Original subtitles

[upbeat, jazzy piano music]

[upbeat, jazzy piano music]

- Hey that must be the mill over there.

- Hey that must be the mill over there.

- This is a pretty historic place.

Did you know this is the first incorporated city

Did you know this is the first incorporated city

west of the Rockies.

- Let's time the portal-to-portal,

- Let's time the portal-to-portal,

there may be 15 minutes extra sack time in it.

- More historic firsts here than any other western city.

- More historic firsts here than any other western city.

- More historic firsts here than any other western city.

- Take a right here at the light,

we want 10th and Washington.

- First public school, first library, first gold mint,

- First public school, first library, first gold mint,

first apple tree planted.

first apple tree planted.

First public building, first newspaper, first whiskey still,

First public building, first newspaper, first whiskey still,

and the first and only perpendicular street,

and the first and only perpendicular street,

that elevator right over there.

- First perpendicular street, figures.

- First perpendicular street, figures.

Goes with the first whiskey still.

[boys laughing]

[light-hearted music]

[light-hearted music]

- Let me have that address again mam,

- Let me have that address again mam,

I'll see the trunk gets sent right up.

- 10th and Washington, 916 Washington, southeast corner.

- 10th and Washington, 916 Washington, southeast corner.

- Sure thing.

- Sure thing.

- It's growing,

isn't it?

isn't it?

[light-hearted orchestra music]

[light-hearted orchestra music]

[dramatic, rapid music]

[dramatic, rapid music]

- We gotta get to work, Waldo.

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

Well he ain't goin' nowhere we can't find him.

Well he ain't goin' nowhere we can't find him.

We'll get him tomorrow.

- I see,

I see a man with long robes.

In his earthly vocation he was a preacher.

In his earthly vocation he was a preacher.

He is holding out his hands to you.

He is holding out his hands to you.

- Has he heard from John?

- Has he heard from John?

Has he seen John?

- You are pained at heart he says,

because John was called away.

because John was called away.

But have courage, let it take you forward.

But have courage, let it take you forward.

Let it,

let it.

[sighing] He's gone.

[sighing] He's gone.

But who knows Mary, if we have patience,

But who knows Mary, if we have patience,

if we truly believe,

maybe we will hear from John himself.

maybe we will hear from John himself.

- Tomorrow?

- We'll try, about the same time Mary, all right.

- We'll try, about the same time Mary, all right.

Thank you.

And don't worry, goodbye.

And don't worry, goodbye.

- You don't have to hide it, Maggie.

- You don't have to hide it, Maggie.

- Well, where else can you get a room with bath

and a continental breakfast for 650 a week?

and a continental breakfast for 650 a week?

- Don't forget the air conditioning.

- Don't forget the air conditioning.

- The ad didn't say anything about air conditioning.

- Bats, their soft little flapping wings.

- Bats, their soft little flapping wings.

[pleasant, light orchestra music]

[pleasant, light orchestra music]

[suspenseful music]

[dramatic music]

[pleasant, light orchestra music]

[pleasant, light orchestra music]

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music]

- Excuse me.

- Huh?

- We already have a deposit on this room.

- We already have a deposit on this room.

- Why I don't take continental breakfast and bed

away from a lady that's come all the way from um, Chicago.

away from a lady that's come all the way from um, Chicago.

- [laughing] Milwaukee.

- [laughing] Milwaukee.

- Autumn.

- Autumn.

- Maggie.

- You didn't write you were coming.

- I came as soon as I got your letter.

- I came as soon as I got your letter.

- Oh what letter?

- We wrote from Astoria, I'm Tod Stiles, this is--

- We wrote from Astoria, I'm Tod Stiles, this is--

- Oh yes, yes, go right in boys.

I'll show you where it is as soon as I catch my breath.

I'll show you where it is as soon as I catch my breath.

- Mommy!

- Mommy!

The Franz brothers are after him.

- Once upon a time there was this little princess see,

- Once upon a time there was this little princess see,

only she was knocked out, sound asleep,

only she was knocked out, sound asleep,

on account of a big bad witch who hexed her,

on account of a big bad witch who hexed her,

changed her into a monster with a long nose and a fat lip.

changed her into a monster with a long nose and a fat lip.

Well then Prince Charming made the scene.

Well then Prince Charming made the scene.

He bent down,

He bent down,

he kissed the little monster,

and alakazam, up she woke,

and alakazam, up she woke,

changed back into her real self.

changed back into her real self.

Still a little monster with a long nose and a fat lip.

Still a little monster with a long nose and a fat lip.

The moral of the story?

The moral of the story?

Once a monster, always a monster.

Now stop following me around!

- Michael, you apologize to this child this very minute.

- Michael, you apologize to this child this very minute.

- The world needs to know its monsters.

- The world needs to know its monsters.

- I hope they get you!

- Corinne.

- Corinne.

- King of the creeps.

- Now stop it.

- We'll find the room, Mrs. Carter.

- I came just in time, I can see that.

- Corinne, go and play.

- Corinne, go and play.

And stop following him.

And stop following him.

What letter?

- You've always come first with me, Maggie.

- You've always come first with me, Maggie.

I suppose you're wondering why I came during midterm.

I suppose you're wondering why I came during midterm.

- Well I wasn't, but it would have occurred to me

sooner or later.

- Whenever you've needed me, I've come,

that's right, isn't it Maggie?

that's right, isn't it Maggie?

- Van will jump right out of his skin when he sees you.

- Van will jump right out of his skin when he sees you.

- Maggie.

- Maggie.

- So whom does it hurt?

- So whom does it hurt?

It's not as if we can't use the money.

Oh I don't go in for any hocus pocus,

Oh I don't go in for any hocus pocus,

no trumpet phenomenon or floating ectoplasm.

no trumpet phenomenon or floating ectoplasm.

Maybe now and then a little direct voice.

Maybe just a whisper, but something they like to hear.

Maybe just a whisper, but something they like to hear.

- If you have such miraculous powers,

- If you have such miraculous powers,

they should be hidden from the world,

not flouted or sold.

not flouted or sold.

Such things are not for display or sale.

Such things are not for display or sale.

They belong to communion with the divine.

They belong to communion with the divine.

Does Reverend Thomas know about this?

Does Reverend Thomas know about this?

- Autumn, Reverend Thomas has been marked with marble

under the rectory elms for nine years this September.

under the rectory elms for nine years this September.

under the rectory elms for nine years this September.

- You'll go to church with me, Maggie.

It's prayers you need.

It's prayers you need.

And your sister home to look after you.

And your sister home to look after you.

[classic jazz music]

- Okay, okay, but why embarrass her?

We're here now, we can stay here for a week

We're here now, we can stay here for a week

and we'll find another place.

Besides, it's close to work.

Besides, it's close to work.

You clocked the portal-to-portal, five minutes.

You clocked the portal-to-portal, five minutes.

- Just an ordinary family.

House on the hill, flowers out front, swings for the kids.

House on the hill, flowers out front, swings for the kids.

But you can smell it, burnt toast.

But you can smell it, burnt toast.

You can see the smoke under the door.

Day in, day out, domestic tragedy

Day in, day out, domestic tragedy

popping out of the toaster.

A piece at a time, a gulp at a time, until you're dead.

A piece at a time, a gulp at a time, until you're dead.

But nobody can tell looking at you, just how dead you are.

But nobody can tell looking at you, just how dead you are.

- 20 bucks.

20 bucks says there's more laughs than tears in this house.

20 bucks says there's more laughs than tears in this house.

One week, you keep score.

- I don't wanna bet against people.

- I don't wanna bet against people.

- Oh but it's all right to say they're pieces of toast,

and call 'em dead.

Come on, put up or shut up.

Come on, put up or shut up.

[slow, gentle orchestra music]

[slow, gentle orchestra music]

- The years I've thought of this picture.

- The years I've thought of this picture.

Those silly birds frozen in that stormy sky.

Those silly birds frozen in that stormy sky.

Do you know something, Maggie,

Do you know something, Maggie,

even as a little girl, when father first hung it here,

even as a little girl, when father first hung it here,

I hated those dark birds.

I still hate them.

I still hate them.

- I never noticed them.

- I never noticed them.

- What's she doin' here?

- Sh.

- Of all people.

Autumn, welcome, welcome, welcome.

Autumn, welcome, welcome, welcome.

- Handsome as ever.

- Handsome as ever.

- [laughing] You hear that Maggie?

- Some people get thinner as they get older,

- Some people get thinner as they get older,

this one gets fatter.

- On Van it's becoming, it really is.

- On Van it's becoming, it really is.

- [laughing] You hear that, Maggie?

- If you say, you hear that Maggie once more, I'll--

- If you say, you hear that Maggie once more, I'll--

- Oh Maggie, dear.

- Oh Maggie, dear.

- I'll get the tea.

- Oh Van, you can't imagine what it's like.

- Oh Van, you can't imagine what it's like.

Coming back here after all this time.

Coming back here after all this time.

Of course there's a lot to do, we mustn't forget that.

- A lot to do?

- A lot to do?

- Maggie's letter.

- Last we heard, you were teaching in Milwaukee.

- Last we heard, you were teaching in Milwaukee.

Or Gary.

You haven't quit or anything?

You haven't quit or anything?

Autumn, you didn't quit.

- Van, to you.

- Oh.

- Oh.

- I bought a slip for Maggie.

- I bought a slip for Maggie.

Oh she still wears 36, doesn't she?

- Well she did the last...

- Well she did the last...

- Green striped.

- Green striped.

- Oh it's fine, a very fine tie.

- Oh it's fine, a very fine tie.

- You always loved green, didn't you?

- You always loved green, didn't you?

- That's right, I've always been very partial to green.

- I got a book for Corinne, and a book for Michael.

- I got a book for Corinne, and a book for Michael.

- Michael, he could write a book himself, a bestseller.

- Michael, he could write a book himself, a bestseller.

- Van!

[Maggie sighing]

[Maggie sighing]

- Maggie.

- Well.

Um, it's awfully nice of you, Autumn.

Um, it's awfully nice of you, Autumn.

- Maggie.

I would've brought you all more if I could've.

I would've brought you all more if I could've.

Oh if that doesn't fit, they said they'd take it back.

Oh if that doesn't fit, they said they'd take it back.

- Autumn, sit down.

- Oh, yes.

It has been a fatiguing day.

It has been a fatiguing day.

[telephone ringing]

- There's still a spare room for you.

- There's still a spare room for you.

I only rent out the front one.

The window shade's torn in there, but Van can fix that.

The window shade's torn in there, but Van can fix that.

- Oh don't you worry, Maggie, I'll be cozy as a kangaroo.

- Oh don't you worry, Maggie, I'll be cozy as a kangaroo.

- Cream or lemon?

- I always took lemon.

- I always took lemon.

Maggie, we've forgotten so much about each other,

Maggie, we've forgotten so much about each other,

haven't we?

haven't we?

- Maggie, can I see ya a minute?

- Maggie, can I see ya a minute?

- Excuse me, Autumn.

- Michael, how long have you been sitting there?

- Michael, how long have you been sitting there?

- Well it says right here, Autumn Ely, 916 Washington.

- Well it says right here, Autumn Ely, 916 Washington.

- She's not planning to stay, is she?

- She's not planning to stay, is she?

- What if she is?

- It isn't very nice Michael, spying on people.

- It isn't very nice Michael, spying on people.

You look more like your father all the time.

Do you remember the last time I saw you?

Do you remember the last time I saw you?

You were just so high.

- What do you want?

- What do you want?

- Do I have to want something to be with my loved ones?

- Do I have to want something to be with my loved ones?

- You want something all right,

- You want something all right,

it shows all over you.

Only this isn't the elephant burial ground.

Only this isn't the elephant burial ground.

Tell her about my contract with Johnson's van and storage!

Tell her about my contract with Johnson's van and storage!

Go ahead Aunt Maggie,

Go ahead Aunt Maggie,

tell her how much more time you've got,

all of you, before the movers come.

all of you, before the movers come.

Before I pick up that phone and call Mr. Johnson

and say, come on over Mr. Johnson,

and say, come on over Mr. Johnson,

and move all the junk out of my house.

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music]

[doors slamming]

[doors slamming]

[mysterious music]

[mysterious music]

- More laughs than tears, huh?

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music]

[bold music]

[bold music]

[whistle blowing]

[whistle blowing]

- Let me ask you somethin' ole buddy.

- Let me ask you somethin' ole buddy.

I happen to know the specific gravity of

Douglas fir plywood is .48.

Douglas fir plywood is .48.

Splitting resistance is 63% of birch,

Splitting resistance is 63% of birch,

and it's tensile strength is 6180 psi.

and it's tensile strength is 6180 psi.

Now that's just a sample of the few of the things

I learned when we worked at that plywood factory

I learned when we worked at that plywood factory

at Grant's Path.

Now did you know any of those things?

Now did you know any of those things?

- What's Douglas fir, a new kind of a mink?

- Ah come on now, I am serious.

- Ah come on now, I am serious.

Why is it they've got you pushing buttons like some

PhD at Cape Canaveral, and me they've got

PhD at Cape Canaveral, and me they've got

wrestling with 20 ton rolls of paper?

wrestling with 20 ton rolls of paper?

- Well, you see, they've got me working on a machine

that's making paper for telephone directories,

that's making paper for telephone directories,

and you they've got working on a machine

that's making newsprint for tomorrow's paper.

that's making newsprint for tomorrow's paper.

Right?

- Yeah, so?

- Well you see, they know I'm stupid.

- Well you see, they know I'm stupid.

I mean, anybody can read a telephone book,

but you, I mean a guy who knows all that jazz about

but you, I mean a guy who knows all that jazz about

specific gravity and tensile strength,

specific gravity and tensile strength,

why Tod, man like that's got to work around

why Tod, man like that's got to work around

paper they're gonna print words on.

Not just numbers, words, see?

Not just numbers, words, see?

[curious music]

[curious music]

[tires squealing]

[tires squealing]

[tense, suspenseful music]

- Hey, wait a minute.

- Hey, wait a minute.

Sort of over-matched, isn't he?

Sort of over-matched, isn't he?

- You stay out of this.

This is real personal.

- Judging from the crowd,

I'd say it's more public than personal.

I'd say it's more public than personal.

Now one-to-one, that's personal.

Three-to-one, that's public.

Three-to-one, that's public.

- Takes three to catch him.

But Roy here, he's enough to teach him once we catch him.

But Roy here, he's enough to teach him once we catch him.

- What'd he do?

- Now you come with me boy, and you ask my sister.

- Now you come with me boy, and you ask my sister.

- Yeah, go ask her, Honest Jane.

- What's your story?

- Oh you want my public image, or my private personality?

- Oh you want my public image, or my private personality?

- They're both pretty nauseating, how bout the truth?

- They're both pretty nauseating, how bout the truth?

- Hey now, there's a fresh new word.

- Hey now, there's a fresh new word.

- Admit it!

- You think I'm the first guy ever went out with her?

- You think I'm the first guy ever went out with her?

You're so worried, keep her locked up.

- I'll kill him.

- I'll kill him.

- Hey, hey.

Easy, easy.

Easy, easy.

Better come down.

- I like the view.

- I like the view.

- You gotta stop running sooner or later

and take your lumps.

and take your lumps.

How bout now?

You got a couple of referees on the sideline.

You got a couple of referees on the sideline.

- Why not?

- You said your brother could take him?

- You said your brother could take him?

He's about the same size, a little huskier.

He's about the same size, a little huskier.

- Let me take him, Waldo.

- All right.

[slow, serious music]

[slow, serious music]

[dramatic, suspenseful music]

[dramatic, suspenseful music]

Well, I don't hold you no grudge.

But next time

you try to stop us

we get you too.

we get you too.

Yes Jesus loves me

Yes Jesus loves me

The bible tells me so.

The bible tells me so.

- She never did like this picture, but why?

- She never did like this picture, but why?

- Well did she say why she came back here?

- Well did she say why she came back here?

How long she intends to stay?

- She was nine years old when papa hung it.

- She was nine years old when papa hung it.

I remember she stood in front of it and cried all day.

I remember she stood in front of it and cried all day.

- I'll tell you something Maggie,

that trunk of hers weighed 200 pounds,

enough to keep her here for at least six months.

enough to keep her here for at least six months.

enough to keep her here for at least six months.

How can she take six months off out of a school year,

and still expect to hold down a job?

and still expect to hold down a job?

- Do you want her to hear you?

Anyway the mere sound of the words hold down a job

Anyway the mere sound of the words hold down a job

has a strange and unconvincing ring coming from your lips,

has a strange and unconvincing ring coming from your lips,

Mr. Van Carter.

- What do you think genius is?

Some flash in the pan?

Some flash in the pan?

Some message out of the blue like that crap you feed

every widow in town.

every widow in town.

Now you take Kekule.

When Kekule got his vision for the closed carbon ring,

When Kekule got his vision for the closed carbon ring,

he was riding on top of a London bus.

And right away, everybody said that it was the,

And right away, everybody said that it was the,

the bus ride that cleared his head.

Let me tell you somethin' lady.

Let me tell you somethin' lady.

Kekule put in years getting ready for this

Kekule put in years getting ready for this

one single moment.

Genius is long, patience long, long patience.

Genius is long, patience long, long patience.

- Well married to you for 15 years,

I must be the leading genius of the pacific northwest.

I must be the leading genius of the pacific northwest.

- Go ahead, encourage me some more.

- Go ahead, encourage me some more.

I thrive on it.

I'll invent all kinds of things if you

keep encouraging me like that.

keep encouraging me like that.

- Oh, shut up.

Maybe she's got some fatal disease.

What if she came home to die?

What if she came home to die?

- Why don't you take her and give her one of your

five dollar sittings, see if the voices are calling her?

five dollar sittings, see if the voices are calling her?

- Very funny.

- Well if you ask me, she's dead already.

- Well if you ask me, she's dead already.

That was her body I took upstairs in the trunk.

And that's her spirit out in the kitchen

And that's her spirit out in the kitchen

preparing our reunion dinner.

- She keeps mentioning it was my letter

- She keeps mentioning it was my letter

that brought her here.

- I ain't never wrote her more that one letter a year.

- I ain't never wrote her more that one letter a year.

- What could I have possibly of said this year

that was any different than all the other years?

that was any different than all the other years?

- Well I'll tell you somethin' Maggie,

even if she is your own sister,

even if she is your own sister,

and I don't mind a visit, a decent measured visit,

all families should see each other every once in awhile.

all families should see each other every once in awhile.

But six months, with a female of such dedicated good works,

But six months, with a female of such dedicated good works,

I draw the line.

Did you see that prayer book she unlimbered?

And that horsetail marker already set at

And that horsetail marker already set at

the gospel of the day.

- It wouldn't do you any harm to take some time for God.

- It wouldn't do you any harm to take some time for God.

- Look who's talkin'.

- Look who's talkin'.

- Really Maggie,

- Really Maggie,

oh my, it has been a fatiguing day, hasn't it?

oh my, it has been a fatiguing day, hasn't it?

- I've had enough out of you, young lady.

- I've had enough out of you, young lady.

- Oh she's only trying to have a little fun.

- One week, no television.

- One week, no television.

- Well tell her to stop touching me,

- Well tell her to stop touching me,

she's all dried up.

- She's your Aunt Autumn.

- She's your Aunt Autumn.

- I never saw her before and I won't let her kiss me.

- You march right upstairs to your room this very minute.

- You march right upstairs to your room this very minute.

- You march right upstairs to your room this very minute.

Oh, I phoned you at the mill, but you're so new there

Oh, I phoned you at the mill, but you're so new there

they didn't know what department you were in.

they didn't know what department you were in.

You're invited to dinner.

- Thanks, Mrs. Carter.

- Thanks, Mrs. Carter.

- Well we don't want to a,

well you know, bust in.

well you know, bust in.

- Oh Autumn insisted, and she's cooking.

I insist too.

I insist too.

See, we're a small family and a happy family

and now you boys are part of it.

and now you boys are part of it.

[light, humorous music]

Well, wash up.

Well, wash up.

From the smell of things, it's ready.

From the smell of things, it's ready.

- How's the score now, Dr. Gloom?

- How's the score now, Dr. Gloom?

- Tell me somethin' Tod,

after you coined the word togetherness,

after you coined the word togetherness,

what did you do for an encore?

[deep, serious music]

[deep, serious music]

[door closing]

[door closing]

- I used to pretend this was the crow's nest

- I used to pretend this was the crow's nest

on a whaling schooner.

I'd stare out at that old river for hours at a time,

just waiting for Moby Dick to blow.

just waiting for Moby Dick to blow.

Man was I ever a dreamer.

Man was I ever a dreamer.

White whales, Santa Claus,

White whales, Santa Claus,

Mount Olympus.

Mount Olympus.

All the saints in the book.

Oh you name it, I bought it.

Oh you name it, I bought it.

- That's before you grew up and

went out into the world, right?

went out into the world, right?

- Welcome to the club.

Hate Mike Ely.

Hate Mike Ely.

Oh any day now they'll hang a banner across Main Street.

- That's better than hanging you, isn't it?

- Blame it on my old man, isn't that a bit?

- Blame it on my old man, isn't that a bit?

Blame it on the old man.

Blame it on the old man.

Anybody's old man.

Mine had 10 college degrees.

Mine had 10 college degrees.

And just enough money in the bank to bury him.

And just enough money in the bank to bury him.

How do you suppose a man gets that smart?

- He studies.

- He studies.

- Yeah?

You know how much your pituitary weighs?

You know how much your pituitary weighs?

Your thyroid?

The pituitary can weigh anywhere from

The pituitary can weigh anywhere from

350 to 1100 milligrams.

The thyroid, eight to 50 grams.

The thyroid, eight to 50 grams.

Okay, so who gets the eight gram job and who gets the 50?

Okay, so who gets the eight gram job and who gets the 50?

All men are created equal,

there's one for the crickets to fiddle away.

there's one for the crickets to fiddle away.

I like you guys, I like your style.

I like you guys, I like your style.

That was pretty cute today with the Franz bothers.

I owe ya.

[bold, curious music]

[bold, curious music]

- Why didn't you belt him?

- Why didn't you?

- Why didn't you?

- [Maggie] Mr. Stiles, Mr. Murdock, dinner.

- [Maggie] Mr. Stiles, Mr. Murdock, dinner.

[slow, serious music]

[slow, serious music]

[tense, dramatic music]

[tense, dramatic music]

- She said she'd meet us at the car.

- She's still in the attic, killing bats.

- She missed one.

- She missed one.

Would you tell your aunt we're waiting?

Would you tell your aunt we're waiting?

- Why not, I said I owe you.

- Why not, I said I owe you.

- Hey kid.

Do you ever just do anything for anybody?

Do you ever just do anything for anybody?

Or only because you owe 'em?

Or only because you owe 'em?

[deep, suspenseful music]

[slow, flowing orchestra music]

[slow, flowing orchestra music]

- Maggie.

[tense music]

[tense music]

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

Well how bout that, a saboteur.

Well how bout that, a saboteur.

And right in our close-knit ranks.

And right in our close-knit ranks.

- Mike you won't tell him, will you?

- How long's he been working on this invention?

I lost track.

- Six years.

- Six years.

Mike, promise.

- Then why bother to break it?

Well nobody needed it, even in the 15th century.

Well nobody needed it, even in the 15th century.

- Look at me, expecting consideration from you.

- Look at me, expecting consideration from you.

I ought to have my head examined.

All right, go tell him I broke it.

All right, go tell him I broke it.

- What do I care?

- Listen to me, Mike.

How can I let him finish it?

How can I let him finish it?

How can I let people break his heart and laugh at him again?

Why shouldn't he come out here every day

Why shouldn't he come out here every day

and put a few dreams together with a screwdriver?

and put a few dreams together with a screwdriver?

What else has he got to keep himself together?

What else has he got to keep himself together?

Mike,

promise me you won't tell him.

promise me you won't tell him.

- Those two star boarders of yours are waiting out front.

- Those two star boarders of yours are waiting out front.

[slow, solemn music]

[slow, solemn music]

Cut out.

- [Corinne] Daddy, daddy, daddy.

- [Corinne] Daddy, daddy, daddy.

Daddy.

Daddy.

Daddy.

- Really, Michael.

- What's real, you know?

- What's real, you know?

- It's time you and I had a talk.

- [Mike] That should settle everything.

- [Van] Mike.

- Doesn't he remind you of Sampson,

ready to pull down the temple?

ready to pull down the temple?

- Corinne said you threw a rock at her.

- He didn't, I saw it Van.

- He didn't, I saw it Van.

- Well you better not.

- Not much longer, is there Van?

- Not much longer, is there Van?

You keeping track of the time?

You keeping track of the time?

Merlin's magic wand.

Merlin's magic wand.

Go ahead.

- What's this, what sort of foolishness is this?

- What's this, what sort of foolishness is this?

- It's my bill of rights.

- There was a time when your father and I were very young

- There was a time when your father and I were very young

I used to take him by the arm and shake him

when he was naughty.

when he was naughty.

- You're not young anymore, are you Auntie Autumn?

- You're not young anymore, are you Auntie Autumn?

- What is this, a house of fear?

- What is this, a house of fear?

Does everyone have to walk in one shoe

just to try to please you?

just to try to please you?

- They're not my father and mother.

- Aunt Margaret's been like a mother to you.

- Aunt Margaret's been like a mother to you.

Is this how you thank her?

By flapping an eviction notice in their faces

By flapping an eviction notice in their faces

every time they try to discipline you?

every time they try to discipline you?

- You think they'd care about me if my old man

hadn't left the house in my name?

hadn't left the house in my name?

Unless it said right there in black and white,

they can't live here unless they make a home for me?

they can't live here unless they make a home for me?

- Oh Michael, what's happened to you?

- Oh Michael, what's happened to you?

- You think a home is tomato juice and clean sheets?

- You think a home is tomato juice and clean sheets?

You think living is one day after another like,

like dogs chasing each other?

like dogs chasing each other?

What have they ever done?

Aunt Maggie, Aunt Maggie in the parlor

with one hand in the spirit world and the other,

with one hand in the spirit world and the other,

the other in people's pocket books.

the other in people's pocket books.

And where's she going?

And where's she going?

Tell me, where?

And Van, you have to wind him up to get him moving.

And Van, you have to wind him up to get him moving.

Sure, you put a pack of beer in the ice box,

Sure, you put a pack of beer in the ice box,

he'll hustle for the opener.

he'll hustle for the opener.

Outside of that, forget it.

Do you call that living?

Do you call that living?

You call that making a home?

When I'm 21, when I take legal possession,

When I'm 21, when I take legal possession,

out they go, right on the street.

out they go, right on the street.

We'll see about Van, with his feet on the furniture.

We'll see about Van, with his feet on the furniture.

Until then I carry this contract

right where I can reach for it.

right where I can reach for it.

Mr. Fast-draw [patting pocket].

With Johnson's moving van just standing by,

With Johnson's moving van just standing by,

waiting for the day.

waiting for the day.

- Your father must be turning in his grave.

- Your father must be turning in his grave.

- I can't hear him, can you?

Well how bout that lecture, huh?

Well how bout that lecture, huh?

Isn't that the excuse you're using for coming back?

Isn't that the excuse you're using for coming back?

To, to set my trolley on the track?

- You're spiteful and spoiled.

- You're spiteful and spoiled.

- Only four words.

Huh, you could have wired that from Milwaukee

and saved the fare.

They fired you, huh?

They fired you, huh?

- I'm on leave, I'm on special leave.

- Some leave.

- Some leave.

Oh I looked through your trunk.

Oh I looked through your trunk.

And what's here, huh?

What do you expect to find around here?

What do you expect to find around here?

- Everything.

- Well you better say and extra, hey God listen to me,

- Well you better say and extra, hey God listen to me,

if you think some miracle's gonna happen around here.

- Don't take God's name in vain.

- Don't take God's name in vain.

- What's he ever done for you?

Oh you can get knots in your knees praying, who listens?

Oh you can get knots in your knees praying, who listens?

Oh you can get knots in your knees praying, who listens?

- You're an atheist too.

- Oh that's four more words.

- Oh that's four more words.

You coulda still sent that telegram.

You coulda still sent that telegram.

- Forgive him.

- Forgive him.

- Oh while you're in contact, how bout a sign, huh?

- Oh while you're in contact, how bout a sign, huh?

- Oh while you're in contact, how bout a sign, huh?

Wanna ask for a sign, see a few prayers answered?

Wanna ask for a sign, see a few prayers answered?

- God's ways are not our ways.

- Oh, that's a big help.

- Oh, that's a big help.

Suppose there's no hell, except just, just living.

Suppose there's no hell, except just, just living.

Day by day, with nothing special going for you

Day by day, with nothing special going for you

except, except tomato juice in the morning

and clean sheets once a week.

and clean sheets once a week.

Suppose there's no hell, no heaven, no God.

Suppose there's no hell, no heaven, no God.

Say all the preachers are wrong.

Say all the preachers are wrong.

Say you die and they shovel you into the ground and,

and there's no more left of you than there is of my dad.

and there's no more left of you than there is of my dad.

- Blessed lord, help this boy.

- Blessed lord, help this boy.

Uphold him, comfort him in his struggle with his weakness,

Uphold him, comfort him in his struggle with his weakness,

his little faith.

his little faith.

Give him the strength to bear his cross.

Give him the strength to bear his cross.

Dear Jesus, give him a sign.

Dear Jesus, give him a sign.

[dramatic, tense music]

[dramatic, tense music]

- Some sign.

[dramatic, tense music]

[Van laughing]

[Van laughing]

- [Tod] So when we drive around the country we play this,

- [Tod] So when we drive around the country we play this,

it's kind of a kooky game, it's called fractured geography.

It goes like this, see I ask like,

It goes like this, see I ask like,

what town in Texas had a girl better watch out

what town in Texas had a girl better watch out

or she'll be annoying?

- [Buz] El Paso.

[boys laughing]

[boys laughing]

- You know, it's, it's like a pun you know,

- You know, it's, it's like a pun you know,

pass, Paso.

- There're easy ones too like,

- There're easy ones too like,

what town in Michigan is famous for its surgery?

what town in Michigan is famous for its surgery?

- It's Lansing.

[Van laughing]

[Van laughing]

- You think maybe they'll kill Mike?

- You think maybe they'll kill Mike?

- [Maggie] Corinne.

- I went out and talked to Waldo, he's real mad at Mike.

- I went out and talked to Waldo, he's real mad at Mike.

He said that Lynne, Lynne's his sister--

He said that Lynne, Lynne's his sister--

- Corinne, leave the table.

- Corinne, leave the table.

[Corinne sighing]

[Corinne sighing]

Why don't you go out and talk to them?

- [Van] Oh, it's not my affair.

- [Maggie] What do you mean?

- [Maggie] What do you mean?

Mike locked up in the house,

the Franz tribe parked outside for two days,

the Franz tribe parked outside for two days,

all the neighbors talking, and it's not your affair?

- They can't stay away from work much longer, so relax.

- They can't stay away from work much longer, so relax.

They'll go away.

They'll go away.

- Waldo's on a week's vacation with pay, he told me.

- Waldo's on a week's vacation with pay, he told me.

- I told you to leave the table.

- I'm not at the table, mommy.

- I'm not at the table, mommy.

- Well go and watch TV.

- You said I couldn't watch it for a week.

- You said I couldn't watch it for a week.

- [Maggie] Well watch it for tonight.

- Yippee!

- Yippee!

- Why don't you call the police?

- Why don't you call the police?

- They're on Waldo's side, I don't want any trouble.

- They're on Waldo's side, I don't want any trouble.

- Now listen to me, in five months, I get the house.

- Now listen to me, in five months, I get the house.

But I don't wanna wait, I want you all out tonight.

But I don't wanna wait, I want you all out tonight.

What do I need you for?

What do I need you for?

I'm all alone anyway.

I'm all alone anyway.

You, you bunch a putterers, get out.

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music]

- Everybody through?

- Everybody through?

- I'll do them tonight.

- No, I'd like to do them.

- No, I'd like to do them.

- You a washer or a wiper?

- You wipe.

Maggie keeps the towels in that cabinet.

Poor Michael.

You don't understand though, do you?

You don't understand though, do you?

- Well I never hid behind curtains,

but maybe that's because there weren't any to hide behind.

but maybe that's because there weren't any to hide behind.

but maybe that's because there weren't any to hide behind.

I was always stuck out there in the open,

but I figured it out.

but I figured it out.

It's easier to get out there and know what's hitting you,

It's easier to get out there and know what's hitting you,

than it is to run and try to look at it over your shoulder.

than it is to run and try to look at it over your shoulder.

Least that way you don't get a stiff neck

on top of everything else.

on top of everything else.

- Poor Michael.

- Poor Michael.

Poor baby he's so terrified.

Poor baby he's so terrified.

He says spiteful things, he doesn't mean them.

He says spiteful things, he doesn't mean them.

Not in his heart.

He thinks he's all alone.

He thinks he's all alone.

- It's not so bad, Miss Ely, being alone.

- It's not so bad, Miss Ely, being alone.

- You don't know, you just don't know.

- You don't know, you just don't know.

- Yeah I know, and I say it's good we're alone.

- Yeah I know, and I say it's good we're alone.

I say it's good we're all different, all separate.

That way, we don't all fall down.

That way, we don't all fall down.

That's his tab waiting out there,

and nobody can pick it up for him.

and nobody can pick it up for him.

Only Mike.

And if he were my kid, I'd kick him outside.

And if he were my kid, I'd kick him outside.

You can't sneak into manhood, Miss Ely.

You can't sneak into manhood, Miss Ely.

You gotta take your lumps along the way.

You gotta let the pain eat the baby fat away and then,

You gotta let the pain eat the baby fat away and then,

if a guy can still climb back up on his feet

if a guy can still climb back up on his feet

he's got a fighting chance.

Maybe he doesn't have to lean,

Maybe he doesn't have to lean,

or hide behind curtains like, like your precious Michael.

or hide behind curtains like, like your precious Michael.

- How can we expect anything of Michael

- How can we expect anything of Michael

when we set him such a bad example?

And I'm just as guilty as he is.

- Well, I know this is none of my business,

but I know for a fact that you just got here so,

but I know for a fact that you just got here so,

what's wrong with that kid has been wrong for a long time.

what's wrong with that kid has been wrong for a long time.

You can't really blame yourself for that.

You can't really blame yourself for that.

- We're the same, Michael and I.

- We're the same, Michael and I.

Both running,

both hiding,

both hiding,

both

lying.

It's got to stop.

Michael, you were right.

I was fired.

Listen to me, Michael.

Listen to me, Michael.

Please listen to me, while I still have the courage.

Please listen to me, while I still have the courage.

Please listen to me, while I still have the courage.

Oh I'm a useless woman.

Oh I'm a useless woman.

- Look Aunt Autumn I um,

I hate sentiments, you know.

I hate sentiments, you know.

- Don't worry, I'm past tears, it's not sympathy I'm after.

- Don't worry, I'm past tears, it's not sympathy I'm after.

I say these things to you now,

things I've never even said to myself.

things I've never even said to myself.

I say them to you because I want you to be different.

I say them to you because I want you to be different.

I want you to be truthful with yourself.

I want you to be truthful with yourself.

Stop running.

Stop running.

At school, in the science department,

At school, in the science department,

Mr. Harrison put a rat in a labyrinth.

Mr. Harrison put a rat in a labyrinth.

He let it find the food first, and then he changed the way.

He let it find the food first, and then he changed the way.

Poor rat, he battered his head in vain,

Poor rat, he battered his head in vain,

looking for where the food had gone.

looking for where the food had gone.

His eyes became unspeakably bright.

That imploring look of the frustrated.

That imploring look of the frustrated.

And after the convulsions were done,

And after the convulsions were done,

all that

frantic racing was over,

frantic racing was over,

the little animal became

the little animal became

passive.

He let Mr. Harrison do whatever he wanted to do.

He let Mr. Harrison do whatever he wanted to do.

He let Mr. Harrison do whatever he wanted to do.

How like my own life.

Where did I go wrong?

Why has all this happened to me?

Why has all this happened to me?

No man in the world to love me.

No man in the world to love me.

Well, I became embittered and irascible.

Well, I became embittered and irascible.

Nothing passed between me and the children in my class.

Nothing passed between me and the children in my class.

Nothing but resentment that no child of mine sat out there,

Nothing but resentment that no child of mine sat out there,

Nothing but resentment that no child of mine sat out there,

smiling back at me.

smiling back at me.

I became school teacher Michael,

I became school teacher Michael,

not a teacher of

not a teacher of

children.

They asked me, they finally asked me to make way for someone

They asked me, they finally asked me to make way for someone

who had love in her, something to give.

who had love in her, something to give.

All I ever wanted was love.

All I ever wanted was love.

A home.

A home.

Children to raise.

I've asked God, even as I sang his praises,

why must I be so loveless?

why must I be so loveless?

Why must I move from one furnished room to another,

Why must I move from one furnished room to another,

without even somebody to share a cup of coffee

or a good morning?

or a good morning?

As if I were lost and alone in some strange country,

As if I were lost and alone in some strange country,

where I could never hope to learn the language.

where I could never hope to learn the language.

Oh Michael, before you know it,

Oh Michael, before you know it,

the years haunt you.

the years haunt you.

Do you know how long I've waited to be married?

Oh so many, many years.

Oh so many, many years.

Maybe tomorrow, you say.

Maybe tomorrow, I'll see him.

Maybe tomorrow, I'll see him.

He won't be young.

He won't be young.

He won't be straight and slender like you are.

He won't be straight and slender like you are.

Nor his hands strong, but that won't matter.

Nor his hands strong, but that won't matter.

Anybody would do.

Even if he's ugly and you don't like it, you're willing.

Even if he's ugly and you don't like it, you're willing.

You're willing Michael because you're so late.

You're willing Michael because you're so late.

And because you lost your way, Michael.

You're like that rat.

You just take whatever you can get.

You just take whatever you can get.

Just so you don't have to walk back to that room.

Just so you don't have to walk back to that room.

Or spend one more night without anyone.

Or spend one more night without anyone.

Living on prayer,

Living on prayer,

alone.

alone.

[slow, sorrowful music]

[slow, sorrowful music]

Ah.

Ah.

Oh Maggie,

I've been so deceitful.

I came here, pretending it was to help you with Michael.

I came here, pretending it was to help you with Michael.

Your letter just said he was being difficult, that's all.

Your letter just said he was being difficult, that's all.

Your letter just said he was being difficult, that's all.

But I needed any excuse.

I came here

to hide.

- Oh, a fine refuge this place is, this family.

- Oh, a fine refuge this place is, this family.

- Oh, a fine refuge this place is, this family.

It should be a place where we can light candles

It should be a place where we can light candles

and smile at each other across the table.

But look at us, me, Van, Michael,

But look at us, me, Van, Michael,

all pulling in different directions.

all pulling in different directions.

I'm ashamed for us Autumn, ashamed we failed you.

I'm ashamed for us Autumn, ashamed we failed you.

And it's only because we failed each other here,

And it's only because we failed each other here,

before you came.

- Oh my.

Oh Michael,

didn't you understand a word?

didn't you understand a word?

Even one?

- That sign Aunt Autumn, you're that sign.

- That sign Aunt Autumn, you're that sign.

Heads or tails, we can face out or we can run.

Heads or tails, we can face out or we can run.

[paper ripping]

Just in case.

- Oh,

yes.

yes.

[slow, serious music]

[slow, serious music]

- Okay Waldo.

- Okay Waldo.

[bold music]

[bold music]

[light, jazzy piano music]

[light, jazzy piano music]

- [Announcer] This has been a Screen Gems film presentation

Herbert B. Leonard, executive producer.

[END CREDITS]

[END CREDITS]