04x22 - A Family Affair
Posted: 10/18/23 10:16
[RIK HOWARD & BOB WIRTH'S
"TOGETHER" PLAYING]
♪ Here we are, face to face ♪
♪ A couple of silver spoons ♪
♪ Hopin' to find
We're two of a kind ♪
♪ Makin' a go
Makin' it grow ♪
♪ Together ♪
♪ We're gonna find our way ♪
♪ Together ♪
♪ Takin' the time each day ♪
♪ To learn all about
Those things ♪
♪ You just can't buy ♪
♪ Two silver spoons together ♪
♪ You and I together ♪
♪ We're gonna find our way ♪
♪ You and I together ♪
♪ We're gonna find our way ♪
♪ We're gonna find our way ♪
♪ Together ♪
[POP MUSIC PLAYING
OVER SPEAKERS]
[GROANS]
I don't believe this.
I actually wish I was a pencil.
This is getting gross.
Why don't you just
go over there and talk to her?
I don't wanna bother her.
Come on. See that uniform?
She goes to
the Eastman Academy.
So?
It's an all-girls school.
You know what they say
about those girls.
Yeah.
What?
You know.
All day, every day,
without men.
They're really lonely...
if you know what I mean.
Then I'd better get
right on over there.
Hi.
What's that supposed to mean?
Nothing. Nothing.
I was just trying to...
Hey, forget it. I'm sorry.
It's never gonna happen again.
Hey, wait a minute.
I'm sorry. Come on, sit down.
My name's Jeannie. What's yours?
Rick.
I'm really sorry
I was being rude,
but a lot of guys,
they have this idea
that if you go
to an all-girls school,
you're an easy target.
What?!
No. That's disgusting!
You know, I've seen you
in here before.
Heh. You remembered me, huh?
Heh. It was hard not to.
You sat
on my girlfriend's pizza.
Don't worry.
I thought it was kind of cute.
Yeah, well,
that's why I did it.
Oh, gosh, I gotta go.
Um, maybe I'll see you
around sometime.
Yeah, listen,
I was just going myself.
Can I walk you home?
I guess it'd be okay.
Great. I'll be right back.
She wants me to walk her home.
Wow! They must be
lonelier than I thought.
Let's go.
Excuse me...sir.
Uh, this is Lyle.
He's our chauffeur.
Hello, Lyle.
Does he drive the cars
or carry them?
[DOORBELL RINGS]
Thanks.
Hey, Dex, what's the good news?
Your company
is about to collapse.
Hope you don't have
any bad news.
The picket line
goes up tomorrow.
What?
It's not definite yet.
The union won't go
lower than percent.
I told them
they'd have to settle
for percent.
And?
They told me to blow it
out my briefcase.
I swear, I've never
met such a bunch
of uncouth,
unreasonable, uncivilized--
Well, I know the union's tough
to work with sometimes,
but there was a time
the workers didn't have
protection
from bad working conditions,
exploitative bosses--
Yeah. The good old days.
We'll have Kate talk to them.
Last time this happened,
she did real well.
You have to know
how to approach them.
Appeal to
their sense of fairness,
treat them as equals...
and wear a sexy blouse.
Works for me.
Hey, all's fair in love
and labor disputes.
I'll go get changed.
I need some coffee.
Hi, Kate.
Hi.
Boy, did you guys look outside?
I mean, really look.
It's gorgeous.
Bright blue sky.
Big, bubbly clouds. What a day.
New girlfriend, right?
Dexter, not just a girl.
The girl I've asked to the prom.
You've known Jeannie four days,
you'll take her to the prom?
Yeah. If it's okay with Lyle.
Who's Lyle?
Her chauffeur.
Oh.
He's more like a bodyguard.
When I walk home from school,
he drives that limo behind us
the whole way.
A Rolls-Royce doing
miles an hour?
Maybe it needs a tune-up.
[DEXTER LAUGHS]
I've got a date with Jeannie.
And I hate to keep Lyle waiting.
See you.
Bye. Have a good time.
RICK: Yep!
Listen, you better
go over these papers.
Yeah, let me get my notes.
So who is this girl
that she has her own chauffeur?
Her father must be loaded.
The name's Joe Bolens.
You know the name?
Hmm, Bolens. Oh, my Lord. Ack!
[HISSES]
What's with you?
Bolens. I do know that name.
He bought
the old Kemberly mansion.
Edward, there are rumors going
around that he may be connected.
Connected?
To what?
You know...
What's that?
He's got ties to the Mob!
Oh, come on. No way.
I'm telling you, I heard rumors.
Oh, rumors
from the same source
that told you
that Loni Anderson
was actually a man?
That has yet to be disproved.
You remember Charlie Younger,
who owned the Big Y
meat packing plant?
Yeah, I remember
reading something about him.
Joe Bolens made him an offer
he couldn't refuse.
Now it's the Big B meat packers,
and no one's seen
Charlie Younger since.
Well, Dex, maybe he
just left the country.
[CHUCKLES]
You can believe what you like,
but I know I'm never
eating another hot dog
for as long as I live.
[ALL CHUCKLING]
Come on, Rick.
Here's your grapes.
It's your turn.
This is stupid.
Alfonso did it.
Yeah, I rest my case.
Come on, please?
All right.
[SIGHS]
Sorry, Lyle.
Isn't it kind of creepy to have
him follow you everywhere?
You get used to it.
Yeah, he's great at the beach
in case you want some shade.
[LAUGHS]
Come on, don't pick on Lyle.
I mean, he helped
choose my dress.
Lyle?
[ALL LAUGHING]
I bet it's beautiful.
You know, it is.
It's all satiny with ruffles.
It'll look great
with your black tux.
No, I'm wearing a plaid tux.
Plaid?
Yeah, it's gonna be a real goof.
Goof?
Yeah. I don't wanna
look like some geek
that's serious
about dressing up.
Oh, you're saying I'm a geek.
RICK:
Oh, come on,
I'm talking about guys.
Girls are supposed to get crazy
about that stuff.
Crazy? Oh, so now I'm crazy.
Jeannie, you know what I mean.
Yeah. You think
this prom is a big joke
and my feelings don't matter.
No, not at all.
Good. Then you'll wear
the black tux.
Boy, you don't give up,
do you?
Isn't this embarrassing?
Shh! This is good!
You know, you do this a lot.
JEANNIE: What?
Tell me what to do.
JEANNIE: I do not!
Yes, you do.
Every time we go to movies,
you've gotta pick it.
We've only gone to one movie.
And who picked it?
Shattered Hearts
and Broken Dreams. Ugh!
I liked that movie...
and so did Lyle.
Well, maybe you should get him
to wear a black tux.
Look, you don't have
to take me.
That's right, I don't.
Well, don't.
[VOICE BREAKS]
Okay, I won't.
That's fine with me.
Me too.
Fine!
Fine!
Goodbye!
Goodbye!
Now, if the strike
should happen,
and it won't, because
Kate's gonna handle it,
but if worst comes to worst,
how long do you think
Eddie Toys could hold out?
Fred, this isn't
a laughing matter.
Hi, Dad.
Oh, Rick, good.
I need to talk to you.
Can it please wait?
I'm not in the mood.
This is kind of important.
What is it?
Well, son, you know I'm not one
to meddle
in your private affairs.
Oh, no.
But sometimes a parent
has to speak up.
Take, for instance,
Jeannie.
You can forget Jeannie.
We've broken up. We're through.
Really?
[CHUCKLES]
I'm sorry to hear that.
Yeah. So, what about her?
Uh, I...
I just wanted to say
that sometimes
I have to meddle,
and this
isn't one of them.
Hope you don't feel too bad.
No, I don't feel bad.
I feel good.
I did the right thing.
Good for you.
And now I'm going upstairs
and getting another date
for that prom.
That's my son, getting
right back up on that horse!
I'm gonna call Sheila Becker.
She'll go with me.
Good idea.
Uh, wait a minute.
Rick...
This Sheila...
what does her father
do for a living?
He's a florist.
Perfect.
Have a nice day?
First they were rude.
Then they were obnoxious.
Then they
were impossible!
Oh, I know those guys
can be difficult.
What guys? They sent a woman
in to negotiate for them.
Blouse didn't work, huh?
[SCOFFS]
[TELEPHONE RINGS]
I'll get it.
Hello?
Yes, this is Mrs. Stratton.
Oh, hello, Mr. Bolens.
What? Jeannie came home crying
because Rick wouldn't
take her to the prom?
Uh-oh.
Well, what makes you
think it was his fault?
What? You're being ridiculous!
Oh, you would, would you?
Well, that would be just fine!
That would be even better!
What would be even better?
Joe Bolens is on his way over
to talk to you.
[♪♪♪]
Now, let's just stay calm.
There's no reason to panic.
It's all very simple.
He just wants you to order Rick
to take his daughter
to the prom.
Well, the nerve of him!
I mean, who does
he think he is, anyway?
A very dangerous man.
What?
Listen, Joe Bolens is a...
Huh?
Dexter, we don't have time
for nose squishing.
Joe Bolens is a gangster.
[LAUGHING]
Come on!
Really?
He specializes in taking over
successful businesses
and forcing out
the original owner.
That's right.
He muscled Charlie Younger
out of his meatpacking business.
Who's Charlie Younger?
Now he's on his way over here.
Just because
my son breaks a date,
I'm gonna be sharing a hot-dog
bun with Charlie Younger.
You're having lunch
with Charlie Younger?
Great! Just great.
What? What?
Sheila Becker is going
to the prom with Brad.
So you don't have
another date yet?
It seems like every girl
in this town is taken.
Except Jeannie.
Wait a second, Dex.
Dexter.
It's just a suggestion.
It's not a very good one.
I don't know.
Maybe it's not so bad
if I wore a regular black tux.
Black tuxes are so nice.
Jeannie really was looking
forward to that prom, guys.
Well, who wouldn't?
Proms are so much fun.
Isn't that right, Kate?
I don't know.
I thought they were boring.
Oh, what do you know?
I guess I could go see her
and try to patch things up.
Well, I don't know, son.
No, I've made up my mind.
I'm going over there
and apologizing.
[SIGHS]
That was close.
Why should I apologize?
I wasn't wrong. She was.
Details, details!
I wasn't the one telling her
what to wear or how to act.
Well, that's true--
That does sound awfully pushy.
If I go over there now,
she'll think she can
just walk all over me.
So?
Dexter, it's her fault
as much as mine.
Why isn't
she apologizing to me, right?
Well, yeah--
Thanks, Dad.
I'm glad you agree.
I'm dead.
I know.
Thanks for your support.
You have my complete support.
After all, at times like this,
friends have got
to stick together.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
Oops, sorry, gotta run. Ciao!
Fair-weather friend!
Come on, Kate.
[TELEPHONE RINGING]
I'll get it.
In the library. Heh.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
[SIGHS]
Hi there.
I'm Edward Stratton,
father of Rick.
Well, of course
I'm Rick's father.
I'm sure as heck not his mother.
Ha-ha-ha, yeah.
Hello there.
Aah!
Who are you?
Joe Bolens. How you doing?
Good to see you. Heh-heh.
Oh! You're...
I thought you were him.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
I guess a lot of people
make that mistake.
No.
Of course not. Why would they?
So you're in the, uh...
toy business.
Yeah, yeah.
Well, it looks like
the toy business
is a good business to get into.
Oh, yeah. It's a pretty--
Terrible business.
Kids don't like toys anymore.
Last year was a terrible year.
Almost worse--
As bad as this year.
You know, I heard you were
having some labor problems.
Massive labor problems.
Big, big labor problems.
I wouldn't worry
too much about that.
Those things have a way
of working themselves out. Heh.
They do?
Take my word for it.
The main thing here,
the main thing
is to be reasonable.
Reasonable?
[CHUCKLES]
Like this problem
with the kids.
I'm sure we can
handle this in a...
reasonable way.
I agree!
[CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY]
Reasonable is my favorite way
to handle things.
Good. Good, good, good.
I'm sure my Jeannie would
feel a lot better
if she knew Rick was willing
to make the first step here.
Which I'm sure
he'll be willing to do
once he gets the proper
guidance and advice,
if you follow
what I'm saying.
You want me to order Rick
to apologize to her.
I knew we could talk.
Heh-heh, I knew it.
Well, maybe not.
Mr. Bolens, I think
we have a problem here.
Edward, could I speak to you?
And this is Mrs. Stratton.
That's right.
We spoke on the phone.
Nice blouse.
Mr. Bolens, I don't think
you're gonna want to hear this.
[TELEPHONE RINGING]
Excuse me.
Yeah, hello.
It's for you.
Oh, thank you.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Hello?
Oh, yeah. Hi, Lenny.
How you doing?
Hold on a minute.
Uh, I'm sorry.
I'm gonna have to take this.
That's okay. I need
to speak to Edward, anyway.
We'll be in the kitchen.
Wonderful.
[CLEARS THROAT, CHUCKLES]
[SIGHS]
So you sell the boat?
What do you mean, he wants
to take it for a ride first?
He can see that it floats,
can't he?
I just talked to our union rep.
They're ready to settle.
The last thing I need
right now is-- They are?
Mm-hm.
They agreed to percent?
Yeah. You know, I'm even
better than I thought.
Can I have a raise?
Honey, that's great!
Ha! That's great!
No! It isn't. It's terrible.
Terrible? Why?
He forced the union to settle.
Who?
Bolens!
He told me our labor problems
would work themselves out.
You mean it wasn't me?
He pulled strings
so I'd owe him a favor.
Well, it isn't gonna work.
I've had it with this guy.
I'm going out there
and tell him where to get off.
I thought it was me.
How do we know he's not just
looking for a free boat ride?
Yeah. Oh, of all
the unreasonable, ungrateful...
Listen, if that's how he feels,
you're gonna have to take him
for a little ride.
Yeah, the East River's
as good a place as any.
Right.
Boy, oh, boy.
Oh, you were saying?
Saying, uh...
Yeah, you were saying
something that I wasn't
gonna like hearing.
That's right.
You tell him, Edward.
What?
We have had it up to here
with your arrogant attitude.
Honey...
I mean, who the heck
do you think you are anyway,
going around acting like
some sort of godfather?
Kate!
And that goes for you too!
Ah! Ooh!
What's with her? I'm just trying
to fix things for my kid.
[SIGHS]
Look, Mr. Bolens,
I can't make Rick
go out with her.
What's the problem? Tell him
what to do, and he'll do it.
Heh. That's how
things work in my house.
No, you don't understand.
I don't think our kids
should go out together.
Why not?
You know why not!
Because of your...
...connection.
What's with your nose?
I have a little problem
with your line of work.
You a vegetarian? You have
something against meat packers?
Oh, meat packers, huh?
Meat packers don't take
people for rides up the river.
How else am I gonna
sell my boat?
[CHUCKLES]
Boat.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
I got it.
Oh, Rick, I am so sorry.
I just have this bad temper,
and I just let it
get the best of me.
I was about to say
the same thing.
Dad.
Dad?
[CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY]
Now, princess, I can explain.
Don't "princess" me.
You promised you
wouldn't meddle anymore.
Well, you know, I wouldn't
actually call this meddling.
I would. And you're in trouble
with Mom for selling the boat.
Boat?
She knows?
Yes, and you know
what she told you
about butting in
to my personal life.
Listen, you think maybe
we could talk about this later?
So this is how things work
at your house, huh?
Don't push it.
Gotcha.
Dad, who's that?
How can I make it up to you?
Tell me what to do,
and I'll do it.
Well, you can start by
apologizing to Mr. Stratton.
Look, I have no idea
what's going on here,
and I'm not sure I want to.
I just have one question.
We going to the prom or not?
Now, how could I turn down
an invitation like that?
All right. I better
reorder your corsage.
Hey, we'll use
the phone upstairs.
Stay!
Yeah, you guys, why don't
you guys wait outside?
[COUGHS]
[SIGHS]
Listen, uh, I'm sorry
I came in like this.
I was just
looking out for my kid.
Well, I think we both were.
Yeah. Well, I better
get home to face the music.
Before you go, do you mind
if I ask you a question?
Sure.
You remember when you said
that my strike would end?
Well, it ended.
I thought that you ended it.
You didn't end it, did you?
Are you kidding?
Last year, the union
nearly broke my back
with a four-month strike.
That's great! Heh!
I mean, really?
Ah, honest. Honest.
Well, that just goes
to show you,
you shouldn't believe
rumors, huh? Ha-ha!
Oh, hey.
Can I ask you something else?
You know, you ask
a lot of questions.
Well, this'll be
the last one. Heh.
What ever happened
to Charlie Younger?
Oh, I don't know.
Maybe he just got...nosy.
[ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING]
It's kind of nice
with Rick at the prom.
We've got the whole house
to ourselves.
Hello there.
Soft music, candlelight,
chocolate mousse.
Getting ideas, Edward?
Me?
No.
Me neither.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Hi.
Uh, Rick. Ha!
Uh, what are you
doing home so early?
Uh, Jeannie and I
had a little fight.
Again?
Boy, you two
are like oil and water.
Actually, we're more like
gasoline and matches.
What happened?
She didn't like my outfit.
Why not? You look great!
Yeah, I thought the shoes
were a real nice touch.
Me too.
The woman has no taste.
[TELEPHONE RINGING]
Don't...
answer that.
[♪♪♪]
[♪♪♪]
"TOGETHER" PLAYING]
♪ Here we are, face to face ♪
♪ A couple of silver spoons ♪
♪ Hopin' to find
We're two of a kind ♪
♪ Makin' a go
Makin' it grow ♪
♪ Together ♪
♪ We're gonna find our way ♪
♪ Together ♪
♪ Takin' the time each day ♪
♪ To learn all about
Those things ♪
♪ You just can't buy ♪
♪ Two silver spoons together ♪
♪ You and I together ♪
♪ We're gonna find our way ♪
♪ You and I together ♪
♪ We're gonna find our way ♪
♪ We're gonna find our way ♪
♪ Together ♪
[POP MUSIC PLAYING
OVER SPEAKERS]
[GROANS]
I don't believe this.
I actually wish I was a pencil.
This is getting gross.
Why don't you just
go over there and talk to her?
I don't wanna bother her.
Come on. See that uniform?
She goes to
the Eastman Academy.
So?
It's an all-girls school.
You know what they say
about those girls.
Yeah.
What?
You know.
All day, every day,
without men.
They're really lonely...
if you know what I mean.
Then I'd better get
right on over there.
Hi.
What's that supposed to mean?
Nothing. Nothing.
I was just trying to...
Hey, forget it. I'm sorry.
It's never gonna happen again.
Hey, wait a minute.
I'm sorry. Come on, sit down.
My name's Jeannie. What's yours?
Rick.
I'm really sorry
I was being rude,
but a lot of guys,
they have this idea
that if you go
to an all-girls school,
you're an easy target.
What?!
No. That's disgusting!
You know, I've seen you
in here before.
Heh. You remembered me, huh?
Heh. It was hard not to.
You sat
on my girlfriend's pizza.
Don't worry.
I thought it was kind of cute.
Yeah, well,
that's why I did it.
Oh, gosh, I gotta go.
Um, maybe I'll see you
around sometime.
Yeah, listen,
I was just going myself.
Can I walk you home?
I guess it'd be okay.
Great. I'll be right back.
She wants me to walk her home.
Wow! They must be
lonelier than I thought.
Let's go.
Excuse me...sir.
Uh, this is Lyle.
He's our chauffeur.
Hello, Lyle.
Does he drive the cars
or carry them?
[DOORBELL RINGS]
Thanks.
Hey, Dex, what's the good news?
Your company
is about to collapse.
Hope you don't have
any bad news.
The picket line
goes up tomorrow.
What?
It's not definite yet.
The union won't go
lower than percent.
I told them
they'd have to settle
for percent.
And?
They told me to blow it
out my briefcase.
I swear, I've never
met such a bunch
of uncouth,
unreasonable, uncivilized--
Well, I know the union's tough
to work with sometimes,
but there was a time
the workers didn't have
protection
from bad working conditions,
exploitative bosses--
Yeah. The good old days.
We'll have Kate talk to them.
Last time this happened,
she did real well.
You have to know
how to approach them.
Appeal to
their sense of fairness,
treat them as equals...
and wear a sexy blouse.
Works for me.
Hey, all's fair in love
and labor disputes.
I'll go get changed.
I need some coffee.
Hi, Kate.
Hi.
Boy, did you guys look outside?
I mean, really look.
It's gorgeous.
Bright blue sky.
Big, bubbly clouds. What a day.
New girlfriend, right?
Dexter, not just a girl.
The girl I've asked to the prom.
You've known Jeannie four days,
you'll take her to the prom?
Yeah. If it's okay with Lyle.
Who's Lyle?
Her chauffeur.
Oh.
He's more like a bodyguard.
When I walk home from school,
he drives that limo behind us
the whole way.
A Rolls-Royce doing
miles an hour?
Maybe it needs a tune-up.
[DEXTER LAUGHS]
I've got a date with Jeannie.
And I hate to keep Lyle waiting.
See you.
Bye. Have a good time.
RICK: Yep!
Listen, you better
go over these papers.
Yeah, let me get my notes.
So who is this girl
that she has her own chauffeur?
Her father must be loaded.
The name's Joe Bolens.
You know the name?
Hmm, Bolens. Oh, my Lord. Ack!
[HISSES]
What's with you?
Bolens. I do know that name.
He bought
the old Kemberly mansion.
Edward, there are rumors going
around that he may be connected.
Connected?
To what?
You know...
What's that?
He's got ties to the Mob!
Oh, come on. No way.
I'm telling you, I heard rumors.
Oh, rumors
from the same source
that told you
that Loni Anderson
was actually a man?
That has yet to be disproved.
You remember Charlie Younger,
who owned the Big Y
meat packing plant?
Yeah, I remember
reading something about him.
Joe Bolens made him an offer
he couldn't refuse.
Now it's the Big B meat packers,
and no one's seen
Charlie Younger since.
Well, Dex, maybe he
just left the country.
[CHUCKLES]
You can believe what you like,
but I know I'm never
eating another hot dog
for as long as I live.
[ALL CHUCKLING]
Come on, Rick.
Here's your grapes.
It's your turn.
This is stupid.
Alfonso did it.
Yeah, I rest my case.
Come on, please?
All right.
[SIGHS]
Sorry, Lyle.
Isn't it kind of creepy to have
him follow you everywhere?
You get used to it.
Yeah, he's great at the beach
in case you want some shade.
[LAUGHS]
Come on, don't pick on Lyle.
I mean, he helped
choose my dress.
Lyle?
[ALL LAUGHING]
I bet it's beautiful.
You know, it is.
It's all satiny with ruffles.
It'll look great
with your black tux.
No, I'm wearing a plaid tux.
Plaid?
Yeah, it's gonna be a real goof.
Goof?
Yeah. I don't wanna
look like some geek
that's serious
about dressing up.
Oh, you're saying I'm a geek.
RICK:
Oh, come on,
I'm talking about guys.
Girls are supposed to get crazy
about that stuff.
Crazy? Oh, so now I'm crazy.
Jeannie, you know what I mean.
Yeah. You think
this prom is a big joke
and my feelings don't matter.
No, not at all.
Good. Then you'll wear
the black tux.
Boy, you don't give up,
do you?
Isn't this embarrassing?
Shh! This is good!
You know, you do this a lot.
JEANNIE: What?
Tell me what to do.
JEANNIE: I do not!
Yes, you do.
Every time we go to movies,
you've gotta pick it.
We've only gone to one movie.
And who picked it?
Shattered Hearts
and Broken Dreams. Ugh!
I liked that movie...
and so did Lyle.
Well, maybe you should get him
to wear a black tux.
Look, you don't have
to take me.
That's right, I don't.
Well, don't.
[VOICE BREAKS]
Okay, I won't.
That's fine with me.
Me too.
Fine!
Fine!
Goodbye!
Goodbye!
Now, if the strike
should happen,
and it won't, because
Kate's gonna handle it,
but if worst comes to worst,
how long do you think
Eddie Toys could hold out?
Fred, this isn't
a laughing matter.
Hi, Dad.
Oh, Rick, good.
I need to talk to you.
Can it please wait?
I'm not in the mood.
This is kind of important.
What is it?
Well, son, you know I'm not one
to meddle
in your private affairs.
Oh, no.
But sometimes a parent
has to speak up.
Take, for instance,
Jeannie.
You can forget Jeannie.
We've broken up. We're through.
Really?
[CHUCKLES]
I'm sorry to hear that.
Yeah. So, what about her?
Uh, I...
I just wanted to say
that sometimes
I have to meddle,
and this
isn't one of them.
Hope you don't feel too bad.
No, I don't feel bad.
I feel good.
I did the right thing.
Good for you.
And now I'm going upstairs
and getting another date
for that prom.
That's my son, getting
right back up on that horse!
I'm gonna call Sheila Becker.
She'll go with me.
Good idea.
Uh, wait a minute.
Rick...
This Sheila...
what does her father
do for a living?
He's a florist.
Perfect.
Have a nice day?
First they were rude.
Then they were obnoxious.
Then they
were impossible!
Oh, I know those guys
can be difficult.
What guys? They sent a woman
in to negotiate for them.
Blouse didn't work, huh?
[SCOFFS]
[TELEPHONE RINGS]
I'll get it.
Hello?
Yes, this is Mrs. Stratton.
Oh, hello, Mr. Bolens.
What? Jeannie came home crying
because Rick wouldn't
take her to the prom?
Uh-oh.
Well, what makes you
think it was his fault?
What? You're being ridiculous!
Oh, you would, would you?
Well, that would be just fine!
That would be even better!
What would be even better?
Joe Bolens is on his way over
to talk to you.
[♪♪♪]
Now, let's just stay calm.
There's no reason to panic.
It's all very simple.
He just wants you to order Rick
to take his daughter
to the prom.
Well, the nerve of him!
I mean, who does
he think he is, anyway?
A very dangerous man.
What?
Listen, Joe Bolens is a...
Huh?
Dexter, we don't have time
for nose squishing.
Joe Bolens is a gangster.
[LAUGHING]
Come on!
Really?
He specializes in taking over
successful businesses
and forcing out
the original owner.
That's right.
He muscled Charlie Younger
out of his meatpacking business.
Who's Charlie Younger?
Now he's on his way over here.
Just because
my son breaks a date,
I'm gonna be sharing a hot-dog
bun with Charlie Younger.
You're having lunch
with Charlie Younger?
Great! Just great.
What? What?
Sheila Becker is going
to the prom with Brad.
So you don't have
another date yet?
It seems like every girl
in this town is taken.
Except Jeannie.
Wait a second, Dex.
Dexter.
It's just a suggestion.
It's not a very good one.
I don't know.
Maybe it's not so bad
if I wore a regular black tux.
Black tuxes are so nice.
Jeannie really was looking
forward to that prom, guys.
Well, who wouldn't?
Proms are so much fun.
Isn't that right, Kate?
I don't know.
I thought they were boring.
Oh, what do you know?
I guess I could go see her
and try to patch things up.
Well, I don't know, son.
No, I've made up my mind.
I'm going over there
and apologizing.
[SIGHS]
That was close.
Why should I apologize?
I wasn't wrong. She was.
Details, details!
I wasn't the one telling her
what to wear or how to act.
Well, that's true--
That does sound awfully pushy.
If I go over there now,
she'll think she can
just walk all over me.
So?
Dexter, it's her fault
as much as mine.
Why isn't
she apologizing to me, right?
Well, yeah--
Thanks, Dad.
I'm glad you agree.
I'm dead.
I know.
Thanks for your support.
You have my complete support.
After all, at times like this,
friends have got
to stick together.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
Oops, sorry, gotta run. Ciao!
Fair-weather friend!
Come on, Kate.
[TELEPHONE RINGING]
I'll get it.
In the library. Heh.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
[SIGHS]
Hi there.
I'm Edward Stratton,
father of Rick.
Well, of course
I'm Rick's father.
I'm sure as heck not his mother.
Ha-ha-ha, yeah.
Hello there.
Aah!
Who are you?
Joe Bolens. How you doing?
Good to see you. Heh-heh.
Oh! You're...
I thought you were him.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
I guess a lot of people
make that mistake.
No.
Of course not. Why would they?
So you're in the, uh...
toy business.
Yeah, yeah.
Well, it looks like
the toy business
is a good business to get into.
Oh, yeah. It's a pretty--
Terrible business.
Kids don't like toys anymore.
Last year was a terrible year.
Almost worse--
As bad as this year.
You know, I heard you were
having some labor problems.
Massive labor problems.
Big, big labor problems.
I wouldn't worry
too much about that.
Those things have a way
of working themselves out. Heh.
They do?
Take my word for it.
The main thing here,
the main thing
is to be reasonable.
Reasonable?
[CHUCKLES]
Like this problem
with the kids.
I'm sure we can
handle this in a...
reasonable way.
I agree!
[CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY]
Reasonable is my favorite way
to handle things.
Good. Good, good, good.
I'm sure my Jeannie would
feel a lot better
if she knew Rick was willing
to make the first step here.
Which I'm sure
he'll be willing to do
once he gets the proper
guidance and advice,
if you follow
what I'm saying.
You want me to order Rick
to apologize to her.
I knew we could talk.
Heh-heh, I knew it.
Well, maybe not.
Mr. Bolens, I think
we have a problem here.
Edward, could I speak to you?
And this is Mrs. Stratton.
That's right.
We spoke on the phone.
Nice blouse.
Mr. Bolens, I don't think
you're gonna want to hear this.
[TELEPHONE RINGING]
Excuse me.
Yeah, hello.
It's for you.
Oh, thank you.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Hello?
Oh, yeah. Hi, Lenny.
How you doing?
Hold on a minute.
Uh, I'm sorry.
I'm gonna have to take this.
That's okay. I need
to speak to Edward, anyway.
We'll be in the kitchen.
Wonderful.
[CLEARS THROAT, CHUCKLES]
[SIGHS]
So you sell the boat?
What do you mean, he wants
to take it for a ride first?
He can see that it floats,
can't he?
I just talked to our union rep.
They're ready to settle.
The last thing I need
right now is-- They are?
Mm-hm.
They agreed to percent?
Yeah. You know, I'm even
better than I thought.
Can I have a raise?
Honey, that's great!
Ha! That's great!
No! It isn't. It's terrible.
Terrible? Why?
He forced the union to settle.
Who?
Bolens!
He told me our labor problems
would work themselves out.
You mean it wasn't me?
He pulled strings
so I'd owe him a favor.
Well, it isn't gonna work.
I've had it with this guy.
I'm going out there
and tell him where to get off.
I thought it was me.
How do we know he's not just
looking for a free boat ride?
Yeah. Oh, of all
the unreasonable, ungrateful...
Listen, if that's how he feels,
you're gonna have to take him
for a little ride.
Yeah, the East River's
as good a place as any.
Right.
Boy, oh, boy.
Oh, you were saying?
Saying, uh...
Yeah, you were saying
something that I wasn't
gonna like hearing.
That's right.
You tell him, Edward.
What?
We have had it up to here
with your arrogant attitude.
Honey...
I mean, who the heck
do you think you are anyway,
going around acting like
some sort of godfather?
Kate!
And that goes for you too!
Ah! Ooh!
What's with her? I'm just trying
to fix things for my kid.
[SIGHS]
Look, Mr. Bolens,
I can't make Rick
go out with her.
What's the problem? Tell him
what to do, and he'll do it.
Heh. That's how
things work in my house.
No, you don't understand.
I don't think our kids
should go out together.
Why not?
You know why not!
Because of your...
...connection.
What's with your nose?
I have a little problem
with your line of work.
You a vegetarian? You have
something against meat packers?
Oh, meat packers, huh?
Meat packers don't take
people for rides up the river.
How else am I gonna
sell my boat?
[CHUCKLES]
Boat.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
I got it.
Oh, Rick, I am so sorry.
I just have this bad temper,
and I just let it
get the best of me.
I was about to say
the same thing.
Dad.
Dad?
[CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY]
Now, princess, I can explain.
Don't "princess" me.
You promised you
wouldn't meddle anymore.
Well, you know, I wouldn't
actually call this meddling.
I would. And you're in trouble
with Mom for selling the boat.
Boat?
She knows?
Yes, and you know
what she told you
about butting in
to my personal life.
Listen, you think maybe
we could talk about this later?
So this is how things work
at your house, huh?
Don't push it.
Gotcha.
Dad, who's that?
How can I make it up to you?
Tell me what to do,
and I'll do it.
Well, you can start by
apologizing to Mr. Stratton.
Look, I have no idea
what's going on here,
and I'm not sure I want to.
I just have one question.
We going to the prom or not?
Now, how could I turn down
an invitation like that?
All right. I better
reorder your corsage.
Hey, we'll use
the phone upstairs.
Stay!
Yeah, you guys, why don't
you guys wait outside?
[COUGHS]
[SIGHS]
Listen, uh, I'm sorry
I came in like this.
I was just
looking out for my kid.
Well, I think we both were.
Yeah. Well, I better
get home to face the music.
Before you go, do you mind
if I ask you a question?
Sure.
You remember when you said
that my strike would end?
Well, it ended.
I thought that you ended it.
You didn't end it, did you?
Are you kidding?
Last year, the union
nearly broke my back
with a four-month strike.
That's great! Heh!
I mean, really?
Ah, honest. Honest.
Well, that just goes
to show you,
you shouldn't believe
rumors, huh? Ha-ha!
Oh, hey.
Can I ask you something else?
You know, you ask
a lot of questions.
Well, this'll be
the last one. Heh.
What ever happened
to Charlie Younger?
Oh, I don't know.
Maybe he just got...nosy.
[ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING]
It's kind of nice
with Rick at the prom.
We've got the whole house
to ourselves.
Hello there.
Soft music, candlelight,
chocolate mousse.
Getting ideas, Edward?
Me?
No.
Me neither.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Hi.
Uh, Rick. Ha!
Uh, what are you
doing home so early?
Uh, Jeannie and I
had a little fight.
Again?
Boy, you two
are like oil and water.
Actually, we're more like
gasoline and matches.
What happened?
She didn't like my outfit.
Why not? You look great!
Yeah, I thought the shoes
were a real nice touch.
Me too.
The woman has no taste.
[TELEPHONE RINGING]
Don't...
answer that.
[♪♪♪]
[♪♪♪]