02x17 - Three Minutes Too Late

[bunniefuu]

[Waves crashing]

[narrator] December the st.New year's eve.

[knocking on door]

Ah, Sam. [knock continues]

Sam, the door.

[music]

Mrs. Hulgard, happy new year.

Same to you, Mr. Hendricks.

Of course, that doesn't change thefact that you're behind three weeks.

I'm going to give you till theend of this week and then finish.

- You know what I mean.- Look, Mrs. Hoggard, I can pay--

Now, I've been very fair letting youstay on on account of it was Christmas.

But I can't play SantaClaus all year round.

One week, honey. And that's it.

See?

[door close] That wasMrs. Hulgard, honey.

She wanted to tell us thatshe's not going to wait anymore.

I know, honey. I heard her.

Oh Sam, don't look so glum.

Everything's going towork out fine. You'll see.

You think so, hon?Sure.

It'll be a surprise. It'sbeen an awful long time

since anything's been right.

Oh, What you needis a little patience

and perseverance and faith.See, it says so, right there.

Faith can move mountains.

I can believe that.

I guess that's what theysay it takes to be a success.

Also, say something about Godhelping Him who helps himself.

I can't.

Unless I just can'tseem to help myself.

Oh, Sam.

Honey, please don't.

Don't.

The last thing I want to do isget you upset from your condition.

You're not getting me upset.

[forced laugh]

You know something?

I got a feeling way downdeep inside of me that

if we just say our prayersand keep our hands clean

everything'sgoing to be all right.

Honest, it will.

Oh look, we got aroof over our heads

and a brand newyear opening up for us.

Okay. Alice, we haven'tgot a dime in the bank.

After next week, we'renot going to have a home.

We ain't got any creditat the grocery store.

You with the baby on the way.

Oh, honey. That's today.

Tomorrow will be different.

Sure. [Alice laughs] And whatare you doing up on your feet now?

Come on, sit down and relax.

Oh Sam, I never feltbetter in my whole life.

I just wish you weren'tso depressed, that's all.

I shouldn't have hadthat fight with Tub.

- Hmm.- It was my fault, and I know it.

I should have keptmy big mouth shut.

At least it was a job.

Driving an independent cabinisn't a cinch, but it's a living.

At least it's morethan we got now.

Maybe if you talkit over with Tub.

What do you want me todo?

Go crawling back on my belly?

You seem to forget it with myidea to start the cab company

in the first place.- No, dear I know.

- But it was Tub's money.- Now, don't you start on me, Alice.

Honey, it's just that….

It's-- it's New Year's Eveand we ought to be out celebrating.

[Alice laughs] I couldn't goout celebrating looking like this,

no matter how much money we had.

And anyway,

it is going to be awonderful new year

and it's going to be goodfor us. I know it will be.

I have a feeling.

Oh, Sam. [knock]

I'll get it.Don't you, you sit right down.

Look, Mrs. Hulgard I haven't got anymore money and I had five minutes.

Telephone. It's for you.

I'm sorry.

Yeah?

Who?

Tub.

I didn't recognize yourvoice. What's wrong with you?

Oh.

What?

You mean tonight?

You bet your life I can but….Look, I'll be right down. Yeah.

Okay. [calls end]

Mrs. Hulgard, I want tosurprise Alice. I got a job.

At least for tonight, anyway.

Tell I'll be, youright back with Tub.

[Music] [knocking]

Hi, Tub.

How are you feeling?

Oh, this cold is k*lling me.

[blows nose]

That's rough.

I can't drive.

It's new year's Eveand I can't drive.

I can't can't afford tohave a cab off the street.

That's why I called you.

I'm glad to do it for you.

Let's face it, you're not doingme no favors. I know that.

It's New Year's Eve. You canpick yourself up a lot of good tips

if you don't make every faresore at you with your big mouth.

Look, I come down here towork, not to take any of your lip.

I guess we shouldn'tgo back over that again.

Look, I'll split / with youon everything you make tonight.

That's fine.

[drawer opens]

I'm going home andtaking care of this cold.

Doris didn't want to have meeven leave the house today.

She called the doc,got some medicine,

said I should stay home in bed.

Call me at home if you have to.

Doris will answer the phone.

I'll be back about in the morning.

Peak load shouldbe over by then.

[sneeze]

Tub.

Yeah?

Could you...

Well, I need some change.I haven't got any money.

Well there's ten.

You shouldn't need any more.

New Year's Eve, theydon't bother with change.

Lock up with you.

[music]

Happy New Year, honey.I got a surprise for you.

I got my job back.-Oh Sam, that's wonderful.

I never thought a secondhand taxi could look so good.

Of course, this jobis only for tonight.

But I can pick up enough tips topay for the rent and everything.

Yeah.-Maybe tomorrow I can talk to Tub

and...-Sam.

we have to get to the hospital.

Oh, no. [Alice pants]

Oh, Not tonight. Alice.-Yeah, I'm afraid so.

Mr. Hulgard alreadycalled the doctor.

He said to get there right away.

But, Alice, what doesit have to be tonight?

I don't know, honey. If you justget me there, I'll be all right.

I'm so sorry.

Where are your things?

Right there.-Oh, we, we, we better go.

Well, we won'thave to call a cab.

I got one right downstairs.-Yeah.

That's lucky, isn't it?

You left your coat honey.It's awfully cold outside.

Yeah.

[music]

Look, nurse,

can you tell me how long it wouldbe before the baby gets there?

You see, I drive a caband I'd kind of like to know

how long I'll be off the street.

So would I.

That's something no baby'stold us yet, Mr. Hendricks.

This your first, huh?

Yeah.

Well, if it's any comfort to you,

you won't be able to tellany better on your fourth.

Each one's different.

Now, if you'll sign here,please, and give me your deposit.

Deposit?

Yes, there's a $deposit, you know?

Well, I, I don't happento have any money.

I'm sorry, Mr. Hendricks,but it's the hospital rule.

We must have a deposit.

What I meant to say is I don'thappen to have any money with me.

I could give you a check.

That would be all right.

Do you have a blank check?

Yeah.

I'll call for a wheelchair totake Mrs. Hendricks to her room.

Thank you.

It'll be all right.

Please darling,it will be all right.

[music]

Ah, this must be your first.

You said that to everybody. Don'tI like the father type. [laughs]

Nothing to it.This is my fourth.

There's no sense in askingyou how long it's going to take.

My name is Eddie Banner.

Hendricks.

Relax. You look nervous.

If it doesn't happen soon. Theybetter get a bed ready for me.

[laughs] Come onover here and sit down.

Relax.

That's it. [sighs]

I always say theynever lost a father yet.

[Laughs]

Ah, cheer up there. Cheer up!

I'm in the tax business.Income tax consultant.

If it's born before midnight, youcan claim it as a tax deduction.

Oh. By the way, if you everneed any help, give me a call.

Thank you. Listen,you want to know how

how long is the take fora check to clear the bank?

I mean, if you wrote it tonight.

Banks are pretty prompt. That'show they make their money.

[laughs]

Certainly couldn't cleartomorrow. It's New Year's Day.

Probably, first thing Monday.

Mr. Banner?-Hmm?

Mr. Banner. It's a girl.

You see? What did I tell you?

Nothing to it.

I told that lady it'd be a girl.

All the rest are boys. [laughs]

Congratulations.

[music]

[people cheering]

Happy new year.

Happy New Year, everybody.

Hey, I just saw my daughter.

She's a spitting image of me.

Here, have a cigar.- Thanks.

Mr. Hendricks?-Yes?

Congratulations. You'vegot a brand new son.

First one born this year.

A boy.

What about Alice? She's mywife. I mean, is she all right?

She's just fine. Now, thedoctor wants you to wait

just a little while longer.I've got to get back.

Yeah, but I...- See, what I tell you?

It's only thewaiting that's tough.

Yeah. [laughs]

You should have taken my advice,though, and had it before midnight.

Now you got no tax deductionand one more mouth to feed.

I know.-Here.

The hospital puts these up.

You may as well take mine.

I know it by heart.

What's this?-The labored list.

A what?

A list of the thingsyou need for the baby.

You know, clothes,things like that.

You mean a little tinybaby needs all this stuff?

Mr. Hendricks. It's a boy.

I know. You told me. Thanks.

No, I mean anotherone. You've got twins.

Holy smoke.-The doctor wants you to wait.

[footsteps receding]

Twins? [laughs]

Hey, you better double thatlist. And you're only struck.

You know, one of mykids got measles last year.

A $ had cost usbefore we were through.

Look. A Tax consultant is a,

a little bit like alawyer, isn't he?

Yeah, sort of.

What can they do to youif you write a bad check?

I mean, if it justbounce or what?

Depends upon whetheryou can prove intent.

Intent?

If they can prove you knewthe check was bad well,

that's just the same as stealing.

Intent to defraud, you know.

Anybody who's worriedabout being overdrawn

certainly has nobusiness having children.

But I can't say youcan't fall here round.

Why don't we, honey? And that's it?

Yes. There's a $ deposit you know.

Banks are pretty prompt. That'show they make their money.

[music]

[Baby crying] Alice.

Sweetheart.

Aren't they just cute?

They're three.

[baby cries]

But they're three.

I told you, thedoctor said to wait.

Triplets?-Oh.

You shouldn't be in here withthe baby. You wait in the hall.

I, I'm their father.-I'm sorry. It's a hospital rule.

You'll contaminate.-Nurse,

please, let metake it for a minute.

All right, but I've got to takethem back to the nursery.

You stand back.

I'll bring them in later.-Yes. Thanks.

Sam, you look worried.

I'm not, really.

Aren't you, aren't you proud?

I've never been soproud all my life. [laugh]

Honey, how doyou feel down there?

Was it rough?

They always say it'sworse than the father.

Sam,

I've been worryingabout that check.

Don't worry about it, darling.It's going to be all right.

Is it?- Sure.

Is it real?-Don't worry about it.

All right.

You look beautiful. [pants]

Now try and get some sleep.

Sam.

Isn't it just wonderful, Sam?

Three sons all in one!-Yeah!

Who would have thought it, huh?

I love you.

I love you, Sam.

[Kiss] [Alice moans]

Thanks, baby.

[laughs]

What you needis a little patience

and perseverance and faith.

Faith can move mountains.

I believe that.

Anyway, it is goingto be a brand new year

and a good one forus. I know it. I feel it.

[music]

Mr. Hendricks, the nightsuperintendent wants to see you.

Look, what you tell her? I'llexplain when I come back.

Mr. Hendricks, thedoctor said to wait.

I'll be back.-You Ms. Hendricks?

Yeah.-I'm from the tribune.

Look, have you got the time, Mr?

Yes. It's ten minutes to two. Thiswill only take about five minutes.

I just want to geta few simple facts.

Tub said, he'd be backat the office at .

Excuse me.

Mr. Hendrix, I'm a reporter.

This certainly isn't what I had inmind when I studied journalism

Well, New Year's Eve.

[music]

Well, we've been rocked.

This is it, Sam.We're wiped out clean.

Look, Tub, I got totell you something.

I know, I know. You toldme we should have insurance

and I said we couldn't affordit. Well, we really couldn't.

Boy, right now thatinsurance sure looks cheaper.

You got a cigarette, Sam?

Tub, I got to tell you something,and I got to tell it to you quick.

I figured if we could meetthe payments on the cab

and squeeze by the firstyear, we could make it.

Tub, will you listen to me?

That's why I've been so nervous.

Penny pension.

If it hadn't been for that, we'dhave never gotten into a fight.

It's just that I'd been nervous.

[telephone rings]

Apex Cab Company.

Oh, hello, Alice.

Yeah, he's here.

The hospital?

The baby come yet?

Why, Holy Moses!Three of them?!

Why, you son of a g*n. And I'vebeen talking about my troubles.

Congratulations, pal.

Hello, honey.

I'm sorry, but I had to dosomething. I'll be right back.

Hmm?

What reporter?

Yeah.

Tell him to wait.

He'll have quitea story at that.

I'll be right there.

Goodbye.

[ends the call]

[knock]

You better call the police.

I already did that.

I took the money.

Why did you do it?

There's no point insaying I'm sorry now.

Well, you could have keptit. You had a perfect alibi.

You were at the hospital.Your wife was having triplets.

I know, I know.-I always told you,

you didn't know howto keep your mouth shut.

For the first time inmy life, I'm glad I didn't.

Well, you'd better keep it shutnow. Or I'll shut it for you.

[music]

Oh, Mr. Hendricks?-Yeah.

The doctor asked you to wait.

Where is he?

He's gone home now, and thesuperintendent says to tell you

Look, I'll be rightdown about the check.

See Mr. Hendricks.She's gone home, too.

And it isn't a check. It'sin the form of a receipt.

Receipt?-You see, it's a custom of hospital

to provide confinementfree of charge

for the first babyborn in the New Year.

In your case, three.

You mean I, I don't pay?

That's right.

And Dr. Meyer says totell you since yours

are the first tripletshe's delivered,

you may have his services free.

Oh, there youare, Mr. Hendricks.

Oh, I'm sorry. I forgotto tell him you were here.

That's okay. I've justbeen waiting all night.

Mr. Hendricks. Now, since you'rethe father of the first baby born--

Babies born in ,

you will be provided for oneyear with free diaper service,

free formulas, babyfood, carriages, cribs,

playpens, all of these things.-Holy smoke!

[hysteric laugh]Wait til I tell Alice.

Mr. Hendricks, I'm not finished yet.

You better go backto the waiting room.

But I got to have a story.

I'll send him in later.

I couldn't be more worn out withthose triplets if I had them myself.

Alice.

Alice.

Oh Sam.-Alice, did you hear the good news

about the freehospital and all the stuff?

I know, that's...

That's why I had totrack you down at Tub's.

We don't have to worryanymore about the check.

I'm going to get it back.-Mr. Hendricks,

are you here again?

Now, you know you're not supposedto be in here with the baby.

Please, nurse, let him takejust one little peak, will you?

Well, I guess this iskind of a special thing.

They're in a nurseryall for themselves.

They are.

Oh.

Sam, I've been thinking,if it's all right with you,

this is Matthew.

It's beautiful. Just beautiful.

And this is Mark.

Mark. I like that.

And this little fella,

this little fella is Luke.

Luke. [laugh]

And next year we'll have John.

Alright?-We will sure, honey.

We sure will. [baby wailing]

The first thing I'm goingto teach these kids

What?

I'll teach to have faith.Faith can move mountains.

Oh Sam.

Hi, Alice.

I speak up the back way.

Oh, I.. I'm so glad to see you, Tub.

Oh, It's good to seeyou too. It's been a long time.

Hey, babies.You'll contaminate 'em.

Oh. Yeah.

I just wanted to tellyou happy New Year and

Sam and me, we're partners.

We're friends again.-I'm so glad, for both your sakes.

Hey, look at that. At their age,

and already theyknow their Uncle Tub.

Hey, look at that one,he's waving at me.

How about that? [laugh]

Before you know it, we'llhave all three of them working,

driving apex cabs.

What are you gonna call them?

Apex, yellow, and checker.

[laughs]