Original subtitles

[music playing]

Oh, this is the greatest.

I mean, you driving for a change.

Me just sitting back and enjoying the scenery.

Yeah, it's the least I can do, partner.

You know, sometimes I forget how tough our hours are.

Oh, you're telling me?

We put in some overtime on that last assignment.

Yeah, well, now all we have to do is relax for the next couple

of days and--

[alarm]

It's the Sycopomp?

Sycopomp?

What's a Sycopomp?

Oh, it's the angel dispatcher.

He gives out the assignments.

Something must have gone haywire.

I'm going to have to go up.

What?

You mean up up?

Yeah.

Look, I'll be back as soon as I can.

Oh, Jonathan.

Come on.

You said we'd have a few days to relax now you--

Jonathan?

[music playing]

Jonathan!

I think I'll do the driving from now on.

Practice somewhere else, would you, Faith?

That goes for you too, Charity.

Follow me, please.

Have a seat.

You'll be waited on in a moment.

Thank you very much.

Ah, Smith.

Thank you.

You know why you're here?

Yeah, who was the guy that seated me?

He's new.

The Heavenly Host.

And they're Faith and Charity.

Faith, Charity.

Hi.

Hi.

SYCOPOMP: And of course, that one's--

Um, you don't have to tell me.

I can guess.

Hi, Hope.

Now, down to business.

We got a real problem.

The Boss decided to install computers to keep

track of all the assignments.

Computers, modern technology.

And he thought an apple was trouble in the Garden of Eden.

The computer's haywire and I've got an angel down

there on the wrong assignment.

Yeah, well, can't you get him back?

SYCOPOMP: Not until they fix the computer.

But what about the Boss?

Certainly, he can get him back.

You think I'm on the call the Boss for this?

That's like calling Lee Iacocca because I have a flat tire.

You got a point.

How bad is it?

SYCOPOMP: Oh, it couldn't be worse.

The assignment is Stanley and Constance Richbourne.

She wants a child, he doesn't.

The marriage is in trouble.

The angel on the assignment is Max

Richbourne, the kid's father.

The kid's father?

Well, that-- that doesn't sound so awful.

Smith, Max Richbourne died of a heart attack an hour

before the wedding, screaming at his son not to marry Constance.

He's gone down there to try and split them up.

Wow.

It's going to be a tough assignment.

Got any suggestions?

You're the angel.

Wing it.

[music playing]

Richbourne estate.

What are we doing here?

What do they need us for?

All the money in the world can't buy happiness.

Yeah, but you can look for classier places.

Yeah, Max Richbourne was born poor but died rich and unhappy.

How'd he make his money?

Businessmen.

What kind of business?

Promise you won't laugh?

Me?

Come on.

He invented the paid toilet.

[laughs]

Mark.

Mark, you promised.

The paid toilet?

You got to be kidding me?

I'm not kidding.

He mad a lot of money with it.

Of course, he always tried to keep it a secret.

He felt it was beneath him.

Beneath him?

[laughs] That-- that's great, Jonathan.

That's great.

How about, he wanted to keep a secret.

Why didn't he keep a lid on it?

[laughter] Or-- or he put in a dime, got dealt a flush.

[laughs] Went right in the tank.

Mark.

Oh.

What?

Now you know why he wanted to keep it secret?

Right.

Right.

[laughs]

[doorbell]

May I help you?

Yes, we're here about the butler and chauffeur jobs.

Oh, yes.

The position of chauffeur is open,

if references are in order.

But the position of butler has been filled.

Mm.

By you, right, Max?

You know my name?

Oh, you bet I do.

I mean, you don't look like the old Max.

But you are the old Max.

Are you--

Yes, I am.

What are you doing here?

This is my assignment.

This assignment was a mistake and you know it.

I don't care. I've got it.

And I'll handle it.

You're trying to wreck their marriage.

I'm taking over.

Ha!

Over my dead body.

That was stupid, wasn't it?

Yes, it was.

So was your coming here.

But I'm here.

And I'm staying until the boss pulls the plug.

And there's nothing you could do about it.

Besides, he's my son.

Who better to watch over him?

Max, I want you to listen to me.

No, you'll listen.

He married the maid.

He could have had his pick, and he married the maid.

And you don't call that a mistake?

And you told him that once.

And I died before I could get him to listen.

Well, this time, he's going to listen.

I want a grandchild.

And if Stanley doesn't want one with this wife,

I'll find him another.

You're friend here can have the chauffeur's job.

And you can stay around keep an eye on me.

You'll see I'm doing the right thing for my son.

He was mad.

His face got all flushed.

[laughs]

Cute.

Time, Max.

21:18 with two laps to go, sir.

Running.

Running.

Hi, Max.

Oh, Smith.

Haven't you given up yet?

I was about to ask you the same thing.

You're wasting your time.

It's my assignment and I'll handle it.

Well, suit yourself.

You're going to have to pay the piper.

I'm prepared for that, once my son

is married to the proper woman.

They sent me here to get you, Max.

What are they going to do to me?

I'm already dead.

Look at him with his number one.

He doesn't run against anybody.

He just runs.

I give them credit though.

He's kept the place up.

His wife kept it up.

All right, she's efficient.

Why shouldn't she be?

She was the maid.

She's a drudged.

Unsensuous, unglamorous.

And his wife.

She's his wife, Max.

Not for long.

I'm going to straighten out his life.

I'm going to get him a wife with breeding.

I'm going to get a grandson to carry on my name.

I'm going to give Stanley some drive.

Do you know what my son does for a living?

Nothing.

He just runs.

I want a grandchild, and he's killing his sperm.

He doesn't know who you really are, does he?

No.

I don't look the same.

I didn't see any reason to tell him.

Well, I think you didn't tell him because you're afraid he

wouldn't listen to you.

That's nonsense.

Oh, is it?

He didn't listen to you in the church that last day, did he?

Well, he's a little older now.

Now he knows I was right.

He knows he had lousy judgment.

Oh, great.

So now you're going to pick the right kind of woman for him?

That's right.

And what kind of woman is the right kind for Stanley?

That's kind.

Nel Prichard.

Beautiful, worldly, and as rich as Stanley.

Well, almost.

They used to play together when they were kids.

Haven't seen each other for years.

But when Nel woke up this morning,

she just had to see him.

Max, you ought to be ashamed.

Really, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

Using the stuff to promote an affair between that woman

and your son.

I am ashamed.

But I'll get over it.

[music playing]

Stanley.

Nel.

Wow.

Must be-- what?

12 years?

Hello, Stanley.

I didn't know you ran.

As a matter of fact, I know you didn't run.

Well, it's been a few years now.

Really?

I'm impressed.

Well, you look wonderful.

Well, thanks.

So do you, but then you-- you always did.

Oh, Stanley.

thank you.

You were always so sweet.

How's your wife?

Uh, Constance?

Fine.

How's, uh, Gerrard?

Gerrard is no more.

Oh, he's dead?

Gerrard was always dead.

He's just not moldering in my house anymore.

We're divorced. - Oh.

Oh.

Are you still living in the old place?

Yes, and it's so big and empty without a man living in it.

STANLEY: Yeah, it's a nice house.

I used to play hide and go seek there, remember?

Yes, of course, I do.

And when you'd find me, you'd get a kiss.

Yeah.

I used to let you find me.

You did?

I didn't know that.

I was too embarrassed.

I didn't want you to know how I felt about you.

Listen, I'm having a party.

I want you to come.

Saturday.

Say you will.

I don't know, uh--

Bring Constance, of course.

OK.

Good.

Good.

I wasn't going to come this way.

I'm glad I did.

Home, Jimmy.

Yes, Madam.

NEL: Bye.

Ah!

It's working like a charm.

I'm going to stop you, Max.

You can't.

Oh, I'm going to get a grandson.

I'm going to get a grandson.

JONATHAN: Max.

I'm going to tell your son who you really are

and what you're trying to do.

Give it up by sundown or Stanley and I are going to have a talk.

Till then, Max.

Smith?

Will you please listen to me?

I know what's best for my son.

STANLEY: Max, what are you doing?

I was praying, sir.

You always pray this loud?

You know the old saying, the squeaky wheel

gets the most oil.

Yeah, my father used to say that.

We better get you into a warm shower, sir.

You don't want to cramp up.

[music playing]

[music playing]

Oh, hi.

And you're the new driver?

Yes, ma'am--

Ms. Richbourne.

What's your name?

I'm Mark Gordon, ma'am.

I feel like a drive, Mark.

Nice day for it.

Anywhere special ma'am?

No.

No place special.

Look like you could use a lift.

I know, it's none of my business,

my mom always used to buy a hat.

[laughs] Did she?

MARK: Oh, yeah.

Use to pick her right up?

Did it?

Yeah, if she had enough money she'd go whole hog.

Get a bag, a dress, a pair of shoes.

She was really flush.

Really flush.

She would have had a manicure, a facial, hair style.

She would go home a different lady.

Looking good and feeling good.

[sighs] I haven't been shopping in a long time.

Anyplace special, ma'am?

Yes.

Downtown.

We'll start at Magnum's.

Yes, ma'am.

[humming] How do you feel, SIR.

Great.

I was flying out there today, Max.

Here, you can just put that over there.

Yes, sir.

You know, uh, my father's name was Max.

Was it?

Yes, you, uh, don't look anything like him though.

He was shorter and fat.

He built this place though.

Stocked it with the finest--

Finest horseflesh money could buy.

Yes.

You sound just like him.

The Richbourne Estate, 200 acres of the--

Of the best grazing in the state.

Yes, that's just what he would have said.

Would he?

How's Ms. Prichard?

I just saw her.

You know Nel Prichard?

MAX: Yes, all her life.

You were playmates when you were children.

You loved her.

No, I didn't.

H-h-how did you know that?

I'm your father, Stanley.

Oh.

[music playing]

Would you like to throw up now?

[music playing]

Ma'am.

Mark.

Mrs. Richbourne?

Oh.

Wha-- wow.

Thank you, Mark.

Mr. Richbourne is going to be very pleased.

Oh, I'm not used to all this.

Um, do you think the ring and the bracelet are too much?

Maybe I should return the ring. - No.

No.

No, don't.

A man likes a little glamour and his woman.

Oh, some of them pretend like, you

know, that, hey, what have you going to done to yourself now?

But they love it.

He's going to love this.

Oh, you're a nice man, Mark.

[laughs] Pretty good, huh?

Hell of a house I left you, you have to admit that.

You sure you don't want to shoot some pool?

Man with wings at a computer, right?

If you're looking for logic, I can't help you.

If you're looking for Nel Prichard, I can help.

Look, I want you out of here.

You are dismissed.

A man doesn't fire his father.

My father is dead and gone.

I grant you dead.

How about forgotten?

You don't bear the slightest resemblance to my father.

Your mother named you Ralph.

I said Ralph is out.

She said Ralph is it.

I said, OK, Ralph is it.

In the middle.

His name is Stanley after Stanley and Livingston.

My father would never come back as a butler.

You take what's available.

Stanley Ralph Richbourne, I was determined

to give you everything.

My father died the day I was married.

You died the day you were married.

Your father came back.

You can come back.

You blew it with Nel Prichard.

I don't want you to do it again.

Now, how many grandchildren do I have?

I haven't the faintest idea.

None.

If you'd married Nel Prichard, you

would have spent your life in the bedroom

and I would have had 10 grandchildren by now.

Now-- now-- now, look, whoever you are.

Try dad just for the sound of it.

This is ridiculous.

I mean, anyway Nel Prichard's no baby machine.

How many children does she have?

She married the wrong man, like you

married the wrong woman.

How dare you.

This is not news.

I told you once, I died telling you.

Well, Nel is back in the picture.

Not by accident.

What?

I got you two together.

And she invited you to her party.

You knew?

Oh, my God.

I'd go, kid.

STANLEY: Oh, my God.

You are.

MAX: I am.

You are.

And I wouldn't tell Constance about this, if I were you.

She'll think you're crazy.

JONATHAN: All right, Max.

Time's up.

Now, do you want to tell them or should I?

You're a little late, Smith?

Stanley, give your dad a kiss.

Evening, dear.

What do you think?

Of what?

You haven't looked at me.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Well?

Yes, I'm well.

When I said well, I didn't mean, are you well?

I meant, well, how do you like my dress?

It's new.

Oh, it's very nice.

You can wear to Nel Prichard's.

Nel Prichard's?

Yes, she's giving a party Saturday night.

We're invited.

I'd like to go.

Well?

No.

I'm not Well.

Dinner, kid.

What is this?

Snails?

Escargot.

I thought you'd like--

I don't eat snails.

The cook was fixing you spaghetti and--

My special drink.

I smelled it.

It stank.

And spaghetti is fattening.

Spaghetti has carbos and the drink has zinc in it.

Runners need carbos and zinc.

You got horses around here up the kazoo and you're a runner.

It's a poor man's sport, kid.

For a man who made his money in the paid toilet,

you've got a lot of pretensions.

I'll get my own dinner.

It won't work, Max.

This thing with Nel Prichard didn't fly once

and it won't fly now.

Sure it will.

She didn't get much money in the divorce.

She likes money.

Stanley has a lot of money.

I'm willing to give it a shot.

My biggest problem is getting him

to act like a man instead of a little kid

running all over the place.

Boy, you really don't know your son, do you?

Of course, I do.

Oh, no.

If you did, you'd know why he's running.

Stanley hasn't accomplished anything in his whole life

on his own.

Never set any goals.

Well, now he has-- to be a great runner.

He needs that for his self-esteem

so he can feel like a man.

I don't want him to feel like a man.

I want him to feel like a father so I

can feel like a grandfather.

Listen, I'm-- I'm going to need a little miracle.

I mean, you-- you parted the Red Sea.

This is a lot easier.

Thanks.

[music playing]

How you doing, Stanley?

Oh, it's you, the angel.

Leave me alone, OK?

Are you training for the race?

What race?

The big one.

The Apple Blossom 10,000.

You got to be kidding.

That's a world class race.

It's a charity race.

Anybody can enter.

Yeah, it would be a little embarrassing.

Why?

What's your time on the 10,000?

Oh, about thirty five minutes.

Well, world class time is 28, 29 minutes.

See what I mean?

Who were you running against?

What?

When you had your best time, who were you racing against?

Oh, nobody.

I mean, running's a private thing for me.

I just do it for myself.

Oh, come on.

You can't tell how good you are if you run alone.

People don't set records without competition.

Yeah, well, I'm not interest in setting records.

Oh, afraid, huh?

What?

JONATHAN: To compete.

Look, I know a lot of people like that.

Hey, you don't compete, you don't lose, right?

Look, I-- I just told you.

Hey, I know what you told me.

Don't make a big deal out of it.

If you're afraid, you're afraid.

I'm not afraid.

The race me.

What?

JONATHAN: Just you and me.

Come on. I'm an angel.

If you lose, who am I going to tell?

OK.

Let's go.

I really appreciate this.

[music playing]

Oh.

I beat him.

Woo.

That felt great.

Great.

Take a look at your time.

How'd you get here?

You never passed me.

I'm an angel, remember? Come on.

Take a look at your time.

I don't want to look.

Yes, you do.

Take a look.

Th-- that's wrong.

You-- you-- you messed up.

I didn't mess up.

That's right.

That's your time, honest angel.

But I-- I--

I-- I don't believe that that's my time.

That's impossible.

No, it isn't.

Well, If you'll excuse the expression,

I think we are going in the paid toilet on this one.

First of all, she gets a whole redo, he doesn't even notice.

Now you and Stanley are running all over the country

for no apparent reason.

Now I have to drive both of them to the Prichard

woman's Party tonight.

That doesn't exactly sound to me like Cupid type work.

Yeah, well, it's not over till it's over.

Oh, Yogi Berra double talk.

Look, I'm serious.

Max set this whole party thing up.

And I am driving Stanley right into that woman's arms.

Mark, will you trust me.

I'll be at the party tonight.

I'll keep an eye on things.

How'd you get invited?

I didn't.

I'll be the invisible guest.

[music playing]

Well in that case, I won't see you there.

Stan, why don't you go yourself?

She invited both of us.

She invited you.

I'm not welcome there.

Oh, Connie.

I'm a usurper, Stan.

Above my station.

The maid putting on heirs.

10 years I've never been invited to one of their houses.

So?

So you're the handsome man of the manor.

Yeah, who's father made his money on the pay toilet.

Well, I'm going to show them.

What do you mean you're going to show them?

The Apple blossom 10,000, I'm going to win it.

Stan, that's crazy.

Why?

Because I've have never done anything in my life?

Well, I'm going to now.

I'm going to win that race.

I can.

But you've never ever run in a race before.

You can't win.

Why couldn't you have said, go for it.

You can do it.

Why couldn't you have said that?

You can't win, Stanley.

Not very supportive.

Yeah, well, I'll show her.

I'll show all of them.

Sure you will.

But who wants to share the glory with someone

who's not behind you?

Yeah.

At the party tonight, why don't you tell Nel Prichard

you're going to win that race?

See what her reaction is.

Nel?

Remember, son, behind every great man is a great woman.

[music playing]

[piano playing]

[chatter]

Stanley.

Stanley, darling, so glad you're here.

You're alone.

I so wanted your wife to come. - Oh.

Oh, no.

No, the-- this-- this is my wife.

Constance.

Constance, Nel.

Forgive me.

I didn't notice you standing there.

How are you?

I'm fine.

I love your dress.

I love it.

Thank you.

I always say, if you have a favorite dress,

wear it no matter how out of style it gets.

Oh.

Is-- where's your powder room?

It's right through there, dear.

I'll be right back.

I'll, uh-- I'll wait for you, honey.

Stanley, come on.

Uh, Nel, I told--

I told her I'd wait.

Stanley, it'll only take a minute.

I want to show you something.

OK.

Nel-- Nel, wait.

Constance is--

She wont' miss you for a few minutes.

All those handsome men.

Yeah, but she's all by herself.

Stanley, she'll be just fine.

A woman needs a little room to breathe.

You have to give her a little space.

Remember this room?

You and I used to dance together right here.

Yeah, with your father watching.

I don't think he thought too much of me.

I thought a lot of you.

You did?

Well, how come you married Gerrard?

I was young and foolish.

I thought--

You thought Gerrard had a lot more money than he had.

Doesn't matter what I thought.

Yeah, I was devastated.

Were are you?

I guess we all make mistakes.

Let's sit.

So, tell me what you've been doing.

Uh, nothing that would interest you very much,

I'm sure.

Stanley, everything you do interests me.

It does?

Mm-hmm.

Well I've, uh, been running.

Running?

[laughs] Has someone been chasing you?

Running?

Tell me all about it.

I'm going to run in the Apple Blossom 10,000.

Against those runners from around the world?

Yeah.

I guess you don't think I have much of a chance.

Au contraire.

I think you can do anything you set your mind to.

STANLEY: You do?

NEL: Of course I do.

And you know what else I think?

What?

I think you're going to win.

You do?

Yes.

Stanley, this is so exciting.

I'll tell just everybody.

You'll have a whole contention at the finish line.

Oh, Stanley.

Constance.

Your little plan backfired, didn't it, Smith?

You know why?

Because he married the wrong woman.

And now, he knows it. - Oh, come on.

Nel's a phony.

She'll say anything he wants to hear.

She's a gold digger.

Yep.

And she's fertile and desirable.

And I'm going to be a grandfather.

Goodnight, Smith.

[music playing]

I'm sorry, Smith.

The new memory banks aren't ready yet.

I was hoping you'd have that glitch fixed by now.

He's got me over a barrel.

I need a backup.

Well, I'll see who's available.

That figures.

Look who this piece of clunk gave me.

Sarah Richbourne.

Sarah Richbourne?

SYCOPOMP: Yeah, Max's wife.

She died about five years after he died.

Let's try it.

Come on.

We never assign relatives and you want two relatives?

JONATHAN: Hey, Stanley was her son too.

And his wife.

Come on.

What choice do we have?

OK.

I think you're asking for trouble, but you got it.

Con, I missed you last night.

First time we haven't slept together in 10 years.

I'm sorry.

If you don't want to come today, I don't blame you.

Good luck.

[sobs]

Oh, excuse me, ma'am.

I came to make up the room.

I thought you'd gone to the race.

I can come back later.

No.

No, that's all right.

Go on.

You're new?

Yes, ma'am.

My name is Sarah.

Sarah.

That was my mother in law's name.

At least she liked me.

I beg your pardon, ma'am?

Oh, nothing.

I was just talking to myself.

I'm surprised you're not at the race.

It's a big day for your husband.

He doesn't need me there.

Well, probably not, if he wins.

But a man tends to need his wife when he loses.

Losses are harder to take alone.

Oh, he has someone there to take care of him.

Oh, If.

You mean Nel Prichard, she'll take care of him all right.

How do you know about Nel Prichard?

Everyone knows.

But what I can't figure out is why

you're taking this lying down?

You used to have a lot more guts than that.

That's why I liked you.

You even stood up to my loudmouth husband.

[music playing]

Your husband?

Max.

Max the Butler?

No, Max, your dead father-in-law.

[music playing]

Hi.

How are you?

I brought everybody with me.

Hi.

Stanley, everybody's here.

RACE ANNOUNCER: Runners on the starting line.

Runners on the starting line.

On your mark.

[gunshot]

[cheering]

[music playing]

Mark, I've changed my mind.

Let's get to the race.

Yes, ma'am.

JONATHAN: Get up, Stanley.

Come on, get up.

Why?

I can't win.

I-- I broke my toe.

Oh, who cares if you can win it.

You can finish it.

For once in your life, you can finish something you started.

But I can't win.

You don't become a man by winning all the time.

You become a man by learning how to handle your defeats,

by not giving up no matter what.

Oh, go back to heaven, will you?

You know, Stanley, your father was right.

You have no guts.

That's why he cares more about a grandson than he does you.

[music playing]

I'll show him who has no guts.

[music playing]

Here comes the winner.

[cheering]

That's not Stanley.

Oh, he'll probably come in second.

[music playing]

I'm not quitting, Max.

You hear me?

I'm not quitting.

[cheering]

Come on, Stanley.

Come on, Stanley.

Stanley.

Not Stanley either.

Well, I'm going home.

Goodbye, all.

Don't go yet.

I'm going to go find him.

Leave him alone, Max.

Madam, I don't know who you are but--

I'm Sarah.

Sarah, your wife.

Sarah?

Right.

I'm on this assignment too.

And for once in your life, leave him alone.

Why not?

He's quit again, as usual.

There's one more mile, Stanley.

I can't.

I-- I can't-- I can't make it.

Your father said you'd quit.

[cheering]

You did it!

You did it!

[cheering]

Home, Jimmy.

Yes, ma'am.

Well, there she goes.

Yes.

And good riddance to bad rubbish.

There he is.

[music playing]

I'll go get him.

No.

Well, you were right.

So humiliated.

And I'm so proud of you.

For what?

Finishing last?

For finishing.

Don't you realize how much guts it

took to go on the way you did?

Well, I would have done better,

but I think I broke my toe.

So?

You'll get them the next time or the time after.

You'll be here to cheer me on?

You bet I will.

[music playing]

I didn't think he could do it.

I didn't think he had the guts.

Well, you never gave him a chance to show you.

You know your problem, Max?

You never gave yourself any credit

and you figured your son didn't deserve any either?

Why should I give myself any credit?

I was the laughing stock.

The man who got rich on the paid toilet.

You thought of it, didn't you?

Yeah.

You mean, it never embarrassed you?

A lot of things about you embarrassed me.

That wasn't one of them.

You ready to go up now?

Yeah.

You know, Sarah, I didn't know you died

until I got back down here.

Yep.

For five years.

You know, in all those five years,

we never saw each other once.

Doesn't that seem strange to you?

No, Max.

That's why they call it heaven.

Sarah.

We'll talk it over, Max.

We got a lot of time.

[music playing]

Well, it looks like ol' Max gonna get a grandkid after all.

[laughs] All's well that ends well.

You're all set now.

Everything's running smooth.

What took so long?

Hey, this was a tough one.

It was the memory bank.

Yeah.

We had to replace all the memory banks.

Really?

Well, thanks for the memories.

[music playing]

[music playing]