Long Way Home, The (1998)

[bunniefuu]

♪ ♪

Geez, I hate to see that go.

What, that old sofa?

Had my first sex

on that sofa.

If you can call it that.

Get outta here.

Mom almost caught us.

Carol Amory. Remember her?

Uh-uh.

Last I heard, she was




teaching second grade somewhere.

Damn good sofa.

Here's Dad.

I thought he wasn't coming.

Changed his mind, I guess.

I also thought he wasn't

supposed to be driving anymore.

We're doing the best we can,

Pete.

Thought you weren't coming.

You drove over?

I didn't have time to saddle

the horse.

We're doing pretty good.




You're gonna come outta this

real nice.

You interested in that lamp,

Marybeth?

Yeah.

I think so.

It's in good shape.

I'm real sorry about this,

Tom.

Tom, can you do any better

for me on this mower?

Talk to Bonnie.

Tom.

Harvey.

Very fine piece right here.

Oh, I made that for Donna.

Our 25th anniversary.

It's worth five times

that much on the worst day

of the week.

You know what they call yard

sales? Legal thievery.

You gonna get along all right?

Sure.

Could be worse.

Burt Kemper's boy put him in a

home last month.

Least your situation is better

than that.

Could be lots worse.

I think we can give it one

more day, Dad.

We've did a lot better than I

thought we would.

What happens to the stuff

that isn't sold?

We'll just have to dump it,

I guess.

See if the Goodwill wants

anything.

You take your medicine, Tom?

Yes, Doctor.

You forgot yesterday.

Well, I remembered today.

What's for dessert?

Strawberry Surprise.

How many is that today?

First one.

I thought I saw you light one

up this morning, Dad.

You know what the doctor

said.

Well, at least you changed

your mind.

About what?

Hitchhiking.

It would've been an

adventure.

Oh yeah, so would jumping off

a cliff. Briefly.

You know, I don't know about

you, but I sure wouldn't mind

driving across country in a

$50,000 automobile.

That car is not me.

So, why did you accept it?

My father likes to give me

things.

It would've hurt his feelings.

Ah, well, that's very

sensitive of you.

"How sharper than a serpent's

tooth it is...?

Huh?

"... to have a thankless

child."

Sure is a long way

to drive alone.

Adam...

So how long you think

you'll be gone?

I don't know.

I've never driven across

country before.

I'm in no hurry.

To get there, or to, uh,

get back to me?

Most of the best stuff was

sold, hon.

But...

I managed to save some things,

you know, like I said I would.

Oh, I saved our bed.

For my room.

It's a bit of a tight squeeze,

but I've been trying to remember

if it was Kenny and Pete both

who were started in that bed...

I think it was just Kenny.

I don't know.

Anyway, I saved it.

Oh, and you remember that

cabinet I made for you on our

25th? Yep.

I think we saw this.

It's a really old one.

Didn't we see this?

[laughing]

Yeah, I remember that part.

Oh, yeah.

[chuckling]

Very good.

I think I've already

taken that, Bonnie.

Twice a day.

You can't get absent-minded

about your medicine, Tom.

[chuckling]

It's warm in here.

You're sitting in a draft.

It's time for bed, don't you

think?

Oh, God, she is funny.

Whatever happened to her?

[chuckling]

He's still talking to

himself.

Maybe you would too, if you'd

been all alone like he's been

the past couple of years.

I thought he'd stop now that

he's got us to talk to.

Guess he prefers talking to

himself.

[laughing]

♪ It would be great to be ♪

♪ Lost for a while just to ♪

♪ Disappear ♪

♪ And let the world take over ♪

♪ Get out there, girl ♪

♪ And see what's... ♪

[music fades]

♪ Wouldn't it be great to be ♪

♪ Lost for a while ♪

How far you going?

Chicago.

Oh, I'm not going through

Chicago.

Whatever.

You're living on the edge a

little bit, aren't you there?

What?

Hitching.

I'm careful.

And I've got Mace.

I thought about hitching

myself.

♪ And let the world ♪

♪ Take over ♪

[engine rumbles, stops]

[door slams]

Whatcha doing?

Not a whole lot.

Same thing I did yesterday.

I hate to see you just

sitting around doing nothing,

Dad, I really do.

I'm retired.

And I don't play bingo.

You got mail.

Me?

You "Mr. Thomas Gerrin"?

Yeah, last time I checked.

It went to General Delivery.

Somebody didn't know your

address.

My check come?

Comes Thursday.

Isn't today Thursday?

Tuesday.

I thought it was Thursday.

I gotta get started on the

kitchen before Bonnie divorces

me, uh, you wanna help?

Say when.

Okay.

Ronnie.

Can't be.

[door closes]

Four.

Five...

Six, seven...

Eight.

Uh-huh.

So, who was that letter

from today?

Huh?

That letter you got.

Without an address.

Oh.

Somebody I used to know a long

time ago.

Who's that?

You don't know her.

Haven't seen or heard of her

in years.

A woman?

Used to live here in

Beaumont.

Says it's been 55 years.

55 years?

How'd she know you'd still

be here?

Still alive, you mean?

What does she want?

She says she just wanted to

say hello.

You gonna write her back?

That's two, three, four.

Triple word is 12.

The average couple talks to

each other 29 minutes a week.

Are you sure?

29 minutes a week.

That's only two hours in an

entire month.

Honest to God, I read it

somewhere.

Hard to believe.

Scary, I know.

Are you married?

I'm taking Tom into town to

cash his check.

You need anything?

Couple of C batteries.

Anything else?

Nope.

Okay.

I'll meet you in the coffee

shop in about an hour, okay?

Yeah.

You wanna get your

prescriptions filled,

or should I?

I'll do it.

Thanks.

[distant marching band music]

Hi, there!

Aah!

What's this?

Looks like a circus to me.

Hasn't been a circus around

here in 20 years.

30.

[man laughing]

Hey! Hey!

What's that?

Oh, thank you!

Keep coming, keep coming--

tie it up there.

Hold, right there, that's good.

Hey.

Hey, grab that stack.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Here?

Why would he be here?

I thought he was with you.

You check the barbershop?

What about the Paradise?

I'm standing in it.

I've looked everywhere.

Maybe he decided

to walk home.

Why would he walk two miles

home when I've got the car?

Well, we both know he's been

kind of absent-minded lately.

If he decided to try and walk

home, and he had one of his

spells, he could be lying on the

side of the road right now.

Look, you stay right there,

I'm driving in.

Maybe you'll see him on your

way.

Okay.

You're a little early for the

show, old-timer.

What? Oh.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I must've fallen asleep.

You okay?

Yes, uh-huh.

I'm Marco.

Oh, hi.

Come on.

With rain lightly starting

late tonight and early tomorrow

morning.

Expect winds...

15 miles an hour

with some stronger gusts.

The possibility of rain is 30--

Compliments of the house.

Oh, are you sure?

Yeah, free advertising.

How you feeling?

Much better, thank you.

Good, you from

here in Beaumont?

Yep, all my life.

Yeah, I grew up here, too.

With a name like Marco?

Well, it used to be Mark.

Left when I was 16.

Haven't looked back.

Oh, you ran away and joined

the circus, did you?

Yeah, something like that.

Come on, I'll buy you a cup

of coffee.

No point in us going crazy

looking for him.

He probably bumped into Harvey

or some other friend of his.

I'm sure he'll call.

Kenny, we've got to have him

looked over.

I can't handle this.

Don't start this again.

You're as stubborn as he is.

I'll see you at home.

You're just never going to

find me leading one of those

lives of quiet desperation.

I will swallow pills first,

I promise you.

Know what I'm saying?

Mmm.

I was born on Barrow Street,

then we moved over to West

Pike Avenue.

West Pike.

Yeah, the Harrisons used to live

on West Pike.

d*ck and Evelyn.

Maybe you remember them?

Don't believe I do.

Oh, yeah, they're dead now,

the both of 'em.

How long's the circus

gonna be here?

I've got a granddaughter that's

supposed to visit next month.

Just the weekend.

Oh.

Bonnie was in here looking

for you, Tom.

Oh, yee-gods.

I forgot, I was supposed to

meet my daughter-in-law here.

Uh, what time you got, Patty?

Half past 4:00.

You're kidding.

Well, thanks for the pie.

You need a ride home?

No, no, it's not a long walk,

and I know a shortcut.

Why don't you come by

tonight or tomorrow night?

Look for me.

I'm the guy in the top hat.

You got it.

Okay.

Oh, no, no, Ivy, there's

nothing to worry about,

just ask Harvey if he's seen

him.

Okay.

Yeah, I will.

I'll let you know.

Okay.

Now, where is that darn path?

I know it's along here

someplace, isn't it?

We used to take it going to the

br*wnings, remember, hon'?

I don't know, I'd swore it was

right along here someplace.

And I-- now, wait a minute.

Hey, wait a minute.

There it is, see?

I knew I hadn't lost

all my marbles.

Ow!

Oh, oh...

Oh...

Ow.

Oh.

Oh...

[bird cawing]

Ow. Oh...

Oh...

Hello?

Hello, anybody out there?

Hello?

He's about 5'10",

5'11", I think, isn't he?

Used to be.

People kinda shrink when they

get older.

He just cashed his Social

Security check.

Um, there's not much we can

really do tonight.

You call me first thing in the

morning if he hasn't shown up.

We will.

Ow.

Oh, boy.

Oh...

Kids must be fit to be tied.

[coughs]

Oh!

Ahh...

Ha ha.

I'll tell 'em that I was

kidnapped and held for ransom

until I overcame my captors

and made my escape unscathed.

Hah.

Ow.

Well, maybe a little scathed.

Hi.

When did you see him last?

Bonnie dropped him off in

front of the bank yesterday

around 1:00.

But we know he was in the coffee

shop about 3:30, 4:00.

You sure he didn't say

anything about...

visiting a friend?

Nope.

And we've called everyone.

He's gettin' on a bit.

Maybe he just forgot to tell

you where he was going.

Is he okay?

He gets dizzy sometimes,

loses his balance.

That's why we moved him in

with us.

He can't have gotten

very far.

Let's give it a couple more

hours-- my guess is,

he'll turn up safe and sound.

And if he doesn't?

We'll go and find him for

you.

Deal?

God.

Let her drop.

Thank you so much.

How'd you hurt your leg?

Ah, it happened yesterday.

I was trying to climb a tree.

You shouldn't be in

such a hurry.

Funny thing is, I'm not.

Spare's still a little soft.

Better check it at the next

station.

Is there anywhere to eat

around here?

I could use some breakfast.

Well, there's Hilly's Inn.

Food's not great, but it won't

k*ll you, I guess.

I don't know about the rooms.

It's about a mile down the road,

if you're not too fussy.

Life is risk.

Which way are you headed?

That way.

Oh, well, hop in.

I'm Leanne, hi.

Tom.

That one word or two?

I'm sorry?

Leanne.

One word or two?

One.

No one calls me Lee

and lives to tell about it.

Got it.

So, where am I, anyway?

Kansas.

Oh, I know that,

I meant where in Kansas?

Oh, about 150 miles

this side of Wichita.

You might've heard of Wichita.

And the nearest town is

Beaumont, that's a

mile and a half back that way.

Where you headed?

California.

Oh, whereabouts?

Carmel.

Up near San Francisco.

Is that anywhere

near Monterey?

Right next door.

I'll be damned.

Why?

I just got a letter from

somebody in Monterey, California

the other day.

You have friends in Monterey?

No, not-- not--

well, not exactly.

I've got a friend, maybe.

Oh.

Hmm.

I'll be damned.

55 years?

You're kidding!

She kept tabs on me, she

says, through an old girlfriend

of hers.

Who was she?

Her name is Veronica.

Deacy, Veronica Deacy.

No, I mean, who was she?

Oh.

We almost got married once.

Almost.

I hate that word.

Unless you almost

fell off a roof.

No, I didn't mean it like

that, I meant it the other way.

"Of all sad words of tongue or

pen, the saddest are these:

it might have been."

You know, like that.

That's a quote, I guess.

So, why didn't you?

Marry Veronica Deacy?

Oh, that's a long story.

[door opens, slams]

Why are you going to California?

Oh, I live there.

My family does. It's home.

Your heart there?

I'm sorry?

"Home is where the heart is."

That's a quote.

Oh.

What do you do?

Work-wise.

I was a cabinetmaker.

What are you now?

Nothing.

Nobody's nothing.

Well, I'm retired.

Oh, I am never gonna retire.

I don't know what I'll be

retiring from, but I know I'm

not going to do it.

Sometimes you have to.

They make you.

Oh, golly, that reminds me.

Excuse me, I'll be right back.

How ya doin'?

I'm doing fine,

how are you doing?

Travelin' with your granddad,

are ya?

No, he's not my granddad,

I'm just with him.

Did ya hear that?

Says she's "with him."

I think she's pulling some leg

here, don't you?

She can pull on mine anytime.

What's your name, sweetheart?

Ophelia.

Ooh, that's a pretty name.

What do you say me and you ditch

old granddad here for a bit,

get to know each other some.

Oh, he's really not my

grandfather.

He's my lover.

You see, I used to be a hooker.

Until I met George, and then

he just turned my life around.

Now we're engaged.

You're quite the little

smartass, ain't ya?

What's my tab?

Seven even.

You ought to get that

phone fixed.

Yeah, I know.

Why won't you believe me?

Do I look like a dishonest

person?

I mean, I know it's hard to

believe, but so many things are

these days, haven't you noticed

that?

How'd you like to notice

a smack in the mouth,

you wise-ass little bitch?

Let's go.

Let go, you Neanderthal.

Huh?

Don't do that.

Your little girl here's got

quite the mouth on her,

ain't she.

Let go!

Hey, hey!

Come on now, Russ.

Let's just see if it tastes

sweeter than it talks, eh?

Russell, knock it off now!

You old son-of-a-bitch!

Hey, Russ, come on,

take it easy!

Hey, cowboy.

Aah!

Let's call it a day, son.

Aah!

Do me a favor, mister, and

get this girl outta here!

Well, the restaurant wasn't

all that great, I think we

should pass on the motel.

What do you think?

[car alarm chirps]

I think that we should hurry

right along out of here as fast

as we can.

[engine starts]

You called everywhere?

Unless he's got a buddy or

two I don't know about,

and I don't think so.

They're dropping like flies.

You check the hospital?

Three times.

They're getting tired of hearing

my voice.

Well, could be he's lost,

wandering around someplace.

Oh, come on, Pete.

Dad could walk the whole county

blindfolded at midnight.

Well, maybe not anymore.

I don't know if all his gears

are meshing lately.

Better let the sheriff handle

it, go home and wait it out.

Go home and wait it out?

We're not talking about the

family dog here.

Kenny, I think you're

overreacting.

Better than not reacting at

all!

Look, I know you two don't

always see eye to eye, but--

He's got you right where he

wants you, just like always.

You don't know what you're

talking about.

I hate to say I told you so.

But if we'd done my idea...

I hope someday your kids'll

say they want to put you in a

nursing home. You might

see things differently then.

Yeah, well, at least they'll

know where to find me.

I take it that was Mace.

I think I used it all up.

Wow, you were great.

With the stick.

My hero.

It scared the hell outta me.

Felt good after, though.

Gee, I've never been in one

of these before.

It's like floating on air.

Yeah, it was a present from

my father.

Let me know when you want me

to drop you.

How far are you going?

Uh-oh.

Do you think that they're

coming after us?

Maybe they're not

coming after us.

Maybe they liked the Mace so

much, they're coming back for

more.

What do you think?

I think we'd better not let

'em catch us is what I think.

Good thinking.

I'm really sorry about this.

Watch it!

[car horn honking]

Let's get out of here.

[phone ringing]

[ringing continues]

Hello?

Hello, Bonnie? It's me!

Tom!

[whirring, clanging]

It's Tom!

Tom!

Tom? Tom is that you?

I can't...

I want you to know

I'm all right!

I said, "I'm all right!"

Hey, would you fellas knock that

off for just a second?

[whirring, clanging]

[muttering]

I'll call you back when I find

another phone, huh?

Tom, where are you?

Tom!

[dial tone]

It's gonna take a week to

restore it to some semblance of

its former glory.

[groaning]

How's your leg?

Fella goes to a doctor,

he says, "Doc, every time

I do this, it hurts."

Doc said, "Don't do it."

[laughing]

That joke is so old, that

only someone as young as you

could laugh at it.

How's your elbow?

Girl goes to a doctor, says,

"Doc, it hurts when I go--"

So where were you heading

when fate threw us so

dangerously together?

Ah, home.

Where your heart is?

My heart is not there.

Why not?

It's not my home.

I lost my home recently.

Sold it.

I live with my son and

daughter-in-law now.

You have a wife?

She passed away.

Be three years this April.

I'm sorry.

It gets easier, so they say.

How many kids?

[chuckling]

Two daughters in Florida.

Two sons here.

Two daughters-in-law,

seven grandkids.

One of the daughters-in-law is

in the process of not being

that.

Ah. Marital discord?

Pete's wife.

She's been cheating on him for

years.

Well, do you have any

brothers or sisters?

Had a brother

and three sisters.

They're all gone now.

I'm an only child.

You don't sound too thrilled

with your living arrangements.

Well, my arm got

twisted a bit.

I get a touch of high blood

pressure now and then.

I'm fine, but the kids

got all in a panic.

Well, at least you're

with your family.

My boyfriend's parents put his

grandmother in an old age home

last year-- she lasted

two months, and that was it.

That can happen,

they tell me.

You've got a boyfriend, huh?

Yeah. Yeah, I guess so.

Though I kind of feel like

I need my space right now.

I know that feeling.

[both laughing]

Well, you got a week to k*ll

before you get your car.

No, I'll just pick it up

on the way back.

From where?

California.

Uh-huh.

Well, what are you--

you gonna rent a car, you gonna

fly out?

No, I'm gonna hitchhike.

What? Hitchhike!

What the heck would make you

do a damn fool thing like that?

It's what I wanted to do in

the first place.

It was written.

Huh?

It's an Arabic thing.

It's what they say when

they believe that something was

meant to be.

"It was written."

You gonna get home all right?

Sure.

How'd you like some company?

What do you mean?

To California.

How would you like some company?

What company?

[silent]

You're putting me on.

I've got money, plenty.

I cashed my check yesterday.

Wait, wait.

You're telling me you want to go

to California? With me?

Just like that?

Just like that's maybe the

best way, maybe the only way.

And I won't slow you up.

You really want to hitchhike

to California?

You better say yes or no,

before I lose my nerve.

But you don't have your

clothes or your toothbrush

or anything.

And what about your kids?

I'll call 'em at the next

stop, and I'll buy whatever I

need along the way as I need it.

You're serious.

It was written.

He gave you no indication

where he was calling from?

He might've.

I couldn't hear.

It sounded like maybe he was in

a lotta trouble, and he couldn't

talk.

Let's not go jumping to

conclusions just yet.

We'll do a little poking

around, see what we can find.

At least we know he didn't

get hit by a car or anything.

Your Dad got a beef with

anybody?

Nobody I can think of.

Except maybe his doctor for

telling him not to drive.

This is harder

than I thought.

I've got an idea.

Why don't I go back in the

bushes, and then

when a car stops,

which I have no doubt they will

do for you, you tell' em that

you're saddled with a guy with a

bum ankle, and up I'll pop.

Now, they gotta be too

embarrassed to turn us down

unless they're totally lacking

in human feelings.

A distinct possibility.

Do you think it'll work?

Well it did for

Claudette Colbert.

Who?

In a movie.

Here comes one.

[silent]

So he got extremely upset.

You know, he couldn't

understand.

If only he'd had the courage

to understand.

You know, sometimes it takes

courage to understand.

Courage is character.

Character is destiny.

You know what I mean.

Took the words right

out of my mouth.

Here's where I turn off.

Maybe you can pick up a ride.

There's a bus that'll stop,

though, if you flag it.

Thanks a lot!

Much obliged.

Hey, what was she talking

about, do you know?

I'm working on it.

Your father is gonna be upset

about that car.

Not really.

He'll just be glad I wasn't

hurt.

You, too, of course.

Oh, that's nice to hear.

I know those who'd be more upset

about the car than those who

were in it.

Not my Dad.

He's one of the good ones.

What's he do?

He was a lawyer.

Retired, is he?

No.

Not exactly.

It's kind of a long story.

How far's the next town,

do you know?

A real town? 60 miles?

Maybe more.

Oh, my God.

That is amazing.

I never knew anybody who could

do that.

I never knew anybody who

thought that was amazing before.

[laughing]

Hey, there's the bus!

There's only one unit left.

In the nick of time,

fortune smiles.

Maybe we should try the next

one along.

Why? We'll take it.

I'm her granddad.

$32 for a double.

Coffee shop opens at seven.

I haven't had a shower in

two days.

Maybe you were beginning to

notice!

I thought it was me.

Oh, I hate you.

How's it feeling?

I think it's gonna take

a microwave to thaw it out.

Well, the swelling's gone

down.

Yeah.

We'll just get a bandage and

wrap it up.

It'll be okay.

I hope so.

So what are your plans for

the millennium?

Huh? The what?

New Year's Eve, 2000.

The 21st Century.

It's gonna be here before you

know it.

Well, I never

thought about that.

I don't know, I hope I'm still

alive, I guess.

Oh, morbid.

Me, I'm gonna be in Paris.

New Year's Eve,

me on top of the Eiffel Tower.

I don't know about you,

but I am wiped.

Please tell me

that you don't snore.

No, no...

Nope, don't snore.

[faucet running]

Oh...

How come you didn't

come to bed?

I did come to bed.

Well, I meant all the way.

I came far enough.

You didn't even get

undressed.

Well, you got undressed

enough for the both of us.

Are you a morning grump,

by any chance?

No. Ow.

You're upset.

Why are you upset?

Well, I may be an old man,

but I'm not that old, damn it!

What old?

For you to be doing a damn

striptease right in front of me!

Striptease?

I got undressed,

I was going to bed!

I couldn't help

but notice that.

Why are you so upset?

Jeez, you're like my

grandfather!

I'm not your grandfather.

And even if I were...

That's not what I meant!

What I meant was, you're old!

That's not what I meant.

That's not what I meant!

Eaten yet?

No, I waited for you.

Coffee and orange juice,

please.

Have you chilled out?

I mean, are you still mad?

I know what chilled out

means.

Oh, you're not that old.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have flown off

the handle.

Sure you should've.

It was insulting, what I did.

I didn't-- I didn't mean

to insult you, I just--

I wasn't thinking, you know?

I'm really sorry, really.

Let's order.

I'm so hungry I could eat

Nebraska.

It's on me.

No, let's split it.

You already paid me enough

last night.

Don't pay any attention to

her, she has a twisted

sense of humor.

So what do you think?

About what?

Me going to see Veronica,

Ronnie.

Oh, I think it'd be cool.

Yeah, why?

For freedom.

You know what I mean?

No.

"Freedom is the length of the

chain between the imagination

and the stake of reality."

I'll have to think that one

over.

I spent ten days on a

reservation last summer.

This really amazing Native

American woman gave it to me.

It's supposed to help guide me

towards my purpose.

And what is your purpose?

I'll know it

when I get to it.

Well, look who's here!

What, you know this guy?

[all silent]

California?

Last time I saw this guy,

he was on his way home.

Which was about 20 minutes

away two days ago.

He's taking the long way.

The scenic route.

Well, I wish I could take you

all the way.

We're about three hours from

our next stop.

You see the show in Beaumont?

Never made it.

I didn't know there were

little circuses still traveling

around.

When I was a kid, I always

wanted to run away

with the circus.

And now, for the 11:00 news

update.

Authorities in Beaumont are

looking for an elderly man who

has been missing since Friday.

Thomas Gerrin is described as

being 75 years old, about

5'10", and 170 pounds.

That'd be me.

He was last seen at a

restaurant near Beaumont

on Friday afternoon

in the company of a young girl

in her early 20's with blonde

hair and wearing a red leather

jacket.

That'd be you.

Relatives fear Mr. Gerrin

may have suffered a loss

of memory or some other

disorienting episode,

but the possibility of foul play

has not been ruled out.

If you have any information

as to the whereabouts of this

man, contact...

What's going on?

I suffered a disorienting

episode.

Oh, don't look at me!

I had nothing to do with it.

You have got to call your kids.

What the hell's the matter

with them? Spreading it all over

the radio like that.

You just walked off without

telling anyone?

Well, I'm over 21.

I can do what I damn well

please.

Couple of dizzy spells, and they

treat you like a little child.

At least let them know

you're okay.

I will. I will.

Call 'em and tell 'em you ran

away with the circus.

Yeah.

Do you know anything about

this girl?

Not a thing.

You think maybe she and your

dad might've been up to

something?

Like what?

Some kinda May-December

situation?

Are you kidding me?

We're talking Tom Gerrin here.

Fella over in Dexter,

80 years old, just had a kid

with his 26-year-old wife.

It was in the paper a couple

of weeks back.

My father was married to the

same woman for 50 years.

He hasn't got any interest in

women anymore, least of all a

girl young enough to be his

granddaughter.

Happens more than you think.

I'm tellin' ya.

He's not getting enough oxygen

to the brain.

Had an uncle on my mother's side

went through the same thing.

This is how it starts.

Excuse me, Sheriff.

You got a call.

They're not gone but

a couple-- three hours.

It was him.

I got his name right here

on the register.

Hers too.

They shared a room.

I'd have called quicker,

but I just now heard it,

on the radio.

[people cheering]

Ah-oo!

[silent]

[bell dinging]

Winner!

Thank you.

♪ ♪

Have you got something slow?

Mm-hmm.

Great. Excuse me.

♪ ♪

I haven't danced for a long

time.

Oh, it's like riding a bike.

Yeah, haven't done that

lately, either.

So, you haven't called them

yet, have you?

Have you seen a phone?

God, you'd think I was some kind

of a fugitive from justice,

wouldn't you?

The way they put it out like

that on the radio.

That ticks me off.

I bet you were a good father.

I did the best I could,

you know, at the time.

I supported 'em, sent 'em to

college, those that

wanted to go.

If that's not enough,

then sh**t me.

Of course, they've all got a

grievance, you know.

That's the fashion.

I got a daughter who says

I was distant.

My shop was 15 yards

from the house,

she saw me every day

of her life.

"Distant."

What kind of bull is that?

About how long?

They caught a ride,

about an hour ago.

They'll be well over the

state line by now.

I got no jurisdiction.

I'll send a fax.

How could he do this to us,

after all we've done for him?

Honey, we don't know the

whole story.

And what've we ever done for him

that was so special, anyway?

I broke my back with that

yard sale.

I invited him to come

live in my house.

You think he'd take his medicine

if I didn't force him to

twice a day?

He's my father.

What's the alternative?

Don't answer that.

Kenny, you know I love him.

But he's Pete's father, too.

And your sisters,

what about them?

Why are we the only ones who

care?

Pete'd put him in a home.

He's already as much as told me.

Kenny, this was supposed

to be our time.

The kids are finally out of the

house, and now we've got Tom

to worry about.

It's like having another child.

No, it's not.

We are not responsible for him

every moment.

Kenny, look at me.

We have not made love since

the day your father moved in

here.

For God's sake, Bonnie, do we

have to talk about this now?

When would you like to talk

about it, Kenny?

We can't talk about it when

he's back.

Well, maybe he won't be back.

Would that make you happy?

Thank you.

You're welcome.

What's that?

This-- a plane.

Let's see.

Be careful, it's very sharp.

It's kind of beautiful,

isn't it?

For a tool.

Kinda came into my mind

to keep it.

Everything was being sold off.

Why?

I told you, I'm retired.

How come?

I just got old.

Oh, right.

I keep forgetting.

Could I have a coffee please?

Right.

What would your boyfriend

think about you hitchhiking

across the country?

Not much.

Besides, he doesn't really

tell me what to do, so...

You've got a long freedom

chain, huh?

You remembered.

I gave it some thought.

You think he's gonna wanna

take you back once you decide

you've had enough "space"?

He picked me 'cause he knew

I wouldn't stay.

You're kidding.

No, it's all subconscious.

See, me, soon as I get into a

relationship with someone really

normal and nice, someone I can

really count on, I run screaming

for the hills.

I had a shrink who told me once

it's because I don't believe

there is such a thing as a

healthy marriage.

Why not?

You ever seen one?

I was in one.

Your wife think so, too?

Far as I know.

The subject never came up.

I'm not saying it was perfect.

You know, I had a temper

when I was younger.

She just got quiet.

I think quiet is worse than

yelling, if you ask me.

Yeah, we don't yell.

Repression is really big where I

come from.

Then you'll be looking over

at her sitting on the couch,

30 years later, and your heart

kinda hurts because

you love her so much.

Comes and goes.

You gotta be in it for

the long haul, I guess.

You miss her a lot,

don't you?

Excuse me.

Would you by any chance be

Mr. Thomas Gerrin?

Would you mind showing me

some I.D., sir?

Okay, you got me.

What can I do for you, officer?

You are Mr. Thomas Gerrin.

I haven't robbed a bank in

ten or twelve years.

We've been asked to keep an

eye out for you, sir.

By who?

We got a fax on you.

As I understand, your folks are

somewhat concerned as to your

well-being.

Have you talked to them lately?

No, but I was just gonna

call 'em.

I'm not breaking any laws, am I?

No, sir, no, you're not.

Not as far as I know.

You gonna tell 'em

you saw me?

Well, I imagine they'd

appreciate hearing that you're

okay and haven't fallen in

harm's way, don't you?

Yeah, well, if I go home,

they're gonna lock me in

that cellar again.

He's kidding.

Where you headed, sir?

Home.

Soon as I finish my coffee.

Why don't you ring your folks

and tell 'em that?

I will, I'll do that.

That's the ticket.

Have a nice day now.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you.

So are you?

Huh?

Are you heading home?

I've come too far to turn

back now.

Whereabouts you headed in

California?

Monterey.

Well, I can take you as far

as Stockton if you like.

It's not too bad a hop from

there to Monterey.

Well, we'd be much obliged,

thank you.

You related?

Uh, no. No.

I thought maybe you were her

grandpappy.

I wouldn't mind that, but no.

We just met up on the road.

If you don't mind me saying,

you're kind of a peculiar pair

to be hitchhiking.

Are we?

Daddy?

What? It's all right.

You all right, love?

Everything's okay.

You were probably just dreaming.

It's okay, you all right?

Okay, everything's okay.

Where are we?

Almost through Nevada.

Oh, boy, California,

here we come.

♪ Always together ♪

♪ Through all kinds of weather ♪

♪ We took the long way home ♪

He was lying to that cop.

I guess.

He'd have been home by now,

for sure.

Could be on his way.

Could be he'll never come

back.

Why wouldn't he come back?

Well, why would he take off

in the first place?

I don't know.

Maybe we shouldn't have made him

sell the house.

Maybe.

Maybe he felt like he was

getting in our way,

living with us.

Well, you know what I think.

We're the ones that're taking

care of him, not you.

And you see how much he

appreciates it, don't you?

What do you want from him?

Nothing, I don't want

anything from him.

What's your beef with him,

anyway?

What'd he ever do to you?

Nothing, not a damn thing.

Pete, I know

he's not perfect.

I know better than anybody.

Yeah, but you're still trying

to prove something to him.

Don't you know you can't get

blood from a turnip?

Why do you think Marcie and

Janice moved so far away?

They like the weather down

there.

After the funeral,

after Mom d*ed?

I saw one of Janice's kids

sitting on Dad's lap,

and I started to cry.

I had to leave the room.

I never sat on Dad's lap.

Which way you going?

That way.

Oh, well.

I guess this is it.

Leanne, I want you to know it's

been a real pleasure.

I guess there's a motel or two

around here somewhere.

Oh, don't be ridiculous.

We're here.

Huh? Oh.

What a dump, huh?

Yeah, I was hoping for

something a little nicer.

Are you sure this is okay?

Mm-hmm.

Hello?

Anybody home?

Hiya, beautiful.

Hi, Daddy.

This is Tom Gerrin.

He's been traveling with me.

My father, Craig Bossert.

Hello.

How do you do, sir?

I've invited him to stay.

Good.

The prodigal daughter.

Hello, Mother.

You arrived safely.

The plane crashed, and I'm

the sole survivor.

And who have we here?

This is you.

That's the john.

Relax, it's only a bedroom.

Uh-huh.

Would you like something to

drink?

No, no thanks.

You promised.

I know.

Bonnie? It's me.

I'm fine, I'm in California.

California?

What the hell's he doing in

California?

He says he felt like having a

swim in the ocean.

I don't know who the girl is,

he didn't say. He didn't--

He didn't say, okay.

Pete.

If we hear from him again,

I'll call you.

You think you know somebody.

Come to find out,

you don't know him at all.

I'd sure like to know why he

took off.

Was it us?

All my life, all I ever

wanted was to be close to him.

Now that he's retired,

I thought...

People have different ways of

being close.

I guess.

What brings you

to California, Mr. Gerrin?

Do you have family here?

No, no ma'am, no family.

It just came on me

to take a trip.

Impulse.

Impulse, yeah, that's it,

yeah.

It's a shame about the

accident.

It was a beautiful car.

Tell you the truth, I really

enjoyed the hitchhiking.

Especially the company.

Likewise.

And how long will you be

staying with us, Mr. Gerrin?

As long as he likes.

By all means.

I'm sure it'll be no trouble

at all.

I had to thr*aten him with

bodily harm if he didn't come.

He wanted to go to a motel.

She can be persuasive.

Oh, she can.

Well, you know what the Arabs

say.

[chuckling]

[knocking]

Since when do you have to

knock?

How's it going?

I like your traveling pal.

He's a trip.

A trip on a trip.

But, ahem.

Hitchhiking?

"O, but I love the danger."

I think Emily Dickinson had

something else in mind other

than hurling oneself into the

voracious jaws of a lunatic

America.

Come back, Shane.

He got a letter, too, Tom.

Of a summoning nature,

as well?

I don't think so.

I think he made it that,

though.

Interpretation is all.

So?

You still haven't answered my

question.

How are you doing, Daddy?

How do I look like I'm doing?

A lot worse than I expected.

Your Mother didn't give you

the full rundown in her letter?

I asked her to be specific.

What's Daddy's 11th

Commandment, class?

Thou shalt not tap dance.

Correct.

I think she did some

tap dancing.

She said that the operation

turned out "iffy," but she

didn't give me a clue

about this.

I think "iffy"

about says it all.

Do me a favor, kick off

your tap shoes, please.

I've got maybe three weeks.

If I knock off the jogging.

She should've told me.

Why didn't she tell me?

If you'd known,

you'd've flown.

Calm down.

I considered opting for

belated notification.

And I never would've

forgiven you.

I know.

I think your visit may be

a little longer than planned.

A certain degree of pluck and

fortitude will be asked of you,

you understand?

I'll try to measure up.

You're aces with me, kid.

Will it be all right with you

if I started measuring up

tomorrow?

I love you so much, Daddy.

Why didn't you tell me?

Your father didn't want you

to worry.

You would've let him die

without seeing me.

Don't be ridiculous.

You didn't want me here.

You wanted him all to yourself,

right up into the end.

You had to be in control.

As usual, you see only what

you want to see.

I'm going to bed.

[door slams]

Want to swim?

Never learned how.

Get out.

No. I might flounder a bit

if there's a lifeguard handy,

but...

My dad taught me when I was a

baby.

Yeah?

You're fond of your Dad,

aren't you?

Yeah.

But I...

I take it you and your mom don't

exactly see eye to eye.

Maybe she did the best

she knew how.

I don't mean to pry, but he

doesn't seem exactly up to par.

Your dad?

He's dying.

I'm sorry, sweetheart.

He's such a young man.

Life isn't fair, is it?

He's working, though.

He does some stuff in the

morning and some at night.

As a consultant now.

Yeah, but I mean he's still

at it, he's working.

Why wouldn't he be?

Well, a fella in his

condition, physically, he might

just want to call it a day.

He won't go gently

into the night.

You know what I mean?

I think so.

So?

You gonna look her up?

Oh, I already did.

You did?

Yes, she's listed

in the phone book.

Well, are you going to call

her first, or are you just gonna

show up on her doorstep

and blow her mind?

See, I haven't decided.

What do you think is the best

way?

You nervous?

Oh, as cool as a cucumber.

Liar.

Pants on fire.

55 years, wow.

God. You must've been, like,

what, in your 20's?

Yeah, 21, 22.

I'm surprised she still

remembered me.

Were you her first lover?

Oh, lighten up.

Yes.

How old was she?

19.

Really. That's late.

I lost my virginity

when I was 15.

Why do we say that?

"Lose our virginity."

Like we left it on the bus or

something.

Well, I got you this far.

Now, you're on your own.

What's the worst that can

happen? She dies of shock.

Okay, okay, I'm going.

Now, you call me when you're

ready, and I'll pick you up,

okay?

Yeah.

It's not what you think, hon.

I don't know what it is,

but it is not what you think.

Hello.

Oh, my stars.

Hi, Ronnie.

It's Tom.

Tom.

Yeah, Gerrin.

Tom Gerrin.

Well, I guess I knew that,

didn't I?

You still take lots of sugar?

Too much, so they tell me.

If we listened to "they",

we'd be dead and buried already.

You could've knocked me over

with a feather, Ronnie, I guess

you know that, huh?

When your letter came.

What about you ringing my

doorbell?

What on Earth are you doing

here?

Well, I don't know, I was

just taking a little walk,

and one thing led to another.

You're not gonna start

teasing me again already, are

you?

No, no, I really mean it.

I bumped into this young girl.

You ran somebody over?

No, hell, I wasn't driving.

I was walking.

I mean I met her, on the road.

And it turns out she was, eh,

coming to Carmel.

So we started talking.

And-- thank you.

She lives here, her folks.

College girl.

So we got to talking, you

know, one thing lead to another.

Before I knew it,

I was going with her.

We thumbed it.

You're not telling me you

hitched rides all the way from

Kansas, are you?

So help me God.

What's Beaumont like now?

The same.

Only different.

This town sure is pretty.

How long you been here?

36 years.

Oh.

24 in this house.

Wow.

It's a lovely family.

Yeah.

Three girls and one boy.

The girls are all married now

and scattered around.

Seven grandkids.

Wow.

My boy was k*lled in Vietnam.

Oh, God, I'm--

I'm sorry to hear that, Ronnie.

Oh, seems so long ago.

Most things do, don't they?

Yeah.

You told me about Charlie's

passing in your letter.

Eight years ago.

Have you seen the ocean yet?

And what about Jack,

how's he?

Oh, Jack was k*lled in the

w*r in France.

Oh, what a shame.

Yeah.

I was real fond of Jack.

So there's only me left of

the bunch of us.

We went to visit his grave,

though, on the anniversary of

the Invasion.

You know, '94,

the 50th anniversary.

I guess you were in the w*r,

too.

Oh, yeah, sure.

Charlie was hurt real bad.

At Iwo Jima.

Hmm.

Lost an arm. His left arm.

He used to say he was my right

hand man.

[laughing]

You ever miss home?

For a while, after we left.

Charlie did, more than me.

Seems like yesterday

right now.

What does?

The day I heard that you and

Charlie got married and left

Beaumont.

Why did you, anyway?

Leave Beaumont?

I wouldn't have been too

comfortable there after

we got married,

you being there.

I wouldn't have been too

comfortable myself.

I'm still trying to place

Donna Wallace.

I think she was two grades

behind you.

I used to wonder why you

didn't want to marry me.

Well, who says I didn't want

to marry you?

You never asked.

Well...

Why didn't you ever ask then?

I didn't think you wanted me

to.

I thought about it a lot.

Being married to me?

Oh, yeah.

You should've asked.

Boy, those were the best

pork chops I have had

in a long time.

I'm glad I had 'em.

If I knew you were coming,

I'd have baked a cake.

Remember that song?

Oh, sure.

♪ If I knew you were comin' ♪

♪ I'd have baked a cake ♪

♪ Baked a cake, baked a cake ♪

You can still sing.

Yeah, well, the pipes are

a little rusty.

Like everything else.

Listen to you.

A man who just walked half way

across the country.

Oh, hey, you're exaggerating.

There was a little walking,

but not all the way.

How long are you planning on

staying in Monterey?

Well, I guess I'd better be

heading back tomorrow.

Oh, that's when Betsy was

just born. That's her.

[both laughing]

I put on lots of weight with

Betsy.

You seem to have lost it all.

Charlie sure kept his looks,

didn't he?

He was a handsome man,

I'll give him that.

You have a picture of Donna?

Yeah, sure.

Nope, I can't place her.

I... I heard about her

passing away a couple years ago,

but I didn't think I should

write you, so soon after.

Then it took me a while before

I could work up the nerve.

I'm glad you did.

[doorbell]

Be right with you.

Mm-hmm.

Well,

I don't expect we'll be

seeing each other again ever.

Well, today was more

than I ever expected.

Me too.

And you never can tell,

can you?

About what?

Well, you might just get it

into your mind to pay a visit to

Beaumont.

I could show you the new sights.

You never can tell.

Maybe you'll think about it.

I've been thinking about it

for the past two hours.

What do you mean?

Fact is, I'm going to visit

one of my daughters and her

family in Pennsylvania in April.

Are you?

And I've been thinking how it

would be if I just dropped by

Beaumont on the way back.

Oh, I think that's

a darn good idea.

[both laughing]

Why don't I just do that

then?

Okay, will you?

I'll write. Let you know

when I'll be coming.

Good.

Safe home.

[engine starts]

[phone ringing]

Hello.

It's me.

Where are you?

It's him.

You still in California?

You coming back?

What's going on, Dad?

I'm leaving tomorrow, I'll be

back in a couple of nights.

Tell him, tell him

we'll come and get him.

Let me handle this, will you?

I'll be getting in a little

late, there's a layover in

Wichita.

Day after I get home,

we'll have a talk.

You and Bonnie and Pete and me.

Uh-huh. What about?

Some things that need fixing.

Is he coming home

or isn't he?

Yeah, he's coming home.

What kinda things, Dad?

Fixing how?

Well, things like Bonnie

always wrapping me up in

blankets all the time.

Listen, Dad, I know we--

You know that little shed

you've got out back that's

crammed full of junk you

never use?

What about it?

That would make a fine

workshop.

A workshop? For what?

We'll have a talk.

There's a lot of things I want

to tell you.

You and Pete both.

Give my love to Bonnie, hmm?

I'll see you in a couple nights.

Dad...

I'm glad you're coming home.

I am too, son.

There's just a couple of

minutes.

Good.

I'm awful glad you almost

ran me down.

Me, too.

Here, I want you to have

this.

I'm just gonna buy some new

tools.

Tom...

I want you to be good

to your kids.

And you let them be good to you.

There's not as much time

as we think. You know?

I'm beginning to, yeah.

[engine starts]

I have something for you,

too.

What, your freedom chain?

Oh, no, I can't... please.

No, I want you to have it.

It would mean a lot to me.

Maybe it'll guide you back

to your purpose.

Leanne, you're a good girl.

The next time you meet

a good boy,

you stick with him, you hear?

Yeah.

Well then, uh...

so long, I guess.

Yeah, so long.

♪ ♪