Original subtitles

That certain night, the night we met,

there was magic abroad in the air.

There were angels dining at the ritz, and a nightingale sang

in Barclay Square.

I may be wrong, but I'm perfectly

willing to swear that when you turned

and smiled at me, a nightingale sang

in Barclay Square.

So I thought, uh,

They were going to be so busy tonight they needed extra help.

Traditionally, Valentine's Day is one of the busiest nights of the year.

It's also supposed to be one of the most romantic.

Hello?

Valentine's Day? Not take your boyfriend to work day?

I know, but I've got three escrows and two offers out there right now. I need

know what's happening.

So you know tomorrow.

Look, I'm sorry, honey. I didn't know this would come up tonight.

Oh, and tonight of all nights.

Okay, I'll tell you what.

Carlson can have one ear.

I get the rest of you.

Ron, Ron, I have to go. Bye -bye.

Well, it's a 92, not an 87, but I think it'll do the trick.

Honey.

I gotta get a nice bucket.

We're supposed to be full up by now. I know.

I'll have a day for love, huh?

Okay?

I have a headache.

Yeah, me too.

And it involves 20 swordfish fillets going away.

Well, it's the worst thing to lose than a few fish fillets.

Yes, I know. There's also the prime rib.

We're getting buried here, Tricia.

And I am not talking about the snow.

Thank you. for calling the Ritz with Javante. This is Gloria.

Oh, hi.

Oh, sure.

No problem.

That was Tess. She's going to be late. Something about something freezing over.

Well, if this weather is slowing down an angel, it's no wonder hardly anybody

else is here.

I wonder if this changes our assignment.

Yeah, I'm a little curious about that anyway.

Because if falling in love is anything...

Like what's described in this book?

That's not going to be happening here this evening.

Why not?

Well, apparently it involves an ocean, a bottle of champagne, and someone in a

loincloth. Oh, right. The romanticized version of romance.

When I was a new caseworker, one of the hardest things for me to understand was

what humans mean by love.

For them, it can mean anything.

For us, it means only one thing.

We know what real love is at its best.

But when a human reaches for love, sometimes all they can grasp is a

People are always waiting for the bells to ring or the nightingale to sing or

stardust to fall on them to tell them that they're in love.

But it doesn't happen like that.

Well, I'm told that you hardly ever hear a bell ring.

So, how do you know?

Pay attention, because two people are going to fall in love right here

Which one?

I don't know.

You walk down the road, heavy burden,

heavy load.

I will ride and I will walk with you.

I'll walk with you till the sun don't even shine.

Walk with you every time.

I tell you I'll walk with you believe me I'll

walk with you

Oh, hello.

Do you have reservations?

Uh, yeah, I think so.

Hi. Happy Valentine's Day from the Ritz.

Oh, yes. Hello, Miss Craddock. Let me check the book.

Hello.

I'm Charlotte.

Hi, I'm Andrew.

Oh.

Andrew?

Is that your real name?

Yeah.

Okay.

Would you like to sit down, Charlotte?

Yes.

It's got another one.

Twenty cancellations on what should be the biggest night of the year.

I don't know what to say, Monica.

How about goodbye?

I'm for the tactful businessman.

Oh, what, Trish? Come on, we've got more employees than customers here.

Marty, Gloria and I would like to say... How do you feel about being paid in

Swordfish? Sounds good.

Mel's wonderful.

Don't bother appealing to his softer side. He doesn't have one.

Oh, I used to. I used to. Oh, yes, I remember.

Stay. Go.

Work, eat, build a snowman, whatever.

I'm sorry we didn't confirm reservations so you would have something to do.

I didn't make it snow!

Look, it's an hour earlier there. I need to talk to someone tonight.

I'll be right back.

Oh, sorry.

The restroom is down the hall and to the left.

That's good to know.

Who's in charge of salads?

Oh, that would be me, and Monica's in charge of roses, silverware, and

straws.

How can we help you?

Is there a way you can stick this in her salad? She'll be able to give you a

pager number or a cell number.

You want that in the salad?

Yeah. Well, because, you know, traditionally we, you know, do something

dessert, or maybe you could drop it in her champagne glass when she's not

looking.

Well, we met at a salad bar, so I like to do the salad thing.

She dropped her cell phone in a Thousand Island I fished it out for.

Maybe you should have left it there.

Huh? Yeah, I'll be on my cell.

You can't fault a person for loving what they do, right?

Well, um...

Charlotte, what brings you out in this weather?

Well, you.

Me?

I have to say, you didn't describe yourself very well.

You're much more handsome than you let on.

Oh, thank you.

Was it bad of me to say that?

I never know the right thing to say. No, no, no. It's a very nice thing to hear.

It's just that I don't think that I'm who you think I am.

Well, I guess none of us are really the same in real life as we are in the chat

room.

Charlotte, I've never been in a chat room.

Aren't you Ben 38?

No.

Oh, God.

I am so embarrassed.

Don't be, because, you know, when Ben 38 shows up, I'm sure he's going to be one

very happy guy.

I am so sorry.

Excuse me.

Have a nice night.

Thank you.

You too.

May I have another table, please?

Oh, not a problem.

Look, I'm really sorry about this. I'm just waiting for one more call, and then

I'll turn it off. I promise.

Are you ready for your complimentary Valentine's Day photo? Oh, um, I really

don't like having my picture taken.

Come on, babe. Let's make this a night to remember.

Okay.

You ready?

One, two, three.

Great. I'll have it for you in a minute.

Um, I'll be in the ladies' room. Excuse me.

What?

Wait, what?

Did you lose them?

It's a storm. It's hard to keep a connection.

Cell phones are supposed to make our lives easier. Instead, they make them

complicated.

I really don't need this tonight.

Are you okay?

Yes.

No.

God, I hate Valentine's Day.

It's a wonderful day to celebrate love.

Yeah.

But it's a lousy day to break up with somebody.

Fellas are up to table four.

She's in the ladies' room. I'll pick them up when she goes back to the table.

You, uh, kind of look a little pasty, huh?

Nice Valentine. You write that yourself?

I could have told you the minute she walked in that that guy was not who she

looking for. Oh, come on. Write it.

I'm out here every day, Marty. I see how people go together and how they don't.

So waiting tables makes you an expert, huh?

Maybe it does. Look at them. They're like oil and water.

There's nothing wrong with being opposites. It adds a little thing.

Come on. There's nothing in common.

Yes, there was.

I can't believe you sometimes. How are you supposed to build a life together if

you don't want the same things?

Thank you, baby. No problem.

Here you go. A few more for your precious swordfish.

Hi. Can I help you? Thank you, baby. I know where I'm going.

Are you meeting someone?

Uh, yeah. Her name's Charlotte.

Um, Charlotte... something.

I'll bet that's her right over there.

Thank you.

Charlotte? Ben 38?

Just Ben.

Sorry I'm late.

That's okay.

I wasn't sure you'd come.

Oh.

I got a lot of last -minute calls.

Seems like everybody needs a tow tonight.

Well, we can just have drinks if you want.

Is that what you want?

What did I miss, angel boy?

Well, Marty and Tricia are arguing over whose fault it is that it's snowing.

And Riley and Amanda, they seem preoccupied. And the blind date from the

room is just getting started.

Well, it almost didn't get started.

Ben kept getting calls.

Good thing one of those calls was from an angel in a red Cadillac.

Yes, isn't it?

Well, that only leaves one more couple.

Who? Them.

What now, George?

We're inside.

What's the difference?

Don't start, George.

Good evening.

We don't have a reservation.

No, we usually go over to Quartermaine's over on Oak, but it's up a hill, and

it's icy. No problem. We'll be happy to accommodate you.

Right this way.

It can't be any good. There's hardly anyone here.

Something without a draft, please.

Or maybe with a draft. It's got to be 90 degrees in here. I'll check the

thermostat. Gloria?

Hi. Can I get you something to take the chill off?

How about two weeks in Bermuda? George.

I'll have a cup of hot tea, please, and he'll have a thank you. Coming right up.

Now?

Suit yourself. You've got a mind of your own.

Monica.

Sorry it took me so long.

Look, um, Riley, there's something I want to talk to you about.

What's going on?

Nothing.

They're not going to sing to us or something, are they? Not a chance. I've

learned my lesson.

Trish? Are those the salads for table four?

Yep, two salads of love and one 22 -karat crouton. There might be a

Take a number, Monica.

Here you go.

Oh, um, fresh ground pepper for either one of you?

No, thanks.

So, um, does that look okay to you?

What is this?

Oh, my God.

Marry me?

What?

I'm sorry.

Will you marry me?

I, um... I... Excuse me. Excuse me.

What did I do wrong?

She'll be back. I've seen it a hundred times. It's the shock.

Tea? Thank you.

And your Sanka?

Would you like to hear the specials?

Uh, do you have anything low -sodium?

Oh, come on, Loretta. Forget the diet. We're celebrating.

You want to celebrate your arteries closing down again?

I want to eat what I want for one night.

Okay. Do what you want, then.

Well, in honor of Valentine's Day... Oh, is it Valentine's Day?

Well, uh, yes.

Don't pay any attention to him. He knows perfectly well what day it is. We never

celebrate Valentine's Day.

Why not?

Because it's also our anniversary.

Oh, happy anniversary.

Thank you.

49 years.

Flew by just like that.

Except for the middle 19.

Those took forever.

So, you're a tow truck driver?

Yeah.

It's not a bad job.

Any job's a good job these days.

Mm -hmm.

What do you do?

I'm an information operator.

One of those people says, um, what city, please?

Yes.

Oh.

Is something wrong?

I was just noticing the way you wear your hair. It's... interesting.

Within a car accident a few years ago.

And...

What's

on your mind, angel boy?

Loretta and George.

Aren't they cute?

They're celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary. George has big plans for

their 50th.

Loretta isn't totally on board yet, but personally, I think a cruise would be a

hoot, but it's not my party.

Hold that thought, Gloria.

Andrew... There's not going to be a cruise.

Or a 50th anniversary.

So how's the fish for table four looking?

Lonely.

Is there anything else coming up? I don't know.

The first date's only having drinks and the old couple's still discussing their

cholesterol. Let me tell you, my dad was right. Nobody succeeds in the

restaurant business.

Honey, it's one bad night.

No, it's another bad night.

Why is it that every time we have a conversation these days, you turn it

something about money?

Money is the problem.

Is it the only problem?

What?

There was this column in Dear Abby a few months ago. I cut it out. I put it

somewhere. Anyway, he said that men who keep complaining about the same old

things probably have deeper issues they don't want to deal with.

They take out their frustrations on the people they love.

Wow. Dear Abby really seemed to have it all figured out, huh?

So, tell me, what am I hiding from?

I don't know.

Having kids, maybe?

Kids? Really? Are you nuts, Tricia? We can't even afford a bartender. Come on.

Hey, there you go, turning it back into money again. You are driving me crazy.

The gentleman outside is wondering how you are, and so am I.

Fine. I'm sure the food in the dining room tastes a lot better than that

Bad habit.

You make a note, a pro and con list.

Another bad habit.

Right now, the cons are winning.

You can always find a lot more reasons not to do something than to do it.

Some things just take a leap of faith.

He asked me to marry him.

Yes, I know.

I thought I knew what I wanted.

But now you've changed your mind?

It's complicated.

Well, I could stand here and you could explain it to me.

Or you could go back out there and talk it through with the one person who

really deserves to know.

Fifty years of marriage.

It's a big deal.

That's why I think we should tell them.

The father may have a different opinion.

He may feel that the mysteries of life and the mysteries of death should remain

mysterious.

Or maybe he showed this to us so that we could help them repair.

That's a possibility too.

What do you think is the right thing to do?

What is the most loving thing to do?

It's Valentine's Day.

Excuse me.

Yes?

My name is Andrew.

I'll have another glass of champagne.

Yes, sir. I'll let Gloria know.

What's the matter? Your leg's broken?

No, sir. I'm not your waiter.

Look, is it some kind of union thing that you can't get me another glass of

champagne? George, let the man finish.

It's going to come out of the tip.

Actually, I...

I need to talk to you both.

I, um... Do you remember the dove?

You mean our dove?

The one that landed on the windowsill all those years ago?

How did you know about that?

God told me.

I'm an angel.

Don't talk to me about angels.

I married one.

For goodness sake, George, I think he's trying to say that he's a real angel.

How else would he have known about our dove?

Huh.

What brings you to these parts, Angel?

Well, I have a gift for you, even though it may not seem like a gift at first.

You've been married 49 years, right?

Yeah, 49 wonderful years.

And we're planning our 50th anniversary.

Oh.

Maybe you'll be there.

It would really be nice to have an angel at our party.

Well, that's what I need to talk to you about. To tell you...

that, um...

One of you is going to go home to God before that date.

Charlotte.

Sorry.

No, you go.

I'm not very good at this.

It's because of my scar, isn't it?

What?

Why it's so hard to talk to me.

No.

No.

Lots of folks don't know what to say.

That's not what it is.

I'm just... not much of a talker.

Oh.

That's all right, Andrew.

We've had a good life.

No regrets?

There's nothing else we really need to do.

Well, actually, there is something that you have to do.

Riley, you know this is how I like to work things out.

I know.

You've got to see it all laid out there in black and white.

Well, how about this list?

When your sister passed away, who was right there next to you holding you all

night long?

When you got yourself into that million -dollar sales circle, who was cheering

the loudest for you?

Who made you chicken soup when you got the flu last month?

I mean, sure, it was in a can, but I heated it up. I don't want to have

That's exactly what I'm thinking. You want to know why?

I'm sure you're going to tell me. Because you're a control freak.

Trisha, it's called having a plan.

It's called making excuses.

You know what?

There's a little more lemon butter caper sauce if the two of you would like.

Be in the kitchen.

Marty and Trisha have been going at each other all evening.

That seems to be how their relationship works.

Yes, but tonight is supposed to be different.

Oh, my.

I never would have guessed.

That's right.

After ten years of marriage, they're the couple that's supposed to fall in love

tonight.

Maybe they shouldn't call it falling in love.

Humans seem to be afraid of falling.

I think that's why it doesn't happen sometimes.

Because people get very, very scared when they have to give up control.

But that's the whole point, Angel Baby.

Falling in love is about giving up control and surrendering to something

It's about falling so they can be lifted up.

That's right.

And some heavy lifting is needed in this room.

Riley,

I have been offered a job promotion.

But it means moving to L .A.

And...

I'm really confused right now.

Why didn't you tell me?

Because I don't know what I want to do.

And I didn't want you to do something stupid like ask me to marry you to keep

from going.

Stupid.

Lots of things you must miss out on.

Never get to have a drink.

Never get to swear.

Never get to fall in love.

Well, no, sir.

Not the way that you do, but angels experience a different kind of love.

I'm sure it's a beautiful thing.

But I wouldn't trade what I've had with Loretta for anything.

That's nice to hear.

Watching her give birth to our children.

Sharing my...

Deepest fears with her.

Realizing that she still thinks my jokes are funny.

Andrew, you said that one of us wasn't going to be around for our 50th.

That's right.

Take me.

Let it be me.

It's not my decision.

I'm sure you can put a word in with a big man now, can't you?

I mean, with my heart condition, I'm not going to be around that much longer

anyway.

Seeing her grandchildren grow up would mean the world to her.

They adore her.

They confide in her.

I'm just the guy who pulls a quarter out of their ear.

They need her.

And she needs them.

Okay, a little closer together.

Okay, good enough.

Charlotte, would you like to push the hair out of your eye?

I don't think so.

It seems a shame to cover up such a pretty face.

She's right, you know.

Okay, say something that makes you smile.

Cheese. Burger.

I'll be back in a minute.

Would you think I was a jerk if I asked you about your accident?

It was four years ago.

I just got laid off from work that day.

I was crying and angry and... I shouldn't have been driving.

I missed the curve at Wendell's Peak.

Wendell's Peak?

Wait a minute.

You were driving a silver 89 Honda.

Yeah, I pulled that car out of the ravine I Remember looking at it thinking

was a miracle that the driver survived That was you yes

But it wasn't a miracle Miracles are good things

And you're quick please

while George is in the washroom, okay

Do I presume correctly that you are the angel of death?

You presume correctly.

Well, I'm not afraid to die and go home someday.

Neither of us is.

But let me go first.

Loretta, I can't make that promise.

Listen, we have a grandson.

His name is Gus.

And he has dyslexia.

George has spent years...

reading to him, studying with him, working with him.

That kid's going to graduate from high school in a year and a half, and it's

because of George.

My husband deserves to be in that auditorium when Gus gets his diploma.

Okay, Andrew?

We'll talk later.

I thought we were in this thing together, Trish.

Well, I guess we both got too busy working together to stop and just be

together.

So what do you think?

It's over.

What is the point of going on like this?

Here we go.

Calamari salad? Sort of this special.

Now, I know you said you weren't the sit -and -be -waited -on kind of people,

but... But maybe it's time you were.

Sit. Have a conversation.

Eat off each other's plates. Look into each other's eyes.

Tell each other your deepest, darkest secrets.

Let the volcano of your... Thank you, Gloria.

That'll be enough.

Excuse me.

I'd like to propose a toast.

To love.

I've had many jobs.

I've worked a lot of people.

I've seen every kind of human experience at least a little taste of love.

And at the end of their lives...

I've never heard anyone say, I wish I hadn't fallen in love.

Is he ready, Angel Boy?

Yes, ma 'am. Good, because the time is now.

Monica is right, you know.

Nearly 50 years ago, Loretta and I were on our first date at a

little coffee shop off the interstate.

We shared a piece of rhubarb pie.

That's all we could afford.

But it really didn't matter.

Because when I looked in her eyes...

If it was the last moment of my life, it would have been enough.

But then a dove came from out of nowhere and landed on a

windowsill right outside our booth and looked straight in the window.

We both knew then and there that God was trying to say something

to us.

There's a passage in the Bible that says, if I have a faith that can move

mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

I believe that.

That doesn't mean it's easy.

Love is about sacrifice.

It's about caring for someone more than you care about yourself.

It's about acting from your heart when you don't see eye to eye.

I mean, it takes a lot of work, a lot of patience, a lot of

admitting that you don't know all the answers.

That's why your wedding vows say, what God hath joined

together.

God.

He has all the answers.

It's just up to us to ask for them.

Together.

So, to my beautiful wife,

Loretta, and to all of you,

May God bless you as he has blessed us.

Remember what we talked about the night you asked me to marry you?

Yes, I remember.

We were going to give ourselves five years to make the restaurant work.

And work on the family.

Yeah.

I guess we blew that.

Marty, I'm pregnant.

What?

I'm pregnant. I'm really pregnant.

Marty.

Marty.

Marty.

Oh, no.

Marty.

Oh, my God. Marty.

Marty.

Don't do this, Marty. Don't you dare.

Marty.

Let's get him up. Let's get him up.

Oh, my God.

Thank you.

Good touch, thank you. Thank you.

Swordfish is on her.

Oh, God.

Oh, my God.

Oh.

That was amazing.

You do what you gotta do.

LA thing.

It's a great opportunity.

But, um, I'm not sure I'm ready to give up on us just yet.

Tell me one thing.

Do you love me?

Yes, I do.

Excuse me, what?

Yes, I do.

Well, you remember those words when I was standing in front of the preacher.

You know, a town like L .A.

needs guys like me. You know, guys who can take charge, you know.

So I was done.

Kind of surprised me with that little announcement.

Oh, my God, Marty. I thought I was losing you.

I don't want to lose you.

Whatever else happens, I don't want to lose you.

I am not going anywhere, Trish.

I love you.

Love you more than anything. I always have.

I guess I got a little too caught up in other things.

But you know what?

From now on, things are going to be better.

They're going to be better. I am going to be a great husband.

You're going to be a great father.

That certain night.

The night we met, there was magic abroad in

the air.

There were angels dining at the river.

Every time I get an accident call, I say a prayer for the people involved.

That they'll be okay?

No. That they'll be in God's hands.

tow truck driver.

I don't know anything about who should and who shouldn't. I just know there's a

plan. Like when I said a prayer for you four years ago.

I never figured that one day you'd be sitting right in front of me, but here

are.

And I think that's pretty amazing.

I guess it is.

How about one dance and then we'll see about ordering some dinner.

George.

What does it matter?

Who's going to keep after you when I'm gone?

You're not going anywhere.

Too stubborn.

Well, you're not going to leave me here alone, mister.

I know I was there

that night in

Barclay.