Original subtitles

* Good times Any time you meet a payment *

* Good times Any time you need a friend *

* Good times *

* Any time you're Out from under *

* Not gettin' hassled Not gettin' hustled *

* Keepin' your head Above water *

* Makin' a wave when you can *

* Temporary layoffs Good times *

* Easy credit rip-offs Good times *

* Scratchin' and survivin' Good times *

* Hangin' in a chow line Good times *

* Ain't we lucky we got 'em? *

* Good times *

Hey, now, look here, man,

I know tuxedos are tough to rent

around New Year's Eve time,

but ain't you got a little something

a little cheaper than that?

How about a little lower than that?

A little lower than that.

J.J., will you stop tying up the phone?

Okay, Ma.

Uh, look, here, man.

Suppose I left out the cummerbund?

How about the shoes?

I could always paint my sneakers black.

The cuff links?

The shirt stud?

The shirt?

You'll be down to your underwear pretty soon.

Now, will you get off the phone?

You know I'm expecting a call from your father.

Sure, Ma.

Hey... look here, man. I have to get back to you.

Yeah, okay.

I got to consult my business manager. Bye.

Uh...

[CLEARS THROAT]

Business manager, could I borrow $5?

Now, you know we're short on money.

Else why would your father have to take

an extra job out of town?

Ma, this last year's dress is perfect,

but you have to take in the waist just a little,

because I've lost a few pounds.

Whoo!

Well, I may have found them.

Whoo!

Well, Thelma, I'm glad to hear that you lost some weight.

Now you only have one unsightly bulge--

your face.

Look who's talking,

the big shot who thinks he can rent a tuxedo.

Well, I got news for you.

They don't have a size 10 chest and 42 sleeve.

[TELEPHONE RINGS]

You got some nerve, you old--

All right, you two, that's enough.

Ma.

[CHUCKLES]

Hello?

James.

Daddy!

How are you, honey?

Oh, good.

Yeah, everything here is fine.

Honey, when do you think you'll be through

with your job?

Your daddy is gonna be home for New Year's Eve.

[ALL CHEER]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, all the kids are going out for New Year's Eve.

Nah, I don't wanna go anywhere.

Just staying home with you is celebration enough.

Have mercy.

We can't wait to see you. We miss you so.

Now, look, I know this phone call

is costing money, so I'm gonna say goodbye.

Okay, bye-bye, sweetheart.

Bye, Dad. Bye, Daddy.

Your daddy's taking a bus Wednesday morning,

and he gonna be here by 3:00!

Whoo-hoo-hoo! Yeah!

All right.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Couldn't have gotten here that fast.

They got a 55-mile-an-hour speed limit here.

Florida.

Do I know you?

No, but I know you. May I come in?

Well, um--

Yeah.

Well, well, well.

You're Thelma.

That's right.

And I don't have to ask who this is.

How are you, J.J.?

Wow, you know us all.

Well, look here.

If you from the Internal Revenue,

the reason we ain't paid no income tax

is because we don't have any income.

I ain't from the Internal Revenue.

This is just like I pictured it. This is nice.

Real nice.

Yeah, homey and cheerful. This is the perfect place.

The perfect place for what?

The perfect place for me to die.

Hey, uh, look here, man.

I think you got the wrong address.

Fenway's Mortuary is five blocks down the street,

and they usually don't deal in the deceased

until after they stop moving.

What are you talking about, Mr.--

Johnson. Hubert Johnson.

Well, I think you'd better explain, Mr. Johnson.

It's like I said, I came here to die.

It could be a couple of days, maybe a day,

maybe an hour from now,

maybe even the next five minutes.

Well, that's nice.

While you're waiting,

would you care for a cup of coffee?

I don't think we have time to boil the water, Ma.

J.J.

It would be nice to have a cup of coffee.

All right.

Uh... can I ask you one question?

Of course.

If you really think you're gonna die,

why did you pick our apartment?

Because I like this family.

[SIGHS]

But how do you know us?

Hi, Ma.

FLORIDA: Hello, sweetheart.

Hey, Mr. Johnson.

Michael.

Hey, what are you doing here?

I was looking for you, and I got worried.

Michael... you two know each other?

Yeah, Ma.

You have a real nice boy here, Florida.

You know,

on his way home from school,

if I'm sitting out in front of the rest home,

he always stops to talk to me. FLORIDA: Oh.

He's the only friend I got.

You know, not too many people

stop to talk to old folks.

Mama, don't listen to him.

He's not old,

and besides, we're really running buddies,

except we don't do too much running together.

[FLORIDA LAUGHS]

Don't you have any friends at the rest home?

No.

In fact, I don't even bother to introduce myself.

No sense saying "how-do" to someone that's done.

That's why Michael here is my main man.

He keeps me up on things.

Come on, Michael, show them

what you taught me the other day.

All right, but remember,

we start on the right foot, ready.

And go. One, two, three, four.

Side, two, three, four, up--

and back.

FLORIDA: Oh, that's nice, Michael.

Hey!

[FLORIDA LAUGHS]

One, two, three, four.

Hey.

Oh, that's the hustle.

[CHUCKLING]

I know.

That's why I can't understand all this talk about you dying.

What do you mean?

You're not gonna die, Mr. Johnson.

Michael, my time has come.

My heart can't pump any longer.

It's got more leaky valves than a '61 Buick.

And my blood, it don't circulate anymore.

It just shuffles.

We're sorry to hear that, Mr. Johnson.

Now, don't you feel sorry for me.

I've lived my life, had my fun, and sowed my wild oats.

Now I'm just waiting for that top dude

to make his house call.

You mean, he's coming here?

Hey, look here, I hope he knows

which one of us he's coming here to get.

J.J.!

Don't, worry, son.

I'm the one that's got the reservation.

You know, I'm still confused.

Of course, I don't really think

you're gonna pass on,

but if you think you are, tell us,

why here?

Because there's somebody here that I love.

The rest home ain't no place to die.

No dignity. You're just a body.

You know, when somebody dies there,

they make the rest of us go in our room

and close the doors,

and then they sneak out the deceased.

Don't even give you a chance to wave goodbye.

Oh, that's terrible, Mr. Johnson.

So I said to myself, "Hubert,

"one place you ain't gonna die is that rest home.

"No, sir, you're gonna die like a man's supposed to,

with a family around him."

Don't you have a family of your own?

Oh, sure, I got a son in California,

and a daughter in Savannah.

But Mama, he hasn't seen them in over 15 years.

They love me, like children love old folks these days...

far away.

Well, I know when my time comes, I'd want my family around.

Don't worry, Ma, we'll be there.

Wouldn't miss it for the world.

Uh, what I mean is that, uh, well--

Uh, we're getting close to New Year's,

but you're still the April fool.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Yeah, that's right. That's right.

Still got on your Halloween mask!

Uh, yes?

Is there a Mr. Johnson here?

That's me.

Rental service.

Sign here, please.

Thank you.

Uh, what's this?

Oh, didn't wanna worry you none, use none of your beds,

so I rented one of my own.

Oh, now, wait a minute!

Hey, Flo... I just saw them delivering a bed.

What's going on?

Hi, Willona.

You know me?

Michael told me all about you.

He told me that you were a beautiful woman,

and you are a beautiful woman.

Oh, Michael has a way of exaggerating,

and bless his heart.

I'm Hubert Johnson.

Willona Woods. You here for a visit?

Yeah, WILLONA: Oh!

but according to him, he ain't gonna stay too long.

J.J.

What's happening, Flo?

Mr. Johnson here has some crazy idea

about coming here to die.

You're jiving, ain't you?

No, I'm not,

and I only wanna stay here till I go.

Mr. Johnson, this is just too big a responsibility

for us to take on.

Florida, I'll make a deal with you.

It's only a couple of days to New Year's.

If I'm not gone by then, I'll go back to the rest home.

We gonna have to talk about this.

You mind going into the other room

while we discuss it?

J.J., show him.

Not at all.

I sure hope and trust you vote my way.

Oh, Ma, you can't turn him down.

This means so much to him.

I know that, honey, but think about it.

What is your father gonna say when he gets back?

Oh, Mama, Mr. Johnson's not gonna die, and besides,

we'll just be making him happy for a couple of days.

Yeah, we all can help take care of him.

I'll pitch in with the cooking.

There goes his chance of being happy.

Listen, you all are missing the point altogether.

Now, this man is convinced he's gonna die,

and he might.

Well, it's just too big a burden for me

to have on my shoulders.

Oh, but Mama, it would be terrible

to send him back to that rest home.

Oh, Michael. No, Mama, listen.

One time I went inside to visit him.

Mama, it was sad,

all those old people just laying in their beds

looking at nothing.

Ma, I know he'll be a lot happier here.

Thelma, for once, I have to agree with you.

Flo.

Well--

[SIGHS]

Mama, please.

Oh, Michael, Michael.

Oh, all right.

He can stay.

Thanks, Ma. [ALL CHEERING]

Now you're talking.

Hey.

Hey, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Johnson, you can come out now.

Michael, how'd the vote go?

I'll let Mama tell you.

Mama.

Mr. Johnson, you're welcome into our home.

Oh, thank you. Thank you.

I really appreciate that.

Michael. Yeah?

One more time!

And move it! All right.

Start with your right foot, all right? Ready, go.

Do the hustle! One, two, three, four.

[ALL HUM VAN McCOY'S "THE HUSTLE"]

Oh, that's--

Ah... Another beautiful day...

but I guess I make it more beautiful

because I am the sunshine of my life.

Hey, Michael, when you getting out of that bathroom?

Hey, Hubert. Happy day before New Year's.

Hubert?

Hubert!

Ma!

What's the matter?

Ma, he did it! He did it.

He did what?

Look! Look!

Oh, my God.

Ma, is he--

He said he was gonna die, and I didn't believe him.

J.J., keep Michael in the bathroom.

He must've known it was gonna happen.

He's got on his good suit. He's all dressed up.

[GASPS] Run, he's a zombie!

Hubert.

Well, I just wanted your opinion

on how I looked buried in this old suit.

Well, that one is just fine.

Now, stop all this foolishness. You are not going to die.

Come on.

Let's all have some breakfast.

Michael, help me set the table, sweetheart.

Okay, Ma.

THELMA: I'll make the oatmeal, Ma.

Uh-oh, Thelma's gonna make the oatmeal.

How you want it, Hubert? One lump or two?

I'll give you a lump upside that big head.

You got some nerve, you old manicotti-head.

I don't wanna hear it-- Stop it.

I said, cut it out.

Florida, let them be.

That yelling is like music to my ears.

It is?

Sounds of a family. It's been a long time.

I can't tell you how I've enjoyed

these last couple of days with you.

I'm glad, Hubert.

We've enjoyed having you over, Mr. Johnson.

Yeah, I loved it.

Except for one thing.

What's that?

I ain't died yet.

Hi, y'all. Hey, Willona.

How you doing? Whoo-oo!

Hubert, I see you getting all ready for the New Year.

That's not what I'm getting ready for.

Oh... well, I am.

Roy Webster's taking me to the big bash

at the Drake Hotel tonight, honey,

and I want to look extra special.

You know, I figure what Roy's paying for the minimum,

he might as well see Willona's... whoo, maximum.

Willona. Huh?

There's something I been meaning to ask you.

What?

How come a beautiful woman like you ain't married?

Hubert Johnson, is that a proposal?

Come on, baby, light my fire.

Are you sure you got anything left to... burn?

An old log lights up faster

than a green one.

Whoop! Too fast for you. Come on, sit down.

[TELEPHONE RINGS] Sit.

Willona...

There's some fresh coffee on the stove.

Okay.

Hello.

James!

I thought you'd be on your way by now.

What?

Oh, no.

Well, what time you think you'll be coming in?

Well, I'll wait up for you no matter what time it is.

Yeah, I'm upset too, honey.

You take care, now.

Bye-bye, sweetheart.

What's the matter, Ma?

Your daddy ain't gonna make it in for New Year's Eve.

[ALL GROAN]

There was a big snowstorm, and all the roads are blocked.

Hmm.

You know, this is the first New Year's

since we've been married that we didn't spend together.

Well, Ma, we're sure not gonna let you spend it alone.

That's right! Yeah, that's right.

We'll have a party right here.

Oh, no, no, no. All of you have someplace to go.

Yeah, but we could change that.

Larry's working late tonight

and wasn't gonna pick me up until after midnight anyway,

so we'll just stay here, that's all.

Oh, Thelma. Yeah, instead of taking

my date to the Y to dance, I can take her here.

J.J., sometimes you can be thoughtful.

Mm-hmm.

Well, it's $3.50 a head at the Y.

It's free here.

Just jiving, Ma, just jiving.

I don't want you to be alone either.

Okay, love.

Neither do I, Flo.

I'll tell Roy to cancel the reservations at the Drake,

and we'll do our celebrating right here.

Listen, the money he was gonna spend for the minimum,

he can spring for a case of champagne.

A whole case?

Oh, yeah, honey, because when the old year goes out,

Willona might just go out with it.

And Mama,

I'll skip Debbie's party.

She always wants me to kiss her, and when I do,

my bubblegum gets stuck in her braces.

This is so sweet of all of you,

but you really, really don't have to do it.

No, Mama, we'll keep the party going till Daddy gets here.

[ALL TALKING AT ONCE]

All right. Thank you very much.

Hubert...

Hubert?

Care to join us for the party?

Yeah, come on, Mr. Johnson.

Well, let's see what happens around 9:00.

And if I'm still alive, we might as well... jive.

Honey, you will be alive, all right.

[ALL TALKING AT ONCE]

["THE HUSTLE" PLAYING]

Oh, Thelma, move,

you're gonna make me mess up.

Get outta the way!

Whoo! [J.J. LAUGHS]

Oh, Michael, I almost had it.

[ALL LAUGHING]

Hey, it's almost 12:00. Should I turn on the TV?

We got a few minutes, honey. Okay.

How come you're not dancing?

You were having a good time before.

You know, I'm just sitting here thinking.

It looks like I'm going back to the rest home.

Here, Ma.

We'll talk about that in the morning.

Right now, just enjoy the party.

I can't understand it.

By now, a preacher should be doing my eulogy.

Oh, now, Hubert.

Of course, I don't know what he'd say.

I was born a poor man, then a working man,

then a married man, then a family man,

and now I'm an old man.

It isn't very exciting, is it?

Hubert, it might be more exciting than you know.

I got a eulogy that will bake your potatoes.

You have? Mm-hmm.

I'm gonna give you a free example right now.

Oh. Come around here,

brothers and sisters, come on.

Huh? What's happening? Gather 'round.

What you talking about, Willona?

Gather 'round. Oh.

Brothers and sisters, we are gathered here tonight

to say goodbye to Hubert Johnson.

Amen!

[HUMMING GOSPEL MUSIC]

[IN PREACHER TONE] Oh, who was this man?

Who?

Hey, was he rich and famous?

Did he discover a cure for disease?

ALL: No.

Did this man walk on the moon?

ALL: No.

Well, then, who was this man?

Who was he?

I say, who was this man?

[ALL CHEERING]

Hey! He was an ordinary man.

[ALL SHOUTING IN RESPONSE]

I said he was an ordinary man.

[ALL CHEER]

Now, some of you out there might say,

"Why she hooting and a-hollerin'

about some ordinary man?"

Because there ain't nothing more special

on God's green earth than an ordinary man.

Because all he doing is the best he can.

That's right!

Hey, hey, Hubert Johnson was a good man,

a spiritual man.

He worked like a dog

to take care of his family and kids.

But most of all, I said, most of all,

he lived!

He lived every minute of his life.

Whoo!

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir!

When other folks was out there

chasing after pie in the sky

with ice cream on top,

Hubert knew...

Hubert knew it was all just jive.

Jive à la mode.

Jive à la mode.

Here lies a man... of goodness and purity

that lived his last 10 years on social security.

Hey, hey!

Don't cry. No, no.

Don't shed no tears... No, no, no.

because Hubert's home up there.

Home in paradise.

He done found out, they serve red beans and rice.

[ALL CHEERING]

[SINGS TO THE TUNE OF "WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN"]

* When Hubert J * * When Hubert J *

* Go marching in * * Go marching in *

* When Hubert J Go marching in *

* Oh, I want to be In that number *

* When Hubert J Go marching in *

* When Hubert J *

* When Hubert J *

* Go marching in * * Go marching in *

* When Hubert J go marching in *

* Oh, Lord, I want to be In that number *

* When Hubert J go marching in *

[HOOTING]

* When Hubert J Go marching in *

All right!

* When Hubert J go marching in *

J.J.: He go right in!

* When Hubert J go marching in *

Hubert, are you all right?

Is he all right, Flo?

Ma, should we call a doctor?

Uh...

I think it's too late, honey.

Mama, Ma...

Ma, is he dead?

Yes, baby, but don't you cry.

It happened just the way he wanted it,

with a family and friends around.

It's all right, baby. Oh, Mama.

It's all right.

["AULD LANG SYNE" PLAYS]

[***]

* Mm-mm-mm *

* Just lookin' Out of the window *

* Watching the asphalt grow *

* Thinkin' how It all looks hand-me-down *

* Good times Good times *

* Keepin' your head Above water *

* Makin' a wave When you can *

* Temporary layoffs Good times *

ANNOUNCER: Good Times is recorded on tape

before a live audience.

* Ain't we lucky we got 'em? *

* Good times *