Original subtitles

Hi. Here's a memo on a new medical benefit.

Oh, did they include a date with an eligible doctor?

No.

Oh, Mark.

We're staying here?

Uh -huh.

How impressive.

How extravagant.

Well, after a month of being on the road, speaking, traveling, helping

you deserve extravagant.

Come on.

How beautiful.

Howdy. Hi.

We'd like to check in. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Stewart.

Oh, welcome to the St. Gregory. Thank you.

Oh, McLean, Oklahoma.

Is that oil country out there?

Pecan country.

Hi, I'm Christine Francis, general manager.

I grew up in Tarrant.

You're kidding.

Tarrant? Mm -hmm.

I hate to break this to you, but McLean just beat Tarrant in the high school

basketball playoffs.

So what else is new?

I just wish half the people who went to the playoffs would come see us at church

every Sunday.

Oh, are you a minister?

No, my wife is the minister.

Much too modest.

People come from all over the county to hear her preach.

You're doing 401K.

And there's also a message for you. Mr. Straker is waiting in the Cavalier Bar.

Where is that? It's over that way.

Why don't you go head on up to the room, and I'll be with you in just a few

minutes.

Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you.

Would you like guest relations to arrange a sightseeing tour?

Well, thanks, but I have been preaching to church gatherings for the past few

weeks, and frankly, I'm exhausted.

I understand.

Reverend.

Yes. Reverend Stewart?

Yes. It's Anne, isn't it?

And Howard, you remembered.

We spoke to you after your sermon in Sacramento.

Your words gave me the strength to face the pain these past few weeks.

Enjoy your day, Reverend Stewart. Thank you.

As I remember, you were coming to San Francisco to see a specialist. I just

they can help Howard.

Hope and faith can be as important as medicine.

Open yourself to the Lord's goodness.

His strength and his healing love are within us all.

Bless you, Reverend Stewart.

It's

amazing.

It feels like I was here just yesterday.

Maybe five years is a long time, Mr. Curtis. You said it.

How about your age, then?

Ready to ship off to Korea and scared to death.

And then I met this girl who was staying here in the hotel.

She'd just come to town to enroll in an art school.

I guess in those days, she'd be what you call a beatnik.

A beatnik? Is that like a yuppie?

That's someone artistic.

Someone sent it.

We packed so much into one day. We walked on the wharf.

We rode the cable cars.

At dinner, I even popped for ten bucks on this great bottle of French wine.

We danced.

I can still smell the cardenas that you wore on her hair.

Then we came back here.

Did you ever see her again?

I guess they save all the happy endings for the movies, right?

Hey, you know, if you really want to find her, I know a man who might be able

help.

I mean, is that a terrific story or what?

The love of his life, the woman he never forgot about, even after 35 years, a

wife, two daughters, I mean, it's a whole other life. Well, it sounds like

Mr. Curtis, left his heart in San Francisco. He told me he got separated

his dear in Korea, so he couldn't write her. And if she wrote... Her letters, I

guess, just never caught up with him, but he still remembers.

Oh, I guess maybe we've all got someone we'd like to see again.

Say one last thing to finish what we've only started.

His wife died last year, but wouldn't it be great if someone could help him find

Laura again?

Well, is he thinking of hiring a private detective?

Well, not exactly. I mean, he's only going to be in town a couple days, and

doesn't know anyone.

Besides, who could work that fast? But it would be a real challenge.

I mean, where would you even start to look after all that time?

Well, if it were me, I'd start at the beginning with the guest register. Would

you? Well, sure. The St. Gregory's records go back a lot farther than that.

No, no, no. I mean, would you? Help find her. Laura Carpenter.

You know me.

Anything for a guest.

I don't have to tell you how the ranks of TV evangelists have been thinned by

scandal.

But that leaves room for someone new.

Someone with a fresh look and message.

From what I've heard, your wife could be that someone.

She projects warmth, sincerity.

Sarah really is that way, Mr. Straker.

Call me Richard.

I'm sure she is.

And her qualities could have a wide appeal in today's television market.

You really think so?

Absolutely.

Of course, once we get this thing rolling, there'd be a substantial cash

an organization to put together.

She'd need a manager.

Someone she trusts, whose opinion she respects.

Someone who could get her to do what's best for her.

I, uh... I think I could handle that.

Well, I know, but, honey, we are talking a nationally syndicated TV show.

And Richard is willing to give you the coaching you need to make it happen.

But the way I talk and the way...

I look. That's the way I am.

Of course, Reverend Stewart.

But television, it's a merciless medium.

You've got the potential. Now you have to learn how to project the right image.

The right image?

Sweetheart, all Richard is saying is he can help you to reach the most people,

do the most good.

And that's what you really want, isn't it?

As if you didn't have your hands full enough this month.

I just got a call from the White House.

The vice president is paying us a surprise visit.

Hey, we've got it easy. In October of 1952, Truman and Eisenhower both stayed

here in the same week.

Remind me never to play Trivial Pursuit with you.

No, I was just checking some old guest registers. One of our guests fell in

with a girl here in 1952. Lost touch with her, and I'm trying to help him

her down.

Oh, getting back someone you love.

Tough order.

But anything I can do to help.

I don't know, Martin. How can I look into a TV camera? How can I preach to

people who I can't see?

I mean, how can I help people when they can't confide in me face to face?

But you could help those people the way you helped me.

Sarah, when I met you, I was a loser. You were never a loser.

I was a drunk.

I couldn't hold down a job.

If my sister hadn't dragged me to one of your prayer meetings, I'd... Don't be

so hard on yourself.

Sarah, you've done so much for me.

And so many people out there need your strength as much as I did.

I need your strength, Martin.

To help me see the right road to take.

Time for a few signatures?

One of the easiest requests I've had all day.

I've looked them over. All you have to do is sign.

Okay.

What's with Billy today?

I hear he's digging through old hotel records with a vengeance.

Something to do with finding an old love?

He's just helping a guest. Line of duty stuff.

There you go.

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. What is this?

Just...

I owe Peter McDermott one movie, one home -cooked meal, and one bottle of

Can't blame a guy for trying.

Get out of here.

You missed this one.

What did I say?

Why are you getting away?

Sit down, sit down.

I checked voter registration in the DMV. And?

She's a Republican, and she drives an 85. Found her? Great. Where? I also

checked SWRP, Statewide Real Properties.

They say a Laura Carpenter owns an art gallery in Sausalito.

She owns a gallery with William Hamilton, her husband.

Well, it wouldn't have worked out anyway. I'm a Democrat.

Well, don't you want to see her anyway? All you've got to lose is a trip to

Sausalito. More than that.

The memory of what we had.

I'm afraid if I see how things really turned out, I'd lose that forever.

Well, I guess that's it, then. Yeah.

Wait a minute.

Where do I catch the ferry to Sausalito?

Hello.

I'm Laura Hamilton. Are you looking for something special?

I should say so.

Jack Curtis.

How do you do?

I'm looking for a San Francisco skyline.

Looking out past Knob Hill onto the bay.

Well, that shouldn't be difficult.

Would you like it with or without the fog?

Oh, the fog.

The last time I was here, it was so socked in, you couldn't see a thing.

I'm looking for something that I missed the first time.

When were you here last?

1952. I was staying at the St. Gregory.

How do you feel about this? It's something I just finished.

You painted it?

Yes. Great.

Well, thank you.

Wait a minute. I thought you said your name was Hamilton.

Well, I haven't changed the name of the gallery, but I'm painting again under my

maiden name.

Does that mean you're divorced?

There's a lot of that going around.

I love it.

I mean, I'll take it.

But you didn't let me do my sales pitch.

I'll take it.

Sold.

Come on, Popeye.

Came across on the ferry.

I'd hate to carry that around all afternoon.

Do you think you could deliver it?

Say, this evening?

Sure. I have to be at a gallery opening in the city at 6 o 'clock. I could come

by afterwards.

About 8 o 'clock? Great.

Where'd you say you were staying?

I think Gregory.

Just like the last time.

See you at 8.

Right.

And not too much eyeshadow now. All right.

I'm not used to these doll ashes.

Well, you need them for the camera, sir.

I'm really going to have to trust Richard on this, huh? Gus, tease her

little bit. Give it a little more height, but keep it natural, okay? It's

to look really wonderful. You just wait until we're done.

Honey, you look beautiful.

I do? Let me see your smile. Let me see it.

It's a little crooked. I could try doing something.

No, no, no. That'll be all right. We don't want perfect hair. All right. It

looks fabulous.

Okay, let's see.

Come on, honey. Let me show you something.

You're going to meet the new...

Reverend Sarah Stewart.

This is not me. It will be. It will be. This will be the minister that the TV

audience loves to watch. Get that camera ready. Harry, light him up.

Here you go, honey.

You really want to reach all those people out there, don't you? Yeah.

Smile. Good luck.

Jack Curtis.

Sounds like he really did leave his heart in San Francisco. And I helped him

find it.

He's planning to surprise her with dinner tonight in the Crown Room. She

even realize who he is yet. No, and he doesn't want to just tell her. He wants

her to remember.

So we thought, what if we could create that same mood?

Top reminder of the first night.

That first night was back in 1952.

What did you have in mind?

Well, we thought we could ask the kitchen to prepare some dishes that were

served back in 1952.

I'll take a look in storage and see if I can find the old menu.

You're really into this?

Well, I'm just doing a man a favor.

Uh -huh.

Too bad we can't match everything from that first night.

The $10 bottle of wine that Mr. Curtis bought costs $350 now.

That much.

But then again, I hate to do anything halfway.

Well, why not?

After 35 years, that wine ought to be pretty special.

Maybe what they have will be, too.

Thank you. You're welcome.

Reverend?

Hi.

I barely recognized you.

Oh. You look lovely.

I mean, you always look lovely, but... I kind of feel like a stranger to myself.

All this, it wasn't exactly my idea. I mean, Martin and Mr. Straker have all

these big plans for me.

Back home.

Bad news?

Well, our farmers have been having a tough time. There have been

We've been trying to help them any way we can.

Having you there must mean a lot to them.

It means a lot to me.

Our church is like a family. I know every one of my parishioners, their

children, their needs.

I want to be there for the baptisms and marriages and... You sound as if you're

worried all of that's going to change.

Richard showed your tape to his people.

They loved it. Oh, that's wonderful.

That's wonderful. Now, they had a few suggestions, but your warmth, your

sincerity just leapt right at it.

Richard's arranging for you to give him one of your Sunday sermons tomorrow

night. A little beefed up, maybe.

Beefed up?

Oh.

Look, honey, all you have to do is be yourself, and they'll love you.

Something for you to wear tomorrow night.

You know, when we got married, I couldn't afford to buy you a real

The one you gave me was all I needed.

Sweetheart, this is a very important moment in our life together.

It's the beginning of a whole new career.

I wanted to mark it with something special.

Martin, the people back home have so little.

I mean, this is wrong.

This is very wrong.

Sarah, you are going to be on television.

You'll be able to afford a whole lot more things like this.

Now, there is nothing wrong with earning money by

doing good.

Such a big decision.

Are we doing the right thing?

We are, honey.

We are.

The chairs.

The china, the flowers.

They're all just like I remember them. Thank you for going through all this

trouble for me.

For the both of you.

I'm looking for Mr. Curtis.

Yeah.

This way, please.

Hello. Hello.

You look lovely. Thank you. I'm a little confused. I asked them for you at the

desk, and they sent me up here. I don't mean to intrude on your dinner. Oh, no,

not at all. I was hoping that you'd join me. Oh, no, I couldn't. Oh, but after

all you've done for me, it's the least I can do. Please.

Oh,

I love gardenia.

Thank you.

Enjoy your evening.

Have you seen this menu?

$5 .95 for filet mignon?

Yeah.

I have a feeling you'd like the beef wellington.

I haven't had it in years.

How would you know that?

You know, this is very strange.

Our table is the only... Chateau Auston, 1947?

Oh, no, I didn't order that.

Compliments of the St. Gregor.

Oh. What a nice surprise.

Looks like tonight's going to be full of surprises.

I guess what they say about San Francisco is true.

It is the world's most romantic city.

Yeah, but why is it every time we start arguing we end up making love?

Honey, come on.

You can't be worried about us.

I mean...

When we make love now, isn't it better than it's ever been?

Yeah, but you know, when I was a little girl growing up on the farm, my daddy

taught me how to tell when the milk was about to go sour.

Hello.

Wow.

Yeah, that's great, Richard.

Yeah, thanks.

Honey, you are not going to believe this.

So many of them TV station owners want to see you speak tomorrow night. We're

going to have to arrange for a bigger meeting room.

Do you believe it?

Is this something we want?

Sarah, wonderful things are about to happen.

All you have to do is open yourself up to the Lord's goodness.

Better double -check the feeding chart for the senator's dinner. His advisors

usually make last -minute political adjustments.

I hear the 50s music was your idea.

Why not?

A blast from the past.

And I hear from Food and Beverage that we're comping a $350 bottle of wine for

one of our guests.

We don't even do that for a senator.

I guess I'll go to any lengths to bring two people who were in love once back

together again.

Do you know what I love about Gardenia?

Even after the flower fades, the fragrance lingers.

Shall we?

I'm afraid I'm a little rusty at that sort of thing.

To be perfectly honest with you, ever since my divorce, I have thrown myself

into my painting, the gallery.

I haven't actually had a date.

Oh, neither have I.

Ever since my wife died.

It's as if my life has been on hold for the last year.

I know what you mean.

Come on, let's stumble through together.

Okay.

I haven't heard this song in a long time.

Just remember till you're home again, you

belong to me.

Jack.

Oh, my God. Jack Curtis.

We sure appreciate your meeting with us, especially at this late hour. Oh, from

you, Stuart, running a hotel is never a nine -to -five job.

Reverend Stuart is addressing the independent broadcasters tomorrow night.

need a room large enough for TV coverage.

TV coverage?

Sarah, what are you doing here?

I told you I'd take care of all the plans.

Well, those plans concern me.

Martin, I thought... You didn't say anything about TV cameras.

We're doing a live feed to some key station managers around the country.

perfect way to launch you.

I'd like some dramatic floral arrangements for tomorrow. Lilies,

Say $1 ,000 worth.

$1 ,000 for flowers?

I'm sure our people could arrange something very nice for a lot less if

feel more comfortable.

Honey, it's an investment in your future.

$1 ,000 will be fine.

It is not fine.

It will not be fine at all.

If you'd like to go to her, we could talk about this later.

Just as soon as we get these plans nailed down.

Yes, on the noon flight tomorrow.

No, only one ticket, one way.

Sarah Stewart.

You must have loved her very much.

Well, Lorraine, it wasn't like lightning hit.

Not like with you and me.

But we fit.

Like pieces of a puzzle. She taught me how to make souffles.

And I got her to like Monday Night Football.

Oh, that's the hard part.

The memories.

Anyway, the kids. Kids have been a great help. Oh, yeah. Kids can be a great

comfort.

Speaking of kids, your daughter looks exactly like you did at her age.

Well, she has much more of a sense of who she is now than I did when I was

age. I knew who you were after just one weekend.

Somebody I hated to say goodbye to in the worst way.

You know, when I didn't hear from you, I told

myself... Well, he probably just thought of it as a one -night stand.

Laura, you knew it was more than that, didn't you?

Maybe it hurt me less to think that than to think that something terrible had

happened to you.

When I was lying there in that field hospital, all I could think about was

and how much I missed you.

It's funny, isn't it?

How we both felt that way then.

And went on to lead separate lives.

As if we'd never met at all. But we did meet.

And I mean, underneath, aren't we really just the same people as we were then?

I mean, I know I am. I'm still a green second lieutenant.

And you're still a 19 -year -old art student who came to San Francisco

she wanted to see the city lights herself.

The city lights?

That night.

Through this window, it was so foggy we couldn't see a thing.

If it's clear tonight, the light is sparkling.

I'm sorry about last night.

It's not like us to go to sleep still angry at each other.

I'm going home, Martin, at noon.

Sarah, you are talking to the broadcasters tonight.

And if it all works out, you are going home with a contract for your very own

weekly TV ministry.

I already have a ministry.

Yeah, with only a few hundred parishioners. We are talking millions of

and dollars.

It doesn't matter to me about the money.

It's being there for people, sharing in their lives. Sarah, listen.

I got a stake in this, too.

Back home, back at the church.

Who am I?

Huh?

I'm only Mr.

Reverend Stewart.

If we get this TV ministry going, I'll be your manager, your partner.

It'll give me a chance to show what I can do.

You know I want you to achieve as much as possible.

Better than I deserve.

I'm going to go out for a walk.

I'm going to be talking to all those people tonight.

I better figure out what I'm going to say.

on how Jack Curtis' dinner went last night?

Well, I don't know about his dinner, but a highly placed source in room service

has informed me that Jack Curtis just ordered breakfast for two.

Did that trip down memory lane?

It was great.

Nice to know two romantic hearts will be somewhere in this town.

Make that three, unless tracking down old flames has been added to your job

description. Well, maybe Jack Curtis isn't the only one with an old flame

like to track down.

Reverend Stewart.

Hello, Ann. How is Howard?

Well, the doctors say surgery is his only hope.

They're operating today.

But I can see him just a few minutes before they... You just remember, even

you leave, God will still be there with you.

And he'll also be there with me.

Oh, thank you.

Good morning, Reverend Stewart.

It's amazing, isn't it?

How other people's problems seem so clear -cut.

I know what you mean.

I just came out here for some fresh air.

Care for some company?

That would be lovely.

Last night was exactly the way it was 35 years ago.

Exactly?

Well, close enough.

I mean, hey, youth is great, but experience has got to count for

right?

Oh,

what time is it? I've got to go. Go? Go? What about all the other things I've

been waiting 35 years to do with you?

Like go to Big Sur and Carmel? I have a gallery to run, a dog to walk. Well, do

you have a break for lunch?

You ever really loved a man, loved a man so much you couldn't even think

straight?

I think I have.

When I met Martin, who was an alcoholic, I helped him.

Maybe he felt a need in me, too.

Now he's come so far, I'm afraid to let him down.

How would you be letting him down? Well, this television thing, he seems so sure

it's the right thing for me. I mean, for us.

I'm almost afraid if I say no, I'd be betraying him.

Well, if you say yes, will you be betraying yourself?

Martin loves me. All he wants is the best for me.

My husband never sat still long enough for me to sketch him.

But he would never take the time to appreciate anything like this anyway.

It always feels like spring here.

The rain used to hate the winters in Chicago. She used to put out food for

birds to see them through.

Always couldn't wait for spring to come.

Now, that's what I call a great artist. Somebody could make me look ten years

younger. Maybe that's because you've made me feel that way in the last 24

I'm not used to these two -hour lunches. The moment we dock, I've got to go and

reopen the gallery.

Back to reality, huh?

This is reality.

You and me.

And it doesn't have to end.

Yeah, but you can't stay in San Francisco forever.

You have a job in Chicago, a home. Home.

That was a word that meant a lot to me when Lorraine was alive.

Now it's just four walls.

A lot of emptiness inside.

Laura, I want to be with you.

And what's that old joke?

You lose somebody and it's a tragedy. You lose them a second time and it

to look like carelessness.

I don't want to lose you again.

Okay, thank you. That's fine.

Okay.

Okay, good luck tonight.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

You did great.

Let me help you with that. I've got it. I've got it.

Honey, you've got nothing to be nervous about.

They're going to love you.

You won't be sorry to stay.

Hey, now.

You wouldn't want to mess up your makeup, would you?

Ann.

How did he... He didn't make it through surgery.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Would you pray with me? I feel so empty.

My God has abandoned me.

No. No, he hasn't. Just in time.

We have a full house.

Sarah, people are waiting. Excuse us. I can't. Not right now, but later. Of

course. Come on, honey, let's go.

We can't keep the broadcasters waiting.

So did you make up your mind yet?

About whether or not I should close up the gallery an hour early?

Something almost as important.

About whether you want to spend the rest of your life with me.

Look, this is all happening so fast. I need a little more time. 35 years isn't

long enough for you. I mean, we don't see each other in a third of a century.

And after just one night together, it's as if we were never apart.

Doesn't that tell you something?

Yes, it tells me that you're a very special person.

And no matter what happens... All right, let's go down to Fisherman's Wharf.

It's so fogged in, it's just like old times. It'll put you in the mood to say

yes. No, I have a better idea. Let's have dinner here. I've got everything we

need, and we can really talk. All right.

As long as you let me help.

Lorraine taught me to make this wicked Caesar salad. Now, the trick is fresh

garlic and plenty of it. So we'll both have to eat it.

Come on.

Well, maybe you'll like the salad so much, you'll love it. I made it.

Nice to see you, Reverend.

As I was reflecting on what to say to you tonight, I wondered what could a

from a small town church in Oklahoma offer television viewers across the

And I got to thinking.

In Oklahoma, I have lived through blistering summers that turned the

fields into dust and tornadoes that lifted barns right up off the ground.

And I was there for the people when they suffered.

And it made me feel, yes!

strength and i wanted to share that strength with everybody everywhere and i

realized i could do more good in god's eyes building a nationwide

television ministry instead of just helping a

handful of people liar you don't help anyone you don't care about anyone but

yourself

The Lord wanted me to do.

I can't do this.

That lady.

Where is she? She needs me. Why don't you stay in the hotel? I'll help you

her.

Every summer, Lorraine and I would go to this little lake in Wisconsin.

It would be a beautiful place for you to paint.

And the black bass. I mean, we're talking Moby Dick.

That would be something to paint.

And we'd catch her on the limit and she'd pan fry them.

I'll teach you to do that, Lorraine.

Tonight, don't you like fish?

You just called me Lorraine.

I did?

Just now.

When you were talking about we.

You were talking about you and Lorraine.

I'm sorry.

It's all right.

I know how much you loved your wife. I understand.

But I want to put that behind me now.

We've had a wonderful couple of days together, but how can you measure that

against all the years you spent with your wife?

Laura, please. It's too soon for me to take her place in your life.

No woman could do that. Not yet.

That's why, as much as I care for you...

I can't

marry you.

I can't let you go.

I was so lucky to get you back.

We were both lucky.

But you've got to learn to accept.

You're never, ever going to get Lorraine back again.

We had never met, Straker. We had never gotten off the track.

Off the track?

Off the track?

You had them in the palm of your hand and you threw it away.

You think a chance like that comes along every day? You just threw it away.

I didn't throw anything away.

I'm getting back what I nearly lost.

What are you going to lose?

A worn -down church?

A devoted following of dirt -poor farmers?

We passed the plate around on Sunday. We're lucky if we can raise enough to

the electric bill.

You want to be stuck in the pecan capital of southern Oklahoma for the

your life? Well, here.

Get your money back on this.

What are you talking about? I bought that for you.

Yeah, but it wasn't a gift. It was a bribe. To make me into something I'm

Well, I'm catching the first plane back to the pecan capital of southern

Oklahoma alone.

Honey, wait.

I was only trying to do what's best for us.

For you.

You want to go home?

We'll go home.

I'll come with you, of course.

First thing in the morning.

No, I don't think so.

But don't worry.

I think you'll be just fine.

Just fine without me.

Because, you see, what I want is my ministry.

And to tell you the truth, you have one heck of an eye for business.

What do you think?

If you can help me get a plane back to Oklahoma tonight.

Bruce, can you help the Reverend?

We'll do everything we can.

Thank you.

And thank you so much for being there.

I'm sorry your visit didn't turn out the way you'd hoped.

If you ever get back to town, remember it's only 50 miles of rough road to

McLean.

I'll be sure to come and see you on a Sunday morning. I wouldn't miss the

to hear you preach.

Sorry it's not finished yet.

Can't say goodbye.

You're going home then?

Today. But my sales here have been so good that I'll be back in a month.

Well, who knows? It might be finished by then.

Yeah, I've got a few things I've got to finish with myself.

And when I do...

Thank you for helping me recapture a memory.

Next time we'll have some new ones to share.

And the time to create a few more.

I understand Mr. Curtis flew back to Chicago today.

I'm afraid the answer is no.

She didn't go with him.

But that's okay.

He's not giving up.

A man after my own heart.

Anyway, your blast from the past in the crown room was terrific.

If you could relive any day in your past, which would it be?

Let's see.

I guess I'd have to say the first day I came to work here.

That's the day you met me.