Original subtitles

♪♪ [ Intro, '50s Easy Listening Pop ]

[ Man ] ♪ Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket ♪

[ Vacuum Whirring ]

♪ Never let it fade away ♪

♪ Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket ♪

♪ Save it for a rainy day ♪

♪ For love may come and tap you on the shoulder ♪

♪ Some starless night ♪

♪ Just in case you feel you want to hold her ♪

♪ You'll have a pocketful of starlight ♪

[ With Chorus ] ♪ Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket ♪

[ Man ] ♪ Never let it fade away ♪

[ Chorus ] ♪ Never let it fade away ♪

[ Man With Chorus ] ♪ Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket ♪

♪ Save it for a rainy day ♪

♪ Save it for a rainy day ♪

[ Man With Chorus ] ♪ For love may come ♪

♪ And tap you on the shoulder ♪

♪ Some starless night ♪

♪ And just in case you feel you want to hold her ♪

[ Man ] ♪ You'll have a pocketful of starlight ♪

[ Chorus ] ♪ Pocketful of starlight ♪

♪♪ [ Vocalizing ]

[ Man With Chorus ] ♪ Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket ♪

♪ Never let it fade away ♪

♪ Never let it fade away ♪

[ Man With Chorus ] ♪ Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket ♪

♪ Save it for a rainy day ♪

♪ Save it for a rainy day ♪

♪ Save it for a rainy rainy, rainy day ♪

[ Man ] ♪ For when your troubles start in multiplyin' ♪

♪ And they just might ♪

♪ It's easy to forget them without tryin' ♪

[ Chirping ]

♪ With just a pocketful of starlight ♪

♪ Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket ♪

♪ Save it for a rainy day ♪

♪ Save it for a rainy day ♪

♪ Save it for a rainy day ♪♪

You keepin' busy?

Yeah, I been busy. You know.

- Busy doin' what? - Busy in the garden.

"In the garden." You know what? You're missing work. That's what. I can see that.

No, I'm not missing work.

Yeah, you're missing the buzz and the jokes and the guys.

I know that. Don't tell me that's not true.

Maybe a little.

And-- You gonna buy some meat or what?

Yeah, I'm gonna buy some meat.

I'm looking at some meat right now. I want to get some real good steak.

I got a special here on the rump.

Forget the specials.

I got the children visiting me this weekend from all over the country.

Got 'em all around the same table-- all four of them.

[ P.A. System Beeps ]

[ Man On P.A. ] Cleanup, aisle five. Cleanup, aisle five, please.

Excuse me.

Uh, do you know about these wines?

The wine? These wines?

Yeah.

Uh, I stock this section. Why? Is there a problem?

No. I-I just want to get some expensive bottles of wine for my children.

This isn't for children.

Uh, I know it's not for children.

It's for my children that aren't children anymore.

Wh-What would be the best one-- ones of this?

Well, we got wines from all over... the world.

We got, uh, English wines, you know, from France.

Hmm.

We got, uh, Italian wines from all over Europe.

I want to make a good impression on my kids.

You will. Definitely.

It's got a built-in tenderizing gauge for steaks and poultry with seven different grades.

And there's an automatic spritz to calm flames if the oil catches.

Mm-hmm.

It is guaranteed for five years...

with a premium protective seal.

It has an automatic rotisserie, and, when the lid is closed,

the oxygen is reduced to a level that does not support or encourage the fats to ignite.

Oh.

Yeah.

Is that what it's going for?

648. That's the sale price.

That's a heck of a deal for this model.

It's as low as I can go.

- How about six? - Done. Sure.

[ Doorbell Rings ]

Absolutely.

You can just put it right in there.

Looks like somebody's having a party.

Yeah, it's just family.

[ Dog Barking In Distance ]

[ Phone Rings ]

[ Ringing ]

Hello?

Dad, it's Robert.

Robert.

[ Robert ] Dad, listen, things aren't looking good--

[ Continues, Indistinct ]

I'm sorry.

Oh, well, that's a shame.

That's a real shame.

Yeah, uh, you're gonna miss out on having some fancy wine...

and filet mignon steak and, uh--

Have you heard from the others?

Uh, yeah.

So far all of them are coming--

some Friday night, some Saturday morning.

[ Robert ] I'm sorry I can't--

Yeah, I'm sorry too, Robert.

You gotta get back to that orchestra, Son.

I will. You take care.

Okay. You take care too.

Okay. Okay.

[ Clicks, Rewinds ]

[ Clicking ]

[ Woman ] Dad, hi. I can't stop right now.

I'm back on stage in a few minutes.

The producers are flying in from Paris and want to see the original cast,

so I just can't get away this weekend.

I'm sorry. I know I haven't been home since the funeral,

but I'm trying, I promise.

I love you. I'm thinking of you.

Big kiss.

[ Machine Beeps ]

[ Woman #2 ] Hey, Dad, it's Amy.

Um, I'm really sorry to have to do this,

but things have just gotten really crazy at the agency,

and Jack's sick with a fever.

He missed school today. So between one thing and another,

we're not gonna be able to make it this weekend.

I'm really sorry, Dad.

And to make things worse, I spoke to David today,

and, uh-- and he can't make it either.

He's got a lot going on-- a painting or something.

But, anyway, I promise we'll make it to you soon. Okay?

Love you.

[ Machine Beeps, Clicks ]

[ Light Switch Clicks ]

[ Man ] Well, you can't.

You can't just go flying all across the country-- not in your condition.

Who said anything about flying?

What about buses? What about trains?

I'm worried about your lungs, Frank.

Don't worry about my lungs. Worry about your lungs. My lungs are fine.

Fibrosis of the lungs requires you to take things easy. Now, you know that.

I'm-I'm just going on the buses, on the trains. I'm--

You picked the wrong job, Frank. I mean--

Breathing in humidified P.V.C. all those years.

You know, it's-- it's just about seeing the family, you know.

I-- Jean always kept in touch with everybody, and now it's--

You know how it is. Now it's down to me.

How you managing on your own?

I'm fine.

Fine? Hmm.

Fine. Yeah, I'm fine.

You know, when I lost my wife, I, uh--

I found myself talking to her like she was still there.

Went on for months.

"Where the hell are my shorts?"

No. No, no, there's nobody there. Talking to myself.

Crazy, huh? Hmm?

You do that, Frank?

No.

Huh? No? No?

[ Chuckles ] Not yet.

Look, you know, I hear what you're saying. I do.

But this trip, it's-- it's not what you need right now.

You gotta take things easy.

Do-- Stay home.

You know what you should do?

Spend more time in the garden.

Ed said it was fine.

He said just take enough medication.

Stick to trains and buses.

And I'll take plenty of pictures...

and I'll bring home the news.

I'll start with David in New York.

And if anything goes wrong, I'll be right home.

Got my keys,

my wallet.

My keys.

Got my medication.

Camera.

Got my keys.

[ Door Lock Clicking ]

[ Bell Clanging ]

[ Woman, On Speaker ] Next.

New York City. One way, please.

[ Typing ]

Eighty-seven dollars. There's a hundred.

I'm going to see my son.

Very good.

Know what he does?

Absolutely no idea.

He's an artist.

Gate 7. Thank you. Next.

Thank you.

Uh, what do you think of my work?

You've been looking at it ever since we left the station.

I'm sorry. I don't understand.

No, don't look at me. Look back out the window. Tell me what you see.

[ Woman ] Cars.

No.

Trees?

Well, yes, but no. [ Chuckles ]

Houses?

[ Mutters ]

Just remember that you've been looking at it ever since we left the station.

Oh, the window. The glass.

No. Not bad, but-- That's a start, but, uh--

Birds.

Uh, no. Not birds.

Rocks.

[ Chuckles ] Uh, no. Rocks. No. That's ridiculous. Rocks.

You're just guessing. I'm gonna stick with this lady here.

- I think she has an idea. - No. Honestly, I really have no idea what you--

You know, just look for the rhythm.

[ Woman ] The telephone poles.

Close. Close.

The wire.

Well, well, well-- Keep going. Keep going.

- Really, I give up. - No, no, that's-- that-- Okay, that's it.

That's it. The wire. That's good. I mean, I didn't make the wire.

I didn't hang the wire. But I-- I coated the wire.

I protected it with P.V.C. coating against the rain,

the moisture, heat-- stuff like that.

So what you actually see is not the-the wire. It's my P.V.C. coating.

- I ran a thousand miles of wire a week, nonstop. - Wow.

Nonstop.

You just think for a minute-- all the conversations that have taken place over that wire.

Breaking good news and bad news.

You know.

Oh. Can I show you something?

Sure.

There are my, uh,

children.

Robert the conductor.

David the artist. Rosie the dancer.

Amy-- very high up in advertising.

A million feet of wire to get them where they are today.

Huh. That's a nice picture.

Thank you.

A million feet of wire to get them where they are today.

Rocks.

Yeah, right. That's right. Rocks.

They were all-- They were all supposed to visit me.

We were gonna have a family reunion,

and instead they all canceled on me at the last minute.

[ Woman On P.A., Indistinct ]

[ Doorbell Buzzing ]

[ Buzzing ]

[ Footsteps Approaching ]

[ Woman ] You lock yourself out, honey?

No, I didn't lock myself out. My son lives here.

I'm just waiting for him.

You can come wait with me if you want. I know a place.

Oh, thank you. That's nice of you, but--

You sure?

Thank you.

You want to see my leg?

You want to see mine?

[ Laughing ]

[ Siren Wailing In Distance ]

Come on.

Here.

Oh, man.

[ Laughing ]

- Oh, dude, I can't believe you, man. - What?

I can't believe you. All night.

[ Taxi Departs ]

[ Exhales ]

David.

♪♪ [ Whistling ]

[ Frank's Voice ] What are you gonna do when you grow up? Huh?

[ David's Voice ] I want to be a painter and do my pictures.

Not a painter. Christ.

Painters paint walls, and dogs pee on walls. You're gonna be an artist.

Artists paint pictures that change people's lives. Now what are you gonna be?

An artist.

That's right. An artist.

So you're gonna work hard?

Yes, Dad.

You're gonna make me proud?

I'm trying, Dad.

[ Woman On TV ] Unfortunately, it's going to be on top of the coast sometime tomorrow.

Right now, Hurricane Alice is packing winds of 165 miles per hour.

[ Man On TV ] We've got a Category 5 hurricane. The pressure--

Looks like a bad storm.

[ Man On TV Continues ]

Huh?

A bad storm.

I'm 94.

I keep away from the doctors.

Boy.

I have three children, six grandchildren.

They're busy. They're too busy to talk to me. I gotta make an appointment.

They-- They got lost someplace.

They don't need anybody.

People change. Life is changed.

Today, you shake hands with somebody, you gotta count your fingers...

to make sure you got five fingers back.

[ Chuckles ]

[ Doorbell Buzzing ]

Hi.

Can I help you?

Do the bells work?

Yeah.

My son lives in Apartment 9.

I'm not sure if he's home. Um--

All right.

Thank you.

[ Man, Woman Arguing, Indistinct ]

[ Knocking ]

[ Knocking ]

[ Frank ] David? ♪♪ [ Whistles ]

[ Dog Barking In Distance ]

[ Sighs ]

[ Man Singing Folk ] ♪ Through my sleepless days ♪

♪ I've found ♪

[ Chattering ]

♪ That in my dreamless sleep I'm bound ♪

♪ To one night hear the sound ♪

♪ Of you calling ♪

♪ Do not stumble through tonight ♪

- ♪ Have no fear for me ♪ - [ TV: Laugh Track ]

♪ You won't stumble through tonight ♪

♪ Drownin' in their laughter ♪♪

[ Switchboard: Overlapping Voices ]

[ Woman ] This is not good.

[ Voices Continue ]

[ Phone Line Ringing ]

[ Rosie, On Phone ] Amy, it's Rosie. [ Sighs ]

Dad's not answering his phone.

[ Amy, On Phone ] Well, don't call him,

not till we know what's going on with David.

Is there any more news?

No.

I just had that one call from Mexico saying he'd been arrested.

I keep leaving messages, but no one's calling back.

I think we should tell Dad.

Not until we know what's going on.

Just avoid talking to him for a couple days till we know the facts, okay?

Okay.

[ Buzzes ]

Oh, my God.

Surprise.

Yeah, definitely. Come on in, Grandpa.

Man. Um, does Mom know?

No, I hope not. But, hey, look at you.

I thought you were supposed to be in bed with a fever.

I don't know. Am I?

That's what she told me.

Yeah, I think I was.

Oh. It's got a handle.

Well, of course it's got a handle.

It's, uh--

I didn't know that.

Yeah, it's got wheels.

Well. Look how big you got.

I know, right?

Gee.

Hey, uh, listen.

I'm online. Um, I'll be back in a minute.

All right. You do your thing.

Mom's out back.

Okay. Good.

No, I need to go down there.

Yeah. Can you check out some flights to see what's available?

[ Continues, Indistinct ]

Yeah.

♪♪ [ Whistles ]

Amy.

Dad?

What are you doing here?

What do you mean, what am I doing here?

Everybody didn't show up for the visit, so I said,

"If you don't come to me, I'm gonna go to you."

Oh, you crazy man.

Well, look at you. You haven't been well. You shouldn't be traveling.

Did you check with the doctor?

I checked with the doctor.

You checked with him?

Of course I checked with the doctor. Jeff home?

No, not yet. Uh, let me-- let me find out when he's coming back.

So, everybody dropped out of the visit?

I didn't realize. I had no idea.

[ Typing ]

How did you get here?

You didn't fly, did you?

No, of course I didn't fly.

I took a train to New York to see David, and he wasn't there,

so I took a bus here.

You took a bus?

Yeah.

To Chicago?

All by myself.

Oh, my God. I can't believe it.

Yeah. Jack got better fast.

Yeah. No, he did. Definitely.

It was a 24-hour thing.

Ah. Hmm.

[ Sighs ]

I like the house.

Yeah. But you've seen pictures.

I've seen pictures. I haven't seen the house.

Not the real thing. It's--

Hey, everyone.

Hey, Jack.

How's it goin'?

Good.

Jack, why don't you take Grandpa outside...

and show him, uh, your golf--

Uh, you play golf?

Sure. I'm a natural.

Yeah, I'd like to see that.

You want to see that?

Where are you hitting it?

[ Jack ] To that flag over there.

All the way out there?

Oh, boy. Okay.

My record's three.

Three?

[ Scoffs ] I'll believe that when I see it.

- Come on. Let's go. - You watch.

Okay.

Whoa.

Not bad.

Beat that.

Oh, I'll beat that. Easily, but--

All right.

Now I'll just have to show you a few things.

Yeah, that was good, but not good enough.

Frank the pro.

Come on, Tiger Woods.

You ready?

- Take your time. - Shh. Yeah. Ready? Yeah.

Oh, shit!

[ Laughing ]

Sorry.

What was that?

[ Laughs ] That was just a practice shot.

Give me another one of those.

I'm going after this.

[ Sighs ] Yeah.

There we go.

Oh! Shit!

Oh! Whoa!

Christ. Sorry.

You hit the spice garden.

One more. Come on.

This is the last one. Come on. This is--

I'm your guest. One more.

Let's go. Come on. One more, one more. Let's go.

This is my last one.

One more.

Don't lose this one too.

Give me another ball. Put it down. Be a sport.

I wanna watch this baby fly.

You ready?

Ready?

Impress me.

- Ah, shit! Damn it. Fuckin' Christ. - [ Laughing ]

Sorry.

Can you just-- Yes, Chinese food would be fine.

No, of course not. No, he doesn't know anything.

[ Frank ] So I hear you're doing very well at school.

Nah, not really.

What do you mean, not really?

Your mother says you're at the top of your class.

[ Scoffs ] Does she?

Yeah.

You have to work hard at school.

Yeah, I know.

I'll tell you what I used to tell your mother when she was your age.

About being the best and getting to the top?

That's right.

Yeah. She warned me about that.

[ Quietly ] Yeah.

- Jeff's home. - Okay.

[ Glasses Clinking ]

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

[ Laughs ] Hey, Frank.

Hi, Jeff.

What's all this? Come here. Come here.

[ Chuckles ]

Surprise.

Big surprise. Big surprise.

Yeah.

Look at you. You're looking so well.

Thank-- You too.

It's good to see you.

[ Amy Laughs ]

Good to see you.

Oh, my God! What a day!

You don't want to know. I'm sorry I'm so late.

Can you believe this?

Can I believe it?

Well, nothing surprises me about this guy.

[ Jeff ] Well, the place was really crowded today.

I can't believe I was able to get out of there alive.

Don't just eat your rice. Make sure you eat your chicken.

Okay.

[ Amy Chuckles ]

I'll get you a fork.

You don't know how to use chopsticks?

Yeah, I can use 'em.

I can use 'em to beat you at golf. That's how well I can use 'em.

You like making fun of me, don't you?

Yeah, you're funny.

Yeah, I'm funny, huh?

Try this.

Thanks. A fork. A regular fork.

Now I can eat without dropping this all down my shirt.

Hmm?

Jack, can you pass Dad the chili sauce, please?

Jack.

No.

Jack, pass him the sauce.

I'm not passing anything.

Don't be silly.

I don't-- I don't really want it. It's fine. I don't need it.

[ Amy Clears Throat ] Are you sure?

Stop asking him. He's not stupid.

When he says no, he means no.

If he changes his mind, he knows where it is. He can get it himself.

[ Whispers ] Jack.

I'm sorry, Dad.

No, that's okay.

So, what are your plans?

Well, I thought that I would stay a day or two...

or so, and then head on out to see Robert, surprise him on his tour.

[ Sighs ] That would have been so great. Uh--

Th-This week's really difficult.

I-- I feel awful.

I got this huge pitch to oversee at the agency,

and Jeff's flying out on business tomorrow.

I-- We should...

arrange it properly, another time.

Well, maybe I can just spend time with Jack.

Yeah, that would have been great too,

but he starts school again tomorrow, and, uh, then he's off on a field trip...

for three days.

A field trip. Oh. Where you going?

I don't know. Nobody tells me anything anymore.

Well, you know, look. That's what happens when you show up unexpectedly.

I understand. You're busy. That's fine.

I-- Look--

Oh, God. I feel awful. I-- Any other time but this week.

Listen, I've had a good time.

I've seen the house. I've seen Jeff and you...

and I let this guy beat me at golf,

so, all in all, it's been a pretty good trip.

I'm really sorry, Dad. Really.

No--

Look, I'm gonna call Robert tonight and find out where he's gonna be at.

I just-- He's really busy, and he's on tour.

And I just don't know if it's gonna be possible. What?

Oh, no. Don't call him, because I wanna surprise him.

Oh. Okay.

Promise?

Yeah, promise. Absolutely. Yeah.

[ Switchboard: Overlapping Voices ]

[ Man ] If that makes you feel better.

[ Voices Continue ]

[ Amy, On Phone ] I'm putting Dad on the train tomorrow.

He'll be with you in Denver the next morning.

[ Robert, On Phone ] What?

I'm rehearsing. I haven't got time to meet him.

He can't stay here.

I need to get on a flight to Mexico to see what's going on with David.

Is he okay? Have you spoken to him?

No, but I got through to the police today.

No surprise. They said the arrest was drug related,

but they won't give me any more details over the phone,

so I'm gonna try and get on the flight tomorrow.

Amy, listen.

I don't know if I can lie to Dad about David when he gets here.

Well, just make up an excuse to get him to Rosie's.

Say you're flying off to Europe for a concert or something.

That's too obvious. I'm not gonna do that.

Well, think of something yourself.

Are you okay?

[ Shutter Clicks ]

[ Door Opens ]

Jeff, come on.

Here.

Jeff, come on. Dad's waiting to take a photo.

Just get it out, and I'll look at it when I get there.

All right. Okay, bye.

I'll take one of you two first.

[ Shutter Clicks ]

Okay.

All right. Here?

A little lower this way. Uh. Uh. Okay.

A little--

Together. Everybody together.

Together.

[ Shutter Clicks ]

[ Jeff ] Where's the, um--

Just the-the silver button on the top.

Oh, my God. This is film. This is great. [ Laughs ]

Smile.

Watch your finger.

Your finger's on the edge. Just--

Yep. Okay.

Look at me. Beautiful.

[ Shutter Clicks ]

All right.

[ Frank ] You said Jack was at the top of his class,

but he says he's not doing that well.

Well, he was at the top of his class.

He's-He's struggling at the moment. That's all.

I tell you the good news and spare you the bad.

Isn't that what Mom used to do for you when we were kids?

It doesn't matter what your mother did.

Tell me the bad news as well as the good news from now on. Do you understand?

Fine.

- You doing okay at home? - Huh?

You doing okay at home?

Fine.

You sure?

Yeah.

I didn't realize there was so much to do around the house.

[ Sighs ] Mom would have loved to hear you say that.

Yeah.

What was all that at dinner last night with the chili sauce?

Jeff just doesn't let Jack get his own way all the time.

That's all. They always fight.

I checked the train times. There's one in a few hours.

I just gotta drop by the office first.

Advertising?

Advertising agency.

Your agency?

Part mine.

Oh. Amy, wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait, wait, darling.

[ Whispered ] Jesus Christ.

To your left a little.

- Your left, your left. - [ Amy ] Okay.

One more. It's okay.

[ Mutters ]

Just-- Uh-- Move to your left.

I'm so sorry.

Left, left, left.

That's it.

Got it.

You got it?

Yeah.

[ Man ] No, that's a fish--

[ Man #2 ] Looks good?

Looks great. I think it works perfectly.

So remind me of the market.

Yep.

It's, uh, homeowners-- blue collar to middle class.

Like my dad.

Um, I guess, yeah.

Just-- Just like your dad.

Kind of like him.

Sure.

So pitch it to him. Let's see what he thinks.

Hey, Dad, come over here.

Yeah.

Right now? Uh, sure.

Hey. Tom.

Tom. Hi, Tom. Frank.

Frank, I'm Steph.

Steph?

Hi, Dad.

Hi. Frank.

"Dad," 'cause of--

They got a TV commercial. They're gonna pitch it to you.

Okay?

Oh, to m--

Sit down.

Sit here?

Yeah.

Oh. In your chair?

Now you're in charge.

Oh, nice chair. [ Chuckles ]

Okay, um, so it's an ad for TV for a financial organization.

Yeah, don't tell him. Just pitch it.

I'm so sorry. Okay. So there's a guy by a lake,

and he is fishing just like this.

[ Steph ] Pine forests, snow-covered mountains.

Oh, and he's wearing a quilted jacket,

'cause-- brr-- it's really cold.

What do you do when it gets cold?

Put a quilted jacket on. Couple layers.

He's a little nippy.

Okay, here we go. Big fish jumps out of the water.

I'm talkin' a big mother with big, beady eyes.

Kind of looks like--

Just like that.

Mm-hmm. Right. Looks at the guy right in the eyes and he says,

"Hey, brother, you lookin' for me?"

[ Chuckles ]

Voice-over--

"Ever wonder why life wasn't this easy? At Crest and Landing,

transferring multiple loans to one company can be this easy."

Okay? We cut to a shot right here of this guy by a campfire.

We see that big fish right above some coals-- Close-up of the fish.

Boom. Right there as he says,

"Hey, buddy, I'm done on this side. Wanna turn me over?"

[ Chuckles ] That's--

Like it?

Yeah, it's funny. [ Stammers ]

It's funny. The fish talking-- it makes me laugh. Yeah, it's funny.

It's very funny.

Fish usually don't talk. That's why it's--

The fish with the face and a voice.

He looks like a fish. You look like a fish.

Kinda.

Oh, my God. I just said that to him yesterday--

That he looked like-- His mom looks like a flounder.

What was it for?

Uh, well, the-- the fish.

The spot-- What was it selling?

Yeah, the loans.

Uh, that-that, um--

It's-It's, uh, transferring the loans to another company.

It's as easy as getting the fish out of the water.

Good.

[ Amy ] So, does the client like it?

Likes it but doesn't want to go with it.

Why not?

Um, they feel uncomfortable about saying that it's easy to transfer your debt.

Because?

Because it's not.

It's actually a nightmare.

It's, like, really hard.

It's, like, an impossible dream.

It's like Sudoku.

Okay, but he's, uh-- he's not paying us to advertise...

the fact that he has a perfectly average product.

He's paying us to be economical with the truth,

so tell him from me he's gotta go with the talking fish.

By the way, your daughter is really good at her job.

[ Laughs ] I know. That's the way she is.

[ Laughing ]

And she has great hair.

Oh-- [ Laughs ]

Okay.

[ Laughs ] I know.

Yeah, but you know what? It was fine.

But it would be really awesome. I mean-- No.

[ Train Horn Blows ]

There was a line. Sorry.

My watch is off by an hour. Should I change it?

Uh, you came from New York, so, yeah, you need to go back an hour.

Central time.

You were laughing on the phone. That was nice to see.

I was?

Yeah.

It was just work.

It was nice.

Was it the fish?

The what?

The fish.

Oh, yeah. The client went with the fish.

He said, uh, they should give it a name.

I said we should call it Frank.

Because of me?

Of course 'cause of you.

No. Not because of me. Really?

Yeah, for real. Uh-huh.

Frank the fish?

Frank the fish.

No.

What?

- Hi. Hey. - Hey.

You should be at your desk, shouldn't you?

Dad, this is Tom, one of our creative directors.

Tom, this is my dad, Frank.

Hi, sir. Nice to meet you.

Tom.

So, what are you up to?

I was supposed to be heading out of town to meet a client, but train got delayed.

Here. Why don't you sit down.

No, no, no, no. I'd be interrupting.

No, it's fine. It's fine.

Really?

- Yeah. Sit down. - Well, thank you.

So, uh, do you live here, or are you just visiting?

No, no. I'm just staying the one night.

Here. This is for you.

What is it?

You'll see.

Tell me.

No, you'll see. You'll see. I didn't want to send it in the mail. You'll see.

- Okay. - [ Sighs ] You know what I'm trying to do?

I'm trying to get us all around the same table.

The same table.

Yeah. Like we used to at Christmas.

- You happy? - What do you mean?

You happy?

[ Train Approaching ]

Yeah, of course I am. I'm--

Good. Good. Good girl.

A happy one. First one on my list.

Isn't it terrible about Alice?

Alice?

The storm sweeping up the coast.

Hmm.

My name is Alice, so I took an interest.

Ah.

It's Greek, I think, Alice.

Is it Greek? Oh.

It means "truth."

Truth.

Yeah, well, I heard about it. I, uh--

Was there a few days ago. I must have just missed it.

Hmm. Well, you're lucky then.

Well, I'm always lucky. I'm always lucky.

[ Switchboard: Overlapping Voices ]

[ Man Laughing ]

[ Rosie, On Phone ] Amy, have you seen David?

[ Amy, On Phone ] No, not yet.

Why not?

Well, I had an appointment with a guy at the prison, but he didn't turn up.

And I went to the embassy and found a lawyer,

but he can't meet till the morning.

I've just been running around.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll start to get somewhere, and we can tell Dad.

Okay. [ Sighs ]

Look, I'll call you as soon as I know what's going on.

But listen. Don't worry. Okay?

[ Man ] ♪ Oh, sweet morning ♪

♪ Is your head not right ♪

♪ Did you heed my warning ♪

♪ This is the time ♪

♪ Of times ♪

♪ And your head feels like your body ♪

♪ Your mind is close behind ♪

♪ There's a teardrop on your shoulder ♪

♪ Says this is the time ♪

♪ Of times ♪

Could you take a picture of me against the glass?

♪ It's the time of times ♪

♪ Again ♪

One more just to-- Turn the--

Could you-- Yeah.

♪♪ [ Man Vocalizing ]

♪♪ [ Fades ]

[ Orchestra: Instruments Tuning ]

[ Stick Clacking Podium ]

[ Man ] Okay, everybody. It's a new day.

An opportunity for all of us to make amends.

So why don't we start at the beginning.

Horns, trumpets, very percussive in the first section.

Strings, more energy in those bows. Ready?

♪♪ [ Classical ]

[ Footsteps Approaching ]

It's fine. I'll take you right through.

Thank you.

They're rehearsing right now.

♪♪ [ Continues ]

[ Suitcase Clanging On Stairs ]

[ Wheels Squeaking ]

[ Squeaking Continues ]

[ Chair Squeaking ]

Hey, Dad. What are you doing here?

What am I doing?

I've come to see you conduct. What are you doing?

I'm rehearsing.

Oh. Aren't you conducting?

Not today, no. I'm, uh--

Playing the drum.

I am.

It's percussion.

It's what I do.

Oh. I thought you were conducting.

Uh, not today. I'll explain. I should get back.

You just walked off the stage and nobody noticed?

[ Laughs ] Come on, stop it. What are you doing here?

I'm visiting. It's a surprise.

I came to spend some time with my son, the conductor.

That's my cue.

Well, get back. Get back.

Okay.

♪♪ [ Drumming ]

♪♪ [ Orchestra Fades ]

[ Robert ] That's very good.

Very good, yeah. Never hit a drum in my life, and suddenly I'm very good.

Without training, without skill, without all the musical talent that you have.

Never said I was conducting, Dad.

Yeah, well--

But your mother said you were doing well,

that you were conducting and composing and doing your music.

I am doing my music.

It's percussion. And it suits me just fine.

But the-- the drum?

It's low pressure, and I enjoy it.

I-- I get to travel. The money's fine. I got no ties.

Everybody said that you-- you had a-- a talent,

that you had a future.

People are polite, Dad. You know, they don't always tell you the truth.

The truth is, I was never quite good enough.

But-But... all that education, and now you're disappointed?

I'm not disappointed.

I'm not disappointed, but you obviously are.

No, I'm not disappointed. It just seems like a waste. That's all.

Of what? What's it a waste of? Of your telephone wire?

No, no, it's not that. I didn't say that.

You know, I still compose, and I conduct in my spare time.

But nobody wants to employ me to do that professionally. That's just the way it is.

Well, I guess I'm just saying that it's never too late.

You could-- You could keep at it and-- and go back to studying.

I could help you out.

It doesn't work like that, Dad.

If it was going to have happened, it would have happened by now.

Besides, I'm not sure it's what I wanted. I think maybe I was doin' it for you.

I don't believe that.

Dad, the point is, this suits me just fine. This is what I want.

Hey. Hey.

You, uh-- You managing okay at home?

Yeah, I'm cooking every day.

Cooking? Yeah? Do you know what you're doing?

[ Laughs ] No, I just make it up. It's, uh--

Well, I thought we could spend a couple of days together.

I-- Dad, I fly to Europe this evening.

It's a big trip. We got to pack up this afternoon.

I wish I could, honestly, but-- you know.

I'm sorry, Dad. That would have been great.

Uh-- Well--

I went to see David in New York. Is he still at the same address?

Yeah. I think so.

Yeah, I want to check his address and phone number with you.

Sure.

I need some fresh air.

All right.

[ Lighter Flicking ]

Robert, come on. Don't smoke.

What do you mean, don't smoke?

Don't smoke. You know better. Come on. Don't smoke.

All right. I won't smoke.

Not in front of you. Not if it upsets you.

But, you know, I do smoke... sometimes, just so you know.

Anyway, you used to smoke.

I know I used to smoke. That's when I didn't know any better. Now I do.

Your mother made me stop too.

You know, I will too. But occasionally I do smoke.

When I want to quit, I'll quit.

Hey, Robert.

Hey, Dave.

Let me get this straight. You worked in a wire factory...

smoking a couple of packs a day.

[ Groans ]

[ Chuckles ] But me being a percussionist...

and having an occasional cigarette isn't good enough for you?

Come on.

You know, Mom used to say, "Make your dad proud. He works so hard for us."

- And I know you're not proud of me. I-I know. - That's not true.

I can feel it. It's fine.

I'm working hard here. I'm doing the best I can.

Have your cigarette. You need it.

What?

No, you know what? I quit.

Hi, Robert.

Hey. I just quit smoking.

Good job.

Thanks.

I'm not quitting because you want me to.

I'm-I'm quitting 'cause I know you don't think I can.

Just to make that clear, okay?

Okay.

Anyway, you sounded good on the drums.

I missed a beat when I heard you coming in bumping your bag.

You kind of threw me off there.

Well, anyway, what's a missed beat here and there?

It's good. It sounded very good.

Yeah.

Thanks.

We don't see each other very often. I wasn't trying to--

Yeah.

I'm sorry, you know? I'm just--

Look, you just gave up smoking. You're gonna be a little edgy.

[ Laughs ] Is that-- Is that what it is?

Well, anyway, I'm sorry.

Yeah, well, I'm sorry too.

- Hey, James. I want to introduce you to my father. - Of course.

- This is James Green, famous conductor. - Hi, James.

This is Frank, my dad-- very famous dad.

Hi.

Nice to meet you.

Nice meeting you. Good luck with everything.

Thanks.

All right. He's busy. He's--

Got a girlfriend you want to tell me about?

There was someone, uh, up until recently.

Not anymore?

You know, sh-she wanted to settle down.

She started talking about babies.

It's difficult with the traveling, you know.

There's some girls in the orchestra.

I noticed.

Oh, yeah? You noticed, huh?

I got my eye on a couple of 'em.

A couple, huh? Yeah.

Well, you look-- you look after yourself, Robert.

I'm getting the whole family together.

Amy's gonna call you. But if not, if she forgets,

you call her and you stay in touch with each other.

I will. I will.

And you're happy?

Happy? Yeah. I get paid to bang a big, loud drum all day. Of course I'm happy.

Okay, um--

Hey, I'm sorry that we couldn't spend more time together.

[ Man Singing Acoustic Ballad ] ♪ Maybe I'm wrong ♪

♪ Amputate sympathy ♪

♪ Strength of my tongue ♪

[ Door Closes ]

♪ It's taken that liberty ♪

♪♪ [ Continues ]

[ Robert ] I don't know. He's-- I'm watching him right now.

He's buying his ticket. He arrives in Vegas at 10:00 tomorrow morning, okay?

[ Rosie, On Phone ] Okay. I'll be there.

No, no, no. He doesn't want you to meet him.

He wants it to be a surprise.

Of course I'm gonna. If I want to, I'll meet him.

Rosie, he doesn't--

Okay. But, you know, he's not gonna like it.

How are you? Are you okay?

[ Chuckles ] Yeah, um, I guess. I--

You know, I wanted to spend some time with him.

I'm free tonight or tomorrow, but I-I just can't.

I can't do it. I can't do it. I don't know what to say to him.

[ Rosie Sighs ] I know. God, I know.

Rosie.

What?

He's asking about David.

- Okay. I won't say anything. - No, I mean, there's nothing to say.

What are we gonna say? We don't know anything.

♪ Play devil's advocate ♪

♪ Never I fear ♪

♪ Pay for it afterwards ♪

[ Line Ringing ]

- ♪ How do I feel ♪ - [ Line Continues Ringing ]

♪ A glorified refugee ♪

♪ And nobody ever says ♪

[ Phone Ringing ]

♪ Good-bye ♪

[ Phone Continues Ringing ]

♪ But I don't mind ♪

♪ Just come home ♪

♪ Come home ♪♪

[ Man ] Where you headin'?

Las Vegas.

Not from here you ain't. Not tonight.

Let me see your ticket.

What time do you got?

Five to 11:00.

The ticket office said that there was a bus going to Las Vegas, Bay 3, at 11:00.

Well, now all we know for sure is that your watch ain't being completely honest with you.

There was a bus at 11:00, but now it's nearly 12:00.

12:00?

Where you just come from?

New York trough Chicago, Denver.

Seems like you put your watch back one too many times, my friend.

There ain't no way you gonna catch a bus that left here an hour ago.

Th-There's no other bus.

There's no other bus, not this time of night.

Ah.

There's a truck stop a hundred yards up the road.

If you're lucky, you might pick up a lift and catch the night train.

Okay. Thank you.

♪♪ [ Woman Singing Country On Radio ]

[ Woman ] And all I'm wondering,

why is this guy trying to see his whole family...

all over the country all in the same trip?

Well, I'm not dying, if that's what you're thinking.

Hey, I'm not thinkin' anything.

I'm just trying to visit the kids and surprise them.

Their mother's always kept an eye on 'em, and...

now it's up to me, so--

You lost your wife.

About eight months ago.

I lost my husband. Just over a year now.

♪♪ [ Continues ]

I lost him to drink, but it was my fault.

[ Quietly ] I was stupid.

Ignored all the signs, you know how you do.

I listen to that radio all day in this cab.

We got ourselves an epidemic goin' on out there--

you know, people eatin' too much, drinkin' too much, killing themselves, basically,

makin' up excuses all along the way.

I guess facing up to the truth ain't always easy.

No.

Yeah, people like things easy. That's what they're used to.

Yeah.

No one likes to get hurt.

Mm.

[ Quietly ] No.

Nobody likes to get hurt.

I stop off in Reno. There's a night train from there, gets you into Vegas in the morning.

Otherwise, there's a cheap little motel where I shut down if you don't wanna...

travel through the night.

[ Chuckles ]

Don't get all shy on me. That wasn't a proposition.

No, I'm going to-- [ Mutters ]

Yeah. I sleep in the truck, all right?

[ Brakes Hiss ]

[ Woman ] Take care, Frank.

[ Frank ] I appreciate it. Thank you.

[ Luggage Wheels Bumping On Tiles ]

[ Man Coughing Loudly ]

[ Coughs, Sniffles ]

Are you all right?

Don't touch me.

I'm not touching anybody. I'm just--

You okay?

Do your parents know where you are?

[ Sighs ]

If I give you some money, will you eat something?

Yeah, I'm clean, man.

Do you need some money?

I could use some money.

I mean, e-everyone can use some money, right?

Okay.

Here--

Here you go. Here.

You're okay?

Yeah, what's with the questions?

You could say thank you. I-I gave you some money. You could say thank you.

I could what?

Hey, you're right.

I'm sorry, man. You're right. Yeah, I--

I forgot my manners. You got a couple hundred dollars in there, and, um,

this is my thanks.

- [ Muttering ] - [ Train Passing Loudly ]

[ Brakes Squealing Loudly ]

[ Grunts ]

You need that?

Please don't do anything. Just-- I need-- That's my medication.

No-- Ah.

Ah, God, no.

[ Beeping ]

[ Breathing Heavily ]

[ Line Ringing ]

[ Line Continues Ringing ]

[ Phone Ringing ]

[ Answering Machine Clicks ]

[ Jean's Voice, On Machine ] I'm not here at the moment,

and Frank is probably in the garden.

[ Breathing ]

Leave a message, and I'll call you back.

[ Machine Beeps ]

[ Clicks ]

[ Frank's Voice ] David.

David? Of all my children, you're the one that I worry about the most.

I'm trying, Dad.

- [ Clattering On Bars ] - Dad! - David!

[ Frank ] Tell me when I can see you.

[ David, In Distance ] Dad!

[ Bird Shrieks In Distance ]

[ Rosie, On Phone ] Robert, Dad wasn't on the bus.

[ Robert ] What?

I met the 10:00 bus like you said, and everyone else got off,

but he's not on it.

Well-- Well, did you look in the station?

I mean, where have you looked?

Yeah, of course. I looked everywhere.

I don't know what to tell you. He was due on the 10:00.

[ Line Ringing ]

So how can he not be on it?

[ Line Rings, Clicks ]

[ Ed ] Are you all right, Frank?

[ Frank ] Listen. The damnedest thing happened.

I was brushing my teeth this morning,

and I left my bottle of pills right on the edge of the sink.

Well, I knocked the whole thing right into the sink, and it got all wet. There's nothing left.

The sink? Geez. Goddamn it. You're as bad as me.

The sink. The damnedest thing.

I'll write a new prescription, all right? Just, uh, pop in. I'll leave it in the reception.

Uh, is that the only way to get them, to go to reception? I have to come--

I have to come in? Oh, no, the garden is doing-- i-is great. I'm, uh--

It's... doing-- I'm looking right at it.

Looking really good. Really good.

[ Line Rings ]

[ Rosie, On Phone ] Hello?

[ Frank, On Phone ] Hey, it's-- it's me. You home?

No. I'm waiting for you. Where are you?

He told you I was coming, didn't he?

No.

I told him not to tell you I was coming, and he told you.

♪♪ [ Whistles ]

[ Chuckles ] Hi, Dad.

Yeah. Hi, glamour girl.

[ Kisses ]

Welcome to Vegas, Dad.

Yeah, thanks.

♪♪ [ '50s Latin Pop ]

[ Chorus ] ♪ Huh ♪

[ Man ] ♪ Papa loves mambo ♪

♪♪ [ Continues ]

[ Rosie ] I didn't order a stretch.

I just wanted something comfortable.

Good. No, it's got plenty of leg room, that's for sure.

[ Laughs ]

That's why they call it a stretch?

I missed you.

Oh, I miss you.

I've been worried about you.

Ah, don't. No. Tell me about your show.

Okay. Um, we were at the Bellagio--

Uh-huh.

and it was a big production,

um, lots of underwater dance scenes.

Uh-huh.

And I was the mermaid, the lead.

Mm-hmm.

Of course.

And you would've loved it.

When could I go?

It finished, uh, last week.

It finished?

Yeah.

Oh.

Next time you have to fly out and come see me. I just--

I-- I didn't want to bother you this time, because I knew that you weren't feeling well.

But look at you.

No, look at you.

A dancer in a Las Vegas show on the big stage? Just what you always wanted.

Are you happy? Huh?

Very happy.

Yeah?

So, the only thing missing now is-- anything?

A man. I know.

Well--

[ Man ] ♪ Papa loves mambo ♪

[ Chorus ] ♪ Papa loves mambo ♪

♪ Mama loves mambo ♪

♪ Havin' their fling again Younger than spring again ♪

♪ Feelin' that zing again, wow ♪

♪ Huh ♪

♪♪ [ Continues On Speaker ]

This is where you live?

No, this is an elevator.

Very good.

I think you'll like the apartment. It's very spacious.

Well, I'm happy sleeping on a couch.

Really?

Really.

Okay.

[ Elevator Tone Beeps ]

♪♪ [ Ends ]

[ Chorus ] ♪ Huh ♪♪

Wow.

You like it?

It's--

Very me?

Very you. Very impressive.

[ Chuckles ]

Well, do you want to see your room?

Sure.

Okay. Come on.

So, bed or sofa? Sofa or bed?

This is my room.

Mm-hmm.

It's huge.

[ Giggles ]

- Look at that television. - I know.

Ooh, um, I booked us dinner at a place called the Stratosphere.

Do you know what that is?

No.

- It's a revolving restaurant 800 feet above the ground. - No, stay just like that.

Okay. One more time.

[ Shutter Clicks ]

[ Doorbell Rings ]

I'll just get that. Stay there. I'll be right back.

Okay. I'll take another picture.

[ Shutter Clicks ]

[ Door Opens ]

Jilly, hi.

Hi. How are you?

Good. Come on in. I want--

I need a favor.

I have to go pick up Paul from the airport, and I haven't got the car seat.

I want you to meet my dad.

Oh, great. Hi.

Hi.

Dad,

this is, um, my friend Jilly.

Hi.

Uh, wh-what?

- Uh, Jilly. It's a pleasure to meet you. - Hi, Jilly.

How you doin'?

How are you doing? How's, uh-- Who's this guy?

This is Max, and we could really use a favor.

Could you watch him for a few hours?

Yeah, well, the only thing is is that we were gonna head out later for dinner.

You know? It's fine. I'm gonna pop downstairs. I can see if Helen's around.

- We could stay in, if you want. - I think you guys should go out. It's your--

No, you're tired. It's fine.

I'm easy. I'm easy. Whatever. Whatever it is.

We'll take him. Here. Give him to me.

You sure? Oh, thank you so much.

I should be back in time for you guys to go out anyway.

It'll just be a couple of hours. But thank you again.

Hmm?

[ Rosie ] Okay, it's-- Yeah, it's fine.

[ Gurgles ]

Well, I-I can bathe him.

Okay. I'll call if I need anything, honestly.

[ Coos ]

I'll be all right. Okay.

Bye.

Hmm?

[ Phone Beeps ]

Um, slight problem. [ Clears Throat ]

Jilly?

Yeah.

Uh, Paul's flight was canceled--

Hmm?

so he's stuck in L.A., and she's going to pick him up.

[ Whispering ]

So that means we have Max for the night.

Okay.

Is that okay?

[ Fussing ]

Ah, it's okay.

What's the matter? What's the matter? Hmm?

[ Phone Ringing In Distance ]

[ Phone Continues Ringing ]

[ Max Babbling ]

[ Rosie ] Okay, just stay up. Give me your arm.

- Do you want me to get that? - No, Dad, just leave it. It's fine.

Okay.

Thanks. [ Chattering ]

[ Answering Machine Beeps ]

[ Man's Voice, On Machine ] Hi. I'm not here right now,

so please leave me a message.

[ Beeps ]

[ Man ] Uh, it's me.

Look, I need the apartment back sooner than I thought,

um, so call me.

[ Machine Beeps ]

[ Max Laughing, Babbling ]

[ Rosie Laughs ] Stop splashing.

[ Water Splashing ]

[ Utensils Clattering ]

[ Clattering Continues ]

A nice apartment.

Yeah, it's a little big though.

You bought it?

No, I'm renting it, but I got a good deal.

Mm-hmm.

Listen. I-- I'm gonna leave tomorrow. I'm gonna go back home.

But you just got here.

I know, but it's been a long trip.

I'm running low on my medication. Uh, I just thought I would--

Well, can't we get you a refill?

It's been a long trip, honey.

Yeah. You look tired.

I'm-I'm okay. It's, uh-- I-I should get home.

Would you be okay with that?

Yeah, I-- Of course.

You should do what you want.

Here, take that.

I was thinking of flying.

You never fly.

I know.

[ Cork Squeaks ]

[ Liquid Pouring ]

[ Pouring Continues ]

Thank you.

Cheers.

You didn't really want to eat out, did you?

No, I didn't, not 800 feet above the ground in a revolving restaurant.

[ Laughs ]

Remember when your mother taught you how to eat spaghetti?

Yep.

[ Chuckles ]

Sometimes I pick up the phone to dial her number,

and then I remember.

Keep calling next time.

The number's still the same, and I'm still on the other end.

Okay.

Yeah?

Yes.

I don't know what it is with you kids.

You always told your mother everything. You never told me anything.

You were always on the phone with her.

I'd pick up the phone. I'd say hello, you'd say, "Hi, Dad. Mom there?"

It wasn't that bad. It was just that...

Mom was easier to talk to, and you always worried so much if everything wasn't perfect.

No. That's not true.

We could just talk to Mom.

Oh, but you couldn't talk to me?

Well, she was a good listener.

You were a good talker.

Well, so that's good. We made a good team.

Yeah.

You wouldn't change anything, would you?

You pushed us pretty hard.

No. That's not true. I-- I-I--

You didn't-- You didn't all feel that way, did you?

I think, um, David felt it the most.

Yeah. Uh--

I can see that.

He so never wanted to let you down.

[ Quietly ] I know. I was never any harder on him as far as I could see.

You were all different, and look at him today.

Did I tell you I went to see him in New York?

No.

Yeah. He wasn't there, but I saw some of his artwork...

downstairs in the gallery below his apartment.

It was right there on display. It was just... beautiful.

So look what happened to him. He turned out okay.

You turned out okay.

I don't know, Dad. [ Chuckles ]

I-- How can you say that? Look at you.

You've wanted to be a dancer ever since you were a little girl.

You were gifted, and nobody pushed you.

What about your plans?

It all worked out.

What did you want to be when you were my age?

I didn't have any... plans.

I just wanted to hold down a job and find somebody crazy enough to marry me-- your mother.

Um, I don't know. But when you guys came along, things were different.

There were opportunities. What kind of father would I have been if I hadn't pushed you?

Huh?

So there wasn't anything you wanted to achieve?

No, I didn't really think much about it. I never really gave it much thought.

All I wanted to do was just be a good father, that's all.

[ Rosie ] You've got your boarding pass.

[ Frank ] All right.

And you're all checked in, and we know your gate.

So?

I'll come visit you as soon as I can. I promise.

Oh, I'd like that.

I wanna get us all around the same table together.

At Christmas.

Or before. It's up to you.

Great. Count me in.

Oh. Here.

What's this?

I had to give it to each of you.

Well, shall I open it?

No, open it later.

Are you sure?

Sure I'm sure.

Okay.

Okay.

Be good.

Just for you.

Be good.

I will.

Bye, Dad.

Have a good flight.

[ Amy, On Phone ] Rosie, where's Dad?

[ Rosie, On Phone ] Uh, he's on his way home. I just left him.

What did you find out?

David was caught buying some drugs in a bar.

No!

And he got sick so quickly that they now think...

he may have panicked and swallowed some of the drugs when he was arrested.

Is he okay? Have you seen him?

Not yet. He was taken to a hospital.

I'm there now, but they're not being very helpful.

What do you mean?

I keep asking if he's here, but I can't get a straight answer.

Listen. The lawyer's with me, and the guy from the embassy's here.

Call Robert. I promised I'd call him before his concert, tell him what's going on.

Can you do that for me?

Yeah.

Uh, excuse me. How much longer before we land?

Uh, 40 minutes. But there's a storm, so it might take a little longer.

A storm?

It's okay. We go around it, not through it.

Can I have some more water please?

Sure.

[ Seat Belt Clicks ]

Excuse me.

[ Breathing Heavily ]

[ Lock Clicks ]

[ Intercom Dings ]

[ Man, On P.A. ] Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has turned on...

the seat belt sign, so we ask that you please...

- return to your seats as soon as possible. - [ Rumbling ]

[ Breathing Heavily, Wheezing ]

Sir, you need to push your table up. Thank you.

[ Rumbling Continues ]

[ Continues Breathing Heavily, Wheezing ]

- [ Knocking ] - [ Flight Attendant ] Sir, is everything all right?

[ Reverberating ] Sir, okay. Sir? Sir, you're gonna be fine.

You're gonna be fine. Just breathe for me.

You're gonna be fine.

[ Rumbling In Distance ]

[ Frank ] Come on. It's ready. Everybody sit down.

Hey, David? Come on.

[ Utensils Clinking ]

Thank you.

How come you're home, Dad?

I took the day off work.

But you'd never do that.

I know, but I wanted to spend some time with you guys.

Is anything wrong?

No, nothing is wrong.

Well, you know, actually, there is something.

Uh, you know, I've been asking myself a question.

It's been like a puzzle, and I-I can't figure it out.

Let's stop eating for a minute.

I keep asking myself why you all lied to me. All of you.

Amy, Jeff wore the same shirt to work the morning after I stayed.

He doesn't live with you anymore, does he?

He left home about three months ago.

There's another woman. That's why Jack hates him.

When that man Tom came over to me at the station and shook my hand,

he wanted to make an impression, didn't he?

You pulled that chair out before he came over 'cause you were expecting him.

Tom was waiting at the station.

I wanted to know that you'd met him. I didn't want to miss the opportunity.

In case I get sick and we never get the chance to meet?

[ Thunderclap ]

[ Rumbling ]

Robert--

I think we should go in. I think I felt some rain.

There were posters all over the city. You weren't going to Europe.

You weren't even performing that night. We could have spent time together.

But you lied to me. You didn't wanna be with me.

The truth is, Dad,

there are lots of things that we don't tell you.

But that doesn't mean that we want to hurt you.

Mom didn't always tell you everything,

and you know that.

Don't blame your mother for this.

And wipe your mouth.

[ Rumbling Continues In Distance ]

Rosie, the baby is yours, isn't it?

I was goin' to tell you.

[ Young Robert ] Go on.

Tell him the rest.

Robert, shut up.

Go on. I'll tell him.

Shut up.

- She doesn't know if she likes boys or girls. - Robert, stop it.

Did your mother know you were pregnant?

And she kept it from me. Why would she do that?

We were goin' to tell you--

[ Rumbling Continues ]

but then Mom got sick,

and I didn't want to disappoint you.

- David, do you still live in New York at that apartment? - No.

Then where can I find you?

I can't tell you.

Tell me where I can find you and when I can see you.

-[ Laughing ] I don't want to see you, Dad. -Then stop-- Do not laugh at me.

Tell me the truth.

And wipe that smirk off your face. Wipe the smirk off your face.

I-I have your skateboard in the shed there. I know exactly where it is.

I'll burn the damn thing, you hear me?

[ Children Laughing ]

You took my forward wheels.

Don't laugh. Don't laugh. Don't laugh! Quiet!

After everything I've done for you, this is all you can do is laugh?

When I'm asking you about something that's worrying me?

Jesus! David.

Your mother always asked me why I was so hard on you. This is why. This is exactly why!

Have some respect!

So what am I supposed to do?

Act as though nothing's wrong. That's what Mom did. It's best for all of us.

I can't do that. I can't act as if nothing happened. What do I tell your mother?

What do I say?

Anyway, she won't ask you anything, 'cause she's dead.

- [ Young Rosie ] David! - [ Loud Thunderclap ]

That's it. I've had enough. I'm outta here.

Me too. I'm outta here.

Come on!

- Tell her nothing. - How can I do that?

If you love her as she loves you,

then you'll tell her what she wants to hear.

Tell her that we're all fine.

[ Thunder Continues Rumbling ]

[ Loud Thunderclap ]

[ Siren Wailing ]

[ Wind Whistling Softly ]

[ Quietly ] Dad.

[ Footsteps Approaching ]

[ Door Closes ]

At last. Finally have my family in the same room.

Is David here?

Rosie's here, and Robert.

How are you feeling?

Was it a heart attack?

They're not sure.

Amy, is he telling the truth?

[ Robert ] The doctors are waiting for some-- some test results.

Oh, come on. D-Don't lie to me.

Why do I always... find it so hard to believe all of you now? Come on.

[ Sighs ] They suspected a heart attack.

Um, th-they ran some tests,

and, uh, they-- they got the results.

A-And it was a heart attack.

A mild one.

Good. A start, at least.

I didn't want to worry you until you had a chance to...

come to terms with what happened.

You can worry me, all of you.

I'm a father of four. I expect that.

I know you all... had problems.

I know that, and I can see you've been keeping things from me.

But right now there's something that I need--

Dad, maybe you should rest.

No, I will rest, but I-I-- I need an answer to a question.

You were honest with your mother, and I want you to be honest with me.

It's all right, you know. I'm-I'm okay.

I can handle it.

I-I-- I know David is in trouble,

and I-- I just want to know where he is...

and how soon I can see him.

So, who's gonna tell me?

[ Quietly ] Why don't you take it-- Why don't you rest for a while?

What is it?

Just tell me the truth.

[ Amy, Quietly ] Dad, I'm sorry.

David died, Dad.

I'm sorry.

No, I-- That's not true. Tell me that's not true.

[ Robert ] I'm sorry, Dad.

Mm, no.

[ Rosie ] He moved out of his apartment, and--

No.

we knew that he was traveling.

And then we started getting calls from Mexico.

There's a lot of confusion. We didn't want-- We didn't want to tell you until we were sure.

No. [ Muttering ] No. I--

He had a lot of problems.

No. No.

He wasn't happy, Dad. He-- He's been havin' a tough time since Mom died.

We've all been worried about him.

Yeah, but, you-- [ Stammering ]

not-- not for sure, I mean--

It-It was Mexico. It could be anyone. It could be a mistake.

[ Amy ] They, uh--

It could be.

I flew out there after you visited.

Huh?

I-I flew out there after you visited, and--

That's why you couldn't stay. That's why we all made excuses.

[ Frank ] No. No. Wrong--

[ Sniffles ]

Not my son. That's not-- That's not my son.

No.

They said it was an overdose.

No. Not my son. [ Sobbing ] Th-That's not my son.

No. [ Sobbing ]

[ Thunder Rumbling In Distance ]

[ Frank's Voice ] What are you gonna do when you grow up?

[ David's Voice ] I want to be a painter and do my pictures.

No, not a painter.

Painters paint walls, and dogs pee on walls.

You're gonna be an artist.

You're gonna work hard?

Yes, Dad.

You gonna make me proud?

I'm sorry about how everything's worked out, Dad.

It's not your fault.

I've been thinkin' about what I wanna do when I grow up.

Yeah? And-- But what did you decide?

I might still be an artist,

or I might just do a normal job, like a painter.

I'd be proud of you no matter what you did.

Really?

Really.

Good.

I told Mom I wouldn't be long.

- Give her my love. - I will.

Well, I'll see you, Dad.

David.

Hmm?

I'm sorry.

It's not your fault, Dad.

David?

David?

[ Birds Twittering ]

[ Frank ] Well, it was a big trip,

and if you asked me what I've learned, I'd have to tell you I'm not sure.

I know if I could do it all over again, I would ask less of the kids.

As long as they were happy, that would be fine with me.

[ Sighs ]

I know I have to stop thinking of them as if they're still children.

I can't tell them what to do anymore.

They have to find their own way.

And...

sometimes...

you talked to me about things that I should have listened to you more carefully.

You presented me with the details of our children's lives, and I--

I-I... ignored them.

And for that--

But that isn't what you want to hear. I know. What you want is the news.

Well, the news is this:

Robert, Amy and Rosie promised to visit me for the holidays.

And you know what? This time I believe them.

And David--

David--

I hope will spend Christmas with you.

I went back to New York to buy David's painting.

[ No Audible Dialogue ]

The portrait-- I know which one you mean, but I'm afraid it's sold.

It is sold?

Oh.

Were you familiar with the artist? Or--

Yeah, I-- Yeah, not as much as I would like to have been, but yes.

Thank you.

Why don't you give me your details?

If anything of David's comes in, I'll let you know.

[ Woman ] Excuse me. Excuse me.

I just saw your name. I'm stupid. I should have realized.

That's okay.

I'm sorry.

You know, I knew David. He used to hang out at the gallery all the time,

and he used to say that if it wasn't for his dad, that he never would've become an artist.

He said he would've ended up painting walls and that dogs pee on walls.

Look, we might have something of his in storage. I can check if you'd like.

Okay. Sure.

Okay.

And I won't pretend David's work was very commercial--

Oh, here it is.

He had his own style,

and he wasn't concerned with fashion,

but for what it's worth,

I thought he was really special.

Thank you.

[ Line Ringing ]

[ Answering Machine Clicks ]

[ Frank's Voice, On Machine ] Hello, this is Frank. Uh, I'm-- I'm not out--

I mean-- [ Mutters ] I'm not here at the moment.

Uh, I-I'm probably out shopping for the holidays,

but if you leave a message, I will call you back.

Thank you.

[ Frank ] Don't laugh, but I promised to cook the turkey for the first time this year--

Got the whole family coming. What's the biggest bird you got?

Half a dozen of--

and treat the children to some expensive wine.

these reds on the right.

Excellent choice, if I may say so, sir.

That's the sale price.

Oh, that's the sale price?

Yeah.

[ Frank ] I'm even thinking of replacing the old tree.

And if I gave it to you for any cheaper, I-- I wouldn't be makin' any money. [ Laughs ]

Let me tighten it. It has to-- You're letting it droop too much.

I need a little more slack to get around-- How does this look?

Dad's side's perfect.

[ Robert ] You kiddin' me?

Yours needs work.

Oh, yeah?

[ Beeping ]

Yeah.

Thank you.

What's that sound?

[ Beeping Continues ]

[ Robert Laughs ]

- What's that? - The turkey.

You're timing the turkey?

Yep.

That's so efficient.

- Ay! Jesus! - Oh!

[ Giggles ]

Oh, now you're-- Oh-ho-ho.

Oh-ho.

It's not cooked yet, Dad. I just checked it.

You just checked it?

Yeah, the juices are still red.

Well, why don't you stick to the potatoes and... I'll do the turkey.

Okay.

Mm-hmm.

Oh, this is you. Look, it has your name and the "third grade" written on its butt.

[ Chuckles ] Oh--

Do you remember that?

I remember when I made this.

[ Beeping Resumes ]

[ Jilly ] Yeah.

[ Beeping ]

Hey, Dad, are you okay?

Check that turkey, Grandpa.

Yeah, that's a big bird. You better... cook it properly.

Don't worry.

Just check the leg, Dad, just to make sure.

I will, I will.

Mom would have cooked it for at least another 30 minutes.

Yeah.

There's something I need to tell all of you about your mother. As much as I loved her,

and as good a cook as she was, in all the 41 years we'd been married,

she always overcooked the turkey.

Every single year. I just never had the heart to tell her.

All right. Perfect.

[ All Chattering ]

There we go.

Yeah, that would be great. Thanks.

[ Rosie ] Perfect. Oh, yeah. Mm. Good boy.

[ Chattering Continues ]

Okay, that's hot.

[ Frank ] Your family is making its way in the world,

and you can be proud of the children and their achievements.

And if you were to ask me, I would have to say, in all honesty--

[ Laughing, Chattering Continues ]

everybody's fine.

Everybody's fine.

[ Man Singing Pop, Slow ] ♪ For so long ♪

♪ I was out in the cold ♪

♪ And I taught myself to believe every story I told ♪

♪ It was fun hanging on to the moon headin' into the sun ♪

♪ But it's been too long ♪

♪ And now I wanna come home ♪

♪ Came so close ♪

♪ To the edge of defeat ♪

♪ But I made my way in the shade keepin' out of the heat ♪

♪ It was fun shootin' out of the stars lookin' into the sun ♪

♪ But it's been too long ♪

♪ And now I wanna come home ♪

♪ Home, where there's nothing but sweet surrender ♪

♪ To the memories from afar ♪

♪ Home, to the place where the truth lies waiting ♪

♪ We remember who we are ♪

♪ For too long ♪

♪ I was out on my own ♪

♪ Every day I spent tryin' to prove I could make it alone ♪

♪ It was fun hanging on to the moon headin' into the sun ♪

♪ But it's been too long ♪

♪ Now I wanna come home ♪

♪♪ [ Vocalizing ]

♪ Home ♪

♪♪ [ Vocalizing ]

♪ For so long ♪

♪ I was out in the cold ♪

♪ But I taught myself to believe every story I told ♪

♪ It was fun hanging on to the moon headin' into the sun ♪

♪ But it's been too long ♪

♪ And now I wanna come home ♪

♪ Yeah, it's been too long ♪

♪ And now I wanna come home ♪

♪ Been too long ♪

♪ Too long ♪

♪ And now I wanna come home ♪

♪♪ [ Vocalizing ]

♪♪ [ Ends ]