Original subtitles

Oh, hi, Nicholas. Good morning.

Nicholas? I said good morning.

Hey, you know, it's very rude not to answer someone when they're speaking to

you. I'm not talking to you because that's not my name.

What do you mean?

Since when is Nicholas not your name?

Since yesterday. I changed it.

Listen... You know, people can't go around changing their names just like

Why not?

Well, I mean, for one thing, people wouldn't know what to call each other,

right? Well, you don't have to call me anything.

Yeah? Hey. Hey, sir.

Hey, blondie.

What?

What's your new name? You know, in case I want to ask you something.

Well, promise not to tell anyone?

Look, I don't understand what good a name is if nobody else knows.

I'm just trying it out.

Look, I won't read a word of it to anyone.

There's a

magic in the early morning we found.

When the sunrise smiles on every...

It's a portrait of the happiness that we feel and always will.

Oh, it is enough to fill our lives with love.

Oh, we'd spend our days like bright and shiny new dyes.

There's a plate of homemade wishes on the kitchen window.

And they did enough to fill our lives with.

Now, don't worry. I told you I'd get you down. Now, hold on.

Boy, you better get going before someone starts to worry about you, you know?

Go.

Well, I know you appreciate me saving your life and everything, but you really

ought to get going.

could stay for just a little bit of milk. How does that sound?

Well, Brighton, sunny good morning to you, Brian.

Yeah, well, it would be if I was still bagging a few Zs, man. I'm still asleep.

Me too.

After last night, I'm surprised either one of us made it in at all. Yeah, well,

it's not the nights that do me and David me, boy. It's the mornings after that

give me my problem.

I'll make a deal with you, partner.

After we open up our own business and get our contractor's license, you can

the morning shift, and I'll handle all that challenging after -lunch trade,

Oh, boy, with a schedule like that, we ought to be in business for about a

Yeah, well, at least then I can catch up on my sleep.

Oh, and so we begin another delightful day under the relentless sun, pondering

life's complexities to the beat of a 24 -ounce hammer.

You make being a broadback sound almost poetic.

It's not the pain in the back.

The ache in the arm that swings the hammer that hits the nail that holds the

mystery of life.

I don't know much about the mystery of life, but the mystery of your aching arm

has nothing to do with swinging a hammer, unless, of course, your

5 '4", blonde, and answers the name Betty.

Don't remind me.

I know from where I was sitting last night, her elbow looked awfully lethal.

used it like a pro.

Brian, cut it out.

Brian, stop it.

Brian, I warned you.

Brian.

Come on, man. Quit goofing off.

Brian.

It's all gone.

Ryan? Ryan?

Can somebody give me a hand?

Ryan, come on, say something. Come on.

Come on, go get an ambulance or something.

Ryan?

Guys, I want you to meet the cat I found this morning.

Ron, Marsha, this is the cat I found.

Well, now that you all know each other, I want you to be friends.

Only I don't want you to be too friendly.

Hey, squirrel, what's going on?

Oh, nothing.

What was that?

What was what?

That.

Oh, that.

I don't know.

Hey, you got something in the bag that you don't want me to know about?

No.

I mean, yep.

Think Dad will let me keep it? Well, I've been in this business a lot longer

than you, kid.

There's only one surefire way to win with Dad on this one.

That's to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Is that all?

Yep. And if that doesn't work, cry.

You see, what this family needs is some strong first down plays.

What this family needs is to hang up its football jerseys.

Please, Tom Bradford is not a quitter. And the Maxwells so far have us down

three games to zip this season. If we don't win at least one game, that'll be

the end of the Tushbowls. You mean there's still hope?

Oh, please, Abby, I am serious. There's more to this than mere pride. There's...

revenge. There's also you and Max singing your off -key chorus of God

America before each game. Not to mention the soggy halftime sandwiches covered

with ants. And the twisted ankles and the sprained backs. And the grass stains

on your jeans.

Football is not for everyone, my dear.

Yes, and I'll be reminding you of that while I'm applying the heat pack to your

back. Can I have a grown -up's opinion?

Oh, yes, of course. You've come to the right place. No one here but us grown

-ups. Good.

Dad, if a guy wants something really bad, and he's willing to practically do

anything to keep it, and it is a good thing, shouldn't he get to keep it?

Hmm, now let me see if I understand that question correctly. And I think I do.

My answer...

in general, and purely theoretical, is an unqualified maybe.

And I agree with your father 100%, with reservations, of course.

What does all that mean?

It means that we have to know what it is you want.

You mean whether or not I get to keep my cat?

I didn't know you had a cat.

Well, I didn't until this morning. See, I saved its life, and it's real cute,

and it doesn't have a home.

Abby? Um, well...

You can keep the cat. In the garage?

And on one condition. That you have to assume full responsibility for it.

You mean I don't have to cry?

Well, it didn't do Tommy any good.

All right.

All right.

That ought to do it.

Now we got a mascot and we can't lose.

he doesn't like football next to us, huh? Yeah, why should the cat be any

different than the rest of us? Okay, everybody, please. Today is the day that

the battling Bradfins are going to show the Fieber Maxwells what we are made out

of. Oh, you mean we're forfeiting?

Football is not funny.

Oh, the way we play it is.

A little overdressed for the dish bowl, don't you

think? I can't play today.

Lucky you.

Hey, Dad, David's not playing today. Oh, I thought I heard the door. Why? What's

wrong?

Can I borrow a tie?

I can't believe it.

A heart attack.

When you're only 25, they have a fancier name for it.

You know, if you've been doing something stupid or stepped off a curb into a bus

or something, but this way doesn't make any sense.

It never makes any sense.

Well, then what's it all worth, Dad?

All the hassles and work you put into making something good out of life, if it

can all just end like that.

It's worth as much as you can make of it, son.

But never any less.

Thanks for the time.

Yeah? Mrs. Marshall, it's me, David Bradford. Oh, David, I'm sorry. I

No, no, that's okay.

I couldn't make it to the service.

I had kind of a problem.

I just wanted you to know that Brian and... Oh, Brian and I were pretty

Brian liked doing things in a big way.

And I'd say he lived his life to the fullest.

And while I...

I'm really sorry. We all are.

Would you like to come in?

Some of Brian's other friends are here. No, I can't stay.

I brought some of his things, though.

His tools, a jacket.

Keep everything.

Please.

I don't want to see it.

Please. Mrs. Marshall, I can't keep...

I'm just trying to make arrangements to return some of your brother's

belongings, his tools, bike.

Couldn't we do it later?

After everything's settled down a little bit more?

Come on, Mom.

Hey, David, David, you don't look too hot.

No, it's nothing.

I just burned out, run down or something.

Not enough sleep.

Hey, I got something that'll put you right back on your feet.

They should direct it for weight control.

Yeah, weight control. Isn't it a gear?

Whatever you've done, just like one of those, you'll be up and running in no

time.

Hey, listen, why don't you just go ahead and keep the whole bottle?

I got a doctor that gives me refills. No questions asked.

Thanks.

Bradford!

You're late.

Oh, whoops.

Forget it.

Oh, no, absolutely not, Fergie.

I tell you what.

I'll work up high today at no extra cost.

Have it your way.

even say, huh?

I've been learning.

I

made

it! Hey, how's the weather up there?

Hold on, I'll look.

Are you crazy?

David, cool it. No, it's not cool.

Actually, it's rather warm.

Beach weather.

Hey, look, I'm surfing.

Hey,

what's going on?

Get up there and bring him down.

And don't drop him!

What

in

God's name were you trying to do? Kill yourself?

Having a little fun?

This is a building under construction, Bradford. Not a playground.

If it was anybody else, David, I wouldn't even be wasting my time. But I

you. And you're a good worker.

So let's just forget what happened today.

If you say so. Only let's not be trying to pull any more stunts like that again.

Or else.

Or else what?

You really think a stupid question like that deserves an answer?

Who are you calling stupid, Ferguson?

I'm calling you stupid because you're too dumb to see me trying to give you a

graceful way to keep your job.

I don't remember asking for any special favor. You don't remember?

You didn't ask to get fired either. But that's exactly what just happened,

Bradford. You're fired.

Morning. Hi, David.

What brings you here?

I think he came by to hint for a new electric razor for his birthday.

It looks like his birthday is going to get here soon enough.

No, no, no.

I just stopped by to bum a cup of coffee, see what's new, and to return

man's tie.

Your father is not old.

Just a figure of speech.

Well, figure out a better one, please.

Hey, whose motorcycle's out in front?

Oh, I'm taking care of it for a friend. All right.

Didn't Brian have a bike?

Yeah.

Yeah, well, that's the friend.

Hey, could you give me a ride to school on it?

Sure, yeah.

Grab your books. I'll be outside.

Oh, is that my son David's voice I hear?

Well, at least I can still recognize your voice.

Why aren't you at work?

I'm sort of between jobs.

Oh, since when?

Since recently.

Okay, I'm ready. Bye, Dad. Let's jam.

Jam? Since when are we so anxious to get to school?

Since David's giving me a ride on his friend's motorcycle.

Oh, Tommy, let me just explain something.

That's what's known as jumping to a hasty conclusion.

What? David is old enough to look after himself. Do you wear a helmet?

I don't know. And he's also old enough to risk his own life if he wants to.

But you, young Tom Bradford, you are still under my thumb. No motorcycle,

period.

Hey, some other time.

Your tie's in the kitchen.

What's the matter with him?

Oh, give him a break, Dad. He's going through a rough period.

Nice picking bikes, David.

Thanks. Want to see my cat?

No, later.

They tenderize it all afternoon.

Who bought this letter?

It's from Froth, thank you, and I bought it.

It was my week to do the groceries, and I wanted to show Dad I could feed

everyone and still stay on a budget.

Oh, I don't know quite how to thank you for your frugality.

Tonight's entree was a particularly good buy. They were having a special.

Well, I bet there's a new pair of shoes on special. Maybe we could have those

for dessert.

Does anybody have a more interesting topic than food?

I do.

I'm going to be a father.

Isn't anyone going to congratulate me?

Oh.

That depends entirely, Nicholas, on who the mother is.

Nicholas is right.

This cat's definitely expecting.

Aw. Expecting what?

Kittens, Nicholas.

Oh, yeah, right. Just like I said.

How did you come to that conclusion?

Well, some things a guy just sort of knows. And when I didn't already know, I

read in a book that I bought on cats.

Oh, that's very resourceful.

I thought that we agreed to keep the cat in the garage.

Oh, yeah, right.

Shoot. Oh, well, Nicholas, now that your cat's going to be a mama, don't you

think he deserves a name?

Well, I was thinking on names, and I came up with the perfect name.

Cat.

Oh, yeah.

Is that it?

Cat G, ain't it?

Sounds kind of dumb to me.

It is not.

I figured if Cat lived its whole life with a name I don't know, and if all of

sudden I just gave it any old name, it'd get all confused.

So Cat's the answer.

Well, the kid's got a point.

Yep, right at the top of his head. Wait a minute. Oh, yeah, there it is. Look.

I finally negotiated a P.

Oh, I didn't even know we were at war.

Oh, it was just a small skirmish.

Nicholas is so concerned about Cat, he insists on sleeping out in the garage

with her, but he finally settled for just being out there the night she

delivers. I've never seen him so concerned about anything before.

Do you know that he actually begged me to take him to the library tomorrow

school so he can do more research on cats?

He's being very mature.

My youngest son is marching into maturity. My oldest son is driving a

into second adolescence.

The beard, the jacket, the motorcycle.

I hate to think about it. The motorcycle was Brian's. Well, that's no reason for

David to act like a rebellious teenager, is it? Oh, Tom, just because he hasn't

shaved for a few days doesn't mean he's being rebellious.

No, I mean, not even our 24 -year -old David is immune to sudden relapses in

childhood. Hey!

Cut it out!

Oh, maybe I should look into a motorcycle and a beard. You don't have

Hi.

I, uh... Oh, I bought you a bottle of that tequila you like so much.

Thought we might have ourselves a little party.

I mean, we do have plans for tonight, so I thought you wouldn't mind.

Cheers.

Well, the old man at the liquor store recognized your bike.

That's how you were.

I told him you're a little under the weather.

I don't know how you can drink this stuff, man.

Now I know why they call it cactus juice.

I saw your mom, Dave, your, uh... The other day.

Don't get mad at me, Brian, but I lied to him.

You haven't lived your life to the fullest.

Oh, man, you haven't even lived at all.

I mean, I'm the same age, and I sure haven't lived.

Don't worry, friend.

I'm going to do you a solid, really make things right.

I'm going to live for both of us.

Here's to us.

Hi. Not yet, but I'm working on it.

Want some company?

Planning to score my old lady a drink.

You might as well buy me one, too.

This is a pretty lady.

Yeah.

One punk

to a car.

Watch your head.

about to ask you the same question.

Isn't it obvious I'm looking for a new apartment?

This is no time for sarcasm.

It seems the register always keeps a reporter on the police beat, and he was

kind enough to call me when he heard that you were being booked.

Too bad he had to call me instead of you.

I can take care of myself.

Yeah, I can see you're doing a remarkable job.

I thought you said this wasn't a time for sarcasm.

Let's just say the cute remarks after we get you bailed out of here, all right?

Don't waste your time.

I don't need your help, all right?

David, I think I have a pretty good idea of what's bothering you.

But believe me, it's pointless.

No matter what you do, no matter how many fights you get into, it's not going

bring Brian back.

What makes you think this has anything to do with Brian?

My eyes.

You're wearing his clothes. You're driving his motorcycle.

You're carrying some kind of a torch.

It's selfish, David.

Not only are you distorting the memory of a pretty decent friend, but you're

carrying on a relationship with someone that can't make any demands on you. Stop

it! All right?

Just stop it.

I don't need your help. I don't need your understanding.

I don't need anything.

I just want to be left alone.

David, I know. You don't know anything.

Just get off my back.

All right.

I'll let you work this out for yourself.

That suits me fine.

Is David allowed to have visitors?

You're going to be late for school, Nicholas.

But... Nicholas?

Yes, ma 'am.

I'd better get ready for work.

Well, are we just going to sit here and stare at each other?

Well, what else can we do?

Yeah. Dad said David doesn't want any help.

Well, I say we help first and ask permission later.

I know someone who might be able to help David.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Bail money.

Well, I'll open the bidding, but I don't think I have enough cash by myself.

Oh, look, I've got $30.

What do you say?

Yeah.

Why don't you sit down, Mr. Bradford? We have a lot of forms to fill out.

Who are you?

MacArthur. No relation to the general.

I work in the public defender's office.

Now, if you'll take a seat, maybe we can expedite your release and begin

preparing your case.

You don't look old enough to be a lawyer.

I never claimed to be one.

I work in the PD's office as a clerk, but with a little luck, I'll pass the

this spring on my first try.

Great.

I need a lawyer and they send me a student.

Would you go wherever it is you have to go and find someone who can get me out

of here?

I happen to be that person.

If you don't want my help, there are plenty of others who need it.

It's up to you if you want to wait a week or so for a real attorney.

Or you can let me do my job.

Your choice.

Your full name?

David Brett.

I

don't

know how to thank you, Janet. I mean, you were the only one I knew who really

could help.

Forget it. Someday you can pay me back with the complimentary surgery of my

choice. You can be my first patient.

Maybe we better just call things even.

Thanks, Mark.

Hey, jailbird, you...

Want a ride home?

No, no, pass.

I've got to pick up my bike.

Well, okay, I'll drive you then.

No, don't bother.

Really, it's no bother.

David acted like he didn't even want to see me.

Well, I think he's just embarrassed about what happened.

Yeah, but what is happening with him anyway?

Well, I'm not exactly sure, but I think all of this has something to do with his

friend dying.

No, that doesn't make sense.

I mean, I've met Brian.

So has Susan and Elizabeth.

He just wasn't the kind of guy who got into fights or acted crazy.

Well, that's the way David's acting. It's almost like he's trying to get into

trouble. Well, it's just plain weird.

Oh, hi, Dad.

We were just talking about... I know what you're talking about, so forget it.

David wants to be left alone?

I, for one, intend to honor that request.

Oh, come on, Tom. David may have said that, but everything he's doing cries

for attention.

I mean, what, with his friend's death and losing his job? And after last

Well, I think we should try to be a little more understanding.

Oh, really?

Yes. But I don't understand. I'm tired of trying.

But, Dad, how can we possibly help David if we don't know what's going on inside

of his head? That's his problem.

Look, a son tells his father to get lost, so the father's supposed to

away and figure out, gee, what's eating my poor son's heart without hurting his

feelings. Sounds a little lopsided to me. And since when is fairness a

prerequisite for parenthood?

Help! What's wrong, Nicholas? I don't know. It's Kat.

Come here. Okay, okay.

Where is she?

What?

That was actually kind of funny. And all of a sudden, I just couldn't find her.

I don't know how she got in here.

Maybe she didn't like the bed I made for her outside.

Hmm.

What's up?

Something wrong?

Well, looks like Nicholas is going to be a father sooner than we expected.

Now what do we do?

First, take a deep breath.

Relax.

Now go boil some water.

Why do they always ask for boiled water?

Mostly to give the expectant father something to do.

Well, I suggest that we all relax. Mother Nature usually does most of the

That was the last one.

You know, when God invented the human heart, he forgot to develop a heavy duty

number for parents.

To lose it without sleep, you must be exhausted.

Yeah.

Tom, wait. Please let me go, okay? No, I'll be right back.

What are you doing here?

Paying back the bail you posted.

I thought I told you to let me handle things.

The last thing in the world I'd do is to pay your bail.

Your brothers and sisters are responsible.

Before I could stop them.

Oh.

Well, then I'll pay them back.

No, no.

You keep it.

I'll take care of them.

I don't want to owe anybody.

You owe me and the rest of the family nothing.

Because that's the way you want it.

You know, you say you want to be left alone.

Okay, you've got it. But it works both ways. Why don't you leave us alone?

You're so bent on self -destruction. Okay, go ahead and do it. But don't put

this family through any more of this.

David Bradford is welcome here.

But you don't belong.

Oh, I took a chance to be here.

Nice place.

I come bearing good news. I managed to work a little deal on your behalf.

You got any coffee?

Mm -hmm.

You look like you could use some yourself.

Are you all right?

Yeah, sure. Why?

No reason.

Instant's okay.

I'll spare you the legal double talk.

And just give you the highlights.

The guy you went up against in your friendly neighborhood bar has a rather

impressive, one might say colorful, path.

Just in case anybody asks, like the judge in court tomorrow, you and your

gladiator have mutually agreed to drop your respective charges.

Hey, by the hair of my chinny -chin -chin.

Well, just so you don't think you're getting away scot -free, you do have

damages to pay, plus court costs.

But in a few days, I'm sure this will all seem like little more than a bad

dream.

Don't sell bad dreams short, Miss MacArthur.

I know I've had my share of them lately.

I assume that last remark was your clumsy way of saying thank you, which I

accept with all humility.

Oh, yeah. Sorry. Thanks. Don't mention it.

Here's your coffee.

If you're planning to get a refill on these things, you better do it fast.

The doctor who prescribed them is coming up for trial next week.

And I doubt he'll be writing any prescriptions when the D .A. finishes

Yeah? Well, I'll tell my friend what you say.

Well, as Perry Mason used to say, I'll see you in court.

And after that?

Let's take one day at a time. At the moment, I think that's about all you can

handle.

By the way, the reason for childproof cap...

is to keep people who don't know any better from getting their hands on these

things.

Hey kid, are you okay?

know I'm here, but I figured it was pretty important, so I came without

Here.

What am I supposed to do with this?

Give it back to me in a few weeks.

It's a coupon, like in the newspaper.

It's good for one kitten.

Thanks.

have any trouble coming up with a name just come to me i got a lot of extras i

can loan you well i'd like to stay longer

but i'm kind of busy these days and well i got a lot of appointments and stuff

i can't believe that guy all the work i did on your case i wrote a beautiful

brief that lousy deputy public defender almost blew it for us with the wrong

motion and he's supposed to be on our side yeah well maybe when you're a full

-fledged attorney you'll do better you're darn right i will hey listen i

appreciate all you've done and i apologize for being such a difficult

don't forget it i've had worse

I accept your apology.

Okay, then what are my chances of perhaps paying you back for all your

Maybe. Perhaps I can take you out to dinner?

Maybe.

What do I have to do to change your maybe to a yes?

Well, normally I don't go out with guys with spaggy beards. Were you planning to

shave?

Maybe.

I'll tell you what.

Why don't you give me a call? We'll talk.

Who knows?

Maybe.

Is David Bradford still welcome here?

Depends on who wants to know.

I guess I had to put my mortality to a test.

You know, it's one thing to learn that life can end suddenly, but it's another

thing to push it into ending.

Yeah.

After that stupid stunt on the bike, plus a few other things, I realized

Maybe I even knew that before.

I think that's why I fought so hard to keep you and the family from getting

involved.

I had to put things in perspective myself.

That way, if I didn't make it, it was only me getting hurt.

Yeah, but I'm afraid you're stuck with a family that feels the same hurt you

feel.

Look, David, everybody reacts differently to pressures, death, all

things, good and bad.

And I suppose that's what makes horse races.

I just think that it's wonderful that you could get through the race in one

piece.

So am I.

I still have a lot of things to sort out in my mind, though.

But once I get it into some kind of order, I'd like to share it with you.

Oh.

I don't like that.

But right now, if you don't mind, I have a rather pressing appointment.

Oh, really?

Yeah. Nicholas wants to introduce me to my new kitten.

Welcome home, son.

We missed you.

I missed you too, Dad.

Now listen, the Maxwells are going to give us just one last chance. Dad, you

said about our last chance. Well, this time they mean it. If we don't make a

good showing this time, then the Tish Bowl will just become a part of history.

It's already become a pretty bad memory. It's a bad attitude like that. Of

course, game after game after game. Actually, Dad, I think it's losing game

after game after game that causes a bad attitude.

Yeah, give it up.

Hi. Hi, guys.

Hi.

Are you ready to lead us into battle against the Maxwells? No, actually, I

stopped by to tell you that I'm not playing today. Oh, some people have all

luck. You always run us down in our time of need.

Sorry, Dad.

I need some time to myself. I thought I'd head up north and do a little

I was hoping I could see my kitten before I left. Where's Nicola? Tom, I

there's something you should see.

Nicholas, what is that?

I know

it's a dog. It's a rather large one. I mean, what are you

going to do with it?

Well, I saved its life, and it's really cute, and it doesn't have a home.

Oh, no.

Dad, I figured if a guy wants something really bad, and he's willing to give

any... just to get it and it's a good thing shouldn't he get it where did i

that before i think now's a good time to start crying