Doug's father (Henry Fonda) starts showing his age.
Written by Sally Robinson; produced by Edward Zwick; directed by Joanne Woodward.
Peter Fonda: James Lawrence.
John Considine: Bob Hudson.
Nan Martin: Virginia Kabel.
Rosemary de Camp: Amelia Stone.
Michael David Shackelford: Timmy Maitland.
Harriet Medin: Allison Roth.
Billie Beck: Baker.
Annie: What are you doing in the closet? Buddy: Looking for the recipe for Thanksgiving stuffing. Annie: Any cookbook would have one! Buddy: This isn't just any recipe; it's Grandpa's favorite. Can't find it anywhere. Annie: Have you looked under the bed? That's where I always look when I can't find my socks. Buddy: Next time I wanna stuff a turkey with socks, I'll know where to look.
[Buddy tries to convince James to live with them, rather than in a nursing home] James: Look, kiddo. I'm 78. I haven't asked anyone for help since I learned to tie my shoes. But if I have to ask for help, I'd rather ask Nurse What's-her-name than my kids. Buddy: Nurse What's-her-name is just a nurse. We love you. James: That's the point.
[Meanwhile, Doug is in denial about the whole thing] Kate: Doug, we have to talk. Doug: Later. Kate: That's what you said last night. Doug: C'mon, Kate. It's Thanksgiving. Kate: I don't care if it's Chinese New Year's and Lincoln's birthday! You mustn't lie to yourself about this. Doug: I promised myself I'd jog before breakfast. Can't we postpone this conversation? Kate: You think I don't understand, but you're wrong. Doug:You're wrong. I need the exercise. I had an 8-course Italian dinner. Kate: Doug... You remember the summer when I broke my leg? Buddy was about 5. When she saw my cast, she ran away from me. After all the hysterical crying, you calmed her down -- remember what she said? Doug: No. Kate: "That's not my real mother. My real mother doesn't break." Doug: Well, that won't wash, Kate. Buddy was 5 years old, you were her protector -- where are my shoes? Kate: James is your protector. Doug: What, from nightmares and bullies? Kate: From aging. And death. Forgive me for being brutal, but when he goes, your childhood goes with him. You're next in line -- it's hard to face. Doug: If you're finished... Kate: James is breaking. He needs attention. Inside of each of us, there's a 5-year-old child who refuses to believe in breakable parents. You have to get rid of that 5-year-old. He won't go easily... It's the last precious bit of childhood illusion. Doug: All this poetry because a man forgot to turn off one burner? Kate: You want it in prose? Your father could've burned to death last night. Annie, too. Doug: Well, they didn't. This whole conversation is pointless. Kate: Oh, Doug! Doug: I'm gonna jog. [gets up] Kate: You mean, run.
Doug: Why didn't you tell me? You could've said something. James: You wouldn't let me! What was I supposed to do -- slip it in? "Son, I'm getting senile, pass the salt"?
