A Sensitive, Passionate Man (1977) - full transcript

♪ Did I sing the wrong melody? ♪

♪ Did you play our love ♪

♪ Off key? ♪

♪ Was it predictably
a slightly different harmony ♪

♪ That changed my sensitive ♪

♪ Man? ♪

♪ Did the world ♪

♪ Simply turn away ♪

♪ From the needs
of my passionate man? ♪

♪ Was he lost before he began? ♪

♪ Was there no one
to understand ♪



♪ My sensitive passionate man? ♪

♪ We touched miles in tears ♪

♪ Who changed the wonder
that filled those years? ♪

♪ Who swept away
the yesterdays ♪

♪ Of my sensitive
passionate man ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Ooh ♪♪

The food was excellent.

The food was excellent and good.

- 'Thank you.'
- Goodnight.

Have another anniversary
next week.

Oh, at least next year.
Thank you so much.

I want to thank you.
My wife thanks you.

My sister thanks you.
My babysitter thanks you.



At three bucks an hour
she oughta thank you.

[Jack]
'Hey, you could invite us
in for a drink.'

Wecould! We won't.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Pat.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Jack.

[Pat]
'We'll just watch you walk in.'

We just wanna make sure
you don't get mugged.

- We will not get mugged.
- I promise you.

- She promises you.
- Goodnight.

Alright.
Thank you.

It was great.

I know.

- 'Goodnight.'
- Goodnight.

[all]
Surprise!

[indistinct chatter]

Alright...I need a drink.

Oh.

And you sneaked.
You never let on. Not once.

You kept our boys up this late.
Shame on you all.

Everybody say goodnight
to Kerry and Dan.

[all]
Goodnight Kerry and Dan.

Sleep well, darling.

This is your life
Michael and Marjorie Delaney.

[laughter]

How did you do it
without our catching on?

I sneaked in
and borrowed your photo album.

I don't believe it.
Oh, no, oh, this is..

Look, this is where
Michael and I met.

It was...I had left accidently

'my poetry book
on the campus lawn.'

And I found it
and then I went in search

of the giggling freshman
whose dishes I dutifully washed

and I found her.

You know what he did?

He memorized the entire poem
just to impress me.

And I hate...Rupert Brooke,
but I have remembered it

and I will now recite.

"These things I have loved.

White plates and cups,
clean-gleaming."

I can identify with those lines.

I washed all the damn cups.

[laughter]

Uh, if you want
the further recitations

of Michael Delaney,
follow me.

Let's see, where was I?

Gleaming cups and.. Oh, yes.
"Ringed with blue lines.

"And feathery, faery dust.

"Wet roofs,
underneath the lamp-light.

[both]
"The strong crust
of friendly bread.

"With many tasting food.

"Rainbows and blue

bitter smoke of wood."

Oh, stop it you two.

Has anybody told you that

there is no love over 40,
only death and taxes.

- "The Great Lover."
- Who? Michael?

No, that's the name of the poem.
He's a great dishwasher.

But, Michael, did you really
take such a grungy job?

Yeah, did at will.

But I know how he was.

The old man was too uptight.

- Huh, Michael?
- No. Too dead.

Uh, I'll get more ice.
Pat?

'Oh, hey.
Right, I almost forgot.'

- More congratulations.
- For what?

Well, now that the hush-hush
secrecy is over, we have

the fruits of the labor
of your think tank operation.

You should be very proud of that

'fire-proof installation
you've developed.'

It was a group efforts.

Hey, would somebody translate
that into English?

Well, Michael's aid
had a group of physicist while

'we're working on the space
program came up with an'

incredible aid to home safety.

That's very impressive.

Now, I better go
impress my wife.

[indistinct chattering]

[gasps]

Oh..

Oh, how beautiful.

Allcrystal.
For the crystal boutique.

Oh, it is so delicate, I..

Thank you.
Thank you all of you.

Oh, look what Michael gave me.

Oh, wow..

Michael.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

- Uh-oh.
- Oh-oh.

[clears throat]
I thought you were told
to go to bed.

How come I'm not
in any of those pictures?

- Uh, ask your daddy.
- Yeah, how come?

Ask your mommy.

Um...because, because
you hadn't happened yet.

But you were on our minds.

Scoot. Get up there.

[Jack]
Oh...nice shot.

He's feeling very well today,
isn't he?

Yes, he is.
Thank you.

Great shot, Delaney.
I hate you.

Reward time.

[Jack]
'Come on.'

Take it easy, Michael.
It's only a game.

Hit it again, Michael.

I admire your patience
with that, Pat.

Anything to stop smoking.

Maybe I should get Jack to take
it up, he might be better at it.

May be they should
both take up needlework.

[chuckles]
Can't you see that?

But don't laugh, a lot of macho
athletes are taking it up.

Did you know I had an uncle
in Bangor who weaves

the most magnificent rugs.

[chuckles]
We call him a 90 roll hooker.

[laughs]
Oh, Pat.

Mummy, when do I get my lesson?

Oh, your daddy is almost
finished, sweetheart.

Why don't you sit down and wait.
It won't be long.

Good point, Michael.

I love you, Jack,
even if you loose.

Forty love again.

[Jack]
'Come on, Michael, it's set
point. Get it over with.'

Yeah, daddy.

[racket clanks]

I will deal...with you later.

Come on, Delaney.

Trouble is, Michael, the day
that Lockheed blew its cover

your whole industry
is suspect.

You're my association lawyer?

You should know
better than that.

Now, wait, what-what
makes your precious..

...Powerwell Aerodynamics
different?

I mean, you know,
don't kid yourself.

- There are all enterprise.
- Have some more vodka, please.

How else are they're gonna
sell planes, right?

We lost the contract,
so that proves we are clean

besides, I'm not into sales.

- Hey, Michael.
- Yeah.

What do you do over there
these days

now there is no more
space program?

Play chess with the computer.

Well, move your drinks
to shay Delaney.

[crickets chirping]

Oh, boy, everything's..

Everybody.
Where are you?

[indistinct chattering]

I don't know
how your science wiz does it

but I got to be in court
8:30 in the morning.

Healthy living
and clean thinking.

- Clean thinking.
- Hey, watch it, Mike, watch it.

Hey, hey, I'm sorry.

- Goodnight, Margie.
- I'm sorry.

Hey, I'm sorry.

♪ The night is young and.. ♪♪

- You are so beautiful.
- To be continued next week.

- Goodnight, darling.
- Goodnight.

- Thanks for coming by.
- Goodnight.

[door closes]

Why does the party always
has to be at our house?

You want to wrestle?

No.

I'll let you win.

You just gonna
lie there all night?

- Not alone.
- No, Michael.

[laughs]

"I...have been so great..

"...a lover.

"Filled my days so proudly
with a splendor

"of love's praise.

"The pain..

"...and the calm..

"...the astonishment..

"...desire..

"...illimitable.

- Michael?
- And still content."

- Is everything alright with us?
- Hmm.

[indistinct]

The aerospace..

...in this field
by Michael Delaney.

Nuts and bolts.
Nuts and bolts.

Nutsandbolts.

[laughs]

Where a man works..

...he lends to cut throats.

I love you, Michael.

You are...all I need.

I don't even need this house.

Oh.

This house and all the things
that go with it.

Sometimes I think
we went in too deep.

You know, we built the pool, we
haven't even finished doing it--

I worked for everything
...in this house.

Thingsare not important to me. Youare important to me.

- Nothing things.
- But. There is a but, isn't it?

[laughs]

No buts.

I guess I just..

I just miss the easy life
we had once.

Whatever you want, I want.

I want you.

[dog barks]

Hey, dummy.
Not like that.

- This knife is no good.
- You know what your daddy says?

"If at first don't succeed,
eat with your fingers."

- Hi, dad.
- Hello.

- Hi, dad.
- Eat.

Daddy's right. Eat.

Rough day?

How can you tell?

By the thud, thud, thud,
of your briefcase.

Reward time.

- Daddy did you bring it home?
- Did I bring what home?

- You know.
- Are you teasing, daddy.

- Teasing about what?
- I bet he hid it.

- Is it here?
- No, you're cold.

- Am I warm?
- No, you're cold, he's tapping.

- What's tapping?
- Look it up in the dictionary.

It rhymes with oven.

It's in the oven.

That is a top secret design
of your daddy's work.

Really a top secret?

Well, now that
the government's making 'em

I guess that secret
can be shared with members

of the immediate family.
If they can be trusted.

I can be trusted, honest.

- Are your rooms together?
- Sort of.

- Sort of?
- Yeah.

Out. Out.

You gonna get fat.

I'll cut out the olives.

[instrumental music]

Daddy, I'm not sleepy.

Out.

You know, this is mummy
and daddy's private time.

Aren't you gonna count?

'Come on, daddy.
Please count for me.'

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six

five, four, three, two...one.

- I love you.
- Thank you. Go on.

[sighs]

- 'Cause you're a genius.
- Hmm.

You've such patience and skill
at getting those boys

to do precisely
what you want them to do.

Thank you.

And how come when I count,
I get nothing.

Because, you don't count
backwards.

For instance, seven, six.

- M-Michael.
- Hmm.

- The stew is ready.
- Well, let it stew.

[chuckles]
We got to eat.

Do you love me?

You...are loved.

Am I?

[Margie]
My love?

You're like..

...this bird.

You're fragile
and delicate and..

Yes, I'm like glass.

Easily broken.

Not easily broken?

Just..

That you must be..

...gently handled.

Gently handled.

Just love me.

- Here's some butter..
- Anymore juice?

Here. Finish that one.

Eww. This orange juice
tastes weird.

'Really weird.'

That's daddy's glass.

What's in your juice, dad?

Your daddy made a mistake.

Yes, son, I made a mistake,
I should have put the vodka

in the cereal, instead I put
the vodka in the orange juice

and then I'll put the orange
juice in the vodka and instead.

'And see if the cereal
will speak.'

Michael.

Snap, crackle in here.

[laughs]

Dad, I got a problem.

- 'Could you help me please?'
- What's your problem, son?

Well, it's my math homework.
I couldn't finish it.

How long before
you have to go to school?

About 15 minutes.

Well, let's get to it?

Finish your cereal.

[instrumental music]

Cindy?

Mrs. Delaney.

I came by to surprise my husband
and take him to lunch

but...seems the surprise
is on me.

Uh, they didn't tell me they
moved his office. Where is he?

He was fired.

[dramatic music]

When?

Two weeks ago.

He made me promise
not to tell you.

'He said if...if you called
I was always to say'

he was out or at a meeting.

I didn't want to do it.
I'm not good at lying.

Oh, no, he always said you were
loyal. You did the right thing.

He said he'd tell you
when he found the right moment.

'Please don't tell him
I told you.'

- I won't.
- Look, I'm so sorry.

I really loved working for him.

He was so terrific.
He...made me laugh all the time.

Well, don't talk about him
in the past tense.

He is not dead, you know.

Thank you so much.

Bye, Mrs. Delaney.

[music continues]

[car approaching]

[car door slams]

[door opens]

Reward time?

How was your day?

Well, it was your average..

Oh, not the okay type of day.

- How are the boys?
- Under control.

No countdowns?

Just one.

[instrumental music]

May I make you a drink?

[instrumental music]

The pool is absolutely
marvelous, Michael.

Well, they've cost me a lot..

[Jack]
'Then the guy has the nerve
to complain about a big fees.'

Fees? Fees?

'Let me hear about fees,
lawyers.'

I want to hear about me,
what kind of fee..

Um, Michael, i-it's late.

I think it's about time we--

Shut up. Hold that!

Geez, hold it a minute.

What do you say
to all of these poor suckers.

They come to you and say--

- Look, Mike--
- Hey, hold it, Mr. Lawyer.

Mr. Lawyer save me.

- Michael, will you knock it..
- Getting very late. Let's go.

It's getting late.
Let's go. Come on.

Do you have to get up
in the morning?

- You have to go to work?
- Michael.

No, no. Do you have
to go to work?

Well, Mr. Delaney goes to work.

Mrs. Delaney doesn't go to work,
does Mrs. Delaney?

Now, Mr. Delaney paid
for the house.

- Mr. Delaney paid for the pool.
- Yes.

Mr. Delaney paid for all that,
didn't Mr. Delaney?

- Yes, yes.
- Yes, Michael. Yes, Michael.

- So, say it again.
- Yes!

Have a drink, Mrs. Delaney.

[dramatic music]

[coughs]

You want some orange juice?

No.

Nothing in it.

Promise.

And I, uh..

...gave the boys breakfast,
send 'em off to school.

The kitchen is,
very neat and very clean.

I sent your...blouse and slacks

to the cleaner.
He came by early.

Thanks.

Here.

Uh, that blouse and, uh..

...your slacks were
in terrible shape.

Well, you must've had a hell
of a time last night.

Who was he?

You don't remember, do you?

Not really.

But unfortunately...happened.

Morris called this morning

and filled me in on the details.

I'm sorry.

I'm truly sorry.

I know you are.

Well, to show you
how sorry I am

I'll take the day off
and we'll go to the beach.

Michael..

I'm a lousy liar.

Well, they fired me, Marge.
They dumped me. Let me go.

Why didn't you tell me?

I didn't wanna hurt you.

I'm just trying to protect you.

Everyday I left you, I thought
I'd come home and be able to say

"Hey, kid, there's good news
and bad news. The good news--

Yeah, but why?
You're too good.

It couldn't have been your work.

Not my work. It's any work.

They fired the entire research
team and now [indistinct]

is into the exclusive selling
of...farm machinery.

I don't understand.
I just don't understand.

Well, I'm relieved.

You know what it's like going
to work everyday for two years?

I think you do.

You know...we used to..

...used to just sit around
and...think of hypothetical

problems for the...
for the computer to solve.

Keeps from going crazy.

'The handwriting
was on the wall.'

That doesn't matter.

I love you.
That's what matters.

I'm your best friend
in the world.

I'm your best friend too.

But don't ever do that again.

'No more secrets.'

No more secrets.

Just don't leave me.

Never.

Never.

[dramatic music]

Marge!

Marge!

Yeah.

A toast.

To honesty.

"Here's to you
as good as you are.

"Here's to me as bad as I am.

'"But as good as you are
and as bad as I am..'

...I'm as good as you are."

It's an old Irish saying.

[Kerry]
'Leave me alone.'

Okay, okay. Settle down.
It's only the zoo.

Why? Daddy has to get up.

Give him a couple
more minutes, okay?

Did you pack
the potato chips, mom?

And the coleslaw.

Mom, why do we need
all that junk for?

We can get hot dogs at the zoo.

You can also get
ptomaine poisoning.

- Yeah, I like picnics.
- So do I.

How come daddy can take
day off from work?

Special holiday for him too?

Now, why would your daddy
want to go to work

when he can take his two
favorite fellas to the zoo?

Yeah, I'm gonna wake him up.

No, I'll do it.
You pack the car.

[both]
I don't want any coleslaw!

Pack the car.

Michael, aren't you up yet?

Go away.

It's past 11:00.
The kids are waiting. Come on.

- Go away.
- Get up, Michael.

Go away.

We promised the kids the zoo.

Now, come on. Get up.

I'm not going to any zoo.
Now, get out!

You're a terrific father!

He's not going, is he?

No. He's not.

I knew it! I just knew it!

Dan..

[door slams shut]

[dramatic music]

Good evening, America.

Once again, I'm speaking
in behalf of John Q Public

who's getting sick
and tired of listening

'to the would-be crusaders'

about the downfall of
the world's greatest diplomacy..

[Michael]
'Go on.'

'America is as great, if not
greater than it has always..'

What's so great about it?

'Get off my set!'

'Sit on your own assets, buddy.'

Shut up!

[glass breaking]

'When has there ever been
so keen an interest'

'in the part of the government'

'to create new jobs
and programs'

'for the betterment
of the people?'

'Where else on Earth can a man
or woman reach for the stars'

'and come back
with a piece of the moon?'

'We must carry on
and pass down to our children'

'the essence
of our American Dream'

'so that this dream does not
become the nightmare..'

Ah, shut up!

[glass shatters]

[grunting]

That's good.

[dramatic music]

[Michael]
'Where were ya?'

I went out for a while.

I brought you some flowers.

Flowers for me. La-di-da.

- Michael.
- Mm-mm.

We can't go on like this.

We're eating up all our saving.

Well, we have my...stocks.

'And we have
my...trustees, baby.'

So what are you worried about?

You haven't looked for a job
in weeks. Why, Michael?

'Cause I ain't gonna jump
at the first thing

and everything's below my level.

Then take something lower.

Can't you take something lower?

I've worked..

...for the PhD..

...after my name!

No doctor...is gonna
take no for a job.

Well, I'm not that particular.
I'm gonna get a job.

Here's to women's liberation.

Is isn't that.
We need the money.

Besides, I'll get out
of your way

and maybe that will clear
the air a little bit.

They're dying for literature
majors out there.

I'm not stupid, Michael.
I can find something.

No wife...of mine
...is going to work!

And nor, obviously,
is any husband of mine!

Oh!

Hey, Marge. Margie.

Margie.

Marge. Marge.

Hey, I didn't mean it, I..

Damn it! Get out of the kitchen!

I just want you to forgive me.
Will you forgive me?

Get out!

Listen, I didn't hit
you that hard.

I didn't,
I've never hit you before.

Michael. Oh, Michael.

Don't you dare..

You can't get a job
because you drink

and you drink
because you can't get a job.

'I don't know if you know
what you're doing to yourself.'

Please, let me help you.

Just want you to forgive me.
Will you just forgive me?

That's all I want.
I want you to forgive me.

I forgive you.

You're not the first man
in the world

who ever lost...a job.

Not the job, or money..

It's my life.

My life.

There'll be, there'll be other
space contract.

Sure.

Next decade!

Next century!

'Cause people are tired
of watching space rhapsodies

they see it on television.

You can find something.
And you'd--

- Just like that!
- Yes, yes.

Men are changing careers
all the time. You can too.

Go back to college
for seven years

and become a lawyer?

Oh, Michael.

You're so good at so
...at so many things.

You can find something.

I'll think of something.

Bad news. Kevin Brian's
father is on vacation

in Tucson, Arizona,
for two months

and Mrs. Brian regrets
that he will have

to cancel his Career day
appearance..

Oh, too bad.

Find me another actor.

Ha-ha. Try Robert Redford.

I'd loved too.

Poor Pat. Always volunteering
every year for Career Day.

Didn't your mommy
ever teach you to say no?

Excuse me.
Yes, it's my mother's fault.

How's Michael doing
in real estate?

Oh, well, it's only been two
weeks but...he's doing fine.

Knowing Michael,
I'm sure he's running a class!

He is something, isn't he?

I have an idea.

Wouldn't Dan be delighted
to see Michael standing

in front of his class?

You mean Michael
give the Career Day speech?

One scientist daddy coming up.

He knows more about it
than anybody.

Well, I could ask him.

He might.

[door opens]

Michael?

He isn't here.

What happened?
Class break up early?

What class?

Suppose you tell me.

Well, if it's Tuesday..

...then it must be..

...escrows.

And escrows...are boring.

Enough to drive a man to drink?

Real estate ain't my bag, lady.

'I went to two sessions'

and my PhD began to show.

The people depress me.
The professors depress me.

'And you're beginning
to depress me.'

Michael, what are you
trying to tell me?

Trying to tell you
that the teacher picked on me.

So I quit.

You quit!

Where have you been
these nights?

Wouldn't you like to know!

Why, in God's name
are you doing this?

Michael!

Michael!

When are you gonna face..

...what you're doing
to yourself?

You saw what happened
to your mother?

She died a drunk.

She made your life miserable.

And now you're making
our lives miserable.

Because you're just
like she was.

A selfish, weak drunk.

Don't you ever..

Mommy.

Hey, kid.

Mommy and I are just fooling
around, right?

We're just fooling around.

Come on, dad'll, uh,
tell you a bedtime story.

And so when the, uh, prince

found out, he said
to all those crazy people

and all those people with long
beards and dirty clothes

"You're not gonna take my
kingdom away because nobody

takes my kingdom away."

Hurray, prince!

And so then he went
and he got a gun

and he got a-a-a cannon
and so he killed everybody.

- Everybody?
- Everybody, just...like that!

And then...he walked..

...on their dead bodies.

Then he made a speech.

He said..

He said, uh..

"Nobody...takes
my kingdom away

"and nobody, uh..

"...does that to me
because I've worked..

"...all my life.

"So what I thought was..

"...right.

And worked all my life for.."

[grunts]

Aah!

[Michael groaning]

This is an emergency.

Uh, my husband is having
convulsions.

I'm Mrs., um.
Mrs. Michael Delaney, 435..

[groaning]

'How soon can you be here?'

[Michael coughs]

Damn it! I said
this is an emergency!

Thank you. Hurry.

[Dan]
'Mama.'

What's the matter?

Nothing. Nothing.

Kerry's scared.

'He's crying.'

Tell him to go back to bed.

You daddy is alright.

Go tell him, honey.

[Michael panting]

[dramatic music]

How is he?

If this is the first time,
it might scare him.

He needs watching.

Sedation, vitamins.

Call your family doctor
as soon as possible.

'He will know
how to handle the DTs.'

Thank you, for getting here
as soon as you did.

I...appreciate it very much.

He's a...he's a very
good person.

- He's worth helping.
- 'I'm sure he is.'

'Goodnight.'

[dramatic music]

[engine turns over]

The name's Michael Delaney,
folks.

And I'm not a joiner.

Clubs..

...are for the weak.

That is why they call them..

...anonymous.

There is gamblers anonymous.

There is facts anonymous.

Then child abuse, I don't think
child abusers have a club.

Let's see what else.
Anonymous, anonymous.

Yes, we have sewing circles.

Yes. Knitters Anonymous.

You wanna drink, they come over
and sew up your bottles.

'How about wives anonymous?'

'You're tired of the one you got
you call alcoholics'

'they send you another
one...hopefully.'

Why don't you sign me up
for a knitting circle?

Lay off, will you?

Call it knitters anonymous.

You like taking a drape,
somebody comes over

and knits with ya.

I am going out.

What for?

For your birthday party.

Happy birthday, damn you!

[door closes]

[all]
Happy Birthday!

Make a wish, daddy.

Hey, well,
I wish for this face

to blow out this messy candles.

[laughing]

Bravo!
You go get the ice-cream.

- Okay.
- Hurry up.

Birthday cakes are a bore.

Happy 42nd, old buddy.

And here's to number 43,
Michael.

Well, don't count on it.

My own daddy
didn't make it to 43

so why should I, out of respect
for dear old daddy?

Please, Michael.

It's only wine, sweetheart.

Poor old dada,
he worked so hard

and he was so earnest,
but he was poor, poor, poor!

Not for the lack of trying.

It wasn't the money.

It was my mother's drinking
problem that brought about

'the untimely death
of dear old daddy.'

Or was it..

...his death that brought on..

...mommy's drinking problem.

I never did get it right.

Uh, Ann,
you wanna cut the cake?

[Ann]
'Oh, yes.'

How did your game go today,
mommy?

I-I got here too late to play.

Your daddy's
not feeling very well.

When's he gonna be better?

Is he still coming
to my school tomorrow?

He is coming.
I've got it all set up.

You and I are gonna be there
to root for him.

You sure he won't be
...sick tomorrow?

I don't think so. Do you?

Well, I guess not.

"Alcohol-ism is a progressive..

"...disease..

'"...which, if not treated,
drives its victims'

"into an abyss
of either insanity..

"...or death.

"The family must adopt
a sympathetic

'constructive attitude."'

It's almost ten.

I wanna start on time.
Let's go.

Umm.. "Constructive, sympathetic
attitude, that is the key.

"It will pay off dividends

'"for alcoholics respond
gratefully...to warmth..'

'...and understanding."'

You're ready?

You look a little tired.

Come on.

Marjorie, Michael.
Thank goodness you're here!

Dan was upset
that you miss the preliminary.

Sorry, Pat, we were held up.

We're in Room 207.

- Where is the men's room?
- Men's room?

Um...it's down
the hall, that way.

And 207 is that way.

[male #2]
'One of the tutor aspects
of being a dentist'

'is that we spend our entire
lives trying to make'

'our profession...obsolete.'

'I mean, the more advanced
and definitive our research..'

'...the fewer cavities,
and the fewer the dentists.'

'But, setting aside
this paradox..'

Where's Michael?
He's on.

Uh, I'll go see.

'I mean, you couldn't hope
to make a career as a dentist'

'and be careless about
your own health.'

'The profession of dentistry
is a dignified'

'and a worthwhile
career, I think.'

Michael?

Children, our aircraft
specialist

is gonna be just
a little bit late.

Perhaps he had some
engine trouble.

'So why don't we
just skip ahead.'

'Um, I have some posters
I'd like to show you.'

'Oh, here he is!'

And now children, Dan Delaney's
father, Mr. Michael Delaney.

Everything you
ever wanted to know

about the aerospace industry

and Mr. Delaney
does know everything.

Yeah, these are, uh..

...well, they used
to be, uh, rockets.

You put a..

...fire under there
and they go up.

A, uh, speech.

"What I know about
the aerospace industry

by Michael Delaney."

[laughter]

The aerospace agency is, uh..

...composed of, uh..

...people who, uh..

...fly, uh, rockets.

And you, uh,
go to school for about..

...a 100 years.

Give or take a year or two.

[clanking]

Uh, then you, uh..

...marry the bosses daughter.

Meet, uh..

...an influential friend.

And that's what
I know about the..

...aerospace agency.

'So, I thank you
for you're time..'

...and now..

...everybody go out and steal
hubcaps or whatever you do.

I hate you!
I hate you!

You heard my son.
He hates me.

'And, uh..'

And there goes my wife
who ain't to fond of me either.

And, uh..

Here go I.

Not one of my best speeches.

Dan.

- Dan. Dan!
- Margie. Margie!

[clanking]

[glass shatters]

Where's the kid?

What do you care..

..about anything?

[dramatic music]

- Dan--
- It's okay, mom.

You don't have to explain.

Well, sweetheart..

I want you to know that he--

I know, mom.

I just don't want you to..

I don't hate him, mom.

'Not really.'

Well, as you get older..

...Daniel, uh,
you'll understand that--

'Mom!'

I don't hate him.

But I don't like him either.

I don't like the things he does.

'What he did today was awful.'

But I don't hate him.

Mom?

Yes?

What're we gonna do?

I don't know.

I don't know.

Oye, ya lady!

[footsteps approaching]

Hi!

- Where the hell have you been?
- Who are these people?

They're friends of mine.
Want a sandwich?

Haven't you done
enough for one day?

I'm making sandwiches
for my friends.

Maybe you would like to go out
by yourself without my company.

- Uh, the boy's asleep?
- Huh?

Where are the children?

What do they look like?

They are at the Morris'.

Get these people, whoever
they are, out of here!

My friend..

Hey, who-who's she, old buddy?

- Who are you?
- Ha! I'm Lou.

You're Lou?

This is Marjorie.

Eh, Sophie.
Sophie, this is Marjorie.

- Butter
- Marjorie.

- Butter!
- Marjorie!

Michael, I'm going
to call the police.

Mike!

Goodbye, Butter.

Who wants butter?

[laughs]

Sweetheart, where's Pat?

They went to the movies.

They told Dan and Johnny
to babysit.

- Is Dan asleep?
- Yeah.

What's the matter, Kerry?

I wet the bed.

Well, that's okay. A guy
has to slip once in a while.

- Where's Dan?
- He's in the kitchen.

I'll be right up.

- Reward time!
- Dan!

What are you boys doing?

Go upstairs, Dan.

Johnny, go to bed.

Can't tell you
how sorry I am.

It scares me, seeing him
imitating us like that.

Marjorie,
they're not imitating us.

Johnny would never
have done that.

He was just going
along with Dan.

I-I hate to ask this but..

Michael has some..

I mean..

Would it be alright
if I stayed the night too?

- Of course, you can stay.
- Well, why, sure.

Thank you. I-I appreciate it.

I'm terribly sorry.

Marge, you need help.
Legal help.

- Legal help?
- Yeah.

- Perhaps I could--
- Jack!

You can't handle this.
We're friends.

- 'We're too involved in it.'
- 'Wait a minute, Pat.'

Marjorie, why don't you talk,
about it?

It'll make you feel better.

'Why don't we all sit down
and talk about this?'

Pat, as long as I'm going
to be seeing a lawyer..

...I'll save the tedious
details for him.

Now, if you'll excuse me,
I'll go take care of my boys.

Be a good girl, Mrs. Delaney.
Cool it.

Take the kids.
Leave town for a while.

Soon as my processor re-bags
him, you're in business.

I'll serve him with
a restraining order.

Immediate court action?

That's when we hit him
with the financial terms.

It all sounds so cold.

Relax, Mrs. Delaney.

You'll get
your legal separation.

We're really gonna
work on this bum!

He's not a bum!

He's an alcoholic.

'And another thing.'

This isn't legal aid.

My fee is $500.

I don't move
without a retainer.

I don't think I like you,
Mr. De Mora.

But I guess
you're all I can afford.

You don't have to like me.

Just hope I get the job done.

I've endorsed this house
on a check from Michael.

He sold the last
of our stocks.

I'll send you the rest..

...as soon as I find a job.

Well, good luck.

And remember..

...get out of town. Fast!

Hey, hold it, hold it.
Alright!

- Where are you going?
- Get in the car, boys.

No, wait, wait, wait.

Come on. Come on.
Where are you going?

- Don't you--
- Nobody's leaving!

- Run, run!
- Come on. That's it.

- Come here, John!
- Get here!

Run! Hurry up!

We're just going
for a couple of days.

Until you get yourself straight.

No. Give me that!
Give me my purse, you can't.

You can't!
Don't! Don't you dare!

For once..

Margie.

Margie.

Stop fooling with that thing.

It's broken. You'll only
let in more hot air.

- I'm boiling!
- Well, that makes two of us.

Gary! Put your
seat belt back on!

Daddy's gonna miss us.

Yeah. He's probably
too drunk to care.

Dan..

Now your daddy
is a very sick man.

He doesn't mean to do
the things he does.

You've got to understand that,
do you?

He wasn't like that before.

No. He wasn't.

He's very sick.

But, why don't we stay home
and take care of him?

Because, because we need
to let him have some time alone.

I am not doing this
to punish him.

But, who's gonna
take care of him?

Well, you're daddy's a big boy.

He'll, he'll take care
of himself.

How do you know
you can find a job?

You've never worked before.

Who, me? Talented Tilly?

'Yeah.'

Well, I raised you fellas.
That makes me a genius!

Read some more of those ads.

This one sounds like you.

"Wanted girl..

"...A-1 personality,
good legs, no nudity.

Learn latest dance steps."

Who thinks I'm a great dancer?

- 'Not me.'
- Not me.

You got good legs though.

I brain washed you pretty good.

[metal clanking]

Uh, lady, that
transmission's shot.

Now I can fix it for you
for about 300?

Three hundred?

Well, we're high
but we're here.

Well, I don't have $300.

That's your problem, lady.

Yeah, I know.

Can I leave it here
a couple of days?

- See if I can come up with it?
- Sure.

You better put up a sale sign
on it in case I don't.

You got it.

Um, oh, boys, will you get
our stuff outta the car?

Well, lady, you need
a place to stay?

Without a car, I sure do.

You go on up the road,
The Embassy Motor Courts.

- Clean, low rates.
- The Embassy?

And tell him
Roy Jessup sent you.

He'll give you a real low rate.

Roy?

I'll see you around, honey.

You've got my keys.

[instrumental music]

Come on.

Here we go.

Might as well unpack.

Haven't you served him yet?

[De Mora]
'Oh, he's fast on his feet.'

He's been on a real toot
since you left, Mrs. Delaney.

Smashed a couple of windows.

I hear your front yard
looks like the city dump.

'You got a real PR job
to do on your neighbors'

'when this is over.'

Then find him.
That's your job, Mr. De Mora.

Not anymore, lady.

That check you endorsed
from your husband?

It bounced.

Wait! I'll get you the money.

[phone beeps]

Hey!

What're you doin'
home so early?

I quit. They were pinching
instead of tipping.

What are you doing up so late?

- We had a lot of homework, mom.
- Uh-huh.

I bet you were
watching television, right?

You'll haven't even taken
your bath. Now get going.

And I'm gonna check
your homework.

Two points for the desert.
The shirts dry faster.

I'm gonna look
at your multiplication.

[Dan]
"A poem to my dad"
by Dan Delaney.

"I think we're losing you.
And there's nothing I can do.

"Don't you care anymore?

"Can't you be
my father anymore?'

"I'm scared of all the stuff
that you drink.

"And the strange way
you talk and think.

"You make my mom sad and cry.

"I think she's afraid
you're gonna die.

"Please don't leave us
lonely and sad.

"I don't wanna hide
from you, dad.

[knocks on door]

- How're you doin'?
- Hi.

Hey, I'm right next door,
I thought you might wanna

come on over,
have a drink with me.

Nah, I got enough
right here, thanks.

Aw, come on.

My kids don't like
late parties. Sorry.

Well, actually, I was
thinking you and me.

You want me to call the manager?

Sure. I'm the manager.

Oh..

I'll see you around.

He busted the mans jaw!

End of story, Mrs. Delaney.
You're nowhere.

'That money you sent goes
to pay for the hospital bill.'

Please, you've got to try again.
I can't stay away much longer.

Sue me.
Get me more money or forget it!

[Pat]
'Where are you?'

'And the boy's are with you?'

Just hold on.
Jack is here.

It's Marjorie.
She needs money from us.

- Hello, Marjorie.
- It's not for me, Jack.

It's the lawyer. He won't move.
He's sitting on his hands.

I thought maybe
you can help me.

Marjorie, as a friend

I'm naturally concerned
about you and the boys.

You know that.

But I can't mix in.

Michael is violent.

'He was here last night.
He threatened me.'

'Insisted I knew
where you were.'

'I had to call the police.'

'It's a mess.'

Look. It's not the money.
Try to understand.

I have my family to protect.

Thank you, Jack.

Hey, Ma!
Where are you going?

'Don't answer the door
for anybody.'

Don't talk!

Now, you just listen..

Michael, do you hear me?

Don't do this to me anymore.

I want you to stop this.

'I.. Are you listening?'

- Margie.
- 'Michael!'

Stop. Stop. Please.

I've stopped. I am not drunk.
I haven't had a drink.

'Are you listening?'

Yes. I'm listening.

Let's see a psychiatrist,
a Dr. Lazerow.

I want you to come home.

I miss you so terribly, darling.

I miss you.

Me too.

[sobbing]

- What's the matter?
- 'Nothing.'

Come on, tell me.

I'm just scared.

Don't be. Mom's gonna
take care of us.

Now go back to sleep.

- Dan?
- What?

I wet the bed again.

Come on. Let's change the sheet
before mom gets back.

Boys?

We're goin' home.

Mr. Delaney, would you
excuse us for a few moments?

Before I see
your husband alone

there's something
I'd like to say to you.

I feel you were very brave
in coming back

to your husband, Mrs. Delaney.

'It's not your duty
to stay with Michael.'

'With two young children,
it might even be'

'terribly destructive.'

He's a desperately ill man.

'I can't force him
to go to AA.'

'I'll do my best
to work with him.'

Will have to be at least
three time a week.

I see.

Is there anything
I could be doing?

I'll have to spend some
time with him first

before I can answer that.

- Alright.
- Alright.

Mr. Delaney, will you
come in now, please?

How did it go?

Swimmingly.

I'm so glad
you like Dr. Lazerow.

Yeah, he's a nice man
with a tall order.

[instrumental
"Jingle Bells"]

Hello, Pat!

Marge!

- I..
- Would you like to taste?

'It's delicious.'

It's wine flavored.
You'll love it.

I..

Sir? Would you like to taste?

Thank you.

Nice to see you again, Pat.

Happy New Year, Frank!

Mr. Delaney,
just a minute, please.

- Mr. Delaney?
- What is it, Frank?

- Mr. Delaney, just a minute.
- What do you want?

I'm sorry. I can't let you
use the courts today.

Hey, listen. I didn't make
a reservation. It's alright.

There ain't that many
people out there.

I'm sorry, those are my orders.

Hey! You don't give orders!

Me Tarzan,
you're a hired help.

Mr. Delaney, just a minute.

Mr. Delaney.

Oh!

I'm sorry, Mr. Delaney.

Dad?

Dad? Are you okay?

Go away.

'Please, go away!'

[water splashing]

Hey, um. Hey, kids! Hey!

Danny, Kerry, come here.
I wanna talk to you.

Dad wants to talk to ya.
Come on.

Put a towel on ya.
You'll catch a cold.

Come here, baby.

Daddy..

...is gonna make
a New Years resolution.

What's a resolution, daddy?

Uh, well, it means that
your father is going to try to..

What your father is going
to do in the new year.

There will be no more
of that funny old..

There will be no more,
uh, misunderstandings

between mommy and me.

'Because I love your mother
and she loves me.'

'And we love the both of you.'

So, it's going to be a happy new
year for all of us, right?

- Okay?
- Okay, daddy.

Okay.

- Okay.
- Okay.

[instrumental music]

- Happy New Year.
- Happy New Year.

To a very happy New Year.

Thank you.

At least we've got the bubbles.

At least we have the bubbles.

- I like it.
- You like what?

- Just the two of us.
- Me too.

Alright, I will
spread the cheese.

And you pop the cork..

...on a brand new vintage
bottle of ginger ale.

I don't think there is anymore.

Michael Delaney to the rescue.

- 'Where are you going?'
- Don't go away.

That old chuck every year.

A bottle of cheap wine.

Ah, Michael, I don't
think that we should.

It is only wine, darling.
They serve it in church.

It never hurt anyone. Wine.

[bottle clanking]

- Where are you goin'?
- I'm going to get some more.

Not without me?

You always said I couldn't
keep up with you.

But I'm gonna try.

[Margie]
'You're not making any sense!'

'Dollars, my dear, not sense. I
want that check from the club.'

'They do not want me as a member
till they owe me a refund.'

'They said they
put it in the mail.'

- Where is the check?
- What are you talking about?

- Talking about the check.
- What check?

Where is it?

Nobody check..

What?

I swear.

Why would I hide it?

We're deep in debt as it is.

Everything we have is pawned.

If I had it, you think I'd give
it to you, you stinking drunk!

'You stinking drunk!'

Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!

Get out! Get out!

Get out!

Get outta here!

And stay out!

- Good morning, boys.
- We made our own breakfast.

Good for you.

- Daddy was here.
- He left.

Dan.

There was a check in here.

He took it.

[dramatic music]

Okay, come here, Delaney,
let's go.

I can't thank you enough.

That's okay, lady.

I've been there myself.

Come on.

[exhales]

I don't wanted
to do that..

Shh.

No, I know,
I don't want to do it.

I'm just tired.

Tired of the..

[mumbling]

[gasping]
Mike.

Oh. Mike.

I don't, I don't care.

I didn't wanted to do..

No one.

Sit up!

Sit up!

Sit up!

I'll-I'll hold you.

You'll sit up, if I have to
hold you all night.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Delaney.

Perhaps I was remiss.

I should've called you.

Michael only showed up
for two sessions.

And he always said
how well it was going.

He even...he even said he was
one of your best patients.

That's typical of Michael.

See he feels that
he's more superior

than the world thinks he is.

Well, he's, uh,
an extremely bright man.

He's really gifted.

The fact is...he feels
terribly inadequate.

- Michael?
- Yes.

And he's a perfectionist.

That's an unbearable condition
with no solution.

Have I failed him?

In Michael's head
the world has failed him.

'And he cannot tolerate
an imperfect world.'

You must face a terrible truth,
Mrs. Delaney.

Michael wants to die.

'He will die.'

'Smash up, suicide'

or if he's really unlucky later
from starvation.

Now, this might sound cruel

but it must be said.

First his liver
will cease to function.

His nose will hemorrhage.

The vessels of his stomach
fill explode.

From what you've told me
of his poor tortured body

the process has already begun.

I feel you should
institutionalize him.

There's nothing more you can do at home to help him.

He's in a very bad way,
Mrs. Delaney.

I think you better come
and get him.

Yes, ma'am, I will.

[telephone rings]

Mr. Romero?

If your husband has property

legal aid can't be involved.

I am sorry.

You have to convince him
to sell the house.

See that it's sold, your lawyer

'will go after the money,
I assure you.'

I can't wait.

That takes months.
I-I'm afraid for my children.

I have to have legal protection.

There are lot of truly
unfortunate people

waiting to see me, Mrs. Delaney.

I am sorry.

'That's the reality
of the situation.'

I have no money.

But your husband owns property.

There's nothing I can do.

Hey.

[coughing]

Margie!

Margie!

[instrumental music]

- 'You'll really like it.'
- 'Thanks again.'

Oh, don't forget you napkin.

Too bad we're losing you,
Margie.

It's a real break for you.

You really moved up fast.

That's me onwards and upwards

just like the food crisis, Joe.

Charge it.

Michael, be reasonable.

- At least listen to me.
- 'No hospital.'

Let me in and let me
talk to you about it.

'I don't wanna talk to you?'

'I don't wanna talk about
any hospital.'

[Dr. Lazerow]
'I know a man who does this kind
of job, I'll set it up.'

'They'll come and get him.'

Isn't, uh, tomorrow
a little too soon?

'No, the sooner the better.'

Alright.

Only, uh, could you please

have them come while
the children are at school?

[male #1]
'Of course.'

Thank you.

Where you going?

- Outside.
- Relax.

[grunting]

[panting]

Oh, God.

[siren blaring]

[tires screeching]

Do you have to put that on him?

He's out cold.

This is procedure, ma'am.

When they first come around
they can be difficult.

'Will you be
riding in the back with us?'

Oh, no.
I'll follow.

[dramatic music]

[indistinct chatter]

Boys.

Uh, why don't you sit down
for a minute?

Before you go out and play

I want to talk to you.

Well, mom, what's the matter?

It's something very important

you both should know.

It's about dad, isn't it?

Yes.

It's about your daddy.

Where is he?

When a person drinks

he doesn't always drink
because he wants to.

Sometimes there's something
bothering him.

'And he has to drink.'

Where do you go
when you break your leg?

You go to the doctor
or the hospital.

[Margie]
'Yeah.'

'You go to the hospital.'

Your daddy went
to the hospital today.

We're gonna help him.

So he doesn't get drunk anymore.

Don't ever say that
about your father.

'He has a problem and he's
trying to help himself'

and while we're in this house
we will respect him.

Now go on out and play.

[barking]

[birds chirping]

Here.

You were there only 30 days.

That's not enough time.

Why did they release you?

Good behavior.

Not one visit
from my faithful wife.

I thought you'd be
better off without me.

I thought you'd
get better faster.

I was constantly
in touch with the staff.

I didn't even get a packet

or a piece of cheese,
you get that free.

If they ever gave me
the slightest idea

they were letting you go.

[Michael]
'Gone but not forgotten.'

I'm on the other system.

I report to the Yoho locals
once a week.

Is that fair?

No, it's inexcusable.

They had no right.

You're drinking already.

They need the beds

and I prefer my bed here.

You have to go back, Michael.

- It's too soon.
- I am forgotten here.

- But I'm not gone.
- 'You need more time.'

I'll go with you.
I'll explain to the doctors.

- You have to go back.
- I'm staying here.

I'm leaving here on Friday.

Who gave you permission
to sell this house?

Your conservator.

- Who's that?
- Me.

Michael, I did what I had to do.

You were incapable
of making decisions.

Dr. Lazerow testified
to that in court.

'I had a lawyer such as he was.'

The house was sold
at a good price.

It's a seller's market.

I went to real estate school
and you became the authority.

I put your share
of the money in trust.

Tough roar, Margie.

Tough roar, Margie.

I have to finish
packing tonight.

I don't want
any trouble, Michael.

I won't give you any trouble.

[honking]

[Michael]
'Hello..'

[honking]

[Michael]
'Hey, you..'

'...wake up.'

The home wrecker.

'Come on, I wanna
introduce you to the next'

'Mrs. Delaney.'

Mrs. Delaney.

[laughing]

Hey! Hey!

'Are you up there?'

[dogs barking]

'Nice work.'

[laughing]

[Michael]
'Hey, you, wake up.'

Someday, my dear.

Oh, uh.

[laughing]

Well, forever yours.

Goodbye, slut.

[laughing]

'Goodbye!'

[dogs barking]

Come on,
just you and me, baby.

Let's get the hell outta here.

Come on.

Ah, I don't need this.

[laughing]

[honking]

Goodbye, slut!

Swindler, home-stealer!

[dogs barking]

[honking]

[engine revving]

I want my house back!

You, slut!

It's still my house.

Margie.

[mumbles]

[telephone rings]

Yes.

[Rachel]
'Mrs. Delaney, this is Rachel.'

'I'm Michael's friend.'

Yes.

'He's in the hospital.'

'He's dying.'

'Can you come?'

Margie.

I'm here, darling.

I have been so great
in love with you.

Filled my days so proudly.

The pain.

'The calm.'

The contempt.

I loved you.

'No.'

Michael.

[sobbing]
Oh, Michael.

Oh, God.

Oh, Michael.

[dramatic music]

♪ An empty home ♪

♪ Those wasted years ♪

♪ The unrhymed poem ♪

♪ Of children's tears ♪

♪ All swept away ♪

♪ The yesterdays ♪

♪ Of my sensitive
passionate man ♪

♪ Am I left standing alone ♪

♪ In a place ♪

♪ Where no place is a home ♪

♪ Was it me that changed ♪

♪ My sensitive
passionate man ♪

♪ If it was ♪

♪ Here I am ♪

[music continues]

♪ Ooh ♪♪

[instrumental music]