Original subtitles

Give yourself time to get your feet wet. It's only your first day. Oh, I've been

waiting for this day for years.

The St. Gregory.

At the risk of buttering up the boss, you can't get any higher.

Oh, Mr. Magnuson will be staying in the Windsor suite.

Please don't hesitate to call if there's anything special you need.

All right.

I'm not shy.

The face is familiar.

Harley Magnuson.

The film director?

His last movie nearly scared me to death.

He's in town promoting his new one.

Julie Gillette, I'd like you to meet Elizabeth Bradshaw, our new concierge.

Julie is director of guest relations.

We'll be working together closely, I hope.

I'm looking forward to it.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

He doesn't look nearly as frightening as his film.

Good morning, Maggie. Good morning.

What's that?

What?

It looks like paint.

Oh, that.

I filled a bottle of nail polish remover. Sorry.

Thank you.

Fine.

Yeah, send them on, Bob.

We'll get them paid right away.

I think I got you a better rate on the VIP limo service.

Morning.

Oh, I like this tie.

Very man about town.

Too bad you didn't help me pick it out. You should have stayed over.

Weatherman said it got down in the 30s. Well, that's the beauty of electric

blankets. They keep you warm and protect your virtue.

From whom?

I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were busy.

Well, Amy Sullivan Christine Francis, our general manager.

Amy's one of the hottest young decorators in town.

How do you do? Hi. We're lucky to get her.

To get her?

So now that the cat's out of the bag.

What cat?

Out of what bag?

Are you in on this?

After all the abuse and you still don't trust me?

Well, there it is.

It is?

Your new office.

I thought to myself, why not save you all the aggravation?

We'll get a head start, so Amy and I just plunged right in.

Oh.

Peter, how thoughtful. I can't wait to see it. The deal is, it's got to be a

surprise.

Don't worry. I have lots of fabrics for you to look at.

Leave room for the shark, Amy. It's at the taxidermist. The shark?

Don't worry. It'll go perfect with a moose head.

Oh, sorry.

I'm so clumsy. I'm sorry.

Haven't seen you in a while.

Oh, you know how it is. Busy, busy, busy.

Well, if you need me to run some errands or go to the bank for you.

Thanks. I'm fine for this month, and everything else is right here in the

Who knows? I might just stay here forever.

Miss Schaefer's room, please.

Perfect timing.

I was just going to give you a ring. I spoke to your dad. He wanted to know how

you were doing.

I don't know why he insists on bothering you.

I'm sorry.

I just... I'm very flattered, Peter, but I don't need a babysitter.

That's what I keep telling him. I take it, though, you haven't accepted his

calls. We always have a bad connection.

Laura! Sorry, gotta run.

What about Kevin? That's why.

Laura, wait a second!

I don't know what I'm going to do anymore.

I wanted to thank you.

You certainly didn't waste any time finding me that courier, sir.

Then I won't feel guilty asking for passes to your new picture.

I forget.

Is it the beast below or the horror from on high?

I knew there was a future for you in Hollywood.

Do you care to discuss it over dinner?

Or does the management frown on the staff breaking bread with the paying

customers? As long as I don't butter it in public, it shouldn't be a problem.

We've got some great choices here.

You sure you can't sneak me in there when he's not looking?

This one's very lovely.

That's one thing about Peter McDermott. He commands loyalty.

Mr. Cabot is here. You'd think he would have called first.

You're so hard to get hold of, Christine.

If I've caught you at a bad time... No, no, a decorating plan.

Amy Sullivan, Charles Cabot. Nice to meet you. Pleasure.

Excuse me.

Thank you. Working in a new office?

How nice.

I'm delighted there's room in the budget.

Not a new office, Mr. Cabot. My own office.

I think the general manager's entitled to one, don't you?

Oh, absolutely. Forgive me, I never meant to imply you were being reckless

operating expenses.

If anything, office decor always sets a certain tone.

The first impression is very important.

Something tells me I've made a mess of mine.

Truce? I didn't realize there was a war on.

Coffee? Please.

Actually, I've been meaning to have a little chat with you.

Despite the bad press I've been getting, I'm as anxious to maintain the St.

Gregory's high standards as you are.

I'm sure Peter would appreciate hearing that.

When it comes to the cabots, I fear McDermott has a blind spot.

Maybe you, on the other hand, can see things more objectively.

You really haven't given Peter a chance.

Perhaps if you were to give me one, I'd understand the need to extend him the

same courtesy.

Shall we start with dinner?

Peter and I would be very pleased.

I hadn't realized you were joined at the hip.

Dinner for three is such an awkward affair, though.

Well, there's always lunch.

provided the table set for two.

Hello?

It's me, Kevin.

Why'd you run off like that? You know I don't bite.

I'd like to come see you.

It's just not the right time.

I wish you'd try to understand.

How can I when you're turning into a recluse?

Laura... I'm not a stranger.

But maybe I've become one.

I'm sorry, Kevin.

You're sorry?

I'm the guy you left standing at the altar. How the hell do you think I feel?

I have to get off now.

Thanks. If I thought she didn't love me, I'd understand.

But you know what she didn't go through with the wedding?

She couldn't leave home any more than she can leave this hotel.

What's stopping her? Her father said she was shy.

She's not.

She's terrified.

Going outside.

It's a fear she has.

I'm afraid every day it's getting worse.

Charles came by to see me.

Now that I'm enjoying the lull before the storm, what does he want?

The benefit of a doubt.

More than he's ever given me.

You think he was holding out at Olive Branch?

That door a magic wand.

I wouldn't mind using one on Al Schaefer's daughter.

Isn't she the girl Dave's always running errands for?

Apparently she's afraid to...

Leave the hotel. I talked to her boyfriend about it, and he's at his

Does her father know?

If he does, he hasn't said anything to me.

I've asked her to have breakfast with me tomorrow.

Maybe I can find out what's going on.

You can't resist playing the Good Samaritan, can you?

Isn't that why you fell in love with me?

Among other reasons.

I really shouldn't have been there.

It's very late.

And you like to live dangerously.

Besides, you said your apartment isn't fixed up yet, and I got a bottle of

Chateau Lafitte just waiting to meet its maker.

The spies are out.

You punch the same time, Pluck?

I wouldn't want him to see me going against hotel policy.

Well, now, isn't that...

Is it a cozier supposed to satisfy her guests?

That's what I always heard.

Just a minute.

Where would madame like me to put this?

Madame wonders why you won't take no for an answer.

Would you really like to know?

Yeah.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

I'd forgotten what that was like.

I haven't.

If only my courage were a match for your persistence.

Lean on me.

I have strength enough for the two of us.

Laura, you've been here three months already. Isn't it time you moved back

Where?

Your apartment? My father's house?

I have a place of my own now.

And I just want to be left in peace.

Laura, face it. You've got a problem. I have tried to face it.

Two years in therapy, and what good did it do?

I could barely step out the front door.

Is this any better?

I get around the hotel.

It's a start.

Or maybe a dead end.

What does your father have to say about it?

Don't start with him, Kevin.

I put up with his lecturing for years. None of his business. It is if you won't

get help.

I love you.

You've got to trust me.

Come on, give me your hand.

We'll walk around the block.

You'll walk around the block. I'm staying put.

Going outside isn't half as scary as you think.

Please?

Only around the block I'm here to protect you

This is definitely a first.

I've never known a concierge.

What a deprived life you've led.

Holly!

If I'm supposed to be a good sport about this, I have to warn you.

I'm a sore loser.

Holly?

Are you resting, darling?

Hardly. Don't tell me you're the maid.

I'm certainly not the butler.

And I'm not amused.

But then why should I be?

I'm only his wife.

Thanks for laying out the ground rules.

If I'd known we were playing adultery, I would have phoned in my moves.

Now, if you don't mind, I'll let you two slug it out in private.

And deny yourself the thrill of a lifetime.

Whatever you do, Harley, don't say, thanks, I needed that.

That's my husband you were sleeping with. And if you think that's funny,

wait till you see my backhand.

Considering the game you're playing, I just want to see the other side of this

door.

Good morning.

The carpet's orange and the walls are maroon.

And you should see the tiki torches.

Wonderful.

First day on the job and she threw herself into her work.

I mean, usually I handle the VIPs, but there she was helping Harley Magnuson

like they were long -lost friends.

Elizabeth certainly sounds very eager.

That's a funny way of putting it.

Is that irony or understatement?

Well, apparently our new canteen is a very active lady.

How come I get the feeling he knows something we don't? Just keeping my eyes

open. After all, they don't call me Mr. Security for nothing.

Everything looks lovely.

You're being so kind to me, Peter.

Oh, come on now.

I've known you almost as long as I've known your dad.

More important, you're a guest in my house.

And you've made me feel very welcome.

But being a guest doesn't mean you're a prisoner.

Laura, you haven't left the hotel since the day you checked in.

I didn't realize everyone was so interested in how I spend my time.

I'm sorry.

No, you shouldn't be.

It's okay to get annoyed sometimes.

We all do.

Not in our house.

Daddy always said it wasn't ladylike.

When Mother was alive, she never raised her voice.

I was trained to follow in her footsteps.

Being afraid to express your feelings shouldn't stop you from going out.

Do you know how many times I've said that to myself?

I know I have a problem.

But there's nothing I can do about it.

Then you've tried.

Not in the last few months.

But before then, I did.

I tried very hard.

Why not keep trying?

It won't work.

You hear about phobias, fears.

People think they have all the answers, but no one does.

No one knows why a child is afraid of the dark, why some people can't look at

snake without getting goosebumps.

Those kinds of fears don't prevent them from getting on with their lives.

Do you know what happens when I go outside? Do you have any idea?

I think I'm gonna die.

You're not even listening.

Pat, I screwed up and I'm sorry.

Why didn't you tell me you were flying up?

Since when do I have to give you fair warning? Wait a minute. Wait.

Now, listen. Listen, obviously, I got a lot of growing up to do.

How much longer do you think you can go on playing boy wonder?

All I need is for you to be a little more patient.

While you sow your oats up and down the San Andreas Fault.

Sorry, but you don't make the earth move for me anymore.

Oh, by the way, you keep the Jeep, honey.

I'll keep the Jack.

Mr. Schaefer, I don't want to discuss it with you.

That's a goodbye.

Don't let it get away.

Think about it.

It's called agoraphobia, Mr. Schaefer.

It's the fear of having a panic attack in a crowd or a public place. Look, kid,

I read the same books that you have. If you know Laura has a problem, why aren't

you doing anything about it? Because she doesn't want me to. She walked out on

me the same as she did with you.

Now, what am I going to do, drag her back home?

She can't go out on the street. She can't get in a car. What kind of life is

that? One, I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

But at least when she was living at home, she had company.

Then you came along.

You never forgave me for that, did you?

What's to forgive?

I happen to think that you're the one who turned her against me. That's not

true. Oh, of course you'll deny it.

But the difference.

At least her first husband knew how to intimidate her just like you did.

So what do you want me to do?

She won't even take my calls.

She's forgotten she's got a father.

Then maybe it's time to remind her.

Oh, boy, you don't know the half of it. But that's the half that's so

fascinating. You can check out. Okay.

Dave. Yeah?

I understand that Bellman's the only uniformed employee that doesn't have to

answer to security.

Don't let Billy hear that.

It's true, though. We're the only ones allowed to go anywhere in the hotel.

Anywhere? Yeah.

That must come in very handy. Excuse me. Sure.

Concierge.

Hay Street Grill, 830.

I'll see to it.

Okay. Excuse me. Would you call the airport, Anne?

Good morning.

It's the understatement of the year.

Mrs. Magnuson, the truth is I had no idea that... But at least I'll rest easy

knowing he didn't pick you up off the street.

Even if that is where you belong.

Victoria must have been very comfortable here.

This was her home.

Now it's yours.

I thought we'd finished with that.

Oh, we have, we have.

That isn't to say I've abrogated authority when it comes to other areas

management.

Frankly, Peter, some of the excesses I've uncovered are rather startling.

I'm glad you're on the lookout. I can't be everywhere at once.

Take personnel.

Eight hundred employees in a hotel which sleeps a thousand?

How can you possibly justify such an inflated payroll?

Providing service is all the justification I need.

It's the one reason we've never lost our five -star rating.

Is that why we employ three men just to polish the brass?

Why not replace the railings with painted steel, sell the brass at a

let the men go?

My point is simple economics.

We've got to streamline if we're going to keep up.

You start cutting back on services and amenities, it's not going to win you any

friends. I didn't come to San Francisco to improve my social life.

As much as I love the St. Gregory, I won't allow it to become a white

It never was, it never will be.

Speaking for the Cabots, as long as you're at the helm, that's the promise

doubt you can keep.

I am sure there's a reasonable explanation.

Please. We've all taken biology.

What I don't understand is how you can sit there and allow this to go on.

Believe me, Mrs. Magnusson, if any of our employees have behaved

unprofessionally... I thought you had the St. Gregory's reputation to uphold.

Of course I do.

I don't condone what happened.

I intend to have a serious talk with our concierge.

Just a talk?

You can't say I didn't warn you.

Come on in.

I had some business with Peter.

So I figured I'd drop by and see how things were.

They're fine.

I'm making tea, you want any?

Oh, no, thank you.

No, you never call.

Don't you miss me?

I know.

A loaded question, right?

Anyway, your teacher friend dropped by the lot.

I don't know why Kevin won't leave well enough alone.

Well enough?

I'm sorry. Forget it. I didn't come here to argue with you.

Laura, what is it?

What are you so afraid of?

Fear.

And I don't want to go into it.

Then go back to the shrink, if you're so unhappy.

What kind of life is this?

My life.

Being on my own.

Come home with me, honey. It's a big house.

So you can bully me the way you bullied Mother?

I never meant to.

Laura, you're the most important person in the world to me.

Then why haven't I ever felt it?

How could you leave yourself open to something like this?

Because I'm probably a lot more vulnerable than I look.

Only it's not what you think.

Harley and I knew each other a long time before I moved here.

That's not what his wife led me to believe.

Well, I'm not one of her all -time favorites.

Harley and I started seeing each other while they were separated.

When they got back together, I decided it was time for a change of venue.

But when you saw him in the lobby, you didn't seem to know him.

I was so surprised that I didn't know what to do.

And I certainly didn't want to tell you, there goes a failed love affair.

Especially my first day on the job.

And then when he swore to me that he'd gotten a divorce.

Well, under the circumstances, I can certainly understand what happened.

I still had no business bringing my private life back to the hotel.

Please, you won't tell Mr. McDermott about this, will you?

Everyone's entitled to make a mistake.

But I have to caution you.

The St. Gregory is more than just a place of business. Everything we do is

scrutinized by the public.

It'll never happen again.

You have my word.

Believe me, I would never do anything to embarrass you or the hotel.

I know you wouldn't.

I knew that the day I hired you.

I'm

meeting

Laura for lunch. Did you speak to her? Yes, and I blame myself for waiting as

long as I did.

But not anymore.

I know a doctor, and I'm going to see that she gets help. And not just once a

week, either.

Al, you haven't even thought this through. What kind of help is he talking

about?

Ah, there she is. Hello, sweetheart. Hello.

What's this, all the men in my life?

Come on, Laura, there's something we have to discuss.

You're not going to get away with it, Al. Look, why don't we continue this

another time?

Continue what? What are you planning, Daddy? No, it's nothing to worry about,

honey. It's all for the best. You are amazing. You don't have the faintest

what's going on. No, but I do.

You can't make me leave the hotel. I won't let you.

Don't be frightened.

I'm just worried about you. He's so worried about you.

She just froze out there.

Thank God the driver stopped in time.

How is she, Doctor? Oh, she's going to be all right. More scared than anything

else. Oh, I'd better go in. I'm sorry, Mr. Schaefer, but she has to see Mr.

McDermott.

Hi.

Hi.

You gave us quite a scare.

All I remember is the panic.

Kellen gave me the name of a psychiatrist right here on Knob Hill.

He's got a terrific track record with agoraphobics.

So did the last one I saw.

He promised to have me walking down the street by the end of the first session.

Two years later, I'd locked myself in and thrown away the key.

All the more reason to try someone new.

He'll even come up here if that's what's stopping him.

What's stopping me is me.

This wall I've built around myself.

How long has it been this way?

Almost three years.

One afternoon I was driving to the market when suddenly I became panic

-stricken.

I couldn't breathe. I had pains in my stomach.

But the moment I made it home, I felt fine.

Do you know what triggered it?

No.

But it just kept getting worse.

First in the car, then out shopping, then every time I left the house.

What did the doctor tell you?

What they all tell you, that it's time to face your problems.

You see, living here, I don't have to go anywhere.

The hotel has everything I need. I'm safe.

For how long?

One day I might have to ask you to leave.

You wouldn't do that to me.

Someone has to.

Because it breaks my heart to watch you giving up on life.

Believe me, it'll be a pleasure.

We are good together, aren't we?

Good night.

Evening.

Tell me something, Mr. Griffin.

How come you and I seem to cross paths so often?

Sorry, I'm not following.

Please.

You've done nothing but follow me from the moment I came on this job.

Elizabeth.

Miss Bradshaw, I wasn't doing anything of the kind.

What is it you want to find out about me, anyway?

Maybe you think I'm running a little business on the side.

Is that it?

Your job is being concierge. Mine is patrolling the hotel. When I'm not

the halls, I still have a dozen men who are.

And yet, you're the only one I ever see.

I guess that's just a coincidence, isn't it?

Hi. Hi.

Here's a fresh pot. Good.

Good morning. Good morning.

Oh, hi. You been going all right?

Fine.

Just be patient.

Night's the night.

Judging from the way you cleaned your plate, I gather our breakfast menu is

ahead. I have no quarrel with the chef.

But the prices are ridiculously low.

And the dishes, absurdly esoteric.

Venison sausage, brioche stuffed with chicken livers.

Is that why you asked for a second helping?

Or were they off?

It's not the food, Peter. It's the concept.

Our gourmet breakfasts are bringing in an entire group of guests we've never

before. Restaurant critics, they revel in this kind of nonsense.

So does the downtown business community.

We're booked solid for the next three weeks.

Everybody loves a bargain.

We're not losing money, Charles.

When the profit margin shrinks, I consider that lost revenue.

You won't give me an inch, will you?

On the contrary, I've given you more than enough to hang yourself.

I've just left the psychiatrist. He came here to see me. We spoke to him last

night. You want to sit down and have a cup of coffee?

I think this is about as far as I can make it.

But at least I'm outside, even if it's only one step.

No anxiety?

Tons of it.

But I'm not supposed to fight it. Just go with the flow.

I have to confront my fears where I find them.

Something I haven't been able to do before, and I'm doing it.

But if I don't go back inside, I think they're about to pop out of hiding.

Don't worry.

Next time, you'll cross that street.

Walk in the park.

I don't have any doubt.

I'd better.

I don't want to wait till you have to evict me.

My marriage has been on the rocks for months.

I can't believe she pulled a stunt like this.

I don't relish playing the dedicated homewrecker.

Well, all I can say is, let me try to make it up to you.

Can we see each other this evening?

I promise it'll be very special.

She's flown back, hasn't she?

Oh. Straight to the lawyers They'll probably take you to the cleaners

This

evening

Yeah, hang on just a second. Hang on.

Eight o 'clock.

Love you.

Hi.

Yeah.

Of course, honey, I feel guilty, but we can still make it work.

I mean, all I need is one more chance, Pat.

Ah, here she is.

I'm sorry, honey. I called, and when you didn't answer, I became worried that

something happened to you because of the accident.

This is Dr. Davies. Hello.

Hello. I'm fine.

I just got a little dizzy, that's all. It won't happen again.

Oh, well, we're here to see that it doesn't. Dr.

Davies here has a marvelous facility up in Sonoma. A rest home, right, doctor?

I've had very good results with patients like yourself.

Now, if the ride up is too stressful for you, I can always give you something to

calm you. What's the matter with you? I'm not crazy.

No one said you were.

No, no, no. We're here to help you with this sickness of yours.

You're the sick one trying to lock me up somewhere.

No, we're not. The doctor's here to help you. I think you're getting

overexcited, Miss Schaefer. Damn right I am.

I'm already seeing a doctor, and the only way I'm ever going to get cured is

with my father.

Please, honey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you.

Laura?

Laura, honey, where are you?

Laura, listen to me.

Laura.

Don't you understand? We're not talking personalities. We're talking power.

Haven't you found out anything useful yet?

Give me a chance.

I've only been on the job a few days.

Besides, the man's a white knight.

You ask any of the little people about McDermott, and they fall all over

themselves telling you what a prince he is. Speaking of the little people, I

hope you're making friends.

They're a major part of McDermott's support system. Without them, you'll

much rougher time around here.

I have a few bridges to mend.

You didn't waste any time, did you?

His security chief saw me leaving here last night.

What was I supposed to do, smile and pretend nothing was wrong? Nothing is

wrong, which is exactly how you have to play it.

Remember, everyone thinks I'm the enemy. I show up and expect a white glove

inspection.

But you show up.

They wouldn't think twice about confiding in me.

The staff likes you. They'll never suspect what you're really after.

Well, don't worry.

By the time I'm finished...

They're all going to love me but not as much as I do

I

Don't care what the hell your excuse is don't make me feel worse than I already

do it This is my kid we're talking about here, not yours. This is my house and

my guest. You come in here without a court order and expect me to sit back

you drag Laura out of here kicking and screaming.

We'll try the basement.

Well, how was I supposed to know she's seeing a shrink again?

You could have asked. Found her.

On the way.

What is it?

They just found her. Let's hope it's not as bad as it sounds.

We'll be right here if you need us.

It's all right.

I'm not going to let them take you anywhere.

I promise.

Why won't he trust me?

I don't want to be afraid of him.

But he comes on so strong, I can't help myself.

You made a good start this morning.

See it through.

It's so much work.

You want a miracle cure?

You said yourself they don't exist.

You want your father to start trusting you?

Then give him something to believe in.

You.

Guess I was a little afraid we'd be in competition.

But so far, Elizabeth's been terrific.

I keep hearing the nice things about her.

Oh, I almost forgot.

She wants to take us to lunch tomorrow. Said she'd love to get to know you

better.

Come on, guys.

Gently.

Gently. Christine's getting her own office. They've been working on it non

-stop.

That isn't the stuffed shark, is it?

Actually, I think it's a Marlin.

She was kidding, wasn't she?

You know where I'll be waiting.

I'll be there.

I wasn't going to have you committed.

It wasn't anything like that. I just wanted you to get some help.

By dragging me off against my will?

You know why I have this phobia?

Because I don't even know how to survive out there.

Honey, you were never helpless.

But that's how you made me feel.

Admit it, Daddy.

After Mother died, you were afraid of being alone.

My being a shut -in was the perfect solution.

It wasn't a solution.

I just didn't know how to deal with it.

Maybe I still don't. But I am learning how to deal with it, and I'm making

progress.

It'll take time, but I have to stand on my own.

Daddy, please, try to understand.

I don't want you to catch me if I fall.

I just wanted to protect you.

Was that so terrible?

It is for a grown -up.

Falling down and picking yourself up.

That's part of life, isn't it?

Here's a copy of your receipt and your card.

Thanks. Come again soon, Mr. Langston. Thank you.

Signing a fast getaway?

Oh, uh... Had I known, I'd have packed you a boxed lunch.

Yeah, I'm sorry.

My wife called and... And a reconciliation is a lot cheaper than a

Don't worry, Harley.

I'll have the memory of your brilliant technique to keep me warm at night.

Did you really expect something more?

Don't get serious on me.

We live in a disposable society.

You dispose of me, and I dispose of you.

I wasn't sure if you'd make it. Then give up without a fight?

That'd be much too easy.

Out facing the world twice in one day.

I'd call you one very determined lady.

He's really scared to death.

But I'm not going to let it stop me anymore.

He's a terrific teacher.

And he's going to be an even better husband.

I know you can do it.

Don't do it for me.

For Kevin. For your dad.

Do it for you.

I believe this is the moment of truth

Well, gee, couldn't find any place for the moose head, huh?

Oh.

Oh, Peter, it's perfect.

Oh, all the details, everything.

Feels right.

Try the couch.

Try the couch.

Comfortable? It's wonderful.

Oh, I bet this was your idea, wasn't it?

Just to remind you, I'm only a few steps away.

Oh, you're going to be checking up on me, is that it?

Yes, I guess.