Original subtitles

[music playing]

[music playing]

Oh excuse me

[phone ringing]

All set kitten?

Mom, you should see the stuff in this book.

It's so gross.

It's shows people with their whole insides sticking out.

Oh, don't tell me.

I could never be a doctor.

I don't know how they look at all that stuff without barfing.

What'd the doctor say?

Oh, you know doctors.

They're all also confusing.

He must have said something.

I'll tell you what, I'll tell you over a hot dog.

I'm starved.

Me too.

[music playing]

The doctor thought it would be good

for me to get away for a while.

A change, you know.

You mean like a vacation?

No, more permanent.

You mean move away?

Yeah.

But all my friends are here.

And what about your job?

I'm gonna give notice today.

Mom, do we have to?

I like my school.

Yes we have to.

Oh, Amy.

I'm so sorry.

You see, that's why I have to get away.

I need a rest, you understand?

If it'll make you better do whatever you want.

But, where will we go?

To California to see your grandparents.

But you said that--

I know what I said.

But it's been years and people change.

I've changed, I'm sure my father's changed.

It's not right that he hasn't seen his own granddaughter.

Honey, I know it's all of a sudden but it's for the best,

believe me.

You upset?

Yeah.

You mad?

Yeah.

You'll get over it?

Yeah.

[laughing]

Sure.

MAN: I do not believe it.

I don't believe it.

That's the fourth thing you haven't

believed in the newspaper in the last 10 minutes.

Yeah, well this one takes the cake.

This guy kills two people, right?

So a psychiatrist gets up in court says the man is sick.

So they give him a couple of years of treatment,

then the same psychiatrist gets up and says

that the man's all right.

He's out two days, he kills a kid.

I don't believe it.

And the expert, he doesn't understand it.

You know what they ought to do.

What?

If this so-called expert is so sure that this guy is All

right, well they ought to make that guy stay

in that psychiatrist house for one year

with the wife and the kids.

Then we'll know if he's all right.

And what's a psychiatrist doing in a courtroom anyway?

Did you See "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest"?

Mhm.

Well, those guys fooled me and they were actors.

I bet a guy could act pretty crazy if he knew

it was going to save his neck.

Here we are.

Where?

Our new home for the next few days.

We stay here for a while.

This moving around all the time gets tough.

Oh come on, it's not so bad when you consider the results.

How long you been doing this?

Doing what?

You, know angleling.

Oh, I don't know.

About 30 years.

30 years?

You're kidding.

And you're still on probation?

That's an awful long time don't you think.

Not to God.

Manager's in 305.

It's just a one bedroom apartment,

but the sofa opens up.

It's comfortable.

Mhm.

Hey, nice kitchen in here Mark.

I think this will be just fine.

I insist on a year's lease.

First and last month in advance, and a cleaning deposit.

Oh, well you see actually, we were just

planning to stay about a month.

Sorry, a years lease or nothing.

I'm afraid it's just not going to work out.

You know, old Charlie Dearne told us things would

be different in California.

Charlie Dearne?

Oh Yeah, he's just an old friend of ours from back home.

Well, we're going to have a look somewhere else

but thank you very much.

Where Are you two from?

Iowa.

Merrington.

Well, I don't believe it.

I do.

I'm from Merrington.

You're not going to believe this--

Yes, I am.

--But I used to date Charlie Dearne.

No.

oh no, come on.

I don't b-- a, a tall redheaded guy?

That's him.

[laughter]

Oh, no, no wait a minute.

You are not Betty.

Better known as Betty Boop to Charlie?

Charlie didn't talk about me did he?

Talked about you?

He talks about you all the time.

I think he's still carrying a torch.

What a small world.

Isn't it?

Listen, just forget about what I said about the lease.

You're welcome to stay as long as you need.

Oh, that's very, very kind of you.

[knocking] - Mrs. Hardy?

Yes?

All the power's off in my apartment.

Did you try your fuse box?

Yes, I pushed the breaker but it just clicked right off.

It must be a short or something.

Well I, I can't get an electrician out here today

it's Sunday.

They're going to charge me an arm and a leg.

Hey I'd be happy to take a look at it.

I'm kind of a jack of all trades.

I'd appreciate it.

No problem at all.

I'll be back in a few minutes.

I just can't get over it.

You two knowing my old bo Charlie.

[laughter]

What a shock.

Yeah.

Was to me too.

The fuse box is right over there on the wall.

All right, let me take a look.

Let's see.

Now how did you do that?

I tried for 10 minutes.

Ah ha, it is magic.

Mommy.

Mommy, it's fixed.

I know.

Thanks to Mr--

Jonathan Smith.

I'm Marsha Stearns.

And this is my daughter Amy.

Amy, how are you doing?

Fine.

I hope I get a chance to return the favor.

Oh, come on it was nothing, Well, I better get back

and get settled in. Good seeing you, Amy.

Bye.

Thank you again.

Oh.

Oh, you know I've got one question.

I want to go to church this morning

and I wondered if there was one in the neighborhood somewhere.

Yes, as a matter of fact, we're going this morning too.

Hey, maybe we could ride together.

Well--

It's all right.

I understand.

We'll probably see you there.

Mr Smith.

Yeah.

We should be there at 9:45.

Takes about 10 minutes by car.

All right.

Let's play it safe, I'll meet you out front at 9:30.

- All right. - See you then.

OK.

Are you nervous?

Of course not.

Liar.

Nine years, it's a long time.

A long time.

What shall we do with those less fortunate in our midst?

Shall we say, they didn't try hard enough,

they don't want to work, all they want is a handout?

It is easy to say that and pass them by.

It's easy because we don't have to make

the effort to help them.

That's right the effort.

It takes doing, doing for others.

But what rewards.

What a gift we receive when we open

our hearts to our fellow man.

Ask yourself these questions, what can I do?

How can I help?

What am I not doing that must--

What am I not doing that must be done to help?

Ask yourself these questions each and every one of you.

And you will find a new purpose to life.

Wonderful service brother.

Fred, see you Wednesday.

Father, this is Amy, your granddaughter.

How's mom?

She's well.

That's good.

You look wonderful.

You haven't changed.

No, no I haven't changed at all.

I, I wondered if we could talk.

We have nothing to talk about.

We haven't had for years.

Amy, go wait with Jonathan for a minute, OK?

She's a wonderful child.

Why did you come back here?

I thought it was time to end all this.

To try and be like a father and daughter.

I have no daughter.

She died nine years ago.

Whoever you are, please go.

[music playing]

[music playing]

I always like to pray the Stars.

Hi.

Hi.

How did you know I was praying?

Wishing, praying, just a guess.

I haven't prayed for a long time.

Shame, shame.

You're the daughter of a minister.

I heard you called him today.

I haven't seen him in such a long time.

I could tell.

You could?

Mhm.

Yeah, people who have been close and then separated for whatever

reason always seem to have a very strange

kind of uncomfortableness.

Silly word, but it suits.

Yes, it does.

I guess you could tell it didn't go very well today.

It's amazing how we kid ourselves.

I really believed I could come back

and everything would be as it was before.

Before what?

Before I got pregnant and became imperfect.

Why am I talking to you like this?

Because I'm a stranger, and another very

imperfect human being.

And believe me, there's a lot of us out there.

Not my father.

He's perfect.

Oh come on, you don't believe that.

He does.

That's the important thing.

Makes you angry, doesn't it?

Yes damn it.

But he's my father and--

And what?

And he's my father.

My father the minister.

Ooh, do you know what that's like growing up?

Growing up with the perfect father that everyone reveres.

Oh, I mean reveres.

He's not just a person, he's got the inside track on God.

When he tells you you've sinned, you have sinned.

And have you?

I have a child, I don't have a husband.

That's a sin, isn't it?

Not giving your child love in a sin.

I love her more than anything in the world.

Then where's the sin?

Then how can he make me feel so guilty?

Oh, people who judge others rely on guilt. See,

it keeps them from having to deal with their own feelings

of guilt.

[music playing]

I'm gonna let you get back to your praying.

God bless you.

[music playing]

[phone ringing]

Hello?

MARSHA (ON PHONE): Hello mother.

Marsh.

Oh, Marsh.

Your father told me about today.

DAVID: Sarah, who is it?

It's, uh, Mrs. Angus about the bazaar.

DAVID: Does she want to talk to me?

No, it's all right.

I'll take care of it.

Marsh, I've missed you so.

MARSHA (ON PHONE): Can I see you tomorrow?

Of course.

Your father will be gone by 9.

You understand?

MARSHA (ON PHONE): Yes.

I'll see you then.

Marsh?

The child?

MARSHA (ON PHONE): I'll bring her.

Good night mom.

Good night Darling.

It was Marsha wasn't it?

No, I told you it was, Um--

It was Marsha.

Yes.

She wants to see me.

Sarah, I told you today--

David, she's my daughter.

That little girl is our grandchild.

What happened happened.

It was nine years ago.

I know how long ago it was.

I have tried for all that time to forget it, to block it out

of my mind but I will not let her come back

here seeking our forgiveness.

No.

She's coming tomorrow.

I want to see her.

Then we will put an end to it tomorrow.

[music playing]

[music playing]

JONATHAN: Reverend Stearns?

I'm sorry if I startled you.

Oh, that's all right.

I didn't hear you come in.

Do I know you?

No.

I'm not a regular member of the congregation.

I did hear your sermon today though.

It was very good.

Thank you Mr, uh--

Jonathan Smith.

Mr Smith.

I hate to bother you now, but I wondered

if I could talk to you.

Ask some advice.

Of course, sit down.

That's very kind of you.

See, I, I have a friend who's had

a falling out with her family.

And she desperately wants to get back with them because she

loves them very much.

Mhm.

Her father just won't bend.

I was wondering if there was any chance

of your getting them together, talking to them,

counseling them.

Yeah, of course.

At least I can try.

Why don't I give you my, my card.

They can call me any time.

Mhm.

We can meet here, or at, uh, my house if that would

be more comfortable for them.

Ah, that's very kind of you.

The problem is going to be getting the father to come.

The daughter is more than willing.

Well, perhaps I can talk with him.

Do you know where to reach him?

Right here.

What?

The father I'm speaking of Reverend, is you.

What is this?

Did my daughter put you up to this?

No, your daughter doesn't even know I'm here.

My relationship with my daughter

has absolutely nothing to do with you.

I never said it did.

I'm only asking if you'll speak to her.

We have said everything that can be said to each other.

You're willing to sit down with two strangers,

but you can't do the same thing for your own child?

My daughter is an adulteress.

Did she tell you that?

No.

I didn't think so.

Should it make a difference?

Even someone on death row has a man of the cloth to talk to.

Do you consider your daughter worse than a murderer?

They are asking for forgiveness.

She never asked for my forgiveness.

She wasn't sorry for what she did then,

and she's not sorry for it now.

She has a wonderful child.

Should she be sorry for her existence?

This discussion is over Mr Smith.

If you want to help my daughter, I

suggest you pray for her soul.

It's more important Reverend that I pray for yours.

[music playing]

There's lots to see around here.

Disneyland, Magic Mountain.

You like rides?

I've never been on any big ones.

Well, they'll scare the pants off you, but they're great.

Can we go sometime mom?

Sure.

I'll bring in airsickness bag.

It's a ride at the next corner.

Fourth house on the right.

OK.

[music playing]

Oh, Marsh.

Amy, this is your grandmother.

Hello Amy.

Hello grandmother.

I'm sorry.

You probably think I'm a silly old lady.

I've Just waited so long to hear Hello grandmother.

I don't think you're silly.

Good.

Your father's here.

He knew it was you on the phone.

I tried to talk to him again last night

but, you know how he can be.

Yeah, I know.

Do you think it might be better if I come with you?

No, it's all right.

I want to speak to both of you.

Jonathan, could Amy stay with you for an hour?

I've got some things to straighten out.

Sure, no problem.

I'll meet you back at the apartment an hour or so.

OK.

We'll get some ice cream.

Nothing like ice cream for breakfast.

Why doesn't grandfather like me?

I told you sweetie, it has nothing to do with you.

It's between your grandfather and me.

We're both kind of stubborn.

Everything will work out.

Now go on.

[engine revving]

Hello again father.

Your mother told me you were coming.

I wanted to be sure you understood

what I told you yesterday.

David.

It's all right mother.

I understood perfectly.

I'm not here expecting to be welcomed back with open arms.

I came to talk about your granddaughter.

Can we sit down?

I'm at a crossroads in my life.

I've done fairly well in the advertising business,

and I have the opportunity to become

a full partner in the firm.

But, it means constant travel.

And that's impossible with a child.

You can stop right there.

I see what's coming.

First, the child stays here for a while, then you visit.

No, no.

I'm not going to let you use your daughter.

Would you shut up for once and listen?

My daughter needs a family.

Not just a mother who will be gone all the time.

What I am asking is will you take your granddaughter

and raise her in this house?

Until it's convenient for you to come back for her?

No, for good.

Marsh, you can't do that.

Mother, I'm doing what's best for the child.

I know how you feel about me.

But Amy is your grandchild.

She's all the family you have.

She had nothing to do with what happened.

She's a lovely, loving child who needs you.

You would give up your daughter,

your own daughter for a job?

Yes.

It shouldn't surprise you.

You know the way I am.

All right, suppose we say Yes.

How do we know that you won't change your mind

and come back for her?

You have my word.

I'm a sinner, not a liar.

That's not good enough.

I'll have any legal papers made out that you want.

Marsh, think about what you're doing.

Have you said anything about this to the child?

Not yet, but I will.

I wanted her to be with both of you a while.

Learn to feel safe, then I can tell her.

Mother please, I know what I'm doing.

I'll leave at the end of the week.

I'll tell her it's a business trip for a few months.

It'll give you time.

Well?

All right.

I'll go then.

[music playing]

Love her.

[laughter]

MARK: 45, 46, 47, 48, 49.

AMY: Mommy!

Mommy, is everything all right?

I got worried.

Everything is wonderful.

It was just such a nice day, I decided to go for a walk.

What about grandfather?

All worked out.

I told you everything was going to be OK.

I'll tell you all about it later.

Right now, I feel like doing something.

Can we go to the amusement park?

Mark said he'd take us.

Do you really want to go?

There you go again.

We asked didn't we?

Then let's go.

[screaming]

Are you sure you don't want to go on?

I'm sure.

If I got on that thing even my beard would turn green.

OK scardey cat.

So we're going to go it alone.

I can't believe the difference in that girl.

I'm sure glad you got things worked out with her dad.

It's an act.

What?

It's an act.

You sure?

Yeah, I'm sure.

[music playing]

[screaming]

But, why do you have to be gone for so long?

Maybe it won't be that long.

If I can get my work done sooner I will.

Promise?

Promise.

Now, you're going to have fun.

Grandparents love to spoil children.

, So don't take advantage.

Maybe just a little bit.

All right.

Now, you get some sleep.

You and I are going to be very busy the next few days.

What are we gonna do?

Tell me.

We're going to do everything.

The beach, the theater.

You name it, we'll do it.

Oh mom, I love you.

I love you too.

Now, off to sleep.

Yes ma'am.

AMY: Mom?

Leave the hall light on, OK?

OK.

See you in the morning.

Now what do you think you're doing?

Well, I thought I was doing dishes.

I can do that.

Well then so can I. Here, you dry.

Mark said good night.

I noticed he was having trouble keeping

his eyes open at dinner.

I know it.

You're sure full of energy today.

I know.

I feel hyper.

It's probably from getting everything straightened out

with your father.

It is.

It's like a weight being lifted off me.

Guess what I did today.

Let me see, uh, ran around an amusement park.

Before that.

I can't guess.

I went and saw Amy's father.

What, you just bumped into him?

No, I, I went by where he worked.

I wasn't sure he'd still be there, but he was.

Did you talk to him?

No.

I just looked.

Silly, huh?

No.

No, I don't think silly.

He doesn't even know about Amy.

Why Didn't you tell him?

Because he was married.

Why do I always tell you everything?

It's like I said, sometimes it's

easier to talk to strangers.

You don't seem like a stranger to me.

You seem like an old friend.

I'm glad.

Amy wasn't a mistake you know.

It's hard to explain, but I loved him so much.

And I knew no matter how he felt, that he

would never leave his family.

I wanted to have his baby.

Did you ever tell your father that?

Lord, no.

He wouldn't have listened.

And if he had, he wouldn't have understood.

How did you manage to change his mind today?

I guess he's just mellowing with age.

Hey, are you all right?

Yeah, the day's catching up to me.

I don't blame you.

I'll get out of your hair.

Thanks again for dinner.

Thank you for being a friend.

You've got a lot more of them than you know.

Good night.

Good night.

What's the matter?

You been pacing around like that ever since you came in.

I don't know.

I sense something.

What, about Marsha?

Yeah.

You sure you're not just bothered

she straightened things out with her father and you couldn't.

Oh, come on Mark.

No, I mean, looked awful happy tonight.

[knocking]

AMY: Jonathan!

Amy honey, what's wrong?

My mom, she fell in the bathtub and I can't get her up.

All right, I'm coming.

Mark, you call an ambulance.

See if you get a hold of her folks.

Come on.

[music playing]

Jonathan.

Sarah, where's David?

He wouldn't come.

How's Marsh?

This is Dr. Gottlieb.

Doctor.

Your daughter's resting.

She's conscious.

She just overdid today.

Thank God.

Will she have to stay in the hospital long?

No.

We can release her in a day or so.

But, if she wants to stretch the time that she has left,

we'd better see to it that she doesn't

weaken herself this way.

The time she has left?

[music playing]

I, I certainly thought that you would know.

Know what?

Your daughter is terminally ill.

I contacted her doctor in New York.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

I thought you knew.

Time left.

Is that final?

Yes.

Six months at the outside if she takes it easy.

The child?

She knows.

May I see her?

Of course.

Come with me.

[music playing]

How did you get in here?

That doesn't matter.

Your daughter needs you now.

Oh, well I know she's in the hospital.

But let me tell you something, that is an act.

She wants us to feel sorry for her.

Well, let me tell you something it will not work.

No.

I told her that we would raise that child if she

went away and never came back.

She said she would.

Now she wants our pity so that we will take her in.

Well, the answer is no.

You can tell her that for me.

Your daughter will keep her promise about not coming back.

See, she's dying Reverend.

Oh, that's a lie.

Oh no.

She's known for some time.

That's why she came back here.

You're lying.

She could have told me.

She didn't tell you because she

wanted you to take her daughter in out of love not out of pity.

She wanted to give her daughter a chance

to feel secure with your love before she

had to face her mother's dying.

And she carried that inside all by herself for her loved ones.

Amazing isn't it?

After everything you've done, your daughter still loves you.

And you call that child of God a sinner?

Jonathan.

My wife has taken the car.

May I go with you?

Yes.

[music playing]

I won't cry anymore.

That's all right, crying's supposed to be good for us.

My mom wasn't crying.

I know, she's past that now.

But I bet she did at first.

Do you believe in heaven?

Sure I do.

I wonder what it's like.

We'll all find out someday.

It's supposed to be a beautiful place.

It is the best.

Then why do people cry when someone goes there?

I guess it's for the same reason

that people cry in airports, and bus stations.

You know?

Somebody that we love is going on a long trip

and we're going to miss them.

Then we're really crying for ourselves aren't we?

Yeah.

It's all right.

It's all right.

Father.

Things didn't work out quite the way I planned.

I thought about telling you.

I understand.

I'm wanted to hurt you the way you had hurt me.

And the longer we'd been apart the more

I wanted to forget you.

Can you ever forgive me?

Forgive you?

I don't want you to go away?

I want you to stay here with us.

We have so much to say, and so little time.

Please don't go.

[music playing]

Please daughter.

Don't go.

He loves me mama.

He loves me.

[church bells ringing]

Before I start my sermon today,

I would very much like to introduce you to two very

important people in my life.

My daughter Marsha, and my granddaughter Amy.

We speak often of how much children can learn from their.

Parents I'd like to talk today about what

I learned from my child.

It deals with judging others.

We all do it.

You do it, your minister does it.

We'd read about someone in a newspaper, someone we don't

even know and we judge them.

We judge our friends, we judge our loved ones.

And in so doing, we play God.

Well, not the type of God we worship here.

No, for He is the last to judge.

Why then should we take it upon ourselves to do so?

We even judge someone for worshiping

in a different manner than we do.

And by so doing, we create prejudice.

A man asked me once if I had my choice

would I rather face an atheist with a gun,

or a Christian with a gun.

Of course I told him I'd rather face neither.

[laughter]

But you see, what he was really saying

was that because the one man said he was a Christian,

he was automatically better than the atheist.

Is that true?

Or, is that just a judgment?

You cannot go to heaven if you don't believe in God.

Is that true?

Or, am I merely judging by saying yes?

Am I supposed to believe that someone who

has led a good life, and helped others will be condemned by God

because he doesn't believe?

I don't think so.

I do not believe that God looks so much for recognition

as he does for the good in each and every one of us.

Spend your time on this earth loving, not judging.

And then we will truly be the children of God.

[music playing]