Original subtitles

Oh, no, no, not now, Nicholas.

But it has to be now. I'm holding the phone.

All right. What is it, Nicholas?

Can I have a friend's day overnight?

Not if it's Kenny P. Landers.

It's not. It's Harriet Kaluski.

But she's a girl.

You noticed?

I'm sorry, but Harriet Kaluski cannot spend the night. What if it gave you

an idea?

Harriet did.

Oh. Well, you tell Harriet that young ladies and gentlemen your age do not get

overnight visitation rights. No way. Never.

Is that clear?

Hello, Harriet?

Yeah, I think we'll have to wait a week or so. My dad is thinking it over.

When the sunrise smiles on everything around

It's a portrait of the

happiness that we feel and always will

Wait enough to fill our lives with love

Always spend our days like bright and

shining

The changing time There's a plate of

homemade wishes On the kitchen window sill

And it is enough to fill our

news? Just stop poking me and tell me. Mrs. Schaefer went to have her baby, and

we got a substitute.

A substitute? That's great.

Should be a cinchy day.

Don't count on that, young man.

What is your name?

Nicholas. Nicholas what?

Bradford.

Nicholas Bradford.

Any relation to David and Mary, Joni, Elizabeth?

Yes, ma 'am. They're my brother and sisters.

I'm very glad to hear that, Nicholas.

Before I retired, I taught all your family.

You did?

Some of them got into trouble occasionally, but they never let it

their classwork.

So I know exactly what to expect from you, don't I?

Yes, ma 'am.

What? The hardest work and the highest grades.

From Nicholas?

He's a Bradford, isn't he?

Are you sure, David? I mean, the Bradford honor is at stake.

Well, so is the Bradford Construction Company.

If I don't hustle up some work pretty soon, you're going to wish you never co

-signed that loan.

Look, look at it this way. The golf course is a wonderful way to make

contacts. Yeah, you said that the last time we played the father -son

tournament. The only business contact we made wanted to sell me a slightly used

forklift. Well, what am I going to do? My boss' son is flying in from Harvard

just to make up our foursome. Well, tell him your son's name is Tommy.

Tommy? Sure.

Tommy isn't half the golfer you are.

Ask for a bigger handicap.

We're already getting the maximum handicap because of my playing.

Terrific. Then all Tommy has to do is live up to your reputation.

Touché.

Now that you've all had a chance to work the problems, who can tell me the

answer to number one?

As I remember all, the Bradfords were very good at math.

Why don't you tell us the answer, Tommy?

Wrong Bradford, Miss Crutch.

I beg your pardon? Tommy's his brother.

Oh, of course I remember. Now, he's the one who's so musical. How is Tommy these

days? Still musical.

Oh, that's wonderful.

Nicholas?

Yes, Nicholas.

From now on, I'll remember that.

All right, Nicholas, what's the answer?

Well, it could be 100.

$44 ,705?

But it isn't.

No, Nicholas, you'd better recheck your work. And maybe you should get one of

your brothers and sisters to coach you a bit.

The rating is a triple A+. Yes, a blue chip, but probably out of your price

range. Well, that depends.

I think he might be worth borrowing for.

Everything looks so good.

Kirk Ashley.

He has a very impressive stock portfolio and owns his own company.

Ah, no wonder the mechanics have been so nice to him. They've been reading his

Dun & Bradstreet.

He's probably one of the wealthiest young bachelors in Sacramento.

Hmm.

Wealthy, young, and a bachelor?

Three out of three is not bad.

I hope you don't want me to introduce you.

No, you don't have to.

I think he thinks I know him already.

Why would he think that?

Because I told him yes when he asked me out.

He's picking you up in a cream -colored white Rolls Royce. Well, is it chauffeur

-driven? No, I don't think so.

When he left the stock brokerage this afternoon, he was driving it himself.

Very tacky.

Elizabeth, you chose these showings. Are you kidding?

Why would I want to go out with a handsome young tycoon who has nothing to

but charisma, sex appeal, and economic security?

Too bad David can't meet your Mr. Ashley.

Come on, Mary. If he's going to meet anybody, let him meet me.

You I am not worried about.

Dad told me David's business is in a real slump.

Oh, no.

Yeah. Right now, David could use a few high -powered contacts.

Uh, Nancy, I think that's a hint.

I'm way ahead of you, Mayor.

You know, I read a similar problem in the Wall Street Journal.

What David obviously needs is a good, solid project that will generate

substantial cash flow, high profit, and demonstrate his technical expertise

throughout the industry.

You know, Nancy, you're beginning to sound like the financial pages. She is

She's beginning to sound like a loyal sister.

Go for it, Nancy. Put in a good word for David.

I met somebody today. They say they know you.

Yeah? Well, reputation gets around, sport.

Hope she's gorgeous.

It's Miss Crutch.

Miss Crutch, where'd you meet her? A cemetery?

Nope. School. She's my substitute.

I thought she'd be long gone and haunting people by now.

Well, she is haunting people.

That's tough luck, kid. Just don't let her push you around.

She's already pushed.

Yeah, I'll bet. She was one of the toughest teachers I ever had.

She seemed to like you.

Yeah, she did.

It was bad enough when she liked you. When she hated you, it was torture.

Orchard?

I heard you the first time!

Sorry, he doesn't trust my doorbell pushing. Did you ever consider speaking

Marvin about that?

Actually, we just met a few minutes ago when he ran his bicycle into my fender.

It's not my fault, Miss Bradford.

I'm not used to having such big cars in front of your house.

Oh, you're not together. I'm sorry about that. What can I do for you?

You can tell Nicholas I'm here. I haven't asked you yet, Marvin.

Thank you. You can tell Nancy Kirk Ashley is here. We have a date. Oh, come

Mr. Ashley. I apologize for all the confusion.

That's what they always say around here. We'll get used to it.

Hey, Nicholas!

Nicholas!

Actually, Mr. Ashley, you never get used to it.

So, I figure you'd need cheering up.

Thanks. Yeah, if I got the hassle you got, I'd need cheering up.

Well, at least we won't have missed crutch for very long.

Come on, Nicholas, Miss Schaefer's having a baby.

So?

You don't know how long that takes?

How should I know? I'm the last baby this family ever had, and I'm too old to

remember how long it took, and too young to ask.

Well, you just don't do it overnight.

More like a weekend?

Longer, maybe a month.

A whole month of Miss Crutch?

That's how long my mom stayed off work to have my sister.

I don't think I can last that long.

Ah, and I was just getting started.

Hey,

I know a great spot in Old Town where they never, never have intermissions.

You want to try it?

Hey, I've got to be at work in exactly five hours. Do you think we could just

have a nightcap?

Uh, sure.

Why don't we just have a nightcap and let me do a better selling job on that

great all -night spot in Old Town.

Truth is, I promised my partner I'd drop by tonight.

Your partner? I own the building where the club is located.

You own the building?

That's right.

Tell me, Kirk, did you just buy the club building or did you have it built?

Why? Well, you might say I'm very interested in the construction business.

You? Yeah, I think the construction business is very fascinating.

What's fascinating about it?

Well, every bit. All of it.

As a matter of fact, I've felt that way since my brilliant brother David started

his own very successful construction company.

Your brother has a construction business?

Isn't that funny you ask?

I'll tell you what, Kirk.

Why don't we go to that all -night place after all?

And I'll tell you all about it.

Good morning.

Oh, Daddy, I'm sorry. I tried not to wake you up. I know.

Stockbroker's hours.

You know, Nancy, I really admire the discipline that you display, getting up

this early to go to work at all.

Actually, Dad, today I get to sleep a whole half hour before my alarm wakes me

up. You mean you're just getting home?

Nancy.

Relax, Daddy. It was strictly business.

Business? Business.

I was trying to put in a good word for David with Kirk Ashley.

Till sunrise?

Well, I wanted to do it sooner, but Kirk kept wanting to disco.

Good for you, Nance. Do you think Ashley will help David?

Oh, Mayor, I'm too sleepy to remember anything.

Well, good night, everybody, or whatever time it is.

Good night.

I can't believe it. Oh, it's true. The father -son tournament always starts

promptly at 2 o 'clock. It's the tradition.

No, Dad, I can't believe that you're asking me to be your partner and not

Oh, well...

Actually, I did ask David. And?

And he can't spare the time. Now, tell me, I don't want you to think that

my second choice. It's just that I feel that you have come to the end... Dad,

hold it.

Hold it, hold it.

You don't have to give me your next in line speech. I understand.

It's just that I can't play with you on Saturday.

You can't? No, my band and I are playing at a supermarket opening in Roseville.

It's a paid gig. I've got to be there.

It's like what you always say in your responsibility speech.

Now, I can't believe it.

I never knew you even listened to my speeches.

It's no big deal. You can ask Nicholas.

Ask me what? Dad needs a partner for the father -son golf tournament.

David's his partner.

Well, actually, David can't do it, and I'm busy, so you're the only one that's

left.

Well, Grandpa Harry did teach me how to play.

Tommy, I didn't want to get into this right now.

Look, Nicholas...

someday you and I will enter the father -son golf tournament. We'll probably

come home with all the trophies. It's just that right now, I don't think that

you're prepared to accept the responsibilities that David has been

these past few years.

You mean he'd make you lose?

No, I didn't say that, Nicholas.

Oh, I get it. You mean I wouldn't be as good as David or Thomas.

Well, you can just forget the whole thing, because golf's a dumb game

Nicholas, what's wrong?

Everything and everybody.

Are you all right, son?

No. What's the matter?

Well, I feel sick.

Every time I stand up, I feel like lying down.

Does it hurt any place?

Everywhere. I don't think I should go to school today.

I think I should stay home and everybody should leave me alone.

Do you think we should call Dr. Maxwell?

Oh, no, don't bother him.

Should we take your temperature?

Oh, it's not that kind of sick.

I think I should just stay home for a month and rest up and I'll be great.

Tell me something, Nicholas. Do you by any chance have a test scheduled in

school today?

Oh, no, it has nothing to do with tests.

I see.

Well, I tell you what.

I'm going to take you to Dr. Maxwell.

Or you go to school this morning.

Is that my choice?

That's your choice.

I'll go to school.

A wise choice, son.

That's exactly what your older brothers and sisters used to say.

I don't know, Tom.

I think I would have kept him home.

Oh, well, then it's fortunate it wasn't up to you.

No, really, Tom, I think something's troubling him. Oh, yes, I know what it

He's suffering from a severe case of Aunt Bessie.

Aunt Bessie?

Yes, Aunt Bessie. That's a disease inherited by all of my children. Now,

heard of it.

No, actually, I can't say that I have.

Oh. Well, come to think of it, that's probably because Aunt Bessie was Joan's

grandmother's middle sister.

Oh.

But I thought you said Aunt Bessie was a disease.

Well, it's the same thing. She spent the last 40 years of her life in her bed,

refusing to leave because of the earthquake.

No, wait, Tom. You're confusing me. What earthquake?

The same one that she thought was going to happen for 40 years, but never did.

Never? No. She died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89.

And Joan used to say that her genes reappear in the children from time to

at certain intervals during the school year.

And thus you have the case of little Nicholas sacking out to avoid some

classroom earthquake that, of course, will never happen.

Well, that's an interesting family tradition, but I'm not sure it's true in

case. Oh, it's true, all right. I've seen the symptoms a hundred times, from

David on down. Pretty soon, you will be able to diagnose an Aunt Bessie quicker

than I can.

Really? Do you think so?

I don't know. I'm having a pretty hard time catching up to the legends on your

side of the family, let alone their mother's.

Oh, now, nobody's giving you a family history test.

Then what's this?

Nicholas?

Nicholas Bradford.

Yes? I don't find your homework here.

Did you hand it in?

Oh, I forgot to bring it.

You forgot to bring it?

Yeah, I had other things on my mind this morning.

Are you saying you left it at home or that you forgot to do it?

No, I did it all right.

Well, it's hard to believe a boy of your background would lie, so I'll accept

that, Nicholas.

But I think you better stay in after school, and we'll have a talk.

Yes, Miss Crutch.

Thank you.

That must be your fourth cup of coffee.

You sure you don't want to go home?

Oh, no, I'm just a little sleepy.

Must have been quite an evening.

It was a terrific evening.

It was a wonderful midnight and an exhausting dawn.

Think you can last until lunch? Oh, yeah. I'll just nap instead of eat.

That's your extension.

Oh, thank you. Excuse me.

Hello?

Oh, hi, Kirk.

What?

Time for what?

Oh, of course I remember our lunch at the Hunt Club.

Yes.

Yes, of course I asked my brother to join us.

Thank you, Kirk.

We'll see you there.

Bye.

Oh, no.

Something wrong?

There is if I can't find my brother's phone number and if he isn't free for

lunch. It's lunch. I thought you weren't eating.

I have to.

It's David's future, and I almost yawned it away.

Oh, no.

What do you mean that David... Can't make the game.

Well, he feels he's too busy starting his company.

It'll just take a few hours, Tom. Now, I've invested in a year's lessons for

Randy Three with the best pro in Boston, and it isn't cheap to fly him back

here. I know. I appreciate that. His game is down eight strokes. This could

our year. We could set the club record.

Okay, okay.

I'll ask him to reconsider.

The truth is, Elliot, I would love to have him play.

Oh, hi.

It's me, Tom.

Can I speak to David?

Oh. Oh, no, no, no. It's all right.

Tell him I called.

Right.

Bye, dear.

We just missed him. He went to some surprise luncheon.

Talk to him again, Tom. If he has time for surprises, he has time for his

father.

Condominium conversions?

Do you know that block of apartments on Grand and Willow?

Yeah, as a matter of fact, I helped build those apartments a couple of years

when I was with Mann Construction.

Terrific. Then maybe you can tell me if they structurally justify a renovation

plan.

Yeah, if you can solve the heating problem.

I never did think that furnace system would last.

Nobody else has brought that up.

I told you David was a genius.

Please, Nancy, let's not oversell.

Frankly, Kirk, I'd like to give you my suggestions.

But what I'd really like is a chance to bid on the whole conversion.

I obviously know the buildings.

I could do the job, and I could save you money.

What do you think, Nancy?

Well, I've known David for over 20 years, and I can recommend him as

honest and totally wonderful.

Well, that's good enough for me.

I'll get those specs for you, David. Think you can have a bid by Monday?

Sure. Sure.

And thanks.

Well, thanks, Kirk.

My pleasure.

Now that we've finished the business part of lunch, let's handle my social

calendar.

What time do I pick you up tonight?

Tonight?

How about 8? I thought we'd get an early start. I have about four great spots I

want to show you.

8 o 'clock tonight?

I'd love it.

Has Mrs. Schaefer ever asked your father to come in and talk to her, Nicholas?

No, but Miss Walker did last year. My dad didn't like it. I see.

A continuing problem.

Well, I've been reviewing your progress so far this year, and it is definitely

not up to Bradford's standards.

Yes, ma 'am.

That being the case, I want you to take this note home and give it to your

father. Do I have to?

Yes, Nicholas.

I'm sure he'd want to hear about your surprising lack of effort.

And your father is a fine man.

When he isn't yelling.

And I'm sure he'd want to know about one of his children not living up to the

example he has set.

Here.

Do I have to take this?

Yes, Nicholas.

And you must bring it back to me, signed by your father, tomorrow.

If you want to avoid the consequences.

Wow.

Consequences? Yeah.

And to top everything off, she's going to give me consequences.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

Be safe.

No, I thought of that already.

It may work in your family, but my dad had too much experience.

Run away.

No, I tried that already, too. It ain't as much fun as you think it is.

Nicholas, you've got troubles.

Yeah.

And consequences.

Isn't it wonderful, Dad, and all because of Nancy?

Oh, yes, it is wonderful.

Of course, David will have to work night and day in order to get the bid in by

Monday. Night and day? Yes, and people will have to stop babbling so I can

concentrate.

Don't be rude, David. Your father hasn't even had a chance to tell us why he

came by.

Oh, well, it's nothing that takes priority.

I'm proud of you, son.

Terrible.

No, no, no. He's just on his way.

And so am I.

Nancy!

Nancy! Nancy, wake up! Huh? Miss Chovick? No, it's me.

Come on, get up. You're late for work.

I'm late? Yes.

Kirk took me to four new discos. A disc?

That's great.

Yeah, you can say that. You're still alive.

Look, will you call Miss Chovik and explain while I take a quick shower?

Yeah, but what do I say?

I don't know. I'm delegating that responsibility to you.

You're the phone expert.

Hi. Hi.

Hey, what are you doing still here? What are you doing just coming home?

I had a late assignment. I'm beat.

Oh, tell me about it. At least you get to go to bed and sleep all day.

Have a nice day. You too. I hope you solve your golf problem.

Oh, Dad, do you want me to drop off Nancy?

Oh, thanks, but Tommy already took her in the van, and Nicholas wants to walk

school with Mom. Well, I guess we're all present in a...

How can I do that to a man only one day after open -heart surgery?

Good question. Tell me, Doctor, how?

Well, at least make him aware of the bankruptcy.

After all, it wasn't his fault.

As Arthur's psychiatrist, I believe we should be reestablishing his sense of

reality.

Arthur, Arthur. Can't a person get any sleeper out here?

I forgot Joanie.

what I've been going through.

Do you think it's my fault... Hey, come on. I thought we had a room. No

television room. ...when that plane crashed?

Do you think I enjoyed catching all my husband's stocks and bonds while he was

lying helpless in a coma?

Forgetful slobs.

Hey, it's still cold.

Anybody here?

Anybody in this house?

I just want to warn you.

I'm sorry. I won't be late again.

I hope I can count on that, Nancy. I had to stop my own work and cover your

debt. I realize that.

Believe me, I apologize.

You were off to such a good start here.

Miss Chubbuck, I'll make it up to you.

I really, really want to keep this job.

Are you sure?

Yes, I'm positive.

Good.

Nancy, I think I know what's been going on.

Could I ask you a question?

Could you be planning to exchange this nameplate for one that reads Mrs. Kirk

Ashley and then forgetting about it?

It isn't like that, Miss Chilvick. I like it here.

Good. And we like you, Nancy, when you arrive on time.

And stay alert.

It's me.

Oh, Tommy. I don't have time for dramatics. Oh, Tommy. Oh, thank you. Oh,

relieved. I thought it was whoever coming back.

Whoever? Yeah.

There's been a prowler here while I was sleeping.

You're kidding.

No.

Tommy. Tommy, look.

That was that kidding.

Look it. Feel it for yourself. It's practically right out of the

And the TV set was on. No Bradford watches TV that time of day.

Joanie, are you saying that our prowler was a non -Bradford? Or is.

Is?

Tommy, would you help me search the house?

Joanie, I don't have time. I gotta get back to school. I just came here to pick

up my gym stuff. Well, how can you think about your gym stuff right now? We

could have a burglar here.

Or even worse.

Look, if we did have an even worse, we'd be crazy to search the house. We should

call the police.

But since I'm sure we don't have anybody, and if it'll make you feel

I'll... I'll help you search the house.

You take the upstairs, I'll take the down. Oh, no, let's search together.

After you. No, after you.

I think we ought to search the screen porch first. It's closest to the

Do you hear something?

Joanie, if we're going to do this, you've got to quit spooking me.

There's nobody in here. Let's try the kitchen.

What do you mean we have a prowler?

Now, just calm down, Joanie. Is anything missing?

Maybe you were just having a nightmare. You should think more about getting more

normal sleeping hours.

We'll discuss the evidence when I get home tonight.

Right now, I think you should get some decent rest.

Goodbye, Joanie.

Problems, Tom? Oh, hi.

Oh, no, no, no, not really.

Good. It just wouldn't be the same tournament without David playing.

Yes, well, David is still not playing.

Tom, I thought that I'd communicated.

Right, you did communicate.

And now I'm communicating to you that we don't need David.

But you said that Tommy... We don't need Tommy.

We've got Merle.

Merle? Yes, my son -in -law, Merle Stockwell, the Cyclone star pitcher.

greatest all -around athlete in Sacramento.

Very interesting, Tom.

I thought so. Yes, as a matter of fact, I might say absolutely inspired.

Oh, well, thank you, Elliot. Yes, what is Merle's handicap?

Well, now, I haven't discussed the details with him yet. You mean you

asked him? Well, I just got the idea a few minutes ago. But don't worry about

it, Ellie. It's just a formality.

Oh, good.

Just a formality.

Can I give you a medical opinion, Nancy?

Stay home tonight and get some sleep. Oh, Mary, I wish I could.

Why don't you tell Kirk that you fixed him up with a great substitute, huh? Me?

Sorry, Elizabeth, but for the first time in my life, I can do something really

important for David, and I'm going to.

Come on inside and I'll get you two a glass of lemonade.

That's a deal.

Tommy, would you tell him he heard the same floor clicks I did? Well, I must

admit it sounded like someone was here.

That's really weird.

Hold it, everybody. Now, here comes Nicholas. We've got to break this to him

delicately.

Hi, Nicholas. How was school?

Well, actually, it was the best day I had all week.

Oh, that's good, Nicholas.

Now maybe you won't mind if we tell you something that might be a little bit

scary.

Don't get upset, Nicholas, but we may have had a burglar.

A burglar?

What kind of a burglar would steal one sandwich and a bottle of orange juice?

That's just the point, Dad. Maybe it's not just a burglar. Maybe we're dealing

with a very twisted personality.

Come on, Joanie, there has to be a logical explanation.

Well, did you rob the refrigerator and did you leave the television set on?

Well, of course not.

Did anybody in this family?

Well, there, that proves the point.

Dad, I think we ought to call Officer Bernstein and have him watch the house.

You know, some kind of a stakeout.

A stakeout?

The police would laugh us right out of Sacramento.

Well, I don't want to sleep alone in this house another morning without some

kind of protection.

Johnny, if you're really worried about it, I could stay home tomorrow and do my

studying here. I don't mind.

You'll be the stakeout?

I think that would be kind of dangerous.

No, even a maniacal baloney bandit doesn't attack a house that's obviously

occupied.

Relax, Joanie. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about.

Nancy!

Nancy!

She's in the shower.

Are you sure?

Sure, I'm sure. She just had me wake her up ten minutes ago and lead her to the

bathroom. Well, good, because Kirk's downstairs to pick her up. Oh, you want

to go pound on the door for you? No, that's okay. I'll do it. But, um, could

go downstairs and rescue Kirk?

Rescue him from what?

Well, Dad's showing him what a great job David did in remodeling the living room

and, uh...

It's not exactly helping David's image as a big -time professional.

But what can I do?

Well, just get Dad on another subject so he doesn't blow all of Nancy's hard

work. But what do I talk about? I don't even know what this guy's like.

I'll tell you what he's like.

Now, if I didn't know how much Nancy wants to help David, I'd let her stay in

the shower about another six years.

Thanks, Tommy.

Wake up. Kirk's here. What?

Come on, Nan. On your feet. Your prince is here.

My prince is where?

Oh, how can I be asleep when I took a shower?

You didn't have a shower.

I didn't? Elizabeth,

I don't think I can last another night.

You want me to take over helping David?

Tell Kirk I'm getting dressed.

I can't go to school, and I can't stay home.

Miss Crutch was asking about you yesterday.

Really? What did you tell her? Said you had an allergy.

An allergy?

Yeah, but I didn't tell her your allergy was to her.

Thanks, Marvin.

Don't mention it. I'm just glad I don't have to live up to everybody.

Seven everybody's.

Seeing what you have to put up with, I'm beginning not to mind my little kid

sister.

Well, have a good day at school, Marvin.

You have a good day, too.

Wherever you're going.

Where are you going?

Don't ask. Old Crutch might try and torture it out of you. Never.

Hey, fella.

Shouldn't you be in school?

Oh, well, it's a holiday.

Sure it is.

That's why you're the only kid in the park.

What's your name and your phone number?

Do I have to tell?

Well, you can tell me or I can call the truant officer.

I guess I'm busted.

I guess you are, little guy.

Did you have to say that?

Sorry, Dad. Merle isn't even in Sacramento.

Really?

When will he be back?

Not until Sunday.

Sunday? The tournament is Saturday. Isn't there any way you can reach him?

sorry. Some of his pals from the Cyclones took him on a fishing trip up

Lassen, and there's no phones.

My timing is worse than my golf.

Well, Dad, it was really sweet of you to think of him. I'm sure he'd be very

flattered. Maybe he could play in the tournament next year.

Next year? I have a feeling we won't even be invited.

Hello there, Nancy Bradford.

Hi, Kirk.

Look, I can't talk right now. I'm supposed to be working.

Relax. I'm a big customer.

Here.

I brought you some.

What's that?

I know you've been cooling it on the nightlife.

So, since I have to buzz down to San Francisco this afternoon, I thought you

could come over to my apartment, whip up some dinner, and have a waiting.

I think we're about due for a quiet evening.

You're kidding.

Why should I kid my favorite girl?

I can't.

I'm sorry, David.

David?

Yeah.

David.

It's unlocked.

Come in.

David, I've got to tell you something. Hey, Nancy.

Thanks for coming by. If I'd had time, I would have called to thank you. This

job gets better every time I add up the figures.

I think I can save Kirk a lot of money and put Bradford Construction Company on

its first solid footing.

David, I'm really sorry. And I owe it all to you, Nancy.

Wait a minute.

Did you say you were sorry?

For what? I've blown this for you. All your work, all your future.

What are you talking about?

Kirk Ashley.

I told him to get lost.

When? Just now.

What happened?

Well, he came close to costing me my job.

Not to mention my self -respect.

I just couldn't meet his terms, David.

Not even for you.

Oh, Nancy.

Did I ever ask you to?

No.

But I really wanted to help you. Hey, you did help me.

Oh, no, I didn't.

Come on, sit down.

I ruined everything, David.

Well, you proved something to me.

That I can do jobs like this.

I can bid on them, and I can build them if I get the chance.

Thanks, David, but I know how terrible you must feel, wasting all this time and

work. Who says it's wasted?

I'm going to submit this bid.

Kirk Ashley won't even look at it.

Well, he will if he's a good businessman, and if he's not a good

then I don't want to be involved with him.

You know something?

I like that.

Good, because that's the way it is.

Well, at least I was right about something.

You do deserve to be recommended.

Me?

Now, what about you?

I've known Nancy Bradford for over 20 years.

She's loyal, hardworking, and she makes me very proud.

Oh, David.

Thanks.

You're a nut.

Thank you very much, Mr. Bush. I really appreciate your calling.

Does he play hockey a lot?

No, actually, this is the first time.

Boy, usually this park is just so crowded you can't even find a seat.

Do you want to talk about it?

Please?

No.

Okay. Where would you like to go?

I don't care.

So boring. We never go anyplace. We never talk.

Okay. That's the way you want it.

You know what? What?

I can't get away from you. Not at school, not at home, not even here.

It?

Nothing could be worse than what I've been through.

This is terrible.

I didn't mean to let the family down.

Not you. I mean this note.

You mean you don't like it? No, I hate it. What happened to your regular

teacher? She deserted us to have a baby.

Well, cheer up, because I'm not going to desert you. Come on, let's go home.

What's this?

It's a picture of David when he was your age. It was a real little squirt.

Not David.

See for yourself.

Not a total squirt.

Pretty puny.

Yeah, pretty puny.

See? Are you going to believe me now?

Everybody in this family had to go through being young. You just have to go

through it last, and that's the hardest.

You can say that again.

Abby, is it ever going to be over?

Believe me, Nicola, someday you'll wish it weren't.

Someday you'll wish you were younger.

Not me.

Oh, believe me, someday it'll happen.

But right now you just have to believe that you're doing terrific and don't let

anybody compare you to anybody else.

I wish somebody showed me all this junk before.

I guess they just never thought of it.

How come you did?

Oh, Nicholas, when you showed me that note from Miss Crutch, boy, I knew

how you felt.

How could you? You're not your family's youngest.

No, but I've had to constantly try to live up to the very good example set by

somebody else.

Who? Your mom.

My mom?

Yeah. It's really hard trying to follow somebody else's footsteps.

I can never be all the things that she was to this family.

I can only be myself.

But people, well, I guess they can't help comparing us.

People? You mean me too?

Well, I'm not blaming anybody, Nicholas.

I mean, she was your mother, and I'm Abby, and I can only be myself, and

the way it's got to be. Just like you've got to be Nicholas, and you can't be

Tommy or David or anybody else.

Do you understand?

I guess so.

Well, that's good for starters.

So, the next time anybody tries to compare you to anybody else, you can

me. It's a deal?

Deal. Deal.

Abby? Yeah?

You can talk to me, too.

Hey. How can you possibly feel better?

If you were here, Marvin, you'd know.

But you said you were really busted.

You know, really in for it.

Yeah, but Abby said not to worry.

What she says doesn't really count. This is school stuff.

Oh, yeah? Well, she said she's going over there to talk to Miss Cratch. When?

Well... She left just before you came, so they're probably talking right now.

I hope she didn't go alone.

All alone.

She didn't take your dad?

Nope. She's braver than I thought.

All alone to face Miss Crutch.

It was never my intention to intimidate Nicholas.

I'm not questioning your motive, Miss Crutch, only the result.

Result?

I have always found it very inspiring for the younger children to have the

achievements of their elders held up as examples.

We all need heroes to emulate.

Well, heroes are one thing, but family is another.

Do you have brothers and sisters?

Yes, I'm the oldest of three girls.

You're the oldest?

Have you ever asked your youngest sister how it feels to have to emulate you?

Come to think of it, I have not.

And how do you feel when your students come to you and tell you that...

Well, that you just don't do things the same way that their real teacher does.

Perhaps you have a point.

Perhaps it isn't Nicholas who's too young.

It is I who am too old.

No, Miss Crutch.

I just hope that his family is as understanding as you've been.

His family?

His family.

Yes, Nicholas?

This was Abby's idea, wasn't it?

Oh, well, remember I always told you that someday you and I would play in a

father and son golf tournament. Well, this is the day.

All right, Nicholas, you're right. It was Abby's idea.

I thought so. She's really great, isn't she? Yeah, she is, Nicholas.

You know, sometimes we make her feel puny.

Puny? Yeah, like sometimes she's not as terrific as our mama.

Oh, well, we don't mean to do that, Nicholas.

I know, but we do it.

Well, yeah, I guess so, sometimes.

Well, the truth is, Abby was the one that made it good at school for me.

We're very lucky to have her.

And we shouldn't make her feel bad.

That's right, Nicholas.

We shouldn't.

Oh, that's terrific.

Thank you.

Nicholas, guess what? Mr. Randolph wants you to go first.

That's right, Nicholas.

Randy, three and I have both agreed that you're the one who should lead off for

our little foursome.

All right!

Thanks, Elliot.

Don't mention it, Tom. After all, this is the father -son tournament. That's

what it's all about.

Exactly.

Come on there, Nicholas. Get up there and show us how.

Pour me another one, Abby. Me too, please.

Boy, it sure makes you thirsty, doesn't it, Dad? Well, golf is like that,

Nicholas. The sun, the sand traps.

And losing.

Better luck next time. Next time we'll win a trophy.

Right. Next time.

I mean, cheer up, you guys. The score of 117 is not disgraceful. It is for six

holes. Hi, everybody. Where's Nancy?

I think she's upstairs.

Good. I want to give her the news. What news?

Kirk Ashley took my bid.

Congratulations.

Well, he took my bid, Dad. He didn't accept it. I was a few thousand too

But he was impressed enough to put me on his bid list for future projects.

That's great.

Yeah, at least I've got another shot at it. Next time.

Right, next time.

Well, I'll see you both later. Nicholas, where are you going?

To rest up for next time. It's going to be awful busy around here.