Original subtitles

Thank you.

Help me out, huh? I'm going to move back, please. Move back, everybody.

you.

If Amanda Price doesn't get here soon, I think she could have a riot on her

hands. Well, her limo left the airport 40 minutes ago.

I'll just get a picture.

Here she comes. Here comes the car.

Miss Price, I'm Peter McDermott. Welcome to the St. Gregory.

Quite a reception you've arranged.

Well, something tells me this happens everywhere you go.

Miss Price, Miss Price, Gene Wolfe from Entertainment Tonight. Are you aware

that your appearance here at the St. Gregory has become the hot ticket in

The hot ticket? Does that mean Madonna isn't in town?

Miss Price. I'm sorry, sorry, folks, but I'm sure she'll have a chance to talk

to all of you at the press this afternoon.

I've arranged a cocktail party in my suite following your opening performance

tonight. That sounds lovely.

That doesn't look a thing like me. But wherever you got that shot, I'll take

dozen.

Miss Price's luggage is on its way to the Windsor suite, Miss McDermott.

Those opera tickets have to be in his room by five, okay?

Thanks, Eric.

Should you need anything, anything at all, our director of guest relations

be there to handle it.

Amanda Price.

I'll be happy to do whatever I can to make you stay more comfortable, Miss

Price. How nice.

But at the moment, what I'd most like is to settle into my suite into a hot tub.

So, if you'll both excuse me.

I'm sorry, Mr. McDermott. I didn't mean to cut you off like that.

We've already met.

She's my aunt.

Your aunt?

I haven't seen her since I was eight.

To tell the truth, it doesn't feel like we're even related.

Good thing you and your wheels came by this morning.

Spending all night with criminal procedure.

Needed some kind of lift to get me to work.

Sure you're ready to face the paying customers?

If I have a choice.

Oh, and the jewelry wholesalers check in today.

Maybe they do have diamonds in those sample cases.

It's going to feel more like lead and bricks.

Think you can use one for the road?

Good old vitamin S?

I don't know how I would have made it through the last couple weeks without

Here. And the grind gets even tougher.

Maybe you should have your own supply.

Whatever it takes to make it through the day and the bar exam, right?

Right. Thanks a lot, Phil.

Have a good one.

Still on for lunch at

my place?

Oh, sorry.

I'm in the middle of promoting your place.

These layouts and ad copy need to be approved and out by close of business or

miss the deadline on those national ads we're taking.

Christine, we couldn't have dinner last night because of the Davis wedding.

Or lunch yesterday because of that trouble in the laundry.

Our guests expect clean sheets.

The point is, we're letting this hotel take charge of our lives. It's supposed

to be the other way around.

Mr. McDermott, it's Charles Cabot.

I thought he was in South America.

He is. Brazil. Online, too.

You were saying?

You're not off the hook either, Christine.

What? The food and beverage meeting?

I forgot all about that.

Where are the figures?

I've got everything right here. All you need is you.

You're too good.

Thanks.

If Dave seems a little draggy when he comes in, pretend not to notice, okay? I

found the poor baby asleep with his nose in a lava this morning.

Draggy? You can't mean that, Dave Kendall.

He doesn't look like the same man I poured into bed four hours ago.

But I have no complaints over this new, improved model.

I'm going to go see how the jewelry show check -in's coming along. Okay.

I thought you were going to sleep in this morning. I guess my second wind

in a couple hours after you left.

I'm doing fine, no problem.

Everything going okay upstairs?

I told you I could study for the bar and support my wife at the same time. It's

a Kenrell tradition.

Maybe I'm getting too much sleep.

Yes, that's a good girl.

Yes. I love you, sweetheart.

Hi, here to see Miss Price?

Go, go, Billy.

Right on time.

Come in.

There are a million things I need, and I understand that you are the person to

handle them all.

I can try, Miss Price.

You'll have to do better than that.

I'm not just here to sing.

I promised my publisher a first draft of my autobiography by the end of next

month, and I am decades behind.

Just too much life to cram into 400 short pages.

So you'll need a typewriter, tape recorder?

What I'll need is a secretary.

One that takes dictation at the speed of light.

And a weak supply of fresh fruit.

It stimulates the brain cells.

Well, my brain cells, at least.

We can handle that, too.

You're very accommodating, Miss.

It's Julie, Miss Price.

Julie? I have a niece named Julie. She was named after my... Your grandmother.

It's, uh... It's Julie Gillette, Aunt Amanda.

Julie? My Julie?

Oh, my Lord!

You've changed.

You haven't.

Diet and exercise, darling. And good genes, which obviously you have

Look at that skin.

Look at those cheekbones.

What are you doing here, of all places?

Working. As a matter of fact, I've just recently been promoted to director of

guest relations.

Another thing you've gotten from my side of the family.

That drive.

That push for something better.

But surely you want more than this, Julie.

More than just a job at a hotel.

I'm very happy doing what I'm doing.

I'm working with people, and I love it.

For now, of course.

But, Julie, you could be somebody.

I thought I would.

Oh, I didn't mean that you... I'll be happy to arrange these things for you,

Aunt Amanda, and anything else you'd be needing.

I'm very good at what I do.

May I help you? Yeah, I'm looking for Dave Kendall. I promised I'd get this to

him. Phil, what are you doing here? Hi.

Hi. Where are you welcome at the law library?

Megan, I thought they kicked you upstairs.

Not so far that I can't help out my hubby once in a while.

I'll see you get that.

Review notes on contracts.

You look pretty busy. I'll track them down myself.

It's a big hotel.

Dave could be anywhere doing just about anything.

Trust me, you'd spend the rest of his shift looking for him.

Well, okay.

He needs it for tonight.

Okay. I know he'll appreciate you dropping him off.

Yeah.

Bye. Bye.

advertising deadlines, visiting firemen, the inspecting kind, and meeting myself

coming and going today.

Something urgent?

Oh, only for Dave. Study notes for the bar exam.

Well, I'm sure glad Dave has to wade through all this legal mumbo -jumbo and

me. Don't sell yourself short, Megan. You can handle this job, you can handle

just about anything.

Right.

No wife?

No children?

Miss St. Gregory is my family.

Work is a poor substitute, Mr. McDermott.

Take it from one who knows.

I assume you're aware that Miss Gillette is my niece.

She did mention that, yes.

To be honest, Mr. McDermott, my family and I are not as close as we should be.

Sorry to hear that.

Friends and family.

Well, they don't always understand how a career or a hotel can take over one's

life. You fight to get somewhere and then discover it takes all you have just

stay there.

Believe me, I know what you're talking about.

I'm telling you this because I need a favor.

You have something I want.

My niece.

They look like black beauties.

Amphetamines. You know, ups.

Pretty potent stuff.

Thanks, Billy.

I really shouldn't have bothered you like this, but a friend was wondering

they were.

She found them in a drawer.

Well, I'd say your friend's best bet would be to get rid of them, not leave

anything to chance.

That's exactly what I was going to tell my friend, to get rid of them right

away.

Thanks, Billy.

Beautiful.

This must have cost a fortune, Aunt Amanda.

I can't accept it.

Of course you can.

Besides, that's not the real gift.

Check the time.

It's four hours off.

That's the real gift.

Four hours off.

I talked to Mr. McDermott and got you the afternoon.

Got us the afternoon.

I finished rehearsals, and I have nothing but free time on my hands until

tonight.

But I can't just leave. I have responsibilities.

Well, think of this as part of your job. After all, you're director of guest

relations, and I'm a guest and a relation.

So let's see San Francisco.

Wonderful.

This city is... So beautiful, and I can never really take the time out to see

it.

You know, you could see a lot more than just San Francisco.

I have a proposition for you.

I've been asking around.

You are good at what you do. Everyone says so.

Well, I need someone like you.

Someone to travel with me. Keep my life in order.

A secretary?

That's really not... No, no, not just a secretary, but an executive general

assistant. And Amanda, that's a...

Very generous offer.

I can't help wondering why.

Dolly, I'm your aunt.

One I haven't heard from in almost 20 years.

Dad never told us why you cut yourself off from the family.

It's not important now.

What is important is that I'm in a position to help you. To show you the

To give you a real career if you'd like.

I have a real career.

I'm very happy at the St. Gregory.

Happier than you'd be buying a new wardrobe in Paris, cruising up the Nile,

driving through Italy.

I have an engagement next spring in Singapore.

But you could hire anybody.

I don't want anybody, Julie.

I want you.

I want my family.

And you are my family.

Just think about it.

That's all I ask.

stranger.

What's going on?

Nothing. That's the problem.

We need time alone, and maybe now's the time.

If we go in this way, no one needs to know about it.

I like the way you think. Well, that's what private doors are for.

Mr.

McDermott, Miss Kendall said we might wait for you in here.

Oh, well, yes, Mr. Yamada.

I didn't realize it was that time already.

You know our general manager, Miss Christine Francis?

Ah.

Nice to see you again.

Did he need a stronger hand?

Did he need a lighter touch?

Was I soft or was I tough?

Did I...

If you would.

Tonight is very special for me, opening here at the St. Gregory before an

audience of friends and family.

This is a rewarding business, one that's full of challenge, full of

possibilities. It can open the door to a world of adventure and excitement if

you only say yes to it, yes to life.

It's because of you, all of you, that I'm here tonight.

And for that, I just want to say thank you.

I love you all!

First time we've had dark clouds all day.

What do I need?

I'm going to get started on these contract notes while you start dinner,

Come

on.

Come on, Phil. Where the hell... Is this what you're

looking for?

I hear they're called black beauties.

Honey, it's not what you think.

They're nothing.

It's just a study aid to keep me awake. A lot of the guys use them.

Anyway, they're not addictive.

I asked around. I don't care what the guys do or what they say.

I care about you.

They are nothing to worry about.

Honest. They're just to get me over the hump. After that, they're history. If

you need these to study, then maybe you're spread too thin.

I can support us both while you study full time. Why do I look like some kind

leech?

I am your husband.

Other wives work so their husbands can study. This is a partnership. It's a

marriage. In 35 years together, my mom never supported my dad. I can study and

support us.

Honey, please don't.

It's not like I'm hooked or anything.

They're just for this last push.

Then prove it.

Get rid of them. Now.

Dave, promise me you'll never touch these again.

Ever.

Like I said, it's no problem.

And if it means that much to you, promise.

Never again.

What a fabulous evening.

The world is full of fabulous evenings, darling. And all you have to do is say

yes to me.

Amanda Price, I don't think you've met our general manager, Christine Francis.

No, how do you do? No, I haven't had the pleasure.

But I've seen your picture in Peter's office.

Is it common practice for the owner to have a picture of the general manager on

his desk?

At the St. Gregory, it's mandatory.

Thank you very much.

Oh, my God.

Surprise, surprise.

Surprise indeed, Joe. That awful San Francisco fog had me circling the

for a week. I feel terrible missing your show. Thank God it never changes, like

Mount Rushmore.

So, here I finally am. Isn't that Joan Talbot?

Just another star -studded evening at the St. Gregory.

Well, you were there when I got my Oscar. I wanted to be here for this

opening of yours.

Good friends support one another.

I saw your picture last month in one of those supermarket rags. No, no, I think

that was time.

It was taken at the ranch.

Stephen and I raise Arabians just outside of Santa Barbara.

Horses, you know?

Come here, darling.

Julie, I want you to meet one of my oldest and dearest friends.

Well, old it's anyway.

You know what I had on my calendar for tonight before this came up?

Dinner for two.

My apartment.

And the light.

Why?

You and Aunt Amanda were on Broadway together, weren't you?

Not exactly together, Julie. I was the star.

Joan was in the chorus.

Your aunt and I became great friends.

She saw to it that I got a number of my own. A Hollywood producer saw me. Yes,

Joan, we're all up on our ancient history. But what history?

Tell me, what was it like winning an Oscar?

Please, this is really Amanda's night.

Yes, Joan, tell her.

We're dying to know.

What was it like?

Really, I'd rather talk about you.

Now? Oh, would you prefer to wait until I turn my back?

That's when you do some of your best work, isn't it?

I would just like to remind those assembled that the part for which Miss

Talbot won the Academy Award was created on the New York stage by one Amanda

Price.

Amanda, do you think maybe you've had too much to drink?

You're making a fool of yourself, Amanda.

You, of all people, should recognize the sign.

And how did Joan wind up with it?

Yes, how did Joan wind up with it?

How did she get her claws into my role and my Oscar?

A promise is a promise.

I love you, Dave.

Mr. Jennings in the Berkshire suite needs the New York and Washington papers

the next week. So hold them for me and one of the bellmen will pick them up

daily, okay?

Thanks.

Good morning, Mr. Lett.

Oh, good morning.

I'm sorry about last night.

I'm sure Aunt Amanda was just... Look, you don't have to explain Amanda to me.

Besides, what happened was just as much my fault as it was hers.

We've been friends for too many years now. We know all the buttons to push.

So you know her pretty well.

Well, if it weren't for her giving me the chance in that show of hers, who

where I'd be today?

Certainly not as happy as I am in Santa Barbara.

But don't you miss the glamour?

The premieres, the studios.

Don't you miss that life?

That wasn't life. That was Hollywood.

The two have absolutely nothing in common, no matter what Amanda may tell

Julie, let me give you some advice.

Be yourself.

Amanda's always trying to turn everyone into someone else.

She steamrolls right over anyone or anything in her way. She tried to do it

me, and she did it to your father, and she'll probably... My father?

You know what happened?

I'm sorry.

I spoke out of turn.

Just stick to your guns. Live your own life.

Because if you let a man to live it, there's no telling how it could turn

Phil, Dave Kendall.

Listen, something happened to the study aid you dropped off yesterday.

Think you can manage a resupply?

Today?

Like it?

It's incredible.

And Amanda...

Well, I can't accept the offer to go with you.

I have a career here and a family at the St. Gregory.

This is about last night, isn't it?

I've already given my apology to Mr. McDermott, and I have one ready for Joan

when I see her.

I'm really not the wicked witch of the West.

It was opening night jitters, nerves, the champagne.

Did I make you ashamed of me, Julie?

Ashamed?

How can I be ashamed of someone who's accomplished all you've accomplished?

You sing, you act, you write, you direct, you travel, you lecture.

You never stop pushing yourself.

You make it sound like a bad thing.

If I didn't push myself, who would?

You and your family don't know what it took to get to where I am today.

Really? And where are you?

What are the point?

Where were you when I was growing up?

What did happen between you and my father?

I told you, it's not important.

Don't you think I have a right to know?

Don't you?

Your father was difficult.

I tried my best to get along, to share my good fortune with all of you, but he

wouldn't hear of it.

You were eight years old.

I bought you a Christmas gift.

A fur coat.

I remember it. It was very pretty.

Very expensive.

I found out later that your father took it back.

Exchanged it for cash.

And that's what this is all about?

Aunt Amanda, come on. We were living in Florida.

Dad knew I'd have no use for a fur coat.

But that maybe I could use that money in my savings.

For college.

It's the principle of the thing. Oh, it's not the principle.

It's pride.

Joan was right.

Amanda Price thinks of no one but Amanda Price.

So that's where all this is coming from.

Damn it. It's none of that woman's business. And my life is none of yours.

look. Keep the dress.

That way you don't have to worry whether I sold it or not.

Julie!

Joan Talbot, you've interfered in my life for the last time.

What's the emergency?

You. Me?

Us.

Lunch! Right!

Perfect.

Hello.

Yes.

No.

Yes.

Yes? No.

Sorry. Dinner?

Fine.

long do you have any idea how hard it is to look like i have work out here look

i'm not happy to be here either okay slipping you a few pills now and then

one thing that it's a little strange i feel like a dealer or something here

look i really appreciate this it's just

to get me through a couple more weeks and i'm home free

Thanks, Bill. I'll see you in contracts review.

Right.

That's a dumb thing to do here.

What are you talking about?

My study partner just dropped by to pick up some... Those things are addictive,

man. And anyone who tells you different isn't a friend.

You could be getting in over your head.

Hey, save the free advice for someone who needs it.

And if you really want to help, just butt out.

Isn't Talbot in? Oh, sorry. I think she mentioned something about the Cavalier

bar. You might try there, Miss Price.

Here we go, Mr. Lafferty.

Everything from the senior trunk to the matching overnight bags to the golf

clubs in one trip.

I don't see my wife's cosmetic case.

Must be here somewhere.

Clean out everything in the room except furniture.

I mean, when you folks travel, you carry everything but the kitchen sink.

Well, better go back up and check. My wife and I have a plan to catch. Just a

tiny minute, okay?

I'm doing the best I can.

Well, maybe I should find a bellman with a higher level of efficiency.

Well, it sounds like a plan to me. My shift ended ten minutes ago anyway.

Mr. Lafferty, I apologize for our bellman's conduct.

I'll have someone get your bag.

And one of our limousines will take you and your luggage to the airport with our

company.

Thank you

Just who the hell do you think you are, Miss Talbot?

Out of curiosity, Amanda, are you always at full volume? It's time we talk about

it. About everything.

About him. Him who?

Oscar. Let's talk about that role you stole from me. And how you stole it.

Let's talk about prejudice.

Prejudice? Who talks about prejudice anymore?

Talking about it doesn't mean it's not there. Or that it wasn't there when you

convinced the producers that I wouldn't be commercial in that role.

It was never prejudice, Amanda. It was ambition.

And you're no stranger to that.

Sure, there was prejudice back then. Nobody's denying that. But not for me.

I didn't campaign for the part. But when they offered it to me, I took it.

I may be a lot of things, but I'm not stupid.

Now, if you'll excuse me, this conversation doesn't have as much fun as

thought it might be.

You took my role?

You won my office?

I realized this was a contest. I took my basketball and went home. Is that what

this is all about?

And what about Julie? You poisoned her against me. What is it with you, Amanda?

I mean, it's always something.

If I was picked for a job that you wanted, it was prejudice.

If Julie's realized you don't give a damn about her except for what she could

for Amanda Price, it's my fault.

When are you going to stop blaming everyone and everything else for the

and things you lose?

My niece is my business, not yours.

Odd. She has this strange... that her life is her own.

What do you want from her, Amanda?

And from me?

What do you really want?

I want a husband. I want Santa Barbara.

I want everything you have.

You want what?

I look at you, and I see what my life could have been.

The husband, the family, the security, even the damn horses.

And you with only money, fame, and millions of adoring fans to get you by.

Amanda, you can't imagine how many times I wished it could have been different.

That it could still be me in the movies, on the stage, on the magazine covers.

We're in terrible shape, aren't we?

What are we going to do with that?

Well, let's face it.

We both got what we wanted.

I wanted a quieter life.

God knows Santa Barbara is that.

You would never really be happy there.

And to be honest with myself, I am.

And you wouldn't like the new Hollywood.

I love it.

But I'll be damned if I can figure out why.

I'm where I am today because of you, you know.

I owe it all to you.

Even the damn horses.

Joan, I... I miss our friendship.

I miss what we once had.

And I want it back.

All you ever had to do was ask.

Woman in the locker room.

I don't have any more business in here than you had blowing up at an important

guest. Any guest.

I can't let it pass. Look, Miss Francis, you've got to understand.

It's been one of those days... Look, I know you're under a lot of pressure,

Dave. We all are.

But there's no excuse for that kind of behavior.

None. Ever. Hey, you don't know what it's like.

You're right.

I'm sorry.

It should never have happened.

If it ever does again... It won't.

I swear.

Amanda says you might be leaving us soon.

I can't believe everything my aunt says.

It's so easy to get caught up in her dreams that I forgot my own for a while.

Amanda only wants to be closer to you. You can't hold that against her.

She can open a lot of doors for me, but they're not the right doors.

For now, my life is here at the St. Gregory.

My grandmother always told me you can't get what you want until you know what it

is.

Sounds like you got half the battle licked.

Dave? I got off early, honey.

The staff meeting was moved to tomorrow.

You lied to me.

Just give me a chance to explain.

Megan.

Megan, please. You promised me!

Megan, you've got to understand that I'm trying. It's just not as easy as I

thought. You've got to taper off.

I've been through this before.

My older sister couldn't keep her promises either when she got started

tranquilizers. Stop it. She spent years making excuses, tapering off.

It nearly killed her, and I won't help you do that. Megan, it is nothing like

that. All my studying, all my work is for us.

Don't! You want to throw it all away after we've come this far?

Listen to yourself.

know who you are anymore.

Please, just a little longer, and then things will be like they were before.

It's just a means to an end. That's all. I swear it. I can't make excuses for

you or me any longer, Dave.

You have a problem, and until you're ready to admit it, we need some time

You can't just leave. Where are you going? I don't know. I'll find a place.

I need some time to think, Dave, and so do you. You can't walk out on me. Not

like this. Megan.

Megan.

You can't leave. I won't let you.

Meg.

Megan!

When I was five, Mom took me to a movie that she made.

It was a musical.

I thought you were the most beautiful lady I'd ever seen.

Then she took me home, and she showed me your picture on the piano.

She told me you were my aunt.

From that moment on...

I wanted to be just like you.

As pretty and as successful.

So when you suddenly weren't there anymore... I'm sorry about all that,

I guess I've just never been good at family things.

Now, there's an understatement.

But my work took so much work.

You don't know what it was like for me.

Mom told me about it.

Telling is not the same as living it.

Nobody had faith in me but me.

There was nobody to push me but myself.

All I heard was people telling me what I couldn't do, like your father.

And I resented him for it.

But I knew there was something more for me.

And you made it.

We all make our choices.

And for every choice we make, it costs us something.

For me?

It cost a husband and a friend and a family.

All I want now is to make it right somehow.

You, you're the daughter I never had, Julie.

I want to give you so many things to help you succeed, to get somewhere.

Aunt Amanda.

Don't say it. I know.

It took a while, but I finally hear you.

And I see it, too.

I spent a lifetime wanting what everyone else had.

When I had it all the time in you, your mama, your papa.

Like I said, I wanted to be you.

Till I grew up enough to know that we can only be who we are.

And for me, for now, that's all I need.

I'm proud of you, darling.

You grew up good.

You too.

Oh, finally.

I thought work had caught up with you.

The phone was ringing. I didn't answer it.

That was me. We had reservations at home. Well, plans have changed.

What?

You won't be needing that.

But the weatherman said rain.

Yes, but not in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles?

For dinner?

And I dare anyone to find it there.

I love you.

What's not to love?