- Shh, shh, come on, come here.
- This is ridiculous.
- Shh.
This is Aaron.
[chuckles]
Aaron's my son.
Oh.
[instrumental music]
[instrumental music]
(Nicholas)
'Okay, you guys'
it's time to sign up for
a apartment building duty.
- Excuse me.
- Where y'all going?
Hey, Jeremy, where you going?
My first day at school,
I gotta be there on time.
Since when do you care
about school?
Ah, it just came on all
of a sudden. I'll see you later.
- Elizabeth,?
- Dance class.
- All day?
- Yeah, I need a lot of work.
So does the garage.
Oh, I know none you guys
have to go to work today.
Ah, Nicholas,
that's where you're wrong.
You see, musicians
are always trying
to find new forms, new ways
to blend the same old notes
into more beautiful
and newer music.
- You do that all in your head?
- You've got it.
Good. Then you can use your
hands to help load the lumber.
Ha-ha!
And Nancy, you've got painting.
Why do I have painting?
Because you've got
most of the experience.
You're always
painting you're nails
and your toe nails
and your eyes--
Alright got the point, Nicholas.
And Joannie,
you've got clean up.
[laughing]
It's not funny. Hey, why clean
up, why do I have clean up?
Because I'm the boss and I make
sure you guys do your jobs.
And you have to do
what I tell you do.
Why should I?
Because remember the time,
when you were in that play
and no one wanted to go and
you said that if I came then--
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Alright, okay, Nicholas.
Yeah, because it was
all in pig Latin, remember?
Oh, remember that time,
that when you were--
Okay, boss, I'll do clean up.
Good.
- He's tough.
- Yeah, you bet.
Oh, and Joannie, you can still
call me Nicholas, for now.
Oh.
- Hmm.
- Thanks.
[chuckles]
[instrumental music]
Well, this is it.
It doesn't look so bad.
Compared to what, San Quentin?
Jeremy, you're here, you might
as well, make the best of it.
Right.
Look, a new school is always
a little scary at first.
Scared, I can handle, it's being
miserable I have problems with.
You're gonna make friends.
You'll have a lot of
new interests.
You're gonna work
on your grades.
Huh, let me get this over
before you have me
on the honor roll.
Hey.
Have fun.
[doorbell rings]
- 'I'll get it.'
- No, no, I've already got it.
- Hello!
- Come on in.
Dad, this is
my new writing partner, Holly.
Mr. Bradford, nice to meet you.
- And this is Aaron.
- Hi!
(Tom)
'Oh, what a nice little boy.'
Is that you're brother?
- No, it's my son.
- Oh.
Well, the three of us,
have a lot of work to do.
- We better get going.
- Yeah.
Okay, well,
see you later, Mr. Bradford.
Bye.
Gosh, it's good to see you.
You too, squirt.
[instrumental music]
'Well, I guess we're done.'
(Holly)
'No, no, no.'
It's not right.
What do you mean,
what's not right about it?
It's not right.
Guess, that's
what you're here for.
No, come on,
we can make this work here.
It's just,
uh...from here we got
"Flower needs rain
heartache and pain"
[screams]
- Oh.
- I guess it is bad.
Well, excuse me.
Oh, I'm sorry, I guess
I shouldn't have brought him.
It's just that,
I haven't had the cash
to put him in a day care center.
- You okay?
- Yeah.
Yeah?
Excuse me.
Doesn't you're ex-husband
ever take care of him?
That'd be pretty tough.
Why?
I don't have an ex-husband.
- Oh.
- I've never been married.
Does that bother you?
Oh, I just assumed.
Don't get me wrong about this.
I love Aaron more than anything
else in this world. I..
He's the most important
thing in my life.
[imitating airplane droning]
I never regretted having him.
Not for a second.
But you didn't get married?
I didn't fall in love.
Is that hard for you
to understand?
Well, it might take
a little while.
Not too long a while, I hope.
I'm a fast learner.
Good.
What do say
we get back to work, okay?
[indistinct chatter]
Hi!
You gotta use the bathroom?
Not really.
What brand do you smoke?
We got all kinds.
Hey, show him the store, Joe.
- Oh, really, doesn't--
- Yeah, have one of mine.
- So, uh, you're new here, huh?
- Yeah.
Alright. My name is Albert.
Jeremy.
Hey, listen Jeremy,
things are gonna be alright
once you get
the system figured out.
- System?
- Yeah.
Hall passes, sickness notes,
signed by real mothers.
- I got 'em all.
- Oh, that system.
Hey, I got excuses
with everything
from measles to arthritis.
Arthritis?
For some of our older students.
[laughing]
Of course, of course.
Let me ask you a question.
- You like school?
- No way.
I can fix it,
so you almost never have to go.
What do you think?
- Think I feel that case of--
- Arthritis comin' on, yeah.
This kid's alright.
[laughing]
[guitar music]
♪ Is it possible ♪
♪ To forget ♪
♪ How to love ♪
♪ I think I have ♪
♪ Don't know what to do ♪
♪ When I'm holding you ♪
♪ When you came to me ♪
♪ I was safe inside my shell ♪
♪ All by myself ♪
♪ Letting love just pass me by ♪
♪ But you made me wanna try ♪
♪ I learned to love again ♪
♪ Maybe with you ♪
♪ I learned to love again ♪
♪ I'm long overdue ♪
♪ It's worth all the heartache ♪
♪ Trouble and pain ♪
♪ To love and cry again ♪
♪ Be alive again ♪
♪ And almost die again ♪
♪ Maybe with you ♪♪
- Anyone I know?
- Huh?
The person that you are
imagining the dartboard to be?
Whoever it is
has a pretty bad complexion.
So how was school?
Oh, great. They elected me
class president.
Oh, the first day's
always the worst.
You'll make friends?
Listen, I remember
being real lonely
for a long time
when I switched schools.
I made a friend.
You did? That's good.
So why don't you have him over?
- Oh, Abby, I don't think--
- No.
Jeremy, you can have him over
for dinner.
- Abby--
- Jeremy, really.
We'd all enjoy it.
He'd enjoy it.
It'd, it'd be a real interesting
evening for all of us.
I'm sure of that.
So you'll have him over?
- Yeah, why not.
- Okay. That's good.
Tom will be real surprised.
He'll be surprised, alright.
[instrumental music]
[indistinct chattering]
Well, here's to you.
Oh, thank you.
You, uh, realize that
this is embarrassing?
Ah, come on, they asked me
for my ID, too.
Yeah, but they didn't ask you
if you wanted a booster chair.
[chuckles]
Look, if it's any consolation
to you..
You seem to me.
Oh, gosh! Thanks.
Now if I'll only seem
to them.
Oh, come on.
[Tommy chuckles]
Holly, when are you gonna
tell me about him?
Who?
Aaron's father.
Oh, Tommy, I already told you.
You told me he didn't have
a legal father.
Now, I took biology
in high school
and I happen to know it takes
a mother and a father--
Okay, okay.
But there's really is
not that much to tell.
We were both kids,
we were .
Like you.
I wanted to have a baby
but I didn't want a husband.
Oh, I don't know,
maybe it was just Aaron's father
I didn't want for a husband.
Two children at the same time
was so much more
than I could've taken then.
Yeah, well, Holly--
Tommy, I told you I have a habit
of doing exactly
what I wanna do.
Right.
Well, what I would
like to do now..
...is have a wonderful dinner
with a very nice person.
Well, I feel like
doing something, too.
[instrumental music]
You know, I think
you're quite a lady.
Do you know that's eight
complements tonight?
Well, you should hear me
when I really like someone.
[laughs]
I think you're wonderful.
That's nine.
And very beautiful.
Ten.
[music continues]
[instrumental music]
Dad, that goes right up there.
I know, Nicholas, I know.
Ernie, you guys were supposed
to have all these junk
out of here yesterday.
Sorry, Nicholas,
we're under-manned.
Yeah, but you're messing
up my schedule.
Uh, Nicholas, according
to your schedule
shouldn't you be leaving
for school right now?
- No, the schedule says--
- Look again.
- Dad, I--
- Nicholas!
Oh, yeah, it says right here,
"Leave for school."
I'll be back at :
if you need any help.
Well, Ernie, I'm sorry to usurp
your rehearsal hall like this.
No, that's alright,
Mr. Bradford.
Why isn't Tommy helping you?
We're lucky to get him
to, uh, practice these days
much less undertake
such a thing as physical labor.
Where is he?
Where else?
Where he always is.
With Holly.
He and Holly are working
a lot together, huh?
As much as they work together,
they should be composing
an entire album.
[instrumental music]
Well, I just hope
that Tommy knows
what he's getting himself into.
Well, if you feel that strongly
about it you should tell him.
No, he'll think
I'm meddling again.
Well, then make sure
he understands
that you don't disapprove.
'Just talk to him
as one adult to another.'
I don't disapprove,
I just don't want him
to rush in blindly.
Then tell him that.
I will.
[bell rings]
Uh, you want me have dinner
at your house?
That's what I said.
[laughs]
Far out.
- Why?
- Because Abby wants me to.
She asked me just yesterday
to bring you over to dinner.
She wants me to come
over to your house?
Sure, the Bradfords are dying
to meet you.
Hey, that's great. I'll show up,
what time should I come?
- Seven.
- Seven. Right.
Oh, now, but come as you are
don't get dressed up
for nothing.
The Bradfords are real
down to earth people, you know?
That sounds like a family
I can really get into.
Oh, yeah!
- Hey, this is gonna be fun.
- Yeah.
[laughs]
One things for sure,
it'll be exciting.
Yes, we will take care of it,
right away.
Thank you very much for calling.
Goodbye.
- Abby.
- What?
Do you remember when I told you
that I was beginning
to grow fond of Jeremy?
- Yeah.
- I lied.
- Why?
- That was Ann Cavalusi.
No, what happened?
He disappeared
from his homeroom yesterday
and hasn't been back
to class since.
Just when I was beginning
to trust him.
Now, Tom, it's been a long time
since he's done anything
like this.
Maybe, he needed the exercise
we haven't fought for a week.
Tom, that's it, see..
Jeremy doesn't know
how to get positive attention
so he's settled
for negative attention.
He'll do anything
just to be noticed.
Oh, well, then it worked.
Because I'm gonna give him
so much negative attention
he'll hibernate for the winter.
You'll just be playing
right into his hands.
You'll just be encouraging him
to continue.
Oh, well, then what do we do
to discourage him
from continuing?
Ignore him.
If we're unshockable,
if we can't be shocked
by his behavior,
it's just gonna take
all the fun out of the game.
I don't know about that.
Trust me, Tom, it's psychology.
[door closes]
Oh, uh, Jeremy.
How was school today?
Oh, great, Mr. Bradford,
just great.
[mouthing]
Jeremy, don't eat
right now, okay?
We're about to have dinner.
That reminds me,
Albert's coming for dinner.
Good! When? What day?
In an hour.
In an hour?
[instrumental music]
Psychology.
[sighs]
Hi, Tommy.
Uh, you're not gonna be home
for dinner tonight?
Uh! No, I'm afraid not.
I'm having dinner at Holly's.
Oh..
Uh, listen, there's something
I think I should say.
Now, uh, you're not
gonna wanna hear this
but I-I have to tell you.
You don't mean
I have dandruff, do you?
I-I'm worried
about you and Holly.
Yeah, well, don't be, okay?
But I-I don't think you realize
what you're getting
yourself into--
- I gotta go, dad.
- No, wait a minute now.
I-I-I.. Just give me
a second, alright--
I know what I'm doing.
- I know, but I-I--
- Look, I really gotta go.
[crickets chirping]
[knocking on door]
- Hi!
- 'Hi!'
- How're you doing?
- Good, how are you?
I'm just fine.
Why don't you just sit down
and make yourself comfortable?
I have to finish
fixing dinner, anyway.
Okay.
- Hi, Tommy.
- Hi, Aaron.
- How're you doing?
- Could I play with your guitar?
Sure. Just gotta promise
you'll be real careful, okay?
Yeah.
Here you go.
Now you remember how
I showed you how to hold this?
[strumming]
Hey, I have some
terrific news today.
Oh, yeah, what's that?
Well, there's this group
forming in San Francisco
and they've got some
record company backing
and they want me
to write lyrics for 'em.
Does that mean
you'd have to move there?
Well, yeah, sure.
They don't have a lot of money
but they said they could find me
'an apartment and pay my rent.'
'Isn't that exciting?'
Yeah, that sounds exciting.
[strumming]
Aaron, don't do that.
Well, I hope he didn't forget,
he's a half hour late.
- Albert doesn't forget.
- That's good.
[doorbell rings]
- Oh, that's him.
- Oh, boy!
You're as nervous
as the mother of the bride.
I just want this
to go really well.
Oh, relax, Abby.
Everything's perfect.
'What could possibly go wrong?'
(Jeremy)
'Everybody, this is
my friend, Albert.'
Hiya! Sorry, I'm late,
my bike broke.
Mr. Bradford.
'It's really nice of you
to invite me.'
I mean, people don't usually
invite me in places.
Oh, imagine that.
- Would you like to sit down?
- Thanks.
Nice couch.
So, Jeremy,
did your friend arrive?
Yeah, he's here.
Albert, hi!
Uh, I'm Susan and,
uh, this is Sandy.
Oh, I love babies.
They're kinda like midgets,
you know?
Except smaller.
[Albert laughs]
Koochie-koochie-koochie-koochie!
[Sandra crying]
Nap time.
Well, dinner's almost ready.
Would you like to wash up
or anything?
Nah.
I have to check the dessert.
Albert, we're having quiche.
Do you like quiche?
Oh, no sweat,. God, I can eat
anything.
Good, good.
- Want some potatoes?
- Yeah, let's see.
Yeah, here's a good one.
Unshockable.
Albert, do you like quiche?
Yeah, kinda taste like spinach
and cheese and stuff.
(Nancy)
'It is.'
Why they call it quiche?
Beats me.
I always wonder why they do
funny stuff like that.
Don't you, Mr. Bradford?
I do. I do.
Any of you guys got bikes?
I do.
(Albert)
'Really, how many cc's?'
Three speed.
[laughs]
Nicholas, Nicholas, when Albert
says bike, he means--
Bike!
Yeah, I got a great bike.
Seven fifty cc's.
[imitating engine sputtering]
Is that how it sounds?
No, that's how it looks.
[laughs]
Hey, I found this
in the kitchen
does anybody want potatoes?
- No, thanks.
- Um-mm.
Uh, don't mind if I do.
[hooting on TV]
[g*nshots on TV]
You know, you could at least
groan every so often.
Anything to let me know
you're still alive.
It's getting pretty late,
I better get going.
Tommy, what is wrong?
You know that's
the amazing thing.
You don't even know
what's wrong.
But I don't know to stay--
What do you think you're doing?
Hey, he undid a string,
what's with you?
That's nothing with me,
I just don't like people
messing with my stuff.
And I don't like people
yelling at my son.
Goodnight, then.
And, uh, have a nice life
in San Francisco.
Is that why you're angry
because I'm going
to San Francisco?
Congratulations!
You finally figured it out.
[door closes]
[instrumental music]
You're doing good work.
Thanks, boss.
[music continues]
[whistles]
Dad, you're supposed to be
nailing in the garage.
I tried to, Nicholas,
but the wood is taller
than the garage,
so I thought I'd cut it.
Guess, that's okay.
Well, I got permission
from David.
Good.
[hammering]
[machine whirring]
I'm workin', I'm workin'.
[machine whirring]
[car door closes]
[engine revving]
[birds chirping]
- Hey, tiger.
- Hi.
What're you doin'?
Nothing. You wanna play
with me?
Sure. What do you wanna play?
- Poker.
- Poker?
What's that?
[groans]
That's not poker
that's poke 'em.
Aaron, I'm really sorry
I yelled at you yesterday.
I'm sorry about your guitar.
Oh, you didn't wreck my guitar.
'I was just really upset, so..'
Hiya, tiger.
[chuckles]
Hiya.
Listen, I was really an idiot
the way I talked
about San Francisco
so offhandedly.
I was very insensitive
to you, Tommy
and I'm, I'm sorry.
Holly, I don't want you
to leave.
Oh, Tommy, I don't wanna leave
either, but what am I gonna do?
- Stay!
- Oh, I can't do that.
This could be a really important
break for me.
[sighs]
Yeah, I know, you're right.
Oh, I'm sorry.
- Hey, I could go with you.
- Oh, Tommy, come on--
No, no, no, I'm serious.
That is if you want me to?
Well, of course I want you to,
but I--
Well, then it's settled.
The two of us in San Francisco,
it'll be great.
[chuckles]
It would be fun.
But are you sure?
Holly, I'm more than sure.
I'm positive.
[instrumental music]
You-you thought this
all through?
Dad, I'm not gonna change
my mind.
Well, then I wanna wish you
the best.
Do you mean that?
It's difficult but
...I'll adjust.
[Tommy chuckles]
Dad, I think you're growing up.
[Tom chuckles]
Thanks.
Hey, dad, Holly and I
have it all planned.
She'll be making money writing
lyrics for that other group
and that should last us
until I find a band to play.
Sounds very organized.
We are.
Uh, I know it's a big move
but we've worked it all out.
I'm sure everything's gonna be
just fine.
Sure.
Just remember that you have
a family back in Sacramento.
A family that loves you
very much.
Thanks, dad.
[mellow music]
(Ann)
'Abby, I-I actually didn't come
here to talk about Jeremy.'
'I came here to apologize to..'
Apologize to him for what?
Is he here? I think he'll
understand when I talk to him.
- Yeah. Okay, I'll get him.
- Thanks.
Ann! Oh, don't tell me,
it's Jeremy.
Yes, uh, I'm so sorry.
- Hello, Ms. Cavalusi.
- Jeremy.
I just wanted you
and the Bradfords
to know how sorry I am
that I've acted the way I have.
- I feel terrible.
- Listen, that's okay.
No, it's not okay, not at all.
I didn't understand.
If I had only known
about the illness.
Like I said these things happen.
- What illness?
- You know the illness?
The illness.
I would have been so much
more understanding
if I had just known
about the operation.
- What operation?
- The operation for the illness.
You're so bright, Jeremy.
And you never even mentioned it.
All those weeks you'll have
to spend in the hospital.
Oh, yes, he is such a brave lad.
There is no one quite like him.
[Tom laughs]
I'll vouch for that.
Jeremy, don't you think
you should go to your room?
A boy in your state,
you shouldn't be
'out here in this draft.'
- But look--
- Now!
Alright, let me guess,
this is a letter explaining
why he was absent from school
for the last week.
No, it's a letter
explaining why he'll be absent
for the next three weeks.
Ann, if you'll excuse me I'm
going to have a talk with him.
No, I'll talk to him.
Oh, but what about psychology?
I'm too shocked to think
about psychology.
I have had it with you.
This is it.
You're grounded,
do you understand me?
You're not gonna go anywhere,
except to school and back.
You're gonna attend
all of your classes.
You're not gonna have
any friends over here.
Most especially Albert.
You're not gonna watch TV
you're not gonna get
any allowance for a month.
I wanna see
all of your homework
and you better get
this room cleaned up.
Jeremy, being a member
of this family
means being responsible,
so you just better shape up.
[instrumental music]
[engine revving]
- Hi, Mr. Bradford.
- Hi! You just missed Tommy.
He went over to Ernie's house
a few minutes ago.
Oh! Well, I-I thought
he might need this.
He left it at my house.
Well, Ernie's just a couple
of blocks from here
if you wanna run it over.
Well, no, I don't think so.
You know when the old g*ng
gets together for the last time
it's usually best
if it's just the old g*ng.
Hmm. You're probably right.
Besides,
with the shape my car's in
I don't wanna drive
any more than I have to
before I start
for San Francisco.
Well, do you think
it'll make it?
Well, you noticed I said,
"Start for San Francisco."
[Holly chuckles]
[Holly sighs]
You're not thrilled
about this whole thing, are you?
Why do you say that?
Well, Tommy said
you were kind of concerned.
Look, I-I hope that
you and Tommy
have a wonderful time
at San Francisco.
And I hope it keeps being
wonderful for a long long time.
But you don't think
that's gonna happen, do you?
- Well, I didn't say that.
- Yeah, but you are concerned.
Look, you know,
Tommy is only years old.
Of course, I'm concerned.
In many ways he's an adult.
I just hope he's enough of one
to be responsible
for someone other than himself.
I've never asked him to be
responsible for Aaron and me.
You didn't have to.
It's all a part of sharing
your life with someone you love.
That's, that's what
it's all about.
Mr. Bradford, Tommy knows
what he wants
and he wants to go
to San Francisco.
Does he know what going there
with you means?
Has Tommy thought about what
being a father to Aaron means?
Has he even thought
about Aaron at all?
Have you?
[instrumental music]
[knock on door]
- Hi!
- 'Hi.'
Come on, in.
Well, said goodbye
to all of your friends?
Well, I think
I might have forgotten
my grade school principal
but I think I covered
everyone else.
- Gonna miss them?
- Not enough.
Besides that...most of them
said that they'd visit us
in San Francisco
and I thought once you
and I got an apartment there--
- And Aaron.
- Yeah, and Aaron.
Anyway, I figure once we get
a place of our own
they can come visit us
and we'll show 'em the town.
Yeah, but what
will Aaron be doing
while we're showin' them
the town?
We'll get him a babysitter.
Oh, he'll enjoy that.
Is there's something wrong?
No, no, no, it's just
Aaron's got a little cold
and I'm worried about travelling
with him tomorrow.
Oh, uh..
'I figure we can make a day
out of the trip to the city.'
Aaron will love it.
- If he's not sick.
- Yeah.
It'll be great.
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
She wrote that she talked
to you, now what did you say?
What could you've said to just
make her leave like that?
- Tommy, I just--
- You can't leave me alone?
Can you? You gotta ruin
everything for me.
I just told her
what I thought.
Why, why do you have to do that?
Because she asked me.
Well, it was a nice try, dad,
but it won't work.
I'm still going to San Francisco
and you're not gonna stop me.
I don't wanna stop you,
I just want you to listen.
Like Holly did?
No chance, not even you could be
that convincing.
[door bangs]
Holly, I know what happened
and it's alright,
I'm just glad you're back--
- Listen, Tommy, we--
- Let's just get out of town.
- Okay?
- No.
It's not that simple anymore.
Of course, it's simple,
we can go to San Francisco
just like we planned, just
the two of us. It'll be great.
Aren't you forgetting something?
- What?
- Aaron.
[chuckles]
I never forget about Aaron.
No, but I did, Tommy.
Holly, I don't think that--
Listen, I wanted you
to come to San Francisco
for me. You're not ready
to be a father yet.
It wasn't fair of me
to make you one.
- I don't mind.
- Oh!
Listen, "I don't mind,"
isn't gonna win
any father of the year awards,
Tommy.
I owe Aaron more than that.
- Holly--
- Listen.
All my life I have done
exactly what I wanna do.
And I'm just not gonna be
that selfish this time.
Not to Aaron
and-and not to you either.
Then why did you come back?
With look to explain.
And to tell you that
I love you.
[instrumental music]
♪ I'll learn to love again.. ♪
Goodbye, Tommy.
♪ Maybe with you ♪
♪ I'll learn to love again ♪
♪ I'm long overdue ♪
♪ It's worth all the heartache ♪
♪ Trouble and pain ♪
♪ To laugh and cry again ♪
♪ To laugh and cry again ♪
♪ Be alive again ♪
♪ Be alive again ♪
♪ And all must die again ♪
♪ And all must die again ♪
♪ Maybe with you ♪
♪ Maybe with you ♪♪
[instrumental music]
Merle, you're not gonna believe
this place. It's really great.
Yeah, the family's been working
so hard it's incredible.
[banging on door]
Uh, Nicholas, I'm on the phone.
What? Oh, privacy?
Oh, what..
Oh, yeah. Sure ,honey.
We're gonna get lots of privacy.
How? Well, locking
the door works great.
Susan!
(Susan)
Go away!
No, no, no, not you, I'm just
trying to establish my rights
to privacy here, I mean, I'm
not gonna let anybody come over
just whenever they want to.
Susan! Let me in!
Well, after all I mean, that is
why I moved out of the house.
So that you, Sandra Sue
and I could be together
alone when you get back.
[banging on door]
And if I let everybody just come
in here whenever they want to
we're not gonna get
any peace and quiet.
Susan!
Oh, whoa, yeah.
The house is put together great.
The family did a great job,
it's really, really built well.
[banging]
[shattering]
[instrumental music]
I, uh, left my clipboard
in here.
Honey, I have a feeling
that locking the door
isn't gonna be enough.
[theme music]
[music continues]
05x06 - Holly
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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.