Original subtitles

[theme music]

That new conditioner I bought makes

your hair feel a lot thicker.

It smells like bananas.

Do you like it?

Oh, it's fine.

Are you almost done?

Keep your britches on.

You want to look nice when you go to breakfast tomorrow.

No, I don't want to go to breakfast.

Margaret McBride, you and I have

been going to breakfast every Saturday morning for 15 years.

I know, and I'm tired of it.

That's not true and you know it.

You wait all week long for those blueberry muffins.

I know, but I'm tired of it.

I'm just tired.

Aren't you done yet?

All right, I'll tell you what.

I'll make us both a nice cup of tea, and then I'll finish.

Want me to put the TV on?

No, I just want to put my head back.

That real estate man came by again

while you were taking a nap.

I kept telling him we don't want to sell, but he won't listen.

All he talks about is the money.

He doesn't understand how people feel about a place.

I told him you and I knew every plant

in the yard, and the birds.

Who'd feed the birds if we weren't here?

He just looked at me like I was crazy.

Buy, sell, make a profit.

That's all people think about today.

You want honey or preserves in your tea, Margaret?

Margaret?

You better check the batteries in that hearing aid of yours.

You-- Margaret?

Oh, Margaret.

It's a crazy world, you know?

I was reading the sports section this morning

about them testing ballplayers for drugs,

testing horses for drugs.

You never read but antibody testing airline mechanics

for drugs.

I mean, nobody is going to die if somebody drops a fly ball,

you know?

That's true.

A lot of people are really getting nervous about flying.

I know I am.

But then flying is safer taking the train.

A friend of mine died on a train.

Somebody crashed an airplane into it.

That's a joke.

Jonathan?

Huh?

Boy, you're a million miles away.

Yeah, I guess I was.

How much further we got to go?

About another mile.

I'll show you where to turn.

You know what the assignment is?

Jonathan?

Huh?

You know what the next assignment is?

No, not yet.

Are you all right?

Yeah, I'm fine.

I used to live around here.

Bring back a lot of memories.

I haven't been back here for almost 40 years.

Jane.

She's our assignment, huh?

She's my wife, Mark.

She's my wife.

I can't believe it.

She looked right at you.

I know it's been a long time, but I

thought she'd recognize you.

We don't come back in the same form, Mark.

Are you going to tell her who you are?

I can't.

It's not allowed.

Why would the boss send you on this one?

I don't know.

You see her eyes?

She always had the most beautiful eyes.

She still does.

Next street on the right.

All right.

Same house after all these years.

Let's go.

[doorbell]

I'll get it, Margaret.

Yes? - Hi.

My name's Jonathan Smith.

My friend and I were looking for a room,

and we saw your sign out front.

Yes.

Well, I was hoping to rent to another lady, someone who might

share a bit of the housework.

Oh, look, we'd be more than happy to pitch in.

Well, I don't know.

I-- two strangers in the house.

If you'd like to leave a number--

No, no.

That's all right.

I understand.

With everything you read in the paper,

I can't blame you for not wanting to have two

strangers living in your house.

Thank you for understanding.

It's really a shame though, isn't it?

What?

The world has to be this way.

That people have to be afraid of each other.

Yes, it is.

I won't keep you.

Keep smiling.

Mr. Smith?

Yeah?

If you'd still like to see the room, I'll show it to you.

Are you sure?

Yes.

Come in.

Thank you.

The room is a good size.

There's no air conditioning, but these older

houses tend to stay cool.

It's perfect.

Just perfect.

What do you think, Mark?

Fine with me.

I mean, this is a nice room.

It used to be my husband's study years ago,

but after he died, I turned it into an extra room

to help make house payments.

Oh, I see.

Well, it's just great for us, if it's all right with you?

It is.

The rent's $150 a month, including kitchen privileges.

Oh, that's fine.

Could we move right in?

Certainly.

I'll get our stuff.

Why did you change your mind about renting us the room?

It's too silly to even tell you.

Oh, come on.

Believe it or not, it was when you said keep smiling.

My husband Arthur always used to say that.

No matter how bad things would get, he'd take me by the chin,

and he'd say, keep smiling.

Well, I'll let you get settled.

If you need anything, just let me know.

Jane?

Thank you.

You're welcome, Jonathan.

No, I'm fine really.

Yes, they both seem very nice.

I know that, but I don't want to sell the house, dear.

You know why.

I'm not arguing.

I didn't bring it up.

You did.

Did you talk to Martin about coming out for a visit?

Oh, I see.

Well, I'm sure the children will love that.

No.

I understand.

I wouldn't pass up a chance to go to Hawaii either.

You have some pictures of them?

Oh, good.

Well, don't forget to send me some.

Next year.

Next year.

I'll see you next year.

No, you don't have to promise.

Are the children there?

I keep forgetting there's two hours difference.

We'll give them a hug for me.

I love you, too.

Bye.

[piano music playing]

Oh.

I am sorry.

I hope I didn't disturb you.

No.

Not at all.

That song--

"Play It Alone."

My husband always played that.

It was the only song he knew.

He used to go to a party and play it to impress people,

and then they'd ask him to play something else,

and he'd pretend to be shy.

Shy.

If there's one thing he wasn't it was shy.

You never remarried?

No.

Why not?

Why, I don't know.

I was busy raising my daughter and being a mother and working,

and I somehow never found time.

And besides, some men don't like the responsibility of bringing

up someone else's child.

Yeah.

How is your daughter?

She's fine.

Married, has two children.

They live in the East, Illinois.

Is-- is this your daughter?

Yes.

That's my Mandy.

She's almost as beautiful as her mother.

You get to see them very often?

No.

It's not easy for them to get away.

Her husband works very hard.

I'm sorry.

I'm having a very difficult time since my friend died .

I suppose it's being alone.

I'm not used to it yet.

No one gets used to being alone.

We weren't meant to be.

I talked with Mandy tonight.

They were coming out here at the end of the month,

but they have a chance to go to Hawaii.

I haven't seen them since they were babies.

Oh, listen to the old lady prattle on about her life.

I'm sure you're interested.

I am.

Of course.

Jane, I am.

I'm all right now.

Nothing like a shoulder to cry on.

I know.

I better get some sleep.

Good night.

I'm glad you moved in here.

I like you, Jonathon.

And I love you, Jane.

[knocking]

Yes?

Hey, I hope I didn't wake you.

Oh, no.

What is all this?

Well, this is a little orange juice, a little tea,

and a little toast.

I thought you should have some breakfast in bed for a change.

You shouldn't--

I don't know what to say.

Well, a simple thank you will do fine.

Thank you.

And the flowers, beautiful.

I'd like to tell you this was out of the kindness of my heart

but that wouldn't be true.

I have an ulterior motive.

I want to ask you a favor.

What is that?

Well, my friend Mark is going out of town this morning,

and I feel like going to the zoo, and I hate to go alone.

So this is sort of a bribe, you know, get somebody

obligated so they can't say no.

What do you say?

Oh, I don't know.

I have the house to clean and the vacuuming and--

[vacuum starting]

What's that?

Well, I'm afraid we second guessed you.

Mark was ready early, so he figured he'd pitch in.

Now come on, please?

I haven't been to the zoo in a long time.

Neither have I. I used to love it.

Well, then eat your breakfast, get yourself dressed.

Jane Thompson, we're going on safari.

Don't forget the living room.

What's going on?

Who's vacuuming this time of the morning?

Nobody.

Look, I want you to do me a big favor.

Name it.

I want you to go see my daughter and her family.

Tell them you're a friend of Jane's, let

them know how down she is.

See if you can talk them into paying her a visit.

I'll give it a try, but I mean, you're the angel.

Don't you think you should be the one?

Well, I just don't want to leave her right now.

All right, I'll give it a shot.

I appreciate it.

Thank you.

Where you going?

- The zoo. - Well, wait a minute.

I don't even know where she lives or anything.

Everything's in your jacket pocket.

Address, plane ticket, the works.

Plane ticket?

Now, wait a minute, you mean I got to fly.

I hate flying.

Well, you'll get used to it.

I did.

Sure you did after you died.

Oh, I hate flying.

[upbeat music playing]

That koala bear is the cutest thing in the world.

We can go back and see him again if you like.

I'd love to, but to be honest with you,

my feet are killing me.

Hey, come on, let's sit down for a while.

Oh, I'd love to.

Oh.

It feels so good.

Probably didn't seem like a lot of walking to you,

but wait and see.

In a few years, you'll find out you can't

do the things you used to do.

Well, if it makes you feel any better, my feet are killing me,

too.

Now, now at your age?

Oh, come on, I may be a little older than I look.

You certainly look a lot younger than you are.

Thank you.

All of us old bags like to hear that.

I think you're beautiful.

I think extremely mature would be more like it.

I think beautiful would be more like it.

I'm going to blush.

You don't have one of those Oedipus complexes, do you?

No.

Oh, you remind me so much of Arthur in so many ways.

He was always laughing.

He was always easy to be with, and, well,

he could make me angry though.

Oh, really? Why?

How?

Well, his dreams, his schemes.

The pot of gold was always just around the corner.

He was never satisfied with just earning a decent living.

He always wanted to be a success.

Well, maybe he wanted you to be proud of him.

Maybe.

Certainly life was never dull with him.

I got to get back.

If Margaret doesn't have her dinner by 6:00, she--

my God.

Hey, why don't you and I go out to dinner tonight?

You're very kind.

I'm all right.

Will you stop the kind business?

I'm not asking you to go to dinner to be kind.

I'm asking you to go to dinner because I'd

like to have dinner with you.

I promise no walking.

All right, you've convinced me.

Good.

Come on, let's get ready.

I'll tell you what, after dinner, if you'd like,

we'll go to a movie.

The zoo, dinner, a movie, all in one day?

Why not?

It's an awful lot for one day.

Oh, don't worry.

if I get tired, I'll tell you.

You better wait.

Watch out.

This is hot.

What is it?

It's that noodle dish your father likes.

With asparagus?

Yes, with asparagus.

Couldn't I have something else?

You're so picky.

Hey, was I talking to you?

[doorbell]

Just pick out the asparagus and eat the noodles.

There are black things in this.

Would you rather have Brussels sprouts?

I'll eat the noodles.

Yes?

I hope I'm not ringing your bell at a bad time.

We just sat down to dinner, Mister?

Gordon.

Mark Gordon.

Maybe I better come back later?

What's it about?

Your mom.

My mother?

What's happened? - Oh, nothing.

Nothing.

She's fine.

My friend and I are renting a room from her.

Who is it, Mandy?

A Mr. Gordon, one of Mother's new boarders.

Is she all right?

No, no, she's fine.

I was in town on some business, and I thought

you'd like to know she's feeling really down now,

you know, what with her friend dying and all.

And I thought if you could see a way free to maybe

stop by for a visit.

I realize you're going on vacation, but--

She put you up to this, didn't she?

No.

No, my friend and I--

Baloney.

Why would a perfect stranger go to all

the trouble of driving out here if she didn't ask you to?

Because she's a nice lady.

She'd love to see her grandkids, that's all.

I told her next year.

She understood.

You told her that last year.

She understood then too.

Mr. Gordon, I realize you're just trying to help,

but, come on, I just get one two week vacation a year.

We'd just like to have some fun.

You understand?

Yeah, I understand.

I just thought a couple of days, you know?

Next year.

Well, I'll let you get back to dinner.

Sorry I bothered you.

Mr. Gordon?

Yeah?

Tell Mom I love her.

Yeah, I will.

Excuse me.

Here we go.

Look at the size of that?

Oh, come on, I've seen you eat that much all by yourself.

What?

I mean, I imagine you could.

Jane?

Oh, Clara.

Hi.

How are you?

Marilyn.

This is a friend of mine, Jonathan Smith.

- Hello. - Hi.

How are you?

Have you had any luck getting a new boarder, dear?

Yes, Jonathan here and a friend of his moved in.

Really?

I thought you were looking for a female lodger, dear?

I was, but Jonathan and his friend are very nice.

Yes, I'm sure.

Well, it's about time for us to be getting in.

It was a pleasure meeting both of you.

Did you see the look on their faces?

Come on, how could I miss it?

They'll run up their telephone bill tomorrow, I guarantee it.

How's this?

Fine.

Have some of this popcorn.

It's good.

I love popcorn.

Go on.

Guess who's right behind us?

I don't have to guess.

Let's give them something to talk about.

Put your head on my shoulder.

Jonathon.

All right, come on, it's the least you can do.

After all, I sprung for dinner, a movie, popcorn, a large one.

Well, why not?

They're dying.

I'm telling you, they're dying.

Hey, you back already?

Didn't see any reason for hanging around.

Why?

What did Mandy say?

Next year.

And what if her mother doesn't have a next year?

Jonathon, you know something?

Is she--

No, I don't know.

What I do know is she's alone and misses her family.

The longer people are alone, the more likely

they are to give up on living.

I just can't believe my daughter would

do something like this to her.

So what do we do now?

I'll tell you what I'd like to do.

I'd like to put that child over my knee.

Well, Jonathon, I don't think that's going to be so easy.

You see, that child is about the same age as you.

Yeah, I know.

What you do tonight?

Went to dinner, went to a movie.

Yeah?

Have fun?

Yeah.

I had a great time.

It was just like the old days.

But, Jonathan, it's not the old days.

The longer you stay, the harder it's going

to be on her when you leave.

You're going to have to leave sometime.

I know. I know.

I know. I know.

I know.

All right, my daughter won't listen to reason,

I'm going to have to shake her up a little bit.

Yeah, how are you going to do that?

Easy.

I'm going to pay a little visit to my future stepdaughter.

Future stepdaughter?

What are you talking about?

She's your daughter.

You know that, and I know that,

but she doesn't know that.

Look, tell Jane I'll be out of town

on business for a couple of days.

I'll be in touch with you.

Sure you don't want me to go along?

That means you're going to have to take another plane.

Oh, like I said, you don't want me tagging along.

I'll just keep an eye on Jane.

Thanks.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Hi, is this Mandy?

Yes.

Hi, this is Jonathan.

Jonathan?

Yeah, Jonathan Smith.

I'm a friend of your mom's, a little bit more than just

a friend, you know what I mean?

I don't know.

Uh-oh, she didn't say anything to you about me?

Well, no, I'm sorry, she didn't.

Oh, that figures.

You know how widows are, afraid to talk to the kids

about getting married again.

What?

Yeah, surprise, surprise.

Hey, look, I'll be in town for a few days.

I'd sure like to drop in for a visit.

Might not get out there for the wedding,

so you at least ought to know what your new father-in-law

looks like.

Well, yes, I--

this is such a surprise.

How about tonight?

A little dinner, my treat.

You pick the place.

Well, I--

Great.

Great, I'll pop by around 7 o'clock.

I'm really looking forward to it.

See you then.

See you then.

Mandy, have you seen my pencil sharpener?

I'm going to skin those kids if they don't start putting things

back where they found them.

Do you know who I just talked to?

How would I know?

Mother's fiance.

Mother's what?

Her fiance.

She's getting married.

Well, all right, that's terrific.

Now you see, all your worrying about how lonely she is

and all for nothing.

We're going to meet him tonight.

He's here?

Yeah, on business.

Well, great she found herself an old guy

who's still able to work.

He must do well.

He wants to take us to dinner.

He said to pick the place.

Well, if he wants fancy, we'll give him fancy.

I'll make a reservation at Le Plume.

Don't you feel better now?

Much.

I'll go make the reservation.

[doorbell]

I'll get it.

Now, you two, please, no arguing.

This is an older gentleman.

He remembers things the way they used to be,

when children were seen and not heard.

At his age, he probably can't hear anyway.

Did you hear what I said?

Yes, ma'am.

[doorbell]

Hey, Mandy.

You look just like your mom.

Jonathan Smith?

You got it right in the flesh.

How are you doing, darling.

Fine.

Where's your old man and the rugrats, huh?

In the den.

Oh, in the den, all right.

Everybody, this is Jonathan.

Hey.

Hey.

Hey, whoa, slow down there, Martin, my man.

We got all night to eat, you know what I mean?

It went down the wrong way.

Here, let me slap a little Heimlich on you.

No, no.

I'm fine.

You all right?

Jonathan, these are our children, Matt and Jackie.

Hey, what's happening, guys?

Hey, that's a rad jacket, man.

I like that.

I like that.

Thanks.

Well, you're all done gagging, Martin,

we can go eat something, huh?

Well, certainly, after you.

Oh, no, age before beauty.

That's an said oldie but goodie, right-o, Martin?

Right-o.

Hm.

Unbelievable.

Unbelievable, man.

I love them, snails and champagne.

I could eat a hundred of them.

I'd say you already have.

You're kidding me?

I didn't realize.

It's like eating peanuts, you know what I mean?

Hey, good living, isn't it?

What do you do for a living, Jonathan?

Me?

Drummer.

Drummer?

Uh-huh.

Yeah. Drummer.

You know.

How interesting.

Are you with a band?

In between groups, you know what I mean?

That's why I'm here, I'm looking for a gig.

A gig?

Yeah, a gig.

A job, Pops, you know?

Done.

Couldn't eat another one.

Fantastic.

Fantastic.

Hey, waiter, bring me the check, will you?

You picked a great place.

We're glad you liked it.

Just how long have you known my mother?

Mama?

Almost a week.

Love at first sight, as they say.

That's quite a woman there.

Know what I mean?

Quite a woman.

Yes, I know.

Your check, sir.

Oh, thank you, my man.

Whoa.

Nice place.

Oh, hey, come on.

Come on.

My wallet, I must have left it in the cab.

Oh, man, this is embarrassing.

My credit cards, the works, you know what I mean?

Martin, old man, you're going to have to bail

me out of this one, buddy.

I'll make it up to you.

No problem.

Waiter?

Hey, Martin, lay him a big tip, will you?

I mean, the guy did all right by us.

That's very generous of you.

Hey, come on, you only live once, you know what I mean?

Spread it around.

Right.

JONATHAN: Hey, I really enjoyed it.

Let's do it again sometime, hey, man.

MARTIN: You bet.

MANDY: Goodnight.

JONATHAN: Goodnight.

Hey, thanks a lot for loaning me that cab fare.

MARTIN: Any time.

Don't mention it.

Children, it's late. Up to bed.

We just got here--

I am not in the mood to argue.

I'll be up in a minute.

I just couldn't believe it.

Neither could I.

We have to do something.

I mean, I will not have my mother marry that drummer.

Well, if she does, I guarantee he'll leave her without a dime.

I know that.

Look, I'll give her a call first thing in the morning,

and I'll give her a good talking to.

Martin, I cannot stop something

like this on the phone.

Don't you see that this all happened because she's alone

and frightened.

This drummer came along at the right time.

Look, I'm sorry, but trip or no trip, we have got to go there.

We will never forgive ourselves if we don't.

Mandy.

Martin, you know I'm right.

All right, I'll go call the airline.

Martin, we'll just surprise her.

I mean, if we call, he may marry her before we get there.

Morning.

Oh, darn, I was hoping to have these hot biscuits ready

when you came down.

How was your trip?

It was great, just great.

I got a job offer.

Out of town?

Yeah.

It came up all of a sudden.

It was just too good to pass up.

Congratulations.

I'm so sorry.

I'm being a silly old lady.

When do you have to leave?

Tomorrow.

Hey, look, why don't we take a drive to the beach

and spend the day, have some dinner, huh?

I don't know.

I have things to do.

It's going to be our last day together for a while.

For a while?

Why, sure.

You're never supposed to say goodbye.

You say till we meet again.

Now, why don't you forget those biscuits and get ready, huh?

You getting hungry yet?

No, not really.

You know what I'd really like?

What?

Instead of going to dinner, could we

stay right here build a fire?

You're kidding?

It will get awful cold.

Are you sure?

My jacket's warm.

All right, we build a fire.

I'll get some wood.

Are you warm enough?

Yes.

If I tell you something, promise not to laugh.

Never.

Just being with you these last few days has made--

Go on, please?

Has made me feel young again.

It's almost like being with Arthur.

Can you understand that?

Very well.

You see, years ago, I was very, very much in love with a woman,

and you remind me so much of her.

I'll never forget you, Jane Thompson.

Nor I you, Jonathan Smith.

Keep smiling.

You, too.

I will.

Somehow I know I will.

Thanks to you.

Till we meet again.

Mother?

[theme music]