Original subtitles

Hi, Nicholas.

I'm kind of worried what's going to happen when the ERA passes.

The Equal Rights Amendment? Why?

Well, it's kind of hard to explain.

Oh, well, are you worried about women being drafted into the Army? Because a

of women feel it's as much their duty as a man's to defend their country.

No, that's not what my problem is.

Oh, well, is it women in sports?

Competition between the sexes isn't all that bad, you know.

I mean, they're going to have their separate but equal locker rooms.

No, sports isn't what bothers me.

Oh, well, then what is it about the ERA that bothers you?

Well, Kenny P. Lander said that he heard his father talking to his mother and

that his father said when the ERA passes, the women are going to probably

making men have the babies.

That couldn't happen, could it? Oh, no, no, no, absolutely not, Nicholas.

Why?

Why?

Well, I'm glad that you asked that, Nicholas, because we men,

we're not equipped to have babies.

What do you mean?

We don't have the facilities.

You're not too sure of yourself, are you? Yes, I am. It's just... Listen,

I have a great idea.

Why don't we bring this ERA into practice right now and see how it works?

are we going to do that? By sharing this discussion with a woman. Abby!

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

We'll wait enough to fill our lives with love.

Always spend our days like bright and shiny new dawn.

And it is enough to fill up.

Come in.

I'm in a lot of trouble.

What's the matter?

Well, I've got one heavy coat on my tongue. Look.

Nicholas, that's toothpaste.

Oh, yeah. Well, check this out.

This reads over 106.

Now, if this was your temperature, well, we could heat the house.

Well, I guess I better not go to school today.

Nicholas, you're faking.

Mary, I am not faking.

Well, in that case, I guess we better get a second opinion from Dad.

Okay, I'm faking, I'm faking. You're faking.

Yeah, but couldn't you just cover for me this once? I can't go to school today.

Why?

Well, I can't tell you.

Well, if you can't tell me, I can't cover for you.

You know something, Mary? You're beginning to act more and more like a

-up, and I don't like it.

No, this looks fine.

Are you kidding? This is practically a child's toy, and it sounds even worse.

As far as I'm concerned, they all sound terrible.

Come on, Dad. I'm as good as I'm going to be on this.

I guess that pretty much puts an end to my musical dream.

Oh, wait a minute, Tommy. There must be an alternative.

Yeah. We could trade this one in on a new guitar.

Of course, that means that you would need a few extra dollars.

Uh, just a hundred.

A hundred?

That doesn't sound that bad.

Oh, come on, Dad.

It's just a loan, and as soon as I get a new guitar, I'll pay you right back.

Not now, Tommy. Things are too tight this month.

But, Dad, this is important.

I can't grow as a musician unless I have better equipment.

I'd like to loan you the money, Tommy, I really would, but at the current rate

of inflation, I need every penny to keep this family going.

I'll cut back.

No, I can't. Maybe next month.

Yeah, sure, next month.

Sure you don't know why Mr. Hayes wanted to see me, huh?

Bradford, I have an arrangement with Mr. Hayes. He runs the news department. I

don't attempt to read his mind.

But can we get back to your research on Judge Evans?

Back to work.

All right, now, we know that if the governor does appoint Amelia Evans to

state appellate court, it will be quite a coup.

We also know that she won't get the appointment at all if the right people

politic against it. Are you getting all this? Jeffrey, do I look all right?

I mean, you don't think Mr. Hayes will think I look too flashy?

You don't look too flashy.

What is that?

Too conservative?

I'll talk to you after the meeting.

What's wrong? I'm a newsman. I'm not a fashion expert.

Why?

Nicholas?

Hold it, Nicholas, Nicholas.

Why are you holding your notebook like that? I always hold my notebook like

this. Let me see your face.

Why? It hasn't changed much since this morning. I want to have a look.

What happened?

I kind of got hit.

By what?

A fist.

Whose fist?

Just the kid at school. Can I go upstairs now? No, not until you tell me

happened. Now, did you hit this kid first?

I didn't hit Joey at all.

Well, is this Joey bigger than you?

I think so, yeah.

Is that why you got clobbered?

No, I got clobbered because I couldn't hit back.

I just couldn't, that's all.

You turned the other cheek.

I tried to, but it got hit too.

And that's got anything to do with why you didn't want to go to school today?

Yeah, and the way I feel right now, I don't think I'll have to fake being sick

tomorrow.

No, no, I can't make it Tuesday.

How about Wednesday?

Okay.

Well, that sounds great.

Uh -huh.

You tell the governor I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks.

Right.

Goodbye.

So, Miss Bradford, I'm glad we finally have a chance to see one another outside

those boring staff meetings.

I apologize for not keeping in touch.

Well, I know how busy you are, Mr. Hayes. I'm not so busy that I haven't

watching your progress.

I just want to tell you I'm very... Pleased with your work so far.

Thank you.

You have a very nice on -camera quality, very genuine.

Well, I'm sure I can do a lot better.

Of course you can.

You're working on that Evans story now, aren't you?

Yes.

How do you think the station should cover it?

Well... Well, feminists throughout the state believe that Judge Evans has a

commitment to the rights of minorities and women.

Then you suggest the feminist angle.

No, because most of the opposition to her appointment is expected from the

conservative corners of the state legislature, and I think we have to show

angles. Right.

Seems your father's taught you something about journalism.

A little, yes.

Mostly it's been Jeffrey Trout, though.

Jeffrey, you'll never guess what happened.

What? Jeff, since this Evans thing might drag on for months, and you have your

hands full with the foreign policy issues, I thought it'd be a good idea to

Joni keep an eye on the Evans appointment.

Mike, I've been covering Amelia Evans' career practically from the time she

passed her bar exams.

I know, and that should be a big help to Joni. Well, I don't... Jeff, we have to

look at this from a ratings standpoint.

We can attract a much larger female audience with a woman on this story.

You say, Phil, you're the boss.

Right.

You do a good job, Joanie. I'm counting on you. Oh, I'll do my best.

Don't hesitate to stop in the office any time you want. Thank you, Mr. Hayes.

Bye.

What is the matter with you? I thought you'd be happy for me.

If it was up to me, you wouldn't have this story.

Don't you think I can handle it? Do you have any gum?

No.

You're not experienced enough for a story like this.

Enthusiasm is not going to mean much if this story starts to break fast.

Jeffrey, Mr. Hayes thinks I've got enough experience.

Well, Mr. Hayes and I don't share a lot of views.

I don't understand why you're acting like this.

You understand a lot of things.

Now, I know I'm not supposed to notice by the way you're acting, but you're

depressed, right?

Yeah, Dad won't loan me the money for a new guitar I really need.

He gave me the old it's -a -tight -month routine.

Yeah, he told me the same thing yesterday.

You needed some extra bucks, too, huh? Mm -hmm. Sixty -five bucks for a dance

seminar.

Sixty -five dollars? What, do you believe in miracles?

Tommy, he gave it to me.

You're kidding.

Maybe you didn't use the right approach.

Yeah, you're right.

I'm not Daddy's little girl.

Hiya, Tommy.

I don't believe it.

Oh, believe what?

You showing favoritism towards Elizabeth.

What's favoritism?

You loaned her the money she needed, and I get nothing.

For one thing, she asked yesterday. For another thing, she needed the money for

school. She's a dancer. What does she need besides an empty room and a

transistor radio?

Tommy, it was important.

My music is important.

I know that.

The money I gave her was all I could spare for the month.

I wasn't trying to show favoritism.

Well, that's exactly what it was.

Yeah?

I was just going to go, but... I didn't want to leave without talking to you

about this, okay?

Nothing to talk about.

Hey.

You taught me everything I know.

You ought to be proud I got this assignment.

Well, I would have been proud if you hadn't accepted it.

Listen, um... Are you mad because Ace took the assignment away from you?

Oh, come on, Joanie. Grow up.

You're a bright lady.

Very hard for me to believe you don't know why you got this story.

I got this story, Jeffrey, because Mr. Hayes wants a woman's view.

Mm -hmm.

Then why didn't he give it to one of the experienced female reporters?

Because Mr.

Hayes thinks I've got potential, all right?

All right.

Potential is one thing.

But it doesn't mean anything as far as his story's concerned.

You don't know Michael Hayes like I do.

Mr. Hayes is doing you a favor.

And Mr. Hayes expects favors to be returned.

Left. $43 .87 for electricity. That's not bad.

This is for internet.

Oh, yeah, right.

Well, I'm afraid to ask, but what's the balance?

It's about the same as last month. Well, actually, it's a little less. It's

enough for Elizabeth's workshop.

But not enough for Tommy's guitar.

Tom, you can't always be the great provider. There's a limit to your

I know, I know.

It's not your fault that food's more expensive and the price of gasoline has

gone out of sight.

Yeah. I guess I just hate saying no to my children.

You didn't say no.

Inflation did.

Look, Dad, it's not the size of the pie that we're talking about. It's the way

that you're cutting it. That's what's not fair.

Life is not always fair, Tommy, especially when you're one of eight

That's not my point.

There really aren't eight children anymore.

We still eat as though there are.

Dad, think about it.

I mean, who are you really supporting?

Mary, that's one.

Nancy and Joanie pay for all their own expenses. So who's left? Me, Elizabeth,

and Nicholas.

So? So there should be more money around here instead of less. This month there

isn't. Maybe next month you'll get the money. Unless Mary gets to you first.

I don't want to argue about this anymore, Tommy.

Dad, there wouldn't be any arguments if you'd just use a fair system.

Oh, and I suppose you're the expert on what's fair.

I know that your system isn't. Oh, really?

I should maybe put you in control of the purse strings.

That'd suit me just fine. I think I'd probably do a better job anyway.

You know something, young man? I should take you up on that.

Tom, you don't really mean that.

Oh, don't I?

I'm tired of being criticized.

This job is hard enough without everybody second -guessing every penny.

Oh, I don't think Tommy means that, do you, Tommy? I know what Tommy means, and

now it's time he puts up or shuts up.

I want to see you in the study, young man. What for?

I want to give you a check for all of the money available to the children of

this family for the rest of the month. Then you can take the responsibility of

giving it out. And the headache.

Fantastic.

Business -like?

Very business -like.

Good.

In fact, it almost goes all the way to intimidating.

Are you sure you want that image on camera?

It's not for a camera. It's for the author.

Jeffrey Trout thinks I got the Judge Evans story for something besides

Why would he think that? I don't know.

But I'm not going to let his insecurities affect how I do my job.

It's his ego problem, not mine.

I was under the impression that you and Jeffrey Trout worked really well

together. I know.

That's why it really bothers me, Abby.

I mean, Jeffrey was my mentor. He showed me the ropes. He taught me the basics.

I thought he was going to be really happy and proud that I got this

That just goes to show you what can happen when you let males bring their

unpredictable emotions into a place of business.

Where did you dig up this old coin? The film library.

Does it work for you? Oh, yes.

Well, see, I thought I'd mix it in with some of her more recent interviews and

kind of trace the career of a woman in state government.

Ah.

This is a reel of her campaigning for the state assembly back in 1962.

Joanie, you're putting together a very thorough profile. I find it difficult to

believe that this is your first political reporting.

Well, up to now, mostly I've done research for Jeffrey Trout. That's the

kind of training you can get in this business.

You seem to have all the instincts of a first -rate reporter.

Thank you.

Mr. Hayes, it's really nice to get a chance to prove myself.

I appreciate the opportunity.

It's only an opportunity if you take advantage of it.

Right.

Well, I have a few more clips to look at, but I should have a final cut by

afternoon. Fine. I'll set up a screening for this afternoon.

Great. See you then.

Hiya, slugger.

Hey, what are you doing here? I thought you were in spring training. Well, now I

got me a furlough to visit Susan.

Hey, how you been?

Not too good.

Yeah. Yeah, I can see that.

Who you fighting with?

A kid named Joey.

What about?

Before I can ask, I get hit.

Nicholas, let me show you something.

What are you doing? You get right here, okay?

I'm going to show you a little psychological self -defense.

Huh? This will really scare him.

And now you can really clean him up.

How about it?

Forget it.

Well, don't you want to learn how to do it in case that bully keeps bothering

you? It wouldn't make any difference. I still couldn't do it. Sure you could.

It works and it doesn't matter how big he is.

Yes, it does because he is a sheep.

You're being picked on by a girl?

Yep, Josephine McDougal. And Dad says I can't hit girls.

That's the beauty of it.

You don't really hit, you just scare.

Now let's try it one more time, real slow.

And get!

How's it going, Bradford?

Oh, uh, so far so good.

Mr. Hayes liked my biographical stuff.

Isn't that to be expected?

How long are we going to keep going through this?

Through what?

Jeffrey, is it impossible for you to believe that I might actually be

to cover this story?

Joanie, don't get me wrong. I'm all for you getting a shot at the political

beat. As long as that's all Hayes has got in mind.

Well, if he had any other intentions, he hasn't made me aware of them, all

right? Okay.

You didn't know?

Joanie, listen, it's, uh...

Looks like I'm going to be tied up for the rest of the afternoon.

Oh, that's okay. I can show you the clip tomorrow.

Yeah, and I'd really like to see it today.

Do you mind if we set up a screening after work hours, say, around 7 .30?

7 .30?

Is that too late for you?

Uh, no.

Um, no, uh, give me a chance to finish the copy.

Good.

Why don't you just meet me in my office when things quiet down around here?

Sure.

But, Dad, I still don't understand why we have to go to Tommy for money.

I'm through listening to complaints. Tommy thinks he can do a better job than

spending the money, so I have put him in charge of miscellaneous cash.

Sounds to me like you're teaching him a lesson at our expense.

No, my expense.

Fortunately, it's limited to the few dollars that are left over after our

are paid.

Yeah, but asking Tommy for our share is so humiliating.

Please, can't you change your mind?

I'm sorry. I'm committed.

And, boy, am I sorry.

Well, I guess we'll just have to adjust.

Oh, here he is now, our wonderful, generous brother. Would you girls please

these out?

What is this?

I want to get an itemized list of your monthly expenses. Sort of a projection

how much money you'll need this month. It'll be the basis for determining your

allowance. What?

Come on, we're going to start running this on a business basis.

Just fill those out.

I'm warning you, Joey.

Warning me, you won't come any closer if you know what's good for you.

Are you

kidding? Watch it, Joey.

You're going to get in trouble with that karate junk.

What? I hate people who don't stand and fight.

Makes me really mad.

It does?

It's chicken.

There's only one thing worse.

What's that?

People who run.

Well, as long as you're going to be mad about it.

Joanie, I don't consider myself prone to idle flattery, but that was a highly

commendable effort.

Thank you, Mr. Hinton.

I usually end the day with a drink. You care to join me?

Oh, no, thank you. Probably put me to sleep.

Okay, I'm used to drinking alone.

You know, I've been meaning to ask you, did you study journalism or

communication in college? No, actually, acting.

You seem to be adjusting quite nicely to a new field.

You know, Mr. Hayes, I really love the news.

Well, you've still got a good deal to learn about broadcast journalism. Oh,

But what intrigues me about you... is your

style.

You seem to be able to project a sincere kind of enthusiasm.

I think viewers will find that very appealing.

I know I do.

Mr. Hayes, could I ask you a question?

Sure.

This is... Look,

I believe I deserve this assignment, and I believe I can do the work.

But did I get this job because you thought I would do more?

Well, let me put it this way.

I went out of my way to be... friendly.

And... now you want me to return the friendship.

That's usually the way it works.

Nancy's right, Nicholas.

In about the fourth grade, I used to beat up lots of guys. You did?

Yeah, that's when I had to start wearing braces. They call me Metal Mouth. So, I

beat them up.

I bet they didn't like you too much when you did.

The guys hated me. But the girls thought I was great, and I got elected

Blackboard Monitor.

Well, maybe you can help me out.

No, I'm sorry, Nicholas. I'm not going to beat anyone up for you. I'm trying

very hard to live down my violent past.

No, I didn't mean that way. I was just wondering how the boys made you stop.

They didn't.

Never?

No. I guess I just sort of grew out of it in a couple of years.

A couple of years?

I don't think I can last that long.

Hey, there you are. I've been looking all over for you. I think I finally

the budget problem.

Terrific. And here's your share in cash.

Here you go, sport.

Connie, I'm impressed.

Dad was never able to be this efficient. Well, before you open that, I want you

to know that it doesn't completely cover everything he asked for in your budget

request. You call that solving the budget? But you'll be happy to know that

completely fair and equitable.

How can it be fair if it doesn't cover everything I need this month?

Elizabeth, there was no way. I tried my plan, and if all four of us were to get

everything we asked for, we'd need six times the available money.

You're beginning to sound like Dad.

Wrong. My system's completely different from Dad's. There's no emotional bias,

no favoritism. It's 100 % fair and democratic.

As a matter of fact, it's so simple and obvious, I can't figure out why Dad

didn't think of it himself years ago.

Think of what?

Well, what I did was take the total amount of money available and split it

different ways.

Does that mean I still get my $5 weekly allowance?

Oh, sure, and a lot more.

But I don't want... I just got used to five instead of two.

Are you sure?

Sure. You saw my budget request.

Five dollars even.

I'll have to recompute. That means more for the rest of us.

Of course. Great.

Recompute. Thanks, Nicola.

Forget it. With all the problems I got, five dollars is enough responsibility.

Did you tell Tom about this?

No. You know how Dad feels about the whole newsroom.

He'd probably run down there, challenge Mr. Hayes to a duel to protect my honor.

Make a great segment on the 6 o 'clock news. Yeah, unforgettable.

Well, there are other jobs.

I mean, if Mike Hayes behaves that way, he doesn't deserve you. But I want this

job, Abby.

Are you sure? No, I'm sure.

I'm more sure every day.

I'm learning so much at Channel 8. It's an incredible opportunity. It is perfect

for me right now.

In every way that this.

Well, you just have to make the situation work for you.

Under the right conditions.

How?

You make Mike Hayes play the game your way.

I've seen it work at school before.

The kid's job is important to him, too.

He knows he can't afford to risk it with fun and games.

So you just be... You be professional and efficient.

You treat him like a business person.

What if it doesn't stop him?

Now you're not supposed to be there.

There goes another Joni Bradford dream.

It doesn't have to be that way.

Joni, you do your job. The dream will still be there.

Tommy, just what are you trying to pull?

What do you mean?

Well, I just counted my new share of the expense money.

Isn't it great? With Nicholas taking his allowance, the three of us get $46

each. But my dance seminar is $65.

So? Tommy, Dad already committed it to me. Well, I'm sorry, Elizabeth, but that

wouldn't be fair to Mary and me.

Tommy, is it fair for me to lose the advance deposit?

Is it fair to back out on a previous obligation made by our mutual father?

Is it fair to disgrace me in front of the whole dance club?

Now, Elizabeth.

Let's not get emotional.

Emotional? Tommy, I am about to get physical.

Because I just remembered, little brother, that one of those boys I used

up in the fourth grade was you.

Okay, okay, we'll recompute. Okay, better.

Morning. Morning.

Well?

Well, what?

Are you still on the Judge Evans story?

Can I talk to you about it later? Why?

Well, I was just going to go talk to Mr. Hayes about it. I see.

No, I don't think you do.

You saw some of it, but you don't see all of it.

Shoney, what is that supposed to mean?

Well, when I find out, I'll let you know, okay? Hey.

Can I do anything?

Could we do this some other time?

I would really like to do it right now, Mr. Hayes.

It's taken me 45 minutes to get up the courage.

Sounds ominous.

I was hoping you'd suggest we could meet for lunch.

Please. Just my talent for fantasy.

I was pleasantly imagining you'd changed your mind since last night.

No.

I was afraid you'd say that.

Well, what would you like?

An apology?

I just want us to have an understanding, all right?

I want to be your best reporter, and I want you as my boss.

Sounds very boring.

No, not to me.

Mr. Hayes, I respect your work, and I would like you to respect mine.

That's a very unique brush -off.

Under the circumstances, very gutsy.

I'm sorry it sounds that way.

Oh, don't be. On the other hand, I need gutsy reporters.

Does that mean that I'm still on the Evans story?

That means I would be very self -defeating if I allowed a personal

disappointment to interfere with a professional relationship.

Thank you, Mr. Hayes.

Thank you. You are very understanding.

I really appreciate it.

Don't appreciate it too much.

I'm also human.

I beg your pardon?

You want a professional relationship.

You've got one.

Thanks. Just don't disappoint me twice.

Well, let me get this straight.

This Joey beat you up at both recesses? Yeah, I kind of take the fun out of him.

Well, did you tell the teacher?

Are you kidding?

I'm no fink. Yeah, of course not.

But Marvin told the vice principal.

Well, what happened?

Well, she didn't believe it, and she made me stay after school for picking on

Jill. Figures.

Oh, it does, does it?

Well, what do you think, David?

Should I forget what everybody says and hit Joey back?

Wait a minute. Before you answer that, I think you ought to know something.

What?

Well, when people hit Joey back, she gets really mean and bites fingers.

I think I see your problem.

I think you ought to do what I did.

What do you mean?

You see, I had the same problem.

There was this girl named Carol Bartolino, and she used to hit me in the

till I couldn't eat, and then she'd steal my lunch.

What did you do?

Yes, David, what did you do?

Sorry, Counselor, this is top secret between Nicholas and me.

Why not? I'll try anything.

Mary, get off my case.

You took back some of my money. I had to. Elizabeth needed more than her

What does Elizabeth have to do with my money?

Look it, Tommy, I took the $46 figure that you gave me this morning and I

committed it. I am now $19 short and I want my money back.

Then talk to Elizabeth.

You're the treasurer. Why should I talk to Elizabeth?

Because the only money I have left is mine. Fine, I'll take it. My money? Yes.

I had the Bar Association plowing through vials of Amelia Evans.

You better forget that and get in there fast.

Hayes wants to see you.

The investigation will reportedly substantiate allegations that Judge

Evans, rumored appointee to the appellate court, spent time in a

mental illness.

According to Channel 11's source at the Capitol, admission documents were

found... close to the minority leader leaked charges brought to them by a

orderly at the as yet unnamed institution.

Neither the governor nor Judge Evans could be reached for comment this

afternoon. More developments as they happen from the Channel 12 mobile news

team. Evans appointment delayed by startling revelation.

Film at 6 on 22.

Film on every station but this one.

The biggest headline in weeks and we have nothing.

Get a crew over there fast, Jeff. We'll have to pick up the pieces with a live

remote.

That's my job.

Not anymore.

I know. I can do it. Please, let me try.

You did try, and you didn't make it. That was a costly mistake, Bradford, not

keeping an eye on the Capitol.

The station can't afford to have that kind of mistake repeated.

Give your notes to Jeff. You're off the oven story.

I'm sure you can understand that as a professional.

My note or your note?

I'll hold it.

Forget the other story.

Are you okay?

Jeffrey, I owe you an apology.

What for?

This one I should have given you this morning.

You were right about our boss. He wasn't just my fatherly mentor.

That's great.

I think I'll have a talk with Mr. Hayes and the station manager. No, Jeffrey,

you haven't heard it all.

I didn't tell you this before because I was going in to straighten it out.

How? Well, I put my relationship with Mr. Hayes on a strictly business basis,

and he was big enough to agree to it.

Are you kidding me?

No.

Well, then why did he just take you off the story?

He took me off the story because I'm not good enough to handle it.

Simple.

You were right about that, too.

Eh, come on, Bradford. Check your facts.

What facts?

Something's definitely strange if I'm right twice in a row.

Well, you were.

No, I wasn't. I wasn't even that right about Hayes. You say he promised to give

you a fair chance after you backed him down. Look, you can handle Michael

You can handle the story.

Jeffrey, Mr. Hayes took me off the story.

I'm putting you back on. As my partner.

Okay?

Okay?

No, Tommy.

Absolutely not. You can't raise my rent.

I think it's a disgusting idea, and it's probably unconstitutional.

Well, I'm willing to put it to family vote.

Oh, that's really generous of you. You know, Joanie and I are going to lose out

to the non -working majority.

Look, Nancy, there was no other way. Do you realize that inflation was 13 .5 %

last year?

Believe me, Tommy, I realize it. That's why I can't afford to pay more for room

and board.

Well, if Joanie agrees with it, you'll have to go along, too.

Well, what does Dad say about this?

I'm in charge of discretionary finances.

You mean... you haven't talked to Dad about this?

What's the point? I mean, after he sees the figures, he's just going to realize

there's no other way to go.

Not after I talk to him.

All right, now, let's get organized.

Did Amelia Evans really have the alleged nervous breakdown? And if she did, when

did she have it? There's nothing about it in her school records.

That means she's clear up through... 1944, when she graduated from Baltimore.

All right, what about afterward?

Oh, well, practically every week's accounted for since she started her law

That leaves a gap there of about eight months.

What do you mean, a gap of about eight months? Where was she? I don't know.

on, Bradford. No, no, that's the whole mystery. See, nobody's talking about it,

and she won't get specific.

All I can find out is that she was supposedly unhappily married during that

time, and she doesn't want to talk about it. Yeah, that could be a cover story

for a stay in a sanatorium. Yeah, that's accepted theory. Or maybe it's true.

You think so?

I think it's the only lead we've got.

All right, now, what do we know?

If Amelia Evans was married during those missing months, what would she need?

Number one, a husband.

Number two, a marriage license.

Check it out. Now, if it's that far back, it's probably a microfilm. I don't

to do anything anymore.

Jobs? Us?

Dad never told us to get jobs.

Well, Dad never faced financial reality.

Here's reality, Tommy.

Medical school is all I can handle.

Now, every penny that Dad gives me, he knows he'll get back.

Well, what good is that going to do him when we're in the poorhouse?

Now, Tommy, you're just mad because you can't get your guitar this month.

No, Elizabeth, this goes way beyond me getting a new guitar.

This is family survival.

I've got to prove to Dad that I can handle this.

Okay, now look, I've worked it out.

Elizabeth, you need a job that pays $3 .50 an hour for 18 hours a week.

And Mary, you need a job that pays $4 an hour for 14 hours a week.

You know what we need is a new money manager.

Just forget it, Scrooge.

It's time to help.

Tom, wait. You don't want to go out there. I don't. No, because the girls

furious about their finances. Well, at least they're not bothering me about it.

Oh, they will if you go out there.

No problem. I'll refer them to Tommy. No, they won't let you. Don't you think

it's time you admitted this was a mistake?

It wasn't.

Tom.

The best money move I ever made in my whole life is when I let Tommy talk me

into this.

Joey? Yeah?

We gotta talk.

About what?

We gotta settle this.

You think you're big enough? No, but we still gotta settle this.

Wait right here.

Here. What's this?

It's a present.

Why?

Because I think you're the most interesting girl I know.

Really? Really.

I never had roses before.

That's what David figured.

What?

Never mind. Do you like them?

Well, I do like them. Thanks, Nicholas.

You're welcome, Josephine. You want to walk to school with me?

Sure.

Anyone you want me to punch out?

Not really.

Okay, just let me know.

Now, let's not be that hasty, all right? If you're not exactly all that pleased

with Tommy's financial policies, may I make a suggestion? Well, sure, as long

it's get rid of Tommy now. No, but actually what I had in mind was to have

revolving treasure ship. I thought that each of you could take the job for one

month. No way!

Yeah, who needs all the hassles? How can you be so quick to criticize Tommy when

at least he's trying to do the job? Very easily.

Dad, compared to you, he is a disaster. Dad, please, take back the purse

strings. Now, wait a minute. I think we should give him at least another chance.

After all, he's got a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of good ideas. Can't we give him

one more chance?

Dad, please.

Listen to him.

I blew my chance. I surrender.

Here. Good for you.

Thanks, little brother.

Thanks, Dad.

Good. Better.

Now, we need film. Find it. Anything. All right? That's your present.

Decker. Robert Pete. What about it? He and Amelia Evans were married June 14,

1944.

And? And I'm waiting for the standing ovation. Not yet.

Oh, you need Decker's current address, right? We're going to lick this story.

Yeah, I do.

You got it.

You got it.

First of all, fellow stockholders, I want to thank our immediate past

Tommy Bradford, for all he has done.

Yeah, goof everything up.

Yeah, exactly. No, no, no. I wouldn't say that.

I mean, Tommy's financial challenge has been very educational to all of us,

especially to me.

You? Yes, it made me realize that there's a lot more going on around here

besides inflation.

In the past year, each and every one of you has grown at least 13 .5%. What I'm

trying to say is that all of your brothers and sisters are now responsible

adults. I can't keep doling out the pennies and hiding the problems. The

has come for me to let you know exactly where each one of you stands.

Then your plans and expectations can be reasonably arrived at. You mean we get

to see exactly what comes in and out of the house?

I'll give you a list of the fixed expenses and all the available cash for

month. That'd be great.

I'd like to learn your secrets. Beats me how you kept this family going.

Tommy, sometimes it beats me.

That's why I'm glad that you're around here to make me realize that I don't

to do it all by myself.

I guess we have been pretty selfish for a lot of years.

Yeah.

Maybe Joanie and I can take another look at what we pay for rent.

Dad, can we really afford my seminar?

Dad?

I guess with a lot of practice, I can make that old guitar sound good.

Thanks.

I think this is delicious.

Do you think this is delicious?

Yeah, I agree, Joey. It's great.

Can I buy you another one?

No, thanks.

Can I buy you some french fries or a chili dog?

No, that's okay. I'm kind of full.

Okay, I'll buy you french fries and a chili dog tomorrow.

Tomorrow? Yeah, after we play some pinball.

You mean we're going to play pinball?

Then you can help me with my homework at my house.

Joey, I don't think I'll be able to go to your house tomorrow.

Then we'll do it at your house.

My house?

I'll walk you there after school.

Well, maybe we can just meet there.

You mean you won't walk with me?

Not that. It's just that I gotta stop at David's.

Who's David?

A guy who owes me eight dollars and some better advice.

Mr. Decker, to your knowledge, has Amelia Evans ever undergone psychiatric

treatment? Amelia?

Never. She's the sanest person I know.

Well, then why is she being accused of spending time at Lakevale Sanitarium

during the time you were married to her?

Because I was a patient there, and as part of my treatment, she lived there

me. And is that why she refuses to discuss the allegation, to protect your

career?

Exactly.

But she stood by me when I needed her, and I'll stand by her.

A governor's getting himself one fine judge.

Thank you, Mr. Decker.

Mr. Decker's statements have been verified by the officials at Lakevale

Sanitarium. This is Joni Bradford, Channel 8 News.

All right, all right. Now, before you chew us out, I want you to know that I

Bradford on camera because it was her scoop and she deserved it. Sharon, tell

Sullivan I want this tape on the air as soon as possible. Tell him to interrupt

regular programming and run it as a special news bulletin before we lose our

exclusive.

All right. Now, look, I know I went against your order, but I kept Bradford

the story because I need her.

She's a good reporter.

You're rubbing it in?

Just clearing the air.

Okay. Consider it cleared.

Bradford, the interview was very professional.

Sorry I don't have time to buy you a drink.

All right, we did it.

Oh, Jeffrey, thanks.

Forget it. Forget it. You saved my job.

This thing felt it.

It took me months to train somebody new. And you warned me about Hayes. Now,

don't you brush that off. You were really looking out for me. Well, don't

me sound too noble.

The motive was pure jealousy.

Well, you wanted that story. I can understand that.

Not the story.

Well, then what?

You don't know. Forget it. Jeffrey.

Bradford, you didn't mean that... I mean, you... Hold it, Bradford.

We work together.

Any personal thing can be very risky.

Since when did that worry you?

You missed your job for me.

That's not what I mean.

I don't want to be another Michael Hayes.

Oh, you're not.

You're not.

You're, uh... I'm what?

I'm not sure.

I have to look at you in a whole different way now.

Well?

I'm looking.

Watch it, Bradford.

Yes, Mr. Trout.

Well, I think we got a big gun.

I think I don't mind.

Want to talk about it? I'll buy you dinner.

Business expense?

Strictly personal.

I did it! I did it!

Nancy!

What, Dad? Did what? I beat this noisy little computer. Come on, the two of us

will take it on. Oh, I'm sorry, Dad, but I promised the office I'd work

overtime. I need the extra rent money. Sorry.

Oh, yeah, right.

Oh, Elizabeth, have you seen this little computer game? It's the most

challenging thing. Oh, well, listen, Dad, can't it wait? I've got to babysit

the Carlson's in three minutes.

Bye -bye. Oh, yeah, goodbye, Elizabeth.

Tommy! Ha -ha! Just the man I'm looking for.

Would you care to match wits against... Baron Van Breen?

Oh, I'd like to, Dad, but the band's got an audition right now. Got to keep the

bucks rolling in, you know. Oh, I know.

I know.

Is something wrong?

Oh, no. It's just the kids are sure anxious to balance the budget.

That should make you happy. You taught them to be very responsible.

Yeah, but they aren't any fun anymore.

That's what you have me for.

Oh, yeah.