Original subtitles

There's no place like home.

With your family around you, you're never alone.

When you know that you love, you don't need to roam. Cause there's no place

home.

Times are changing every day.

We won't get by with those same old ways.

Pulling together, we'll make it right.

No place like home.

With your family around you, you're never alone.

When you know that you love, you don't need to roam.

Cause there ain't no place like. There ain't no place like. There

ain't no place like.

There's no place like home.

I mean no place like.

It's no big deal. It's just another track meet.

Hey, no red carpet?

You only won four in a row.

Five. Excuse me?

Actually, it was six. You were the fastest crawler in preschool.

Alexandria, did you see when I crossed the finish line, the entire team picked

me up and carried me across the field?

Must have been quite a load, you and your ego.

You know, if I were you, I'd sleep with my eyes open tonight.

Well, there's no stopping you now, sugar. Next week, the semifinals. Go get

them. And after that, on to the city championship.

And then the world's record.

And someday, who knows?

Someday, you could even become a gym teacher.

Thank you, Calvin.

The thrill of victory. And the agony of denounce.

Who won? You mean, how much did she win by?

Not the trophy. Congratulations, Brenda. Pretty soon she'll have as many as I

have.

She got hers for running. I got mine for getting caught.

Well, Brenda, that must be your coach. I invited him over for some coffee.

Probably wants to sign me to a lifetime contract.

John, glad you could make it. How you doing? Hey, Coach. Hey.

Everybody, meet John Smith. He trained two gold medalists at this year's

Olympics. And he's Brenda's track coach on loan from UCLA.

Oh, where do I go to apply for one of these loans?

The line forms behind me.

I'm Rose Holloway. How do you do, Rose?

Brenda, look who's here.

Hey, Willie.

Hi, Brenda. And everybody, this is one of my athletes, Willie Amachi.

He's an Olympic runner from Ghana.

Oh, hi, Willie.

Well, hi, Willie.

Listen, everybody, why don't you make yourselves at home? I made some coffee

cookies.

Oh, well,

what's that all about?

I said, welcome in is native language, Fonty. And what did you say?

And I said, That's what I thought you said.

John Smith, that's a famous name, you know.

Oh, you mean the Pocahontas story?

No. I mean the man who's registered for more hotel rooms than anybody in

history.

Don't mind her. She's always flirting.

I, on the other hand, am a sensible, reliable, good housekeeper, great cook,

a sheer delight for any single man.

Sorry, ladies, but I'm a married man.

Take it, Sandra.

So, Willie, it must have been quite a thrill for you to be competing in the

Olympics. Yes, but I put a hamstring, and I had to drop out.

but I hope to make it in the next one.

This is why I'm helping Willie raise funds, so he can stay in this country to

train. And I wanted to start in Washington because it is the sister city

hometown, Kumasi.

All right, a brother from a sister city.

Well, Coach, is there anything we can do to help?

How about a car wash?

How about selling T -shirts? Hey, that's a good idea, but I got a better one. I

bet we could raise a lot of money with a neighborhood race.

You mean like a mini -marathon?

Yeah. Right, we get the local businessmen to sponsor the runners.

You know, Willie, I think Mary's found your answer.

Yeah, and I have a friend who might help.

Good. Guess who it is.

Oh, it doesn't make any difference who it is, Tal. Just bring them. We can use

all the help we can get.

Marathon, this is going to be fun. I've been dying to get out the old college

track shoes.

Yeah, and I've been dying to get back to my old college body.

But it's for a good cause.

A neighborhood marathon.

All right, then can I speak to your mommy?

Hello?

Hello?

Kids.

So how's it going?

Not good.

I'm just not much of a salesman. I called seven people and six of them said

Well, what about the seventh one? They tried to sell me some encyclopedias.

What nerve.

Yeah, the first volume's coming tomorrow.

Well, hang in there. Help is on the way. Willie told his friend to meet him

here, and they should be here any minute.

Anybody want any cake?

Brenda, what on earth are you doing home?

I thought you were out at the track practicing for the semifinals. Mom,

worry. Not only have I already won the meet, but I got the two -year

scholarship, too. So you and Dad can just take that college money you saved

and buy me a car.

Well, now, don't get too cocky. I know you're good, but something could happen,

you know.

Don't worry, Mom. I got it.

Okay. You know, there's a medical term for people like you.

Yeah, what is it?

Nauseating.

I'm going to call Reverend Davis and see if I can get him to mention the

marathon during a sermon.

Great idea. That's a good way to spread the word.

Yeah, and if that doesn't work, I'll just tell Sandra it's a secret, and then

the whole neighborhood will know.

I'll call you right back.

Well, come in. Come in.

Hi. I'm looking for Willie Amache. I can't believe it. Flojo.

Yes, that's my name.

So then you must be Mary Jenkins.

Why, yes, I am.

And I'm her daughter, Brinkley. And I'm Calvin Dobbs, a neighbor.

And I'm about to faint.

Oh,

Calvin.

Calvin, my goodness.

Let her catch her breath.

Go get the camera.

What's this commotion going on out here?

Florence, Griffith, Johnny.

Mary, go get the camera. Go get the camera.

Please, relax.

I'm just one of the folks here to help out with the marathon.

Right. I mean, everybody calm down.

They get so excited.

Okay, smile, Mom.

Oh, wait.

Hey,

I want to be in the picture, too.

Hey, I want to be in the picture, too.

Me, too.

Here, I'll do it.

I was so much simpler when I was a hairdresser. I know what you mean,

I'm sorry.

But, you know, it isn't every day we get a gold medalist in the house.

Oh, I understand.

Since the Olympics, I get this everywhere I go.

Well, child, you will not run into it here. So just sit down, kick back, and

relax. Girl, that's music to my ears.

Come on, everybody, give her some air.

There she is! There she is! Oh, I told you that was her!

I always wanted to meet the second fastest woman in the world.

Lawrence, you were wonderful at the Olympics.

I mean, I was glued to the set every day.

But I still don't know how you do it. Do what?

Those nails, girlfriend.

Well, first I paint them.

Then I run 100 meters to dry them.

I used to roll when I was your age.

Really?

Uh -huh. I broke a 16 -minute mile.

Were you ever interested in track and field?

Mm -hmm, when I was in high school.

While my boyfriend was on the track, I played the field.

But, Mr. Peterson, look, we really need your support in this marathon.

Oh, business has been pretty slow, huh?

Did I tell you Florence Griffith joining was participating?

Oh, thank you, Mr. Peterson. I'm happy to hear that business just picked up.

Well, I got another one. That makes 12 out of 12.

Florence, you are really doing a good job, honey. Me? I'm just sitting here

having coffee.

Yeah, but your name is working like mad.

Success sure must have its rewards.

Yes, but it can be a bit overwhelming sometimes.

But I must admit, I really enjoy walking down the street being noticed.

Me too.

Don't you enjoy those whistles too, girl?

No, I can relate to what you're talking about. Ever since I've been winning

races, kids always want to hang around me now, and the school paper wants to do

an article on me. Guys always want to drive me home.

Well, I guess that's the heavy price we champions have to pay, huh, Brenda?

But you know something, ladies? In spite of all the little inconveniences, I'm

going to enjoy it while I can, because I know someday somebody new will come

along, and they'll be standing in the limelight.

Yeah, someday.

Somebody knew.

This is truly a wonderful moment. Center stage on the Olympic podium, Florence

Griffiths Joyner, winner of the gold medal.

Wait a minute. What's going on here?

The judges must have recounted the scores. They're actually changing

What an incredible turn of events.

The new gold medal winner is Brenda Jenkins of the USA.

Look at that face.

She's positively beaming. You'll see this young lady on cereal boxes all over

the country.

Brenda, have another donut?

Yeah, I'll have a gold or a silver.

There,

everything's ready.

Now, as soon as they get here, we're going to yell, surprise!

Three cheers for Brenda.

Okay. That's very original, Rose.

Oh, Brenda, this is very exciting.

Brenda's going to win those semifinals, and then she'll be one step away from

the city championship.

I am coming. Get ready.

Well, shouldn't we hide?

Well, we got permission to be here.

Surprise! Hey, Beth! Hey! Hey!

Hey! Hey!

Ooh. I guess she doesn't like surprises.

She lost the race.

For she's a jolly good fella. For she's a jolly good fella. Put a sock in it,

Pearl. I feel bad, sugar. We've all had our losses at one time or another.

Yeah, but not like this. How can I ever show my face in school?

She's right.

Alexandria, losing is nothing to be ashamed of. Of course not.

Well, you know, I remember the first time I sang in my high school talent

I was horrendous. I mean, I was so bad, I brought tears to my own eyes.

year and competed again. Did you win? No!

That was a very inspirational story.

Well, that's nothing.

I was in a pie baking contest one time.

And not only did I lose, my rhubarb pie made all the judges sick.

But you still make that pie. And it's still making people sick.

Can we change the subject, please?

No, no, Mary. I got a great loser story.

I was 17. I was in love with the captain of the high school football team.

I did everything I could to attract him, you know, within reason.

All I wanted was for him to ask me to the junior prom, but so did Susie

She was a cheerleader. Rich, you know.

Had her own convertible. Knew how to use it, you know.

Well, you can imagine what happened.

Uh -huh. He took Susie to the prom.

No, he took me to the prom.

And then why were you the loser?

I wasn't the loser.

Susie was.

That's why... the great loser stuff and ignoring that

what we're trying to say honey is that everybody has had losses and moved on i

hope you learned something from all this yeah i've learned something all right

i'm not running in the finals next week i'm quitting track

Hey, babe.

Oh, hi, honey.

So, how's Brenda today?

Well, she's in the kitchen now, but it was the same as yesterday. Came in

straight from school, went to her room, refused to take any calls, and has

ordered me to take the word run from my vocabulary.

Frankly, I like the peace and quiet. I'm getting a lot more work done.

Alexandria, you know, you're not exactly helping. You could try to cheer her up.

Hey, Brenda.

How about some ice cream? Race you down to the store. Last one buys.

I guess I didn't cheer her up. You sure did cheer me up.

Well, I guess I better go talk to her.

Well, I see you haven't changed your mind about quitting track.

Yeah, we've already been through this. I'm just not getting it.

That's not true, and I don't like you giving up so easily.

I've never known you to be a quitter.

Dad, do you know how humiliating it was walking around thinking I was so good

and then to lose in front of all those people?

Look, let me tell you a story.

Is this going to be about the time you took Porkchop Hill?

No, it's about the time I fumbled the football during the regional playoffs.

We're in head the entire game, and then because of my fumble, we lost by a

touchdown. Oh, Dad, you must have felt terrible.

Guess messing up runs in the family.

Well, maybe.

But quitting doesn't.

By the next season, I lost my confidence.

I wasn't even sure I was going to go out for the team.

But I did.

Then I wasn't sure whether I'd make the team.

But I did.

And then I was sure I'd fumble in the first game.

And I did.

Is this supposed to cheer me up?

The point is, I hung in there until I got my confidence back. By the end of

next season, even too tall Jones couldn't have got that football out of

It's a very nice story, Daddy, but I just don't think this is the same thing.

I don't think it's exactly different, either. And I wish you would think it

over. I thought it over, and I just don't want to go through that again.

Okay.

Daddy? Yeah?

Thanks for trying.

What are pops for?

30 minutes into the race, and it's for a good cause.

Friends, neighbors, celebrities, everyone is out to help get Willie

the next Olympics.

Hi, I'm health, and I'm Sandra Clark. Way to camp. I want to show everybody

gorgeous I look.

This is radio, and we're having people phone in and make pledges.

Oh, well, then to all you people that call in, whoever pledges the most amount

of money obviously has the most money and will win a dinner for two with me on

death at the most expensive restaurant in town.

Oh, that's generous of you. Anything for gold.

Here comes Flojo, running a ceremonial lap.

Flojo, can I get a moment?

I know this is definitely different from running in the Seoul Olympics.

Yeah, in Korea I was running for gold. Here, I'm running for heat.

Can we take a few shots?

See you, Brenda.

All the attention you get when you're a big track star.

Yeah, but nobody remembers the girl that came in third.

Florence, this was a great idea you had for this marathon.

Well, actually, it wasn't my idea.

It was the brainchild of a very given woman named Mary Jenkins.

Speaking of giving, here she comes now, giving it all she's got.

Excuse me, Mrs. Jenkins, may I have a word with you? Oh, child, take as many

words as you want. I could use the rest.

How many times have you been around the block?

Oh, about $22 and 10 cents.

I must admit, this is a great idea.

But what do you think the results will be?

Well, I'll tell you, child.

Willie may be able to run in the Olympics, but I don't think I'll be able

walk for a week.

Well, I got to go. My meter's running.

Only 300 more times to go, Pearl. What's up?

How you doing? I need water.

Let me rephrase that. I need a drink of water.

Oh, rankling, salt -free a spot.

Surprise me.

What's the matter, Leslie?

Tired already?

Oh, Rose, go on. I already left you three times.

Only because I stopped for lunch.

I've given up on running. It's not part of my life anymore.

But everyone tells me how good you are.

That's what I thought until I came in third.

Brenda, everyone loses sometimes.

My time is over. I'm finished.

You know, I had to lose a lot of races before I became the fastest woman in the

world. If I had quit every time I came in third, the closest I would have

to Korea was watching Madge reruns.

Think about it, Brenda.

And it looks like a gentleman who's sponsored by the government.

How many laps have you completed, sir? This is my first one. Just one?

Well, I'd be a lot faster, but I'm delivering the mail at the same time.

And here comes a young man sponsored by the D .C. Pet Shop. I'm Calvin Dobbs,

and I'd be winning the race if I didn't have to stop at all the fire hydrants.

Flag line.

Fifty dollars to talk to Flojo.

This is Flo -Jo.

And here comes a pretty little girl.

And who's your sponsor, sweetheart?

I'm still looking for one.

Oh, that's a shame.

Hey, how about your radio station?

Well, we're not usually in the business of sponsoring. Oh, you're against

marathons and helping people in the Olympics. We pledge $50. Good. Nice

business with you.

I want to show you this outfit.

What do you think?

Very interesting.

I designed it myself. I want to put it on the market. I think you're the

person to endorse it.

Well, Sandra, I don't know.

Now, come on. Now, this is the ultimate in high fashion running tops.

A necessity for a woman who meets a good looking man while she's out on that

jogging trail. You know what I mean?

Versatility is the key factor here.

Especially if he's taking you from the running track to an exclusive

You are now elegantly dressed for a night on the town. Florence!

Florence! What do you think?

You might have something there, but let me get back to you.

Florence, now I think it's obvious. With my talent and your name, I mean, we

can't lose!

expensive goods there.

Calvin, you're going the wrong way.

To the door!

They have $2 ,000 to go, and it's getting pretty cold down here.

Mary, I think this is your last pit stop.

Sal, you got that right.

This is it for me.

I'm gonna get a warm bath if I can make it up these steps.

Oh, Mary, I'm glad you're here. I hate to run, but I've got a plane to catch.

Well, child, if anybody can catch it, you can.

And thank you for making me feel so at home.

It was easy with you.

Yeah, thanks for the talk.

You're welcome.

Thank you.

Bye -bye. Bye -bye.

Mom,

you did good. Thank you.

Well, you know, there's still time for you to do a few laps.

I'm busy here.

Oh, still don't want to run, huh?

You know, Brenda, I think you're being silly, not to mention selfish.

We'll be running for a good cause.

Mom, I told you I don't want to run.

You know, coming in third is nothing to be ashamed of.

What happened to if at first you don't succeed, try, try again?

Oh, never mind.

Uh -oh, this is an unexpected development.

It looks like it's starting to snow.

Sondra, we're supposed to be collecting money, not men.

Hazelwood, Bartley, and Daly merged with Miller, Hawkins, and James.

It's really coming down now.

I guess it's back to the studios.

Home, James!

And Miller and Hawkins and Bartley did it again.

No pitching now, fellas.

Willie, you've got to come inside. It's freezing.

Everybody quit hours ago.

But I must continue until I reach the goal. By yourself?

Yes, if I must.

I know how you feel. You really want that Olympic medal.

Medal would be nice, but that's not the important thing.

It isn't? No, competing is important.

Well, don't you care if you win?

Oh, Brenda, I always win, as long as I do my best. In my heart, I feel like I'm

a winner.

I think I understand.

I must go. I'm running by myself, so I have 200 more laps to go.

No.

Only 100.