Original subtitles

Housekeeping reports, we've lost over 3 ,500 towels so far this year.

That's 42 % over last year. Crime in the U .S. is only up 4%. Inventory control

is the responsibility of every department.

Now, Billy, we need extra security for the Korean trade delegation. There were

threats last year. I'm on top of that already. I've got a schedule right here.

Well, just keep me informed.

Julie, be sure Madam Zhao gets the red carpet treatment and the Cabot suite.

Everything has to be perfect.

And, Christine, the renovation plans... Are already on their way to building and

safety for final plans. I wish this conference in Palm Springs were next

when there isn't so much on the schedule.

Why not use the conference to relax, unwind a little?

Makes a lot of sense, Peter. You've been working too hard.

You can't work too hard running a five -star hotel.

Peter, it's not that we all don't love you, but I think we can manage without

you for two days.

No feeling like it in the world, is there?

You feeling as great as I am right now?

Gary.

Hmm?

I've come to a decision.

About? About us.

It's been wonderful all these months with you.

But it has to come to an end.

Not if we keep doing it right. No, I'm serious.

It's over. It has to be.

Over?

Helen, you've got to be joking.

This time we've spent together, it's been like... like a vacation.

But it's time for me to go back to the real world.

I've decided I have to stop running away from my problems.

I have to put my energies into fixing what's wrong at home.

I shouldn't have even come here last night.

But I wanted to tell you.

Hey, hey, hey, hey.

I know you.

And I know what you want.

What I want is for my marriage to work.

I've neglected my husband for too long.

That's because you've outgrown him.

You said so yourself.

Look, if it's marriage you want, then leave him and marry me.

Marry you?

Oh, Gary, I'm almost twice your age.

I'd have to adopt you.

I'm serious, Helen.

You're confusing sex with love.

I love my family, my husband, my daughter.

And they're joining me here around noon today.

You're flying them out?

This is supposed to be our time.

That's why I shift my flights around every time you come here on business.

So that I can be with you.

Gary, please. I was hoping you'd understand.

What about everything we've shared?

Carmel? That great weekend we had in that little place on the coast?

Hey, the fireplace in the room where we made love for the first time.

Gary, please, we can't go back. And we can't see each other anymore.

That's just the way it is. No, that is just the way that you would like it to

be. And I'm not going to let you do that.

You're hurting me. Not as much as you're hurting me.

Now, I'm warning you, Helen.

You go through with this.

You leave me and... And what?

Don't do this, Helen.

this to me?

There's one who's a six -year -old who was possessed by the spirit of a dead

hamster. Cheryl, how can you read that stuff?

I just like to keep well informed.

Excuse me, miss.

Oh, my God. Would you have a room for a lady who's flown all the way in from New

York without a reservation?

Mom!

Oh, he's at home.

Let me look at you.

Oh, you look beautiful.

Oh, Julie. Mom, this is Julie Gillette, the director of guest relations for the

hotel. Julie, this is my mom. It's a pleasure to meet you. Call me Beatrice

just Bea.

Pleasure to meet you, Bea. What brings you to San Francisco?

Actually, I had this sudden impulse to see my beautiful daughter.

You never had an impulse in your life.

Well, then it's about time I had one. In fact, I feel another one coming on.

You know what I want to see even more than you right now is a warm tub.

So you think you could use your influence with that computer of yours to

up a spare room?

No way. I got plenty of room in my apartment. I'll flip you for the couch.

Well, honey, I don't want to be a bother.

The room here at the St. Gregory will do just fine.

Why don't you find me one while I buy a few things? Which way is to the gift

shop? Why do you have to buy all of a sudden? I have to borrow shampoo,

toothpaste, a few essentials I forgot to pack.

Well, never mind. I'll find it myself.

Oh, nice to meet you.

Something wrong?

I don't know who that woman was, but it wasn't my mom.

When she packs, she packs the whole house.

She's also never been further away from Brooklyn than Midtown Manhattan without

my dad.

She said she just wanted to see you.

You're making something out of nothing.

Maybe.

Ask Christine to review the arrangements for the mayor's luncheon, and I want

that housekeeping breakdown on my desk by Monday. Yes, sir.

Eric, hold that door.

Sure thing, Mr. McDermott. Here, let me grab that suitcase for you. Thanks.

Did we cover the budget breakdowns this morning? There are copies in your

briefcase for your approval. Oh, and I mailed that letter off to Charles Cabot.

Okay, good. What else went up? Oh, the plane.

Have a good trip, Mr. McDermott.

Well, it took some doing, but there you go.

Three terrific seats for Beach Blanket Babylon.

You are a miracle worker.

Let me know how it is, okay?

How's our favorite lady executive?

Phil. Oh, honey, it's so good to see you. Hi, sweetheart.

How's my girl?

Fine.

So this is where you keep disappearing to on these business trips. This is very

nice. Yes, and it's only the lobby.

How about a look at the suite I've reserved for us?

Should we wait for the luggage?

No. Here you go, Mr. Johnson. Just follow me. Why don't you guys go on up?

going to pick up a paper and see what's going on in town.

Okay, but don't be too long, sweetheart.

I've waited all week for us to be together again.

Hi, honey.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

All the tour groups checked in at once.

Something tells me if anybody can handle it, you can.

You really like this job, don't you?

Job? I love this city.

I feel so special here. You know, you've always been special to your father and

me, too.

How is Dad?

Where is Dad?

Your father's just fine.

You had the nicest bellman in this hotel this morning. This bellman came up and

gave me what? Mom. What? What's the big mystery?

There's something you're not telling me.

You know I'm going to hound you till you do.

Come on.

Get it over with.

San Francisco's a really nice town.

And I'm sure if you like living here, I'm going to like living here, too.

I left your father.

I'm sorry we've let it become so strained between us lately.

The past few months have been difficult for me.

Pressures of work and maybe my own sort of midlife crisis.

I guess somebody in the family was due to have one.

Sorry it had to be you.

Well, I think buyers for department stores are more prone to these things

mechanics.

I know I've been distant, and I know I haven't been a good wife to you lately.

I want to change all that.

I want us to all be a family again.

Close.

Hold that thigh.

Are we sharing it with a tour group or something?

All ours.

Your mother set it up.

Wow, I got a copy of the Chronicle. There's some great things going on in

city this weekend.

Oh, wonderful.

We can talk about them over lunch.

We have reservations in the marina.

Would you mind if I brought someone along?

Well, uh, sure, no problem.

You have a friend in town?

Actually, it's someone I just met.

Well, any friend of yours is a friend of ours.

I'll make it a table for four.

Oh, I have some tickets for a wonderful show tomorrow night.

They were really hard to get.

Now, that's something we haven't done in a long time.

Here he is.

Please be nice to him.

I promise not to embarrass you.

Gary Murdoch, Mr. Johnson.

Hi.

Mrs. John.

Hi. Hi.

Thanks for including me. Our pleasure.

Sorry this ran on so long, Julie. No problem. At least we know all the bases

covered. We could only convince Peter of that.

Uh -oh.

I know this expression.

Either the crown room's been stolen or... It's Peter's plane.

It crashed.

One landing in Palm Springs. Apparent engine failure.

Oh, my God, no.

Are you sure?

I called the airport to check on the Korean delegation.

This guy I spoke to couldn't stop talking about this crash.

Something told me to ask which flight.

It was Peter's.

Well, how is he?

Where is he?

No. No, people live through these things all the time.

He's probably in an ambulance right now. We could call the police in Palm

Springs. I'll call the Palm Springs hospitals.

Christine.

He said there were no survivors.

Thanks for having me along today, Mr. Johnson.

Although I do feel kind of like an intruder on your family vacation.

You're not at all.

Is he, Dad?

Glad to have the company.

Especially a fellow football fan.

How'd you ever become a Philadelphia Eagles fan anyway, living out here in

California? Well, I know a good team when I see one, sir.

Monica, you've been feeding this guy all this stuff about me.

Not a word.

I can't believe we have so much in common.

Football, fishing, James Cagney pictures.

It's almost scary, don't you think, Helen?

Absolutely incredible.

Monica, what do you say you and I pick up some hot pretzels for the group?

Okay.

How do you think you're doing?

Well, you said find a woman my own age.

My daughter?

Small world, isn't it?

You don't like it? Tell her why.

Dad and I have decided you're the best tour guide in the city.

Well, my work brings me here a lot.

Mom, too.

Oh, well, then you probably know, Mrs. Johnson.

San Francisco is nice, but Carmel is the place to see.

Well, maybe I could take your daughter there while she's here.

It has got to be the most romantic place on the face of the earth.

Good pretzel.

Christine? You okay?

I don't mean to interrupt, but I was just concerned.

Billy and I haven't said anything yet. We haven't told anyone. We thought we

should keep it among ourselves.

I mean, at least until it's official.

Shouldn't you go home?

We can handle this.

Oh, I can't go home, Julie.

Well, someone might call. It might have been all a mistake.

It's not even official yet, so why is everybody giving up on Peter?

Someone is going to call. I've got to be here when they do.

I thought you were picking up a magazine.

I was, but I need a new dress. Something for my date with Gary tonight.

Monica, I really wish you wouldn't see that young man again.

Why not?

You and Dad are always complaining that I never go out anymore.

Well, since Ted anyway.

And Gary's twice the man that Ted was. I thought you'd be happy for me.

But you hardly know this boy.

Why is it that what I want isn't ever good enough for you, Mother?

You always seem to get what you want.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing.

Nothing means anything.

Sweetheart, I know mothers and daughters don't always see eye to eye, but I wish

you'd trust my judgment on this and do as I ask, please.

I think I'll try this one on.

It brings out my eyes, don't you think?

Gary loves my eyes.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

It's been so long since we've had dinner together. Just the two of us.

Oh, Cheryl, honey, I have missed you so much.

Me too, Mom.

I didn't realize it until you moved away, you know? That you're my best

And now that you're gone, the house seems so empty.

You have Dad?

Your father and I, we just don't get along like we used to.

Tell you the truth, we never did get along very well.

Don't say that. I know how much the two of you love each other.

Of course we love each other.

We just don't get along very well.

I don't know, honey.

I'm reaching an age where I want something more from life.

Your father's happy with the way things are, with the way things were.

And we've turned into two completely different people, and the person I've

turned into needs some room to grow.

And you think there's room to grow? Here in San Francisco with you.

Mom, I came here to find myself.

You know, to open up and experience new things.

Find my independence.

And that's what I want, too. This could be great fun for both of us, darling.

We'll find our independence together.

Together? I spend the afternoon looking around.

I didn't realize... Those apartments are so expensive.

So.

I've given this a lot of thought, Cheryl. And if your offer still holds,

like to move in with you after all, honey.

Oh.

Is this what we ordered?

How could Japanese food be so different from Chinese food?

The countries are so close together.

I would really love to take you to Carmel with me.

There's this great inn right on the coast.

Fireplaces in every room.

Every room?

Every room.

Sounds wonderful, Gary.

But I'm afraid my mother wouldn't approve.

Oh, do you really care what she thinks?

Do I care what who thinks?

Stop right there.

Mrs. Johnson, did we wake you?

Go to your room, Monica.

Don't do this, Mother. I'm not a little girl anymore.

I said go to your room.

Gosh, I hope it was nothing I said.

Get out of here, Gary, now.

Anything you say, Mrs. Johnson.

Christine? Peter!

Christine.

Peter, I thought you... We all thought you were... Well, didn't Charlie call?

Charlie?

Charlie Miller? No.

Well, yeah, maybe there was a message to call him. What does he have to do with

this? Well, I bumped into him here at the airport. He offered me a ride down

his private plane.

We landed just ahead of the flight I was ticketed on.

It crashed, exploded right in front of me.

The sound of it, Christine, the flames of people.

Peter, we all thought you were one of those people.

I tried to help and do what I could. I told Charlie to call you and let you

I was all right.

You can't imagine what it was like.

And all the time I couldn't help but think how it might have been me, how I'd

never have seen you again.

Peter, we've got to talk.

We have to put what happened last night into some kind of perspective.

Look at this rod, Christine.

Clean, quiet.

Fish don't have a chance.

Are they biting?

Well, they're always biting somewhere in the world.

Peter, is that meeting with the planning commission been canceled today?

No, not that I know of.

Oh.

Well, in that case, has it been moved to Fisherman's Wharf?

Hmm?

Oh, the clothes?

What do you think? My new look.

I have a hunch the commissioner will be expecting the old look.

Well, actually, I was thinking you could take that meeting.

You can handle it, Christine. You don't need me.

You always take these meetings.

New philosophy.

I've decided it's time to loosen up a little. Get off your back and the backs

the department heads. Let them run the hotel for a change. That's what I pay

them for, after all.

Christine, did you, uh... Did you see this fly?

Only a dozen like them in the world.

And you've got one?

All 12.

Well, nothing like them for smallmouth bass and deadly.

Peter, I know you had a bad scare yesterday, but don't you think you might

overreacting just a little?

No, I don't. You know, life's too short to spend it all in this office.

And for one thing, the fishing's lousy.

That's why I'm going up to the lake today, after I pick up some stuff from

upstairs. The lake?

Yeah, I'd ask you to join me, but somebody's got to meet with the planning

commission today.

I'll bring you back some fish, huh?

You want to talk about it, Cheryl?

I think I'm talked out.

I talked to my mom last night until I was blue in the face.

Got nowhere.

You know, she's bound to discover that single life is not all it's cracked up

be.

After all, it's lonely, expensive, and depressing.

Do you really believe that?

No, that's not the way I see it.

Actually, I like being single.

But it's too bad you can't convince your mother otherwise.

Maybe I can.

Why, Mrs. Johnson, does your daughter know you're up here?

This game of yours has got to stop, Gary. I refuse to see Monica hurt.

Hurt?

Why? I thought we were all getting along so well.

Phil likes me.

How dare you use all those things I told you about him like that?

You know something, Helen?

I can see why you hooked up with me last year.

That Phil is one dull man.

What I can't figure is why you'd want him back.

Because I love him.

I made a mistake with you.

Over and over and over?

And that's what it is. It's over.

It doesn't have to be, Helen.

It's still you I want.

Get your hands off me!

It's gone far enough!

Oh, no.

Not nearly far enough.

Just stop it.

There's only one way to do that, Helen.

You tell your loving husband that the man who wants to make love to his

has already slept with his wife.

So... Now you want the department heads to report only to you, not to Mr.

McDermott? It's what he wants, Julie.

What's this all about?

Oh, he's looking to make some changes. Just like he's starting already.

Hi, Julie. Hi.

Christine, will you walk me out to my car?

Sure.

Something you need done?

Dinner plans made for you and me tonight, my place.

Oh, Peter, I'm sorry. I have a prior commitment.

The head of the San Francisco Board of Tourism.

Well, postpone it.

Better yet, start doing a little delegating of your own.

You let Julie or one of the assistant managers handle it.

Have dinner with me.

It's important.

Well, does it have to be dinner?

I mean, I'd really like to talk to you about a number of things, actually.

Maybe we can get together before.

Even after.

None of us is indispensable.

If something happens and we disappear tomorrow, somehow the St. Gregory will

function without us.

If it's that important, I'll work it out.

Good, good.

I

didn't

really need this sweater, but thank you for it.

You're welcome, sweetie.

Monica.

I didn't ask you to come with me just for shopping.

I wanted a chance to talk about Gary.

I like him.

Dad likes him. Why isn't he good enough for you?

I mean, just because you're unhappy, does that mean the rest of us have to be

miserable, too?

I'm only trying to keep you from getting hurt again.

He'd never hurt me.

He loves me. He told me so. And like it or not, I'm taking that trip to Carmel

with him.

I won't allow that.

Why not?

Give me one good reason.

Monica.

I love you.

And I love your father.

But this past year, I've been pulled in so many directions.

I made a mistake.

A mistake I'm trying to make up for.

What are you talking about?

I had an affair with Gary.

You what?

Things weren't going well between your father and me, and I needed someone,

someone to be with, to talk to.

And Gary was there.

That's disgusting.

That's a disgusting lie.

No, it's the truth.

Monica, I'm trying to protect you.

Gary and I were lovers for almost a year, but it's over.

I realized that nothing meant more to me than your father and you.

And I wanted another chance to prove that.

I broke it off, he was angry, and now he's trying to get back at me through

Is that the truth?

Or are you just jealous of what Gary and I have?

I hate you.

I haven't been out on a town like this in years.

I haven't been single in years.

How does it feel?

It feels fine.

It's fine.

Love it. I feel kind of free or something.

I don't know. It was great.

I mean, here we are like two bachelor girlfriends sharing our lives at

Have you thought about what you're going to do for a job?

A job?

What could I do? I wasn't planning on a job.

Well, how about something in the hotel?

You know, a good divorce lawyer is very expensive.

Don't look now.

But I think you have an admirer.

Me?

Come on, where?

He looks good.

Come on, he looks just like your father's cousin, Jerry.

No, he's coming over.

Oh, please, let's go. It's getting late.

Good evening, ladies.

I was wondering if you might care to share a dance with me.

A dance?

My daughter dances just like Ginger Rogers.

Cheryl, why don't you dance with the man, huh?

He asked you, Mom.

Um, thanks, but I have two left feet, and besides, we were just getting ready

leave.

Well, perhaps another evening.

Another evening, that would be perfect.

Playing hard to get?

Impossible to get. What would your father think?

And what is he... I thought you said you were a free woman. Free, yes.

Cheap, no.

Now, come on, let's get out of here before he comes back.

Okay.

You sure about this?

I'm sure.

But your mother... Leave her out of this. I don't really care what she

I like this side of you.

Not letting anybody push you around, tell you what to think.

And after all, this evening together is what we both want.

Do you love me, Gary?

I already told you I do.

Yes, but I need to hear it again.

Why don't we talk about this in bed?

I really want you, Monica.

Please, Gary, this isn't feeling right.

I'm getting cross signals here.

I thought this is what you wanted. It is.

But, uh...

Hey, you're nervous.

I can relax you.

I know all the secrets.

This is going to be so good.

I promise you.

Now, this had to happen.

You know it, and I know it.

Your mother couldn't keep us apart forever.

You'll show her.

We'll both show.

Together.

She was telling the truth.

Oh, my God.

It was the truth.

What?

This isn't about you and me at all. This is about you getting even with my

mother.

So she told you, huh?

Well, I gotta give her credit.

I never thought she would.

Well, I guess if she told you about us, she doesn't much care about you.

Just stay away from me.

I've let myself get too comfortable, too insulated.

I've allowed too many challenges, too many opportunities for happiness to pass

me by.

We all do that, Peter.

It's human nature.

After yesterday, I feel like I've been given a second chance.

I want some excitement, some sense of adventure in my life.

Most of all, Christine, I want you in my life.

You have me in your life.

Oh, Peter, I thought we were through talking about this.

We made a big mistake once, splitting up.

That doesn't mean we're stuck with it.

Life's too short not to be with people we love.

Love?

Love.

I've done a lot of thinking.

About me.

About you. About us.

I want to take some time off from this hotel.

I think you should.

You've been working much too hard. Take a week.

No, I want to take a year.

A year? I want to go around the world, see all those places I've missed, cruise

the Nile, climb the Andes.

And I want you to go with me.

How could I do that?

How could you do that?

Who would run the hotel?

That's just what I mean.

Someone would.

Right now, I don't care who.

There's just one thing I care about at this moment.

You.

I want you to marry me, Christine.

Please, tell me there were no messages during the staff meeting. I wish I

but...

Peter, I called your suite seven times this morning. Did you forget about the

staff meeting?

Oh, I woke up at five, looked out at a beautiful San Francisco morning, decided

it was too good to stay inside, so I've been on my boat.

I am very happy for you that you're able to... Takeoff is so lightly.

But what about the rest of us?

We have a hotel to run.

I am not complaining about the workload, just the feeling that the executive

suite is suddenly vacant.

Now, I know this might pass in a week or two, but... We had this talk before,

Christine.

My priorities have changed, remember?

And you're at the top of my list.

Have you thought about what I asked you last night?

I've scarcely had time to think about anything since I arrived this morning.

I've been filling in for you, signing authorizations, making commitments.

I'm even doing your delegating for you.

Don't you see how you're letting this near myth of yours affect the hotel?

You still don't understand.

I guess I don't.

You're not acting like the Peter I know.

It's for last night's proposal.

I feel like it's just something else on your list of things to do today. If I

say no, you just shrug and move on down to hike around the world or go ice

fishing in the Antarctic.

How is this proposal any different from last year's?

You know, when I first met you, I couldn't get you to open up about your

feelings. Now I can't get you to shut up about them.

Another thing, if I can't... I can't depend on you professionally.

How in the world could I ever depend on you emotionally?

Hi, Julie.

Is Cheryl around?

She's on a break.

She'll be back in a few minutes.

How's the roommate situation working out?

Well, the apartment's a little small. I'm afraid I'm becoming a burden on my

daughter. Oh, she loves you.

Someone you love is never a burden.

That's funny. My husband always says that. A wise man.

He's a good man, too.

You know, this is the first time we've been apart, I mean really apart, in over

20 years. Oof.

Uh, Julie, would you mind asking Cheryl to meet me in the vineyard when she

comes back? Sure.

Thanks. I'll see you later. Bye.

Game's over, Helen.

You won.

Monica dumped me too.

Like mother, like daughter, I guess.

What? You've got a mean left hook, in case you didn't know.

I was going to write.

It's important that you know you weren't just some rolling hay to me.

You were the first real love of my life.

Really?

Love isn't a game, Gary.

Neither is marriage.

Time we both learned that.

Anyway, just wanted you to know that you can rest easy.

I'm out of your life for good if that's what you want.

Of course, maybe if we meet again sometime.

Not so.

I had this uncle once, right?

He got caught in a sudden storm in Alabama.

So he ran for the cover of a tree just as it was hit by lightning, split the

trunk in half, not a foot from, and melted his rubber -soled shoes, singed

hair. And he survived?

Yeah.

I know how he feels.

And so the next morning, he buys a red sweater and a bow tie.

Says he's headed for Alaska.

He'd seen a picture on a gas company calendar once, you know, polar bears,

Eskimos. Big change, Alabama, Alaska.

Of course, it will start with A, so I guess there's some logic to it.

Yeah, well, the wife and kids get a postcard from Costa Rica.

He's opening a surf shop.

Says he'd send for them.

Aunt Jenny got tired of waiting.

Fought for divorce.

Sold the house.

Married an accountant.

And your uncle?

What happened to your uncle?

Last I heard, he was heading for Tahiti on a tramp steamer. His letter said he

was going to have everything before he died.

The way I see it, he had everything before.

Lost it.

Amazing what one lightning bolt can do.

Amazing.

You didn't say anything to your father about yesterday.

No.

When you love someone, you just don't want to see him hurt.

Like you warning me about Gary.

He is a jerk, and you took a big risk telling me what you did.

Because I love you.

It took me a while, but I believe you.

Do you forgive me for what I've done?

Everyone makes mistakes.

We both fell for Gary.

Something in common at last.

My break's almost over. I only have a minute.

That's all this will take.

I want to say goodbye.

Goodbye?

Yeah. If your father will have me back, I'm going home.

I talked to him early this morning. He misses you like crazy.

I know. He called me right after you left, and he told me the same thing.

He said he loves me.

You've got to love a man like that.

Yeah, you do.

So, are you sure you can get along without me now?

All any of us can do is try.

Safe to come in?

Depends who's asking.

Peter.

Peter McDermott?

Oh, right.

Now, which one?

I've been thinking some more about the future.

Oh, what is it now?

A balloon trip over the South Pole? No, canoeing through Kenya.

I've canceled the travel plans.

The world's going to have to catch me some other time, but I have changed.

I'm not going to throw away everything I worked for, but I won't be a slave to

it either.

There's no need to be.

Peter, you're the one who told me. We're going to run this hotel together.

Together.

And we will.

Tomorrow.

We'll each take a stab.

In the morning, he'll be gone before we know it.

But tonight we have dinner plans.

Don't worry.

Just two good friends sharing a rack of lamb and a bottle of wine.

I'd like that, Peter.

I really would. But does it have to be right now?

Right now. Trust me.

If I've learned anything these past two days, it's that there's no time like the

present.