03x04 - Moving In

[bunniefuu]

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[telephone ringing]

- Hello. - 'Hello, mommy.'

Olivia.

[sighs] Oh, baby, where are you?

[Olivia] 'Mommy, we miss you. Come get us.'

[whimpering] I will, baby, where are you?

[Olivia] 'We're at Park..'

[engaged tone]

Olivia?

Olivia?

Olivia!

[thudding]

[telephone dinging]

[dramatic music]

[pleasant music]

[Laura] Early bird catches the whatever, right?

[laughing] You're getting out pretty early yourself this mornin'.

Well, Scooters been moping around so much

since his wife left him, I'm in charge of the office.

Hey, alright.

Now, don't forget about tonight.

I wouldn't miss it.

- Okay. Bye. - Bye-bye.

[whirring]

Good morning, darlin'.

You look all pink and yellow and glowing.

- Give us a kiss. - No, no, wai-wait.

Just right there. Only there.

Ooh. Fresh as the morning dew, my dear.

Oh, I'm glad you're in such a good mood.

Wouldn't have anything to do with your big debut, would it?

- My what? - Your television debut.

- The commercial. - Oh, yeah.

Gee, I forgot all about that.

Oh, Gary, you did not.

Well, maybe it's wishful forgetting.

Oh, you know, you were pleased

when Karen asked you to do it.

Yeah, I thought it was a good idea to advertise

but not for me to do it.

It's a wonderful idea, and it's gonna bring in

lots of customers.

- Or scare 'em away. - Gary.

Honey, I was really stiff when I did those spots.

Like I had a mouth full of marbles.

Oh, come on, you're gonna be just fine, I know it.

Better be.

I asked everybody over here to see you tonight.

To come over here to watch it?

Honey, it's just a dumb commercial.

Oh, Gary, it's not dumb.

- Honey! - No, no, just stop it.

Look, we haven't had anything to celebrate in a long time.

Ah-ah-ah-ah.

And we're all gonna enjoy tonight.

Okay?

[both chuckle]

Yeah.

[humming]

[latch clacking]

[humming continues]

[clanking]

[continues humming]

[rustling]

[rustling]

[quirky music]

[door creaking]

[door closes]

[lift bell dinging]

[indistinct chatter]

Hold-hold it, lady. I'll call you back.

Hey, wait-wait a minute, where are you goin'?

Are you addressing me, young man?

You're not sneaking out of here without paying your bill.

I'm not sneaking anywhere, Mr. Bellamy.

So what are you doin' with the bag?

Well, I happen to be taking some clothes to the cleaners.

Yeah.

What do you think, I was born yesterday?

Oh, whenever and wherever you were born

you were certainly not raised like a gentleman.

I'll keep the bag until you come up with the rent.

[Lilimae] This is an outrage.

So sue me.

I'm not just anyone, you know?

My daughter is a Ewing.

A Texas Ewing.

And my brother-in-law is a Rockefeller!

[giggling]

And you mind your own business.

[quirky music]

[clinking]

[rustling]

[music continues]

[clanking]

[rattling]

[music continues]

- Hi. - Hi.

Guess Olivia didn't call again, huh?

No. Come on in.

I can only stay a minute, I got a class in half an hour.

You know, it's so funny the way that that call was cut off.

Don't think that Jeff did it, do you?

I don't know. Probably.

All I know is I'm afraid to leave the phone at home.

Well, you are coming over to see Gary on TV tonight, aren't you?

Oh, Val, I can't. What if Olivia calls again?

Oh, Abby

you can't just shut yourself up in the house, you know.

I don't know what else to do.

Nobody does. Not the police, not Richard

not even that detective I hired that's costing me

an arm and a leg.

Abby, it's easier if you use hot water.

Huh?

To rinse the polish off.

[chuckling]

It'll show you how desperate I am.

I haven't polished the silver in..

[chuckling]

I don't think I've ever polished the silver.

[chuckling] Look, why don't you get somebody to watch the phone

for you and come on over tonight?

[Val] 'Come on. It'll do you good.'

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Oh, hi, Mrs. Stetson.

Oh, well, I don't think I..

[sighing]

Yeah.

Yeah, I can.

[Abby] 'I'll be there.'

'Thanks.'

- Val? - 'Hmm.'

[Abby] Would you do me a big favor?

Sure, if I can.

Could you watch the phone for an hour or two?

Oh, well, Abby, I was just on my way to class

and-and I'm having you over tonight, so I--

I know, I know, I know you got

a lot to do but, uh- but it's really important.

You see, there's this group of women that have gotten together

and they exchange information

on-on stolen children

and this is the only group in this area.

A-and they can see me right away.

[Abby] Oh, Val, you're such a friend.

Thanks so much, I appreciate, it.

I think it is.

[sighing]

[door closes]

[harmonica music]

Time, Tempo.

Newsweek, get 'em here here.

Get 'em here, all the..

All the papers you want. Here.

[rustling]

[indistinct speech]

Hey, lady.

The library's down the street.

That's how I make my living here.

[male #1] New paper, all your paper, get your own paper here.

Wall Street Journal, all of it.

[sprinkler hissing]

[children chattering in a distance]

[sighs]

Children, I'm trying to read.

Now run along. Shoo!

[sighs]

[sighing] Oh.

[tense music]

Stop! Stop! Thief!

- Hey, guy! - Stop that man!

- 'Look out!' - 'Police!'

[Lilimae] 'Stop that, man! Stop!'

Hold it!

[dramatic music]

[indistinct chatter]

[music builds]

[quirky music]

[rattling]

[Lilimae] You worthless, polecat!

You ought to be skinned alive!

- 'Hey, nice goin', lady.' - 'Good goin' lady!'

- 'Terrific.' - 'Hey!'

[bystanders applauding]

[bystanders cheering]

[Laura] I didn't want that one anyway.

[female #2 on TV] 'Supposedly harmless.'

Mm. These are great.

Gary make these himself?

Gary? Are you kidd- stop it.

You know, I think he's kinda nervous about tonight.

- Really? Hasn't sat down. - I know, that's what I mean.

Anyway, maybe she's working late.

- These are great, Gary. - Yeah? Good.

- I'll get it. - Okay.

[female j&2 speaking indistinctly on TV]

- Hi. - Hi, there.

- We brought the baby. - Hope that's alright.

Of course, well, let me see her, let me see her.

Oh, she's a darlin'.

What are we callin' her? Erin or Molly?

Mm-hmm. Yeah.

[laughing] Both.

[Richard] Hey, let me see the baby.

Hello, Erin Molly.

My God, you got enough stuff here to support the Eighth Army?

Oh, will you look at her.

Oh, isn't she the sweetest thing in the whole wide world?

Oh, she has Kenny's nose, definitely.

She's finally lost that pinched look.

Well, all newborns have it.

[chuckling] But mine.

I'm gonna put her upstairs.

[Richard] Wait, wait wait.

Honey, we're setting this stuff up down here.

- Let's have her here. - No, let's put her up.

You got your hand out?

[doorbell ringing]

Oh, hi, did I miss it?

Unfortunately, no.

Oh.

Hi, I'm sorry I'm late.

I-I got hung up with Michael.

He's going on a field trip tomorrow

to the tide pools, and he..

[overlapping speech]

And-and he couldn't find his rubber boots.

You got plenty service, right?

- She's got everything. - It's almost time now.

Wait a minute.

[female #2 speaking indistinctly on TV]

Yep, here he is in the newscast right now.

- Oh. - What? Did it happen?

- No, no, no. - No, you're just in time.

It's okay.

We'll be back after a brief commercial announcement.

And coming up next, bag lady bags the mugger.

Yep, th-this is it. Here it comes.

Hi, friends.

I'm Gary Ewing of Knots Landing Motors

and I'd like to tell you about

the super savings we have on sale.

- Looking for a sporty compact? - 'Yeah.'

An economy model with plenty..

What's with his arms?

Nothing's wrong with his arms.

...to match the most expensive European import.

- Well, we've got it. - That jacket looks great.

[Gary] ...savings to.

Frankly, friends, uh, we're overstocked

and we've got to move these cars and move 'em now.

This is great, copy, Karen. Come on down.

Shh.

Super saving deal of your life.

And don't forget, friends, we service what we sell.

That's Knots Landing Motors, one block east of the freeway

between Carrington and Hargrove.

For the super saving deal of your life.

[Valene clapping] 'Yay!'

I told you I'd be awful.

Oh, you were not awful.

You were terrific. Wasn't he terrific?

Well, let me put it to you this way.

Don't.

Really, you were super.

And so sincere a man, you'd buy a used car from.

According to bystanders, the homeless

slightly built woman nabbed the alleged mugger

single-handedly, knocking him down

with a shopping cart.

For-for a sec, you know, you reminded me of someone.

- Yeah, Kirk Douglas. - Kirk. Right.

[overlapping chatter]

[male #3 on TV] 'Thanks, Marsha.'

Well, just how weak is the weaker sex?

'I'm here with Mrs. Lilimae Clements.'

Who needs coffee?

Grandmother, and as of today, crime fighter.

Can you tell us what happened here this afternoon?

Well, wasn't much to it.

A man was making off with that poor woman's purse

so I stopped him.

Well, now I understand you were evicted

from your hotel this morning.

Oh, no, you've got that wrong, young man.

[male #3 on TV] 'You didn't give me an address.'

'Now does that mean you're living here in the park?'

Oh, well, that's how it is in show business

you know, up one day and down the next.

- Hey, Val. - What?

- Do you want coffee? - Look at this.

I toured at one time with, uh, Maybelle Carter

back in Tennessee.

Mama.

Well, the question here is, is a lady

who cared enough to get involved

going to have a roof over her head tonight?

[male #3 on TV] 'Steve Salt from Memorial Park'

reporting back to you now, Marsha.

[dramatic music]

I can't get over it. She never left town.

She's been here a year and a half

and she never got in touch with us.

I just don't understand that.

[laughing] But, boy, what she did.

Come on, Gary, it's not funny.

[clears throat]

Oh, and now she doesn't have a penny to her name.

She's worn out her welcome with Aunt June, her very own sister.

And last night she announces to all our friends

and to the whole world on TV that she's..

...she's a homeless vagrant.

Oh, honey, come on.

She's your mother.

Thought you'd made peace with that.

I did, I did, that's just it.

I mean, I-I just don't under..

Oh, what is it? What's the matter?

I don't know, it's just this, um..

It's like, it's a feelin'.

It's a-a-a, like a bad omen.

A bad omen?

Well, I don't mean that. It's just that

her turning up here, it's just not what..

Oh, Gary, you know what I mean.

Give us another kiss.

Well, oh, look at the two of you.

[Lilimae] 'A couple of lovebirds, I declare.'

[Gary] 'Good morning, Lilimae.'

- Mornin'. - 'Coffee's ready.'

Now, don't you go waitin' on me, sweet pea.

I can take care of myself.

Good, you sure did in the park yesterday.

[laughing] I'm not a caution.

You think I was some kind of national hero?

Like a astronaut or one of those

Hollywood superstars.

Oh. You have some cream?

- It's right there, mama. - Oh.

[coffee trickling]

Mama, why didn't you tell us that you were in LA

all this time?

[Val] 'What made you stay here?'

The music business.

We used to be mostly in New York

Chicago, Nashville.

But a lot of it moved right here to LA.

Well, what'd you live on?

Oh, I scrape by.

It was tough goin'..

...but that's what country music's all about.

[Lilimae] 'Hard times, real problems.'

I mean, just like Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn sing about.

It's always your music.

Well, it's the joy of my life.

[Lilimae] 'It's about all I live for.'

Mama, you have been trying to make a go

of your music ever since I can remember it

and nothing's ever happened.

- Val. - No, Gary.

Val's probably right.

I'm just a...foolish old woman with a dream.

Oh, mama, it's just that I-I-I want

you to make some plans.

Some-some realistic ones for your own good.

Oh, you're right, Val.

You know, your Aunt June's been after me

to come and live with her for as long as I can remember.

Well, are you sure that Aunt June..

...has room for you?

Oh, well, I don't take up much room, sugar.

[telephone ringing]

[Gary] 'I'll get it.'

Hello. Who?

Oh-oh, yeah, yeah, sure. Just a second.

- Lilimae.. - Mm?

Telephone.

- For me? - Yeah.

Oh.

This is Lilimae Clements.

Well, well, yes, it was quite an experience.

Well, yes, indeed. I-I..

I most certainly would be interested.

Well, um...let me just check my schedule and see.

[Lilimae] 'Uh, four.'

Well, I-I think I can squeeze you in then.



See you then.

[excitedly] Oh.

Have you any idea who that was, calling on the phone?

[Gary] 'Who?'

An A&R man

from Sandstone Records, that's who.

He saw me on the TV and wants to talk to me this afternoon.

Oh, this is the chance I've been waiting for all my life.

Oh!

[laughs]

[soft music]

Oh!

[door opens]

Oh.

[sighing]

[somber music]

[birds chirping]

Goodwill.

Maybe, Eric..

No, damn it.

[distant dog barking]

Hi, Karen.

- Oh, hi. - It looks like a cyclone.

- Oh, it's Sid's things, is it? - Yeah.

Finally got up enough courage

to, uh, go through these things.

It's sure a lot.

Sid never liked to throw anything away.

[Abby] I know.

Can I help you with something?

I-I tried to call you, but your line was busy.

It's off the hook.

Well, I-I won't disturb you, then.

I um, I just wondered if Diana could watch my phone

for a few hours after school

while I go to see Jeff's mother.

Well, I-I'm sure she could, but I-I thought

you already talked to his mother.

Oh, yeah, I talked to her.

She told me she didn't know where Jeff was.

Which, of course, is a lie.

Now, what can you do about it?

Threaten her with a subpoena.

Drag her into court where she'd be forced

to testify under oath.

I, um..

I left Ginger and the baby over at my house

watching the phone.

- Oh. - I'll see you later.

Okay.

Abby.

Yeah?

Would you, um, like something of Sid's?

Sort of a...keepsake?

Yeah, I would.

Could I come back later when I have more time?

Sure.

Thanks, Karen.

[somber music]

[mellow country instrumental music]

Um, I'm going to school now, Mama.

And don't you look pretty.

[chuckles]

I swear, angel, if I didn't know your right age

I'd take you for teenager.

[chuckling]

Just like your classmates must be.

Not everybody at the college is a teenager, mama.

Lots of older people go back to school.

[clicking tongue] And I say good for them.

Education's a wonderful thing, Val.

Lord knows, through no fault of my own..

...you didn't have much of a one.

Well...I'll be back early

so I can drive you to that appointment.

You do no such thing.

But mama, the record company's way downtown in Hollywood.

I'll take a bus.

I wouldn't dream your missing out on class for me.

Okay.

[Lilimae] And by the way, sugar

uh, just what is it you're studying

down at that college?

It's..

It's a writing class.

Oh, well, you certainly know your ABCs.

Oh, no, no, no, mama, creative writing, um

stories and character studies and fiction.

Stories?

Yeah.

Oh, I thought you were learnin' important things.

Writing is important to me.

Well, to each is own, I guess.

[chuckling] Just seems to me

you can't hardly book learn something like writing.

[Lilimae] 'I mean, whether it's stories'

or music, talent is God-given.

I mean, it has to come natural.

- Like your music. - 'Exactly.'

Well, I never took a lesson in my life.

I mean, no classes, no nothin'.

Just came to me as natural as singing comes to birds.

Well, good luck on your appointment.

[Lilimae] 'Thank you, honey.'

You have yourself a nice time in school.

[chuckling]

Okay.

Oh, ironing oughta help some.

[whirring]

[instrumental music]

[door screeching]

I think you'd better leave.

I'm not finished.

Oh, you've said quite enough for one afternoon.

Calling me a liar, threatening me.

I'll do anything to get my children back.

Even if it means swearing out a warrant for your arrest

and dragging you into court while they'll force

you to tell the truth.

A bit melodramatic, don't you think?

[Abby] Well, maybe you didn't know..

...aiding and abetting a child stealer is a felony.

Look, I don't know where Jeff is.

Bull!

Oh, Abby, simmer down.

For heaven's sake, have a drink or something.

What? Don't just go charging off

and do something you're going to be sorry for.

Have you ever been in jail Mrs. Cunningham?

Think about it.

- Excuse me. - I beg your pardon?

I think you have something that doesn't belong to you.

Um, what?

I'm a detective.

I'm afraid you're under arrest.

[dramatic music]

[Richard] I'm telling you, you're wasting your time.

But she knows where they are, Richard.

Yeah, but don't you understand?

By the time you get to the DA and he swears out a warrant

and you get her into court, Jeff will have moved

and you'll be right back where you started.

Alright, what about her phone bill?

Couldn't we subpoena the phone bill

and find out where she's making long distance calls?

Yeah, and then Annette calls Jeff and says move.

You're a big help.

Oh, what do you want from my life?

What I want is for you to stop playing forest ranger

for a minute and try and help me.

My kids have been gone for over a month now

and I'm no closer to getting them back now than I ever was.

Okay, okay. I'm sorry.

I'll subpoena Jeff's mother if that's what you want.

And her phone bill.

Thanks.

Honey, where's the..

Uh, excuse me?

Listen, I've..

I got to run, I've got Diana watching my phone

since after school.

Thanks.

She may never see those kids again.

It's terrible.

Where's our kid?

Oh, at Kevin's.

So it's, uh, just the two of us?

Just the one of us, honey.

I have to have dinner with some clients tonight.

Richard, I'm so glad you're home.

I'm glad somebody is.

[Valene] Gary just called.

Mama's been arrested.

- What? - You are kidding?

No. They said it was shoplifting.

You mean, the bag lady got busted?

Richard, come on.

Will you please help?

Yeah, yeah. Take it easy. I'll just..

Let me just get washed up

and I'll, uh, I'll pick you up.

I just knew it, I-I-I just had this awful feeling

that something bad was gonna happen.

- Maybe it's a mistake. - No, I don't care.

Once she gets out of jail

providing that Richard gets her out

I just can't let her come back here.

Oh, and it'll be okay.

[Abby] "I'm enclosing pictures of my son Brian, seven

"and daughter Olivia, nine, who have been missing

"since my ex-husband took them illegally

more than a month ago."

[door bell dinging]

Abby, slip into something sexy.

I'm taking you out to dinner.

Hi, Brad.

Come on, now, times a wasted.

I can't.

Alright, don't change.

No, I mean I can't go anywhere in case...Olivia calls again.

Whatever happened to that fun girl

I used to know and date?

You try being fun and games when your children are missing.

Now, I am sorry about the children

but you can't spend the rest of your life sitting around

waiting for a phone to ring.

I never thought it was gonna be that long.

Look, you're gonna find them, and soon.

But tonight you're gonna forget all about 'em.

I am?

Now I bet you haven't had a decent meal since the kids left.

Well, what difference does that make?

[sighing]

[Brad] 'Come on, Abby.'

A little wine, little music, little protein.

I said no.

And I mean no.

Okay. I'll back off.

Of course, if you, um..

...wanted to order out Chinese..

A girl does have to eat, doesn't she?

[quirky music]

Lilimae, had anything to eat yet?

No.

Don't you worry about me, I'm fine.

Maybe you should see to Valene.

I don't need any seen to, thank you.

Uh, yeah, honey, there's a sandwich machine--

Gary, I-I'm not hungry.

There's no sense wearing out the floor, Valene.

Come sit down.

Look, Mama, I don't see how you can be so calm

and collected after what's happened.

I mean, I-I just don't understand it.

I only took that blouse outside to see it in the light.

- Oh, mama. - Well, it's the gospel truth?

[scoffing] Oh.

Look, could we not start up again?

Let's just wait till Richard gets back, okay?

Wasn't even the right color.

- What? - The blouse.

I thought it was teal blue, it turned out to be green.

I wouldn't have bought it anyway.

Well, folks, I think I got things straightened out.

I spoke with the deputy city attorney

and, uh, she's willing to diss for it.

- Diss for it? - Disposition it.

That means that if Lilimae is willing to plead guilty

to a misdemeanor--

Guilty? Over my dead body.

Lilimae, could we just hear what he has to say?

No.

She pleads guilty to a misdemeanor

and she gets off with a fine and, uh, maybe probation.

[sighing] Oh, thank God.

I'm not pleading guilty to any kind of demeanor.

And that's final.

[Valene clicking tongue]

[tense music]

Feelin' better?

No.

[laughing] Thanks a lot.

I'm sorry.

[sighing]

[Abby] I'm, uh..

...afraid I'm not really myself these days.

[Brad] 'I think you're terrific.'

[sighing] Go home, Brad.

[Brad] 'I thought I was spending the night.'

Look, you're terrific, and I really like you a lot

but I just can't concentrate on anything

but getting my kids back right now.

- Abby. - Uh-huh.

No, I'm sorry.

You can't stay.

[chuckles]

- Yeah, mama.. - Lilimae, you can't..

- No. That's my final word! - Mama!

Look, will you all just simmer down for a second.

Just simmer down and listen up.

Now, Lilimae

according to this arrest report

the store detective caught you red handed

outside the store with the blouse concealed.

I wanted to see it in the natural light.

It was under your coat.

Well, it makes no difference.

Gary, if she's gonna take this attitude..

Yeah, I know.

Look, what happens if she pleads not guilty?

A whole magilla.

I mean, a delay, a trial

which I don't have time to handle.

[Richard] 'It's gonna cost you, plus a lot of bad publicity'

and all with the same result. Probably.

I'm innocent.

[sighing]

Mama, will you listen to reason for just once in your life?

Well, if you don't care about your mother's reputation.

Oh, no, mama, it's got nothing to do with reputation.

Alright, alright, come on, this isn't helping.

Look, Lilimae, with all due respect

I really think you should consider Richard's advice.

I only took that blouse outside to--

To see it in the natural light.

Yeah, I-I know that.

Look, but you see, under the circumstances--

[knocking on door]

Your case is coming up, councilor.

Oh, why aren't the police out helping people

instead of persecuting them?

You're not mad?

Well, I am a heel.

[telephone ringing]

But not that much one.

[crickets chirping]

When I hear anything about the kids

I'll let you know.

[telephone ringing]

Is that--

Oh, my God.

[dramatic music]

Hello. Hello.

Hello?!

[panting]

[male #4] 'Although my client has appeared before this court'

'on one other occasion on a misdemeanor'

'drunk and disorderly charged'

'it has never before caused any personal'

'or property damages.'

'Since my client is indigent, unable to pay the fine'

'which this court has seemed fit to levy against him'

'I ask that the said fine be waived'

'and that Mister Sawyer be released with a warrant.'

[Judge Simpson] 'In view of the previous time served'

'I'm reducing your sentence to 30 days.'

[clacking]

People versus Lilimae Clements.

Here, Your Honor.

Lilimae.

[Judge Simpson] 'You're charged with a violation of Section 4-9-O-5'

of the Penal Code. How do you plead?

- Well? - Um..

Uh, guilty, I-I guess.

My client pleads guilty, Your Honor

but I'd like the court to acknowledge

[Richard] 'that this is her first offense.'

'Uh, Mrs. Clements has never been in trouble'

with the law before

and I respectfully request that under the circumstances

the court suspend sentence.

Is this your permanent address

at Seaview Circle, Mrs. Clements?

No, Your Honor, it's temporary for the time being.

How long have you been there?

I just moved there.

I-I just arrived just yesterday.

Is it a private residence?

Uh, if I may, Your Honor--

Councilor...let your client answer.

Uh, it's my daughter's home.

Uh, my daughter Valene's

uh, and her-and her husband's

[Lilimae] 'Gary Ewing.'

'I'm just visitin'.'

What is your permanent address?

Oh, um..

Well, I'm hoping to find a place of my own

just as soon as I can.

Are you employed?

I'm self-employed.

[Judge Simpson] 'As what?'

I'm an artiste.

Um, what painter?

A performer, Your Honor.

[Lilimae] 'Uh, folk and country music.'

When was the last time that you were gainfully employed?

Oh, um..

Well, let me see.

I-I assure you, Your Honor, that my client

is not destitute.

Her daughter and her son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Ewing

are here with her and, uh, they have stipulated

that they will assume financial responsibility..

Oh, no, no, no, I don't want that.

Mama, shh! Shh!

I-I-I can take care of myself.

[Judge Simpson] 'Alright, alright.'

I'll conduct this hearing, if you don't mind.

Mrs. Ewing, will you and your husband

approach the bench?

[indistinct chatter]

Yes, it does.

[indistinct speech]

Yes, Your Honor.

Now, then, is your attorney correct?

Are you willing to assume financial responsibility?

Yes, Your Honor.

I must say you don't seem very happy about it.

- Well, she isn't. - But she'll do it.

Mrs. Ewing...the offence that your mother

pleaded guilty to is petty theft.

But I must tell you, shoplifting is a cry for help.

[Judge Simpson] 'It's a desperate cry for help.'

This woman needs care and attention in her sunset years

which this court should not have to remind

her children to provide.

'Too many of our senior citizens are thrust aside'

ignored, forced into sleazy hotel rooms

and then worse by the very children they nurtured

and sacrificed for.

Well, perhaps in this case that won't happen.

Mrs. Clements, there is a mandatory $50 fine

for shoplifting plus a possible jail sentence.

However, I am going to suspend sentence

and place you on probation for six months

'with the hope that your daughter'

and your son-in-law will realize their responsibilities

and take you into their home and-and take

you into their hearts.

'Next case.'

[indistinct chatter]

[crickets chirping]

Well...it's been quite a day.

I guess I'll go on up to my..

That is the guest room.

Goodnight, Lilimae.

[distant dog barking]

- Val.. - You must be starved.

I'll get you somethin' to eat.

[clattering]

Look, honey, I know you're upset

but don't you think you ought to go out and talk to her?

After being embarrassed and humiliated

and lectured at by that judge?

[clattering]

Honey, I know she wasn't a terrific mother

but she's the only one you got.

Okay, fine.

So you want me to thank her for all the sacrificin'

she did when I was growing up?

For all the times that she left my daddy

and me for weeks while she went off chasing

that-that dream of hers of becoming

a professional singer.

[quivering] Or for the time that I went to her with our baby

in my arms and she turned me away.

You still think that I ought to talk to her?

Yeah, honey, I do.

Mama.

Gary!

Gary!

What is it? What's wrong?

She's gone.

She's taken her clothes and everything.

- Well, she can't be far. - I'll go get her.

No, wait. I'll do it.

Mama!

Mama!

Just where in the world do you think you're goin'?

There's a bus stop on the corner.

But I want to talk to you.

I'm not coming back, Val, so you can just go on home.

[Val] Now, wait a minute! Mama.

[Lilimae] There's no use you saying anything, Val, I'm leaving.

- Not before I've had my say. - No.

Now, Val, I can't accept your hospitality.

Not after what's happened.

That's not what I was gonna say.

I couldn't help bein' on the television.

But I know it embarrassed you.

No, mama, it didn't embarrass me.

And as for that blouse, I didn't steal it.

I was only trying to see it in the light.

Now, I know you don't believe me.

And I know you're upset about what that judge said.

But I didn't want to plead guilty in the first place.

It's not what the judge said.

I know, you're troubled by the publicity and all.

Well, nobody remembers these things.

I mean, folks see a story about a silly old woman one day

and then, poof.

She's gone.

I gossamer on a windy day and it's like she never was.

Will you let me talk?!

Just forward my check from the Social Security

when it comes.

It's a widow's might.

Not enough to live on..

...but it'll help out at Aunt June's.

She doesn't want you there.

How can you say such a thing?

[Valene] Because it's true.

Only you don't pay any attention to the truth, Mama.

You never have.

Well...you don't have to deal with me anymore, Valene.

You can forget about me.

Now, I can't, and you know I can't.

Don't you understand?

It hurt me that you didn't let us know

that you were here all this time.

We've got so much time to make up for.

All those years that we were apart.

I didn't want to be a burden to you.

[Valene] A burden?!

But you're my mother.

W-we're part of each other.

Maybe you weren't the best mother in the world

but...I love you

because..

...because you're my mama.

You were cheated, Val.

Oh.

Will you just stop that and come on home?

Sure this is what you want?

Oh, come on, give me this.

Come on.

Come on.

Well, I'll tell you what, sugar.

We'll give it a try.

[laughing]

[Valene] You silly.

[mellow music]

[china clattering]

[indistinct speech]

Well, what have we got here?

Now, I don't want you to say a thing.

I want you to just sit down

and feast yourselves on a real

country breakfast.

Blueberry muffins. Just a mix.

But next time they'll be real.

- Ham and eggs. - Mama.

And homemade waffles

dripping in maple syrup.

Mama, why didn't you ask

before you went to all this trouble?

I wanted to surprise you, sweet pea.

Yeah, but you see, uh, I-I'm going running.

And, uh, Gary's..

[guffawing]

Come on, Gary, it's not funny.

Lilimae, if I eat all this, I'm gonna use up

my caloric intake for the week.

Oh, Gary Ewing.

You're skinny as an alley cat.

You shouldn't be on a diet.

Now that I'm staying, I'm gonna fatten you up.

Oh.

Come on, Val, sit down.

That's gonna to take a week to clean this mess up.

[both laugh]

This looks really good.

Well, sure it's good.

Now, you make a victory plate.

Nice and clean.

Know what they used to say during the w*r?

[Gary] 'No, but I got a feeling you're gonna tell me.'

[Lilimae] They had a slogan.

"Eat a bigger breakfast, do a better job."

[laughs]

[Gary] 'Seems to work, that slogan.'

'We won the w*r.'

[pensive music]

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music ends]