All language subtitles for John Erman - An Early Frost (1985) USA

[soft piano music]

II

Ah-huh.

Well, that's coming.
That's coming.

Do you suppose
that you could practice

just a teensy bit more
before your next lesson?

I guess so.

Is that a deal?

Okay.

Ready with that
Giraldi order yet'?

I told the guys
to hold up on it.

Why?
What for'?

Well, he still owes us
for the last time.

No, no, Joe's an old friend,
a good customer.

You see that
he gets that lumber.

Okay, it's your money.

You and Susan
coming to dinner tonight?

Yeah, Katherine said
about 7:00.

Gonna bring the kid'?

He'd kick and scream
if we didn't.

So did grandmother.

(woman #1) Come on,
Mom, give us a break.

(woman #2) Well, it
doesn't seem right to me.

For our 30th anniversary,
your father took me to Europe.

We sailed
on the Queen Elizabeth.

Nick, you could take
some time off, couldn't you'?

I got to make a living, Bea.

Mom, aren't you supposed
to be watching your cholesterol?

With you doing it for me,
I don't have to.

Sue, join the party.

You vvant vodka?

What are all the secrets
going on over here'?

You see that'?

Hey, you guys.

Somethings going on
over there.

I vvant to be
let in on this.

What's going on?

Mom, there's
nothing going-

[gasps]

Are those new earrings?

Didn't I show you these'?

Dad gave those to me.

(Susan)
They're great.

(Bob)
Honey, would you look at that?

Honey, he's only a baby.

There's the door.

Aren't you gonna answer it'?

(Susan)
Why don't you get it, Mom?

Why don't I'?

Yeah, why don't you'?

All right.

I'd like to point out,
this is my anniversary.

You're supposed to be carrying
me around on a satin pillow.

Bunch of stiffs.

- Ha!
' [gasps]

Oh, Michael!

[laughing]

Oh, sweetheart.

I'm glad to see you.

Happy anniversary, Mom.

Thank you, darling.

I was sitting in the office
with a client,

and Weaker gives me a call,

tells me he wants
to have lunch right away.

Novv, I know I'm in trouble.

(Nick)
Yeah, why's that'?

(Michael) Well, Wesker likes to
fire people over a hot lunch.

Fire you?

Kate, will you sit down'?
We'll serve ourselves.

Go ahead and eat.
I'm fine.

And so'?

So We're sitting there
at his favorite French restaurant,

and the whole time,
he's telling me

how expensive it is to send
his kids to camp

and how his wife
wants to move

to a bigger house,
and I'm thinking,

"Why did he
invite me to lunch?

When is the ax gonna fall'?

No thanks, Grandma.

You look awfully thin to me.

Everybody looks thin
to you, Bea.

You could lose
a couple of pounds.

Children.

So anyway, there we are,
and the check arrives,

and he hands it to me.

He expects you to pay?

(Bea)
That's a lot of nerve.

How do you like that'?

Well, there's
a hitch to this.

He says to me,

"Pierson, now that
you're a partner,

you can pick up the tab,
can't you?"

[silverware clatters]

A partner?

He made you
a partner?

Can you believe this guy'?

Oh, Michael,
why didn't you tell us'?

I was Waiting
until I got home.

Oh, I bet you knew it,
didn't you'?

Yeah, that's part
of the surprise.

Mike, with all that money
you're making,

you're gonna need
a good tax shelter.

With all the work I have to do,
believe me,

I won't have much time
to spend it.

(Katherine)
Yeah, well, uh...

let's not have it just
all work, you know.

I hope you're leaving
a little bit of time

for some relaxation.

What your mother wants
to know is,

are you shacking up'?

Nick!

(Michael)
I have something to tell you.

(Nick)
Sure.

I'm not a monk.

(Katherine)
What I was trying to say is

that if there's ever anyone
that you would like to bring home,

I just vvant you to know
she's always Welcome.

Yeah, she can sleep in my room.

(Katherine) Hey, you're gonna
get it if you don? cut it out.

[piano music playing]

II

Been a long time
since I heard you play.

You call that playing?

Sounds pretty good to me.

Why don't you come here'?
Come in here and show me.

It just isn't G natural.

You're a wonder.

Well, Carnegie Hall material,
I guess.

[car horn honking]

Listen, Mom, I know
I wasn't here for very long.

We didn't get much
of a chance to talk,

but maybe next time.

Sure.
Next time.

Nick!

You should let us take you.

You know I hate saying good-bye
in airports, Mom.

Okay, but you'll call the minute
you get in, won't you'?

Let him go.
The meter's running.

Yeah, here:
don't forget your cake.

Okay, so long, Dad.

Win that case, partner.

I love you.

(Michael)
Bye.

Are you gonna stay in bed
all day or what?

What time is it'?

It's 8100.

Why didn't you wake me up'?

Well, I've been trying to
for the last half hour.

I'm gonna be late.

I'm exhausted.

Well, you better start saving
your strength for falling asleep

on all those beaches in Maui.

[coughing]

Hey, are you okay'?

I tell you what,
why don't you stay home today?

I can't.

Meetings
back-to-back.

I called that travel agent.

He has got us
the most incredible hotel

overlooking the beach.

(Michael)
Listen, about the trip-

Uh-huh'?

I think it's gonna
have to wait.

Come on, you said
this time was definite.

I know, but we're
too close to trial.

I can't leave right novv.

Michael, I have made
arrangements

to close the store.

Well, what can I do'?
They just made me a partner.

Okay, here we go again.

Breakfast is served.

Thanks.

We're almost out
of shaving cream.

Well, okay.

So how'd it go
with your folks'?

It was great.
I really surprised my mom.

That's not
what I meant.

Well, what did you mean'?

You didn't tell them,
did you'?

Yeah, I told them.
They were thrilled.

Come on.
I was there less than 24 hours.

So how long
does it take'?

Look, I don't have
the same relationship

with my parents that you
have with yours, okay?

I don't talk about
sex with them.

They don't talk
about sex with me.

Who is talking
about sex'?

I'm talking
about us.

Hold it.

- What?
- Just hold it.

Gray hair.

Your time's running out.

Your glands are swollen.
How are you feeling otherwise?

A little tired.

Sometimes I get
these night sweats.

What about fevers?

No.

All right, hop up
on the scale, Mike.

I'm gonna read
your fortune.

All righty.

You've lost more Weight.

Yeah, you know,
I've never really been sick.

I'd like to do
some blood work, Mike.

What for'?
It's just a bug, isn't it'?

Maybe, but there are
a lot of bugs out there.

[bell dinging]

(Peter)
Be right with you.

Take your time.

(Peter)
What are you doing here?

I just happened to be
passing by the window here,

and I seen this
extremely attractive jukebox.

Does it work?

Oh, absolutely.

I always wanted
one of those.

Well, it's
a very special item.

I don't know if you
could afford it, though, sir.

Well, just exactly
how much is it'?

Well, it's $4,000,
which is a bargain,

considering the amount of work
that I put into it.

Will you take a check'?

Cash only
from strangers.

Here.

What is it'?

It's an envelope.

Open it, find out.

Um, are we really going'?

Yes!

End of the month.

Well, what about
your case'?

It can wait a week.

lam a partner.

[coughing]

Denise.

Huh?

Why don't you go home?

I was hoping
you'd say that.

How about you'?

I vvant to check
these sites first.

Okay, well,
justice isn't blind.

She's just bug-eyed
from no sleep.

[Coughing harder]

Michael.

Oh, Michael,
come on.

(man)
Michael?

I'm Dr. Redding.

Dr. Reisberg
asked me to see you.

I hear you had an emergency.

Yeah.
I couldn't breathe.

Well, lean up.
Let's have a listen.

Take a deep breath.

Blow it out.

Again.

Okay.

Your lungs still have
some congestion,

but they're better
than they were.

Better?

The antibiotics
should be taking effect.

Your fever'll come down soon.

What's wrong with him'?

The tests we did last night
show that you have pneumonia.

Pneumonia?

I thought it was the flu
or something.

Are you two lovers?

(Redding) There are a lot
of gay men in my practice.

Yes.

How long have you
been together'?

Two years.
I'm Peter Hill.

Peter, I'm glad you're here.
You should be a part of this.

Michael, the type
of infection you have,

Pneumocystis carinii,
doesn't usually attack someone

who's otherwise healthy.

So we ran some very specific
blood tests

to see if your immune system
was functioning normally,

and the results
indicate a disorder.

I'm sure you've heard

of acquired immune
deficiency syndrome.

AIDS'?

Are you telling me
I have AIDS?

(Redding) We only make this
diagnosis when there's the presence

of an opportunistic infection,
like this type of pneumonia.

I couldn't have AIDS.
It's not possible.

I know this
is difficult for you,

but I vvant you
to try and listen.

We know a lot more than we did
a year, even six months ago.

We've isolated a virus
that we believe causes AIDS.

There are experimental drugs.

Treatment is improving.

I'm going to leave you
on the IV for a week,

and then if you're doing as well
as you are now,

which I'm hoping you will be,
I'll send you home on oral medication.

Novv try and get some rest.

I'll come back
and see you in a while.

Peter.

I thought...

I don't know
what I thought.

I'm gonna go talk
to that doctor.

Peter?

Don't leave me.

[telephone ringing]

[on answering machine]
This is Michael Pierson.

Pm not here right now,

but if you'll leave a message
and the time you called,

I'll get back to you
as soon as I can.

Thanks.

[Katherine on answering machine]
Hello, Michael, it's Mom.

Are you all right?

We've been leaving
messages all week,

and you haven? answered any of them.

Hello'?
Mrs. Pierson?

I don't know why.

I just think
you're being stubborn.

No, no, no.
You're not going to Chicago.

But why'?

Because he doesn't need a mother
sitting by his bedside.

If it was something serious,
he'd let us know.

Since when is having
pneumonia not serious?

Well, I had it
a couple years ago,

got over it in,
what, two weeks.

Sure, you did,
but that's because

you had somebody
taking care of you.

You know, you had somebody
making your meals

and going down to the drugstore
to get your medicine.

He's just there
all by himself.

He's alone.

I thought you said
somebody answered the phone.

A friend.

So'?

Oh, Nick, he needs
more than that.

Kate, you got to
stop babying him.

He's a grown man.

I mean...

if he needed us,
he'd let us know.

He knows
where we are, hmm'?

(woman) I don't want to go in there.
He's got AIDS.

Shh.

[woman over P.A.]
Dr. Warren, go to 561 West.

Dr. Warren, 561 West, please.

Lunch is served.

You deliver.

When we have to.

I was about to send out.

I'm sorry.

Apparently, there's
someone on the staff

who hasn't heard my lecture.

What lecture?

That you can't get AIDS

just by being around
someone who has it,

that it's only transmissible

through intimate sexual contact
or blood.

Then how did I get it'?

I haven't had
any blood transfusions lately,

haven't been
with anyone except Peter.

Has he'?

Of course not.
We have a relationship.

I'm only asking
because we've discovered

that it's possible for someone
to be a carrier of the disease

Without actually showing
the symptoms himself.

You mean you can pass it on
Without actually getting it'?

What about before
the two of you were together?

What, do you vvant a complete
rundown of my sexual history?

Yeah.

As complete as
you're Willing to give me.

I had a few affairs
and one-night stands

if that's what
you're getting at.

Michael, I'm not judging you.

It's important that we know
because the number of contacts you had

would increase the chances
of your being exposed

to someone
who was contagious-

It was years ago,

before anyone knew
anything about AIDS.

The problem is, Michael,
that we don't know

how long the incubation period
for the disease is.

It might be five years.
It could be...longer.

We're just not sure.

You're not sure of very much, are you'?

Only that the number
of new cases

is doubling
every 9 to 12 months.

Well, I'm sure of one thing.

I'm gonna get over this.
lam gonna be fine.

I'm sending you home.

Your X-rays have cleared up.

You're sending rne home?

Well, I'm going home.

I vvant you to take
at least a month off.

- A month off'?
- A month.

Get plenty of rest,
a proper diet,

all the commonsense things.

In the meantime,
if you have any questions...

Questions?

You're damn right
I have a question.

How do I live my life'?

How do I tell my friends,
the people I work with,

that I have
the gay plague?

How do I do that'?

It's not just a gay disease, Michael.
It never was.

The virus doesn't know or care
what your sexual preference is.

Gay men have been
the first to get it in this country,

but there have been others:

hemophiliacs,
intravenous drug users,

and it hasn't stopped there.

What about Peter?

I mean, when I get home,
what...

Touching is fine, hugging.

But I'd be careful about being
more intimate than that.

I wonder how many other people
will want to shake my hand

when they find out
what I've got.

Do yourself a favor,
Michael.

Don't ask too many questions
you can't answer.

Woman on jukebox] a' How much
is that doggy in the window? A'

♪ The one with... A'

Well'?

You like it'?

- When did you-
- Yesterday.

I had a hell of a time
getting it up here too.

Almost had to break
that door down.

Nice.

Oh, here.

Glad you're back.

Left your mail
on your desk.

It's mostly bills.

Figures.

You hungry?

You vvant a sandwich
or something?

No, I'm just...
check my messages.

What are you doing'?

I figured it'd be best
if I stayed in here.

But Dr. Redding said-

I don't care what
the doctor said.

I don't think we
should take any chances.

If you don't vvant
to be here...

I will understand.

Did I say that?

Of course I vvant
to be here.

What's the matter with you'?

Nothing, I just don't vvant
your pity, okay?

It's not pity.

I tell you I'm not hungry.
You bring me a sandwich.

I'm not an invalid...yet.

Michael, lam trying to deal
with this the best way I can.

If you vvant to sleep up here,
that's fine.

If you vvant to put up a sign
that says "keep out,"

you can do that too.

Don't forget, lam just
as scared as you are.

Peter...

I just want you to know,

as long was we've been together,
I never saw anyone else.

Don't you think I know that?

[telephone ringing]

(Michael)
Hello?

(Katherine) Michael, I've
been worried sick about you.

Are you okay?

(Michael)
Hi, Mom.

(Katherine)
Why didn't you call?

(Michael)
I just got home.

(Katherine)
Well, get right in bed.

And-and listen, Michael,

as soon as you feel Well enough,

I vvant you to come back here
Where I can take care of you.

I'll see how I feel
in a couple of days, okay'?

Don't worry.
I'm not alone.

9 have a neighbor helping me.

You know what it is getting
a new court date.

I don't have to tell you
what the delay'll cost.

I realize that,

but we'll make it back
in the settlement.

If it Weren't so close
to the trial,

I might consider it,
but as it is,

I think it's better
to have Longfeld take over.

Oh, wait a minute, Norman.
This is my case.

I'm the one who brought it
to the firm.

I've been on it
for three years.

I know, Mike,

but you're asking
a hell of a lot.

I'm asking for
a few more weeks.

What if you're
not up to it by then?

Listen, I will be up to it,
and I will win it.

[elevator bell dings]

Come on, Norman.
Give me a break.

- Oh, hey.
- Hi.

So how'd it go'?

Well, it wasn't easy,
but he agreed to postpone it.

Well, that's great.

Looks good.

Yeah.

Did you use
any garlic?

No.

Are we out of garlic?

No.

I just thought
I'd use this instead.

I thought Mark and Ben
were coming.

Yeah, they just called,
said they couldn't make it.

Kind of late to cancel,
isn't it, at the last minute'?

Yeah, Mark has to prepare
a lecture for class tomorrow,

so it's just you and me.

Peter, did you tell Mark?

Peter?

(Peter)
What?

You told Mark,
didn't you'?

He knew you were sick.
He asked what was wrong.

So you told him,

and novv he's afraid
to come here because

he might get AIDS
from eating pasta?

All right, all right,
lam sorry, all right'?

I shouldn't have told him.

I had a rough day,
and I'm a grouch.

Let's just forget it, okay?

I'd probably have done
the same thing

if I was in your shoes.

No.

I don't think
you would've.

Michael, there's something
that I didn't tell you.

I didn't vvant to hurt you.

It wasn't important.
It had nothing to do with us.

But I don't know
if you remember last year

when you were working
on that class-action suit,

and there were times
when I wouldn't see you

for days or even weeks.

And...there were
a couple of times...

How often'?

Just a couple times.

Where'd you go'?

In bars...

once to the baths.

Did you do anything?

How could you'?

How could you
have done that'?

You know as Well as I do
what's going on out there.

Sorry, Michael.

You're sorry,
and I have AIDS.

All this time
I thought we were safe

because we had each other,
because we were together...

we'd be protected.

I could've gotten this
because of you.

We don't know that.

Then how else'?

How else'?

I vvant you to pack
your stuff and get out.

Get serious, Michael, we...

I am serious!

You think I'm joking?

This is my place
as much as yours.

Not anymore.

I don't vvant you here.

Maybe that is the problem.
Maybe you never did.

Every time I hear
that phone ring in your study,

you know,
your private line,

the one that
I can't pick up

because someone might find out
that we live together,

how do you think
that makes me feel'?

Every time that you
go out with your lawyer-

That is business.

It is more than business.

We have lived together
for two years.

You know my friends,
my family, my feelings.

I have shared my life with you.

You haven't shared one ounce
of yours with me.

Because I have a private line,

you go out
to the bars and the baths.

Is that it?
Don't make excuses, Peter.

It's not an excuse.

You can't even tell
your own parents.

They have got nothing
to do with this!

(Peter)
They have everything...

Don't bring them into it.

When are you gonna tell them'?

When are they gonna have
the great honor

of finding out who you are'?

After you're dead'?

Get out of here.

Our deal.

We ought to give you
a handicap, Bea.

We ought to give you
some lessons in bridge, Nick.

When did he get here'?

Last night.

How's he look'?

(Katherine) Well, thin as a rail,
but he says he feels fine.

(woman #1) You should introduce
him to Gwen Fletcher.

(woman #2)
I thought she got married.

(woman #1) She did, but she's
divorced now with two kids.

(woman #2) Yeah, but she
gets child support.

(man) Jean, would
you play your hand?

(Jean) Yes, I will. Will
you give me a chance?

Would you excuse me
a minute, please?

Sure.

(woman)
One spade.

(man)
Pass.

(woman)
Four spades.

Michael?

What are you doing out here'?
It's so chilly tonight.

I just needed some air.

Yeah, well, I think you
should really still be in bed.

Why don't I make
you some hot tea

and bring it up to you'?

Michael, what is it'?

Tell me.

I'm sick.

(Nick)
Kate?

We're out here, honey.

Mike, why don't you come on in,
say hello to the guests?

Michael's not feeling well.
I think he has a little fever.

Ah, he looks all right to me.

No, it's very easy to get
a relapse with pneumonia.

I really think you
should come in, Michael.

It's not just pneumonia, Mom.

I have AIDS.

AIDS'?

It's a disease...

Yeah.
I know what it is.

Michael, that's impossible.

Who told you such a thing?

The doctors did.
They did tests.

(Katherine)
No, AIDS is that disease that's...

I'm gay, Mom.

Dad'?

No!
No.

(Bea) Nick, are you coming
back in hereto play?

You always Walk out
when I've got a good hand.

Oh, honey, just leave that.
I was just gonna do that.

I can help, Mom.

No, come on, you rest yourself.
I got it.

I told George Littlefield not
to smoke cigars in my house-

Mom, I know I didn't exactly
pick the best time.

When would've been
the best time'?

What is that
supposed to mean'?

Are you telling me
I shouldn't have come here'?

Of course not.

This is still your home.
We're still your parents.

How are you feeling today'?

Fine.
I'm okay.

Mom, I'm gonna be
all right.

I just have to
take care of myself.

Of course.

Michael, would you
have ever told us...

if you didn't get this...

Disease?

I don't know.

I wanted to tell you
for a long time.

Why didn't you'?

Why didn't I'?

I didn't think
you'd approve.

And you don't, do you'?

Well, no, but...

I don't mean, you know...
yes...

No.

The thing is,
you're my son, Michael.

I wouldn't let anything
in the world separate us.

I feel really awful
that you didn't know that.

I knew that, Mom,
but what about Dad'?

Well, it was just
such a shook to him, you know'?

It just came so unexpectedly.

He...he just couldn't think.
He just couldn't understand.

And he won't understand ever!

Hey, wait a minute.

You were so afraid
to be judged by us.

Well, don't you judge him.

You give him another chance.

Come on,
let's have some breakfast.

I'm not hungry.

Well, you're gonna eat.

Oh, what's he need'?

That shouldn't be
a problem.

[knocking at door]

Come in.

Well, you stop by
this afternoon.

I'll take care of it.

Yeah.
Sure, good-bye.

Is this a bad time'?

Delores, bring
that payroll in here.

(Dolores)
Sure.

I was hoping we'd have a chance
to talk this morning before you left.

Well, lawyers sleep later
than the rest of us.

What about novv'?

I'm busy novv.

Well, I'm sure if you spoke
to the boss,

he'd give you
a few minutes off.

Here you are.

You just get better-looking
every time I see you.

Dad...

What do you
vvant from me, Michael?

To listen, that's all.

I heard you.

You're a homosexual,

and you have this...
this disease.

A disease that
when people hear about it,

they vvant to run
in the other direction.

And I don't blame them.

I would too,
only I can't,

because it's inside me.

Dad...l'm a-

I'm ashamed.

I can't even look anyone
in the face anymore,

because I know
what they're thinking.

Same thing as you are.

That I'm queer,
that I deserve to have this

for what I've done.

You don't know
what I'm thinking,

and you sure as hell
don't know what I feel.

I know this
is difficult for you,

and I know I should have told
you about myself sooner.

lam sorry about that.

I didn't have the guts.

But I am not going to apologize
for what I am,

because it's taken me too long
to accept it.

Oh...so you've accepted it'?

Great.

What about us'?

What about your mother and me'?

What are we supposed to do'?

Are we supposed
to embrace your lifestyle,

just like that?

Of course not.
I'm not asking-

You come back here
on your time, on your terms,

and you expect us
to respond the way you want.

Well, things
don't work that way.

Well, how do they work'?

I vvant to know.

You can start by telling me
how a son-a son of mine...

could become a stranger.

You go off to school.

Then you go to Chicago.

We see each other
once every six months.

We talk on the phone
once a week.

I ask you how you are.
You say you're fine.

I don't PW-

You're a grown man.

You have your own life.

That's the way it should be.

I can't expect to be
as close as we once were.

But I never thought
the day would come

when you'd be in front of me,

and I wouldn't know
who you are.

Dad...

Go home, Michael.
It's a place of business.

I have work to do.

You're kidding.

You finally told them
that you're gay'?

Well, what happened'?
What did they say'?

Not too much.

When I told them that Bob and I
were having problems,

there was this strain
in the air for weeks,

and it wasn't Chopin.

At least I'm offthe hook.

I mean, you don't know
how tough it's been.

Every time I see them,
they ask me

who you're going outwith
and when you're getting married.

I never even told Bob.
I swear.

Anyway, Michael,
it's your life,

and Mom and Dad have no right
to tell you how to live it.

I just hope
you're being careful.

I see all these horrible stories
in the news about AIDS.

It's really scary.

I have it, Susan.

No.

(child)
Hey, Morn.

That's why I came home.

Uncle Mike!

Gregory, no!

Come here!

Let go.
I vvant to see Uncle Mike.

The dentist called today.

He has to change your appointment
to Friday afternoon.

Will that be all right'?

Sure.

Want some more rice, honey'?

No, thanks, Mom.

I've decided I'm going back
to Chicago tomorrow.

No, you're not well enough
to go yet.

Nick, tell him.

He'll do what he wants.
It's his decision.

Michael, what is it'?

Are you all right?

I think I'm just
gonna go to bed.

Good night, Mom.

Don't do that.

Nick.

Dad's right, Mom.

You might catch it
just by looking at me.

What are you doing'?

Isn't he suffering enough'?

What about us'?

What if you get it'?

What if I get if?

Oh, that's not possible.

You can't get it
just by casual contact

or by, you know,
being in the same room

with him
or something like that.

Where's that magazine?
It's got everything in it.

I don't vvant to see it.

I don't vvant
to know about it.

Well, you have to
know about it.

There's a very real
possibility that...

that he could die
from this.

He's gonna need
a lot of attention,

a lot of care.

He can get it
from his own kind.

We're his own kind.

He's a...

what do they call it novv'?

Gay'?

He's our son,
for God's sake.

[groans]

Mom'?

Mom!

(Katherine)
Michael.

Michael.

Nick!
Nick!

[siren wailing]

(man)
Where is he'?

(Nick)
Upstairs.

He was shaking like
he had convulsions,

and then he
just went unconscious.

Is he on any drugs,
medication?

No, just-
just this.

Please, we've got to get
to the hospital.

What was he
taking this for'?

He's-he's had pneumonia.

Are you sure that's all it was'?

Well, he has something wrong
with his immune system.

Lady, what's wrong
with your son'?

He has AIDS.

I'm sorry, ma'am,

but you're gonna have to find another way
to get him to the hospital.

No, please.
Please. Please.

Please.

What the hell kind of business
do you guys run'?

We got to get
to a hospital.

Sorry, but We're not carrying
anyone with AIDS.

Please, you got
to go back there.

He's sick;
he needs help.

You get back upstairs.

I'll sue you.
I'll shut you down.

That's my son.

Then you take him
to the hospital.

Go get the car.

L'll take Michael.

- Get the car.
- Yes.

Here, Michael.

[groaning]

Here we go.
Here we go.

Mr. and Mrs. Pierson?

Dr. Gilbert.
I'll be attending Michael.

How is he'?

He's had a seizure.

According to the neurologist,

it's probably
from toxoplasrnosis,

which is an infection
of the brain

that some
AIDS patients develop.

Will he be all right'?

Fortunately, he's responding
to treatment.

Excuse me.

Forgive me, but...

I don't know very much
about what my son has,

just what I've read,

and it said that a large percent
of these patients don't survive.

Well, let's not concern
ourselves

with long-range possibilities.

Let's just concentrate
on getting Michael

through this episode.

I'm sorry.

I have to know
what his chances are.

In my experience,
Mrs. Pierson,

I've never known anyone
with AIDS to survive.

No one'?

Once the immune system
is destroyed,

the body's left helpless,

wide-open for any number
of diseases or infections.

But I thought...

I'm sure that I heard
that there's some cure.

(Dr. Gilbert)
I wish '(here were.

We're trying to find one,

but it may take years.

But he told me himself
that he's feeling better.

He said that he's getting Well.

None of us expects to die,

especially when
we're young.

It's only natural
to deny it.

Are you telling me
that he's going to die'?

There'll be periods
when he feels relatively well,

when he can go about
business as usual.

But he'll become
progressively Weaker

as he fights off one opportunistic
infection after the next.

Eventually, his condition
will deteriorate.

When'?

A year, maybe two.

There must be something
that you can do.

You're a doctor.

Novv, look here,
Mrs. Pierson.

I have got a Woman
Whose got AIDS

who gave birth to a daughter.

We think she has it too.

I've got a couple with it.

The husband was a hemophiliac;
he died just this morning.

What I'm trying to tell you is,
your son is not the only one.

Now, we are understaffed;
we are underfunded,

and I am trying to save my time
and my energy for my patients.

Novv, is there anything else
you need to know?

What do we say to him'?

Give him as much support
as you can.

Encourage him
to live his life.

Lie to him.

Allow him his hope.

It's the only weapon
he has left.

Hi, Mom.

Oh, darling.

You made coffee;
that's so nice.

Is he all right'?

I don't know.
I think so.

Well, what did
the doctor say'?

He said that
he would recover.

This time.

I'm going back
to see him tomorrow.

We can drive in together.

L, uh, can't go tomorrow.

I have some errands to run,
and I have to drop offthe car.

Susan...

I can't see him.

Why not?

Mom, I'm pregnant.

Oh...

There's no risk just being
in the same room with him.

Well, I can't take
that chance.

Mom...

why can't you respect
my decision for once?

Is it your decision?

What is that supposed to mean'?

Didn't Bob have something
to say about this'?

Mom, you know I love Michael.

It has nothing to do with that.

I have to think about my family.

Oh.

I thought we were
your family too.

Forgive me.

I'm gonna go up
and lie down.

Do whatever the hell
you want.

This is Michael.

How you doing'?

Okay.

Me too.
I'm hanging in there.

What are you in for'?

Toxo.
Am I right'?

How'd you know that?

I've had it.

(man)
You've had everything.

What can I say'?
I'm a medical marvel.

I love that robe.

Where'd you get it'?

Todd, have you started
your chemotherapy yet'?

Tomorrow.

lam a little bit scared.

Don't worry.
You'll get through it all right.

They say
your hair falls out.

(Victor) Well, you just
have to be more creative

when you have
less to work with.

Here.

I don't know
about the rest of you,

but I've been
on pins and needles all week.

Now, when we last saw James,
he was just about

to tell his boss the news.

Well, what happened?

He fired me.

(Victor)
No.

Lost my health insurance too.

Somebody told me
he had my office disinfected.

Lemon-scented or pine?

[laughing]

Is that supposed to be funny'?

(Victor) Laugh, and the
world laughs with you.

Cry, you bore me to tears.

Saw my wife yesterday.

How did that go, Phil'?

(Phil)
Okay

You're not gay?

No, I'm not gay.

Are you kidding'?

He's not good-looking enough.

Shut up, faggot.
I'm talking.

Phyllis...

(Phil)
Okay?

(Victor)
Okay

Go on, talk.

I think I caught it
from a hooker.

I used to do that kind of thing.

At first, Linda-
that's my wife-

she didn't vvant me
to see my kids.

Yesterday she
brought them along.

She said she still loved me
and she would stick by me.

I gave her a hug.
She turned her head away.

How did you feel
when she did that'?

It hurt.

Not so much what she did...

but knowing that no one
would ever kiss me again.

(James) At least you had
someone to hug you.

Been so long
since anyone's touched me.

No one's asked me.
I'm available.

Does he always
go on like this'?

Always.

Where's Brian'?

I wanted to discuss
that with you.

Brian died yesterday.

(Todd) I was just talking to
him a couple of days ago.

He said he was doing better.

He was.

You know,
I'm getting pretty tired

of making friends
who keep dying.

I know what you mean.

It's almost impossible
to put together

a dinner party these days.

(Todd) I don 't know why
we ab' don 't just. ..

(woman)
What, Todd?

Go on.

Just end it.

End what?

The whole thing,
just get it over with now.

I just vvant it to stop.

It's okay, let it go.
Go on, let it go.

- Michael?
- Excuse me.

(James)
Where are you going?

I don't vvant to be here.

(Victor)
Who does?

We'd like you to stay.

I don't belong here.

Let's talk about it.

There's nothing
to talk about.

So hOW'd you like
our little group'?

Love the strong silent type.

Listen, I wasn't thrilled
about it either,

thinking I was one of them.

But, you know,
it is the only fraternity

I've ever rushed
that let me in.

What'd you say
your name was again?

I didn't.

Oh, come on,
be nice.

Michael.

Sing out, Louise.

Michael.
Michael Pierson.

Oh, that is a very nice name.

Victor DiMato,

literally translated,
"a winner in love."

Oh, don't mind these.
They're just my war wounds.

A little vanishing cream and...

What is that, rat'?

Where I used to work,
we'd have been taken out

and shot if we served
a meal like that.

You a Waiter?

Chef.

What about you'?

You gainfully employed,
or do you just get by on your looks?

- I'm a lawyer.
- A lawyer.

Oh...um...

I was thinking of having
a new will drawn up.

My estate is in a state
of total chaos.

I don't do wills.

L'll pay you handsomely,
handsome.

It's on a contingency basis,
of course.

What contingency?

That I die.

There's no point
in having one if I don't.

I love this robe.

You should be
in your own room, Victor.

Nurse Lincoln,
I'm the official Welcome Wagon.

She's been
like a mother to me.

Are these homemade?

Look, if you don't mind,
I would rather be alone, okay?

Sure.

I thought you just might like
to have some company,

seeing as We're both
in the same boat.

See you on
the shuffleboard court.

Doors-they're
the hardest thing.

Would you like a brownie?

I really shouldn't.
I'm watching my Weight.

[both laugh]

Watching your Weight.

How long have you had...

- n?
- n.

Almost two years.

I've been in and out
of this hospital so many times,

I ought to belong to
the disease-of-the-month club.

How do you get through it'?

I mean, how do you keep going'?

I put up my dukes...

and I fight.

Please.

Listen to me, listen.

The last time I was in here,
I heard this doctor say

he didn't think
I was gonna make it.

I told him, I says,

"I'm hanging in there
till they find a cure,

and when they do,
I'm gonna be the first in line."

Novv, look...

Take it from a champ.

This is no time
for a hunger strike.

They're doing beautifully
this year.

I only hope an early frost
doesn't come along

and nip them in the bud.

Did you hear
what I said, Mom'?

I heard every word.

Why didn't you
tell me sooner?

Didn't want to worry you.

Do you think
I'm that fragile?

If I were, I wouldn't
have lasted this long.

I'm going
to the hospital.

He'll be home in a few days.
Why don't you see him then'?

When your father was sick,
they did the same thing:

they tried
to keep it from me.

I don't appreciate it
from you.

I just know how hard
it's been on us, you know.

I mean, Nick won't even
talk to him.

He acts as if
Michael did the whole thing

on purpose just to hurt him.

He's a damn fool.

Michael's never done anything
except to make him proud.

Well, he had
dreams for him.

Oh, it isn't up to Michael
to fulfill his dreams

anymore than it was up to you
to fulfill mine.

Marrying Nick Pierson

instead of being a pianist.

You could've had
an important career.

Mom.

All your teachers at
the Boston Conservatory said so.

You had your own mind;
you had your own life.

I accepted it.
I had to.

We're gonna lose him, Mom.

When your father died...

I told myself I'd never
have to cry again.

I was grateful for that,
because I'd be the next to go.

That's the way it should be.

I've lived my life.

Michael's so young.

His life is just beginning.

Darling.

- Hi.
- Mom.

Well, you're certainly
looking better.

Grandma sent you this
from her garden.

Oh, that's nice.

I'll give her a call.

Dad, uh, wanted to come...

Yes, but he's busy.
I understand.

Well, you know how he feels
about hospitals.

Yeah, the same way
he feels about me.

He loves you very much,

in spite of what
you might think.

A friend of yours called.

- Who?
- Peter.

He was very upset when
I told him what had happened.

He's your lover, isn't he'?

Yeah.

How long have you been together'?

A couple of years.

A couple of years?

Then...

the two of you...

you both, uh...

stay together
at your apartment, right'?

We used to.
We're not together anymore.

Because of your illness'?

Not just that.

There were other reasons.

I'm sorry.

It's just hard for me
to imagine.

That I was with
another man'?

I haven't been unhappy, Mom.

Hey, handsome,
they're showing

I'll Cry Tomorrow
on channel...

Excuse me.

(Michael)
Victor...

this is my mother.

Mom, this is Victor.

Hello.

I'll catch you
after the matinee.

Does that man have...

(Nick)
Kate?

Sorry I'm late.

I was at the hospital.

How is he'?

Well, he's complaining
about the food.

That's always a good sign.

He asked about you.

I know he'd like
to see you.

Well, you're going.
That's enough.

No.

No, it may be enough that
I buy the Christmas presents,

and sign both our names to them,
and write the thank-you notes,

but not this time.

When I was there,
this young man came in.

Oh, he vvas...he was so frail and weak.
He could hardly Walk.

It vvas that Kaposi's sarcoma,
I think they call it.

I'd read about it, but...

I wasn't prepared.

Kate, please, not novv.

I vvant you to hear this.

When this young man
found out that he had AIDS,

his roommates looked him out
of the apartment.

They took his possessions,
threw him out on the street.

Not one of his friends
would take him in.

He was out there
wandering around sick,

literally sleeping
on park benches.

And the worst thing of all,

his parents just
Washed their hands of him.

They refused to see him.

They wouldn't speak to him.

They have never spoken
to him since.

He's in that hospital,
and he's alone.

He's dying all alone,
no one.

I'll tell you, Nick...

that is not going
to happen to our son,

not to Michael.

(Victor) To my aunt Wilma
of Wheeling, West Virginia,

I leave my collection
of fine porcelain.

Getting all this down,
handsome'?

Porcelain to Aunt Wilma.

My recipes.

Better burn 'em.

Why is that?

Lest they fall
into the wrong hands.

Spike's collar...

spike'?

I picked him up
one night

outside the bar
of the same name.

I don't know
if I vvant to hear this one.

He hadn't had
a decent meal in days,

so I took him home,
made him a veal bruleé

stuffed with pimentos
and green peppers.

I may never have known
how to keep a man,

but I sure knew
how to keep a dog.

You ought to be
taking it easy there, Victor.

Can't you see I'm in conference
with my lawyer?

Will you kindly excuse us'?

To Nurse Lincoln,
a man's best friend,

I bequeath Spike's collar.

She'll probably look better
in it than he ever did.

Victor?

It's all just...
just trash.

It's trash nobody wants.

Just forget it.

Come on, you hired me.

I'm firing you.

L can't allow that
as your lawyer.

And I feel I ought
to give you some advice.

Free'?

Yes.
It doesn't matter what you leave

or who you leave it to.

That's not the purpose
of a will.

It's to validate your life,

to say, "I was here."

I was here;
I'm not going nowhere,

except maybe on a date
with that new orderly.

Oh, I almost forgot.

I have something
that I think you might like.

Yeah?

For me'?

Thanks, handsome.

Come in.

Dad.

I thought Mom
was coming.

Well, your mother had
some things to do, so...

I volunteered.

- You ready?
- Yeah.

How you feeling'?

Good.
Better.

Welcome home, sweetheart.

Hi, Mom.

There's someone here
to see you.

Someone?

What are you doing here'?

I just happened to be
in the neighborhood.

How long...

About an hour.

Peter offered to stay
at a motel,

but I've invited him
to stay with us.

Who's Peter?

Uh, Dad, this is Peter.

Peter, this is my dad.

It was nice of your mother
to let me come.

Well, you finally met
the folks.

You look good.

You don't look so hot.

Well, thanks a lot.

I'm okay.

I haven't slept
much lately.

Just take care of yourself.

Please don't get sick.

Michael, if it's true,

if I'm the one
that gave this to you-

Oh, Dr. Redding said
it could have been someone

before we met,
before we were even together.

But we'll never know
for sure, will we'?

No, but stop
blaming yourself.

After what I did,
after what you said'?

Stop bl-
I just needed an excuse.

- I needed a reason.
- Okay.

Then come home.

- I can't.
- Why not'?

Peter, I can't.

I may be okay this minute,

right novv, but what's
gonna happen next Week?

Next month?

I can't put you through that.

Look, I'm scared.

I'm scared to death,

but that is no reason
for us not to be together.

Peter, when you told me
that I didn't-

when you yelled at me
that I didn't share-

I was angry.
I was upset.

You were right.

That doesn't mean
I didn't love you.

Hey, that travel agent called.

- Guess what.
- What?

There was
a hurricane in Maui.

Are you serious?

You know, the last time
we were in Chicago,

that was, what, Nick'?

About two years ago'?

Anyway, Michael lived
in this little tiny room.

I don't know what
you'd call it.

It was a studio, Mom.

Come on, Michael,
it was more like a closet.

What's so funny'?

Beats me.

Well, you should see
where we live now.

We've got a great view
of the lake, a terrace.

That's nice.

Yes.

Could you please pass
the butter, Mr. Pierson?

Michael tells me
you're interested in old things.

Yes, I like restoring them,

making them like
they once were.

Novv, I'd say that's
something worth doing-

restoring things
to what they once were.

Nick.

Wouldn't you say that?

Depends on what it is, Bea.

Well, anything that
once meant something to you...

and still does.

(Michael) I'M walk you
to your oar, Gran.

(Bea) Oh, stop treating
me like an old lady.

Don't forget your dish, Mom.

Thank you.

And drive slowly,
will you please?

Just let them honk.

Yes, Katherine.

I'll call you
in the morning.

Why don't you bring
your friend over to my house?

Maybe he can fix
that old radio.

Hasn't worked since Jack Benny
went offthe air.

I'll ask him.

No, Gran.

Michael, it's a disease,
not a disgrace.

That's what I told
your grandfather

when people, friends,
wouldn't come to visit him

because he had cancer.

They thought
if they breathed the same air,

they would develop a tumor.

It's how people are.

Come on.

Give your grandma a kiss.

(Susan)
So what do you think of Peter?

He's nice.

He's polite.

More importantly,
Michael's very happy he's here.

Then he's doing better.

If you're so interested,
why don't you come over'?

Are you planning never
to see him again?

Ma, I already told you.

I know what you told me,
but he is your brother.

I keep remembering
how close you were.

We still are.

Then I don't see how
you can let him down like this.

Mom, if it was you,
and you were carrying one of us,

what would you do'?

[whistling]

(Katherine)
Hi.

Hi.

How'd it go today'?

Fine.

Did you see your friend'?

How's he feeling'?

He's much better novv, Mom.

I couldn't sleep.
I hope you don't mind.

I was just looking at
some old pictures of Michael

when he was a kid.

It's strange, I mean,
when you know someone

and then you see they have
this whole other life

you know nothing about.

I know.

You probably
haven't seen this one.

It was taken last summer
up at Lake Charlevoix.

I had never been fishing before,
and I was sure

I was gonna hate it,
but Michael showed me how.

We had a great time.

He told me how
you and he used to go fishing.

He told you that?

Yes, he talks
about you a lot.

He never told me
about you.

Well, that's always been
a problem between us.

I have wanted to meet you
for a long time.

Yeah?

Yes.

Your parents
know about you'?

Yes, sir, they do.

- They accept it'?
- They try to.

Well, I don't.

It's not the way
I raised my son.

But it's the way he is.

He can't change that.

Don't you tell me
about Michael.

You don't know him.

I think I do,
Mr. Pierson.

You know, I'd throw you
out of here right now.

It's my wife
who wants you here.

You think that
would change anything?

The way Michael and I
feel about each other?

I don't give a damn
how you feel about each other.

Where did he get it'?

Why couldn't it have been you'?

Well, I wish
it had been me,

because I don't know
how I'm gonna live without him.

Well, he's not gonna die.

Those doctors don't know
what they're talking about.

And they don't know Michael.

You know what this is'?

- Do you know what this is'?
- No.

That's for winning
the state track finals.

He didn't think
he could do it,

but I knew better.

He was up on a ladder,

helping me put a new roof
on the garage.

He fell down
and broke his leg.

Bad break.

Doctor said he might not
get full use of it again.

You should have seen
Michael's face.

There he was,
ready to go to the June finals,

and he had this big cast
on his leg.

He didn't think
he'd make it.

But when that cast came off,

I drove him
to the Y every night,

and he swam laps for two hours
just to strengthen it.

It was tough at first,
but I kept pushing him,

and the more I pushed him,
the angrier he got.

But I didn't care.

I told him he could curse me
all he wanted to

as long as he didn't give up.

When he won this,

he said,

"I couldn't have
made it Without you."

Tough son of a bitch.

He's not gonna make it
Without you this time either.

I'm very glad
you came, Peter.

Thank you,
Mrs. Pierson.

I hope we see
each other again.

Yes.

You know, I've always been
a little worried about Michael.

I've been oonoerned that-
well, he has everything in the world,

but someone to come home to.

Bye.

I could stay
a couple more days.

No, you have to
get back.

Are you okay'?

I'm fine.
I'm...

I'm just gonna miss you.

When you get back,
We're gonna give a party,

have some friends over.

People have been
asking about you.

Throw some 45s on the jukebox,
have some fun.

What do you say'?

That would be nice.

Yeah.

[piano music]

II

[car starting]

L-..

[alarm clock ringing]

[car starting]

[coughing]

What the hell are you doing'?

Get out.

Get out of there.

Breathe.
Deeper.

Breathe.

Breathe.

Nick'?

Michael!

- Breathe, damn it!
- Leave me alone!

What is it?
What's the matter?

Go back in the house.

- It's gonna be all right.
- Nick, what's going on'?

Nothing, it's between
me and my son.

It's gonna be all right.

What kind of a stupid stunt
was that?

Answer me!

It's my life,
what's left of it.

Doesn't mean
it's yours to take.

It would have been easier.

For who'?

For all of us.

What if your mother
had found you'?

I was hoping
it'd be you.

It's what you want,
isn't it, Dad?

To see me dead.

Well, I vvant it too,

because I know
what's gonna happen to me.

I'll be down to 8O pounds.

- You don't know that.
- I'll be attached to tubes.

- You don't know that.
- I'll be drugged out of my mind.

- You don't know that.
- I do know that, and I've seen it.

You always said,

"Study hard;
you'll get good grades.

Present the best argument;
you'll win the case."

Well, there's no way
I can win this one.

So what are you gonna do'?

You gonna toss it away
Without a fight'?

I've been fighting
ever since I got this,

fighting to stay alive,

fighting to keep
my hopes up.

Fight some more.

I can't.

Don't tell me you can't.

I worked hard for you, kid.

Wasn't for me,
you wouldn't have gone to that,

uh, fancy Ivy League school.

You wouldn't be a partner
in that big-shot law firm.

You'd be driving
a lumber truck.

You didn't do it for me;
you did it for you,

to make you proud.

Yeah, maybe you're right.

Because I believed in you...

More than I believed in myself.

Dad, don't say that.

Why do you think it was so hard

for me to come back here
to tell you'?

Because I wanted you
to be proud,

and now I've let you down.

I'm not the man
you wanted me to be.

Well, I don't give a damn
what you think anymore,

because I'm a better man
than you'll ever be,

you son of a bitch.

That's right.

That's right.

Go on, you call me
anything you want.

Call me anything
you want.

You hit me
if you vvant to,

as long as you
don't give up.

I don't vvant you to die.

I don't vvant you to die.

I don't vvant you to die.

[piano music]

II

You're getting pretty good.

I had a good teacher.

Uh...

Spoke too soon.

You'd better give me a hand.

Which one'?

Right.

You ready?

Ready.

[doorbell rings]

I'll get that.

(Susan)
Has he left yet?

Not bad.

Not good.

Mom says
you're going back.

Tonight.

I would've been here
sooner, uh...

but you know me.

I always leave everything
for the last minute.

Michael, I'm sorry.

Well, it's about time
you got here.

Are you sure'?

I'm sure.

Mom, Susie's touching me.

Shut up, Michael.

Oh, look at this.

[car horn honking]

You will call when you
get in, won't you'?

I will.

Is Peter gonna be
at the airport?

He better be.

Where's Dad'?

He's in there.

Dad, time to go.

You should let us drive you.

You know I hate
saying good-bye at airports.

Good-bye, Mom.

You win that case,

huh, partner?

I will, Dad.

I love you.