Hold on.
- Dad.
- No, no, no.
Not now, Nicholas.
But it has to be now.
I'm holding the phone.
[sighs]
Oh, alright.
What is it, Nicholas?
Can I have a friend
stay overnight?
Not if it's Kenny P. Landers.
It's not, it's Harriet Kalusky.
- But she's a girl.
- You noticed?
I'm sorry, but Harriet Kalusky
cannot spend the night.
Whatever gave you such an idea?
- Harriet did.
- Oh.
Well, you tell Harriet
that young ladies
and gentlemen your age
do not get overnight
visitation rights.
No way, never. Is that clear?
Oh!
Hello, Harriet?
Yeah, I think we'll have
to wait a week or so.
My dad is thinkin' it over.
[theme song]
♪ There's a magic
in the early morning ♪
♪ We've found ♪
♪ When the sunrise smiles
on everything around ♪
♪ It's a portrait
of the happiness ♪
♪ That we feel
and always will ♪
♪ Oh eight is enough ♪
♪ To fill our lives with love ♪
♪ Oh we spend our days ♪
♪ Like bright
and shiny new dimes ♪
♪ If we're ever puzzled ♪
♪ By the changing times ♪
♪ There's a plate
of homemade wishes ♪
♪ On the kitchen window sill ♪
♪ And eight is enough ♪
♪ To fill our lives with love ♪♪
[instrumental music]
Hey.
Hey, did you hear the news?
Just stop pokin' me and tell me.
Mrs. Shaffer went
to have her baby.
And we got her substitute.
A substitute? That's great.
Should be a cinchy day.
Don't count on that, young man.
- What is your name?
- Nicholas.
Nicholas what?
Bradford.
Nicholas Bradford?
Any relation to David and Mary,
Joannie, Elizabeth?
Yes, ma'am.
They're my brother and sisters.
I'm very glad to hear that,
Nicholas.
Before I retired,
I taught all your family.
You did?
(Ms. Krutch)
'Some of them
got into trouble occasionally'
but they never let it interfere
with their classwork.
So, I know exactly what
to expect from you, don't I?
Yes, ma'am. What?
The hardest work
and the highest grades.
From Nicholas?
He's a Bradford, isn't he?
Are-are you sure, David?
I mean the Bradford honor
is at stake.
Well, so is the Bradford
Construction company.
If I don't hustle up
some work pretty soon
you're going to wish
you never co-signed that loan.
Look, look at it this way.
The golf course
is a wonderful way
to make business contacts.
Yeah, you said
that the last time we played
the father-son tournament.
The only business contact
we made
wanted to sell me
a slightly used forklift.
But what am I gonna do?
My boss' son
is flying in from Harvard
just to make up our foursome.
Well, tell him
your son's name is Tommy.
- Tommy?
- Sure.
Oh, but Tommy isn't
half the golfer you are.
Ask for a bigger handicap.
We're already getting
the maximum handicap
because of my playing.
Terrific,
then all Tommy has to do
is live up to your reputation.
Touche.
Now that you've all had a chance
to work the problems.
Who can tell me
the answer to number one?
As I remember all the Bradford's
were very good at math.
'Why don't you tell us
the answer, Tommy?'
Wrong Bradford, Ms. Krutch.
- 'I beg your pardon.'
- Tommy's his brother.
Oh, of course, I remember.
Now, he's the one
who's so musical.
How is Tommy these days?
Still musical.
Oh, that's wonderful, uh, uh..
Nicholas.
Oh, yes, Nicholas.
From now on,
I'll remember that.
Alright, Nicholas,
what's the answer?
Well...it could be..
...one hundred
forty four thousand..
...seven hundred five?
But it isn't.
No, Nicholas.
You'd better recheck your work.
And maybe you should get
one of your brothers and sisters
to coach you a bit.
[sighs]
(Nancy)
'The rating is a triple A plus.'
(Miss Chovick)
'Yes, a blue chip.'
But probably
out of your price range.
Well, that depends.
I think he might be worth
burrowing for.
'Who is he, Miss Chovick?'
(Miss Chovick)
'Kirk Ashley.'
He has a very impressive
stock portfolio
and owns his own company.
Oh, no wonder
the account executives
have been so nice to him.
They've been reading
his done on Brad Street.
'He's probably
one of their wealthiest'
'young bachelors in Sacramento.'
Hmm, wealthy,
young and a bachelor?
Three out of three is not bad.
I hope you don't want me
to introduce you?
You don't have to.
I think he thinks
I know him already.
Why would he think that?
Because I told him yes
when he asked me out.
[giggles]
(Mary)
'He's picking you up
in a cream colored what?'
(Nancy)
'Rolls Royce.'
Well, is it chauffeur driven?
No, I don't think so.
When he left the stock brokers
this afternoon
he was drivin' it himself.
- Very tacky.
- Elizabeth.
- You're jealousy is showing.
- Are you kidding?
Why would I wanna go out
with a handsome
young tycoon,
who has nothing to offer
but, uh, charisma, sex appeal
and economic security.
Too bad David can't meet
your Mr. Ashley.
Come on, Mary,
if he's gonna meet anybody
let him meet me.
You, I am not worried about.
Dad told me David's business
is in a real slump.
- Oh, no.
- Yeah.
Right now, David could use
a few high powered contacts.
Uh, Nancy,
I think that's a hint.
I'm way ahead of you, Mare.
You know,
I read a similar problem
in the "Wall Street Journal."
What David obviously needs
is a good solid project
that will generate substantial
cash flow, high profit
and demonstrate
his technical expertise
throughout the industry.
Ooh! You know, Nancy
you're beginning to sound
like the financial pages.
She is not.
She's beginning to sound
like a loyal sister.
'Go for it, Nancy.
Put in a good word for David.'
I met somebody today.
They said they know you.
Yeah? Well, my reputation
gets around, sport.
- Hope she's gorgeous.
- It's Ms. Krutch.
Ms. Krutch?
Where'd you meet her? Cemetery?
Nope, school.
She's my substitute.
I thought she'd be long gone
and hauntin' people by now.
Well, she is haunting people.
Hmm, that's tough luck, kid.
Just don't let her
push you around.
- She's already pushed.
- Yeah, I'll bet.
She was one of the toughest
teachers I ever had.
- She seemed to like you.
- Yeah, she did.
And it was bad enough
when she liked you.
When she hated you,
it was t*rture.
t*rture?
[doorbell ringing]
I heard you the first time.
Sorry, he doesn't trust
my doorbell pushing.
Did you ever consider
speaking to Marvin about that?
Actually we just met
a few minutes ago
when he ran his bicycle
into my fender.
It's not my fault, Ms. Bradford.
I'm not used to having
such big cars
in front of your house.
Oh, you're-you're not together.
I'm sorry about that.
What can I do for you?
You can tell Nicholas I'm here.
I haven't asked you yet,
Marvin.
Uh, Thank you. You can tell
Nancy, Kirk Ashley is here.
- We have a date.
- Oh, come in, Mr. Ashley.
I-I apologize
for all the confusion.
That's what they always say
around here.
You'll get used to it.
Hey, Nicholas.
'Nicholas!'
And truly, Mr. Ashley,
you never get used to it.
So, I figured
you'd need cheerin' up.
(Nicholas)
'Thanks.'
Yeah, if I got the hassle
you got, I'd need cheerin' up.
Well, at least we won't have
Ms. Krutch for very long.
Come on, Nicholas,
Ms. Shaffer's havin' a baby.
So?
You don't know
how long that takes?
How should I know?
I'm the last baby
this family ever had.
And I'm too old to remember
how long it took.
And too young to ask.
Well, you just
don't do it overnight.
- More like a weekend?
- Longer, maybe a month.
A whole month of Ms. Krutch?
That's how long my mom stayed
off work to have my sister.
I don't think
I can last that long.
[instrumental music]
Oh, and I was
just getting started.
[chuckles]
Hey, I know a great spot
in Oaktown, uh..
...where they never,
never have intermissions.
You wanna try it?
Well, hey,
I've got to be at work
in exactly, uh, five hours.
Do you think we could
just have a nightcap?
Uh...sure.
Why don't we just have
a nightcap.
And let me do
a better selling job
on that great,
old night spot in Oaktown.
Truth is, I promised my partner
I'd drop by tonight.
Your partner?
I own the building
where the club is located.
- You own the building?
- That's right.
Tell me, Kirk.
Did you just buy
the club buildin'
or did you have it built?
Why?
Well, you might say
I'm very interested
in the construction business.
- You?
- Yeah.
I think the construction
business is very fascinating.
And what's fascinating
about it?
Well, uh, every bit. All of it.
As a matter of fact,
I've felt that way
since my brilliant brother
David started his own
very successful
construction company.
Your brother has
a construction business?
Isn't that funny you asked?
[chuckles]
I'll tell you what, Kirk,
why don't we go
to that all night place
after all?
And I'll tell you all about it.
- Well, good morning.
- Oh, daddy, I'm sorry.
I, I tried not to wake you up.
I know, stock brokers hours.
You know, Nancy, I really admire
the discipline that you display.
Getting up this early
to go to work and all.
Well, actually, dad.
Today I get to sleep
a whole half hour
before my alarm wakes me up.
You mean, you're just
getting home? Nancy!
Relax, daddy,
it was strictly business.
- Business?
- Business.
I was tryin' to put in a good
word for David with Kirk Ashley.
Until sunrise?
(Nancy)
'Well, I wanted to do it sooner'
'but Kirk kept wanting
to disco.'
Good for you, Nance.
Do you think Ashley
will help David?
Oh, Mare, I'm too sleepy
to remember anything.
Well, goodnight, everybody.
Well, whatever time it is.
Goodnight.
- I can't believe it.
- Oh, it's true.
The father-son tournament always
starts promptly at o'clock.
It's the tradition.
No, dad, I can't believe
that you're asking me
to be your partner
and not David.
Oh, well, actually,
I did ask David.
- And?
- And he can't spare the time.
Now, tell me,
I don't want you to think
that you're my second choice.
It's just that I feel
that you have come--
Dad, hold it, hold it, hold it.
'You don't have to give me
your next-in-line speech.'
I understand.
It's just that, I can't play
with you on Saturday.
You can't?
No, my band and I are playing
at a super market opening
in Roseville.
It's a paid gig,
I've gotta be there.
Just like what you always say
in your responsibility speech.
I.. No, I can't believe it.
I never knew you even
listened to my speeches.
It's no big deal,
you can ask Nicholas.
- Ask me what?
- Nothing--
Dad needs a partner for
the father-son golf tournament.
David's his partner.
Well, actually,
David can't do it and I'm busy
so you're the only one
that's left.
Well, grandpa Harry
did teach me how to play.
Tommy, I didn't wanna
get into this right now.
Look, Nicholas,
some day you and I
'will enter the father-son
golf tournament.'
We'll probably come home
with all the trophies.
It's just that,
right now I don't think
that you are prepared
to accept the responsibilities
that David has been accepting
these past few years.
You mean, he'd make you lose?
No, I didn't say that, Nicholas.
Oh, I get it.
You mean I won't be
as good as David
or Tommy.
Well, you can just
forget the whole thing
'cause golf's
a dumb game anyways.
[instrumental music]
- Nicholas, what's wrong?
- Everything and everybody.
[instrumental music]
- Are you alright, son?
- No.
What's the matter?
Well, I feel sick.
Every time I stand up,
I feel like lying down.
Does it hurt any place?
Everywhere.
'I don't think
I should go to school today.'
'I think I should stay home'
'and everybody
should leave me alone.'
Do you think
we should call Dr. Maxwell?
Ah, no, don't bother him.
Should we take your temperature?
Oh, it's not that kinda sick.
I think I should just
stay home for a month
and rest up and I'll be great.
(Tom)
'Tell me something, Nicholas'
do you by any chance have a test
scheduled in school today?
Oh, no, it has nothin'
to do with tests.
I see.
Well, I tell you what.
I'm going to take you
to Dr. Maxwell
or you go to school
this morning.
- Is that my choice?
- 'That's your choice.'
I'll go to school.
Wise choice, son.
That's exactly what
your older brothers
and sisters used to say.
[instrumental music]
I don't know, Tom.
I think I would've
kept him home.
Oh, well, then it's fortunate
it it wasn't up to you.
No, really, Tom, I-I think
something's troubling him.
Oh, yes, I know what it is.
He's suffering from a severe
case of, Aunt Bessy.
- "Aunt Bessy?"
- Yes, Aunt Bessy.
That's a disease inherited
by all of my children.
Now you've heard of it.
No, actually,
I can't say that I have.
Oh, well, come to think of it,
that's probably
because Aunt Bessy was Joan's
grandmother's middle sister.
Hmm.
But I thought you said
Aunt Bessy was a disease.
Well, it's the same thing.
She spent the last years
of her life in her bed
refusing to leave
because of the earthquake.
No, wait, Tom,
you're confusing me.
What earthquake?
The same one that she thought
was going to happen
for years but never did.
- Never?
- No.
She d*ed peacefully
in her sleep at the age of .
'And Joan used to say'
'that her genes reappear
in the children'
'from time to time
at certain intervals'
during the school year.
And thus, you have the case
of little Nicholas sacking out
to avoid some
classroom earthquake
that of course
will never happen.
Well, that's an interesting
family tradition
but I'm not sure
it's true in this case.
Oh, it's true alright.
I've seen this symptoms
a times
from David on down.
Pretty soon, you will be able
to diagnose an Aunt Bessy
quicker than I can.
Really, do you think so?
I don't know,
I'm having a pretty hard time
catching up to the, um,
to the legends on your side
of the family,
let alone their mothers.
Oh, now, nobody is giving you
a family history test.
Then, what's this?
(Ms. Krutch)
'Nicholas?'
'Nicholas Bradford.'
Yes?
I don't find your homework here.
Did you hand it in?
Oh, I forgot to bring it.
You forgot to bring it?
Yeah, I had other things
on my mind this morning.
Are you saying
you left it at home
or that you forgot to do it?
No, I did it, alright?
Well, it's hard to believe a boy
of your background would lie.
So, I'll accept that, Nicholas.
'But I think you better
stay in after school'
'and we'll have a talk.'
Yes, Ms. Krutch.
[telephone ringing]
Thank you.
That must be
your fourth cup of coffee.
Oh.
You sure you don't
wanna go home?
Oh, no,
I'm just a little sleepy.
Must have been quite an evening.
It was a terrific evening.
It was a wonderful midnight
and an exhausting dawn.
Think you can last until lunch?
Oh, yeah.
I'll just nap instead of eat.
[telephone ringing]
- That's your extension.
- Oh, thank you, excuse me.
Hello? Oh, hi, Kirk.
What?
Time for what?
Oh, of course I remember
our lunch at the Hunt Club.
Yes. Yes, of course
I asked my brother to join us.
Thank you, Kirk.
We'll see you there, bye.
Oh, no.
Something wrong?
There is, if I can't find
my brothers phone number
and if he isn't free for lunch.
Lunch? I thought
you weren't eating.
Oh, I have to.
It's David's future
and I almost yawned it away.
Oh, no.
What do you mean
that David can't make the game?
Well, he feels he's too busy
starting his company.
It'll just take
a few hours, Tom.
Now I've invested
in a year's lessons
for Randy III
with the best pro in Boston.
'And it isn't cheap
to fly him back here.'
I know, I appreciate that.
'His game is down,
eight strokes.'
This could be our year.
We could set the club record.
Okay, okay.
I'll ask him to re-consider.
The truth is, Eliot,
I would love to have him play.
Oh, h-hi, i-it's me, Tom.
Uh, can I speak to David?
Oh! Oh, no, no, no,
it's alright.
Tell him I called.
Right. Bye, dear.
We just missed him.
He went to some
surprise luncheon'.
Talk to him again, Tom.
If he has time for surprises,
he has time for his father.
And his father's boss.
[instrumental music]
(David)
'Condominium conversions?'
Do you know that block of
apartments in Grand and Willow?
Yeah, as a matter of fact,
I help build those apartments
couple of years ago
when I was with
Man Construction.
Terrific, then maybe
you can, uh, tell me
if they structurally justify
a renovation plan.
Yeah, if you can solve
the eating problem.
You know, I never did think
that furnace system would last.
Nobody else has brought that up.
I told you David was a genius.
Please, Nancy,
let's not oversell.
Frankly, Kirk, uh, I'd like
to give you my suggestions.
'But what I'd really like is'
a chance to bid
on the whole conversion.
I obviously know the buildings.
I could do the job and,
uh, I could save you money.
What do you think, Nancy?
Well, I've known David
for over years
and I can recommend him as
'totally honest
and totally wonderful.'
(Kirk)
'Well, that's good enough
for me.'
I'll get those specs
for you, David.
'Think you can have a
bid by Monday?'
Su-sure, sure and thanks.
- Well, thanks, Kirk.
- My pleasure.
Now that we've finished
the business part of lunch
let's handle my social calendar.
'What time do
I pick you up tonight?'
- Tonight?
- How about eight?
'I thought we'd get
an early start.'
'I have about four great spots
I wanna show you.'
Eight o'clock? Tonight?
I'd love it.
Has Mrs. Shaffer
ever asked your father
to come in
and talk to her, Nicholas?
No, but Miss Walker did,
last year.
My dad didn't like it.
I see.
A continuing problem.
Well, I've been reviewing
your progress so far this year
and it is definitely not
up to Bradford standards.
Yes, ma'am.
That being the case
I want you to take
this note home
and give it to your father.
- Do I have to?
- Yes, Nicholas.
I'm sure he'd want to hear about
your surprising lack of effort.
And your father is a fine man.
When he isn't yelling.
And I'm sure
he'd want to know about
one of his children not living
up to the example he has set.
Here.
- Do I have to take this?
- Yes, Nicholas.
And you must bring it back to me
signed by your father,
tomorrow.
If you want to avoid
the consequences.
Wow, consequences.
Yeah, and to top everything off
she's going to give me
consequences.
- What're you gonna do?
- I don't know.
Be sick.
No, I thought that already.
It may work in your family
but my dad had
too much experience.
Run away.
No, I tried that already, too.
It ain't as much as fun
as you think it is.
Nicholas, you got troubles.
Yeah.
And consequences.
Isn't it wonderful, dad?
And all because of Nancy.
Oh, yes. It is wonderful.
Of course, David will have
to work night and day
in order to get
the bid in by Monday.
Night and day?
Yes, and people
will have to stop babbling
so I can concentrate.
(Janet)
'Don't be rude, David.'
Your father hasn't even
had a chance
to tell us why he came by.
Oh, well, i-it's nothing
that takes priority.
- I'm proud of you, son.
- Shh!
He's terrible.
No, no, no,
he's just on his way..
...and so am I.
[alarm buzzing]
Nancy! Nancy! Nancy, wake up.
Oh, Miss Chovick!
- No, it's me.
- Oh.
Come on, get up,
you're late for work.
- I'm late?
- Yes, what happened?
Oh, Kirk took me
to four new discos.
He did? That's great.
Yeah, you can say that.
You're still alive.
Look, will you call Miss Chovick
and explain while
I take a quick shower?
- Yeah, but what do I say?
- I don't know.
I'm delegating
that responsibility to you.
You're the phone expert.
- Uh. hi.
- Hi.
Hey, what are you doin'
still here?
What are you doing
just coming home?
I had a late assignment,
I'm b*at.
Oh, tell me about it.
At least you get
to go to bed and sleep all day.
Yeah. Argh!
Lot of people
make so much noise.
[door closes]
- Have a nice day.
- You too.
I hope you solve
your golf problem.
Oh, dad, do you want me
to drop of Nancy?
Oh, thanks but Tommy
already took her in the van
and Nicholas wants to walk
to school with mom.
Well, I guess we're all present
and accounted for.
- See you tonight, dad.
- Bye-bye.
[engine revving]
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
[instrumental music]
(woman on TV)
'I can't tell Arthur
about the children.'
'He'd think that David
is really his son.'
'How can I do that
to a man only one day'
'after open heart surgery.'
Good question.
'Tell me, doctor, how?'
(man on TV)
'Well, at least, make him aware
of the bankruptcy.'
'After all
it wasn't his fault.'
'As ortho psychiatrist'
'I believe we should
be re-establishing'
'his sense of reality.'
(woman on TV)
'Oh, Arthur. Arthur.'
Can a person
get any sleep around here?
I forgot Joannie.
(woman on TV)
'Don't you realize
what I've been going through?'
'Do you think it's my fault?'
(Joannie)
'Hey, come on
I thought we had a deal.'
No television was..
[sighs]
I can't believe this family.
Oh, jeez.
Forgetful slobs.
Hey, it's still cold.
Anybody home?
'Hey, whose home?'
Uh..
Whoever's home.
This isn't funny.
[instrumental music]
Anybody here?
[music continues]
If anybody's in this house..
...I just want to warn you.
I'm well armed
and I can call the police.
[leaves rustling]
I'm sorry, I wont be late again.
I hope
I can count on that, Nancy.
I had to stop my own work
and cover your desk.
I realize that.
Believe me, I-I-I apologize.
You were off
to such a good start here.
Miss Chovick,
I'll make it up to you.
I really,
really wanna keep this job.
Are you sure?
Yes, I'm positive.
Good.
Nancy, I think I know
what's been going on.
Could I ask you a question?
Could you be planning
to exchange this name plate
for one that reads
"Mrs. Kirk Ashley?"
'And then forgetting about us?'
It isn't like that,
Miss Chovick.
I like it here.
Good. And we like you, Nancy.
When you arrive on time.
And stay alert.
[instrumental music]
I hear you prowling out there.
Stay out!
No! No! No, I'm warning you.
- No!
- Joannie, it's me.
Oh, Tommy.
I don't have time for dramatics.
Oh, Tommy. Oh, thank you.
Oh, I'm so relieved.
I thought it was
whoever comin' back.
- 'Whoever?'
- 'Yeah, there..'
There's been a prowler here
while I was sleeping.
- You're kidding.
- 'No.'
Tommy, Tommy, look.
I was not kidding.
Look, feel it for yourself.
It's practically right out
of the refrigerator.
And the TV set was on.
No Bradford watches TV
this time of day.
Joannie, are you saying that
our prowler was a non-Bradford?
Or is..
Is?
Tommy, would you
help me search the house?
(Tommy)
'Joannie, I don't have time'
'I gotta get back to school.'
'I just came here
to pick up my gym stuff.'
(Joannie)
'Well, how can you think
about your gym stuff right now.'
We could have a burglar here.
Or even worse.
Look, if we did
have an even worse.
We'd be crazy
to search the house.
We should call the police.
But since I'm sure
we don't have anybody
and if it'll
make you feel better.
I'll help you search the house.
You take the upstairs,
I'll take the down--
No, no, let's search together.
- After you.
- No, after you.
I think we ought to search
the screen porch first.
It's closest to the evidence.
[instrumental music]
Do you hear something?
Joannie, if we're gonna do this,
you gotta quit spooking me.
There's nobody in here,
let's try the kitchen.
[music continues]
What do you mean
we have a prowler?
Now, now just calm down,
Joannie.
Is anything missing?
Maybe you were just
having a nightmare.
You should think
more about getting
more normal sleeping hours.
We'll discuss the evidence
when I get home tonight.
Right now, I think you should
get some decent rest.
Goodbye, Joannie.
- Problems, Tom?
- Oh, hi.
Oh, no, no, not really.
Good, it just wouldn't be
the same tournament
without David playing.
Uh, yes, well,
David is still not playing.
Tom, I thought
that I'd communicated.
Right, you did communicate.
And now I'm communicating to you
that we don't need David.
But you said that Tommy..
We don't need Tommy.
- We've got Merle.
- Merle?
Yes, my son-in-law,
Merle Stockwell.
The Cyclone star pitcher.
He's the greatest all round
athlete in Sacramento.
- Very interesting, Tom.
- I thought so.
Yes, as a matter of fact,
I might say absolutely inspired.
Oh, well, thank you, Eliot.
Yes, what is Merle's,
uh, handicap?
Well, now, I haven't discussed
the details with him yet.
You mean, you haven't asked him?
Well, I just got the idea
a few minutes ago
but don't worry
about it, Eliot.
It's just a formality.
Oh, good.
[sighs]
Just a formality.
Can I give you
a medical opinion, Nancy?
Stay home tonight
and get some sleep.
Oh, Mary, I wish I could.
Hey why don't you tell Kirk
that you fixed him up
with a great substitute,
huh, me?
[laughs]
Sorry, Elizabeth.
But for the first time
in my life
I can do something
really important for David.
And I'm going to.
'Come on inside and I'll get
you two a glass of lemonade.'
(Elizabeth)
'That's a deal.'
[instrumental music]
Tommy would you
tell 'em you heard
the same floor creaks I did.
Well, I must admit it
sounded like someone was here.
That's really weird.
Uh, hold it, everybody,
now here come Nicholas.
We've got to break this
to him delicately.
Hmm, hi, Nicholas.
How was school?
Well, actually, it was
the best day I had all week.
Oh, that's good, Nicholas.
Now, maybe you wont mind
if we tell you something
that might be
a little bit scary.
Uh, don't get upset,
Nicholas, but
we may have had a burglar.
A burglar?
Really?
(Tom)
'Well, what kind
of a burglar would steal'
'one sandwich
and a bottle of orange juice?'
That's just the point, dad.
Maybe it's not just a burglar.
Maybe we're dealing with
a very twisted personality.
Come on, Joannie, there has
to be a logical explanation.
Well, did you rob
the refrigerator
and did you leave
the television set on?
Well, of course not.
Did anybody in this family?
Well, there,
that proves the point.
Dad, I think we oughta
call Officer Bernstein
'and have him watch the house.'
You know, um,
some kind of a, a stake-out.
A stake-out?
Oh, the police would laugh us
right out of Sacramento.
Well, I don't wanna sleep
alone in this house another
morning without
some kind of protection.
Joannie, if you're
really worried about it.
I can stay home tomorrow
and do my studying here.
- I don't mid.
- You'll be the stake-out?
I think that would be
kind of dangerous.
No, even a maniacal
baloney bandit
doesn't att*ck a house
that's obviously occupied.
Relax, Joannie.
'I'm sure there's
nothing to worry about.'
Nancy!
Nancy!
- She's in the shower.
- Are you sure?
Sure I'm sure,
she just had me wake her up
ten minutes ago
and lead her to the bathroom.
Well, good because Kirk's
downstairs to pick her up.
Oh, you want me to go
pound on the door for ya?
No, that's okay,
I'll do it, but, um..
...could you go downstairs
and rescue Kirk?
Rescue him from what?
Well, dad's showin' him
what a great job David did
on remodeling
the livin' room, and, uh..
It's not exactly
helping David's image
as a big time professional.
Yeah, but what can I do?
Well, just get
dad on another subject.
So he doesn't blow
all of Nancy's hard work.
But what do I talk about?
I don't even know
what this guy is like.
I'll tell you what he's like.
Now, if I didn't know how much
Nancy wants to help David
I'd let her stay in the shower
about another six years.
Thanks, Tommy.
'Nancy.'
'You gotta hurry.'
[knock on the door]
Nancy!
Oh, no.
Nancy, would you wake up?
Kirk's here.
- What?
- Come on, Nance, on your feet.
Your prince is here.
My prince is where?
Oh, how can I be asleep
when I took a shower?
You didn't have a shower.
- I didn't?
- Mm-mm.
Elizabeth, I don't think
I can last another night.
You want me to
take over helping David?
Tell Kirk I'm getting dressed.
What are you gonna do?
Well, I can't go to school.
And I cant stay home.
Ms. Krutch was askin'
about you yesterday.
Really? What did you tell her?
- I said you had an allergy.
- An allergy?
Yeah, but I didn't tell her
your allergy was to her.
- Thanks, Marvin.
- Don't mention it.
I'm just glad I don't have
to live up to everybody.
Seven everybody's.
Yeah, seein' what you
have to put up with
I'm beginning not to mind
my little kid sister.
Well, have a good day
at school, Marvin.
You have a good day too.
Wherever you're goin'.
- Where are you going?
- Don't ask.
Old Krutch might try
and t*rture it out of you.
Never!
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
Hey, fella.
Shouldn't you be in school?
- Uh, well, it's a holiday.
- Sure it is.
That's why you're the only
kid in the park.
What's your name
and your phone number?
- Do I have to tell?
- Well, you can tell me.
Or I can call
the truant officer.
I guess I'm busted.
I guess you are, little guy.
Did you have to say that?
[instrumental music]
(Susan)
'Sorry, dad, Merle isn't
even in Sacramento.'
Really?
When will he be back?
Not until Sunday.
Sunday?
The tournament is Saturday.
Isn't there any way
you can reach him?
Oh, sorry, some of his
pals from the Cyclones
took him on a fishing trip
up near Lassen
and there's no phones.
My timing is worse than my golf.
Oh, dad. It was really sweet
of you to think of him.
I'm sure he'll be
very flattered.
Uh, maybe he can play
in the tournament next year.
Next year? I have a feeling
we won't even be invited.
Hello there, Nancy Bradford.
Oh, hi, Kirk.
Uh, look,
I-I cant talk right now
I'm supposed to be working.
Relax. I'm a big customer.
Here. I brought you something.
What's that?
I know you've been
cooling it on the night life.
'So, since I have to buzz down'
to San Francisco this afternoon
I thought you could
come over to my apartment.
'Whip up some dinner?'
I have it waiting.
I think we are about due
for a quiet evening.
[sighs]
You're kidding.
Why should I kid
my favorite girl?
I can't.
I'm sorry, David.
David?
Yeah, David.
[doorbell ringing]
It's unlocked, come in.
David, I've gotta
tell you something.
Hey, Nancy,
thanks for coming by.
If I'd had time I, I,
would have called to thank you.
This job gets better every time
I add up the figures.
I think I can save Kirk
a lot of money
and put Bradford
Construction Company
on its first solid footing.
Oh, David, I'm really sorry.
And I owe it all to you, Nancy.
Wait a minute.
Did you say you were sorry?
For what?
I've blown this for you.
All your work, all your future.
What are you talking about?
Kirk Ashley.
I-I told him to get lost.
- When?
- Just now.
What happened?
Well, he came close
to costing me my job.
Not to mention my self respect.
I just couldn't
meet his terms, David.
'Not even for you.'
Oh, Nancy.
Did I ever ask you to?
No.
But I really wanted to help you.
Hey, you did help me.
Oh, no, I didn't.
Come on, sit down.
I ruined everything, David.
Well, you proved
something to me.
That I can do jobs like this.
I can bid on them.
And I can build 'em
if I get the chance.
Thanks, David, but..
I know how terrible
you must feel.
Wasting all this time and work.
Who says it's wasted?
I'm going to submit this bid.
Kirk Ashley
wont even look at it.
'Well, he will if he's
a good businessman.'
And if he's not
a good businessman
then I don't wanna be
involved with him.
You know something?
I like that.
Good.
'Cause that's the way it is.
Well, at least
I was right about something.
You do deserve
to be recommended.
Me?
No, what about you?
I've known Nancy Bradford
for over years.
She's loyal, hard working
and she makes me very proud.
Oh, David.
Thanks.
[laughs]
You're a nut.
Thank you very much, Mr. Bush.
I really appreciate you calling.
Does he play hookey a lot?
No, actually,
this is the first time.
Hmm.
Boy, usually this park
is just so crowded
you cant even find a seat.
Do you wanna talk about it?
[instrumental music]
Please?
No.
Okay, where would you
like to go?
I don't care.
So boring, we never
go any place, we never talk.
Okay, if that's the way
you want it.
[music continues]
- You know what?
- What?
I can't get away from it.
Not at school,
not at home, not even here.
- "It?"
- Them.
Who?
David, Mary, Joannie, Susan
Nancy, Elizabeth, Tommy.
All the big Bradford's.
What do you mean exactly?
Well...here..
You might as well read it.
Nothing could be worse
than what I've been through.
[music continues]
This is terrible.
I didn't mean to
let the family down.
Not you, I mean this note.
You mean you don't like it?
No, I hate it. What happened
to your regular teacher?
She deserted us to have a baby.
Well, cheer up
'cause I'm not gonna desert ya.
Come on, let's go home.
What's this?
It's a picture of David
when he was your age.
He was a real little squirt.
Not David.
See for yourself.
Not a total squirt.
Pretty puny.
Yeah, pretty puny.
See, are you gonna
believe me now?
Everybody in this family
had to go through being young.
You, you just have to
go through it last.
And that's the hardest.
You can say that again.
Abby, is it ever gonna be over?
Believe me, Nicholas.
Some day you'll wish it weren't.
Someday you'll wish
you were younger.
Not me.
Oh, believe me,
someday it'll happen.
But right now,
you just have to believe
that your doin' terrific.
And don't let anybody
compare you to anybody else.
I wish somebody showed me
all this junk before.
I guess they just
never thought of it.
How come you did?
Oh, Nicholas, when you showed me
that note from Ms. Krutch..
Well, I-I knew
exactly how you felt.
How could you? You're not
your family's youngest?
No, but I've had
to constantly try
to live up
to the very good example
set by somebody else.
- Who?
- Your mom.
- My mom?
- 'Yeah.'
'It's really hard
trying to, to follow'
'somebody else's footsteps.'
I can never be all the things
that she was to this family.
I can only be myself.
But people..
Well, I-I, I guess
they can't help comparing us.
People? You mean, me too?
Oh, I'm not
blaming anybody, Nicholas.
I mean, she was your mother
and, and I'm Abby and..
And I can only be myself.
And that's the way
it's gotta be.
Just, just like
you've gotta be Nicholas
'and, and you cant be Tommy'
'or-or David
or-or anybody else.'
'Do you understand?'
I guess so.
Well, that's good for starters.
So, the next time
anybody tries to
compare you to anybody else.
You can talk to me.
It's a deal?
- Deal.
- Deal.
- Abby.
- Yeah?
You can talk to me too.
I'll remember that.
[laughs]
How could you
possibly feel better?
If you were here,
Marvin, you'd know.
But you said
you were really busted.
You know, really in for it.
Yeah,
but Abby said not to worry.
What she says
doesn't really count.
This is school stuff.
Oh, yeah,
well, she said she's goin'
over there to talk
to Ms. Krutch.
'When?'
Well, she left
just before you came.
So, they're probably
talkin' right now.
Hope she didn't go alone.
All alone.
She didn't take your dad?
Nope.
She's braver than I thought.
All alone to face Ms. Krutch.
It was never my intention
to intimidate Nicholas.
I'm not questioning
your motive, Ms. Krutch
only the result.
Result?
I've always found it
very inspiring
for the younger children
to have the achievements
of their elders
held up as examples.
We all need heroes to emulate.
Well, heroes
are one thing but..
...but family is another.
Do you have
brothers and sisters?
Yes, I'm the oldest
of three girls.
You're the oldest.
Um, if you ever
ask your younger sister
how it feels
to, to have to emulate you?
Come to think of it,
I have not.
And how do you feel
w-when your students
come to you and tell you that..
Well, that
you just don't do things
the same way that
their real teacher does?
Perhaps you have a point.
Perhaps it isn't Nicholas
who is too young.
It is I who am too old.
No, Ms. Krutch.
I just hope that his family
is as understanding
as you've been.
His family?
His family.
- Dad.
- Yes, Nicholas.
This was Abby's idea, wasn't it?
Oh, well,
remember I always told you
that some day
you and I would play
in a father and son
golf tournament.
Well, this is the day.
Alright, Nicholas,
you were right.
It was Abby's idea.
I thought so,
she's really great, isn't she?
Yeah, she is, Nicholas.
You know, sometimes
you make her feel puny.
- Puny?
- Yeah.
Like sometimes she's not
as terrific as our mom was.
Oh, well, we don't
mean to do that, Nicholas.
I know, but we do it.
Well, yeah,
I guess so. Sometimes.
Well, the truth is,
Abby was the one
that made it good
at school for me.
We're very lucky to have her.
And we shouldn't
make her feel bad.
That's right, Nicholas.
We shouldn't.
Oh, that's terrific.
Thank you.
Nicholas, guess what
Mr. Randolph
wants you to go first.
- First, me?
- Yeah!
That's right, Nicholas.
Randy III and I
have both have agreed
that you're the one
who should lead off
for our little foursome.
Alright!
Thanks, Eliot.
(Eliot)
'Don't mention it, Tom.'
After all this is
the father-son tournament.
That's what it's all about.
Exactly.
Come on then, Nicholas.
Get up there and show us how.
[instrumental music]
Watch this.
Mom.
[music continues]
(Tom)
'Pour me another one, Abby.'
(Nicholas)
'Me too, please.'
'Boy, it sure makes you thirsty,
doesn't it, dad?'
(Tom)
'Oh, golf is like that,
Nicholas.'
'The sun, sand traps.'
(Nicholas)
And losing.
- Better luck next time.
- Next time we'll win a trophy.
Right, next time.
I mean, cheer up, you guys.
A score of one seventeen
is not disgraceful.
It is for six holes.
Hi, everybody.
Uh, where's Nancy?
I think she's upstairs.
Good, I wanna give her the news.
What news?
Kirk Ashley took my bid.
Congratulations.
Well, he took my bid, dad,
he didn't accept it.
I was a few thousand too high.
But he was impressed enough
to put me on his bid list
for future projects.
- That's great.
- Yeah.
At least I've got
another sh*t at it.
- Next time.
- Right, next time.
Well, I'll see you both later.
Nicholas, where are you going?
To rest up for next time.
It's gonna be awful
busy round here.
Cheers.
[theme music]
[music continues]
04x07 - Big Shoes, Little Feet
Watch/Buy Amazon
The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.
The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.