Original subtitles

Hey, Tommy, I'm doing a school report.

Can I ask you some questions?

Sure, shoot.

All right, where'd the Pilgrims come from?

England, 1620.

All right, where's Plymouth Rock?

It's in Massachusetts.

are smart, huh?

Yeah.

Well, if you are so smart, how come you're using Mary's deodorant on your

Deodorant?

No, it can't be.

Well, at least my head won't smell.

There's a magic in the early morning we found.

When the sunrise smiles on everything around.

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

owe it with.

Oh, it is enough to fill.

And our days like bright and shiny new dimes.

If we're ever puzzled by the changing times.

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

sill.

And eight is enough to fill our...

So we'll see you then.

See who?

I miss you, Mom. I love you. I can't wait to see both of you tomorrow.

Bye -bye.

Abby? What?

Now, Tom, Tom, I know what you're going to say, but I haven't seen my parents

for a really long time. I know.

And they're flying in from Pasadena for Thanksgiving dinner. Isn't that great?

Oh, yeah, that's wonderful.

But, I mean, if they're coming for Thanksgiving, that isn't until Thursday.

are they flying down tomorrow?

Because they've got friends in the city and they've got socializing to do.

Tom, Thanksgiving is the time to be with the people I love. And that means you

and that means the kids and that means my folks.

Okay, okay. Just I wish we could discuss these things first.

I didn't think you'd like the idea.

Oh, how can you possibly say that?

Oh, come on. Things will work out fine.

They're not even going to stay with us. They're checking into a hotel.

You've got your racquetball game with Maxwell, right? And I've got to get to

market to get a good turkey?

The turkeys are flying up from Pasadena.

I heard that.

All right, all right, I'm coming.

Hello, son, is your father home? Oh, no, he's at the racket.

Is your mother home?

out hunting turkey.

Well, I have a registered letter here for Mr.

Nicholas Bradford.

Is there anyone home who could accept it for him? Sure. I'm Nicholas Bradford.

You are?

Well, would anyone say their name is Nicholas if it really wasn't?

Let's see what you mean.

Well, here you are.

Mr. Bradford, you just signed right there.

Would you, uh, like any help?

Oh, no thanks.

There you go. And there you go.

Is it now you put out your hand and I'm supposed to give you the money?

No, that's all right.

Postal employees don't take tips.

What a relief.

All right, thanks.

You're welcome.

See ya.

to hear any excuses, Cory. I know when I'm being stood up. Elizabeth, look.

Oh, I don't know why you even bothered to call.

But since you did, just let me tell you that I wouldn't go out with you if you

were the last creep on earth.

Elizabeth, guess what?

Does it look like I'm in the mood for guessing games?

Mary! Hi.

I've got to tell you something.

Look, Nicholas, I've got to study from now, okay? Why don't you go tell Dad?

He's gone.

Well, then try Abby, okay?

She's gone.

Is it a matter of life or death?

No. Good.

Then it'll wait.

I see you have an eye for opportunity.

Uh -huh.

Thanks. That little classic there is fully depreciated and totally

You want to get her now before inflation doubles the value?

Oh, well, I really don't have all the money right now. Oh, that's what I

thought. Look, Sonny, why don't you go find yourself a nice used skateboard?

Hey, wait a minute. I can give you a $50 deposit.

Will that hold it until the end of the week?

Well, now, I don't usually do business like that.

Can you have the balance of payment by Friday?

Uh, yeah, sure, no problem.

Remember, I don't do this kind of thing for just any old buddy. Oh, you won't be

sorry, I promise.

I really appreciate this, thank you. Shake.

Abby, what does he think, that I'm not good enough for him? No. No, really,

because the second date in a row, Cory, last was broken. Abby, look at this.

Just a second. Look, Elizabeth, all I'm trying to say is that maybe he's happy.

But, Abby.

Stop interrupting.

Would you both just calm down? Nicholas, there are two more bags in the car.

Would you go get them, please?

But, Daddy.

It'll be your turn in a minute. Now, scoot.

I don't think you should be so hard on him.

I'm sorry.

I thought I'm really upset.

I don't blame you. I mean, having two dates broken in a row is not so

But maybe he had a reason. Oh, he had a reason, all right. I know why Cory

doesn't want to go out with me. Why?

It's my nose.

I beg your pardon? My nose. Look at it. It's horrible. I look like some kind of

a freak.

Abby, it doesn't belong on my face.

That's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. You have a beautiful nose.

I should have known you wouldn't understand.

successfully completed the worst game of racquetball i ever played in my life

tom come here sit down again hey dad am i glad to see you

oh see this letter oh yeah i'll look at it later nicholas you know what i guess

when you told me that your parents were coming to here to visit i think it threw

off my back as well as my game very funny please

No, only when I breathe.

Are you kidding?

Well, maybe you should just go upstairs and stop breathing until dinner. I don't

mind doing that if I can do it in a nice hot tub.

Dad, guess what?

Not now, Nicholas. My guesser is sprained as well as my sacroiliac.

But...

I got you.

Oh, yeah, sure. Come on in.

Dad, I've reached a very important point in my life.

Oh, really?

Again? Come on, this is serious.

Oh, I'm sorry. Go on.

Well, have you ever wanted to improve yourself?

Oh, yes.

In fact, right now I'm trying very hard to improve my spinal cord.

Well, I want to improve the way I look.

Oh, you mean diet, hairdo, new dress?

No, none of those.

Well, then let me guess, let me guess.

Fake fingernails, eye shadow, new shoes with heels so high that you need

oxygen to breathe.

My problem is much more serious.

Oh, well, it can't be any more serious than some of those I've experienced with

your four sisters.

They're always searching for that new look.

That's why I've developed the Bradford policy for the changing of female

appearance. I've never heard of it. Really? Well, then listen.

If you can pay for it, you can change it.

If I can pay for it? That seems to be your policy about everything.

Ah, you're learning fast.

Gee, thanks, Dad.

It's all right. Anytime. That's what I'm here for.

Briggs, ma 'am. Capital Envoy. I have a communique for Mr. Thomas Bradford,

father of Nicholas Bradford. Uh, well, I'll accept it. I'm Mrs. Bradford, wife

of Thomas Bradford.

Thank you.

Look, Abby, I'm practically walking upright.

Do you think you feel strong enough to open an envelope?

This just came from a government courier.

Oh, it must be a press invitation to one of those fancy -schmancy dinner parties

at the state capitol. Then why did you mention Nicholas?

Oh, yeah? Mm -hmm. Well, I'd better sit down.

What? Oh, no, this must be a mistake.

What is it? This is from the Vice President of the United States, from

Washington, D .C.

He says that he's happy to accept our invitation for Thanksgiving dinner.

He'll be here on Thursday.

Nicholas, will you run that by me one more time?

All right. Well, our class had to write letters to someone in the government to

get answers back for our report.

But I still don't understand. I mean, how did you end up inviting the vice

president to Thanksgiving dinner? To get an answer.

Well, I figured he'd have to write back either yes or no.

Why in the world would he answer yes?

Free meal?

No, no, wait a minute. Just relax. This has got to be some sort of hoax. No, no,

it is not a hoax. I just called Washington, and they confirmed it. It

the vice president is coming here for a governor's conference. One of his aides

showed him Nicholas's letter. He thought it was cute.

I didn't think it was cute.

No, no, let me finish, will you please?

You know how big this administration is with keeping in touch with the

grassroots. Well, the VP figured what better way than to have Thanksgiving

dinner with an average American family.

Somebody thinks we're average.

Well, then you mean the vice president really is coming? Yes, with his wife.

Excuse me.

Will the dining room hold 14 people?

No, there's just 10, right? And the two of them is 12.

I hate to remind you of this, Tom, because I know it's painful to you, but

parents will be here if you will call.

Oh, right, of course.

Sounds cozy.

No, cozy is not really the word. How about stimulating?

How about treacherous?

Hey, Harvey.

Yes, tell me Bradford.

Look, what would you say if I could guarantee you a personally autographed

picture of you standing by the Vice President of the United States?

Hey, don't say two.

Say five.

Payable in advance.

Hey, you are buying a hunk of history.

You know, I was thinking that this might be a good time to just give the house a

once -over like we...

Can we get it done by Thursday?

Well, I mean minor repairs, like fix a leaky faucet, a little paint here and

there. I didn't know you were so anxious to impress my parents.

Oh, please, I'll never impress your parents.

Someday they might move me up to hopeless.

Why don't you give them a chance? Maybe they'll give you a chance.

My chance.

Can we ask David to get the disposal off its deathbed?

You mean in case the vice president wants to use it?

No, in case it decides to flood the house in the middle of dinner.

Hey, Elizabeth, I'm returning your brush.

It's beautiful outside.

So what if the vice president's coming? That would solve my problem.

Hey. Hey.

What problem?

It's obvious, isn't it? I need a new nose.

Oh, Elizabeth, you're silly.

Lisa, your nose is terrific.

You're lying.

Look me in the nose and say that.

I am looking you in the nose.

All right, let me see. What are you talking about?

Your nose is nice.

Look, it's graceful. It's not obtrusive.

What do you want? It's got lots of character.

Oh, character. Now, that's a nice word for wrinkles and bumps.

Cory Larson has stood me up twice because my nose has enough character for

army. Oh, Elizabeth, it's not that tragic.

You have the Bradford nose.

No, no, no. I have the Bradford elbow, and it grew in the middle of my face.

Okay.

How do you want your nose to look?

Perfect.

All right.

I'll see what I can do. Come on.

Oh, dear.

Come on.

And the torpedoes in full speed ahead.

Those aren't torpedoes. Those are Abby's parents.

That's what you think.

Hello, Tom.

Hi there. Welcome.

Thank you. How are you? Oh, good. Happy Thanksgiving.

Thank you. Well, Tom, I see you're looking as fit as usual.

Nicholas, you're growing like a beanstalk. I can't help I'm growing.

Harry, why don't you and Tom make yourself comfortable in this study? Abby

have a lot of catching up to do.

Ah, yes, the study, that dark little room where Tom does his scribbling.

this way, Harry. How is the scribbling these days, Tom? Oh, well, I'm still

working for the register.

Oh, don't you worry, Tom.

Catherine and I have the utmost confidence in you. Someday the right

come along.

Well, how are you?

I know how fast everything changes with a house full of children, so tell me all

the news.

Well, there is some news, that's for sure.

Is everything all right?

Oh, fine.

It's just that Nicholas has done something very, um, unusual.

Oh? Yeah, Mom, Nicholas invited the Vice President of the United States to our

house for Thanksgiving dinner.

How adorable.

He accepted.

How unfortunate.

Harry, are you okay?

My, my.

The vice president, you say?

That's right.

Was Nicholas aware of a man's party affiliation?

Well, I doubt it. I mean, have you ever tried to explain politics to a nine

-year -old?

Hopscotch is a lot easier.

Yes.

I suppose he didn't know any better.

Thomas, I normally don't do this before 5 p .m., but in light of your

announcement, could I trouble you for a medicinal bourbon?

Oh, sure.

Coming right up.

Anything else?

Yes, Thomas, I would like your sacred word as a gentleman.

that we never mention this in Pasadena.

48, 49, 50.

Right on the nose. Now, if you'll step this way, I'll make out your receipt.

Remember, boy, the balance is due no later than Friday, because we're moving

them out fast.

Why, they're selling like hotcakes.

Yeah, well, what I'm selling moves faster than hotcakes.

Okay.

Well, this will certainly be an unusual event.

But that's just the point. Tom and I don't want it to be an event. We don't

it to interfere in any way with our traditional Thanksgiving.

Well, you know, it might not be as unfortunate as I first imagined.

Oh, well, I'm glad to hear that, Harry.

Well, it's an opportunity, actually.

Somebody has to straighten Washington out about the capital gains tax, for

starters. You know, Harry, maybe you ought to forget politics. After all,

is the vice president of the country.

Dear, still no downstairs bathroom.

Upstairs and to the left.

Of course, my dear.

Uh,

Thomas?

Come to think of it, you know, you never have told me your party affiliation.

Oh, well, I was never really a party man, Harry.

I always preferred a nice quiet dinner with Abby.

What do you think we should do about this capital gain tax?

Collect it.

Yeah, come in.

Hey, Joanie. Hi, Catherine. Catherine!

Elizabeth? Yeah, it's me.

Yeah. We were experimenting with a little makeup to see if we couldn't make

Elizabeth's nose look more like she wants it to. What do you think?

I'll have to think about it.

Yeah. Okay.

Well, Elizabeth, look, we'll try it again tomorrow, all right? Look, I've

change her dress rehearsal, but if you take a little bit of this powder and you

blend it all together, I'm sure you'll really love it, okay? I'll see you

downstairs. Yeah.

What is this all about, Elizabeth?

It's really kind of complicated.

Thanks. Try me.

Well, I need my nose fixed, and makeup isn't working.

Fixed? Oh, I understand what you mean.

Rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty? Well, that's what the plastic surgeons call it.

Well, that's what I'm going to do.

I see.

Have you talked to your father and Abby about it?

Dad says I can change anything I want if I have the money.

Rhinoplasty is expensive, you know.

Yeah, that's what I've heard, but after this, believe me, as soon as I can save

the money, I'm going to have it done.

You're really sure?

You want to change your nose permanently?

Absolutely.

Well, would you let your Grandma Catherine give you an early Christmas

Something in the order of money for a rhinoplasty?

Really, Catherine?

Grandma Catherine.

It's true.

Oh.

Come on, stay there, will you, for Pete's sake?

Hi, Dad.

Oh, boy, am I glad to see you.

Well, you almost didn't. I was heading for Squaw Valley.

How's it coming? Here, try this. Oh, it's just lousy. This flange is all

Oh, there's nothing worse than a... jammed flange, unless, of course, it's

interrupted ski trip.

Go ahead and joke. Next thing you know, we'll be fixing wobbly dining room

chairs. Uh -oh. I can see the slopes will have to wait. Here, let me look.

Are you sure the vice president deserves a new garbage disposal?

Whoa, have you been talking to Abby's parents?

Listen, here.

Try this.

No, Dad, not there!

No! Oh!

Oh! Oh! Whoa!

This is called addressing the ball.

There, now.

That hand like this. That's it.

When does this get easier?

Never. But it's very good for business.

You know any games that are good for fun?

Hey, I see you have the rehearsal.

Hey, Nancy.

Tony. Hey.

Hey, what are you doing? Wait. Well, it's my contribution to the vice

presidential visit.

I'm potting plants.

I know. Oh,

actually, I'm repotting plants. Oh, Nikki, look. Oh, he's in shock.

The poor thing.

He's dead.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. Don't say that.

For he's a jolly good fellow.

For he's a jolly good fellow. Go get the vacuum cleaner.

For he, okay. All right, but sing to him. Sing to him. It's the first day.

For he's a jolly good fellow.

For he's a jolly good fellow. Where?

For Yucatan.

Dr. Williamson says it's one of the oldest specimen of mind -brain surgery

ever seen.

I wonder what they use for anesthesia.

Probably one of Grandpa Harry's political opinions.

Oh, oh, I'll get it, I'll get it.

Don't cry, I'm not home. Okay.

Hey, it isn't and I got it. What do you want?

I'm here to see Mr. Thomas Bradford, Sr.

Oh, well, come on in, I'll get him. Oh, yeah.

Dad, it's for you!

All right now, Nicholas. Four.

I understand you're our designated average American family.

I think we need to talk.

As you can see, Mr. Cooper, we weren't expecting the vice president to send an

advanced man.

Precisely, Mr. Bradford. That's why I always insist on making a surprise

inspection. That way I can tell exactly what needs correcting.

Correcting?

In four days, every family in America will be watching the Bradfords,

what it's like to have the Vice President of the United States spend the

American of all holidays with the typical American family.

What makes you think we're the typical all -American family?

You will be on Thursday.

Well, you're loads of help today, you know.

What's with you?

Nothing.

Nothing? Well, I sort of bought a car.

What did Dad sort of say?

Well, I wanted to surprise him. It's my big chance to prove that I really can

make a business deal. Would you sign the registration slip?

Me?

Well, I'd do the same for you if I was the legal adult and you were the

juvenile.

I'll think about it.

Now the press corps will be able to find us. Is that your van there, Tommy?

That's my van, but I'm David.

That's David's van.

Why, you want me to wash it?

I was just thinking how nice it would be if it was an American -made vehicle

rather than one of those foreign imports.

What's wrong with import?

You are familiar with our balance of payments problem.

Mr. Cooper, you may have a balance of payments.

All my payments are made.

That's why I'm driving the van.

Well, how about putting I Love America on the rear bumper?

I'll think about it.

Hey, don't forget what you're thinking about first.

You've got a pretty independent brother there, Tommy.

No, I'm Nicholas.

The blonde is Nicholas.

Well, it'll be a tight fit for the 14 of you, but if we put the flags in the

northeast corner, then... Flags in the dining room? We don't have any flags.

We don't even have red, white, and blue napkins.

Order flags and red, white, and blue napkins.

Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to check the kitchen. Oh, here, let me do

for you. It sticks.

Oh, oh.

David and I will have this fixed before Thanksgiving.

Mr. Bradford, do you belong to a building trades union?

No, no, I don't, but David does.

Then I suggest you let David fix it. Last thing we need is a picket line on

front lawn.

A picket line on the front lawn.

My favorite Bradford Thanksgiving tradition.

Look, Mr. Cooper, I think we'd better have a talk. I mean, first of all, you

want me to rearrange all the downstairs furniture to provide...

crowd flow and media access. You want me to put a tap on the telephone for

security purposes.

You want my boys to have haircuts, flags in the dining room, and a change of

menus. I seriously question the disruptive nature of these suggestions.

Mr. Bradford, these suggestions, and there will be more to follow, are made

one thing in mind.

Yes, the inconvenience of this family.

No, the normalization of this family. This family is as normal as any other

family with eight children.

Precisely, Mr. Bradford. Eight children, which poses my most difficult

challenge. Most Americans identify with a typical family of 2 .4 children.

Well, would you like us to drown 5 .6 of our children by thanksgiving?

Mrs. Bradford, this is a serious matter.

We are serious.

I mean, if the vice president can put up with the U .S. Senate, he should be

able to put up with this family, right?

Fortunately, Mr. Bradford, I have 3 .5 days to rectify the situation.

Too busy to play janitor. You want the vice president to think we're messy?

We are. Besides, I've got phone calls to make.

You heard Mr.

Cooper. We've got to pass induction.

Inspection. And he is treating us like a bunch of marines. Yeah, and isn't it

great? Yeah, well, if you like us so much, you could play marine on my side

the room.

Really? Yeah, we're brothers, aren't we? Yeah.

Oh, no. I don't want to spoil your fun. It's all right.

Well, just turn with the vacuum, guys.

Make it beautiful.

What good is a beautiful room when you're stuck with an ugly nose?

Elizabeth, have you ever thought that maybe what you're going through is just

phase?

You see this tooth right here?

When I was your age, I mean, I couldn't stand it, you know, and now it's right

up there amongst my favorites.

You're making fun of me. Just because I'm trying to get you out of a very

idea.

Look, Mary's right, you know.

Do you remember Judy Tempkins?

She wanted to have this itty -bitty bump taken off her nose.

Well, she had such a bob job, her glasses won't even stay on her face.

just because she went to the wrong doctor.

Yeah, well, there happen to be a lot of wrong doctors in cosmetic surgery.

And do you know what they charge?

The money is no problem.

Oh, excuse me.

Did you happen to inherit an estate that the rest of us don't know about?

No.

Grandma Catherine said she would pay for it.

Grandma Catherine?

You mean Abby's mother?

Does Dad know about this?

Not exactly.

I just am waiting for the right time to tell him.

Considering the way Dad feels about Abby's parents, I would say the right

is the 21st century.

I can handle that.

Oh, no. Not your nose, Elizabeth.

I like it. I hate it.

It was my mother's nose.

What difference does that make?

Well, it's a badge of being Bradford.

I mean, somehow it's always made me feel especially close to you.

It makes me feel ugly, and that's why I want the operation.

Do you realize how painful it could be? And how much school you might miss?

Dad, the pain doesn't matter. Besides, how could I face school looking like

this? You look beautiful.

You're just saying that because you're worried about the money.

Well, yeah. Do you realize what kind of money you're talking about? I mean,

plastic surgeons are richer than proctologists.

It won't cost you a cent, Daddy, because Grandma Catherine has offered to pay

for it.

Grandma who?

Abby's mother.

You mean to say you discussed this with her before discussing it with me?

Yes, because she understands.

No, on the contrary, she does not understand. This is a family matter, and

family will not demean itself by accepting charity.

We pay our own way.

Does that mean you'll pay for my new nose?

Right now I have a more serious operation to talk over with Abby.

Some excessive meddling that has to be removed.

You wait right here.

Abby, there's something very serious that I want to talk to you about. Now,

it's your publisher, Mr. Randolph.

Yes, Mr. Randolph.

No, that's right, Mr. Randolph. You heard right. The vice president, I know.

Do a column?

Yeah, I might do a column.

Well, those weren't exactly my ideas, but we'll talk about it. But I can't

promise you anything, Mr. Randolph.

Goodbye now.

What does he want to do, dictate your column to you again?

Well, let's say he wants me to spend my holidays writing his ideas.

I tell you, this whole thing has gotten out of hand.

That Mr. Cooper wants us to redo my whole house and redo the children and

father. He wants to have a political revolution in my dining room.

And your mother... All right, let's discuss later what your mother wants to

but I feel that we've lost control.

I know.

You know?

Well, should we just call the whole thing off?

Do you think we could?

No. I mean, how do you tell the Vice President of the United States that he's

not welcome for Thanksgiving dinner?

All right, thanks, Dennis.

Now, your photo session with the Vice President will be at exactly 2 .36

tomorrow, and be here at least 20 minutes early, and wait in the backyard,

Oh, my God.

Money.

Hello, David, it's me.

Yeah, have you decided to sign for my car yet?

Oh, great, because I'm ready to buy.

Okay, yeah, I'll be right over, and we can go from there to the car lot.

Oh, David, I really appreciate this. Thanks.

Ah, Nicholas, there you are. How about joining me for a little briefing

It's, uh, H -hour minus 22, you know. Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Cooper, but I have a

very important meeting with Tommy.

But, Nicholas, come back here.

I am back here. Excuse me, Mr. Cooper, we're leaving. You guys, come on.

Girls,

where are you going? We're having a briefing.

We've got to get the library before it closes. But I have to rehearse the

reception line.

Girls, this is the first impression you'll make on the vice president, and I

want it to be neat and orderly.

Now, I suggest you line up according to height.

Oh, terrific, just like the sound of music.

But then I'll be way in the back.

All right, then let's do it according to age.

Great, then I'll never see the vice president. Let's just do it

okay? How? We're all Bs.

Ah, you work it out. Come on, you guys. Bye.

Mr.

Cooper, you know, if you could only break down and smile.

No, never happened.

an appointment, Mr. Cooper, so you can organize me.

I'm not sure it's possible for the United States government to organize

Bradford.

It's just that Tom thought it would be easier all around if you and I talked

privately.

Harry always made me do the dirty work with my mother.

I finally decided it wasn't easier all around. It was just easier on Harry.

Tom and I just want to be certain that Elizabeth is really sure about this

thing. She sounded so positive.

Yeah, but, Mom, that's today. I mean, I have a feeling that as soon as she has

something else to worry about, she'll forget this whole nose crisis.

What if she doesn't?

Well, then we'll just have to handle that ourselves, within the family.

Among the Bradfords.

Hey, look, Mom, remember how you raised your family?

I mean, you wouldn't let anybody influence your children.

I was just trying to help.

I know.

I guess there is a fine line between trying to help and butting in.

Mother!

Hey, um, right now I could use some help by stuffing this turkey.

All right.

This is the place. You sure?

Sure, I'm sure. I shook hands with Honest John right here.

Look. Look, here's some of his feathers.

I don't get it.

There's nothing to get. You've been fleeced.

This guy probably goes from state to state with the same car.

No, you're just lucky that you only gave him a deposit.

And you got the rest of the... Say, where did you get all that money in your

pockets anyway?

I made it fair and square.

How? By selling pictures of the vice president.

Well, where'd you get those?

I'm taking them tomorrow.

What? Now, how many of these futures did you sell?

Just 27.

Did it ever occur to you that the Vice President of the United States is not a

local disc jockey? What are you going to do, run around all day and take flash

pictures of him?

No, just for three hours.

Well, forget it, because that'd kill you, and that guy Cooper would probably

have your citizenship revoked.

Where did I go wrong?

I don't know. Maybe someday, someday, one of your business, and I use that

loosely, Ventures, may turn a profit.

H hour minus one.

Now, please keep in mind the fact that the vice president is particularly

partial to the drumstick. But I like the drumstick. Yeah, me too.

Yeah, me too. Oh, this is a three -legged bird.

Susan!

Please hurry, we still have to rehearse the reception line.

Hey, Elizabeth.

Hi, Elizabeth.

How dare you talk to me, Corey Larson.

Get your bop, I'm busy.

But I thought we were friends, at least.

Two broken days does not a friend make.

Listen, I'm really sorry about that.

But...

The fact of the matter is, I was too embarrassed to see you.

You embarrassed to see me?

Just come off it. No, really. I was.

You see, I have these allergies.

To what? Good manners?

My allergies give me this horrible rash all over my face.

And I guess I just got so nervous about going out with you that my allergies

just went crazy.

And I was too embarrassed to have you see me when I was looking like some kind

of lizard.

Really? Just because of a rash?

Really. I mean, a guy would have to be crazy to break a date with you.

But, Cory, how you looked wouldn't have mattered. I'd still go out with you.

Yeah? Really?

Well, how about tonight, then?

Oh, but there's this person coming to dinner.

Don't tell me you invited another boy to your Thanksgiving.

No, he's a friend of Nicholas'. How about 8 .30?

8 .30?

Might be perfect.

Hey, Mary, you know what the vice president looks like? I want to make

recognize him. Well, I think he's kind of tall, but I'm not really sure unless

he is. Nancy, do you know what the vice president looks like exactly?

I don't know. Probably real official.

Come on, Nicholas.

Yes. What's the press for?

Come on in.

You again, sir.

Tribune.

International Herald.

Why couldn't you tell me they'd be arriving in such force?

Examiner.

All right. Right into the living room, ladies and gentlemen.

True, your newspaper column is the real reason behind the vice presidential

visit. No, no, no. I already told you the whole thing came as a complete

surprise. Come on, Mr. Bradford. Why don't you level with me? I am leveling

you.

May I have your attention, please?

Attention here, please.

Thank you.

This is an advanced list of the questions that I will be asking the vice

president.

You really should talk about that.

There's nothing really wrong with it.

I know, but I thought you wanted to change it. I was wrong.

Cory likes it, and I've decided to remain 100 % Bradford.

So, thanks for your generous offer, but I don't think I'll accept.

Oh, Elizabeth.

I think you've made a very mature decision.

Oh, but there is one thing.

What's that?

Can I still call you Grandma Catherine?

Always.

He's here. He's here. The vice president's here.

He's here.

All right, everybody, quiet.

I'd like the press over on that side of the room.

Thank you.

Security, detail, take your positions. Mr. Bradford, I'll need you with me.

Bring the wife and kids.

Place them. Hey, let's go. Come on.

Remember,

Thomas.

He's just an elected official. Here today, gone tomorrow.

I'll try to keep that in mind.

About everybody.

I still can't help wishing we were doing all this for Ronnie Reagan.

You ready?

Welcome to the Bradford. Greetings, I'm Richard Watson, official government

courier. Is there a Nicholas Bradford here?

Oh, well, uh, yes.

That's me.

He's him.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Yes, happy Thanksgiving to you.

Open the envelope, Nicholas.

Come on.

Well? Here, Nicholas, let me see.

Come on.

Oh.

Sorry, but this is from the vice president.

And he had to return to Washington to attend some urgent congressional

He won't be able to attend our dinner.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

I knew it. Oh, I knew it. Oh, after all... Well, thank you anyway. Goodbye.

Thank you

for coming.

They left.

to Bradford, and I hope this doesn't put too much of a damper on your

Thanksgiving. No, no, no, that's all right. In fact, just between you and me,

I'm kind of relieved.

I really had no idea that Washington was going to pull the welcome mat out from

under you, and I just want you to know I appreciate your hospitality.

That's all right.

We just did what any typical American family would do, right?

Well, I guess I've learned a little about the typical American family of 12,

anyway, and I would just like to say that I really enjoyed meeting all of

Let's see. Mary. You remembered.

Susan.

Nancy.

Elizabeth.

Joanie. Mrs.

Bradford. Mr. Cooper.

Whatever your son's names are, happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Mr.

Cooper, would you care to join us for Thanksgiving dinner?

There'll be a couple of extra drumsticks.

Well, I'm...

Not really due back in Washington until tomorrow night, but I... Please stay,

Mr. Cooper.

You can eat my drumstick.

I don't actually like the drumstick, but I'd love to stay for Thanksgiving

dinner.

Aren't you lucky?

Mr. Cooper, sit with the president.

You can eat my own drumstick.

Me too.

Well, I'm hungry.

Everybody comfortable?

Yep. Happy Thanksgiving.

I know things didn't quite turn out the way we planned exactly, but that

shouldn't distract us from the real reason for celebrating Thanksgiving.

We should be thankful that we're all lucky enough to be here together.

All three generations of our family.

And we're thankful that we've made a new friend.

And we should be thankful for what we have, not what we hope to get.

And we should be thankful for what we are, not what we hope to be.

Most importantly of all, we should be thankful that...

We have each other.

For this we give thanks.

Amen.

Oh, Nicholas, no. What are you writing now?

A letter.

That's what I was afraid of. What kind of a letter? I mean, and to whom?

It's a new school project.

Oh, it can't be. Not another letter. I'd better have a talk with your teacher.

Well, Dad, there's this new suggestion box at school, and the teacher said that

we should all write letters suggesting something for the class.

Yeah?

So, I'm suggesting that we don't write any more letters.

Good thinking, Nicholas. That's very good.

Next Thanksgiving.

You get the drumstick.