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, Thelma.

When are you getting out of there, girl?

You've been soaking in that bathtub

45 minutes.

You're gonna come out so wrinkly,

you're gonna look like one of those prune commercials.

Hey, girl, what are you trying to do?

Make the bathroom a 51st state called "Thelma"?

All right, now, girl,

this is your older brother speaking here.

I'm giving you three to get out of there.

One, two...

Still want to try for three?

Oh, Ma, I didn't know that was you in there

taking a bath.

Yeah, it's my chauffeur's day off,

and I had no way

of getting to my private spa.

I'm sorry I yelled, Ma, but, uh...

Turn your back for one minute, and O.J. Simpson runs by you.

This is ridiculous.

Ma, are you gonna let him

get away with that?

That's your problem.

I've got to make breakfast.

I've got to get to work early today.

Florida, you still didn't sew that button on my cuff

like I asked you to.

I didn't have a chance yet, honey.

I was taking a bath.

What do you mean, you was taking a bath?

A bath.

You know,

you put a little hot water and a little cold water?

That's what they call "taking a bath."

Baby, what I mean is,

why didn't you take your bath last night?

I told you,

I was too tired

from taking inventory at the store.

Well, that's the perfect time

to take a bath--

when you're tired.

It was not the perfect time

to take a bath last night.

Why wasn't it the perfect time?

Because youwere taking a bath.

And, uh, Ma,

while we're on the subject,

when are you gonna tell my little brother

to get out of there?

I've got to get to work early today.

Delivering spare ribs?

Who orders ribs this time of day?

You'd be surprised, Ma.

Spare ribs is a perfect breakfast food.

They fill you up,

and then you can use the extra grease

to give your car a lube job.

Stop being ridiculous.

Okay, James,

let me fix your button.

It's about time.

Hey, Ma,

did you press out my dress for me?

I didn't have time last night, honey.

Oh, Ma,

what am I gonna wear to school?

Why don't you wear a mask

and give the student body a break?

Look who's talking.

You could be a witch doctor

with your natural face.

You got some nerve--

Yeah, you know--

All right, now, knock it off.

That's enough.

Hey, Florida, you're supposed

to be sewing the button on the shirt,

not the shirt to my hand.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry,

but this place isn't exactly

peace and quiet around here today.

Ma...

Wear your skirt and blouse.

But the fellows will laugh at me.

J.J., will you go into the bathroom?

I can't.

There's still an occupied sign on the door.

Michael, will you hurry it up?

I'm all through, Ma.

It's about time you got--

Hey, mind your business!

Wow.

Looks like I'm gonna have to start

using the gas station again.

If I don't get a car soon,

they gonna start asking questions.

Mama, did you write my note?

What note?

The one giving me permission to go on the trip with my class.

I forgot, honey. I'll do it tonight.

But Ma, I need it now. We're going today.

Michael! Ma...

Michael...

What?

Don't bother Ma with these small, trivial problems.

Do what I'd usually do when I was a kid.

Forge Ma's name.

J.J.

Whenever did you forge my name?

Uh, really, Ma,

it was just small, insignificant little things,

like report cards.

If I'd known

you were forging names,

I'd knock them naps off your head.

Dad, I never really forged your name.

I mean, I always showed you my report card,

so you know I got to be jiving.

You're right on that.

Every time I saw your report card,

I said, "He got to be jiving."

Oh, now look what you did,

Florida.

You broke the thread.

If you'd sit still, it wouldn't happen.

Well, hurry up, will you?

I'm late for work as it is.

I'm going as fast as I can, James.

Ma, what about my note?

Write it yourself and I'll sign it.

Okay.

Hey, Thelma, when you getting out of there, girl?

Hey, don't rush me!

Hey, Ma, did you see my makeup kit?

I can't find it.

Don't worry about it, Thelma.

We got a brown paper bag out here

to cover your face.

Oh, shut up out there.

All right, knock it off, Junior.

Ma, how many M's

does "permission" have in it?

I can help you with that one, Michael.

There's either one or two.

It's one, honey. Thanks, Ma.

Hey, the oatmeal's burning.

Oh, good lord.

Oh, now, that's just great.

Now we ain't got no breakfast.

Florida, will you come on, please?

I'm running late for work now.

Yeah, me too.

Hey, Thelma, when you getting out of there, girl?

When I get finished, that's when.

You are finished!

Ma, should I end this letter

"sincerely yours" or "yours truly"?

Hey, Ma, did you see the hair spray?

At last, justice!

Ma--

Ma!

Thelma!

Florida, are you gonna finish this button

or ain't you?

I have to take care of this three alarm fire in here,

if you don't mind.

I'll tell you something, Florida.

If you'd have took your bath last night

when you were supposed to, you could have got up,

made this oatmeal without no mess, fixed my button

so I could get to work on time.

Now where you going?

I've got a job too,

and I've got to get to work on time.

Now, if you want that button sewed,

you sew it yourself.

And if you want breakfast, make it yourself.

Then make the lunch for the children,

wash the dishes, do the laundry, make the beds,

and sweep the floor.

And see how you would like

being mother, housewife,

diplomat, referee, counselor, cook,

seamstress, and sparring partner,

with no pay

and no fringe benefits.

Good morning, Flo.

It's a beautiful day,

ain't it?

Don't get smart, Willona.

Huh?

I wonder.

Sometimes I really wonder.

About what?

If the whole thing is worth it.

You beat your brains out,

but does anybody appreciate it?

No.

"Sew the button on my shirt,"

"Make the breakfast,"

"Press my skirt."

Oh, Abe, you freed our people, but you forgot me.

Let me take a wild guess.

You are sick and tired of the rat race.

Hm.

So why don't you change your life

and become one of the Supremes?

Hey!

Oh, honey, you serious, huh?

Look, meet me for lunch

and you can cry on my shoulder.

I always like to have

a little water in my Scotchy-poo.

Thanks, Willona, but I can't get away.

Oh?

That's funny.

You know this the second luncheon invitation

I turned down for today?

Second? Uh-huh.

Mr. Harris, the head of my department,

he invited me to lunch too,

sort of celebrating finishing up the inventory,

but naturally, I didn't accept.

Naturally.

I didn't want to take the time.

Of course not.

I got too much to do.

Of course you do.

Wait a minute.

Why can't I take the time?

Why can't you?

Why does it always have to be

work, work, work all the time?

Yeah, why does it have to be

work, work, work all the time?

The man is a gentleman.

He offered me an invitation to lunch.

Why can't I accept?

Why can't you?

I'm gonna go.

Why don't you?

Oh, Willona, I'm so glad

I bumped into you this morning.

You always have such good advice.

[SPEAKING JAPANESE]

[SPEAKING JAPANESE]

You've been so much help to me

with the inventory,

I wanted to bring you someplace special.

It's beautiful,

but I think they forgot the chairs.

We sit on the floor.

You've got to be kidding.

It's a Japanese custom.

Well, so is hari-kari, but we don't have to do that.

It's really very comfortable.

See?

Try it.

[CHUCKLES DOUBTFULLY]

Well...

Aah!

Are you all right?

Yeah.

Last time I tried this

is when we were behind in our bills

and they repossessed our furniture.

A backrest for the lady, please.

Hai.

Hi.

"Hai" means "yes" in Japanese.

Oh.

Well, how do you say "chiropractor"?

If you please.

Yes indeed.

Oh.

That's better.

Thank you.

[SPEAKING JAPANESE]

Don't touch your what?

Two sushi to start with,

and sake,please.

[SPEAKING JAPANESE]

Well, I'm so glad we finally got together

for lunch.

I've asked you so many times.

Well, I usually brown bag it,

but I felt the need for something different

today.

I felt the need

to forget about everything.

Yes, well, I'm glad you accepted.

That's a, uh...

That's a new outfit, isn't it?

Yes.

It was nice of you to notice.

Well, it's because it's a habit of mine.

I've been selling women's clothes

for two years.

It fits you well.

Can't say that

about many of my outfits.

Oh, you have a perfect figure.

I'd say a perfect 14.

And I'd say you are one heck of a salesman.

The sushi and sake.

Ah.

Which is the sushi and which is the sake?

Well, uh, this is the sake.

It's a wine made out of rice.

No kidding.

The only thing I ever had with my rice

was red beans.

Hey, you know,

I don't think I ought to drink that.

I didn't have any breakfast this morning.

Oh, it's very relaxing.

To our first lunch.

[COUGHS]

Are you all right?

Yeah.

These Japanese are something else.

First they take your shoes off,

and then they blow your head off.

Okay. Try one of these.

Okay.

What is it?

Tako.

Oh, I like tacos.

It don't taste like tacos.

Well, that's because it isn't. It's octopus.

I ain't never ate nothing

with eight legs before.

Well, I guess you have to, uh,

acquire a taste for it.

Hey.

Is your side of the room spinning?

No.

Well, mine is.

It's going round and round,

like we're on the Ferris wheel

at a carnival.

Have you ever been to a carnival?

Oh, many times.

Oh, my father used to take us

every time one came to town.

I remember one time

he bought a box of Cracker Jacks,

and there was a prize in it,

a wind thistle.

A what?

Um, a thin twistle.

Wait a minute.

A tin whistle.

Every time you blew it

it made the prettiest sound,

but then I lost it.

After that, I'd buy Cracker Jack

and keep hoping that I'd find another tin whistle,

but I never did.

Well, a toast

to Cracker Jacks and tin whistles.

Mm.

You know, when I left home this morning,

I was upset about something,

but for the life of me,

I can't remember what it was now.

Mm.

Love this rice.

Dad, promise

you'll be nice to Ma when she gets home.

Oh, Thelma, I'm being nice to her.

Didn't I tell Junior to bring home

a bunch of them ribs from that take-home place?

Now your mother won't have to cook tonight.

She can be a lady.

All she'll have to do is serve up the food,

and then clear the table, wash and dry the dishes,

put them away,

and then maybe she can get around

to fixing that button on my shirt.

Oh, Daddy, I'll do all that.

You know, Daddy,

maybe Mama's tired of the same, old routine.

She might need an outside interest.

Hey, maybe that's it.

Daddy,

why don't you and Mama have another baby?

Michael!

Well, that's an outside interest.

[KNOCKING]

I'll get it, Dad.

Greetings from the Roundup Roast Beef and Rib Palace.

Our ribs are tasty, tender, and brown.

That's because our cook has soul and knows how to...

get down!

J.J., stop acting ridiculous and give me that bag.

Wait a minute, now.

This is an official delivery.

I got to go through the official routine here.

Now, uh...

this isthe Evans residence, isn't it?

You arethe woman of the house, aren't you?

Yes.

Could have fooled me. Aah!

You better take that steer off your head.

I think it kicked your brains out.

Hey.

No tip, huh?

No.

I knew you were a cheapo when I walked in here.

Hey, Dad, good news.

I got the special employee's discount.

Yeah?

10 cents off.

I'm all choked up, Junior.

Mm!

This stuff smells good.

Yeah, I had the chef give us the special choice cut there.

I'll have you know

that is 75 percent Grade A government fat.

What you talking about, Junior?

You know I told the guy to give us the best he had.

Hey, you know what?

I think ordering food

is gonna make Mama real happy.

Yeah, it ought to, Michael, but I don't know.

I mean, your mother's been awful unreasonable lately.

Yeah, unreasonable.

I mean, she act like she don't appreciate what we got here.

Don't appreciate it.

I mean, we don't live all that bad.

We sure don't.

We got a great family.

Yeah, great family.

Three wonderful kids.

I'll tell y'all one thing.

I ain't gonna put up

with no foolishness from her tonight.

No, sir, not after I done laid out almost $8

for that food.

She come in here with a whole lot of yang-yang tonight,

I ain't gonna go for it.

I don't want to hear no lip at all.

Hello, everybody!

And how is my wonderful,

handsome, favorite husband?

Mm.

Boy, she's mad.

Shut up.

And how's the rest of my beautiful family?

Fine. Fine, Ma.

Good.

How'd you do in school today, Michael?

Well, Mama, the trip was real nice.

Mm. I got a C on my English test.

Oh, you'll get an A next time.

What?

Man, what a temper.

Shut up, Junior.

Florida, how come you so happy?

Well, why shouldn't I be, honey?

I had a wonderful day,

and I'm sure you had a wonderful day,

and here we all are together at the end of the day.

What more could you ask?

I could ask why you're so happy,

that's what.

Uh, Ma,

we have a surprise for you.

You don't have to cook tonight.

Daddy had J.J.

bring home some ribs for us.

Thanks, lover.

Tell you, boy. Vicious. Vicious.

What'd you say, J.J.?

I said the spare ribs are delicious, delicious.

Okay, everything's ready, Ma.

We can sit down and eat now.

Come on.

Let's eat!

* Poor butterfly *

* La la la la *

Wait a minute, what's going on here?

Now you singing?

Was I?

Yeah, and I ain't heard you sing in weeks.

Oh, well, that's because I feel so good.

I don't get it.

[KNOCKING]

I'll get the door.

[HUMMING]

Singing about butterflies.

You come in here grinnin' and skinnin'.

I don't know. There's something wrong here.

Good evening.

Is Mrs. Evans in?

Yeah.

Mr. Harris!

Ah, ah, ah, ah.

Who is this?

Remember what I told you

this afternoon?

It's Oscar.

Who is this?

Oscar.

These are for you.

Oh, thank you.

Well, I just happened

to be passing by this florist

and I saw those Japanese tea roses.

It reminded me of this afternoon,

and I just couldn't resist buying them.

Now, who is this,

what's going on,

and what happened this afternoon?

Nothing.

We just had lunch together, that's all.

Lunch?

James,

this is Oscar Harris,

the head of my department.

Oscar, this is my husband, James.

Hello.

Ah...

And these are my children.

That's Michael, Thelma, and J.J.

Hello. Hey. Hi.

A very handsome looking group.

Well, you know, what can I say?

Hey!

I just love these flowers.

Thelma, will you put them in some water

for me, please?

Uh, there is something

in the envelope for you too.

Oh?

Excuse me.

A tin whistle.

I had to buy 25 boxes of Cracker Jacks

before I found one.

Go ahead, try it.

See what it sounds like.

All right.

[TOOTS]

It's just as I remembered.

Somebody want to tell me

what the hell is going on around here?

At lunch today,

Oscar and I were talking about the carnival,

and I was saying how when I was a kid,

I had one of these tin whistles,

but I lost it,

and I never could find another one like it.

Then why didn't you tell me?

I'd have bought you a whistle.

Oh, but no, James, you can't buy them.

You have to get them out of the Cracker Jacks.

Well, somebody tell me something.

What were you two doing having lunch in the first place?

Celebrating

finishing the inventory.

We had a wonderful time,

once your wife got comfortable on the floor.

You want to run that by me again?

James,

it was a Japanese restaurant.

Oh.

Now I understand.

* Poor butterfly *

* La, la, la La-la, la-la *

Oscar, we were just about to sit down to dinner.

Would you care to join us?

We ain't got enough food.

No thanks.

I have another engagement.

Good.

It was nice meeting you all.

THELMA: Nice meeting you.

Good night.

I'll see you to the door.

I'll see you outside the door.

James, please!

Florida, I hope you enjoy the whistle.

Oh, I will, and thank you.

You're welcome. Good night.

ALL: Good night.

Good night.

Are you ready to tell me about this

right now?

James, you don't have to shout.

Uh, I think we better get lost for a little while.

Uh-uh, Thelma. I want to stay.

This is getting interesting.

Come on.

You too, chopstick. Come on.

Get in there.

Come on, Florida, now, what is it?

Because if it's what I think it is,

I'm gonna pluck that turkey

feather by feather.

Oh, James.

Are you jealous?

Who, me?

No, of course not.

I wish you were.

What do you mean by that?

Well, maybe then I'll feel

that you think of me as something more

than somebody to sew a button on your shirt,

somebody that you think of

as a woman.

Well, Florida,

how do you think I think of you?

When was the last time

you made me feel like a woman?

How about the night before last?

James, I'm not talking about that.

I'm talking about treating me

the way a woman likes to be treated,

the way Oscar treated me.

Now, how did Oscar treat you?

Well, he was kind.

He was thoughtful.

He even noticed

that I had on a new outfit.

Is that a new outfit?

I'd have noticed it was a new outfit,

sooner or later.

James, it's more than that.

He was very polite to me.

He was courteous.

He showed me all the attention

that a woman likes.

Yeah, but I thought you didn't go

for that stuff no more.

I mean, not with all that

women's lib jive and all that.

James, women's lib don't mean we want to stop being women.

It just means we want our chance in this world too.

Honey, the main thing on my mind is,

am I just a habit with you,

or do you love me?

Do I love you?

Hey, what kind of silly question

is that, huh?

How about a silly answer?

I got one for you.

[TOOTS WHISTLE]

What's that for?

To call the children in to dinner,

and then let's get rid of them

as fast as we can.

Have mercy.

[TOOTS WHISTLE]

All right, let's get it!

All right, move!

Come on, get it, get it!

Move! Hit that table.

Man, let's eat!

Come on!

[***]

* Mmm *

* 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 *