Original subtitles

Well, we're moving on up. Moving on up. To the east side. Moving on up. To a

deep.

When the mixture has reached the proper consistency, uh -huh, check on the duck.

Okay.

Hey, hello, duck. How's it going?

Quack, quack, quack.

Florence,

for a second there, you had me going.

Miss Jefferson, what on earth are you doing in here? It's an experiment.

I'm making Chinese food for dinner.

Peking duck.

And moogoo guy pan.

Well, you sure used a lot of pan for just one moogoo.

Listen, Miss Jefferson, I'll take over from here. Why don't you go out for a

while? Go out?

Yeah, to a movie or something. There's a great one playing right down the

street. In the first ten minutes, five people get crushed to death in an

avalanche, seven people get drowned in a flood, and one poor dude in a car wash

gets hot waxed to death.

Florence, I don't want to see a movie like that.

Why not? It's a love story.

you trying to get rid of me of course not the first feature starts in five

minutes you sure dressed up oh so that's why you want me out of here

a man's coming over right nobody's coming over i don't know where you got

idea i'm just trying to help with dinner what

about my duck just tell him to

keep his feathers on i'll be back

down in the laundry room and I found one of your flyers about the union we were

talking about.

Oh, good. Did you make up your mind to join yet? Well, not yet, but the flyers

sound great.

Maids of the building unite.

See Florence Johnston tonight.

Shh. Ms. Jefferson will hear you. She already did.

What are you two trying to keep so secret?

Oh, nothing.

Oh, come on. I love secrets.

We can't tell you, Ms. Jefferson. You ain't one of us.

house that says i am i mean you're one of us but you're also one of them them

who's them you me is them oh well you're gonna find out anyway

we are trying to form a union you mean the maids yeah kathy kincaid the

president of the union is supposed to drive by here this afternoon i think

gonna make me head of the building oh

Wonderful! It's about time maids had a union.

I'm behind you all the way.

Well, that's one.

And I'm sure George is, too.

That's one and a half.

It's sure nice of you to support the maids. I wish my boss felt the way you

Well, I used to be a maid myself.

And believe me, Millie, I know exactly where you're at.

So do I, but how do I get a ticket out of here?

Well, joining a union would be a good start.

Boy, did I have a mean boss.

And you know what made me the maddest?

Every time I'd start to talk, she'd say, you people never know when to keep your

mouth shut.

Well, why didn't you quit?

Couldn't afford to.

But I did call her names under my breath and make faces behind her back.

Hey, like I do to Mr. Jefferson, huh?

Well, I better leave before my boss starts yelling.

Hey, wait a minute, Millie. Don't you want to join? We got six girls signed up

already. Oh, Florence, I still need more time to think. I mean, what if I get

fired? I got kids in college.

You do?

Yeah, William and Mary.

That's a great school.

No, those are my kids.

They go to City College. If I lose my job, they'll have to drop out, go to

It's all right, Millie. I understand.

Oh, I'll get it. It's probably Kathy.

Hiya, kid.

What's happening?

Hi, Kathy.

Kathy Kincaid. Nice to meet you. You too, honey.

I've got something important to ask you, so listen up.

Peking duck, right?

Yeah. How did you know?

Honey, I've been a maid for 21 years, and if this nose ain't melted, you

not eat it.

What did you want to ask me, Kathy? In a minute, kid. I think this duck needs me

first.

Well, let's take a look at the damage.

Have mercy.

There ought to be a law against somebody doing that to a duck.

Um, didn't you want to ask me something, Cassie?

Oh, yeah.

Kit, the union needs you to be the head of this building.

Me? Head of the building?

Oh, I don't know.

Come on, we need a good leader.

Me? Oh, no, not me.

Well, I guess I can get someone else. Over my dead body.

I'd work my fanny off for this unit.

Good, then it's settled.

How about you, honey? You joined up yet?

I can't. I'm Florence's employer.

You mean you're management?

But I'm on your side. I used to be a maid myself.

Well, in that case, base your own duck.

some sugar, because here I come.

Just wrap your arms around my neck and lay one on me.

A little friendly, aren't you, shorty?

Who the hell are you? Cassie Kincaid.

What is all these people doing in my kitchen? These are friends of

George. The maids are going to form a union.

That's right, and I have just been appointed president of the United

of Household Technicians.

I thought you had to work before you could join a union.

It's no joke, George. This union's for real.

A maid's union? Are you kidding?

What's your slogan? Have mop, we'll slop?

Look, Sardi, you'd better quiet down unless you want a picket line walking

across your face.

Now, watch you. Now, that's the second time you don't call me shorty. Only

because you ain't grown none since the first time.

Look, kid, I want you to get all the girls together in this building and have

meeting tomorrow night.

You can have it right here. Oh, no, they can't. I have no bunch of cleaning

women dirtying up my house.

Don't be silly, George. There's no reason why they can't have it here.

Right on, honey.

I've got to run now. I better go, too. Can I drop y 'all, girl? No, thanks. I

just work upstairs at the Whittendale's. Mr. Whittendale? The guy who owns this

building? Yeah.

Ah, so you're Mr.

Whittendale's maid, huh? I should have known.

You got a lot more class than the rest of the maids in this building.

Thank you. And you support this union, too, huh?

Well, I don't know if else do you think she's here.

And I think it's great people should stick up for themselves.

He sure does change his mind fast.

There ain't that much to change, honey.

So look, you just tell Mr. Whittendale that his old buddy, George Jefferson, is

behind him all the way up this union thing. And y 'all can meet here anytime.

Well, all right.

Listen, I've got to split. Good luck with your meeting tomorrow night, kid.

aren't it nice meeting you?

As for you, shorty, you just got a little taller.

Well, you sure ain't getting no prettier.

Well, George, you certainly switched sides awful quick.

Yeah, how come you aren't out all of a sudden? What difference does it make?

should be lucky me and Mr. Whittendale respect working people.

Mr. Whittendale, the way you carry on about that man is just ridiculous.

No, it ain't.

Whittendale's a big wheel in this town.

Now, look, if I get next to a big wheel, you know what that makes me?

A hubcap?

You just don't understand.

People are coming down here to visit us. Hey, Whis, you remember old Miller?

Mr. Whittendale's right -hand man?

Oh, certainly. How are you?

Hey, how's it going, Miller? What can I do for you? You can get off my foot.

Hey,

so, uh, how about a drink or something? No, thank you.

The only reason I'm here is to inquire about this union thing.

Oh, yeah, it's gonna be big.

Uh, Mr. Whittendale would like to know exactly how you feel about it. I'm

it all the way, just like Mr. Whittendale.

I mean, these hard -working ladies have needed a union for a long time.

They deserve a union.

They demand a union. And they got a right to a union.

But I could be wrong.

Mr. Whittendale is against it.

Anybody in their right mind will be against it.

Mr. Whittendale will be glad to hear that you agree with him.

Because he doesn't intend to allow any such activity in this building.

Understood? Yep. Well, look. Don't you worry about a thing. George Jefferson

will nip this union thing right in the bud. So you can go back and tell Mr.

Whittendale that. I will.

As soon as you get off my foot.

Goodbye, Mrs. Jefferson.

Well, that's that.

You ain't having your meeting here?

No, just a minute, George.

No?

of the meeting. This union means too much to Florence.

Forget about it. We've got more important things to do. Mr. Jefferson,

could be more important than getting decent working conditions for us girls?

Girls? What girls?

That group's got more mileage on it than a fleet of Model T Fords.

But Mr. Jefferson, we need this union to get things like health insurance and

pension plans.

Why? Us poor employers don't get that kind of stuff.

Who's going to take care of me when I get old?

Keep it up, George, and you won't have to worry about getting old.

Look, Weezy. Mr. Jefferson, do you know that some of the maids in this building

don't even get enough to eat? Well, that sure ain't your problem.

I ain't seen no leftovers since you moved in here.

Come on, George. Now you've got to let them have that meeting.

Look, Weezy, the answer is no. Case is closed.

Well, I'm not through talking about it. Well, that's too bad, because I'm

through hearing about it.

George, don't you dare do that to me.

Listen,

Mr. Jefferson, now some of the girls really need you.

I ain't lucky enough to work for nice people like Miss Jefferson and you.

You chump. I heard you.

over here tomorrow night.

Then we'll have to think of a way to get rid of George.

Give me that phone.

You calling the hitman?

Hello? Tom?

Louise, listen.

I've got a big favor to ask of you for tomorrow night.

When is he going to leave, Miss Jefferson? The girls will be here pretty

George, will you hurry up?

Tom's probably downstairs getting a cab right now.

Hold your horses. We just had to get my binoculars.

It sure was nice of Tom to invite you to the big fight tonight.

Yeah, Jack. I can't wait to see my man Sugar Ray Jackson, boy.

Reminds me of myself when I was boxing in the Navy.

You mean he gets knocked out all the time?

Should be a great fight, Weezy.

Even makes the words go on Willis. Yeah.

Hold, hold, hold. I got to adjust my binoculars.

Almost. Hey!

What an unusual place for a birthmark.

Ha!

George, Tom did a nice thing for you. I'm not going to let you be late. Hold

Louise. I can't go to no fight without my lucky boxing hat.

He ain't never going to leave, Miss Jefferson.

Oh, stop worrying, Florence. They're not going to be here for half an hour.

There's still plenty of time.

Oh, no, there ain't.

You're early.

We thought we'd have you clean up before the people got here.

But you are the people.

Florence, do something and do it fast.

Are you new here, honey? I haven't seen you in the laundry room.

I live here.

How about that? The Jefferson's got two maids.

Is that Willis? Tell him I'm coming.

Oh, my God. Quick, get him all in the powder room.

Move it. Move it. Come on.

Oh, George.

Hey, wait. Hold on. Oh, please. You know how lonesome I get without you.

What is wrong with you? Oh, stay here, George.

Hug me just like this. I'm not holding you. You're holding me. Now, let's go.

George, is it going to kill you to spend some time with me? It might. You're

breaking my ribs.

Those things are all put away in the bathroom now. Well, what are you waiting

for? George, you're going to be late for the fight.

You're going crazy. Look, as soon as the business lightens up, me and you are

going to take us on a little vacation, okay? Sure, George. Okay. Have a good

time.

That way.

Close.

Okay, the coast is clear.

Well, it's about time.

What are we supposed to be standing at?

Oh,

George!

Oh, hello,

George.

Was that you out there?

What's the big idea of slamming the door in my face?

I didn't do it. It must have been the winner.

Oh, the winner? Well, look here. I forgot my coat.

Would you mind passing it to me before another wind comes up? Oh, sure.

Here you go. Thank you, Lord.

Okay, y 'all can come out now.

Is this some kind of game we're playing?

Oh, if you won't be angry, Florence, I didn't have anything to do in there, so

cleaned the sink.

I see you finally decided to join. I still can't make up my mind, Florence,

I want to hear what everyone has to say. Can I stay and listen?

Of course you can.

What about me, Florence? Sure, come on.

Okay, now quiet down.

Now we're not here to goof off.

You can do that on your boss's side.

Girls, please. Come on, girls.

Go ahead,

honey.

Okay, now you all know why we're here.

To organize our union.

Now, starting tonight, we ain't made.

We're household technicians.

What's a household technician?

That's a maid with a union, honey.

I'm all for it. It's about time we were treated like professionals.

Right. My boss treats me like a piece of furniture.

Dresses me to match the tablecloth.

Mr. McGuire does the same thing to me.

my boss, Mrs.

Albright.

Because I'm always finding his underwear in her laundry.

Come on, girls. Now stop gossiping. It don't make no difference who sleeps

where. You gotta make all the beds anyhow.

Florence is right. We're supposed to be airing our grievances.

You got a grievance, Millie? No, I gotta go to the bathroom.

I'm tired of being given old clothes like it's some kind of big favor.

Amen to that. Just give me the money, honey, and I can pick out my own

How about a decent salary?

I only get $70 a week plus car fare.

I only get one day off a week, but it's never on a weekend.

Let's face it. We have been getting a raw deal. We've been exploited.

My boss doesn't trust me. He always marks the outside of the scotch bottle.

Yeah, it's a good thing I drink bourbon.

Well, I'm fed up, and it's about time we stop bellyaching and start taking some

action around here. Right. What kind of action?

Let's draw up a list of demands.

That's a good idea.

What about two weeks paid vacation like every other worker in the country? Right

on! Time and a half for overtime.

Right on!

couldn't have gone to a fight that fast.

I didn't. I heard it on the radio.

We didn't get out of the cab.

Guy threw one punch, Sugar Ray threw in the towel, I threw in my tickets, the

cab driver threw it in reverse, and all that took two minutes to cost me $45.

Oh, that's not true.

Hey! Hey!

What are you holding here?

A bake -off?

This is a union meeting.

Did you say a union meeting?

That's right.

You'd better clean out the whack, because I'd

use a broom? Of course.

Good, then hop on yours and fly out of here.

Now, I told Mr. Whittendale there wasn't going to be no union meetings here.

Hey, who's this guy?

One of Whittendale's goons?

That's right. I know Mr. Whittendale personally.

Oh, George, you've never met him.

Get out!

This is my house. I'll get it.

Yeah, what do you want?

You must be Jefferson.

I've heard a lot about you.

Yeah, well, you must not be nobody because I heard nothing about you.

I am H .L.

Whittendale. Oh, Mr.

Whittendale, of course.

Hey, that was just one of my little jokes. Come on in.

Ain't nobody more somebody than you.

The doorman was right.

What's going on, Jefferson?

Miller told me you assured him the maids weren't going to have a union meeting

here. That's what I was just telling them. They were just leaving.

Well, let me get a good look at them.

I want to know who all the rabble -rousers are.

We ain't rabble -rousers. We just trying to get our fair share.

And who might you be?

I might be Florence.

Oh, yes.

The Jefferson maid.

Not maid.

Household technician.

Florence, why don't you take the rest of the night off? Millie, you're here too?

Didn't I forbid you to join this union?

I didn't join, Mr. Whittendale. Honest, I'm just visiting friends.

Now, listen, Millie.

Millie is right. She didn't join.

There you go again. Who asked you?

Well, ain't that a blip?

Mr. Whittendale, are you really being fair?

Maybe if you sat down and talked with the ladies...

Why would I ever do that?

That's right, Weezy. He's a very busy man.

Well, it wouldn't hurt to listen. Look, you stay out of this.

You people never know when to keep your mouths shut.

Now, wait a minute.

That's my wife I'm talking to.

Now, fair enough, you done fat -mouthed my maid.

But nobody,

and I mean nobody, talks to Louise like that.

stuffed shirt honky like you.

I've had enough of this.

Millie, are you coming or staying here with your friends?

I got two kids in college.

One more thing, Jefferson.

I hope you realize I hold the leases on your apartment and your store.

And I pay the rent. And if Florence and her union want to have their meetings

here, they can have it any time they want.

Are you quite finished?

Not quite. Get out. What?

He never talked to me again.

He never talked to you before.

Well, he didn't know me before. Now he ain't gonna talk to me on purpose.

That's enough that you, George. Most people don't talk to you on purpose.

Oh,

I just can't get over it, Mr. Jefferson.

Flaunt. You sure told Mr. Whittendale where to go. Flaunt. And how to get

Flaunt.

I got it, Wheezy. I'm going to write Whittendale a letter and apologize.

George, you shouldn't have to apologize.

You just told him what you thought.

At least he knows you're an honest man.

Yeah, I'll go along with that. Here, take this down.

Dear Mr.

Whittendale, you may not believe this, but there's this little guy going around

impersonating me.

The Jeffersons was videotaped in front of a studio audience.

Repair and Synchronization by Easy Subtitles Synchronizer 1.0.0.0