Original subtitles

Come on, Jamie.

Olivia and Cole are supposed to have this big ending together, and you have

Olivia leaving Cole at their premiere?

You can do better.

The story is here. I just gotta find it.

I would love to keep this energy going, but I've actually got another meeting,

so we're going to have to pick this up sometime later this week, all right?

That's why you are my favorite writer.

All right. Talk to you soon.

Jamie, my favorite writer.

Oh, and Aaron,

my favorite producer.

Well, your only producer.

Well, that too.

So, is everything okay? You said this was urgent. You know, we should probably

order first. Have you tried the seared tuna? No.

Thanks. Listen.

The studio read through your pitch.

And?

They... Loved it.

Seriously? Yes!

Well, I mean, don't pop any champagne quite yet, because, yeah, they want to

a completed script first.

Naturally. Go on. But if that script lives up to the expectations all of us

have, our movie is greenlit.

Really happening?

Uh -huh.

No need to pinch yourself.

This is as real as it gets, kid.

It's going to be quite a milestone, too. I will be producing my 25th major

motion picture with the promise of another Oscar. Knock on wood.

And you, my most talented discovery, will get to write and direct your first

feature film.

Wow, I can't believe this. Well, you know, there is a small catch. Of course

there is.

They need the script a week from today.

Wait, what?

Next Monday? Why so fast?

It's the International Film Festival.

Yeah, so?

Hello. That's where they always announce their entire slate of films for the

coming year.

They have only one more slot, and they want our film, but only if you can wow

them with your script.

In seven days?

You've been working on this thing for a decade. You're never going to finish it

without a deadline. Consider this a blessing in disguise.

It's impossible.

I mean, there's too much left to write.

Really? Well, just show me whatever you have.

On my laptop at my apartment.

Okay, download it from the cloud, and I'll pull it up on my phone.

Well, I've never used the cloud.

Really?

You are so old school.

If you can insist that we shoot this film on 35mm.

Duh, I mean, that's the only way.

All right, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

In a horse -drawn carriage, apparently.

But please, can you just send me whatever you have? It's not ready yet.

every day that a major studio takes a chance on a first -time writer

If we miss this deadline... There is no film, capisce?

I just, I want it to be perfect.

And it will be.

It's not that easy, Aaron.

I can't just turn this out overnight.

You know, I have been developing this story ever since I started working at

movie theater back home in Hades. No, no, no, I know. I've heard the story a

thousand times.

At the movie theater owned by your boyfriend.

Ex -boyfriend, Nick.

And technically it's owned by Nick and his mom.

You know, that movie theater started everything for me. My entire script

around it.

It's practically a character in my movie.

Well, that's it.

What? You know how they say, write what you know. I say, write what you know

even better when you are actually there, soaking up the atmosphere in person.

But you're not suggesting.

Suggesting? Oh, no. I am not in the suggestion business, kid.

I am ordering you to get on a plane pronto and finish that script in the

authentic locale where you were first inspired to write it. At that movie

theater. Chop, chop!

I thought we were closed for the night.

Not yet, Dad. The last showing was at 8.

And how many tickets did we sell?

A little over a third.

Mostly it's been a pretty good month.

I wouldn't call that exactly a good month, Nick.

I remember when we used to sell out the 8 o 'clock shows.

Even in our most profitable months, sales are rapidly declining.

Things are rough.

Yeah. By the way, we need to fix the old popcorn machine.

It's been burning some of the popcorn.

Nick, I hate to tell you this, but that popcorn machine is going to be someone

else's problem.

What do you mean?

Well, I was looking for a way to tell you this, but there's just no way to put

it delicately.

We are officially selling the building to Mr. Weathers. The lawyers have

the contracts already.

I've signed them. The only signature left is yours.

I can't believe you did this behind my back. The theater is losing too much

money, Nick.

And Weather's offer was just too good to turn down. Now, the contracts are on

your desk, and I know this is sudden, but all the paperwork needs to be filed

the end of this week.

Now, this theater has been good, very good to our family.

But it's time to move on.

Thank you.

Oh, man.

I wish I could watch you again, but on a projector, that is just not going to

happen.

Happy birthday!

Well, thank you, but you're a few days early. Oh, I know, I know. I'm just so

excited. How's that pitch going?

Oh, the pitch went great. The studio loved it.

Oh, that's fantastic, honey. Wow.

My baby is going to finally direct her first big Hollywood movie.

Well, thanks, Mom, but not a done deal yet.

I have to deliver a completed screenplay by Monday, and if they don't love it,

then the deal is off.

Oh, you'll deliver a fantastic script.

I just can't seem to find my creative flow.

My scenes aren't working.

Sorry to hear you're stuck, sweetie.

You know, when you were growing up, you and Nick used to have so much fun

writing together.

Yeah.

Yeah, I remember that.

You know, funny enough, Nick and his family's theater actually inspired the

movie. But things are weird now. We don't really talk anymore.

I know, I know. Just come home for your birthday.

You can try to write while you're here.

Mom, I'd love to, but... Oh, visiting that old movie theater would inspire

You know, my producer said the same thing.

Well, then what are you waiting for, honey?

Seeing your beautiful smile would be a treat for everyone.

Including Nick.

Mom, Nick and I are not getting back together.

Oh, I didn't say that, but... You can at least be friends.

Or you at least think about it.

I'll think about it, Mom.

I love you.

Back to writing.

Hello? Oh, Jamie!

Oh, my goodness.

Oh, you said you weren't sure you'd be able to make it.

Well, I just wanted to come for one of your hugs, so I'm going to be leaving.

Oh, you stop that.

I'll give you all of my hugs. Oh, honey, I have missed you so much. Oh, I missed

you too, Mom.

Come in. Come in.

We're going to organize a small get -together for your birthday. This is so

exciting. Oh, honey, I have to invite the neighbor.

Oh, Jamie, my favorite oldest daughter.

My favorite dad.

Your only dad.

That too.

Hi. Hi.

Hey,

check out my latest character.

You're going to love him.

This is Thornir, a brilliant inventor from the ancient world. So brilliant,

people in the village think he's a little... But then one day, there's a

of devastating floods that hit the village. And when it comes time to

what to do, Thornir...

volunteers to find the villagers a new place to live.

Oh, okay. Well, where does he go?

Oh, come on, honey. I don't want to bore you with this.

No, no. I miss hearing you tell these tales.

You taught me everything I know about storytelling.

Oh, you give me way too much credit.

How do you always manage to tell the perfect stories, though?

Well, they're not exactly perfect, but I guess the answer to the question is I

love the characters.

My imagination flows best when I can visualize them. In their element.

Exactly. Well, if it isn't my long -lost sister, the celebrated Hollywood writer

-director Jamie Leone. Ah, celebrated.

I think that honor belongs to you, Dr. Stephanie.

You've gotten shorter.

Oh, you've gotten funnier.

Um, you posted a picture with that guy from Grey's Anatomy, and I never

one text.

Not one.

Did you at least tell him about me?

Oh, yeah.

Of course. I walked right up to him and I said, Hi, nice to meet you, Mr. Emmy

-nominated doctor slash actor.

Let me tell you all about my overachieving obstetrician sister.

Did you know that she actually failed her driver's test six times?

And what did he say?

You know, it's not the same around here without you two.

Okay, so fill it. Tell us all about your movie deal. Well, it's not a deal just

yet. But they liked your pitch.

Yes, but...

They're only going to greenlight the movie if I can deliver the script I

promised by next Monday. Uh, this is Tuesday. Yeah, I know.

I was having trouble writing back in L .A., so... So you came here to snap out

of your writer's block and finish the script? Well, more like write almost all

of it, but yeah.

Okay. Well, then let's get to it.

Is that who I think it is?

It is I, the Plaza Theater's greatest all -time popcorn show.

What are you doing back home?

I just couldn't stay away from this theater for one more second.

Want to see a film while you're at it?

I would love to.

One ticket for the 8 p .m. showing, please.

Enjoy the show, Jamie.

Welcome to the pub, Peter. I can tear your ticket.

Great.

Here you go.

I'll be right with you.

No problem.

Take your time.

Jamie.

Nick. Hi.

What are you doing here?

What are you doing there?

Oh, I'm just trying to fix the old popcorn machine.

Afraid to fall off the left leg.

Kind of like this whole place.

What about you?

What are you doing back in Hastings?

Oh, I'm just here for the week. You know, visiting some family. Thought I'd

down and see a movie and do some writing.

It's funny. I was just thinking about you because I realized it's your

this week.

Yeah. Yeah, it is.

Sorry.

You want some candy?

Popcorn machine is out of commission for the moment.

Oh, bummer.

You know how I love the popcorn here.

But, yeah, candy would be great.

I'll have the chocolate peanut.

Thanks. Yeah, I'm trying to fix it, but it appears I'm missing someone.

Something. Uh, something.

Like a mechanical part. I'm trying to order a new one.

Oh, no, no, on the house. Early birthday gift.

Oh.

Thanks.

Jamie.

Nice to see you.

You too.

Mom might be a better driver than I am, but I am second best, at least. No

comparison. Um, remind me, who was the one who backed that van into a shopping

cart?

It's not my fault that someone left a shopping cart in the middle of the

lot.

I can't stand when people do that.

Speaking of shopping carts, how was the movie?

You went to the Plaza Theater?

Was he there?

I thought you were going to write.

I'm not sure what any of this has to do with shopping carts. I knew it.

You guys should get coffee or something.

I mean, after everything that has happened, that would be the mature,

thing to do. You know, lay it all out on the table.

Yeah, we're going to need a bigger table. Oh, it wasn't that bad.

Are you serious?

He broke up with me on my birthday right before we were supposed to move to L

.A. together, and he never even told me why.

Seeing Nick again could be good for you, Jamie. Get those creative juices

flowing. Yeah, Jamie.

Maybe Nick can help you write like old times.

You've both changed and grown.

You probably less or so, but at least getting some answers can provide a bit

closure. I'm not here for closure.

I am here to finish my script so that I can finally have a career.

And to spend time with my family, of course.

Obviously. Well, maybe he'll let you ride in the lobby or something.

I can ride anywhere. It doesn't just have to be in that theater.

You should invite him to the party.

Mom, can you please stop encouraging this?

You so should. I'm still trying to figure out the shopping cart connection.

Look, everyone, I appreciate you all looking out for me, okay? But I'm not

to open that door again, okay?

I just came to finish writing my script and to spend quality time with my

family. That's it.

Well, then I guess that means you're going to tag along with me and Dad to

Hastings Gingerbread Design Competition tomorrow.

Fine. Fine.

Was the movie about shopping carts?

Dad,

could you just pass me the corn?

Food and beverage make up 45 % of our annual revenue, right? So if we invest a

little bit of money in better concession options, we can drive new repeat

customers. Nick, we have tried everything.

If you'd like to pitch some of your ideas to the new buyers, that's fine.

this deal will close on Saturday.

Now, I admire your tenacity, son.

I always have.

But you can't save a movie theater in three days.

Let's just sign the contracts and move on.

Jamie.

Oh, hey.

Didn't see you guys there.

You remember my father, don't you? Yeah, of course. Of course, Mr. Sullivan.

Long time no see.

Jamie Leone, what a nice surprise.

Well, good to see you. Yeah, you too. And, you know, I got to run to a

but... Hey, can I sit down? Yeah.

You didn't stay for the movie yesterday.

You noticed.

Yeah. It's kind of my job to notice.

I guess you do get a little bit more VIP attention.

All right.

I'm actually writing a movie that I'm going to direct.

Oh, the one about the movie theater you've been kicking around since we were

teenagers?

Yeah, actually, that's the one.

Can't seem to shake it off.

Under my skin, it shouldn't get out.

That's good, though.

You've got to be passionate about it.

Yeah. No, the unfortunate thing is that the deadline for my script is next

Monday, which is five days away, and I've just been struggling with writing.

So, you know, I thought I'd come here and see a movie at the Plaza Theater and

see if it might spark some imagination.

Oh.

So why'd you leave?

I guess I wasn't really in the right mood.

Oh, I understand.

I'm probably the last person you wanted to see.

I get it.

Oh, no.

I mean, I've moved on.

We've moved on.

Right?

Okay, so do you want to come inside then?

I'll be around for a little while, but I can promise to stay out of your way.

I wouldn't want to be true.

You need inspiration, right?

You're welcome here as long as you're home.

I'll be sure to reserve you a seat.

Okay.

Reserve me a seat.

I like that.

Do you remember when we used to write together?

We used to have so much fun.

Yeah. Oh, we really did.

So, you know, maybe I will come in for an hour or two.

If it's still okay.

It's more than okay.

All right.

After you.

Ah, this still isn't working.

Hey.

I wanted to see how it was going over here.

Well, it's going.

I mean, I keep thinking I'm coming pretty close, and then I realize it's

not working.

I mean, this place feels like magic to me. You know, I thought just being here

would be enough, but... I'm still struggling to make the story flow.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

You'll work it out.

You always did.

Yeah.

This place has so many memories for me.

I remember on my 14th birthday, all I wanted was to come see a movie.

No party, no cake, nothing like that. Just a movie, a popcorn, and a soda.

So I invited Sarah and Ariana, and we got here, and all of the shows were sold

out except for the original Little Women.

The one with Katherine Hepburn.

Yeah, I love that movie. Exactly.

But no, they said it was too old, so I thought by myself.

Just me, the plaza theater, and little women.

It blew me away.

This is the second best birthday I've ever had.

I turned in my application to work here the very next day.

This place really means a lot to you.

Yeah.

It's where I discovered my deep love of filmmaking.

It changed everything for me.

So you must have a plaza theater back in L .A. where you go on all your dates?

Well, your little fishing expedition to find out my current dating status is a

tad obvious.

Guilty as charged.

And if you must know, I hardly go out with anybody.

Never on a second date.

Oh.

How come?

Oh, well, my schedule's just crazy.

And besides, there's no other plaza theater in the world as far as I'm

concerned.

And I step into this theater and it's just electric.

Yeah.

Is there anything better than a crowded theater on opening night?

Right, when the lights go down and you can feel the chatter turning into

silence.

We go on this emotional journey to experience love, laughter, joy, and

And then when the credits roll and the lights go up, yeah.

Left still thinking and talking about the story you just witnessed.

And it's back to normal life.

Speaking of which, I should go.

I have a thing later.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah. You know, actually, Nick, I wanted to ask you, would you mind helping me

with some writing tomorrow?

I'd love to bounce some ideas off of you.

Yeah, I'd love that.

Great.

Great. I'll see you tomorrow.

All right.

See you tomorrow.

It feels like gingerbread.

Welcome to the bakery.

I just wish your mom could have come this year.

Oh, you know, she has a book club. Haven't missed one since the winter of

Well, if it isn't the Leone thing.

Oh, hi, Debra.

So which two of you will be on the team?

Well, we'll be a team of three this year, if that's all right.

Well, rule 4B of the Hastings updated handbook says teams of two only, no

exception. What happens to the odd person out? Well, luckily one of our

said he'd be happy to pitch in if someone needs a partner.

Well, I'll be on a team with Dad.

Nope.

Dad and I are... our team every year.

We're a dynasty.

All right, fine.

Fine. I'll be on a team with the sponsor guy. Who is it, anyway?

Well, it's someone you may know, Jamie.

Oh.

So that's what he meant by a thing.

I can see you're happy about that.

Am I that transparent?

Practically invisible.

Okay, you actually want to put it along the joints of the wall.

Thank you. Let me show you.

I forgot you took this so seriously.

Yeah. I always come in second place, though.

I mean, you came by yourself. I figured you were the Willy Wonka of gingerbread

construction. Well, as you must know, the Plaza Theater has been sponsoring

event for the past few years.

And Cora, my theater manager, needed a partner.

Something came up, so here I am.

Oh.

Could you pass me another layer?

Another one?

Yeah. How big are we making the building?

It's a movie theater.

I've got you.

Look, the people that build the traditional gingerbread houses never

am not losing to Stephanie and my dad.

Again.

All right.

How's it looking?

Beautiful.

Crofting. Crofting?

Bread or knife?

Bread or knife.

White gumball?

Gumball. How wide is the south wall?

Six inches, but remember there's a door on that side, so it'll put too much

weight on top.

Good call.

All right, attach the sign to the parallel wall.

Copy. And frosting needs about 20 more seconds to harden.

Perfect timing.

Sprinkles? Sprinkles.

Do you know how to make a Hollywood sign out of gingerbread?

Yeah, who doesn't?

Are you eating it?

No. Nick, this is serious.

I am so sorry.

Boop.

You just made the biggest mistake of your life, Jamie Leone. No, no, no, no,

Don't. We're even now.

You always did want to kiss on your nose. Mm -hmm. Yeah, well, uh... You

what? Oh!

We're sorry. Sorry.

Time's up.

Everyone step away from your creations.

And let's try to act like mature adults during the judging process.

Shall we?

What can I say?

All my creations are half -baked.

You always did love irony.

Yeah, kind of like a movie theater that doesn't serve popcorn.

We serve popcorn, just not right now.

Speaking of, how's the repair coming?

I still can't find that part.

Might have to spring for a new one.

No, no.

That machine has so many memories.

I mean, that's the machine I served you from when I first met you.

Yeah.

We made a whole short film about it.

Magic movie.

That was a good little film.

My directorial debut.

On 60mm, no less.

Wish I could see it. All right, everyone.

So, first I want to say thank you for participating in this year's

Give yourselves a hand.

Second, I want to thank our sponsor, the Plaza Theater.

One of the co -owners, Nick Sullivan, is here, and he's partnered with our very

own talented filmmaker, Jamie Leone.

And they have made a...

Right.

So, all of your creations are incredible and edible.

But there can only be one winner. So, the winner of the annual Hastings

Gingerbread Design Competition is... Table A.

Wow.

Theirs is really good.

There's no way it tastes as good as ours, though.

Well, that doesn't make me feel better.

Look at theirs. It looks exactly like the Plaza Theater.

Ours doesn't even look like a building.

All right.

Let me make it up to you.

And how are you going to attempt to do that?

Looks exactly the same.

Yeah, we've added some new digital equipment, but we still have our 16mm

projector. We like to play some of our older films the classic way.

I see it, and I'm impressed.

Who's your projectionist?

Well, we don't have much of a staff anymore, so Cora doubled as our manager

slash projectionist. She doesn't mind, though. She's been employed a month 24

times in a row.

Don't tell Mr. Desmond.

I couldn't run this place without the two of them.

Did it?

Take her a while to figure out all the equipment?

Well, she was lead technician over at Tim's Computer Repair Shop down the

until they went under. And then she came here and made everything state -of -the

-art.

Wow. Sounds like you're lucky to have her. Oh, we are.

One thing I've stopped doing is taking people for granted.

Oh.

Good thing to work on.

Well, uh, it is... It's getting late, so we should probably head home.

Yeah.

I'll walk you out.

All right. Thanks.

Where have you been?

I was at the gingerbread decorating competition.

Sponsored the event every year, remember?

I hate that we can't support them anymore.

Nick, I need you to focus on what's happening right now.

I'm focused.

Then why haven't you signed these?

Weathers needs this deal to close by the end of the week. He wants to demolish

the theater and build condos before the new tax laws take effect.

That's why he's willing to pay such a premium now.

What?

Dad, we can't let that happen. This plaza is the heart of the town. It

people. It means a lot to them.

It's magic.

When are you going to grow up, son?

Everything that I have ever done has been in your best interest. And this

is no different.

It meant a lot to Mom.

Sometimes you just need to know when to let go.

Trust me.

Oh, look, it's the Frank Lloyd Wright of the whimsical world of gingerbread

architecture. Oh, thanks, honey.

Hey, Mom sent me up here to see if you were hungry.

Yeah, something. It sounds great.

You know, sometimes your mom and I would come in here just to remember all the

wonderful films you and your friends used to make.

We call it our own little museum -slash -art gallery in here.

You're such a genius.

Stop it, Dad.

Hey, speaking of genius, would you like to hear the rest of that story of

Thornier? Oh, yeah. I thought you'd never ask. You left me on quite the

cliffhanger. Okay.

So Thorneer sets out to find a new home for the village using his inventions to

cross the flooded land.

But when he gets to his final destination, he realizes that the floods

far beyond the horizon.

Oh, no.

Well, what does he do?

Defeated, he decides to end the journey and go home.

But while he's there, he invents an advanced irrigation system.

that not only saves his village, but all the villages around him.

And he becomes the hero of the land.

Wow.

I love that.

So what's the message?

Well, I've got a pretty good idea.

But I'm much more interested in hearing yours.

Hmm. Uh, when you don't succeed at the thing you first attempted to do, if you

can think outside the box, then...

You just might come up with something even better.

Wow. Well said, honey.

You're listening to the characters.

Thanks, Dad.

I love you.

I love you.

Hey, you still want to come downstairs to the kitchen for a bite? Yeah. Yeah,

I'll be down in a minute. Okay, great.

I thought I'd find you at your favorite thinking spot.

You got a lot of thinking to do.

So, what's going on with you?

I mean, I know it's a beautiful view and all, but why are you really here?

My father's still in the plaza.

What?

To who?

This old family friend, Maurice Weathers.

Apparently he wants to use the land for condos or something.

Once I sign the contract, the deal's final.

Nick, you can't. That's our theater.

Believe me, I am trying to talk him out of it, but the theater's losing money.

A lot, actually.

I feel like I owe it to my father, you know?

Ever since Mom passed away, he's been... We're each other's only family left.

I don't know what to do.

Well, how do we convince him not to sell?

I don't know. It's like I'm fighting this uphill battle with him.

Especially when no one goes to the theater anymore.

Yeah, the plaza's more than just a theater. I mean, it's a living,

thing. You know, it's a character in this town, in my movie.

He does not see it that way. He just sees declining sales numbers.

I haven't been able to turn the numbers around.

Nick. You can't blame yourself for this.

Okay? I'm sure that your dad has agonized over this decision.

And besides, we have a lifetime of memories at the theater, right?

And that's something that no sale could ever take.

You're right.

Thanks, Jamie.

I always know just what to say.

Look, my family's throwing me a little birthday party tomorrow night at the

house.

Maybe you should come.

Might cheer you up a little.

Maybe. And bring Cora, too.

Oh, I almost forgot the whole reason that I came here to talk to you.

You remember how we used to finish each other's sentences?

Well, I could kind of use some of that compatibility with my script.

Is that right?

Okay.

Let me hear it. Okay.

It's my protagonist, Olivia.

The typical Hollywood ending would have Cole, my leading man, coming in to save

the day and rest.

But you want her to save herself.

Exactly. I mean, she's a modern woman, you know? It's got to be her choice.

Okay, so what's the problem?

They wouldn't have hired a female writer -director if they wanted a male point

of view.

Go with your gut.

Well, I could easily write my version, but then Cole doesn't really have a part

in it.

That's not satisfying either.

Well, what if Cole's the one who inadvertently sets up the opportunity

but it's Olivia who makes the final decision?

Which would mean that I could bring him in later in Act 2, and then I could push

the decision to later in Act 3.

Yeah, does that work?

Oh, my gosh.

Nick, you're a genius.

Well, I barely did anything, but you're welcome.

No, it makes perfect sense now.

Will you help me write this?

Yeah, of course.

I told you I would.

Oh, great. I just can't thank you enough.

Let's head back to the plaza.

Kind of feels like we're picking up where we left off, doesn't it?

Well, let's see how long we last before we get sick of each other again.

So here's what I'm thinking. I feel like when the decision happens, it needs to

be something that she's really thinking about.

Olivia is faced with the hardest decision of her life. Their eyes meet

last time, and ever so slightly, Olivia smiles.

The end.

Bad.

Jimmy, this was fantastic.

I love this story.

Really?

Oh.

Well, thanks.

But now you can see where I'm stuck.

Well, let's see if we can get you unstuck.

Okay.

But first, how about a little creative break?

Do you feel like that?

Mm -hmm.

All right, Cora.

Hit it.

You got it.

I didn't think I'd ever see this again.

I didn't think I'd see you again.

He looks so disappointed.

My, my.

You certainly didn't waste any time. Hey, you wrote it that way.

Jamie.

I never... I'm sorry.

It's my producer.

I forgot to put it on vibrate.

What were you saying?

You gotta answer that.

Okay, but hold that thought.

Hello? How's my new favorite script coming?

Well, you know, it's coming.

Slowly but surely.

Great. When are you flying back to L .A.? Monday. That's the deadline, right?

Was the deadline. They've scheduled a meeting with us first thing Monday

morning, 9 a .m. So you'll have to fly home on Sunday.

But that's going to eat into my writing time.

No, actually, it won't.

I don't follow.

Now they are insisting the script be emailed to them no later than Sunday

morning, 9 a .m. Pacific time.

They can't change the deadline midstream. That's not fair.

Welcome to showbiz, kid.

Nothing's fair.

You just learn to roll with the punches and adjust to every new reality.

This only leaves me Friday and Saturday left to right.

Hey, you don't have time to freak out. Just buckle down and get the job done.

Okay. Oh, oh, by the way, I wanted to tell you, I'm thinking of changing the

name of the movie.

Oh, yeah? To what?

Reserve me a seat.

Hmm. Reserve me a seat.

Yeah, I like the way that rolls off the tongue. Do it.

I can't believe they changed the deadline on me. You'll be fine.

The script's in better shape than you think.

They're gonna love it.

I'm proud of you.

Yeah, I should finish up a few things here I'll walk you out.

No, it's fine. I'm just gonna head out the back anyway Um, are you still

coming to the party tomorrow with Cora?

Yeah, of course, okay

There's a birthday girl.

How does it feel to be a year older?

Well, after this week, I feel like I've aged 10 years.

Mr. Scrabble, who were you all last night?

Oh, I was with Nick at the theater.

Oh, things are going well with you two.

Huh.

Oh, your snickerdoodle.

Don't touch the hat.

Oh, these are the real reason I came home. Oh, stop it.

I'm kidding.

Why are you in such a good mood?

Oh, I don't know. It could be because I'm in the home stretch of finishing my

script earlier than expected.

I am so proud of you. Oh, I know they're going to love it.

You deserve this.

Thanks, Mom.

But unfortunately, they want to meet first thing Monday morning, so I'm going

have to fly out a day early.

I'm sorry I can't stay as long.

I just love you so much.

Tonight's party will be a double celebration.

Speaking of which, you did remember to invite Nick and Cora, right?

Yeah. Nick said he's coming, but I don't know. Things ended kind of weird last

night. I think we're both beginning to figure out just what this would take to

even possibly work.

How long have you been trying to get a movie made?

Ten years, seven months, and...

Sixteen days.

And was it easy to get here, or did it take years of hard work?

Well, the latter, obviously.

You work hard for what you love the most, because it's always worth it in

end.

Trust me.

You know, it's just that it's easier to write about a movie relationship than it

is to make one work in real life.

Except this is your chance to make a happy ending together?

You know what? First things first.

Let me work all day today and finish the script so that I can take time off for

the party tonight. Because nothing is coming in between me and a piece of that

birthday cake.

Will you write at the theater?

No, I think I'm going to give that a rest.

I'll probably hold my room today.

Look at that.

Who would buy a whole tub of popcorn and not even touch it?

Oh, that's why.

The machine is still burning it.

Nick.

Yeah?

You seem distracted.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I'll finish up here. You can head out for the night whenever you're ready.

What about Jamie's birthday party?

You can go without me.

Maybe I'll stop by later.

I don't know.

Hey, what are you doing?

You broke this girl's heart once, and now you're going to do it again?

No, I just have a lot I need to do.

What could possibly be more important?

Well, I know what's more important to her right now.

The movie.

It's her big break. It's what she's always wanted.

She's a grown woman, Nick. She can multitask.

I know, but it would be selfish of me to complicate this. right now.

Selfish? How?

I want her to be laser focused on her career. If things don't go her way, I

blame myself for distracting her.

So this is all about you?

No.

But she has a life in Hollywood and she's going back there on Sunday.

Okay.

Yeah.

She's a busy woman.

Maybe she'll leave and never come back ever again.

I feel a lot better now, thanks.

Well, you can't control that, Nick.

All you can control is how you treat her, and after what you did to her the

first time around, you need to do better.

We're going to that party, and you're going to make this night special for

Okay?

Yeah.

Good.

Put something nicer on. And shower.

You smell like melted butter. And, boy.

Hey, Nick.

Mr. Leone. So, I hear you're showing a movie at your theater about shopping

carts. Excuse me?

Dad, thanks for getting the door, but I got this one.

Hey, I'm so glad you took a picnic.

Yeah, of course. How could we miss it?

Are we too early?

No, no. Come on in.

We were just about to play a game.

So, I got these for you.

Thanks. And happy birthday.

Thank you.

You're an actress who loves breakfast, and you wear dark sunglasses.

Sherlock Holmes.

What? No, an actress.

You love breakfast at Tiffany's.

Right, right, right. Breakfast.

I don't know. Give me more hints. Okay.

You were a beautiful British actress, 50s and 60s. She won an Oscar for... Why

didn't you just say she was in West Side Story?

She was in West Side Story.

That was Natalie Wood.

You've really got to get outside more, Cora.

All right. Last round.

All right. Ready?

Yep. You ready?

I'm ready.

Okay.

Go.

Okay.

You're the king of the jungle, but you're terrified of everything.

Cowardly lion. Yes.

Oh, I can't sing.

This is cheating.

Sing in the rain?

Team Kelly.

Yes. Okay.

We watched this movie on my birthday the night that we accidentally got locked

in the theater room. Accidentally.

Ten seconds.

Bride of Frankenstein. Yes, but who played the title role?

Elsa Lanchester. Yeah, bingo. With her electrified beehive. Time.

All right. Yeah.

We got it. You guys got the easy one.

Okay. It's time for birthday cake.

I got you something.

Should I open it now?

Well, it's part of another gift, so maybe wait till later?

Thanks.

You don't even know what it is yet.

Well, I'm sure I'll love it.

Jamie, come on.

Let's go get some drinks.

Hey. Do you want to swing by the theater?

Right now? Yeah.

I got a little surprise.

I'd love to.

Oh, bring your gift.

Ta -da!

It's fixed!

How'd you do it?

Well, I finally found a guy a couple of towns over who was closing his drive -in

theater. He happened to have the same model.

His was broken, too, so I bought the machine, stripped out the part, and

installed it just before I left for the party.

Okay,

now open your gift.

Gosh. Well, you shouldn't have.

And I have the perfect place to mount it for pot there.

I'm not crying. It's just stuffy in here.

Don't cry.

So maybe we should pop some of the popcorn just to see if it works

I haven't had time to test it yet.

Yeah. You know what?

All right.

I mean, somebody's got a Chris inversion 2 .0.

Watch and learn.

So.

It's like riding a bicycle.

I didn't know how much corn to put in.

Well, there's a little measurement chart on the back, but kind of go by

instinct.

How do you keep from burning the corn?

Well, number three is the newer one. They have something that beeps at you to

tell you when the popcorn's done.

This one does not have such luxuries.

So, you just have to listen very carefully.

Listen for what?

Silence.

You know the popcorn's done popping when there's two to three seconds of silence

in between each one.

You really love this, don't you?

Okay, okay, I'll stop.

No, this is nice.

Yeah.

Yeah, I miss this.

I know, me too.

Not one day has gone by since you left that I haven't missed you.

I don't know how to tell you this.

Because you're leaving the day after tomorrow, and I don't know how this

work.

All I know is that I don't want to go another day without seeing your face

or listening to your stories or hearing your laugh.

Because I still love you.

I always have.

I've never stopped.

What is it?

Silence.

Okay, look what we got.

Wow.

Smells so good.

I know, right?

Here, hand me one of those.

Hey!

Oh, man.

Look at this.

Wow.

Every kernel is perfect.

What do we do now?

Now we share a tub of the best popcorn in the bit.

Well, it's fresh and hot.

Mm -hmm.

Wow. Right?

Yeah. Even better than I remember.

Wow.

She shows up, and she surprises him, but he's least expecting it. I mean, that's

really the way to go. That is a great idea.

Yeah. I really love what you're doing with Olivia.

So will they end up together in the end now?

Well, I think Olivia can wind up with Cole, but I don't want him to be the

of the story.

Olivia's independent.

She can have a happy ending with or without him.

So you don't think she needs Cole?

I think Olivia has learned that it's okay to lean on someone who loves her

she needs it, but he's got to have her back.

Never lets her fall again.

Exactly.

It's a story of trust and forgiveness.

Yeah.

I can see these characters so vividly sometimes, you know? It's like they're

standing right in front of me.

I finished the script tonight, though, before the party.

Really?

Congratulations. I knew you'd get it done.

And with time to spare.

Would you read it, actually? I'd love to hear what you think.

Yeah, absolutely.

Well, it's all there.

Good or bad.

If you have any suggestions or find any typos, please, I'm all ears.

I can't wait to read it.

Well, don't wait too long. I only have tomorrow to polish it. It's my priority.

I promise.

I don't want this night to end.

I could come by the theater in the morning.

I'll bring bagels.

That would be perfect.

Okay. Jamie.

You said that watching Little Women at the plaza by yourself was the second

birthday you ever had.

What was the best birthday you ever had?

The night we got locked inside the theater and watched Bride of

The night you asked me to be your girlfriend.

Maybe we should do that again sometime.

I'd like that.

Good night, Nick.

Good night, Jamie.

Hey, guys.

Night, Mom. Night, Dad.

What's gotten into her?

Cupid's arrow.

You think?

Wake up.

Okay.

Wake up. There's no time to fall asleep.

Nick. Dad. It's just a signature, son.

Yeah, Dad.

Not to me. What would you have us do?

Hang on by a thread?

Slowly slip into debt until we lose this place anyway?

We have a chance to still get out on top, make a small profit, and move on.

Today is the deadline.

So just like that, it's over.

Nothing to be said about what this theater means to this town.

To me.

To Mom. How dare you! you bring your mother into this? How can you not bring

into this decision?

This theater came from her side of the family.

Her grandfather built this place.

Why are you so determined to erase this legacy?

Because this is a business.

And business sometimes requires tough decisions.

You know I'm fine. Give it to me.

This is all you care about?

I hope you're happy.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

Dad, get out, okay? Please.

Nick? What the?

That's Jamie's laptop?

Her script.

Everything's lost.

She must have a backup, the cloud or something. No, she's old school.

Okay. Okay, please tell me you can do something. If anybody can do anything,

it's you. Yes. Can you recover the data? I gotta take a look at the hard drive.

Okay. Okay, Nick. If it's dry, it's hopefully okay.

Wait, is this a joke?

Because it's not funny.

It's fried.

Nothing can be done.

It was an accident.

I am so sorry.

Oh, my.

Oh, my gosh.

Jamie, Jamie, hold on. Jamie, wait.

No. Jimmy, just hear me out. No, I asked you to do one small thing for me, okay?

One simple favor. Just to read my script before I had to turn it in tomorrow

morning.

And you ruined me.

It was a mistake. It was an accident, okay? I was fighting with my dad and...

Oh, well, it was an accident. So I'm sure that the studio will totally

understand when I tell them the dog ate my homework.

Jimmy, hold on. You can't just walk off without letting me explain.

Wait, what did you just say?

Now you want to explain?

Where was my explanation, Nick, when you just suddenly broke things off and I

had to move to L .A. all on my own?

I... What?

My mom.

She was sick.

Couldn't bring myself to leave Hayspence.

Why wouldn't you tell me something that important?

I don't understand. I would have stayed. I would have helped you. Exactly.

I would have held you back from everything you wanted to do.

Your dreams.

It wouldn't have been right.

I did you a favor.

Favor?

Nick.

You hurt me.

Harder, not easier.

You are the reason that I didn't want to come back to Hastings.

That I lost all trust in men.

And I finally came back and things were going really well, or at least I thought

they were.

And once again, you let me down.

You've broken my heart for the last time.

Jamie, wait. Jamie.

Hey, Aaron, I can't wait to talk with you.

Fine, I'll make it quick.

Just tell me how thrilled I'm going to be once I read that box office hit of a

script. Well, I actually wanted to ask if I could get a little more time.

See, my laptop... Jamie, now is not the time for cold feet.

I know what this is. I have seen many other first -timers come so close to

getting everything they wanted, only to blow it.

Now, is that going to be you?

Was I wrong to go to bat for you? No. No, no, no, no, no. That's not what I'm

saying. I just, um... Okay.

You've got one chance to prove it.

If I don't see that script in my inbox by 9 a .m. tomorrow morning, that's noon

your time.

We're done.

Got it?

Thanks, Leonie. I've gone ahead and changed your flight to Los Angeles from

Monday to this afternoon.

You'll be getting a confirmation email shortly.

Travel safe.

Thanks. Bye.

Is this a joke?

Because it's not funny. He broke up with me on my birthday right before we were

supposed to move to L .A. together.

You are the reason that I didn't want to come back to Hastings.

You've broken my heart for the last time, okay?

I have seen many other first -timers come so close to getting everything they

wanted, only to blow it.

Mm -hmm. Ain't no bad eating my entire prize -winning gingerbread for lunch.

Well, I already devoured all of mine, so... Thanks for giving me a ride to the

airport.

What's this?

It's from Nick.

I can't do it anymore, Steph. I just... Just open it.

Why? What's the point?

I've got a flight to catch.

I don't know what this is, but it's not enough.

You're not even going to see what's on it?

It's probably something cute and a thinly veiled attempt to apologize for

something that's much bigger than could ever fit on this small little drive.

You don't know that.

Aren't you the one who told me to live my life as if I were in a movie?

Well, if this were one of your stories and you were the main character, what

would you want to happen next?

Hey, Mr. Sullivan.

Hey. I didn't think to get a chance to see you again.

I wanted to come by. I was hoping I might find Nick.

In the auditorium. Can't miss him.

Only tall and handsome guy silking in the corner.

Thanks.

You know, I wanted to tell you, too. I'm so sorry to hear about the theater. I

can't believe this place is going to be gone the next time I'm here.

Yeah, well, actually, there has been a change of plans.

Oh, really?

What happened?

Well, my son got me to think things through with a little more clarity.

And lucky for us, Mr. Weathers and I go way back, so I was able to convince him

to not demolish the theater, but rather build a plaza entertainment village

around it with restaurants, shops, and condos.

Oh, wow.

That's amazing.

And the best part is, no one got hurt. Matter of fact, you are looking at the

new general manager of the village.

Congratulations. Thanks.

It's quite a relief.

Yeah, I bet.

But if you're going to be general manager, then what's Nick going to do?

I'm not sure.

I think he needed to take some time away from all the memories.

Tell you the truth, Jamie, I think he's taking the way he left things with you

pretty hard.

Yeah. Yeah, I thought that might be the case.

Well, I guess that's my cue.

And it was really good to see you again, and congratulations on the great news.

Thank you.

Now, taxes. You got to watch out for the taxes.

Hey.

Jamie.

Hey. Hey.

I suppose you heard the news about the theater.

I did.

You saved it.

And it sounds like it's going to be better than ever.

Your mom would be really proud.

I'm just glad this place can be here to inspire others the way it inspired you.

It really is magic, isn't it?

Yeah.

It is.

And it will continue to be.

What are you doing here?

Stephanie said you were flying home today.

Had one foot out the door when Bertie came and brought me this.

How did you manage to retype my entire screenplay?

Well, it wasn't that hard, actually.

Well, hard in the sense that I worked around the clock without any sleep.

But easy in the sense that it all just came to me.

That's how compelling and memorable your writing actually is.

I still can't quite believe it.

Let's just say the deep recesses in my brain knew I had to come through for

But I think there's even more to it.

What I'm trying to say is that I am so unbelievably in love with you, Jamie.

I remember every second that we spent together. Every smile.

Every laugh.

Hang on your every thought, just waiting for the next.

Your words are like oxygen to me.

How can I ever forget the words of something that is so important to you?

I really hope you don't expect me to recite that mouthful from memory.

Seriously, though.

I don't want this to end.

I am so, so sorry that I ruined your faith and happy ending.

Please give me another chance to prove to you that they can come true.

You remember when we used to write together?

We used to have so much fun.

We'd go on this emotional journey to experience love, laughter.

Nick, this is serious.

Jelly and thrills.

The credits roll and the lights go up.

Less still thinking and talking about the story you just witnessed.

All I know is that I don't want to go another day without seeing your face.

Because I still love you.

I've never stopped.

It's a story of trust and forgiveness.

I want to be with you today.

I don't ever want to spend another day without you.

Ever again.

There is just one small problem, though.

What is it?

It's your dialogue.

Yeah, you always wear the brains of the operation. Did I mess it up that bad?

No. Nothing a few hours of polishing can fix.

What about the deadline?

Noon in seven and a half minutes.

I'll take care of that.

Okay, great. I'll go grab my computer.

Should I get us a couple of sodas?

Yeah, that's going to be a no.

We did this.

Okay. Well, then.

It's only apropos that we hit send together.

All right.

I think this is the rebirth of a beautiful friendship.

Humphrey Bogart Casablanca.

Well, with minor revision.

All right, now I need to call my producer.

Good luck.

Hi, Aaron? It's Jamie.

Jamie who?

I don't have any first -time writer -directors by that name on my

slate. All right, you made your point.

Now, park the snark for a minute and listen to me, okay?

I just emailed you a copy of the script. I'm sorry, it's a few hours late.

You were right, you always are. I should back everything up to the cloud, and

going forward, I will. So please, send my apologies to the studio for the late

delivery. Now, rest assured, I will be there tomorrow morning, on time for our

meeting, okay? Because I booked a red -eye flight, and I will see you in the a

.m. Well, it better be good, kid.

It is.

Oh, and one more thing.

Don't call me kid.

What?

Well, all righty then.

Aaron taught me the fine art of using a hang -up as an exclamation point.

Duly noted.

Wait, Cole.

Don't you think we're rushing things just a tad?

If we take things any slower, Olivia, we'll be going backwards.

Cut! Perfect!

We got it. All right, everyone, that's a wrap on Jamie Leone's Reserve Me a

Seat.

Well, you did it, kid.

Sorry, Jamie.

The perfect happy ending.

I always knew you had it in you.

Now let me see if I can turn this into a three -picture deal. Mm -hmm.

So, when do I get to see it?

How about when you're in my date for the premiere?

At the plaza.

Wait, are you serious?

The studio is going to let me have the premiere back in Hastings at the theater

where it all began.

Now that's what I call a happy ending.

You ain't seen nothing yet.

Premiering next.

Oh, sorry.

I was just going to get that. This is where Annabelle Harper wrote her novel.

I'm Hank.

We met earlier.

It's nice to meet you officially.

Please excuse my grandson.

He's usually much more social. Annabelle Harper reminded us of life's beauty.

She said you wanted to walk in Annabelle's shoes.

Starring Laura Mitchell and John Corr. You know, if you've been looking for a

dance in the stables, all you have to do is ask.

Love at the Ranch premieres next on Great American Family.

Welcome home.