Original subtitles

(INAUDIBLE)

(BICYCLE BELL RINGING)

ROBERT: "Something there is in the float of the sight of things

"That provokes it out of the soul

"Now I re-examine philosophies and religions

"They may prove well in lecture-rooms

"yet not prove at all under the spacious clouds and along the landscape

"and flowing currents."

I think Walt Whitman's trying to tell us something here, like maybe we should hold our

class outdoors, or maybe we shouldn't hold it at all. (CLASS LAUGHING)

Now before we get into the elegy on Lincoln,

I thought it might be a good idea for us to first review

a little bit of the activity that Mr. Whitman was up to during the Civil War.

Yeah. Professor Beckwith, didn't he try to buy his brother out

of serving in the army?

Yeah, and wasn't his older brother, George, wounded during the war?

Yeah, George was wounded at Fredericksburg, that's why he went to Washington...

I think that might be a little bit of a cop-out then...

He's obviously an egomaniac. He wrote his own reviews for crying out loud.

(EVERYONE CLAMORING)

Wait a minute, calm down. Just a minute.

Now, I find this really fascinating,

that here we are, fighting amongst ourselves,

and defending one position and another

on the man's personal life!

And not a word, not one phrase, not one reference,

to any individual work that he did.

The important thing is what the man stood for, and that's reflected in his work.

Daddy! Hello, darling.

Climb up here and give Daddy a kiss.

That a girl. Boy, you're getting heavy.

You make your dentist appointment today?

Yep. Let's have a look.

Very good, then. Guess what?

What? Jessica kissed a boy today.

Uh-oh.

Really? All of them are? Everyone? I just hate them.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Hello, darling. Hello, sweetheart.

How are you, Jess? Hi, Dad, I'm fine.

What are you guys talking about?

Oh, Jessie was lamenting the quality of the opposite sex at school.

Well, lack of it, actually. Oh, yeah? That's not what I heard, red.

Oh, and by the way, I found this bag of trash in the living room.

Where should I put it? Down the drain. Like that one.

(GROANING) What's for supper?

We are having hamburger with blue cheese from The New York Times.

Mom, it's a 60-minute gourmet...

Where's Paula? What are you doing under there?

Daddy. (GIGGLING)

SHEILA: ...two tablespoons, you need to chop this...

Do you want a glass of wine? I would love that.

Okay, I need... PAULA: I'll have what I want.

SHEILA: How'd it go with Larry, honey?

Well, the university board is determined to cut down my Humanities department.

What does that mean?

It means they wanna drop nine of our people.

What? You're kidding. Nine? Oh, for God's sake.

That's what I said. What are you going to do?

Try and set up a meeting tomorrow night with some of the other chairmen.

You know who could help you? Steve Nichols. I already thought of that.

His wife is one of the trustees.

We'll need all the help we can get.

I'm sorry. God.

Oh, no, it's not me, it's our friends.

I know, but it's awful.

(CHILDREN BICKERING) Come on, guys, cut it out, will you, please?

It's not fair, Mom! Oh, shut up... (SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

Now, listen, I've got some good news for you, at least.

What's up?

We nailed Gavin Wilson's new book for the university press!

Hey! Congratulations.

That's a real coup, isn't it?

Oh, God, was I relieved. Good for you.

Butter, please.

(THANKS IN FRENCH)

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

Did Mom tell you about my plan?

What plan?

About Europe. What about it?

I'd like to go. I'm sure you would someday.

I mean this summer. You know, one of Garber's teenage tours.

She's not a teenager yet.

Oh, Daddy, don't be punctilious. I'm old enough to go.

You're only 12 and a half.

Shut up, birdbrain.

ROBERT: Come on, you guys.

What's your rush, Jessica? Why can't you wait another year?

I refuse to spend another boring summer with Grandma in her...

(STAMMERS) ...Cape Cod.

Bourgeois Cape Cod?

Yeah. So what if there's nuclear war?

I could die without ever seeing the Louvre.

Why don't you write a letter to the President and the politburo,

and maybe they'll make an extra effort to keep things quiet for another year.

Daddy, you're not taking me seriously.

Daddy's saying no.

No, he isn't.

He hasn't said yes.

He's saying maybe. Meaning?

Meaning I'll discuss it with your mother.

I forgot to tell you Louis Montcourage called today from France.

Really, what did he want? Should I call him back?

No, no, he's on his way to the country,

but he says he will call you tomorrow at 4:00.

I said at school. Our time.

Remember, you promised no lectures this summer. Huh? Didn't he?

Yeah, you promised.

You promised.

I know that. Maybe I'm up for a Legion of Honor.

If she goes to Europe, can I go to Asia?

You're not going to go to Asia, 'cause you pick your nose.

What's wrong with that, you never pick your nose?

No! That's a disgusting thing. I do not pick my nose.

You mean you don't get caught at it.

I think the picking of one's nose is a good and healthy thing, don't you?

Would you like some cake?

(KIDS GROANING) (LAUGHING)

Here you go, kid, take a break.

Oh, thanks, honey.

I got us all set up at Doug's for tomorrow night at 6:30.

Yeah? 6:30, what about dinner?

Cathy's going to make a buffet.

Oh, that's nice, it'll be like a little party.

Let's hope it's not a going-away party. Nah, come on.

How does Wilson read? God, he is a good writer, you know,

but some of this prose has got more starch in it than our laundry.

Well, if all those guys wrote like Adlai Stevenson,

you'd be unemployed right now. (LAUGHING) True.

Okay, just a minute. Look, I've got one more paragraph, I've got to get...

Oh, what is she... ...finished. Oh, boy.

You know, I missed you today.

Did you? What a coincidence.

I'm gonna have to drop the Shakespeare course next term, Professor Beckwith.

Yeah, Professor Curtis told me that, that's why I wanted to see you.

What is there, a scheduling problem?

No, I'm a physics major.

Yeah, I know, but you were a physics major

when you registered for the course, right?

Yeah. To tell you the truth,

I don't want to have to compete with mostly English majors.

Compete for what?

Grades. I've got to be realistic.

If I'm going to land a job in nuclear research,

I've got to have a straight-A average.

Is there no other reason?

Look, I've always enjoyed the little Shakespeare I've read,

that's why I considered taking the course,

but I just afford to risk a below-A grade.

Yeah, I understand.

Now tell me, just how much Shakespeare have you read?

A little.

I played Horatio in Hamlet in high school.

Did you? Yes.

Did you retain any of the lines?

Yeah. No.

"In the most high and palmy state of Rome, a little ere the mightiest Julius fell,

"the graves stood tenantless

"and the sheeted dead did squeak and gibber in the Roman streets as stars with

"trains of fire and dews of blood."

That's all I can remember.

That's marvelous.

It's embarrassing I can't remember anymore.

Not at all. You know what I'm going to do, Mr. Ryan?

I'm going to guarantee you an A in this course right now

if you'll simply promise to attend it, relax and enjoy. How'd that be?

Are you serious?

I'm very serious.

What about Professor Curtis?

I'm just going to tell him to give you an A.

Well, what excuse would you make?

That I will personally feel a hell of a lot safer knowing there's a physicist out there

who's read some Shakespeare.

(PHONE RINGING) Excuse me. And I think you'll be happier, too.

Hello. WOMAN: Professor Beckwith?

Yes, speaking. WOMAN: You have a call from Paris.

All right, I'll hang on.

Simply the thing I am shall make me live.

Shakespeare. Congratulations, you've just got an A on your first test.

Thanks.

If I knew I was going to perform Shakespeare, I would have worn my tights.

I'll tell Professor Curtis to expect you.

Thanks. Thank you. Good luck!

LOUIS: Hello? Yes, hello!

Is that you, Bob? Louis! Ca va?

Fine.

Good, good. How is Simone?

Simone is well, thank you.

Louis?

I'm here.

Oh! I thought we got cut off.

No.

Bob, do you remember Nicole Guerin?

SHEILA: Hi, honey.

Hi.

Gosh, we're late, you know.

We're running behind. I got behind.

How'd it go today?

Hmm?

Where are the kids?

They're having dinner with Stephanie. Nora's going to bring them home later on.

You gonna change? Hmm?

No.

What's the matter?

Are you sick? No.

A problem at school?

No.

Well, will you tell me? You're scaring me, for God's sake.

Okay, relax. What's the matter?

Please sit down.

What? Um...

Do you remember the first time I went to France alone?

You know, that time I went to lecture on Baudelaire and Poe.

Well sort of. That's a very long time ago...

It was 10 years ago. You were pregnant with Paula.

Yeah, right, I remember.

I had an affair.

In France, 10 years ago?

Why are you telling me now?

Is this some sort of a joke or something?

No, it's not joke. It's the truth.

Is this somebody I know?

No.

Well, who was it?

Her name was Nicole Guerin.

She was the doctor that looked after me.

Um, well, how long did it last?

I don't remember. Two or three days.

Well, which was it, two or three days?

Does it matter?

Yeah, actually, everything matters.

Why didn't you tell me this before?

Because I didn't want to hurt you.

You want to hurt me now?

Good God, no, Sheila.

I mean...

Are you gonna run away with this woman, is that what you're telling me?

No, I haven't seen her in 10 years.

She was killed in an accident a few days ago.

That's why Louis was calling.

I don't get this.

What...

You must have a reason for telling me this now.

Yes, I do.

Darling, she had a son.

Yeah?

My son.

I'm the boy's father, Sheila.

Oh, Jesus.

(SIGHS)

(STAMMERS) What makes you think that it's your son?

Louis was her closest friend. He's absolutely certain.

I know that you're angry and you have every right to be,

but it doesn't change the fact.

Why didn't he tell you before?

Because she made him promise not to.

She knew I was married and had kids.

Listen, Sheila,

if it's any consolation to you, I swear to God,

it's the only time I've ever been unfaithful.

I haven't seen her in 10 years. I never wrote her or called her.

Had no contact whatsoever.

What else did Louis tell you?

That the boy has no other family, and that he and Simone would look after him.

Good, they'll make great parents.

Let's get out of here, I'm getting out of here.

I'm the boy's father! I don't want to hear about it!

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

I hope you started without us.

Did you think we'd start without our best and our brightest?

Go on in. Sheila!

Hello! Hi! Nice to see you!

Could you help me with this? Hello, Betty. How you doing?

Hi, Betty. How are you?

Robinson? Hi. Hi.

What do you got? I need a drink. I'd like a vodka, straight.

Please.

I don't think you've met the Dolans.

Listen, I really appreciate your help on this.

You got a problem? We'll stick together.

Glass of wine? No.

What's she having? Vodka straight.

I'll have the same, please. Okay.

You know, I feel awful that we haven't gotten together before this.

Oh, don't.

Maybe just not interested in history.

Oh, no, no. I am. Especially, uh, French.

Oh, thank you.

Uh, we have some distant relatives in France.

Thanks.

MARCIA: Sheila!

Marsh! Marsh!

Congratulations! Oh, thank you.

I hear you're editing Gavin Wilson's new book.

Yes.

Hello, Bob!

This is our friend, Marcia Whorl.

The Dolans. Hi.

We played tennis two years ago. Yeah.

Doubles, right? You lost. Yeah.

(LAUGHING)

The way I understand, what you're looking for is a consensus, right?

Yeah, that's about it.

I'll tell you, if this were Cambridge rather than here in Los Angeles,

we wouldn't be having this problem.

Don't kid yourself, Richard, they got the same problems at Cambridge.

They got the same problems in every institute of higher learning

in this country, I promise you.

The way I see it, we have two alternatives.

We're gonna have to capitulate

or we can threaten to resign.

MAN 1: I thought we were here to save others' jobs, not to lose ours.

MAN 2: He's right. Then I suggest we all leave.

Are you serious?

I'm very serious.

Because if we cave in now, we're finished anyway.

They'll keep hacking away at our departments

until this university won't have a Humanities left in the end.

Gentlemen, couldn't we eat now and save the Humanities after dinner?

Hear, hear!

What's his name?

Who?

Your son.

Jean-Claude.

I just wish I could make this up to you.

I don't think you can.

Hey, come on, hon.

You're not gonna let this shatter our whole relationship, are you?

I don't know.

I don't know anything anymore.

Christ, I wish I hadn't told you.

Why did you tell me, Robert?

(SIGHS) I don't know.

You do, God damn it, you do. It's the child.

You didn't want it.

You certainly didn't plan for it,

but now that you've got it, you feel responsible, don't you?

I just feel I ought to do something.

You're not his parent because you screwed his mother.

I know that, Sheila.

I just think I should go over there and see him. Talk to him.

And say what?

I don't know.

Let him know there's somebody else in the world that cares about him, I guess.

I don't want you going. I don't want you going back to France now.

I've gotta go, Sheila. There's no other way.

Yes, there is. You could bring him here.

What do you mean?

Let him spend Easter vacation with us.

Do you know what you're saying?

It isn't generosity, Robert.

It's self-defense.

If I don't let you get this out of your system sooner or later,

you'll blame me for something or other having to do with your son.

I wouldn't do that, Sheila.

Oh, yes, you would. You would.

(SIGHS)

Maybe you're right.

I'll bring him over, then.

It's an extraordinary offer. I really appreciate it, Sheila.

I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk about it anymore.

We're going to have to manufacture something to tell the girls.

I don't like the idea of lying to them.

Should have thought of that 10 years ago.

You look awful, Daddy.

Yeah, well, I just found out a friend of mine died.

What friend?

Oh, you never met her.

How come? If she's a friend...

Well, she lived in France.

I didn't know her either, honey.

Daddy meets a lot of people when he lectures.

I'm sorry she died.

I am, too.

(CLEARS THROAT) She had a son.

How old?

Roughly about Paula's age, I guess.

And, now he's an orphan.

(CLEARS THROAT)

Your mother and I were thinking that

it'd be a good idea for us to invite him over here to spend Easter vacation with us.

What do you think?

Sure, it's fine with me.

Good idea.

What's his name?

Jean-Claude.

Jean-Claude Guerin.

Does he speak English?

I don't know.

I hope so.

Sounds like I'll be able to... (SPEAKS FRENCH)

To prepare for the summer.

We haven't decided on that yet, young lady.

Take your vitamins. Come on.

Is he cute, Daddy?

I don't know that either, I've never seen him.

(MAN CHATTERING ON PA)

Hi, could you tell me what time Flight 891 gets in from Paris, please?

891 from Paris?

891 will arrive on time at 4:15.

4:15? Yes, sir.

So I'm an hour early. Mmm-hmm.

And where will it come in?

You can meet the passengers in the customs area upstairs.

Oh, okay. Thanks a lot.

You're welcome. Thank you.

(MAN CHATTERING ON PA)

(PEOPLE SPEAKING IN FRENCH)

(LOUIS SPEAKING FRENCH)

What could be more appropriate?

Baudelaire knew France and the French character better than most of our poets.

Your lecture was magnifique.

A day the Sorbonne will never forget.

I wish you'd gone on for another hour.

The faculty loved it.

Boy, I'll tell you, Louis, you are one charming Gallic bullshitter.

No, I'm serious.

Watch out, Louis! (HONKING)

Oh, my God!

Are you all right, Bobby?

Oh, my God, you're hurt.

I must get you to a doctor.

(GROANING)

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

Look up, please.

May I ask what you're doing now?

Just checking your pupillary reflexes.

It's good of you to see my colleague, Nicole.

No thanks are necessary.

It's my job.

Am I gonna live, doctor?

A rule about accident victims is

if they can ask silly questions, then it's not too serious.

Thank God, I can take him home.

Simone will be delighted.

Louis, I think Professor Beckwith

should stay a while so that I can take some X-rays.

X-rays? Oh, my God.

He wouldn't be here if I hadn't persuaded him to come and lecture.

Louis, one patient at a time is enough.

Now, you go home

and I'll bring him when we have finished, all right?

Maybe I should stay.

No, no, no. Don't keep Simone waiting.

I'll be all right.

Look, Bobby, you don't have to worry about a thing.

You couldn't be in better hands.

Nicole is the best doctor in all of Normandy.

Don't forget, he has to be in shape for my seminar

at the Sorbonne on Tuesday.

No problems.

If necessary, I will give him a brain transplant.

Hey, it's your jacket.

Oh...

See you later, Bobby.

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

Poor guy is a nervous wreck.

He's a very special person.

Yes, he is.

Take this, please.

What are they?

Aspirin.

Oh, yes. Now I know you're a real doctor.

Are my brains still intact?

I'm not a psychiatrist.

But I don't see any signs of fracture.

As you say in America, you just shook up.

Where did you learn your English?

I did a year internship at Boston General.

I almost stayed on.

What brought you back?

Honfleur.

Do you know it?

No.

All I've seen in France so far is the inside of a lecture hall.

Then you'll go back to Los Angeles without

experiencing the lovely village

where Baudelaire wrote Le Voyage?

I'm afraid so.

I can't allow that.

Now I understand why so many impressionists came here to paint.

Yes.

It took only one year working in a Paris clinic

to convince me that this is where I belong.

You seem very happy here.

Since I live by my own definitions,

I can say I'm a very happy woman.

(SINGING IN FRENCH)

What is that song?

It's called Plaisirs d'Amour.

It's a lovely old song.

Maybe as old as this village.

It's about the joy and sorrow of love.

(PEOPLE SPEAKING FRENCH)

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

What is your favorite poem by Baudelaire?

Les Fleurs du Mal.

What do you like most about Baudelaire's work?

Love. Mmm.

Ah, oui. The hopeless romantic.

But he never surrendered to it.

He believed that no human relations

are adequate to human desires.

You ever been married?

No.

I don't think marriage is for everyone.

I enjoy being independent too much.

That doesn't mean necessarily being lonely.

What about your family?

I lost my family when I was little.

Louis and Simone practically raised me.

Now I can understand the importance of your independence.

Now who's playing doctor?

(APOLOGIZES IN FRENCH)

(LAUGHS)

Actually, you may be right.

I have a tendency to use my studies and my patients as...

As a shield against personal relationships?

Perhaps.

That could change.

I mean, someday you might even want children.

Oh, but I've thought of it.

And I will.

If I find somebody I like enough to make a child with.

Come on, come on, quick.

Oh!

(SIGHS)

God, the water looks inviting.

It does.

Why don't we go for a swim?

You mean now?

Yes.

(PLAISIRS D'AMOUR PLAYING)

WOMAN: (ON PA) Flight 891 from Paris is now arriving at Gate 35.

Incoming passengers may be met at the customs area.

WOMAN: Mr. Collins?

Mr. Collins, Mr. Collins? Excuse me, pardon me.

Tommy, how are ya?

How was he? He's a wonderful boy.

Was he? Good, thank you very much.

MAN: (ON PA) Joanne Hall, please pick up the white courtesy phone. Joanne Hall.

Professor Beckwith?

Professor Beckwith?

Professor Beckwith? Here.

Here's your little passenger.

Bonjour, Jean-Claude, je suis Bob Beckwith.

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

Au revoir. (THANKS IN FRENCH)

He was a very good passenger.

Merci, Madame, merci beaucoup. You are very welcome.

Au revoir, Madame. Au revoir.

Do you prefer parler francais ou anglais?

Whatever you like.

Well, I'm sure you speak English better than I speak French,

so we'll speak English, okay? All right.

I'm very sorry to hear about your mother.

Thank you.

Is this all your luggage?

Yes.

Should we go?

So, welcome to America. Thank you.

How are Louis and Simone?

Very well, Monsieur Beckwith. Why don't you just call me Bob?

All right, Bob.

You take this. You take Fuzzy Wuzzy.

I'm not taking the rat! Fuzzy Wuzzy's not a rat,

he's a hamster!

Well, whatever he is, he's sleeping by your side of the bed.

Why do I have to move, and not Jessie?

Well, Mom, I don't want her in my room.

Will you stop being so selfish? It's for two weeks.

Come on, remember, he's an orphan.

Is he gonna feel better in my room than Jessie's?

It's easier to move you.

Yeah, because I have less things, because Jessie gets everything...

Come on... (ALL CLAMORING)

Jean-Claude.

Jean-Claude.

We're here.

ROBERT: Ladies, may I present Jean-Claude Guerin.

Jean-Claude, this is my wife, Sheila.

My daughters, Jessica and Paula.

Hi.

Hello. (SHEILA WELCOMES IN FRENCH)

Jean-Claude, we're very happy to have you with us.

I'm happy to be here.

Good.

Jean-Claude, je suis Jessica.

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

What? I think he said you're blue in the face.

Your French is excellent.

Really, vraiment? Absolument.

How long did it take from Paris?

JEAN-CLAUDE: It was 10 hours.

Wow. Oh, I have something.

Ah! Thank you!

Oh, look girls. See? That's hand written.

JEAN-CLAUDE: It was given to my mother by a patient.

That's very kind of you, Jean-Claude. You must be very tired.

Yeah, he fell asleep in the car.

Come on, Jean-Claude. I'll take you to your room.

Good night. I'll do it. Huh?

Okay?

GIRLS: Goodnight

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

He's cute. You think?

Why's his English so good? He told me he had a private tutor.

Why, is he noble or something?

No. In fact, his mother was a country doctor.

Wow.

What was his father?

I don't know, but I know he wasn't noble.

Now, if you'll give me your key, I'll unpack for you.

No, thank you, I can do it myself.

Well, um...

All of these drawers are empty here.

This is the bathroom. You'll have to share that with the girls.

Thank you.

PAULA: I can't sleep without Hippo.

Do you like him? Yes, I have a whale like that.

I'll show you later. That's neat.

Come, Jean-Claude is tired.

If you need anything else, we'll be downstairs, all right?

Goodnight. Goodnight.

Who's there?

Jean-Claude, what are you doing down here?

Couldn't sleep, huh? No.

May I join you? That's fine.

Are you cold? No.

You want a glass of milk or something?

You're very homesick, aren't you?

You come from a lovely village, you know.

Do you know it? Yes.

I was there once, many years ago.

Is that where you met my mother? Yes.

She was a very nice lady.

She was a very good doctor. Yes, I know that.

Did you know my father?

Did you, Bob?

What did your mother tell you about him?

That he was married to someone else.

And?

They loved each other

and decided to have me.

But of course, he could not stay in France.

Did, uh, your mother ever tell you who he was?

No,

but I think perhaps it was an Englishman.

Why do you think that?

Because if he was Italian,

I think she would have made me learn Italian.

I think you're right.

Jean-Claude...

You just suffered a very great loss,

and you have a very, very deep pain.

But I want you to know you're not alone.

You have Louis and Simone in France,

and you have me, here.

I want you to know that you can always count on me,

and I want us to be friends.

I think I'm sleepy now.

Magnifique, very good.

(ALL CHATTER HAPPILY)

Pardon, I prefer coffee.

Really?

Oh, of course. I should have asked.

I'll have some coffee, too. Me, too.

No, you won't. Why not?

Because I don't approve of children having coffee.

But his mother was a doctor. I know.

It's an honest difference of opinion.

Why don't you just give him some coffee, Sheila?

That's why I stood up, Robert, to get him a cup.

I still don't know why I can't have any coffee.

Because I said no.

And he can because his mother said yes.

What would you like in it, Jean-Claude?

It's all right, I'll have the milk.

Okay,

okay, okay, okay.

You're gonna like our friend Bernie. He's a lot of fun.

Bernie Edwards is a crashing bore.

Come on, Jessica. He's my oldest friend.

All he ever talks about is sports, and how great his son Davey is.

So he's a sports man?

No, no, he's a lawyer, but most of his clients are big-league athletes.

You know, like baseball, basketball, football.

Football?

The American version of breaking empty heads.

Anyway, he has this big barbeque every year around Easter time.

That's where we're going.

One on one, Richard. George, let me see your dunk.

Let me see your dunk.

Okay, let him shoot, let him shoot.

All right, that's it, that's it.

Hey, Barbara. Hey, Barbara.

(DOG BARKING)

Come on, Christians, let's meet the gladiators.

Hey, hey, hey, Bernie! Let's see that ball.

Hey, right here! Whoa.

Homer! Try and stop this. Are you ready?

Get in there. Whoo!

Give up? Homer, you might make the team this year.

How are ya, Bernie? Hey, Bob. How are ya?

Happy Easter. Hey, same to you.

Hey, Uncle Bob! Hey, Davey!

Oh, this is Jean-Claude Guerin.

Hey, the French kid you've been talking about, right?

Yeah. Jean-Claude, this is Bernie and his son, David.

Does he play any touch football, Bob?

Oh, uh, no, I'm sorry Bernie,

but, you know, in some areas, the French are culturally deprived.

BERNIE: Oh, yeah, I understand that.

Come on, I'll buy you a drink.

ROBERT: Hey, Homer, teach Jean-Claude how to play.

Hey, Ned. See you later, Jean-Claude.

Easy.

I'm telling you, there are some All-Americans down there. Did you see Davey?

I mean, he was playing with them, Bob.

Yeah, I saw him. Did you see that 20-footer he made?

Uh-huh. Huh?

So you've been giving the dean a little trouble here this week, haven't you?

I'm doing my best.

Yeah, I know, Bob, but I think you gotta understand,

see, this is recruiting week now. We got some kids coming in here

that can pay your salary for the next four years, okay?

I'm not worried about my salary, I'm worried about what I teach.

Bob,

the university needs a seven-foot center.

Well, with all this room, Bernie, maybe you can grow one.

SHEILA: Hey, Nance.

Hi, can I steal her away? Yeah, sure.

Champagne? Yes, yes, I...

You know, you look terrific, you lucky thing. Do I?

Yes, you do. Is it overwork or the Scarsdale?

Honey, I keep telling ya, it's in the genes. This I know.

Oh...

Sheila, do not leave without signing that petition.

It's on Bernie's desk in his study.

Okay, all right, now what am I signing?

The seals again, they're being butchered in Canada. It's easy to remember.

Easter time, it's the seals. Right, right, Easter, the seals, okay.

Okay. I'm going to say hello to Lorraine, honey.

See you later. Bye. Have fun.

Lorraine! Oh, hello, Sheila.

Oh, I got lipstick on you, sorry. Oh, that's all right.

What are you two talking about?

Well, I've been practicing my French.

This is an absolutely charming child.

Isn't he? I know, I know, but...

You know, actually, Lorraine,

I think Jean-Claude should practice his English, don't you?

Jessie, so do you want to go to the movies some day this week?

The name is Jessica and I don't go out with juveniles.

(SCOFFS) I'm 14 months older than you are.

Anyway, I'm just gonna be a superstar athlete.

I couldn't care less.

What sport? Soccer.

My dad says it's gonna be real big in the '80s, and I can kick with both feet.

Not at the same time, I assume.

Very funny. So, uh, who's that shrimp with you?

He's not a shrimp. His name is Jean-Claude. Guest from France.

He comes from a very important family. Big deal.

And I plan to return the visit when I go to Europe this summer.

Are you really going?

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

What? Look it up, stupid.

(CROWD CHEERING)

(CROWD GROANS)

Dad. Daddy, are you all right? Sorry, Mr. Beckwith.

Oh, Daddy. Bob, are you okay?

Yeah, I twisted my knee. You'd better bring in another guy, Bernie.

All right. Bob, ain't that kid something, though, huh?

You all right? Yeah, I'm fine, love.

Why don't you get me some ice?

Okay.

Is he allowed to do that, Bob? No.

Oh, Dad. Daddy's all right, sweetheart.

Aren't you glad I'm a professor

and not a professional football player?

Down six points, let's go.

How's your knee? ROBERT: Not bad. In here, anyway.

Serves me right. I'm not in shape.

Nobody's in shape for an insanely competitive 15-year-old.

Do you think anybody suspected today?

I don't know.

You know, people sense things. I know I do.

I really couldn't care less.

Oh, you wouldn't have minded telling everybody today, would you?

Why not? I'm not ashamed of it. Hmm.

Tell me about her, Robert.

Come on, Sheila, she's dead and gone, what's the point?

I wanna know. I wanna hear about her.

I do, really, listen, I can handle it. Trust me.

Just tell me about her.

I don't want to hurt you, Sheila.

Oh, honey, you can't hurt me. It's me.

It's Sheila. I'm a big girl.

Just tell me.

Why do you wanna know?

If I had an affair with someone and had a child with them, wouldn't you wanna know?

Hmm?

Yeah, I guess I would.

Yeah, of course you would.

Come on, sweetheart, just feel loose, get comfortable. Tell me.

Tell me about her. Trust me.

(SIGHS) Well...

She was, uh... You know...

Very independent.

I would say uniquely independent. Uh-huh. Yeah.

She lived by her own rules. Yeah?

She had integrity. Great integrity. Uh-huh. Integrity.

I was alone in France. It was a beautiful summer.

Beaches were gorgeous.

I wanna hear about her, not a damn travelogue.

Just tell me, will you, please? Come on.

I mean, what was she like physically?

She was very attractive, Sheila.

Yeah?

Exciting?

Yes, she was beautiful, Sheila.

And a good body?

Yes, she was beautiful, Sheila.

Yeah? It was inferred.

She was fantastic, she was the most incredible, gorgeous, voluptuous creature

I've ever seen in my life.

God damn it!

Yeah, that's why I went to France and divorced you

10 years ago, so I could be with her!

Well, she was uniquely independent.

Yes. she was uniquely independent!

And don't forget about her wonderful integrity.

Uniquely independent! Great integrity!

Oh, shush. Be quiet. The children, you'll wake them up.

"Trust me."

Shit.

He didn't tell me, Margo. I mean what is that?

A marriage that has been open and honest,

people who have been as close as we are,

I really thought we had the best marriage of anybody I knew.

You do. Oh, yeah, we do, huh?

Look, I've been married and divorced three times.

Nowadays, one affair in 10 years? Why, that's absolute celibacy.

You know what I found out? I'm not a nowadays person, Margo. I thought that I was.

You know what goes on out there?

I mean, I was a 22-year-old virgin when I got married, for God's sake.

I was too, I think.

What do you mean, you think? Well, all my sex has blurred.

I mean, I must have been a virgin at some time. Why not when I got married?

I know I was a virgin for practically a year before I got divorced,

that I know for sure!

Did I really think that we would go through 40 or 50 years of being completely

faithful to each other? What's the matter with me?

I mean what a really modern woman would say is this is none of my business...

I mean, it really has to...

Don't do this to yourself... Or the marriage!

It was a funny time. You were pregnant, he was away.

He was in France, for heaven's sake.

I mean, the wine, the romance.

I know, the beaches, the moon, don't give me a travelogue, please.

All he did was have an affair. That's all that happened, right?

It's not all that happened, Margo, he had a son with her. What?

Yes, he had a son. I couldn't even bring myself to tell you before...

He's here with us. We brought him here for Easter vacation.

Their child... Yes, their child.

...is in your home? Yes.

Oh, come on!

I mean, what are you, a candidate for sainthood?

Look, I'm not a saint, I'm scared.

You know, I'm afraid of losing what I have.

If I didn't let him bring him here, it would be a cloud over us forever, you know?

What do the girls think? I don't know, they think he's cute.

They don't know who he is.

Is he?

I don't know.

Well, don't you look at him?

As little as possible.

When I do, all I see is her and the son I could never give him.

I think I'd kill Bob if I were you.

You know, I would like to kill him sometimes, I really would.

The rest of the time I feel I need him more than ever. I don't know. I don't know.

I think what you need now is a drink.

I know I need one. Let's get out of here. I would love a drink.

I have to meet Gavin Wilson. I'm late.

You need some company?

Since when are you interested in detente?

I never stop thinking about it. Another time.

I envy you. Why?

I wish I could love any man as much as you love Bob.

See ya.

Oh, yeah.

Bob, I can't believe this, I mean you and Sheila, like the perfect couple,

like those figures on a wedding cake. What made you do it?

I wanted to talk to you about what's happening now, Bernie,

not what happened 10 years ago.

Well, she must have been something for you to... I mean, Sheila, my God.

I mean, were you in love with her?

I don't know.

Maybe I was at the time.

Got a picture of her?

Oh, for Christ sake, Bernie, look at the boy, she looked a lot like him.

Oh... I, I couldn't do it. Something like that with Nancy.

God forbid, know what I mean?

She'd get me in court, I'd get on the stand.

She'd talk about my income tax.

That tax shelter in Colorado.

God forbid.

Now, Bo Derek, if Bo Derek liked me, then I'd maybe consider...

(CHUCKLING)

Hey, the knee's better, huh, Bob? Yeah, a whole lot, Bernie!

GAVIN: Yeah, it's good. It's good.

I very much like your suggestion of changing the order of some of the chapters.

I think that's excellent. Oh, good.

So, we've agreed that you'll rewrite the material which you printed as conjecture

when you started the book three years ago, now that it's an indisputable fact, huh?

Yeah, did you make any particular notes on that? I did, here and here...

You really did do your homework, didn't you? (SCOFFS)

Uh, and you'll rewrite the new introduction taking the new facts into account, will you?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I'll do an exchange with you.

Why don't you have a look at that?

Well, you've started this already!

Why did you make me go through my song and dance? Because I like the music.

(LAUGHS)

Are there any other problems you gonna throw at me here? I have very little.

Just one general impression.

I think in the section on arms limitation, you're a bit on shaky ground when you use

the word ideology.

You think it's a bit too Marxist for the university press, do you?

Well, I don't know.

I don't mind. It's only a sub heading. You got any ideas?

Well, I was thinking something like "The Spirit of Salt One"

or "The Spirit of Vladivostok."

Perhaps.

Okay. Fine.

All right.

Would you like a drink? I have a long drive.

Uh, a soft drink? Really, I'd better get going.

I am trying to delay your departure. You do realize that, I hope.

Is that what you're doing?

Well in that case, I'll, um, I'll have a Perrier.

Excellent.

By the way, I really like that stuff you did on the Donnelly book, you know.

I read the original. I thought you did some very sophisticated

and intelligent work in it.

Well, thank you, but he did all the work on that.

Max Perkins said,

"An editor can only release energy, he cannot be creative himself."

Is that what he said?

Here's to.

And when are you gonna start releasing my energy?

(CHORTLES)

Why don't we both do our reading and meet tomorrow?

I'd like that.

(SCREAMING)

May I buy a postcard for Louis and Simone? Sure, pick one out.

Can I have a Magic Mountain T-shirt?

Oh, Daddy, let's go to the rollercoaster! Wait a minute.

Yes, the rollercoaster, please!

No, no, wait... Please! Please! Rollercoaster! Rollercoaster!

That rollercoaster? Yeah!

No way, you're talking to the wrong man. What do you think?

Not me. All right. Is this the one you want?

Yes. Okay, how much is that?

25 cents. You got a deal.

Hey, guys, come with me. I got a better idea. Okay.

(EXCITED SHRIEKS)

ROBERT: Here we go! (SCREAMING)

Woah!

Oh!

Let's start with a cap. Everybody in America has a baseball cap, and so do you.

Uh, what is "La"? No, it's not "La," that's L.A.

That stands for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the best team in baseball.

Here you go. And this is a baseball. Hang onto that.

And this is a bat. Two bats.

There's one for you, it's a Louisville Slugger. Best bat made.

Now, the object of the game is the pitcher stands on the mound and he throws the ball

to the batter, and the batter hits the ball.

Now, if the ball goes in the outfield, the batter

run, run, runs to first base! What is a base?

The base. The bag.

Uh, all right. Tell you what.

You like the hat? That's all you need to know about baseball. Come on.

(KIDS CHATTERING)

Daddy, you're not supposed to look!

I'm not looking. Am I looking? Did anyone see me look?

Yeah! Yeah!

(LAUGHS)

Hello! What are you guys up to? Mommy!

Hello, Mrs. Beckwith! Hi. Hi. Hello, Jean-Claude.

How did it go, huh? Real good, we missed you. Welcome home.

Wash up, everybody! Oh, Mom, we were just gonna show you and Dad something!

They were rehearsing a dance recital, they were trying to teach Jean-Claude

the stank and the pogo. Oh, yes? Well, what were they just doing?

Was that the stank or the pogo? You're asking me?

Don't look, Mommy! I never got beyond the bossa nova.

I won't look. I won't look.

Starving! Kids are getting along great together, aren't they?

Looks that way, yeah.

Did you happen to see Margo when you were down there?

Oh, yeah, she's great. Doing well.

What kind of a guy is Gavin Wilson?

Um... Charming.

You were always a sucker for a British accent.

Oh, this stuff must have one moment when it tastes right.

Well, yeah, when you're desperate.

When are you going down to work with him again? Tomorrow.

That soon? I have to take advantage of his being here.

He's called away often to, um, testify in lecture places, you know.

How would it be if I came down to Newport to see you tomorrow?

With the children? No, alone. I can get a sitter.

Pick you up after you finish work and take you out to a gourmet dinner.

Maybe catch a show down at the Old Globe in San Diego.

You're catching me at a time when I'm very vulnerable

to the idea of a good dinner, you know.

Robert. Hmm?

About Newport tomorrow. Yes?

No.

Just when I thought everything was coming together for all of us,

she left this morning without a word.

Well, Bob, you went to France, you had an affair that resulted in a child and then

you bring the child home... What do you expect?

I don't know, it was her idea to bring him here.

No, I don't think so.

I think she was just testing you, I think she wanted you to say no.

No, no, that's not true, Bernie.

She knew I'd go to France to see him.

That's why she made the deal.

Ah, come on, if people honored their deals, I'd be out of business, huh?

I wanna tell you something. You know the best thing you can do is?

You can send that kid home as soon as possible.

Today wouldn't be bad. Oh, come on, Bernie.

Do you know what that would do to that boy?

Hey, my friend, do you know what this is gonna do to your marriage?

(SIGHS)

I mean, you're real close to being a free agent, Bob.

Another thing. What if Sheila wanted to get even. Have you thought about that?

No, I haven't.

(SIGHS) Would you blame her?

I don't know.

You know something? These things get real vicious.

And I can only represent one of you.

That's real comforting, Bernie.

Hey, Frenchie. How come you're always playing with the girls?

My name is Jean-Claude.

His name is Jean-Claude. Well, excuse us!

I thought it was Jeanie. Yeah, with the light brown hair.

He speaks French, and you don't.

You, you... You dope! Come on, Jean-Claude.

Hey, Jessica. Why don't you take Jeanie and get him a dress?

BOY: Hey, all right! Come on.

Yay, all right!

Look at this. He can really play!

Come on, Jean-Claude!

All right. Come on, block that ball!

(KIDS CHEERING)

Wait a minute. Is that Jean-Claude?

That can't be Davey.

He's baiting him. I didn't know he could play soccer. Yeah, I see.

Look at that! Did you see that? Over the head.

My God. Yeah. It wasn't quite over his head.

(MEN CHEERING)

Davey, you're not trying. It's just not fair. Did you see that?

He's still at it. Bob, you'd better get rid of that kid before it's too late,

you know that? What do you mean "too late"?

Before you fall in love with him.

I already have, Bernie.

Wasn't he incredible? Huh?

Magnifique. But of course. Daddy, I want to get one.

I think I'll have one myself. What will it be, gang?

May I have those chips? Yeah, sure, which one do you want, this one? This one?

Doritos, here you go. What do you say, gang?

Yep. What will you have, Jean-Claude? I'll have a Coke.

One Coke. You want any chips? No, thanks.

No, nothing else? Okay, I'll be right with you.

Let's see, we got four drinks and two chips.

Three bucks. $3, there you go, sir.

You see that kid play soccer? What a miracle, you really missed something. (LAUGHING)

How we doing, gang?

Oh, boy, how about that kid, huh?

Jean-Claude, don't you feel good about what you just did? I feel good.

Then why don't you smile?

I can feel good without smiling.

You can, huh?

I bet I can make you smile. I don't believe you can.

(LAUGHS) I'll go you one better, pal.

I'll bet you I can make you laugh.

I'll bet you a dollar I can make you laugh before they count to 10.

10 francs.

10 francs? That's worth about a dollar and a half, isn't it?

All right, Frenchie, you're on, but you're gonna laugh.

Right, you guys count. Okay. One!

No, no, no, not yet. Wait a minute!

I got it. Okay, now start counting. GIRLS: One!

Jean-Claude, this is my impersonation of an Olympic swimming champion. Here we go.

Two!

(GIRLS LAUGHING)

Hello! And it's grandpa in the lead, huh?

(GIRLS LAUGHING)

Oh, don't like horse racing, huh?

Five! Oh, okay, fine. One of the great jugglers of our time.

Here we go. Six!

Ah, Dad! Oh, no. I'm gonna lose. I'm desperate!

Seven! Oh, is he laughing? Is he laughing?

Put it over his head, Daddy. Nine!

(LAUGHING)

He's laughing! I did it! I did it! (ALL LAUGHING)

All right go, Daddy! All right, Daddy!

Come on, gang. Let's clean up this mess.

Yeah, I know, it's okay. We bought everything, right?

There you go. Get all this cleaned up. There we go.

Hey, you know what? I got a great idea, listen to this, gang.

What do you say we head home now, and all of us chip in and make a nice, special,

gourmet dinner for Mom as a big surprise? All right!

Is it a deal? You hold this. Can I help?

Only if you smile. All right.

Good. All right, gang, finish cleaning up here.

I peeled all the onions. Good.

When are we gonna start cooking this?

As soon as I finish with the ingredients.

What's this called anyhow?

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

Grandma's chicken.

You're very easy to work with, Gavi, not at all what I expected.

I'm not sure whether that's a compliment or not. Formidable, really you are.

Well, I tell you this, this is definitely going to be the hardest part of every day,

saying goodnight. To you.

Can I tempt you to dinner?

I... I don't think so.

Look...

You're a very attractive woman.

Am I? You are.

You know, I actually needed that today, Gavin, thank you.

Here you are, then. Sometimes to break out is good therapy, no?

Are you making a pass at me?

I'm not sure. (SCOFFS)

(STAMMERING) Look, I really am...

I'm just not good at this, you know.

I do not approach women well. I mean, I don't. Seems I'm too direct.

Maybe that's why I write non-fiction.

Look, I may be wrong, but it doesn't seem as if you want to rush home.

One drink, then.

One brandy. Just one brandy.

Brandy.

(LAUGHING) Hi. Hello!

Wow, I didn't realize editing was a 12 hour a day job.

No, it isn't. I finished a couple of hours ago.

Really? Where have you been? Hmm, wandering around.

Put these down. Oh, I love that picture of you and Frank.

(LAUGHING) It's Ted. Is it?

Oh, was he number two or three? Oh, will you stop? Come on.

And what were you doing? Thinking, mostly.

Uh-huh. And when you weren't thinking?

Well, I had a bacon and tomato sandwich and a chance to sleep with Gavin Wilson.

I thought so. I hope they were both delicious.

I finished the sandwich. Yeah? What about Gavin?

I only went as far as a brandy at his house.

Well, why didn't you stay for a second one? Oh, come on, I couldn't.

Weren't you, uh, flattered that a man like Gavin Wilson wanted you?

I certainly was.

Well, then, what are you doing here?

Bob went to bed with somebody he barely knew.

I found out I couldn't.

Margo, could we have some wine?

What do you want? Red or white?

Red. I'll make a quick call and see how the kids are.

(PHONE RINGING)

Excuse me.

Hello. Robert, it's Sheila.

Sheila! Where the hell are you?

I'm down at Margo's. How are the kids doing?

They're fine, love. They made a very special meal for you,

and we're all sitting here waiting.

Is there any chance you can come home?

Oh, I don't know. I mean, I don't think I can.

You know, I'm down here working very hard.

I've been, uh, preoccupied with things.

Look, Robert, I know, but I've been busy.

I'm sorry I didn't call, you know. I'm not perfect.

Huh. I just did something I never did before. I hung up on Robert.

Your role as the perfect wife is hardly rewarding, is it? Perfect?

(SIGHS) I certainly wasn't prepared for all the surprises.

It's a long way from Vassar, isn't it?

Hmm.

I want you guys to clear the table.

Your favorite.

What is this, one of those new light wines with very little alcohol?

No!

It's a regular bottle of cheap Italian.

The kind that used to make us feel so good in college.

Mmm-hmm. Has our metabolism changed that much?

Well, I think we just felt pretty good to begin with in those days.

(DOORBELL RINGING) A gentleman caller?

Hmm, I hope so.

It's Bob, what do you want me to do?

Ah, let him in.

Hi, Bob. Margo. Sorry to barge in so late.

Oh, it's no problem. What are you doing here, Robert?

Who's with the children? Don't worry about the kids.

Since when do you hang up on me?

Don't start this in front of Margo.

It's already started. I asked you a question!

Since when do you hang up on me, Sheila?

Why don't I make us all some coffee?

Good idea, Margo. Why did you hang up on me?

I didn't have anything else to say to you.

I got some things to say to you. What do you have to say?

What the hell are you really doing down here? I'm working!

What's the urgency? I told you, Gavin is a...

Ah, to hell with him. He's not Henry Kissinger, for Christ sake,

and you're not working for Simon and Schuster!

He is a serious writer. I'm a serious editor.

What are you serious about, Robert?

I'm serious about our marriage, God damn it!

That's why I came down here.

The hell you are. You know what you're serious about? Your son.

All right, what if I am? What is so wrong about that?

Your son. To hell with our marriage!

The only thing you've been concerned about since that boy came to the house

is that somebody would find out he was my son.

Yeah, well that is right. That is right. I admit it. I can't deal with it.

Obviously, you can't deal... So what does that make me? I'm sorry.

I... I'm angry.

I have every right to be angry. You lied to me.

You never did that to me before. I'm jealous.

I'm jealous when I see you look at him the way you do,

with pride in your eyes. You don't look at the girls that way.

You don't look at me that way. You don't care.

Oh, Jesus! Where have you been?

You have never said to me just once,

"Sheila, can you handle this?"

You just never reached out to me emotionally at all.

All right. But it was your idea to bring him here in the first place.

All right. That was intellectual. I did it in my head.

But my heart is here. And I can't make the connection.

All right. It's true!

I had an image of you and an image of our marriage. And both are shot to hell.

So where do we go from here?

In a funny way, maybe it's the best thing that could have happened to us.

You know. I mean, everybody has always treated us as a perfect, perfect couple.

And we find out, don't we?

We're just like everybody else, aren't we?

We can start from scratch, if there is any love left.

Well, I'm not everybody else's husband and you're not everybody else's wife.

And whatever is wrong between us shouldn't affect the child. He's an innocent bystander.

He is my son, and he's going be my son all my life.

And I am going to be his father.

You want him to stay here forever, don't you?

Confess it, Robert.

You know that's what you've been driving at since he's been here.

It's true. I can't deny it. That's what I want.

Yeah, I don't know if I can handle it. You know. I can't.

Love, there are problems between us, but look,

he is only going to be here for, what, almost a week. Can't you...

Give a little bit. Can't you...

I mean...

Listen, I need you, Robert. I need you. I still love you, and...

I'm lost without you. Oh, God, I love you, darling.

(ROCK MUSIC PLAYING)

Can I talk to you for a minute, Jessie? Hi.

So talk. Not here, outside. In private.

Come on, Jessie, it's important.

Such an adolescent. (LAUGHING)

(INDISTINCT)

I heard my parents talking last night...

(INAUDIBLE)

ROBERT: This is the finest medical school in California.

What would you think about going to school here in America?

I'd have to think about it.

My mother wanted me to go to school in France.

I'm sure she wouldn't have minded if she knew you were going to be with friends.

Does that mean I would go to school with Jessica and Paula? Sure.

I would like that.

You'll just have to give that some thought.

You know, I thought Mr. Wilson was going to be conceited,

but he wasn't. Here, let me that for you.

We missed you. Good. I missed you. Where is everybody anyway?

Mom. Mom! Yes, sweetheart, we're in here.

What? What's the matter?

Is it true? Is what true?

Is it true about Daddy and Jean-Claude?

Did something happen? What are you talking about?

Who told you? It is.

I can see it in your face.

What's going on? David just told me that Jean-Claude

is Daddy's son.

Let me explain it to you. No! First admit it.

Tell her that Dad is really his father.

Yes, it's true. He's our Dad! He's ours.

Don't you understand, you little idiot?

He had an affair with Jean-Claude's mother.

What's an affair?

He went to bed with her and made a baby.

Is Daddy going to leave us?

No, he's not going to leave us.

Look, will you let me explain it, please?

You ruined our whole family.

It's going to be all right. Let me explain.

Hey. Hello, everybody. Guess what?

I took Jean-Claude on a tour of the university,

and he's decided to enter medical school tomorrow. Isn't that right?

(CHUCKLING)

What...

You. You little bastard!

Jessica!

He's our Daddy, not yours. He's ours!

Paula.

What the hell is going on here?

Ask your friend Bernie. Why didn't you put an ad in The Times?

Girls.

Jean-Claude, wait a minute. Jean-Claude!

Jean-Claude!

Hey, Jean-Claude, wait up.

Hey!

Hey, you forgot something. I forgot nothing.

Jean-Claude, listen to me. I'm sorry about what Jessica did you.

Listen to me, will you?

Look, she's upset with me, not you.

Jessica would never do anything to harm you. You know that, don't you?

I want to go home tomorrow. I don't want you to go home.

I should never have come here.

My mother wanted me to go to school at La Roche, and that is where I'm going.

Is that what you really want to do?

I belong in France, not here. You belong here with me. I'm your father.

I... I don't believe you.

Well, it's true, God damn it. It's true.

Louis knows all about it.

I didn't even know you existed until a few days ago.

Your mother never wanted me to know.

(SIGHS) I'm sorry. I...

I should have told you when you first got here.

But I was afraid.

I was trying to protect Sheila and the girls and myself.

I'm really sorry, Jean-Claude.

I hope you can forgive me for causing you so much misery and unhappiness.

But I'm happy, Bob.

What?

I'm happy you're my father.

Really?

My mother used to talk about my father.

What did she tell you?

She said

that he was good,

and kind and funny.

And even when I first saw you,

I hoped that maybe

my father could be someone like you.

Come on. Take me home, will you?

My home is in France.

And that's where I feel I must live now.

I understand.

Jean-Claude.

You okay?

I'm fine, Bob.

You want some dinner?

No, thank you.

I'm going to go upstairs now and pack.

Okay.

A demain, Jean-Claude.

A demain, Bob.

Did you tell him?

I didn't have any choice.

How is he?

He went upstairs to pack. He wants to go home tomorrow.

Where are the girls?

In their room.

Bob.

(KNOCKING)

All right, let's have this out.

I want to discuss things with you.

There's nothing to discuss.

Look, I know how you feel. No, you don't.

Look, this has been a real big shock for both of you. And I want to apologize.

I don't want your apology. Me neither.

I'm apologizing for lying about Jean-Claude.

And what about your affair with his mother?

I don't have to apologize about that to you, young lady.

That's between your mother and me.

Don't you love us anymore?

Of course I love you, darling. I love you very much.

Why did you bring him here?

Because I had to see him.

Why?

Because he's my son, Paula.

Look, I did something about 10 years ago.

(SIGHS) Something I shouldn't have done.

I am not very proud of it. But I am very proud of him.

And up until a few minutes ago, before you guys found out he was my son,

you thought he was hot stuff, didn't you?

Come on, admit it. You did.

In your own words, Jessica, you said he was magnifique.

And he is magnifique.

As long as we're being honest about it, let's be honest about something else.

You guys have had it pretty good growing up.

You've have both parents, your own home and a lot of love.

And all he's had is a mother. Now she's gone.

Put yourself in my shoes. What would you do?

What would you do if you heard about somebody out there all by themselves,

somebody who wasn't even related to you?

Wouldn't you go out to them?

Sure you would. I know you would.

(SIGHS) Jean-Claude's going home tomorrow.

I don't know if we'll ever see him again.

And whether or not you guys decide to talk to him is up to you,

but I think you owe him an apology.

Both of you.

You think about it.

I love you both very, very much.

And I know that you love me.

(DOOR CLOSING)

I hope that's the way you like it.

Thank you.

I'm sorry this has been such a hard time for you.

No. It is I who should apologize.

I think I have brought you much sadness.

It was not my wish.

It's not your fault. You must never think that.

When I came here, I did not know.

I know.

We should have told you.

That Bob is my father?

Yes, Jean-Claude. Bob is your father.

That is why you are angry with him?

Yes.

So you must also have been angry with me.

I suppose so, at first.

But then you came.

We got to know each other.

And I hope now we can be friends.

Can we be friends, Jean-Claude?

Thank you very much for the coffee, madame.

It was very good.

We have to go now, Jean-Claude.

Please say goodbye to Jessica and Paula for me.

Goodbye, madame.

Many thanks for everything.

Goodbye, Jean-Claude.

(ENGINE STARTING)

What's going to happen now, Mommy? I don't know, sweetie.

How can you even talk to Daddy after what he's done? Jessica.

Do you know the most painful part of growing up? No.

Discovering nobody is perfect.

Not even your parents.

I called Louis last night. He's going to pick you up at the airport in Paris.

All right.

(SIGHS)

Bob, I bet you 10 francs that I can make you laugh before you count to 10.

I bet you a dollar you can't.

No, no! (LAUGHING) It's okay.

MAN: Can I see your ticket please?

This is an excursion fare. You have to stay at least 10 days.

I know. I'm going to pay the difference.

That's $225.

WOMAN: (ON PA) TWA announces the departure of Flight 890, non-stop service to Paris,

now boarding at Gate 35. Passengers please have your boarding passes ready.

You sure you've got enough in here to read for the flight?

Yes.

(MAN CHATTERING OVER PA)

WOMAN: (ON PA) Will those passengers holding green boarding passes,

rows 49 through 65, kindly board now?

Well, your seat number is 24, but...

You can board last. We...

We have a few minutes. Let's sit down over here.

(SIGHS)

WOMAN: (ON PA) Will those passengers holding green boarding passes,

rows 48 through 30, please board now?

So...

Maybe you'll visit us again at Christmas time.

Or even this summer. I mean, any time you want.

Thank you.

So, you'll come again this summer?

SHEILA: Oh, thank God. We thought we'd missed you.

Jessica and Paula wanted to say goodbye, Jean-Claude.

I'm really sorry about what I did.

So am I.

JESSICA: We want you to come back and see us, Jean-Claude.

JEAN-CLAUDE: Yes, I would like that.

PAULA: Bye, Jean-Claude.

JEAN-CLAUDE: Goodbye. Excuse me, are you going on this flight?

Um, no. He is. Well, I will take his ticket, then.

And you have to board right away, okay?

Goodbye, Mrs. Beckwith.

Goodbye, Jean-Claude.

I'm sorry, sir. He has to board right now.

Sir, he has to board the flight now, or he will not make it.

Go on.

Au revoir, Papa.

Au revoir, mon fils.

Je t'aime.

I love you, too.