Original subtitles

Now the world don't move to the beat of just one drum. What might be right for

you may not be right for some.

One man is born, he's a man of means.

Then along come two, they got nothing but the genes. But they got different

strokes to take, different strokes to take, different strokes to move the

Everybody's got a special kind of story.

Everybody finds a way to shine.

It don't matter that you got not a lot. So what? You'll have yours and I'll have

mine. And together we'll be fine. Different strokes to move the world.

Different strokes to move the world.

What's the matter with you? I ain't hungry.

You all right?

You're moving like you're wearing bionic underwear.

It's not that, Arnold.

My birthday's next week, and I'm gonna be 14.

Oh, don't worry about it. You still got part of your life left.

It's not that, Arnold.

It's just that no one seems to know it's my birthday.

I knew it. I even got a present for you. You did? But it's a surprise. No,

Arnold, tell me. Come on, what is it?

Well... Can't tell you, but I'll give you a hint.

If one of your socks jumps out of the drawer, don't step on it because it's a

frog.

Oh, I don't want a frog for my birthday.

Oh, well, that'll save me a lot of trouble then.

Frogs are hard to get around.

But I guess it ain't presents that matter.

When Mama was alive, we were living in Harlem.

Everyone knew it was my birthday. And every year we'd have a surprise party.

Yeah, you were getting pretty good at acting surprised.

I guess I really shouldn't expect Mr. D to know it's my birthday.

We've only been living here a little while.

Then why don't you tell him?

No, I'm not going to say a word.

Then just walk around naked.

Naked? Sure.

Just see in your birthday suit and get the idea.

Well, that's dumb.

Not if it works.

Just forgive my birthday.

I don't want to be embarrassed.

Okay.

But a big pile of... and she helps to only embarrass the guy.

Anybody want anything else?

No, thank you. Oh, that French toast was just terrific, Miss Garrett.

Well, merci beaucoup, monsieur.

That's French for thank you from the bottom of my griddle.

Speaking of French toast, guess whose birthday it is next Saturday?

Arnold. My goldfish, Abraham.

Your goldfish's birthday?

Mm -hmm. I think I'll throw him a surprise party.

How do you surprise a goldfish?

I don't know.

Bring him a can of tuna with a candle on it.

What a coincidence.

Abraham's birthday next Saturday.

It's also Willis' birthday.

Say what?

Come on now, Willis. Don't tell us you forgot your own birthday. Oh, it

completely flipped my mind.

I was thinking of something else. I don't know how.

Mr. D., I'm sure glad you remembered my birthday. That really makes me feel

good. Oh, I would never forget your birthday, Willis, or Arnold's or

or Mrs. Garrett's. Oh, thanks, Mr. Drummond, but I don't celebrate my

anymore. Why not? You're a young woman.

Yes, and I intend to stay one.

Willis, if there's something you want especially for your birthday, please

me. I want to get you just what you want.

Well, thanks, Mr. D.

But you've given me and Arnold so much, and you've been so good to us.

I don't want anything.

Don't want anything?

Willis, I think you've been brushing your hair too hard.

Come on, Willis, you have to have a birthday present. Sure, there must be

something you'd like.

Well, if I ask for it, I'll feel greedy.

No, Willis.

Greedy is when you ask for something just for yourself.

So ask for something that you can split with your brother.

This is something I kind of like to have. Mm -hmm.

I like to have a birthday party.

You got it, Willis. And I like to have it in Harlem.

Harlem?

What's the matter with Harlem?

Nothing, if it was in a better neighborhood.

It's Willis' party, and he should have it where he likes.

That's right. If he wants it in Harlem, he should have it in Harlem.

Well, just because he was born there doesn't mean he has to return to the

of the crime.

Now, look, Willis, if you want to have your birthday party in Harlem, you just

tell me where you want to have it, invite all the friends you want, and the

party's on me.

Thanks, Mr. D.

You're one terrific guy.

That's true.

I better get going and start working on that guest list. I bet.

my party with Charles, Vernon, and Tiny.

If you're inviting Tiny, you better double the food order and get a mother

his mother.

Arnold, Tiny don't eat that much.

Oh, yeah?

I bet when he was born, the doctor didn't slap him. He just gave him a ham

sandwich and said, go, man, go.

Hey, I gotta call Vernon and ask him if I can have a party at his place.

Vernon's place?

I'd rather have a party at the dentist.

What's the matter with Vernon?

Nothing. It's the Sister Francine that drives me up the wall.

She's pushy.

What do you mean?

Well, she buys you one crummy ice cream cone, and then she acts like she owns

you. Come on, you're just embarrassed because Francine got a crush on you.

I don't mind the crush.

It's the way she calls me, Adipoo.

You'll like girls once you get used to them.

Oh, yeah?

That's what they said about cauliflower.

a birthday party next Saturday, and I wonder if I could celebrate at your

My place? What's the matter with that Super Bowl you live in?

I thought it'd be kind of nice to celebrate my party in Harlem with all my

friends again.

You know how it is, blood.

Yeah, just like old times.

Man, it'd be great having your party here.

Hold on a second, Willis.

Say, Willis, Francine wants to know if Arnie Poole's coming to your birthday

party.

Francine wants to know if you're coming to my party. Oh, not me. No way. No

chance. Absolutely not. Forget it.

Yep, he's coming, Vernon.

And Artie Pooh says he can't wait to see Francine.

Yeah, he's coming, Francine. He said he can't wait to see you.

Well, then, is the party all cool then, Brenna, about Saturday night?

Yeah, but I have to ask my folks.

I'm sure it's okay if you don't mind grown -ups at your party.

Oh, that's okay, because my parents are going to be there, too.

I'll check you later about the time Saturday night.

Oh, and I already approved since I kissed the Francine.

He sure doesn't know how to pick his sister.

What's wrong with his sister?

She's stuck on Arnold.

She likes him because he's small, cute, and cuddly.

Maybe she'll leave me alone if I buy her a hamster.

Mr. D., what time should I make the party before I got a call until Vernon?

Well, I can drop you off anytime you want.

Drop us off?

You mean, you ain't coming to the party?

the reason you wanted to have the party in Harlem so you could have it with your

friends. But you're my friend.

So is Mr. Garrett and Kimberly.

And I'm his friend, too, when he doesn't treat me like a brother.

I am sorry, Willis. I misunderstood you.

I just couldn't enjoy my party without you being there.

Me neither.

I'd eat a lot and dance a lot, but my heart just wouldn't be in it.

Then you'll come to the party, right, Mr. D?

Well... Willis, it's okay for you to go up to Harlem and celebrate your birthday

with your friends, but I don't think we would really fit in.

No, I get it.

It's all right for my friends to come here, but you're too part Avenue to go

slumming in Harlem.

I told my friends you were different.

Yeah, I guess I was wrong.

Hey, Willis.

He didn't mean it, Mr. D.

I guess because he's going to be 14.

His mouth is going through a change of life.

Hey, Willis.

Daddy, what's the matter with Willis? He's on the verge of tears, Mr.

Well, it's because I told him we can't go to his birthday party.

I didn't even know we were invited. I thought he wanted it just for his

Well, if he wants us there, why can't we go?

Oh, well.

When I was a kid, I used to go up to Harlem all the time and listen to the

musicians.

But today, things are different.

I'm just not sure how safe it'd be up there at night.

Mr. Drummond? Yes, Arnold?

You won't have to worry about going to Harlem.

Why not?

Because Willard says there ain't gonna be no birthday party at all.

Kimberly told me why Mr. D doesn't want to go to your birthday party. I already

know why.

Because he thinks my friends eat with their feet.

I thought just Tiny did that.

Anyway, the real reason is because he's afraid to take the family to Harlem at

night.

Afraid? Yeah, I know not everybody who lives there cares a razor in their

Well, yeah, but most people think that the traffic lights in Harlem say, walk,

don't walk.

And run for your life.

I don't know why you always putting down Harlem.

You're from there.

Yeah, and the frommer the better.

Listen, little brother.

Don't you remember all the good times we used to have there?

Like sitting on the stoop rapping with the guys, buying soda from the candy

store, playing stickball in the street?

Oh, yeah.

You're right, Willis.

And you and me were born and raised in Harlem.

And every time you put it down, you're not only putting us down, but Mom and

Papa. Did I really start that bad?

Hey, I'm sorry.

You mind if I come in, guys?

Of course not.

Willis, I owe you an explanation.

No, Mr. D.

How do you know why you don't want to go to Harlem?

Are you afraid of the black neighborhood?

No. That's not right, Willis. Black has nothing to do with it. That's not what

it's about.

Now, there are plenty of white neighborhoods that I wouldn't go into

Like where?

Well, some parts of Greenwich Village, for example.

A friend of mine parked his car down there one night. He came back in ten

minutes and there was nothing left but a windshield wiper.

He asked a witness to tell him what happened and she mugged him.

I got mugged once when I refused to buy Girl Scout cookies.

Listen, Willis, there are plenty of other places I hesitate to go to at

It's dangerous to ride the subway. You can't walk in Central Park at night.

And burglars have broken into apartments right here in this building.

What are you talking about, Mr. D?

I'm just saying that there are lots of poor, desperate people out there who

unfortunately are driven to break the law. And I am very concerned about the

safety of my family.

The only reason I'm letting you two guys go is your old neighborhood.

And your friends are up there.

But, Mr. D, it's not like you're going to be walking around the streets.

You're going to be with my friends at Bernie's place.

A real nice part of Harlem, right, Arnold?

Yeah, right. The plumbing works and everything.

Well, maybe I have overreacted.

I didn't realize it would mean this much to you.

Okay.

Okay. On second thought, we'll all go to your party, Willis. Oh, thank you, Mr.

D. You'll see, everything's gonna be real cool at the party.

Yeah, but if a gang tries to crash the party, don't worry.

There's only one thing to do.

Smile and hand him your money.

Thanks a lot, Arnold. You really know how to make a guy feel at ease.

Thanks a lot. Bye.

Well?

How's everything coming in the cab department, Mrs. Garrett?

Oh, the doorman can't find one that'll take us to Harlem at night.

I'm not surprised.

Well, in case of trouble, stick with me.

I'll protect you.

I got this.

What is that?

You press it, and it scares people off.

It's called mug away.

How can a thing like that scare anybody off?

a very frightening noise.

One night, I accidentally cleared Radio City Music all with it.

What was that noise we heard? What noise? I resent that. I was singing.

It sounded better before, Miss Gere.

Oh, Kimberly, you look just lovely. Thank you. And you two guys look

Yep. We're two cool dudes.

Keep going, Mr. D.

Well, Willis, um, we're waiting for the doorman to get us a cab. They're very

busy tonight.

You mean, um, they're too chicken to go to Harlem?

They don't call any other cabs for nothing.

Hey, Daddy, why don't we just take the limousine?

Hey, yeah, the limo!

No, no, no, I don't think that's a very good idea, kids.

Driving up in a big limousine?

We wouldn't want Willis' friends to think we were showing off. But that's

whole point!

Why don't you join the girls?

Willard.

Hi, Miss Brooks.

Hi, Arnold.

Hi. Here's the birthday boy.

Hi, guys.

Miss Brooks, I want you to meet my family.

Miss Garrett, Mr. Drummond, and Kimberly.

Everybody, this is Miss Brooks, Vernon's mom.

Very nice to meet you. How do you do? Very nice to meet you.

Come on in. Thank you.

Honey pooh.

Aren't you going to shake hands with me?

I never shake hands with girls.

Why not?

Because I want to save something for after I get married.

I think you grew since I saw you last.

Yeah, I grew a whole inch taller.

And those adobes were two inches wider.

I've heard some very nice things about all of you from Vernon. Please.

Make yourselves at home.

Thank you.

It's very nice of you to open your home so Willis can celebrate his birthday.

Thank you, Mrs. Brooks.

It's my pleasure.

You've made Willis so happy.

Well, we love Willis. Now, excuse me a moment. I'll be right back. Certainly.

Sure.

I told you, Mr. D, everything's going to be real cool at this party. There's

nothing to worry about.

You're right, Willis. Now I feel a little foolish about it.

Don't nobody move.

Everybody hit the next one.

terribly sorry about this.

That's all right, Mr. Brooks. A heart attack every once in a while keeps a man

on his toes.

Shame on you.

I was just trying to have some fun.

Are you all right, Mr. Garrett? I think I just sacroiled one of my iliacs.

Hey, listen.

Why don't we get the party going? Hey, Bernie, put the music on. Let's get

Yeah.

Oh! That's my birthday, boy!

Yay!

Artie Poole, will you dance with me?

No.

Care to join in, Mr. Drummond?

I'd be very pleased to share this waltz with you. This is not exactly a waltz.

Well, it will be by the time I'm through with it.

All right, now look, here's my wallet.

Go ahead, take it.

Thank you very much.

Luther, give that back.

As soon as he said to take it. Luther, how many times have I asked you not to

come through the fire escape?

Mr. Drummond, Mr. Harris, this is Luther Harris, our upstairs neighbor.

Your neighbor?

Mean, ugly, vicious.

Yes, but in a lovable way.

Well, when I heard that music coming up through my floor, I thought I'd jump

down and grab me a disco queen before they got away.

Peter, this is my birthday party, and you're welcome to join us. And this is

family. Very nice to meet you, Luther.

You want to give me my wallet back?

under control here. There's no need for you to be here. Oh, yes, there is.

Now, that's what I call supporting your local police.

Well, how's the party going, gang? Oh, very nice.

Terrific. Mr. Drummond, that's my pop.

It is?

Oh, no. This isn't my day.

Sorry. He always kisses my mama because kissing's fun.

Get the idea, Arnold?

I'll kiss your mom anytime she wants me to.

It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Brooks.

You know my boys.

This is my daughter, Kimberly.

Kimberly? And this is our housekeeper, Mrs. Garrett.

How do you do, Mrs. Garrett? How do you do, sir?

What was that you were saying before about everything being under control

What wasn't under control?

Uh, nothing, actually. It was a little misunderstanding.

It was my fault.

There was a little confusion when I cut my gadget off.

This thing.

Oh, yeah.

Mug away.

Honey, is that the thing you got for me?

No, that's mug away. I got you mug off.

Mrs. Brooks, you mean you carry one, too?

Of course.

Doesn't everybody?

Hey, listen, this is supposed to be my birthday party, not an anti -muggy

convention.

Oh, push the music on, Bernie.

Yeah, let's get down.

Let's get with it, brothers and sisters. Come on, Arnold, honey, this is our

dance.

What do you say?

Shall we get it going?

Well, Luther, I think I can get it going, but I don't know how long I can

it running.

Arty Pooh, let's go in the kitchen and play house.

We can't pretend like we just got married.

I got a better idea.

Let's pretend like we just got divorced.

for being frightened, Mr. Drummond. The first time I saw Luther come in through

the window, I grabbed a hammer.

Well, I jumped to some pretty wild conclusions.

I was wrong.

Well, we have the same concerns about crime that you do.

We want Harlem to be a safe place to live.

That's why we're doing something about it. Oh, what are you doing?

Well, the folks around here have formed the Neighborhood Watch Program.

In other words, they get involved, what we all ought to do.

You already did.

You came here tonight.

to guess what you want.

Then I'm not asking you anymore. I'm just...