Original subtitles

Tommy, I've been thinking. When Merle and Susan have their baby, I'm going to

the kid's uncle.

That's right, sport.

And you'll be his uncle, too.

Right again.

Well, I've never been an uncle before.

What are you supposed to do?

Well, from what I've observed, uncles give unwanted advice at the drop of a

and occasionally pop for ice cream cones.

You mean the uncles buy the ice cream?

That's right.

Uh, some tells me I'm too young to be an uncle.

I don't have a job or anything.

Don't worry, sport. By the time Susan's baby needs three fully employed uncles,

you'll be ready.

Well, what happens in the meantime?

He hates me?

Nicholas, you might not be uncle to a he.

What do you mean?

Well, supposing Susan has a girl. A girl?

There's always that possibility.

No, Merle wouldn't do that to me.

There's a magic in the early morning we fall

When the sunrise smiles on everything

around It's a portrait of

the happiness that we feel and always will The

way it is enough to fill our lives

If we're ever puzzled by the changing

time There's a plate of homemade

wishes on the kitchen

And it is enough to fill our...

Let's forget it.

Well, I'm just trying to help.

And we appreciate it, Slugger.

Slugger! That's a perfect name!

Slugger Stockwell, you're right. That is perfect.

Come on, Merle, be serious. We have to find a name for the baby.

Relax. We have months to do that.

Yeah, but it has to be the right name.

You know, the name you give your child could determine his or her whole future.

Is that true?

Sure. What would have happened to baseball if Babe Ruth had been named Mae

I don't know. What?

Okay, don't be serious. I can tell this is no time to determine the future of

our child.

However, it is time to put Nicholas to bed.

Can't you just tell Dad that you did and actually don't?

No, Nicholas, I can't. Dad and Abby will be home any minute.

By the way, Dad's been growling at everybody around here. I'm not going to

at babysitting or do anything that's going to upset him.

Let's go.

Hi. Need some help? Oh, yeah. Listen, this jacket must be marked incorrectly.

It couldn't possibly be a 39 regular.

It's a 39 regular, all right. Would you care to try a 40? No, no. I've been

wearing a 39 regular all my life. That thing must be cut too small. Well, sir,

we must remember that our bodies do change as we get older. Oh, our bodies

do they? But there are ways we can hide it, and that's why we're here. I'm not

sure that's the coat I want to give you for your birthday. Try this one.

Oh, nice choice.

Understated, but not stodgy.

It does feel better.

We'll take it. My pleasure. I'll get the tailor.

Your daughter has excellent taste, sir.

And you must be a wonderful father getting a coat like this on your

dad just had his 60th.

I'll be 50.

Only 50.

And you can forget the stupid jacket.

It's ridiculous.

I'm sorry.

What did I say?

Well, you'll understand when you're 50. Would you put that on hold for me? I'll

be back.

You see, the price -earnings ratio doesn't always correlate with the

potential. That's what you gotta remember.

I remember, Floyd.

It's only been a half hour since you said it the first time.

Oh, well, I... I just want you to have a financially secure old age.

I'll try.

Floyd, this is...

Fascinating. I've had a wonderful evening.

Oh, that's nice.

Did you have a wonderful evening?

Wonderful. I'm glad.

Would you like to have another wonderful evening tomorrow night?

I can't, Floyd. Not tomorrow.

Previous engagement?

Previous engagement. Well, it's my fault. I should have asked you earlier.

At least I'll get to see you at work tomorrow.

Right. There's always work.

Nancy.

You're beautiful.

In my mind, you're a triple -A preferred.

Wait.

What?

They're watching.

They're watching?

Who's watching?

My little brothers.

Where?

You can't see them, Floyd, but they can see us.

That's weird.

Oh, I know.

They're weird.

Very, very weird.

Good night, Floyd.

Hi. Hi, Mary.

How is Floyd? Oh, boy.

The old little brothers are watching routine.

Not bad, huh? Boring. Really boring.

These will chew you up. Oh, yeah, that'll make me a size 44.

I'm sorry, Abby, but I couldn't stay in there any longer, listening to all that

juvenile prattle.

Seeing that stranger in the mirror. What stranger?

That old man with my face.

You're not old.

I'll be 50 in a few days. That's two score and ten. The Bible only gives us

three score and ten. None of us knows how long we get, Tom. It's what we've

right now that's important.

What I have now is more past than future.

Abby, it's scary.

There's no time left to do what I wanted to do. I mean, I thought I would

accomplish so much more by now.

You've accomplished a lot.

Name me one thing besides old age.

You will survive being 50.

Survive? For what?

51, 52, 53?

You know what sells newspapers, Tom?

Young ideas.

You mean we aren't selling newspapers?

Oh, yes, but the Tribune is gaining on us.

Well, Sacramento's changing.

All these corporation headquarters moving their bright young executives

Did you know that our market research boys say that there is a 37 % jump in

under 30s? Oh, well, you know those under 30s. They're always jumping.

Have you read their new columnist, Hank Sullivan?

I've skimmed him now and then.

Well, skim him again.

Very closely.

Research tells us that his column in the Tribune...

is read by four times the number of under 30s than your column in the

Really? Well, don't you think that maybe research could be biased? You yourself

said that they were just boys.

Yes, but they're good boys, Tom. Very scientific. Two of them are PhDs.

The truth is, they're a little intimidating.

Well, things have changed since you and I were cubs, Tom.

You've noticed.

Well, it's a different world, and you just can't run in the same old ruts.

Tom, may I be frank with you?

How frank?

I think that your column needs some pizzazz.

Pizzazz? I want you to go after that youth market out there. As the under 30s

say, get with it.

Get with it.

Exactly. Tune in, Tom.

Jazz up your subject matter and your syntax. Forget those old fogies you were

aiming at and let's go for it.

You dig?

Oh, yeah, I think so.

First I get with it, and then I go for it.

Right on.

No, Tom, this way.

Hi, is Nancy home?

No, I think she's still at work.

No, she left early. I was wondering if anything was wrong. I didn't even get a

chance to give her a ride home.

You must be Floyd. Right, Floyd Wakely. Hi, I'm Elizabeth.

Would you like to come in and wait for Nancy? She probably just had some

shopping to do. Would that be all right?

Sure. Thank you.

Hey, Elizabeth, what do you think about this name for the baby?

Ralph Waldo Stockwell. Ralph Waldo?

Yeah, it was Joanie's suggestion.

I think she was kidding.

Floyd, this is my little brother, Nicholas. Nicholas, Floyd.

Hiya.

Nicholas, Floyd, stop.

I hate it.

It's a little different.

Oh, yeah, I know. Nancy told me.

Kid's a peeper.

Well, sure, Tom.

We can call the game off if you don't feel up to it.

You still got your toes?

Oh, no, no. Forget it, Greg. I don't need a doctor.

You sure?

Yeah, what I have is incurable.

Unless... Unless what?

What's the story on those monkey glands?

What monkey glands?

You know, over in Europe. Do they really bring back your youth?

I haven't heard that question asked in three years. Not since I asked it.

You asked it? When I turned 50.

Unfortunately, the answer was very discouraging.

Oh, but maybe there's been some scientific advances since then. I'm

Tom. You're just going to have to learn to live with the body you've got. It's

not my body. My body is 23 years old.

Up here, anyway.

I got news for you, kid.

Your 23 -year -old body just chickened out of playing a game of racquetball

this 53 -year -old geezer.

You know the unfairest part of it all?

It's the way it sneaks up on you.

I mean, one day there you are trying to master the Boy Scout manual and how to

kiss a girl without giggling, and the next day you're waiting to be a

grandfather. No, that's not the worst part.

The worst part is waking up and finding out that most of your life is over.

You've passed the summit and you're heading downhill.

That feeling will pass, Tom.

This big 5 -0 syndrome, it's all psychological.

I mean, if you did not know that next Tuesday was your 50th birthday, you

wouldn't be torturing yourself this way. But I do know it, and it does.

All right, I'm going to have to give you a prescription.

Well, didn't you say there was no elixir of youth?

I'm talking about a psychological prescription.

Now, when the big day comes, forget it's your birthday.

Go away. Just you and Abby.

And above all, do not have a party.

No party?

I thought my birthday party was going to kill me. I mean, it's bad enough that I

knew that I was 50.

But did my friends and neighbors have to find out?

Oh, yeah.

I see your point, Greg.

And you know what?

I think you're right.

I feel better already.

Good.

Are you sure about this, Tom?

Yes, I'm positive. There will be no birthday party given to me by any member

this family.

Now, Abby and I are going away by ourselves on Tuesday to Lake Tahoe.

When we return, there will be no mention that a birthday even existed. And I

don't want to listen to any protests or any sentimental appeals to tradition.

There will be no parties, no arguments.

Sure, Dan.

We weren't going to have one anyway.

You weren't?

No. We all remembered what happened to Dr. Max when he had his... his

unmentionable birthday.

He went bananas.

Yeah. We wouldn't put you through that, Dad. Yeah, or ourselves.

Right. You don't need something else to growl at.

Yeah, we figure we don't need a party around here. What we need is some peace

and quiet.

Yes.

Is there anything else?

No.

Meeting adjourned.

Yay.

I would have thought they would have at least planned a party or something.

Well, you can still change your mind.

I don't want a party.

What do you want?

I don't know.

Am I disturbing you, Tom? Oh, hi, Elliot. No, no, I was just musing. You

getting organized to get with it.

Really, I had the definite feeling yesterday that I wasn't quite getting

to you. Oh, no, no, I understood perfectly. I know just what you were

at. In fact, I just got this inspiration before you came in here to have Tommy

take me to the next rock concert that comes into town, and I'll do a review on

it. Now, how is that for thinking young, huh? You know, Tom, I think perhaps I

was a bit hasty in speaking to you yesterday.

Hasty, really?

Yes, I think that my suggestion for a solution was not the right one for the

problem. Oh?

You mean I won't have to go to the rock concert?

No, I think we'll just leave that to Hank Sullivan.

You're going to concede to the competition?

That's what I came here to tell you about, Tom. We've scooped the

I've hired Hank Sullivan away from the Tribune.

Hank Sullivan is working here at the Register?

That's right, Tom. He's going to write his column for us.

What do I write?

What you've always written, Tom. Oh, we couldn't get along without you, Tom.

Thanks. Now, there's one little favor I'd like to ask you. Yeah, I know. Break

the youngster in, kind of take him under my wing?

Not exactly, Tom. You see, we've invested so heavily in acquiring Hank

want to capitalize on it right from the start. So I thought we'd give him your

spot on page two.

My spot?

Well, where does my column go?

Don't worry, Tom. We'll find some place for you. I mean, it's only temporary

until we get the boy launched.

You don't mind, do you?

Mind? Me?

Thank you, Tom.

Thank you.

Mr. Bradford. Hank, when you joined the register, you joined a family called Tom

Tom. Would you mind, Tom?

No, no, that's all right, Mr. Sullivan. You can call me Tom.

I can't tell you what a great pleasure it is to finally meet you.

Oh, really?

Oh, that's very kind.

I've been reading your columns ever since I was a little kid.

And, of course, Dave always used to talk about you.

Dave? Dave who?

Well, your son, David.

We had a couple of classes together in college.

You're David's age?

Well, approximately. I skipped a few grades in junior high in grammar school.

You mean to say that you're younger than David?

Well, the way I figure it, Tom, Hank here has got to be the youngest daily

columnist on any major newspaper in the United States.

Congratulations.

What sounds good, Tom?

Well, it doesn't sound too good, but I'm having the diet plate.

Hank? Well, I'll have the macaroni casserole and the apple pie a la mode.

Youth, it's wonderful.

You're so skinny.

Thank you.

Floyd, you really didn't have to bring me to such an expensive place.

Hey, you deserve the best that the world and my credit cards have to offer.

Well, now you're making me feel guilty.

Why? For asking me out to lunch? Don't be silly.

Made my day.

Here's to us.

Huh?

Oh, Floyd.

You don't understand.

I only said let's have lunch together because I have to tell you something

I can't tell you at the office. I know.

It's hard to be romantic with one eye on the Dow Jones.

Oh.

Uh, Floyd.

Listen to me. Okay.

Please.

I think we're seeing too much of each other.

Uh -oh.

I think I spot a definite downtrend.

I hate to say this to you, but we're together in the stock brokerage

every day, and you ask me out every night.

I just think we need our own privacy. That's all.

You mean you asked me out to lunch to tell me to get lost?

We'll split the check.

Doesn't help.

Look, Floyd, don't get upset.

We can still be good co -workers.

Oh, that sounds boring.

Well, I know you, and I know you're mature enough to overcome boredom.

Look, you'll treat it as a challenge.

You won't let this defeat you.

You'll go out there and you'll find someone else.

Someone more compatible.

You think so?

I know so.

You're a very attractive man.

Yeah? Yeah.

Maybe you're right.

Yeah. Cheers.

You want to name the baby what?

Henry Stockwell, but we call him Hank.

Please, that's a very unpleasant name.

Merle doesn't think so. He thinks it's a great name to name someone after. Oh,

he does, does he? I suppose he's also an avid under -30s reader of Hank

Sullivan's column.

Hank who?

Hank Sullivan.

Who's he?

He's the man who's going to push me off page two tomorrow.

Never heard of him. Me and Merle want to name the baby after Hammer and Hank

Aaron. Oh, I see.

Or we can call him Dizzy, after Dizzy Dean.

What do you think?

I don't really know. I don't want to think about it now. I've had a tiring

You can take a nap before dinner.

A nap?

That's what Marvin's grandpa always does.

I am not Marvin's grandpa.

Just trying to help.

If Marvin's grandpa doesn't take a nap before dinner, he falls asleep in his

chocolate pudding.

Nicholas, I am a long way from that kind of behavior.

Good. It kind of spoils dessert.

Oh, listen to this.

I got the reservation at Tahoe for both Monday and Tuesday night, and we've got

this room with this giant fireplace and a view of the lake.

We can't go.

What do you mean we can't go? It was your idea that we go away to celebrate

birthday. I know there's nothing I'd rather do, but I can't spare the time

now. That kid has pushed me out of my traditional spot in the paper.

I can't let him push me any further. He's not going to do that.

Oh, he isn't, isn't he?

You should have him snapping at your heels.

Well, if you feel that way, then we really should get away, shouldn't we? So

can get a better perspective.

No, no, my perspective is just fine.

I can see all the ways of defending myself.

And it starts with staying right here. And fighting.

Well, that's a pretty terrible way to celebrate your birthday, isn't it?

In anger. It's my birthday.

I'll celebrate it the way I feel.

Are you kidding? Dad doesn't deserve a party with the way he's been riding

everybody. Can you hurt him, Joanie? He doesn't want one. No, I think he does.

He just said that.

I mean, it's a confusing time for him. It's hard to turn 50.

I'll say it's hard on us.

It's for you.

It's Paul Armstrong. Isn't he the publisher of the tribute?

Paul Armstrong?

Yeah. Why would he be calling?

Well, you could ask him.

Hello, Paul.

It's been a long time. What's up?

Oh, yeah, I can imagine.

Well, we were all surprised, too, when Hank Sullivan left you and came over to

us.

Tonight?

Oh, yeah, sure, if that's what you want.

All right, I'll see you in a half an hour.

Very good.

So long, Paul.

I don't get this.

What's wrong?

He said he has to see me. He's coming over.

Here? Yeah.

He said it might be better than someplace more public.

That sounds interesting.

It's nice to be so popular, huh?

Hmm.

Even if it is with a competition.

I'll get it!

Nicholas! I'll get it! And listen, aren't you supposed to be upstairs doing

homework?

Come in, Paul.

Oh, I'm sorry. You're not Paul. I was expecting somebody else.

May I help you? Yes, sir. My name is Floyd Wakely. I have a date. Oh, yes. Go

right in the living room and wait.

Will it take that long, sir? Well, are you early, late, or prompt?

I'm prompt.

Well, it will take at least that long.

Everybody dawdles around here.

Oh, hello, Nancy.

I thought we reached an understanding at lunch.

We did.

Then what are you doing here?

Just carrying out your advice. That was a great pep talk you gave me. I found

someone that I think is more compatible.

Well, I'm glad, but you didn't have to come all the way over here to thank me.

Who is it?

Oh, hi, Elizabeth. Are you ready?

Elizabeth?

Hi, Floyd.

You look beautiful.

Thank you.

Is this okay with you, Nancy?

Why wouldn't it be okay?

Well, you know, that's what I like about this family. It's so understanding.

Thank you, Nancy, and good night.

Night.

Night.

Paul, can I get you anything else?

As a matter of fact, you can.

I'll have a Tom Bradford.

I beg your pardon?

Tom, come on over.

Join us on the trip.

What?

Wait a minute.

You mean you want me to come over as replacement for Hank Sullivan?

Not at all. You know how long I've wanted you writing for us.

Yeah, but I also know how long you've wanted to outmaneuver Elliot.

Well, that's the game, Tom.

If he can hire my people away from me, fine.

But why can't I hire his?

Gosh, now I'm beginning to feel like a pawn.

Well, I'm not offering you a pawnship.

You are the finest columnist to ever hit Sacramento, and I'm offering you

recognition of that, beginning with the dollars.

Well, I understand your position, Paul.

I appreciate it very much, believe me. It's just that I can't accept your

Now, Tom, just a minute.

There's no room on the register for both you and that youngster. He'll be

pushing and shoving until there's no room left for you.

Well, I'm sure he will be, but there's such a thing as loyalty.

Hank Sullivan would call that old -fashioned thinking.

I've been feeling pretty old -fashioned lately.

Thanks a lot, Paul, but no thanks.

Tom, I want you to think about this, because we really need you.

I'm so sorry, Mr. Bradford.

I know how hard it is for you not to have your column on page two. Now, that

could live with, but did you see where I wound up? On page 34.

It's better than page 44.

It is not better than page 44. This is a deliberate insult.

Look, look where they have me, right next to the obituary.

They say it's only temporary.

There is no such thing as a temporary obituary.

Take a memo.

Mr. Bradford, I can't take a memo right this minute. Can we do it later? Why

later?

Because...

I am supposed to be answering the phones right now for Mr. Sullivan.

But you're my secretary.

Well, actually, Mr. Bradford, until Mr.

Sullivan can hire his own, I'm half yours and I'm half his. Oh, I don't

this. I wasn't supposed to say anything, Mr. Bradford, until Mr. Randolph got a

chance to explain.

Yeah, well, he'll get his chance right now.

Hello, Victoria, this is Tom Bradford. I have to speak to Elliot immediately.

Hello, Elliot.

Stay right where you are, because I'm coming up there.

No, I don't think a surprise party is such a good idea. He is so touchy these

days. I don't think any one of us should tell him about his orders. What orders?

Dad, what are you doing home?

I'm asking, what orders?

Nothing, it was just a thought.

It was my thought, Dad.

I'd like to give you a party. We already decided that.

I know, but it doesn't have to be a birthday party.

I mean...

There could be some other reason for it. There's got to be lots of reasons we

could give you a party. Choose something.

How about for quitting my job?

Quitting?

The register?

Tom, that's impossible.

No, Abby, it was beautiful.

I showed them. I'm not some deadwood they can push around.

I quit.

Of course the offer still holds, Tom. But what happened to all the loyalty?

Oh, well, nothing happened to it. I just found out that I was giving it and

nobody was returning any. You'll find we work differently here at the trip.

When do you want to start?

When do you need me?

Like yesterday.

But I suppose you want to take off a few weeks, get a bit of rest, collect your

thoughts. Oh, no, no. My thoughts are collected.

I want to get to work. I want to show those people back at the register that

as good as I ever was.

That's what I want to hear.

Tom, we're going to make a great team.

I'm sure we will, Paul.

Okay, then.

If it's agreeable with you, we'll start tomorrow.

I'll have an office all ready for you.

And we'll clear space for your column on page two.

Page two?

If that's agreeable.

Oh.

Yeah, I think I can live with it.

Thanks, Paul.

Better days.

Better days.

I should have done this a long time ago.

The register was really good to you for a lot of years.

Too many years. I was in a rut. I should have realized it. No wonder I was

feeling old.

You're not old.

You know, I wish I could make you go to a blackboard and write a thousand times.

Tom Bradford is not old.

Not now. I feel like a kid starting out. New job, new challenges. This is the

best thing I ever did.

Tom, Elliot Randolph called the house this morning. He wants to talk to you.

I said everything I wanted to say to Elliot yesterday.

Well, there's a lot of things to be worked out about your resignation.

Our attorneys can work out the details.

Tom, he's an old friend.

He's my youth happy competitor.

Tom, I really think we should go to Tahoe for more than just your birthday

week or so.

Why? Because you've made a lot of decisions really fast, and I think you

relax and sort it all out.

There's nothing to sort out. I had an old job, and it was depressing.

I have a new job, and I love it.

You know what sounds good?

What?

Macaroni casserole and apple pie.

I think I'll go for it.

Alamo!

No, Elizabeth.

You didn't wake me when you snuck in last night.

Oh, good. I was worried about it. It was a little late. In fact, it wasn't even

last night. It was this morning.

Oh, really? What happened? Did Lloyd's car break down?

Uh, no. We just got to talking.

Oh, I know what you mean. Floyd probably started talking about technical

upswings and marketing sell -offs and you couldn't shut him up, right?

Actually, we talked about our childhoods. He's really very sensitive.

Floyd? Did he ever tell you about his rabbit?

No, he spared me the rabbit. When it ran away, he kept its cage as a memorial.

Oh, that is sensitive.

Well, I thought it was pretty touching. I always wanted a rabbit.

Liz, how can you stand to be with that boring person?

Well, maybe I'm boring. You're not.

Maybe he isn't.

I find that very hard to believe.

Well, then don't worry about it. You didn't like Floyd anyway, so what's the

deal?

Yeah.

What's the big deal?

Mr.

Bradford's here to see you, sir.

Send him in.

Good morning, Paul.

Morning, Tom.

Hey. How do you like that office we gave you, huh? Oh, boy, I tell you, it's

great. I feel like the publisher.

Well, we want you to be comfortable.

I'm more than comfortable.

In fact, when they called me and told me that you wanted to see me, it was tough

for me to tear myself away.

Tom, I want you to take a look at that. Sure, what is it?

That's a report from the State Senate Crime Committee on prostitution.

Oh.

I see that this is dated two years ago.

If I remember correctly, we did a report on this at the register when it first

came out.

Sure, so did we.

Tom, I'm not interested in the news value.

It's in the subject itself.

It has a lot of heat.

Heat? Sure.

Grabs the reader's attention, right?

Oh. Oh, you mean that it's provocative, sensational, sexy.

Like a great column.

Have you been reading my column? You know, I usually write about my family,

all my readers are family people. Oh, sure.

Look, your columns are excellent.

It's just that the way the circulation war is going right now, we need...

A little spice.

I don't know.

This isn't exactly my cup of tea. I don't think I'd know where to start.

That's why I gave you the report.

Look it over.

You'll find the angle.

Anything else I can help you with, Tom?

No.

No, not at the moment.

Dad, can I talk to you? I'm busy. That's why the door is closed.

All right, all right.

Hi. Dad just chased me out of the study. What's he doing here?

Well, he's writing his first column for the Tribune at home because he says he

can't work in his new office.

Well, his new job sure hasn't helped his old disposition.

I think Floyd is definitely sensitive.

Yeah, but, Joanie, you don't know him like I do. Well, he looks sensitive.

I think it's really big of you to give him up.

It is?

More than big. It's selfless.

I mean, not many girls could do that and not be jealous.

Who's jealous?

Well, that's what I'm saying. I mean, Floyd is perfect for Elizabeth, and it's

good that you can see that.

You don't think he's too old for her, do you?

No. She's practically the same age as you are.

Well, I've been out in the business world, and her life's been so academic

sheltered. Well, that's why Floyd is perfect for you.

Sophisticated and stimulating, you know.

Yes? Well, according to Elizabeth.

You know, sometimes when you're working with a person day after day, you just

don't see them like they really are.

Hey,

we're not finished.

I know, but I have business with Elizabeth.

Beautiful, Tom. You're 15 minutes ahead of deadline.

Slow start. I was nervous.

Never gets any easier, does it? No, it never does.

I, uh... I don't understand.

Well, I'll simplify the sentence.

No, no, no. The sentence is clear enough. It's, uh... This is all about

two daughters fixing the furnace?

Yes. That's my kind of heat.

It's not amusing, Tom.

It wasn't meant to be.

I was writing what I am, what my readers expect.

Tom, I'm trying to help you reach more readers.

Elliot's doing the same thing with Hank Sullivan.

My readers trust me.

Times change, Tom.

But I don't.

Not about this anyway.

And neither does my column.

Can't you see it, Elizabeth?

Floyd's just doing this to make me jealous.

I don't believe that.

Then why did he ask my sister to go out?

Because we like each other. That's what I'm trying to tell you. It has nothing

to do with you. It has nothing to do with you.

Look, it's none of your business. You dropped Floyd. Because he's such a drag.

And I'm just trying to save you from him.

Or save him for yourself, maybe.

That's not true.

Oh, it is true. Look, you had your chance with Floyd, and you blew it.

Oh, I did, did I? Yes, so just stay away from him.

Hey, look, don't tell me what to do.

I knew him first.

I'm warning you, Nancy.

Yeah, and I'm warning you.

I think you worry too much, Abby. No, I'd just like to get Tom away for a

I mean, let's face it. A midlife crisis in Lake Tahoe is a lot better than

Sacramento. Yeah.

I thought I looked good this morning, didn't you?

That new spot on the Tribune's probably just what he needed.

Oh, I'll get it.

Bradford's.

Oh, hi, Dad.

Yeah, hang on. She's right here. Abby, it's for you.

Hi.

What?

Well, I see.

No, you just stay right there. I'll be right down.

No, I know where it is. It's where you always go with Max.

Okay, bye.

Something wrong?

Yeah, I'm meeting your father at the Latin House bar.

How come?

He's just been fired.

Well, what's next?

Welfare? Don't panic. I'm sure your father will find a job. Not in

At least not in the newspaper business.

If he doesn't find something sooner, Mary will probably have to quit med

Abby will have to go back to work.

And I'll have to drop out of college.

How are

you

feeling?

I've been thinking. All your excuses have evaporated.

We can take that trip to Tahoe now, just the two of us, for as long as we want.

You know, the weather report says it's spectacular.

There's fresh snow and the sun is out. No, Abby.

But, Tom, you need it.

We can't afford it.

Not with the self -centered stones I've been pulling around here.

I've let this family down.

You know, I'm not concerned about this family. I'm concerned about you.

That's just it. So was I.

So the Bradfords have lost their breadwinner.

Tom, you need this trip.

Guilt is such a waste of energy.

It's bad enough knowing what I did, but not knowing how to fix it.

That really hurts.

I wonder if we'll be able to keep the house.

Well, there's always Bradford Construction Company. Uh -uh. He'd hate

hate it. It wouldn't work.

Yeah, well, nothing's gonna work unless he stops moping around and gets out of

that chair.

It's ironic.

I mean, how many times has he told us to grow up and here he is sitting around

acting like a five -year -old? Okay, that's enough.

What's wrong?

I just don't want to hear this anymore, okay?

Yeah, but Tommy's right. Dad's acting like an erratic adolescent.

And you?

Have you been behaving any better?

Have you forgotten he's your father?

Willie sure isn't acting like one.

Well, no, I guess he isn't right now.

And that's because he can't.

And that's what hurts him so much. Abby, you have to admit his behavior has hurt

a few other people.

This man has worked all his life for you people.

He's put up with all your growing pains.

He always gave you what you needed.

Well, I guess you're right, but what he did was so irresponsible.

Elizabeth?

Your father's afraid of growing old and becoming dependent.

And the way you guys are talking right now, I can sure understand how he feels.

He needs your strength and your support.

The way he's always given his to you.

Well, what's going on in here?

Hi. Nothing.

I was just wondering.

We're all so good at taking from Tom Bradford.

Can't we try giving just a little understanding?

Alpha. How about Alpha? It means the first. Oh, forget it. I knew an Alpha in

kindergarten. She threw rocks at everybody and always went to the boys'

Elisa. Oh, no, that sounds pretentious for Alice.

Okay, how about Alice?

Hey, you know, that's not bad for a middle name. Why don't you write it

Oh, I can't. Well, why not? I got an aunt, Alice, and my mother hates it.

Well, I'll get it. Thanks.

Alistair.

Andrea.

Abigail.

No, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, what are you doing here?

Who's Abigail?

No, I asked you first.

Well, I have to talk to you guys about Dad.

Well, what about Dad?

Yeah.

Exactly. I think it's about time we asked that question.

Hmm?

I really don't feel right about this.

Now, Floyd, what's wrong with two co -workers having lunch together?

Well, let me put it this way. Are we going to tell Elizabeth?

Well, that's up to you.

That's up to why you asked me here.

The truth?

The truth.

Tell you what worked.

What worked?

I am jealous, Floyd.

And I have to admit, I was very wrong to call that brief little recess in our

relationship. That brush -off was a recess?

Yes, just a recess.

And I think we should start seeing each other socially again.

Now, don't worry.

Elizabeth will understand.

Oh, Xavier, you were good. Johnny, what are you doing here? Oh, I just ran all

the way from the stock brokerage. When they told me you were here, I was afraid

I wouldn't catch you. Catch me what?

But you've got to go home right now, okay? Wait a minute. Did Elizabeth put

up to this? It has nothing to do with Elizabeth. Why?

It's Dad.

What about Dad?

I'll tell you on the way home. Good to see you.

Good to see you, too.

Mr.

Sullivan, there's a Mr. Bradford to see you.

David Bradford. Oh, well, thank you, Donna.

I know.

Really strange, isn't it? Yeah.

Hey, David.

Hi, Hank. It's been a long time.

I'm sorry. I guess I should have called for an appointment. Oh, come on.

Want to sit down? Yeah.

Thanks.

Well, what's up?

I guess your father sent you down here to pick up some of his personal stuff,

huh? No, he doesn't even know I'm here.

Well, then what brings you down?

I need a good newspaper man to help me find out something.

Well, I guess I'm the second best newspaper man, you know.

David, I certainly didn't mean for it to work out this way.

Yeah, I got a pretty good idea what happened here. I don't blame you for it.

Thank you.

But I don't know what happened at the Tribune. Is there any way you can find

out?

David, it's all over the streets.

Well, didn't your father tell you?

No, he won't even talk about it.

I mean, we want to help him, but we don't even know where to start.

He was fired because he wouldn't knuckle under. To what?

To having his column dictated to him.

They do that over there. They do.

And it took me two years to get up enough manhood to reject their pressure.

And from day one, your father wouldn't budge an inch.

I'll tell you another thing.

It's going to take a long time for me to fill his shoes.

Well, why didn't he tell us? I don't know.

Maybe he just... Maybe he just doesn't like playing the big hero.

Oh, I guess not.

These days, especially to himself.

Can't a man have any privacy?

What is this ridiculous parade?

Dad, you get your privacy. Just give us five minutes, huh? We want to apologize.

And we want to promise you something.

Abby, what is this all about?

Would you just listen? It's a present.

Yeah, and we chose David to deliver it. I think it's some kind of speech.

Boy, I sure wouldn't want to speak for my birthday.

Nicholas, let David talk. Go ahead, David.

Dad, you've been the rock in this family for a long time.

You've helped us through our rough days, and you've been there whenever we

needed you. Man, that's a lot of times, Dad.

Times eight.

Who's eight in this speech, you or David?

Dad, I found out why you were fired.

And it makes me very proud.

Any man that does what you did can handle anything, including 50th

unemployment, right?

That's right.

And even if you don't need our help, we're going to give it to you. It's our

chance to pay you back, Dad. It's only fair. Everything we have we owe to you.

You made us a family, you stuck with us.

And this family's going to stand behind you, Mr. B.

Right.

We don't know what you're going to wind up doing or how long it's going to take

to find another job.

But whatever we have to give up, we'll do it gladly.

Because you deserve it.

Because we need you, Dad.

Yeah. And we want you back as a dad, like you used to be.

I'm right here.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

You drive

a hard bargain, Tom.

Well, that's because there were 326 complaints that my column was missing.

Who told you? I did.

There's something else. After I apologized to you this morning, I

Hank over lunch, and we agreed on something. Why don't you tell him, Hank?

Tom, you tell him. It was your idea.

All right.

Well, we feel that we should both be on page two, side by side. Give the readers

both barrels, the younger outlook versus the traditional. Well -balanced

controversy. Two challenging viewpoints. Hold it, you two. Hold it.

What's wrong, Elliot?

You don't have to talk me into it. Just do it, and for the next edition.

Thanks. Thanks, Mr. Randolph.

Hey, kid.

Yeah? I meant the other kid.

Me?

Happy birthday.

Floyd told you?

When? He called me this morning. He told me you invited him to lunch and tried

everything to cut me out.

Oh, Elizabeth, you have to understand.

I did it for you, really.

I just don't think you see Floyd as he really is.

Oh, I see him as he really is.

But I also see you, Nancy Bradford. You just wanted him because I had him. Oh,

that's not exact... Did you say had?

Um, yeah, I did.

See, I no longer have any interest in Floyd.

Why?

Well, for a couple of reasons.

One, you were right. After two dates, Floyd Wakely's a drag.

Yeah, what's the second reason?

He told me to put Joanie on the phone, and he asked her out. Are you kidding?

Joanie? Mm -hmm. And she accepted.

Oh, Joanie.

Yeah.

Hi. Nancy, can I borrow your ski parka? Sure. Yeah.

Hey, I hope you and Dad have a really good time in Tahoe. Oh, thanks. Yeah, I

wish we were all going.

Really, I don't.

Matt.

Come on.

Good news, Mr. B.

We finally figured out a name for the baby. It's Thomas.

In honor of you, Mr. B.

Oh, that's nice.

I'm really touched.

But wait a minute now.

Suppose it's a girl.

Well, my problem is they'll just keep on trying until they get it right.

Okay, so long.

Have a nice trip.

Bye.