Original subtitles

Well, we're moving on now. We're moving on now.

a beauty nap. You need a beauty coma.

Miss Weasley.

Miss Jefferson ain't home.

Damn, I got the most exciting news in my life and I want to share it with the

person I care about the most.

Well, there's a mirror over there.

Oh, I can't hold it in. I gotta tell it to another human being.

Well, I guess you have to do. Sit down.

Okay, Blonde.

Where's the last place you'd expect to see me?

Heaven.

No, on television.

I, George Jefferson, am going to be on television.

Yeah? On what show?

Those amazing dry cleaners?

No, I'm going to be on one of the highest rated shows in New York, God

America. And I'm going to be interviewed by one of the most patriotic men in

America, Jack Pomeroy. Oh.

I wouldn't watch that silly program.

It's on opposite family views.

What are you talking about? Jack Pomeroy is real popular. And he says that I am

a living example of what America is today.

You sure are, child.

Your hair's in recession and your mouth's inflated.

Hey, Jack.

Hey, Jack, how are you?

Oh, the pleasure's all mine.

The secret of my success, well, it could be my wit and charm, or it could be my

great look, or it could be my incredible business savvy.

It could be your beautiful wife.

No, it ain't that.

Wheezy! George,

this is... Brace yourself, Wheeze. I, George Jefferson, am going to be on

television. Oh, George, you...

I'm excited to do that commercial for your stores.

The one where you're the dancing box of stars.

No, Wheezy commercials, that's small potatoes.

I'm going to be a guest star on God Bless Americans.

Oh, that's wonderful.

Yeah, ain't it though? Just think, thousands of black kids all over the

will know that they can grow up to be just like me.

George, I'm really proud of you.

And now, I'd like you to meet... You know Jack Pomeroy, the host of the show?

He's coming over here tonight to meet me.

Jack Pomeroy. I love the way he all sends his show.

Americans,

Americans, God bless them one and all.

They land of good, they land...

I'm trying to introduce you.

This is Hector Morales. He's our janitor at the help center.

I'm glad to finally meet you, Mr. Jefferson. We have a lot in common. Oh,

Yes. Cleaning is my life, too.

Hector needs to ask you about a job. A job? I thought he worked with you. Oh,

it's not for me. It's for my best friend, Carlos.

Carlos is a refugee from Cuba, and he's in a detention camp in Florida right

now. But if he had a job, he could come to New York.

Yeah, well, look, I'd like to help you out, Hector, but see, this ain't exactly

the dirty time of year.

George, couldn't you work something out? The only way Hector's friend can get

out of that camp is if he's sponsored by American citizens.

Yeah, well, why don't you sponsor him, Hector?

Oh, I would, but I'm not a citizen yet.

I am a study -to -be.

I've learned much about the United States.

Right now, I'm studying about this country's bicameral legislature.

I didn't even know the legislature had camels.

No, no, Mr. Jefferson, bicameral means two houses.

The House of Representatives and the Senate.

Oh, you mean that bicameral.

Mr.

Jefferson, my friend Carlos is a hard worker, and he's worked many years in a

print shop. Print shop?

I know just the spot for him. Where?

Willis' apartment.

He's a publisher.

Maybe he can find him a job.

You know, he'd love to hear all about that camel stuff.

Oh, it was nice meeting you, Mr. Jefferson. Same here, Jose.

Uh, Hector. Whatever.

Go home and calm yourself down.

Jay.

Bentley, what do you want? Well, I just saw Mrs. Jay out in the hallway, and she

told me about Jack Pomeroy coming over here tonight. I just had to pop in and

congratulate you. Oh, thank you, Bentley. Bye. You know, my cousin Dennis

television once, but the camera caught him at a rather inopportune moment.

What was he doing?

Robbing a bank.

Uh, tonight's, uh, what?

You're kidding.

Oh, tonight's confirmed?

Great. Oh, uh, can I ask you a question? What exactly is Mr. Pomeroy going to

ask me about?

Oh, my success?

Well, I hope he's got plenty of time.

Yeah, what else?

Uh, my community involvement?

Oh, no problem.

Right, bye.

Hey, Ted, I'm in trouble. What is the community involvement?

Well, um, are you involved in the community?

Yeah, I live here.

Uh, no, Mr. J., I think Mr.

Pomeroy is going to want to know how you've given of yourself to help others.

Oh. Well, I gave a bum a dollar once.

No, no, no, what I meant was, do you belong to any community organizations or

clubs? Oh, yeah, I belong to a great club, the Diners Club.

No, I... I don't think that's what Mr. Pomeroy will be looking for. Mr. J, I'm

afraid you're sorely lacking in community involvement.

Yeah, I guess you're right.

Oh, boy.

Hey, I got it.

I didn't take credit for something that Wheezy did.

Mr. J.

Come on, Bentley.

Look, Wheezy does so many good things for people. I mean, she ain't gonna miss

one little good deed.

I mean, like right now, she's trying to get this Cuban refugee out of this

detention camp in Florida.

Well, that's impossible. I just saw her in the hallway.

No, Betty.

I mean, she's trying to get the guy a job so he can get out of that camp.

She wanted me to hire him.

Well, that would be a perfect example of community involvement.

And what?

Oh, man, I got to catch him.

You know, this reminds me of a story about my Uncle Mortimer.

He must have heard that one already.

George, what is the matter?

Did Willis hire Hector's friend?

No, I'm afraid Tom couldn't help. Oh, that's great. Where's Hector?

He's in the elevator.

Hector, open up.

It's George, your amigo.

What's wrong?

Nothing. I want to give Hector's friend a towel.

Oh, George, that's so nice. Don't bother me now. We've got to take the stairs.

Hector, wait up.

I'll meet you in a while.

I caught you in the lobby.

Sure I didn't hurt you when I tackled you.

Oh, no, I'm fine. And I can't thank you enough for sponsoring my friend Carlos.

Oh. George, what made you change your mind?

Oh, come on, Weasley. You know the kind of guy I am.

Right. What made you change your mind?

Well, you did, Weasley. Look, you do so many nice things for people. I figured

it's time that I did my share.

If you'll excuse me, I must go home and write a letter to Carlos. He'll be so

happy. Hey, great. I'll show you to the elevator.

George, it's just across the hall.

Please, I don't want Hector getting lost. He's new in the country.

Thank you, Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. Jefferson.

If there is ever anything I can do... No, no, no, you don't have to do a thing

for me, Hector, not a thing.

But, you know, there could be one little thing that I might ask you to do.

Just name it.

Well, uh, see, Jack Pomeroy's coming over here tonight, you know, around 7

So I thought you might like to meet him.

I love... to where does your generosity stop?

Oh, it's endless.

Look, when you come over, don't let on that you knew he'd be here.

Oh, okay.

Okay.

Oh, yeah, and if you feel it, you can just call me a great American.

I will say that you are the greatest American since Abraham Lincoln. How's

Perfect and true, too.

One more thing.

I'm kind of a modest guy, so I might tell you to stop bragging about me so

Well, you say stop, I stop. No, no, no, no, no, no.

You don't stop. You just keep the praises coming.

You'll be play -acting, you know, like Ricardo Montalban.

Ricardo Montalban, he's good.

Yeah, that's right. So no matter what I say, you just keep on talking about all

the good things I'm doing for your friend Carlos, okay?

Ah, I see.

Don't worry. Nothing will stop me.

And, Mr. Jefferson, you are wonderful. You are fine, aren't you? Save it,

Hector. Let it all push out later.

Where do you want these red, white, and blue flowers? By the sofa?

No, on the table. I don't want to hit the guy over the head with this

stuff.

Right. Oh, Florence, look.

Whenever Pomeroy is around, I want to make sure that you let him know that you

are a good American.

I could be a real good American if I had a real good reason.

Okay, well, 50 bucks will do it.

You just bought yourself a good American.

You want to try for a great one?

Bye.

Wheezy, what's taking you so long? How long does it take to put on makeup? You

only got one face.

George, I'm embarrassed.

Do I have to wear this dress you bought me?

Come on, Wheezy, don't you want me to be on television?

Well, yes, but... Come on out, then. I just want to see what it looks like.

I feel like I should be waving in the breeze.

I'm only going along with this because I know how important this TV show is to

you. That's my girl, that's my weasel.

Oh, the pommel wood.

You're having a nice, quiet, normal evening at home.

eh, Jefferson?

Oh, you said a mouthful, Jack.

Oh, you don't mind if I call you Jack, do you?

No, George.

Jack, I'd like you to meet my wife, Louise.

How do you do?

My pleasure, Louise.

Lovely dress.

My favorite colors.

Please have a seat.

Are you thirsty, Jack?

We've got some great wine.

Yes, thank you.

Domestic? Oh, yeah, we've got one of those, too.

I wish more people would buy American products.

That's the way to keep our economy strong.

Yankee Doodle went to town.

Stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni.

How am I doing?

Would you care for some crackers with American cheese?

Well, if you'll excuse me, I have an apple pie baking in the oven.

This certainly seems like an all -American household.

Oh, it sure is. Of course, besides the Declaration of Independence.

It'll cost you extra.

I like your show, Mr. Pomeroy. Like it? We love it!

Well, I'm just trying to do my little part to promote this great land of ours.

You know, every night at sunset when I'm...

Lowering my flag, I look up to the sky and thank God I'm an American.

Here, here.

You brought in our flag, didn't you, Louise?

I'm wearing it, dear.

George,

you're an American success story.

You started out nothing. Oh, boy, was I nothing.

And you became something.

Boy, is he something.

Well, you see, Jack, it all began about 50 years ago. You see, I was born the

son of a poor sharecropper, you know?

And we were so poor that my father took down all the mirrors in the house

because he didn't want us seeing ourselves starve to death.

It's beautiful.

Gee, I'm getting goosebumps.

I like you, George.

So do I, Jack.

Excuse me, it seems like I'm getting a little headache.

I think I should take a couple of American aspirin.

That's a fine gal you got there, George.

Oh, yes, sturdy American stock.

Hey, Statue of Liberty, this is great.

Oh, you like it? It's yours.

No, I couldn't. I insist.

Well, thanks.

Classy guy, George.

If you get the urge to say that on television, go with it.

Well, George, as you know, I'm here to find out what kind of man you are. I

like what I know so far, but I'd like to hear more.

Okay, fine.

Let's say we start with my community involvement.

Why not?

I gave a bum five bucks once.

I hate bums.

Everyone's got his hand out nowadays.

Welfish.

I was only kidding about the bum jack. It was a joke.

Sense of humor.

A great American quality. Yeah, sure.

You know, there is one project that I've been trying to solve.

You see, there's this Cuban refugee in this detention camp in Florida.

I know the problem. Yeah, I figured you would. So anyway... Those damn Cubans

are more trouble than they're worth.

I know what you mean.

Me and my wife, we would... Say what?

They're sending us their criminals and their crazies. And what do they expect

to do?

Take jobs away from Americans and give them to foreigners.

I say America for Americans. Don't you agree, George?

Oh, that's right.

Well, don't give them nothing but trouble.

Tell them!

I'll get it.

What a nice surprise.

Come in.

Good evening, Mr. Jefferson.

Hello, Mr. Jefferson.

Meet Jack Pomeroy.

The TV star? What a surprise to see you here.

Mr. Pomeroy is here interviewing George for a guest spot on his show.

Oh, Mr.

Jefferson is a fine gentleman, and since I feel I have to, I will call him a

great American.

Vector L. Doppel.

Mr. Jefferson is the greatest American since Abraham Lincoln.

Mr.

Palmer, I must tell you what Mr. Jefferson is doing for my friend.

No, no.

I cannot believe your modesty.

This man is sponsoring my friend Carlos from Cuba.

What?

Oh, hasn't George told you? He is giving Carlos a job so he can get out of that

detention camp.

Jefferson, is it true?

Well, of course it's true.

I really misread you, Jefferson.

I had no idea you condoned giving away the country to his kind.

Maybe I should go.

No.

You're a guest in our home.

And I think you owe Hector an apology.

Mrs. Jefferson, this country's being overrun by these Cubans. We open our

to these people, and what do they do? They riot and burn down buildings.

Speaking of buildings, do you know that the legislature has two camels?

Mr. Pomeroy, what do you expect from the Cuban people?

They come here thinking this is the land of opportunity, and they run into

people like you who slam doors in their faces.

You're damn right I'll slam a door in their face.

These Cubans are the dregs of humanity.

That's not fair.

The Cuban people are proud people. We are not asking for a handout. All we

is a chance to prove ourselves.

Bull.

Castro kicked you out of Cuba.

Let's face it, there's nothing lower than being a commie, and you weren't

good enough to be one of them.

You may have a point there, Weasley.

Mrs. Jefferson, how could you want your husband to sponsor one of these

foreigners?

Just remember what happened in Wisconsin.

That's right.

One of these wonderful immigrants is being tried for

murdering his sponsor.

How's that for gratitude, Jefferson?

Mr. Conway, how can you condemn all Cubans because of

the mistakes of a few?

Because you can't tell the good ones from the bad ones.

The only way to solve this problem is to put all those Cubans in a boat and send

them back where they came from.

Oh, really?

Well, it seems to me I've heard that said before.

Only it wasn't Cuba. It was Africa.

Oh, come on. Don't be silly.

Who ever heard of sending Cubans to Africa?

I'm talking about blacks.

No, no, no. Blacks are different.

Americans have gotten used to you people.

Used to us?

Well, sure.

Like you, Jefferson.

You're a hardworking, acceptable black person.

Acceptable. That's right.

So I'm an acceptable black person.

That's mighty white of you.

Hey, don't make me out to be a racist.

Oh, I don't have to.

You're doing a pretty good job of that yourself.

Hey, calm down. All I'm saying is we don't need to add a bunch of Cubans to

welfare roll.

Look, his friend ain't gonna be on no welfare roll.

He's got a job with me.

Listen, Jefferson.

No, you listen, Jack.

Next time you talk about putting somebody on a boat, think about your

and where they came from.

And while you're at it, buy a ticket for yourself.

Jefferson, as far as being on my show is concerned, you can kiss it goodbye.

Oh, yeah?

Well, I'll give you three guesses what you can kiss.

you, George.

I'm sorry you missed your chance to be on television, Mr. Jefferson.

Oh, don't worry about it, Hector. I wouldn't want to be on the same screen

that chump anyway.

Right, George.

Principles are more important than being on a TV show anyway.

That's right.

So, Hector, what do you say we go down to Charlie's Bar and have a drink?

Yes, I'd like that.

Yeah, and we can talk all about how you can call Phil Donahue and tell him what

a great American I am.

Ah, Phil Donahue, he's good. Yeah, I know.