A Holiday for Love (1996) - full transcript

(soft music)

(soft, upbeat Christmas music)

♪ Oh I'd love to spend this
Christmas ♪

♪ With the folks on my hometown
♪

♪ Just to have the gang around ♪

♪ Friendly folks in my hometown
♪

♪ I long to see the candles ♪

♪ In the windows oh so bright ♪

♪ And the Christmas trees
glitter in the breeze ♪

♪ Saying welcome home tonight ♪

♪ Christmas carols softly
singing ♪



♪ By the fireside all aglow ♪

♪ Children's laughter loudly
ringing ♪

♪ As they battle in the snow ♪

♪ My heart is weaning homeward ♪

♪ As the snow comes falling down
♪

♪ Oh I'd love to spend this
Christmas ♪

♪ With the folks in my hometown
♪

(soft, upbeat music)

♪ Christmas carols softly
singing ♪

♪ By the fireside all aglow ♪

♪ Children's laughter loudly
ringing ♪

♪ As they battle in the snow ♪

♪ My heart is weaning homeward ♪

♪ As the snow comes falling down
♪



♪ Oh I'd love to spend this
Christmas ♪

♪ With the folks in my hometown
♪

♪ Friendly folks in my hometown
♪

- Merry Christmas, Merry
Christmas, everyone.

Ho, ho, ho, ho. How you doin'
there?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you.

(elevator dings)

(phones ringing)

- [Receptionist] Oh Mr. Black?

(phones ringing)
(people chattering)

- The Bulls tickets to your
friends,

the crystal tractors to your
clients

and the fruitcake to the
people you can't stand

but have to be nice to.

- Yeah, that's great.

Anything else?

- You are late for your meeting.

- Ooh, ooh.

Thank you Annie.
(Annie chuckles)

- Folks, I'm going to
cut to the chase here.

(door opens)

Profits are down and
we have to take action.

After much thought and
consultation,

we've decided to downsize
Beane's Tractor Corporation

by laying off personnel
at the factory level.

I'm not happy about this,

but our consultants tell
us we have no other choice.

- All right, folks.

You've been selected for
a very rare opportunity

to save Beane's by
traveling to our factories,

assessing their productivity
and cutting personnel by 50%.

You have your assignments in
front of you.

- Don't you think that's
kind of a cruel thing to do?

I mean, it being the
holidays and everything?

- Oh, we'll wait until after
Christmas

before the pink slips go out.

- Well how are we going
to find out the truth

if everyone knows why we're
there?

I mean, won't they be
on their best behavior?

- Secrecy is vital to the
process.

You'll be visiting our
plants under the guise

of being prospective clients.

We have a phone line set up in
case anyone

checks your story.

You have five days and
we'll all meet back here

Christmas Eve for the
annual Christmas party.

Okay?

Good luck everybody.

(employees chattering)

- Mr. Gosling? Excuse me, sir.

Mr. Gosling.

I can't do this.

- Jake, we've known
each other a long time.

I think of you as a son,

a son who will take over
the company when I retire.

- Oh, I appreciate that, sir.

You know, I do.

It's just that Athens,
Nebraska is my hometown.

- Well, it should be simple for
you

to assess the workforce there.

You know the people.

- Well, not anymore.

I moved away when I was just a
boy,

but uh, but that's not the
point, sir.

- I understand.

- I mean, perhaps I could trade
towns

with George or Katie.

- Jake...

Someday this company could be
yours.

Maybe you want it, maybe you
don't.

Part of a job like mine is
having

to make difficult decisions.

You have to decide whether
you're that man, Jake.

It's up to you.

(soft blues music)

- [Jake] That face.

- Don't tell me that's you.
- Yeah.

It's right out of Norman
Rockwell, isn't it?

- Ever wonder what you would
have become

if you'd stayed? (chuckles)

(soft blues music)

(wind blowing)

(upbeat Christmas music)

- The thief didn't take anything
else

like money or something that
could be used as a weapon.

- Yeah.
- Just the angel.

- Yeah.

- You know, my diorama has been

an Athens Christmas tradition
since 1956.

It's a valuable asset to the
community

and an important tourist draw.

- [Tom] Yes ma'am.

- Without the angel
it's just not the same.

Things aren't like they used to
be.

- That's for sure, Margie.

- Well, I feel better just
knowing

you're here, Tom.

More coffee?
- No, thanks.

I better get right on it.

You know, the more time that
elapses

between the crime and the
search,

the farther away the criminal
or criminals can get.

- You mean this could be a ring?

(door chimes)

- Hi Margie.

- [Margie] Hi Emma. The usual?

- Yes, please.
- Coming right up.

- Good morning, honey.

- Um, I'm on call, Em.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

- We had a burglary.

- We did?

- My angel.

(Emma gasps)

- Who would do such a terrible
thing?

- I don't know, times are
changing.

- [Tom] Lock your doors, Margie.

- Will do, Tom.

- Bye honey.
- Bye.

- Got yourself a good man there,
Emma.

When you two gettin' married?

- Oh, we'll get around to it
someday.

- Mm.
- I'll see ya.

- [Margie] God willin'.

(soft music)

- [Noelle] I have to do some
shopping

after rehearsal today, okay?

- [Emma] Noelle, I don't want
you wasting your money on me.

- It's my money and I could
do what I want with it.

I'm practically an adult, mom.

(soft music)

You are going to pick me up,
aren't you?

- Oh, I'll be there early.

I heard there's a blizzard
coming.

Have a good day at school.
(kisses)

- Aww mom.

(school bell rings)

- Hey, Joe.
- Hey, sis.

- [Emma] Dad inside already?

- [Joe] Where else would he be?

What kind today?
- Blueberry.

(employees chattering)

(quirky, dramatic music)

(phone line beeping)

(buzzing)

(spraying)
(Jake yells)

(splashing)
(Jake grunts)

(spits)

(Jake pants)

(grunts)

(hits)
(grunts)

- Hey, hey!

Hey...

- Hey, that's what you get for
not buying American. (laughs)

- [Jake] Hey!

(yells)

- [Joe] Big storm comin'.

- [Cal] Radio says 10 to 12
inches.

- [Emma] Joe, dad, is that true?

- [Cal] There's no way
Beane's is gonna downsize us.

- How could they ever
think of such a thing?

- Beane's headquarters has
always known

what a valuable plant this is.

Seems they've forgotten.

So we're going to have to remind
them.

We'll bring up our
quotas, work our butts off

and show them we're the
best darn plant they got.

- [Employees] Yeah!

- Y'all up for a fight?

- [Employees] Yeah!

- Well I guarantee you things'll
work out.

They always have, and they
always will.

So go home and come back
tomorrow ready to work

and let's show 'em!

- All right!
- Yeah!

- Yeah.
- You got it right!

- See you tomorrow.
- Way to go.

(employees chattering)

- Hey, mister?

Mister?

Hey? Mister?

Fixed your car.

(Jake groans)

- Hey, you had parts for a BMW
here.

- Yeah, used your coat hanger.

(sighs)

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of
holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

- Everybody, everybody.

Your attention please.

Happy?

Pay attention, will you, please?

Thank you.

Now, as we all know, we
only have a few more days

to rehearse until the big night.

So that means you'll have
to look at your songbooks

and memorize the words.

Got it?

Okay.

Let's try it again, from the
top.

One, two, three, and...

♪ Decks the halls with boughs of
holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

Stop!

Stop. Stop.

Happy, what song are you
singing?

♪ Angels we have heard go high ♪

♪ Sweetly sing on airplanes ♪

- No, no, no.

We did that song an house ago,

and anyway, those aren't the
right words.

- Ruth knows the right words.

- Who's Ruth?
- My wife.

- You don't have a wife.

- Well where'd she go?

- She left you, Hap, a long time
ago.

- Oh yeah.

I remember now.

- Okay, everybody.

Let's try it, again. From the
top.

One, two, three, and...

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of
holly ♪

- [Happy] I'll get it
right Noelle. I promise.

- [Noelle] I know you will, Hap.

- What you gettin' your mom for
Christmas?

- Some earrings I saw at the
store.

They're really expensive,

but I've been saving up for a
year.

- Oh, sounds pretty swanky.

- She deserves it.

She's seeing this guy and
everything,

but she still seems pretty
lonely.

I have to watch her every
minute.

She needs something nice to
happen to her.

- You're a good kid, Noelle.

I wish I had a kid like you.

(soft music)

- [Emma] Well it looks
like we're going to get

a white Christmas after all.

Something wrong?

- They're terrible.

Everyone at the Beane Christmas
dinner

is gonna hate us.

- Your chorus, you mean?

- They sing off key and they
can't remember the words.

What am I going to do, mom?

- Oh, I'm sure everybody will
love them.

- Even Happy's terrible.

In fact, he's the worst.

- Noelle, he can't do
any better. He's old.

- That's totally ageist, mom.

What if I said that about you?

- I'm not old.

- Oh, that's matter of
perspective, isn't it?

(soft music)

(Jake mumbling)

(soft music)
(wind blowing)

- [Emma] Ooh!

Ooh-hoo.
- Oh.

- [Emma] Wouldn't want to
be out on a night like this.

- [Noelle] Can I ask you a
question?

- Yeah, if it's easy.

- Do you like Tom better
than you liked dad?

- Where on earth did you
get an idea like that?

- Sorry.

- Oh, honey.

No one can replace your
father, you know that.

- It's just that I'm not
sure Tom is dad material.

That's all.

- That's because you don't
remember your father.

You don't know what they're
like.

- I just want to make sure
you know what you're doing.

- You're going to have
to take my word on that.

- I'm sorry, mom.

- It's okay.

I miss your dad, that's all.

- Me and my big mouth. I'm such
a geek.

- Noelle, it's all right.

Noelle.

Oh.

(sighs)

Teenager.

(bright, quirky music)

(tires skidding)

(Jake gasps)

(bright, quirky music)

(Jake grunts)

(panting)

- Come on, come on.

Come on.

(tires skidding)

(Jake sighs)

(upbeat, quirky music)
(wind blowing)

- Hey, mom?

There's a light in the
house across the road.

- What?

- There's somebody in there.

- But it's abandoned.

(upbeat, quirky music)
(wind blowing)

(rustling)

You trespassing?

That's a little extreme.

I just want to know if you're
trespassing.

- I didn't mean to.

- Are you the one that's been
breaking

into places around here?

- Look, I had car trouble.

By the time it got fixed,
it was snowing so hard.

I missed the road on the way to
my hotel

and I skidded into a ditch.

I was looking for some help.

- I think we better go back to
my place

and call the sheriff.

- I am not a criminal.

That happens to be my car
outside.

Now would a thief drive a car
like that?

- Only if he stole it. Come on.

Come on!
(Jake sighs)

(wind blowing)

Go on.

(door slams)

- Wow.

- [Emma] This will only take a
minute.

(Jake sighs)

- Does your mom know you're a
criminal?

- I'm not a criminal.

- Hi Tom. It's me.

I caught someone breaking into
the place across the road.

- You look like a criminal.

- Well I've had a bad day.

- [Emma] What's your name?

- Jake Peterson.

- Jake Peterson.

- I work for the Cobra Farm
Corporation.

I'm here on business.

- He says he's a businessman.

He's in snakes or something.

I thought maybe he was your
burglar.

Do you have any ID?

- Of course I have ID.

Uh...

Look, my wallet must've fallen
out.

- No ID.

Tom, I am not going to do that.

(sighs)

The sheriff says I have to
search you.

- Lady, I'm an executive.

- I'm the Pope.

Just don't make any funny moves.

(quirky music)

I'm gonna feel around.

- You better listen to her.

The sheriff's her boyfriend.

- Ah, ah, ah.

You missed a spot.

- That's all right.

Yeah. There's nothing on him.

What?

Well are you sure?

Well, what am I supposed to do?

Tom, I can't do that.
It's freezing out there.

Yeah. All right.

Yeah. I promise.

Bye.

Well, it seems that the roads
are closed

on account of the snow.

Sheriff says I should tie you up

and put you in the barn till
he can get here tomorrow,

but I think that's a little
excessive.

You're going to have to
stay with us tonight.

- Oh, thank you.

(quirky, mysterious music)

(wind whistling)

Look, Mrs. Murphy. I assure
you I am not a thief.

Now, why don't you just call
down to the new Athens hotel.

I'm sure they have a
reservation in my name.

- Well, that would just prove

that you plan your crimes ahead.

Hope you like meatloaf, Mr.
Peterson.

- Not as much as I'd like
to get cleaned up right now.

- Cleaned up?

- Oh, well, in case you
hadn't noticed, I'm filthy.

- Oh, we've noticed all right.

But it's not polite to say
anything.

You know, just in case you've
had

a bad childhood or something.

- Oh, believe me, my folks have
nothing

to do with how I turned out.

- It doesn't mean you're
unredeemable.

- Noelle.
- Oh, thank you.

I'm certainly glad
someone has faith in me.

- I work at the old people's
home.

It's volunteer.

But when I'm 16, they'll pay me.

If I can get a job, you can.

- Noelle, we don't even
know who he is yet.

He might be telling us the
truth.

- Gee, does that mean you're
going to let me get cleaned up?

- Sure.

The bathroom's upstairs.

Just leave your clothes outside
the door

and I'll throw them in the wash.

- Thank you.

(bright, upbeat music)

(knocks)

- Mr. Peterson, I left
you some clean clothes.

(knocks)

Mr. Peterson?

(Jake sighs)

(Jake yells)

I knocked, I thought...

- I didn't hear you.

(sighs)

(laughs)

There, see?

Now do I look like a felon?

(silverware clatters)

- Woo hoo.

- Noelle.

Please.

- You're cute.

- I'm glad someone thinks so.

- I mean it. You're a total fox.

(laughing)
- What?

She doesn't even know what a fox
is.

- Everybody knows that mom.

- Yes, well not in my house.

- Well, thanks for the clothes.

Look, do we, do we really
need to keep this thing out?

- I guess not.

- Thanks.

- But don't try anything funny.

She knows how to use it.

- Okay.

Sit down.
- Where'd you learn to shoot?

- My husband.

- Oh, you scared him off, huh?

- No, he's dead.

- Oh.

I...

I'm sorry.

- Thanks.

- If you're not a criminal,

then how come you broke into
that house

instead of coming over here?

Our light was on.

- Well, I um, I didn't
want to bother anybody.

Look, I know what you're
thinking,

but I came to Athens on
business.

I swear.

The company I work for is
interested

in buying some farm
equipment from Beane's.

- From Beane's?

- [Jake] Uh yeah.

- Equipment?

- Yeah.

(chuckles)

Oh, we have land all over the
west

and we grow corn and soybeans
and that sort of thing.

I came here to see if the Beane
plant

could handle an order for
a fair number of tractors.

- What's a fair number?

- Uh, say, 80.

- 80?

- Does that sound like too many?

- 80 tractors?

- Well does it sound like too
few?

- It sounds like a
miracle. Are you serious?

- Do I sound like it?

- Are you always this insecure?

- Oh, well, I'm new at this job

and if I pull it off,
I get a big promotion,

so I just wanted to
make a good impression.

- Oh, you're making an
impression, all right.

You know, I can arrange a
meeting for you

with the head of production at
Beane's.

- You can? You know him?

- Yeah, I know him.

You could say we're pretty
close.

- Really?
- I work at Beane's.

- You do?

Isn't that wonderful? What a
coincidence.

- Isn't it?

Well, I've got to go do some
chores

and just in case this is all a
dream,

I'd like you to come with me.

- Oh, I understand. I'll help
you.

- You don't look much used to
hard work.

- Well, I'm a quick learner.

- All right, come on.

(bright, upbeat Christmas music)

(Emma gasps)

(Jake grunts)

(horse whinnies)

Okay, you can a muck out the
empty stall.

There's a pitchfork right there.

- [Jake] Hey.

- Here you go guys.
- You raise animals, huh?

- Oh, no. I kind of just take
them in.

This horse was left at the
vets. He was half starved.

The goats came from a
farm that went bankrupt

and the potbelly pig out there,

he just showed up on the
doorstep one day.

(Jake chuckles)

- Well I admire people who
aren't afraid of hard work.

- So do I.

- Oh.

Uh, here?

- Yeah. That's it.

You want some apple? Here you
go, sweetie.

- You know what happened to
those people

who used to live across the
road?

- Uh, sort of, not really.

The place has been empty
ever since we moved in here.

- How many years is that?

- Oh...

About six, why?

- Nice house.

- It was.

(phone ringing)

- Merry Christmas.

- Noelle, it's Tom.

Let me speak to your mom a
minute.

- Oh, she's in the barn.

- She's where?
- She's in the barn.

- Alone?

- She's not alone, she's with
Jake.

They're doing chores. He's
really great.

And he looks completely
different without his clothes.

I gotta go. See ya.

- Dave?

We've got an emergency out at
Emma's.

Do me a favor, would you?

Call the highway department,
see how long it's going to be

before the plows get through out
there.

- [Jake] You work this
whole farm all by yourself?

- [Emma] Uh, nights and
weekends.

During the week I drive
a forklift at Beane's.

- [Jake] Oh.

So how is it working at Beane's?

- [Emma] I don't know.

I've never worked any place
else.

My brother works there, my dad.

He's the head of production.

- Oh.
- He loves that place.

It's like a second home.

Hi buddy.

You just pour that in
that bucket right there.

- [Jake] Runs uh, runs a tight
ship. Huh?

- [Emma] Mm-hm.

Everybody who works
for him just loves him.

- Oh, it's not so important
that the workers love you.

What's important is that they
do their jobs efficiently.

- Where did you hear that?

- Well, I happen to have
an MBA from Northwestern.

- I happen to have a VCR from
Japan.

Doesn't mean I know how to use
it.

You don't know much
about business, do you?

(Jake laughs)
If the employees don't admire

and trust the boss, they
don't work as well, see?

- Well sometimes the boss has to
do things

he doesn't want to do.

Things that workers wouldn't
like

for the good of the company.

- Thanks.

That never happens here.

That's why Beane's is such
a great place to work.

- Nobody says things like that
anymore.

- We do, here in Athens.

Mr. Peterson, we can fill that
order

of yours for 80 tractors, easy.

- You think so?

- Oh, I know so.

People in this town like working
hard.

Makes them feel good about
themselves.

They take a lot of pride in
their work

and they'll do anything
to keep this plant open.

- Oh.

Is it in danger of being closed?

- Not anymore.
(soft music)

- That's King Wenceslaus right
there.

Okay, so, he like looks out
his window one night, see?

And there's this guy
walking through his forest.

But this is like illegal or
something,

so his guards get all concerned.

But he says let's invite
that homeless man to dinner.

Isn't that cool?

- That is cool, yeah.

- Those blisters should
heal up pretty quick.

- Thanks.

- You know, Mr. Peterson,

if you really want to get to
know Beane's,

you should come to our
annual Christmas dinner.

- Mom, he's from the city.

He wouldn't want to come
to our silly old dinner.

- Well he might.

It's a company tradition,

and I know they would love to
have you.

We have a big potluck
down at the rest home

and everybody who works
for Beane's is invited.

- This year I'm in charge of
the senior citizens chorus.

Only don't expect much.
(laughing)

So, you ever think of becoming a
dad?

- Well, um, that's kind of
personal.

- I can't believe I said that.

I'm a total banana.
(Jake laughs)

- Bedtime, Noelle.

- How am I gonna face you in the
morning?

Oh!

(Noelle grumbles)

(door slams)

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

- Teenager.

- [Jake] It must be hard raising
a kid

all by yourself, Mrs. Murphy.

- Oh, call me Emma. If you want
to.

- Emma.

How did your husband die?

You don't have to tell me
if you don't want to, Emma.

(Emma sighs)

- Well I'm...

I'm just not used to talking
about it.

He died in a car accident.

It was snowing like this

and it was around Christmas like
now

and his car went off the
road, kind of like yours,

only he wasn't lucky like you.

- I'm sorry.

- Me, too.

We had all these plans.

- You seem like the kind of
person

who'd be married again maybe.

- Maybe.

- Well, you seem like the kind
of person

who lands on her feet.

You're intelligent, attractive.

- True.
(laughing)

- Then why haven't you?

- Too picky, I guess.

(Jake laughs)

- What about you? Are you
married?

- Me? No.

No, no.
- Well, how come?

You're intelligent, attractive-

- True.
(laughing)

- You're a good worker.

A little slow, but thorough.
(Jake laughs)

And you're a good listener, too.

And you ask the kind of
questions

that people like to answer.

- Marriage is not for me.

- Why not?

- Well I've seen what it can do

to two people when it doesn't
work.

- So are your parents still
alive?

- Uh, my mother is.

And I don't know whether
my father is or not.

We moved away after the divorce

and I tried to keep in touch
with him, but it was hard.

We argued a lot.

And then a couple of years
ago he just disappeared.

I tried to find him for awhile

and I just gave up.

- So he doesn't know how you
turned out?

- No, he does not.

- Well, it seems to me that
you turned out pretty well.

- You know, I've never
told anybody that before.

- Why not?

- I was ashamed of myself, I
think.

- Why'd you tell me?

- I don't know.

(soft music)

(Emma sighs)

- It's bedtime.

- Right, right.

- I hope you'll be comfortable
here, Mr. Peterson.

- Oh, Jake.

And I'm sure I will.

- Well, goodnight Jake.

- Goodnight, Emma.

(chuckles)

(soft acoustic music)

(Jake sighs)

- [Noelle] Breakfast is the
most important meal of the day.

- Yes, but I never do anything

that has a saying attached to
it.

- Just try a little cereal.

- Okay.
- For me?

- Mm.

- You did it. See, it's not that
hard.

- Emma.

- Don't talk with your mouth
full.

(grunts)

- Emma, I uh, I wanted
to do something for you

to pay you back for
taking me in last night.

- You don't have to do that.

- No, but I want to.

If you hadn't found me, it
would've been a very cold night.

I owe you.

- I can think of a few things.

- So is your mom, uh,

is she just dating this sheriff
or she's serious about him?

- [Noelle] She's serious.

Everything my mom does is
serious.

- Yeah.

My dad was like that.

- Really? What'd your dad do?

- He was a farmer.

- Does he still have the farm?

- I don't know.

I don't even know where he is.

- How come?

- Oh, we moved away and I lost
touch.

Probably wouldn't even
know him if I met him.

- I never knew my dad.

- Well, how do you feel about
that?

- It's weird because even
though I never knew him,

I still miss him.

- Does your mom know about that?

- No.

Talking about him bothers her.

- You know what I used to do

when I missed my father?

I used to pretend that he was
sitting

in the same room with me,

and then I would talk to him
as if he was right there.

- You didn't feel like a
total dark talking to a chair?

(Jake laughs)

- Well, later on, but not in the
moment.

- Maybe I'll try that.

- Your dad must have been a very
good man

to have a daughter like you.

- I wish he knew.
(tractor puttering)

- Hey Jake, I'm gonna go
try to dig your car out.

You wanna come?

(tractor puttering)

- How come you don't drive a
Beane's?

- They don't make one I can
afford.

If they had any brains at
the corporate headquarters,

they'd make an economy
model for folks like me.

(tractor puttering)

- There it is!
- Jake, sit down!

- There it is!
- Sit down!

Jake!
(Jake yells)

Jake!

Jake?

Come on, they're not broken.
They're just bruised a little.

- A little?

- Don't be a baby.
- Ow.

It hurts.
- You'll get over it.

- You're very comforting.
- Thank you.

I try to be useful.

Jake, about those tractors that
you want

being built for you, I've
been thinking about it-

- Look, look, we don't have a
deal yet.

- Well, I know we can do
it and we can give you

a great price to boot.

- Yeah, but there's a lot
of details to work out.

You know, and the business
world is very risky.

See, one minute you got to deal-

- I lied to you before.

We are in trouble.

Beane's wants to downsize us.

Half this town will be out of a
job.

- You know?
- Well, everybody knows.

Jake, if you give us this
contract,

you could save this town.

- Emma.

There's something that
I want to tell you...

(door opens)

- Oh.

Excuse me.

- Don't shoot him.

- I didn't bring my gun.

- Tom.

Tom.

Tom, this is Jake.

Jake, this is Tom. Sheriff Tom.

- [Tom] Her fiance.

- Right. My fiance.

- Mr. Peterson, you're
gonna have to come with me.

- You can't take him.

- Noelle, just to calm down.

- It's illegal to break into
somebody's house, Noelle.

- Mom, do something.

- Tom. Tom, you're making a big
mistake.

Jake is going to save our town.

- You know, I don't care if
he's going to save the whales.

This guy is guilty of
trespassing.

- Jake, I'm sorry, I-
- I'll be okay.

I can clear this all up
with just one phone call.

- I'll come visit you in jail.

- Tom is not putting him in
jail.

Tom is driving him to his hotel,
got it?

So that Jake can call the
big corporation he works for

who wants us to build 80
tractors for them

and tell them the deal is on.

Got it?

So that headquarters will see

we're the most productive
branch they've got.

Got it?

- Got it.

I guess we can talk about this
later.

- Right.

But for now I need you two out
of here.

I gotta make some phone calls.

- Come on Mr. Peterson.

You staying at the Athens?

- Right.

Uh, Emma.

Thank you.

- Thank you.
(soft music)

(Emma sighs)

- Hey mom?
- Hm?

- Were you and Jake kissing?

- Absolutely not.

Where did you get an idea like
that?

- I knew it.

You like him.

Sometimes I'm so smart, I
surprise myself.

(car starts up)

(soft music)

- [Tom] Sorry about the mix-up
back there, Mr. Peterson.

I was just doing my job.

- [Jake] I understand perfectly.

I'm just glad it all worked out.

- So what's all this
about you saving the town?

- Oh, the company I work
for has a big order.

- [Tom] You know, you couldn't
have picked

a better group of folks
than the ones at Beane's.

- Morning, Tom.

- [Tom] Morning Betsy.

- [Jake] Well, I haven't
really made a decision yet.

- Oh, you'll pick Beane's.

Little joke there.
(Jake laughs)

- There are many qualified
companies.

- Yeah, but none like Beane's.

- And of course the final
decision is not up to me.

- You'll convince 'em.

Especially once you see our
plant.

- Don't tell me you work there
too.

- No, but my mom does and
seven brothers and sisters.

Grandpa did, my uncle did-
- That's all right.

I get the picture.

- Look, I'll have one of the
guys

dig your car out of the ditch
out there

and bring it into town.

- [Jake] Thanks very much.

- Well, here's your hotel.

And listen, just so you know,

if I catch you doing anything
illegal,

I'll warn you 10, maybe 20 times

then I'll have to crack down.

I can't show favoritism.

- Thanks, Tom.

- You bet.

Have a good day.

(people chattering)

- There you go.

Careful, it's hot.
- Margie?

- Yeah?
- Margie, has my dad

been in for lunch yet?

- He got his to go.

- Okay, now listen.

If a very handsome guy
in a suit comes in here,

be real nice to him.

I mean real nice.
- What's up?

- He's here to check out
Beane's.

He's got an order for 80
tractors

and he needs somebody to build
'em.

- 80 tractors?
- Oh my.

- And get him to try your apple
pie.

- I sure will.

Hey everybody, listen up.

Did you hear the news?
- What's that?

- Mrs. Murphy told me all
about your terrible ordeal.

Thank the Lord she rescued you.

- You don't by any chance
moonlight at Beane's, do ya?

- No, I moonlight here.
Beane's is my main job.

I'm a welder.

Been there 12 years. I love it.

Yeah. Just love it.

It's so nice to have you here.

If there's anything I can do for
you,

you just let me know.

- Um, I'm having some money
wired to me.

Can you let me know when it
arrives?

- [Receptionist] The minute it
gets here,

I'll bring it up personally
myself.

- That's all right. Just call.

I'll come down.

- Anything you wan, Mr.
Peterson.

And Mr. Peterson?

Thank you.

- For what?
- Being here.

It sure is going to lift
people's spirits.

(soft tense country music)

(upbeat, quirky music)
(people chattering)

- Oh that's Mr. Peterson.
- Oh, hi.

- [Woman] That's that man.

- Hi.

- [Woman] Hello, sir.

(people chattering)
(upbeat quirky music)

- [Woman] Hello there.

- [Man] Guy who's gonna make us
rich.

- He's our hero.
- Good to see you here.

(people chattering)

- I was watching TV the other
day.

It was the biggest thing
you ever saw in your life.

- Really?
- Oh yeah.

(door chimes)

(people chattering)

(soft, upbeat music)

(people whispering)

- Yeah, you're right.

Oh my.

- Hi.

Welcome to the Athens Country
Cafe.

Um, may I interest you in
some of my homemade pie?

I win the prize for it at
the county fair every year.

Oh, I bet you'd like some
coffee.

- No. No coffee.

I'm trying to watch the
caffeine.

- Oh.
- Um...

You wouldn't by any chance
happen to have

a Caesar salad on your menu,
would you?

- Caesar salad?

- Yeah.

- No, we have a nice chef salad,

but I'll tell you what,

I'll call around and see if
anybody has a good recipe.

I'll whip you up a Caesar in no
time.

- No, don't bother.

Chef salad will be fine.

- Are you sure?

- I'm sure.

- Well coming right up. I'm
going to make it myself.

Harold.

(people chattering)

- Mr. Peterson.

I'm Joe Marsdon, Emma's brother.

- Oh, hi.

- Mr. Peterson, what
you're doing for this town

is nothing short of heroic.

- Well, I haven't even
been out to the plant.

- I know, I know, but you'll
see.

We got the best workforce
in this whole darn country.

You can bet on that. We'll show
you.

Margie, put Mr. Peterson's
lunch on my tab.

- It's on the house.

- But I want to pay for it.

- You don't have to.
- Well, I beat you to it.

- I got to do something for him.

- No, you don't.

- Well think of somethin' else.

- Really, you don't have
to do anything, really.

- This hat was my grandfather's.

It's been in my family three
generations.

It's my most prized possession.

(people chattering)

- [Man] We'd like to thank
you for all you're doing.

- [Woman] He's so good looking.

- [Emma] Tom. Have you seen
Jake?

- [Tom] Not since I
dropped him at the hotel.

- Thanks.

- Emma.

Come back here a minute.

Is there anything that
you want to tell me?

- Like what?

- You know...

- No, I don't know.

- You know, Emma, I know what
it's like

to meet somebody who seems kind
of rich.

- Oh Tom.

- Just because he's different,
it doesn't make him better.

- Oh Tom.

- Forget about this guy, will
ya?

I mean, you don't even hardly
know him.

- Oh, Tom.

- What?

- How could you even
think I'd be interested

in a guy like that?

- Well it sure looked that way.

That man could single-handedly
save this town.

- That doesn't mean you have to
make

a fool out of yourself chasing
after him.

- I was just being polite.

- I'll say.

- I was making him feel at home.

- So this is just an act?

- Of course it is.

I hardly even know the guy.

How could I be in love with
someone I hardly even know?

- Oh, you're in love with him
now?

- How could you say such a
thing?

- I didn't, you did.

- I am not in love with anybody.

Well, except you, of course.

Um...

I got to go.

I'll see ya.

- All right.
- See you later.

- Thank you.
- It's cold out here.

- Have a nice day!
- I will.

- [Man] Bye.

- I've been looking all over for
you.

You're late for your meeting.

- What meeting?
- At Beane's.

- What, now?

- No time like the present.

Nice hat.

- How about tomorrow?

I mean, I have to recover from
my ordeal

and I was hoping to have a
little fun.

- Fun, huh?

- Oh yeah.

I mean, you do have fun here,
don't you?

So why don't you call in
sick and show me around town?

- Okay.
- Okay.

(soft, bright music)

- [Emma] So, are you recovered?

- Absolutely.

I can't remember when
I had such a good time.

Certainly not since I was a
teenager.

- Well, I'm glad.

So, I'll meet you bright
and early for breakfast.

- Emma, uh, wait.

- Yes?

- I um...

(Jake sighs)

- Yes?

- I had fun.

- Me, too.

- [Jake] Good.

- Well, I'll see you tomorrow.

- [Jake] Yeah.

(soft music)

(truck starts up)

(soft music)

(upbeat Christmas music)

(people chattering)

- Bundled up. Thanks for coming
again.

Bye.

Take care now.

Bye.
- Bye.

- [Man] Bye, Jake.

- [Margie] Ooh, it's cold.

- [Jake] Bye now.

- [Emma] Bye.

- Bye. (laughs)

(upbeat horn music)

- You'll be able to run
for mayor after this.

- Emma, listen to me.

- Wait till you see our
operation out there, Jake.

You won't be able to say no.

- Emma, wait.

- I know what you're going to
say.

And I want you to know that

I know it didn't mean anything.

- What didn't?

- Yesterday and the day before
that.

- Yes it did.

(Emma sighs)

- But we're not important.
- Yes we are,

and that's why I got-
- Jake.

It's impossible.

I'm corn and cows and tractor
parts

and you, you're...

You're Chicago and noise,
traffic, parties and culture.

I mean, can you honestly say
you're willing to give that up?

- I'm not sure what I want
anymore.

- What does it matter?

You're in a position to do
some real good here, Jake,

and I'm not going to
let any silly feelings

get in the way of that.

If you want to do something for
me,

then do something for this town.

Then you can go back to your big
city

and I can go back to my little
farm.

We can write Christmas cards

and wonder if we should
have changed our lives.

That's how these things go.

- I had no idea you were so
cynical.

- Well, sometimes it's called
for.

(people chattering)

(people chattering)
(machines whirring)

- Yeah, I don't see why not.

Yeah, I can let you have
a couple of men, Essie.

They can get that job done in an
hour

and be back at the plant here
before anybody misses them.

Yep. Very good.

All right. It's a deal.

See you in the morning.

Hello there.

- Dad, this is Jake.

Jake, this is my dad, Cal.

- Hi, Cal.
- I better get to my station.

- I've heard a whole lot about
you.

- What was that you were
doing on the phone just now?

- Oh, barter system.

Essie bakes all the bread for
the Beane

Christmas dinner every
year for free in exchange

for help on her house.

It's good PR for the company

and we get something back for
it.

- And your superiors are aware
of that?

- Oh, well, sometimes you have
to do

a little creative thinking to
keep things running, you know?

- Yeah.

- I got to check on the line.

Do you want to come with me?
- Sure.

- Here you go.

(people chattering)
(machines whirring)

- Who did you say you work for?

- Cobra Farm Corporation.

- Cobra Farm Corporation.

Ah, never heard of that one.

- We have land all over the
west.

- Oh, the west, huh?

- Yeah. Our machinery is
outdated.

We're looking to modernize.

- [Cal] Modernize, huh?

- [Jake] Yeah.

- Beane's is not like other
corporations.

You see, here at Beane's,

we recognize the importance of
the worker.

Loyalty, job, security.

These things increase
productivity.

Now a lot of other
companies have downsized.

You could say they're no better
off now

than they were before they did
it,

and that's a fact, son.

- How do you know that?

- Ever hear of a paper called
the Wall Street Journal?

- Yes I have.
- I read it every day.

You have to do a little
arithmetic.

You can put that in your notes.

- [Jake] I hear the company
is having financial problems.

- [Cal] Where'd you hear that?

- From your daughter, as a
matter of fact.

- Well son, Beane's Tractor
has been on the planet

for 60-odd years and that's
because they recognize

that just because you decrease
expenses

doesn't mean you increase sales.

You got that?
- Sure.

- They pay decent wages and in
return,

they get productive
workers who buy Beane's.

Right?

Now in recent times, recent
years, price has gone up,

that's getting harder to do.

I don't deny that.

What do you think?

- Well, I am impressed.

- Good, good.
- Look, we're coming through!

- Now are you ready to tell me
the truth?

- Excuse me?

- Son, I wasn't born yesterday.

Nobody sends their rep out
three days before Christmas

on an order of this magnitude.

Most plants are shutting down
about now.

That's just business sense.

- How's it going?

- Fine. Just fine.

I think we have an
understanding.

- [Jake] Emma...

- You want to tell her, or
should I?

- Emma, I don't work
for a farm corporation.

I don't have an order for 80
tractors.

I don't even have an order for
one.

- What?

- He works for Beane's.

He came here to downsize the
plant.

He's the man who will decide
who stays and who goes.

- Oh, I don't believe this.

- Look, I tried to tell you-

- You lied to us?

- Emma, just listen to me.

- You let us believe that
you were going to save us.

- [Jake] Emma.

Emma!

- It appears she's keen on you.

Or should I say was.

(melancholy music)

(patrons chattering)
(Christmas horn music)

(man clears throat)

(Christmas horn music)

- Excuse me.

Excuse me?

Can I get a cup of
coffee and donut please?

(Christmas horn music)

(clattering)

(Christmas horn music)

Thank you.

- Joe, what'll it be?

- Just the coffee Margie. To go.

I don't think I care to stay.

- I was just doing my job.

- That includes making fools out
of

all the folks in this
town that trusted you?

I guess you're doing it well.

- This company is in a
financial crisis, you know.

Would you rather have
it shut down altogether?

- Maybe that ought to start
downsizing

their corporate headquarters.

Get rid of some of those extra
executives,

that ones that make
three times what we do?

They can start with you.

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

- Maybe they ought to
come down on their prices.

Beane tractors aren't for
the little guy anymore.

Maybe then there'd be more
business.

- There's lots of other ways to
work it

so you don't have to fire
people.

Job sharing and what all.

Read the New York Times.

They talk about that stuff all
the time.

- I am not chairman of the
board.

I work at Beane's, just
the same as you do.

There's nothing I can do about
this.

(patrons chattering)

- Refill?

Oops.

Sorry.

(soft Christmas horn music)

(trombone blares)

- Make up the room yourself.

- Okay.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

(door slams in the distance)

(Jake sighs)

- I'll have your room made
up in no time, Mr. Peterson.

I'm very sorry about this.

By the way, sir.

My name is Watson. Delmar P.
Watson.

You know, night shift at
Beane's.

I'll take a wage cut, sir.

I don't mind.

Just don't take away my job.

Please.

I have four children and
a mortgage. (chuckles)

One of my kids wants to be a
veterinarian.

You know how much money it costs

to go to veterinarian school?

I'll have your room right away,
sir.

I'll do it myself.
- Oh, no, don't.

Don't don't bother Mr. Watson.

- Delmar P. Watson. ---

- It's fine just the way it is.

- Yes, sir.

If there's anything you
want, you just let me know.

- I'd just like to be alone.

- Oh, sure. Of course.

Right away. Sorry.

(melancholy music)

- [Emma] Merry Christmas.

- [Noelle] Merry Christmas.

- [Emma And Noelle] We can't
take your call right now

so please leave a message after
the beep.

- [Noelle] And please recycle
your Christmas boxes. (laughs)

(machine beeps)

(melancholy music)

♪ God rest ye merry gentlemen ♪

♪ Let nothing you dismay ♪

♪ Remember Christ our Savior ♪

♪ Was born on Christmas Day ♪

♪ To save us all from Satan's
power ♪

- Stop, stop, stop!

♪ When we were gone astray ♪
- Bob, stop.

Bob.

- Are we stopping?

- Somebody is off key.

You have to try to listen to
each other.

- We're trying dear, but
some of us are D-E-A-F.

- Are you really all willing to
get up

in front of the entire
Beane's Christmas dinner

and sing off key?

Don't you care about being
as good as you can be?

- I do.

- Thank you, Happy.

Now no excuses.

- She's a task master that one.

- Okay.

One, two, three, and...

♪ God rest ye merry gentlemen ♪

- Yes. Can I help you?

- I'm looking for Noelle Murphy.

- Oh, she's just finished
rehearsal.

She might be in the day room.

Up the stairs and along the
corridor.

- Thank you.

(bright, upbeat Christmas music)

Hey, hi, Noelle.

Look, would you just
to what I have to say?

You see, I'm sorry about
the way things turned out,

but I was forced to do it.

You see, my company, they didn't
want

anybody to know who I was.

You know, I bet this is the
first time

anybody's been shunned for
not being a criminal, huh?

- Adults are supposed to be
examples for young people

such as myself.

Is this the kind of behavior
you'd want

the youth of America to emulate?

- Hey, I have faults.

- Duh!
- Well I'm sorry.

But I need your help. I
need to talk to your mom.

- She doesn't want to see you
ever again.

- Yeah, I know. See that's
why I have to talk to her.

- What's she going to do without
a job?

I can't support the two of us.

- I'm not going to fire your
mother.

Is that what she thinks?

- That's what everybody thinks.

- Oh man, this thing has
gotten completely out of hand.

- You said it.

- But I have to talk to
her. I have to explain.

- You made her like you so she'd
tell you

everything that's going on at
Beane's.

You used her.

- She likes me?

Are you sure?
- Yeah, I'm sure.

- What about this Tom?
- What about him?

- I'm sure he's a very nice guy.

He's just, he's not right for
her.

- He wouldn't make a great dad
like you.

- Wow.

Thanks.

So, does that mean
you're going to help me?

- You're trying to trick me.
- No, I'm not.

- How do I know that for sure?

- You're going to have to trust
me.

You know, like you did the night
we met.

- And look how that turned out.

- Now come on. Noelle, please.

- I'll have to think about it.

But right now I've got to
go check on a real friend.

(Jake sighs)

(people chattering)

How about this one?
- I don't want to wear a tie.

- You've got to, Hap.

All the other men are
going to be wearing them.

- [Happy] But I'll choke to
death.

- My mom always says you
have to suffer for beauty.

I'll be right back.

- [Happy] See ya.

(soft music)

(car starts up)

- [Emma] Tom called. He
wants me to stop by the jail.

It'll only take a minute.

- I don't mind.

Oh, by the way, Jake came by
today.

- Why?

- He wanted me to help him
get you to talk to him.

- He's got a lot of nerve.

- He told me how much he liked
you.

Then he saw Happy and it was
really weird.

Looked like he'd seen a ghost.

- He likes me?

- Mom, you're not listening.

- When on Earth did I ever
fall for a man like that?

Ugh, what is wrong with me?

You think a person would have
learned

after all these years.

- Mom?
- What?

- It's just hormones. You'll get
over it.

(bright, upbeat Christmas music)

- [Emma] Where are we going
somewhere?

- Somewhere private.

- What are you doing?

- Emma, it's time you
made a commitment to me.

Now, I decided to forgive you
for flirting

with the man from Beane's.

He's a slick character

and you were fooled and I don't
blame you,

but it's time that you and I

quit beating around the
bush and got married

instead of just talking about
it.

I want to set a date.

- Oh, Tom.

- Come on, January, February.

You name it.

- Oh, Tom.

I can't marry you.

I'm sorry.

I thought I could.

We're such good friends,
I thought it would just

work out, you know?

But now...

- You just don't have any
feelings for me.

- Not what I ought to.
(soft music)

(Tom scoffs)

- I know.

- You do?

- Yeah.

I've known for quite some time,
it's just,

I hoped it would change.

(Tom scoffs)

- We have such a good
friendship.

Let's not mess that up.
(soft acoustic music)

- Let's not.
(soft acoustic music)

- I was leaving for Chicago,

but I just couldn't go until
you hear what I have to say.

- So you're gonna go back
and get a big promotion

for laying us all off?

- I was just doing my job.

- Is harassing us part of your
job?

- I'm not harassing you.

- He's not harassing us, mom.
- Noelle.

Then what do you call this?

- Asking for forgiveness.

- He's just asking for
forgiveness.

- Come on Noelle, we've got
gingerbread persons to make.

- Look, I didn't want to lie to
you.

I realize now it was a mistake,

but I couldn't let you know
what I was really doing here,

because I didn't want you to
hate me.

- But I do hate you.

And that's my right.

By not telling me the
truth about yourself,

you were taking away my rights.

- Well let me make it up to you.

- Fine.

Go back to Chicago and tell them

that everyone here is essential.

- Emma, I can't do that.

The numbers-
- Do it for me.

- Look, I run a business.

- Yes. And badly.

I'll tell you something,

people in this state may be
fools.

They want to work.

We'll do anything.

We will work as long and
as hard as you ask us to.

- Well times have changed.

We can't go and running
these big oversized plants

and losing money-
- The only reason

you're losing money is because

you haven't got a clue
who folks are down here.

You don't make what people need.

- You don't understand how hard
it is

to keep a business going these
days.

We have to make the tough-
- Downsizing's not hard.

Downsizing is easy.

Making things work, that's
what's hard.

Jake.

You're not the kind of
person who lies to people

and then betrays them,
no matter what it's for.

That's not the real you.

- Well...

Maybe it is.

I'm sorry things didn't work
out.

- Me too.

- Merry Christmas.

Goodbye.

- Bye.

- Bye.

She really fell for you, you
know?

You really blew it.
(soft, melancholy music)

(car starts up)

(soft, melancholy music)

You're in love with him, aren't
you?

- Hormones. I'll get over it.

- True love doesn't come around

but once or twice in a lifetime.

- Where did you ever get a line
like that?

- Everybody knows that, mom.

- It never would've worked out.

(soft, melancholy music)

(upbeat country western music)

♪ As we sat on the front porch ♪

♪ Of that old gray house where I
♪

- Are you leaving?

- Yes, sir. I have to
get back for a meeting.

- I see.

I suppose you made your
decision.

- It's not mine to make, Mr.
Marsdon.

I'm just bringing back my
report.

- I understand.

Well, I want you to know you can
fire me

and I wouldn't hold it against
you.

- Mr. Marsdon, they're not-
- You'll be doing me a favor.

I wouldn't be able to sit back

and let my friends and
family lose their jobs

while I was sitting up in
that office keepin' mine.

Wouldn't be able to do that.

Not like you, Mr. Peterson.

(trucks starts up)

♪ He just there sighin' ♪

♪ Staring at his favorite coffee
cup ♪

♪ I saw a storm of mixed
emotion in his eyes ♪

♪ When he looked up ♪

♪ He said son I know at your age
♪

♪ Seems like this whole
world is turning slow ♪

♪ And you think you'll
find the answer to it all ♪

♪ Where corn don't grow ♪

♪ Hard times are real ♪

♪ There's dusty fields
no matter where you go ♪

♪ You may change your mind ♪

♪ 'Cause the weeds are high ♪

♪ Where corn don't grow ♪

- Oh, we didn't think you
were going to make it, Jake.

- [Jake] Bad weather.

- Well, shall we begin?

Ms. Stangle, your report please.

- I went to the Beane's
plant in Defiance, Illinois.

The workforce is pretty
efficient all the way around,

but I noticed that a lot of
couples work for Beane's.

I would split these
couples up, keeping one,

laying off the other.

That way, at least one
person in each family

will still have a job.

- Excellent idea.

That just takes some of
the sting off it, huh?

- George.

- I've been to the plant
in North Deer, Iowa.

I recommend cutting anyone with
seniority

and bringing up the less
skilled, cheaper labor.

By doing this, I can cut
costs by more than half.

- Who'll teach them how
to do their new jobs?

- Oh.

Well, that will require, um,
someone from this office.

- Does anybody here know
how to operate a crane?

- Jake.

- Jake.

Would you like to make
your presentation now?

(Jake clears throat)

- I um, I was in Athens,
Nebraska and uh,

my suggestion is, um...

I mean, I think we can cut
corners...

Look, I can't do this.

I mean, we're talking
about people's lives here.

Whole towns.

There's gotta be a better way.

You take the people in
Athens, for example.

Most of the people in
Athens have had worked

at Beane's at some point in
their lives.

Half of them work there now.

We downsize this plant,

those people are going to lose
their jobs.

Property values will plummet.

These people are going
to move out of town.

This town will be ruined.

I can't...

I can't let that happen.

- What do you propose?

- Well, it seems to me that

the people of Athens are
producing a product that's
passe.

- [Justin] What do you mean
passe?

- I mean they're making a
product

that's too big for the small
farmer.

They're making a product that
they can't

even afford to buy themselves

and they make decent
wages, as we all know.

- We're in the tractor business,
Jake.

We make tractors.

- But we could do so much more.

We need to downsize our
product, not our plants.

We need to make what
people can use and afford.

Um, so I, uh, I have a plan.

I propose that I take over
management of the Athens plant.

(laughs)

Yeah you go ahead, you laugh.

I want to introduce a
versatile new product

and I want to reassign jobs
rather than eliminate people.

- I hope your resume is up to
date.

- Now come on.

Inside every American is a
secret farmer

waiting to buy his or her
own Beane's mean machine,

but they can't afford it.

- It could be kind of cute.

- And in addition, the
Beane's Tractor Corporation

would be known as the King
Wenceslaus

of the corporate world.

You just think about that, Mr.
Gosling.

We could be a big corporation

that people might
actually feel good about.

- Jake, you've never run a
factory.

- That's true.

Mr. Gosling, you once told me
that a man

in a powerful position has
to make difficult decisions.

Well downsizing, that isn't
difficult.

Making things work,
that's what's difficult.

That's what I want to do.

You said I have talent.

Let me use that talent.

Please.

- Jake, would you please step
out of the room for a minute?

- Of course.

(soft music)

(wind blowing)

(mysterious music)

- That was a great speech you
made.

- Thanks.

Am I out of a job?

- I don't know.

But look at it this way, at
least you'll have a life.

(chuckles)

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

- Jake, you can come back in
now.

- Thanks.

(soft, tense music)

- First time in my life

I'm not looking forward
to Christmas dinner.

(people chattering)
(soft music)

- Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

- What is it, honey? I'm busy.

- Can you come here a minute?

(Emma sighs)

- Go ahead. I'll be fine.

- Sure.

- Merry Christmas.

(soft music)

- [Emma] They're beautiful.

- You like them?

Put them on.

- I can't, honey.

We're going to have to take them
back.

- But why?

- Because I may not have a job
anymore

and we're going to need
every cent that we have

to make it to the winter.

Put the box in a safe place

and we'll take them back
tomorrow.

Noelle.

Thank you.

I've never had a nicer present
in my life.

(soft music)

♪ Deck the halls ♪

♪ With boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient yuletide
carol ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

(cheering)
(applause)

- Welcome to our 37th
Annual Christmas dinner.

I'm glad to see how many of you

were able to make it this year,

particularly since you're aware
that

we may not be together next
year.

This dinner started way
back that many years ago

because we felt like a family,

and now our family is being
split up.

(people chattering)

- You got a lot of guts
coming back here, son.

- [Man] Got that right.

- Listen, I know. I know how you
all feel.

- No you don't.

But we're not going to talk
business now.

It's Christmas.

We're going to have a nice meal,

we're going to count our
blessings

and we're going to be
charitable to our enemies.

And that's it.

Let's say grace.

Lord, you test us all the time

and right now you're testing
us in any number of ways.

We're going to be out of work
pretty soon,

and that's a test.

And that's all on
account of this young man

that you brought to our
table, and that's a test.

But we're not going to toss
him head first into the snow.

I'm not going to put a laxative
in his turkey dinner either.

We're just going to endure his
presence

and try to get through it.

In honor of you.

Amen.

- [All] Amen.

- Um, ladies and gentlemen.

Excuse me.

(people chattering)

I'd hate to interrupt, but uh,

I have an announcement to make.

I've just returned from Chicago

where I was given the
go ahead to implement

a change of plan here at
the Beane plant in Athens.

I'm going to be taking it over.

(people chattering)

- Well, I'm sorry to burst
your bubble, young man,

but what do you know
about running a plant?

(Jake chuckles)

- Absolutely nothing,
which is why I'm going

to need your help, Cal.

And I am going to need
everybody's help

because we are going
to produce a new line.

A new line of economy tractors
with plows,

and nobody is getting laid off.

(clapping)
(cheering)

- That's pretty good.

- I'll drink to that.

(cheering)
(clapping)

- It's not my idea.

It's the brainchild of one
of Beane's new managers.

She's sitting right over there.

Emma Murphy.

(clapping)
(people chattering)

Now folks, we have got one
year to turn this plant around.

- Yeah, well we can do it.

- Yeah.
- We'll do anything

to keep Beane's open.

- If we all pull together,
I know we can do it

because Athens is a
wonderful, wonderful place

and it's filled with wonderful
people.

Anyway.

Merry Christmas.

(clapping)

- Merry Christmas.

- Down here, son, we
got a lot to talk about.

This is Hap on your left here.

- Jacob?

(soft music)

Jacob?

Is that you?

- Yeah, pop.

It's me.

- Jake!

Oh, Jake.

Oh, I was so stupid.

- Oh, I tried to find you.

I came by the old house.

- Too ornery for my own good.

- No, I'm sorry.

- So am I.

- [Jake] Come on, sit down.

(soft orchestral music)

- This here is your son, Hap?

- Yep, my son.
(Jake chuckles)

Nice suit.
(Jake laughs)

- [Jake] Thanks.

- I'm real proud of you, son.

- Thanks, pop.

- Mom and Tom broke up.

(soft music)

(Tom laughs)

(soft music)
(people chattering)

- Emma, I-
- I can't believe

you came back here.

- Well I had to see you.

(soft music)

(Jake sighs)

- Just gonna let her go?

- I blew it, pop.

- Too hard headed to make
a fool of yourself, eh?

- I can't make her want me.

- Well you wanna repeat that
past?

You wanna end up like me

willing to miss out on your
son's life

on account of my pride?

- No.

- Then take my advice, son.

Make a fool of yourself.

(soft music)

- Hey.

(Jake sighs)

So...

You and Tom split up, huh?

- Yeah.

- How come?

- I just realized that
although I love Tom very much,

I don't love him the way that I
love...

The way that he needs.

- I see.

- So, you're moving to Athens?

- Yeah.

- That'll be a switch.
- Phew, sure will.

- Do you think you'll like it?

- Well, you know, I spent so
many years

trying to be something
other than who I really was

that I kind of forgot myself.

Maybe now I'll get my memory
back.

- Well, if you ever need any
help,

you know where to find me.

I'm gonna go, I-
- Emma.

Can I come over sometime?

- When?

- Oh, maybe tomorrow night?

And the night after that,
and the night after that-

- Jake.

It's real nice of you to come
back here

and make amends and all, and
everybody's real grateful.

I just don't think that I can
forgive you for what you did.

- Maybe...

Maybe we can just start over

and get to know each other from
scratch.

Just take it real slow.

- Do you think we could?

- It's worth a try, isn't it?

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

(soft, bright music)

(people chattering)

- [Happy] Oh, it's wonderful.

- [Noelle] Wonderful.

(Happy blows nose)

- Oh, I forgot to give you
your Christmas present.

(people chattering)
(paper rustling)

- [Woman] These presents
are all from Happy.

(people chattering)

- It's the angel from the post
office.

- I found it. Thought it
could use a good home.

- Happy. Where did you get this?

- All over.

Angels all over town this time
of year.

I wanted to give them to
those who need 'em most.

(people chattering)

- My god, Happy's the Christmas
burglar.

(laughing)

He gave me my angel back.
(laughing)

- Grown ups.

(soft music)

♪ The first noel ♪

♪ The angels did say ♪

♪ Was to certain poor shepherds
in fields as they lay ♪

♪ In fields as they lay
keeping their sheep ♪

♪ On a cold winter's night ♪
- It's a miracle.

♪ That was so deep ♪

♪ Noel, Noel ♪

♪ Noel, Noel ♪

♪ Born is the King of Israel ♪

(soft, bright Christmas music)

(soft orchestral music)

(dramatic music)