That new conditioner I brought
makes your hair feel a lot thicker.
Smells like bananas.
Do you like it?
It's fine.
Are you almost done?
Keep your britches on.
You want to look nice
when we go to breakfast tomorrow.
I don't want to go to breakfast.
Margaret McBride,
you and I have been
going to breakfast
every Saturday morning
for 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.
You 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 keep 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 and sell, make a profit,
that's all people think about today.
Do 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.
Boy, it's a crazy world, you know.
I was reading the sports section
this morning
about testing ball players for dr*gs,
testing horses for dr*gs.
You never read about anybody
testing airline mechanics for dr*gs.
I mean, nobody's gonna 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
than taking the train.
Friend of mine d*ed on a train.
Somebody crashed
an airplane into it.
That's a joke.
Jonathan.
Boy, you're a million miles away.
- Yeah, I guess I was.
- How much farther we gotta go?
About another mile,
I'll show you where to turn.
You know what the assignment is?
Jonathan.
Do you know what
the next assignment is?
No, not yet.
Are you all right?
Yeah. I'm fine.
I used to live around here.
It brings back a lot of memories.
I haven't been back here
for almost 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 recognise you.
We don't come back
in the same form, Mark.
Are you gonna 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.
Did you see her eyes?
She always had
the most beautiful eyes.
She still does.
- The next street on the right.
- All right.
Same house after all these years.
Let's go.
I'll get it, Margaret.
- Yes?
- Hi. My name is 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.
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?
That the world has to be this way.
That people have to be afraid
of each other.
Yes it is.
Well, I won't keep you.
Keep smiling.
Mister 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's 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?
Oh, it's fine with me.
I mean this is a nice room.
It used to be husband's study
years ago,
but after he d*ed
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 a month
including kitchen privileges.
Oh, that's fine.
Could we move right in?
- Certainly.
- I'll get our stuff.
Why'd 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 always take my 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.
Do 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?
Oh, I keep forgetting,
there's two hours difference.
Well, give them a hug for me.
I love you, too.
Goodbye.
I am sorry.
I hope I didn't disturb you.
No, not at all.
That song.
"Claire de lune"?
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?
Oh, 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 and has two children.
They live in the East, Illinois.
Is this your daughter?
Yes.
That's my Mandy.
She's almost as beautiful
as her mother.
Do 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 d*ed.
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, Jonathan.
And I love you, Jane.
Yes?
- Hey, I hope I didn't wake you.
- Oh, no.
What is all this?
Well, it's a little orange juice,
a little tea, a little toast.
I thought you'd have
some breakfast in bed for a change.
Well, you shouldn't--
- I don't know what to say.
- A simple thank you will do fine.
Thank you.
- And the flower is 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 favour.
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--
What's that?
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
and 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 morning?
Nobody. Look, I want you
to do me a big favour.
- 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
and 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?
I don't want to leave her right now.
All right, I'll give it a sh*t.
- Hey, I appreciate it, thank you.
- Where you going?
- The zoo.
- Well, wait a minute.
I don't know even where she lives.
Everything's in your jacket pocket.
Address, plane ticket, the works.
Plane ticket? Now wait a minute,
you mean, I gotta fly?
I hate flying.
Well, you'll get used to it.
I did.
Sure you did, after you d*ed.
That koala bear
is the cutest thing in the world.
We can go back and see him again.
I'd love to, but to be honest with you,
my feet are k*lling me.
Hey, come on,
let's sit down for a while.
Oh, I'd love to.
Feels so good.
It 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 k*lling me, too.
Now, now, at your age.
Oh, come on,
I may be a little older than I look.
You certainly look 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.
You remind me so much
of Arthur in so many ways.
He was always laughing.
He was always easy to be with.
Well, he could
make my angry, though.
Oh, really? Why? How?
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've got to get back.
If Margaret doesn't have dinner
by six she-
My God.
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?
- That'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 the 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?
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?
- Hi.
I hope I'm not
ringing your bell at a bad time.
Well, 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?
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
that she's feeling really down now,
what with her friend dying and all.
I thought if you could see your way
free, you'd maybe stop by for a visit.
I realise you're going on vacation.
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.
I told her next year. She understood.
You told her that last year
and she understood then, too.
Mr. Gordon, I realise
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.
Do you understand?
Yeah, I understand.
I just thought a couple of days.
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.
- 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.
- Hey, how's this?
- Fine.
Have some of this popcorn, it's good.
- I love popcorn.
- Come 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.
Jonathan.
Come on.
It's the least you could 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?
- Do you know something? Is she-?
- 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, I don't think
that's gonna be so easy.
You see, that child
is about the same age as you.
Yeah, I know.
Well, what'd you do tonight?
We went to dinner
and went to a movie.
Yeah, did you have fun?
Yeah.
I had a great time.
It was just like the old days.
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 gonna
have to leave sometime.
I know, I know, I know.
All right. If my daughter
won't listen to reason,
I'm gonna have
to shake her up a little bit.
- How are you gonna do that?
- Easy.
I'm gonna 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.
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 gonna
have to take another plane.
Well, like I said,
you don't want me tagging along.
I'll just keep an eye on Jane.
Thanks.
- Hello.
- Hi. Is this Mandy?
- Yes.
- Well, hi. This is Jonathan.
Jonathan?
Yeah, Jonathan Smith.
I'm a friend of your mom's.
Well, a little bit more than just
a friend, you know what I mean?
I don't know.
Oh, she didn't say anything
to you about me?
Well, no. I'm sorry. She didn't.
That figures.
You know how widows are.
Afraid to talk to the kids
about getting married again.
- What?
- Yeah. Surprise, surprise.
Look, I'll be in town a few days.
I'd sure like to drop in for a visit.
You might not get out there
for the wedding.
You ought to know what your
new father-in-law looks like.
Well, yes, I--
This is such a surprise, I-
How about tonight? A little dinner.
My treat. You pick the place.
Well, I--
Great I'll pop by, around, : .
I'm really looking forward to it.
I'll see you then.
See you then.
Mandy, have you seen
my pencil sharpener?
I'm gonna 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 fiancé.
Mother's what?
Her fiancé. 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 gonna meet him tonight.
- He's here?
- Yeah, on business.
Great. She found herself
an old guy who's 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 La Plume.
- Don't you feel better now?
- Much.
I'll go make the reservation.
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.
Hey, Mandy.
You look just like your mom.
Jonathan Smith?
You got it. Right in the flesh.
- How you doing, darling?
- Fine.
Where's your old man
and the rug rats, huh?
- In the den.
- Oh, in the den, all right.
Everybody, this is Jonathan.
Hey, hey. Slow down,
Martin, my man.
We've got all night to eat.
You know what I mean?
It went down the wrong way.
- Let me slap a little Heimlich on you.
- No, no. I'm fine.
- Are you all right?
- Jonathan, these are our children.
Matt and Jackie.
Hey, what's happening guys?
Hey, that's a rad jacket,
I like that, I like that.
- Thanks.
- If you're all done gagging, Martin,
we can go eat something.
- Certainly. After you.
- Oh, no.
Age before beauty.
That's an oldie but goodie,
right-o, Martin?
Right-o. Yeah.
Unbelievable, unbelievable.
I love them. Snails and champagne?
I could eat a hundred of them.
I'd say you already have.
You're kidding me.
It didn't realise. It's like peanuts.
You know what I mean?
This is living, isn't it?
What do you do
for a living, Jonathan?
A drummer.
A drummer?
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 cheque, 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.
You know what I mean?
Quite a woman.
Yes, I know.
Your cheque, sir.
Oh, thank you my man.
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, you're gonna have
to bail me out of this one.
I'll make it up to you.
No problem.
Waiter.
Hey, Martin.
Leave him a big tip, huh?
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.
Hey, I really enjoyed it. Let's do it
again sometime, hey, man?
- You bet.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Bye.
And thanks a lot for loaning me
that cab fare.
Anytime. Don't mention it.
Children, it's late. Up to bed.
- We just get here, Mom.
- I'm 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--
That drummer.
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 give her a good talking-to.
Martin, I can't stop something
like this on the phone.
Don't you see that this is 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'll 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.
Good morning.
Oh, darn.
I was hoping to have these hot biscuits
ready when you came down.
How was your trip?
Oh, it was great. Just great, I...
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.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I'm being a silly old lady.
When do you have to leave?
Tomorrow.
Hey, look.
We're gonna take a drive down
to the beach
and spend the day,
have some dinner.
I don't know. I have things to do.
It's gonna be our last day together
for a while.
For a while?
Why, sure.
You're never supposed
to say goodbye.
You say, "Until we meet again."
Now, why don't you forget
those biscuits and get ready.
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 and build a fire?
You're kidding.
It's gonna get awfully 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.
Until we meet again.
Mother!