Friends at Last (1995) - full transcript
As the years go by, a woman finds herself trapped in her marriage, and asks for a divorce from her husband. Twelve years later, she discovers that her ex-husband is her best friend.
[CAR HORNS HONKING]
[♪♪♪]
♪ I got lost ♪
♪ Lost in my illusions ♪
♪ I got lost
All my senses went astray ♪
♪ I got tossed
In the storm of my confusion ♪
♪ And I thought that love
Would look the other way ♪
♪ First I tried
Asking for direction ♪
Hey, taxi!
Hey.
♪ Then I lied
And I said I knew the way ♪
Taxi!
♪ I went looking
For protection ♪
Wait! Taxi!
♪ And I never thought
That love would get away ♪
Wait a minute! Oh!
Hey, this is mine!
You!
It's a little town, Fanny.
You meet the same 20 people
everywhere you go.
Well, that's a good reason
to move.
Look, I'm late.
I can't help you out here.
Don't worry about it.
You just added years to my life.
Yeah? Well, I'm sorry
to hear that.
♪ Hits the way ♪
♪ An arrow finds its mark ♪
♪ I got lost ♪
♪ Lost in my illusions ♪
♪ I got lost ♪
♪ All my senses went astray ♪
Cliff, one large.
♪ In the storm
Of my confusion ♪
♪ And I thought that love... ♪
What? You get mugged?
I ran into my ex-wife.
I still wanted to kill her.
Hey, I know the breed.
Well, Fanny's unique.
In the category
of domestic monster,
she holds a very
deadly place.
Thanks, man.
Cheers.
Okay.
[FANNY LAUGHING]
Let me, Mommy.
I can do it.
Oh! Okay. All right.
I know one dad
who is gonna flip over this.
♪ Rock-a-bye your daddy ♪
Ready.
♪ And up and back
And back, and up ♪
♪ With a birthday melody ♪
Can you do it?
♪ Rock-a-bye your baby ♪
♪ With a birthday melody ♪
Okay, okay. Now listen up.
What is the one thing
that we never do?
Never, ever, ever.
Bother Daddy
when he's in there.
That is right.
This is a special occasion
because it's his birthday.
We're gonna make an exception.
But it doesn't count.
Go, go.
Surprise!
Surprise!
What are you doing?
Well, it's chocolate
chocolate marshmallow.
I'm on a deadline here, Fanny.
We thought you could
use a little break.
Sweetheart,
I'm in trouble here.
I've got three hours
to write this column.
I don't have a clue.
It's in there.
I know it's in there.
We could talk about it.
Free associate?
I could take notes.
[SIGHS]
Is this really chocolate
chocolate marshmallow?
Yep.
How can you love me?
I'm so weak.
Oh, it's not easy.
[ALL LAUGHING]
[TCHAIKOVSKY'S "DANCE OF
THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY" PLAYING]
Lovely.
FANNY:
Jeté away over here, baby.
Oh. Ooh!
Did I do good?
That's good.
Diana,
I'll tell you something.
Weddings can be overdone,
and Christmas can be overdone,
and whole apartments
are overdone.
But there's one thing
that cannot be overdone.
There is no such thing
as too much birthday.
Hear, hear.
Hear too.
All right, kids.
Back to work.
Up and at 'em.
Would you like a scalp massage?
Scrambled brains
with plum sauce?
No.
Actually, you've
given me something
much more to the point.
Mm?
An idea.
[BLOWS]
[GROANS SOFTLY]
I'm going for the early
edition. You wanna come?
[FANNY GROANS]
What a view.
FANNY [KNOCKING]:
Cella.
Cella!
Listen, I made coffee,
and Diana, she'll sleep
another half hour.
Why am I doing this?
But if she should wake up--
Yeah, yeah, yeah...
Ooh.
There you go.
Let's see.
Okay, "Manhattan Diary.
Phillip Conlon.
The man was convinced
the time had come--"
No, not here.
The monument.
The monument. Yeah.
"The man was convinced
"that the time
for celebrating was long past.
"What mattered, he knew,
or thought he knew,
"was the measuring of tasks,
victory by quiet victory.
But his wife was not convinced,
nor was she quiet."
Oh!
"There is no such thing,
she announced,
as too much birthday."
[LAUGHS]
FANNY:
"And she proceeded
to take the man
"to a place where celebration
was in the very air he breathed
"and the arms
that wrapped him round.
The tasks, it seemed,
would have to wait."
No such thing as too much
birthday, huh?Yeah.
You're a regular
walking greeting card.
Okay, fine.
No. What'd I say?
Look, I know
this is not fashionable,
so please keep this
to yourself.
But I happen
to be very proud of my husband.
Okay. Great.
He's got his column. Wonderful.
Maybe you need something
that's, you know, yours.
Didn't you tell me
you studied acting?
What's that got to do
with anything?
Finish this. Gotta go.
No.
Listen, if we're still friends,
Friday,
would you watch Diana?
We have a dinner.
Just bring me
some of that birthday cake.
Heh. Okay.
[AIR BRAKES HISS]
[CHUCKLES]
DOORMAN:
Good evening.
FANNY: Good evening.
PHILLIP: Good evening.
Cornaver doles out these
invites very carefully.
Guess my little
column's heating up.
Of course it is. I own stock.
What are you gonna talk about?
What do you mean?
There's gonna be some
heavy hitters here.
So?
Well, you have to work to hold
your own with this crowd.
Helps to have a few
little jewels in your pocket.
You don't wanna ramble on,
sweetheart.
I don't ramble, sweetheart.
Tell the Anastocias.
Oh, you tell it.
I'll just wing it. Good evening.
Good evening.
Darling...
Oh, thank you.
And above the headboard,
a little framed notice
barely large enough to read,
"Nobel Laureate dreamt here."
[ALL LAUGH]
Well, it usually takes us until
the first day of rehearsals
to get our New York
armor on.
Wouldn't you say, Neil?
Oh, quite.
Oh, and if you're here long
enough, you become a superhero.
Oh, yeah. That's the deal.
I mean, everyone here
develops their own
special super skills,
guaranteed.
For example,
I look fairly normal, do I not?
However, I can at will sprout
these little suction cups
that hold me to the ceiling
of the subway during rush hour.
Or I can reach across
the deli counter at Zabar's
to get that last piece
of bratwurst.
Tell me, Fanny.
What do you do
when you're not sticking
from ceilings, I mean?
[LAUGHS]
I'm an actress.
I act.
Do you really?
Are we on the same track here?
We most certainly are.
Neil's in charge
of our auditions.
Marvelous play,
first major revival.
I'm thinking we should see her
for Pamela.
Yes. Or Kim.
Splendid. Well, will you
take a run at it?
Sorry. What you meant to say,
Fanny, was that you "act"
as if you're deliriously happy
being married
to a self-involved blowhard
like me.
I beg your pardon?
Well, Fanny's not actually an--
Actually,
Fanny would be delighted.
Fine. We'll send the script
tomorrow then.
That would be great.
[SPEAKING IN ITALIAN]
You've got it all wrong. I was
just trying to protect you.
Do you have any idea
who this guy is?
He is probably
the most important
living director
in the British theater.
Oh, well then,
of course I need protection.
How stupid of me.
This is not your league, Fanny.
You took some classes.
You did some off, off Broadway.
But why risk being hurt
like this?
To remind myself
I'm still here.
[SCOFFS]
When he sees you,
does he have a boyfriend?
I'm just going to audition.
An audition for these guys?
These are killers.
These people will have
you for breakfast.
WOMAN:
Fourth time, going back. Ready?
Fanny Conlon.
Fanny Conlon.
Yes! Yes, I'm here.
You won't believe
what happened to me.
Oh, I might.
Well, I'll tell you
what happened.
I opened the closet door
and this water came gushing out.
I mean, gushing.
It was everywhere!
I was like being in a cartoon.
Everything was soaked.
What is the logic, I ask you,
of putting water lines
in a closet, huh?
Anyway, so I've got 20 minutes
to get here.
And so I break down
and I called Otto,
our superintendent
with the invisible friend.
Yes, I swear to God.
We have a superintendent who
hallucinates this helper, Fritz.
His name is Fritz.
It's never simple, is it,
Pamela?
You love someone
for all the wrong reasons,
then you marry them
hoping that you turned them
into the right reasons.
Is that how it goes?
I never stopped
to take the inventory.
I just fell in love with you.
Please don't.
Oh, don't worry.
I won't become
your old problem,
your reliable complaint
for the boys.
No, I may be crazy
in love with you,
but I bloody well know a good
exit line when I hear one.
PHILLIP:
Bravo, both of you.
Oh, heaven.
God.
When do you do it for Cetoni?
I don't.
I blew it.
Anxiety attack.
Oh, darling. I'm sorry.
Oh, it was ridiculous.
It's pretty stupid stuff,
Mommy. Really.
Yeah?
I liked you much better
when you played Big Bird
or Daffy Duck.
I like you when you play you.
Well, what's a part
without feathers, huh?
DIANA:
Exactly.
[AS DAFFY DUCK]
Someone somewhere
will need some tickling.
Mommy.
Yes.
[♪♪♪]
[DOOR BELL JINGLES]
Hiya, Sid.
Hey, Mrs. Conlon.
So I'm reading about you
every Wednesday now, huh?
Who is she?
You know "Manhattan Diary"?
She's the wife.
You are kidding?
No.
She's the wife?
Yeah.
You're the wife?
That's me.
See?
[LAUGHTER]
A picture for the window, huh?
The whole family.
WOMAN:
Excuse me.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
WOMAN:
That's her.
It's her.
That's the one.
I was impressed.
That's Fanny.
So, Fanny.
Yeah?
Your life must be pretty
interesting these days...
with your husband's column.
The column's doing very well,
yeah.
Doesn't it make you
really self-conscious though?
I mean, every word
that comes out of your mouth,
everything you do,
like instant quotation.
All your stuff's out there
in public.
I mean, what do you have left?
Mommy! Mommy!
Hi.
Diana, hi.
Come on, kiddo.
What's the prize?
There is no physical prize.
It's an honor.
What's an honor?
Well, that's like when--
An honor is when you do
something really well,
and everybody knows it.
Cool!
No Girl Scout cookies.
They make me break out
into campfire songs.
[ALL CHUCKLE]
Well, congratulations.
Thanks. It's really
a bigger deal for Fanny.
She's changed her dress
three times already.
Hm.
Well, whatever works
for you. Heh.
See you later.
See you.
Thanks.
What's going on in there?
Cella's women's group.
Do they wanna drink my blood?
Of course.
[SIGHS]
[ELEVATOR BELL DINGS]
[APPLAUSE]
[LAUGHS]
[MOUTHS]
This is for you.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Over here.
Right this way. Mr. Conlon!
PHILLIP: At the paper, they
started calling them Fanny-isms,
the little jewels
that find their way
into my column each week.
Fanny-isms, of course,
originate with Fanny.
I don't have a life force
moving me.
I've got a wife force.
[LIGHT LAUGHTER]
This is to you, darling.
Now, of course, the problem is,
how do I keep it fresh?
How do I keep from becoming
a caricature of myself?
Once you got this...
The essential wife.
Excuse me?
You, the essential wife.
Well, aren't you? Heh.
All wise words,
and milk and cookies,
and pumping your man up
like a good girl should.
And when he leaves you
for someone slightly
more interesting,
just what will you do
with yourself then, hm?
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Hey!
Hey, Fanny, hold up!
[FANNY EXHALES]
It was awfully stuffy in there.
Some very impressive people
in there.
What, do you mean like that
little cutie from Newsweek?
Don't be ridiculous.
She's just a kid.
Well,
I wanna go home now.
Okay, okay.
I'll put you in a cab.
Okay.
What? You're not coming
with me?
You don't mind?
No. Of course not.
This is the best night
of our life, monkey.
See you.
Our life.
[SCOFFS]
Yeah.
I don't feel nervous at all.
Oh, honey, that's great.
Now, don't move.
But shouldn't I feel nervous,
just a little?
No. No, not necessarily.
Now just hold still here.
Get a seat in the front, okay?
So I can see you and Daddy.
Yeah, of course.
Of course I will.
Phillip?
Don't you have that
on backwards?
Daddy!
Now don't tease her.
You have no idea
how relaxed she is.
Oh, I'm glad
somebody's relaxed.
Phillip?
What's going on?
Oh, I've got to go to this
reception for Kronenberg.
I tried to get out of it,
but...
Isn't this awfully last minute?
Yeah. I'm sorry.
He nailed me.
I couldn't do anything.
FANNY:
Well, what about your daughter?
I'll make it up to her.
She'll think of some blackmail.
Phillip, it's one thing
to cut me out of your life.
It's another thing
to bump Diana for another date.
Don't start this now,
please, Fanny.
I'm not starting anything,
Phillip.
You don't understand
the politics here.
I'll tell you what I understand.
I never see you anymore.
You come flying in here.
You leave dirty shirts, you
drink coffee, and you're gone.
Now, there was a time
when you wouldn't have dreamed
of going to one of these things
without me.
It's business, Fanny.
Gossip and schmooze.
You'd hate it. I'd change
places with you in a minute.
[SCOFFS]
Oh, yeah.
I'll bet.
Let me see.
Stop. Look, it's bad luck.
FANNY: Yeah.
It's all so cruel.
I mean, toe shoes.
It's like foot binding.
It's not that bad.
Anyway, Phillip's always wanted
to see her on pointe.
It's a little fantasy of his.
A little fantasy?
Oh, come on.
You know what I mean.
No, I don't. So where is he?
I don't wanna talk about it.Fine.
I don't think he has any idea
how much it hurts.
You know,
kids get over this stuff.
Me.
Oh.
[APPLAUSE]
They worked so hard.
[GENTLE CLASSICAL COMPOSITION
PLAYING ON PIANO]
This is precious.
Oh, I was so proud of you
I thought I was gonna pop.
Oh, thank you. Thank you.
Hey, Harry.
Good evening, everybody.
I was in a ballet recital.
Were you?
On pointe, it's very difficult.
I couldn't do it.
Has Mr. Conlon come home?
Haven't seen him.
Uh...
DIANA:
Why couldn't Daddy come?
Oh, it just broke his heart
having to spend
the evening kissing up
to Mr. Kronenberg, darling,
believe me.
Ah. Good night. I love you.
So, what's going on?
Phillip's-- He's very,
very busy these days.
You know, he's
under a lot of pressure.
He's writing these political
pieces and things.
I didn't ask about him.
I was talking about you.
I knew that.
Wednesday night is my women's
group. I go around 8:30.
Oh, no.
No, no, no. Not for me.
No, I can only take one of you
pushy broads at a time.
Ha! Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Night.
Night.
FANNY:
I'm awake.
How did it go?
Charming.
She was absolutely lovely.
Oh, I'm sure.
And how was your performance?
Oh, who knows?
You do these things,
you milk the circuit.
I'd like to go with you
on the next one,
whatever it is.
You'd be bored silly.
And you're not?
[SCOFFS]
You know, Phillip,
I'm feeling left out.
You've got your whole life
compartmentalized.
And I'm over there.
Notice how we always have
this conversation
when I'm totally
exhausted?
The problem is we never
have this conversation.
It's the only conversation
we have.
One endless tape loop.
Someone once called me
the essential wife.
Did you know that?
Okay, time out.
I gotta get some sleep.
Essentially yours...
whatever that's worth.
No.
I'm not doing this tonight.
You go solo, huh?
You know all the parts.
I sure do.
Marriages work as long
as the oppressed see themselves
as being, quote, "cared for."
Well, you know, protected
from other males,
fed, sheltered,
all that garbage.
Once she understands
that she doesn't need his,
quote, "care,"
she breaks the chains.
That's pretty facile, Mary.
[TRAIN RUMBLING IN DISTANCE]
She needs his, quote, "care,"
to help raise her,
quote, "children."
She shouldn't be made to feel
she's selling herself
into slavery.
She is.
She is. She is.
Alimony is a form of slavery.
It is like this gold card
that saps you spiritually.
Uh-uh. Lincoln's promise
to the slaves.
"Forty acres and a mule,"
same thing.
Don't say that.
Same thing exactly.
What happens?
What if he begins to see you
as someone who provides
a kind of service?
And you tiptoe around him.
Try to please him.
The more you ask
for reassurance that...
he still loves you...
and still wants you,
the more you end up...
whining.
And the more he ends up
distancing himself until...
you just disappear.
Hey!
Hold it!
This is not my thing, Cella.
Not at all.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, okay.
It's not like, you know,
I make $25 every
new recruit I bring in.
You couldn't pay me
to listen to this.
Hey, is this Phillip speaking?
Listen, my friend.
We may have plenty of days
that are not suitable
for publication,
but we have
a working marriage, okay?
It works.
Now, it may splatter,
it may clank,
it may need a good kick every
once in a while, but it works.
So leave us alone, okay?
[♪♪♪]
[POLICE SIREN BLARING
IN DISTANCE]
Come to bed.
No.
No.
Listen, I want some coffee.
No, bed.
Please, make a pot of coffee.
Just leave it at the door.
Honey, look,
a few hours won't hurt--
Maybe you didn't hear me.
Make some coffee and close
the door on your way out.
What are you working on?
You think I'm gonna discuss this
with you now?
Well, I just wondered--
Look, if I finish this sucker,
I'll let you read it.
How's that?
That's fine.
I'll make coffee.
Good girl.
Phillip--Black.
Look, I'm sorry. I know you're
under a lot of pressure.
And I'm sorry.
And I don't wanna make it
worse. I--
Could you please try
and complete a sentence, huh?
Everybody needs to hear things
sometimes.
Do you understand
what I'm trying to say?
I need to hear things.
I wouldn't mind if you...
Look, if we could
just get back maybe
to the some
of the playful times,
it would be so much easier.
These things don't go stale--
Just please get the hell
out of here now!
Please! Now! Go!
[♪♪♪]
[PHONE RINGING]
Hello.
Hi.
I was a complete jerk
last night. I'm sorry.
No excuses. No jive.
It's not that easy, Phillip.
I have a proposal.
I left a file on my desk.
It should say McMillan.
If you bring it down,
I'll buy you a serious lunch.
I'll think about it.
Think fast. I need it by noon.
Okay, sure. Bye.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
My, my. Do you come here often?
When it's on
someone else's expense account.
Paper doesn't go
in for these perks.
Good to see you, Mr. Conlon.
Hi.
They seem to know you here.
Phillip.
PHILLIP:
Hi, Vera.
I heard the deal just closed.
Congratulations.
I wish I had brought you in.
Well, it's not much of a deal,
is it? All it's gonna mean
is poor, old mother
won't have to carry around
crumpled, yellowing newspapers.
She'll have a book with a real
cover. "My son the writer."
What book is this?
Excuse me, darling.
My usual clumsiness.
Vera Silverberg, my wife, Fanny.
Hello.
You're not what I expected.
I missed something. What book?
Ah, Phillip,
your table's ready.
Ah.
VERA: It was nice meeting you.
What book?
This is not the way
I was planning to tell you,
but sit down.
Mrs. Conlon.
Thank you.
I got a contract for
the "Manhattan Diary" columns.
"Maybe you build a little
series," if it goes.
Hey, watch. I'll be
discounted into oblivion.
Oh, I doubt that, Phillip.
I need--This is not the day
to show up here.
Who is it?
You don't know him.
We'll order something simple.
We'll be out before he is.
They do a great buffalo
stroganoff here.
Fine.
Peter, would you
send Misha over, please.
God knows we could use
the money.
If Diana's tuition goes up
one more time this year,
I'm pulling her out of there.
It's just obscene
asking that kind of money.
Two stroganoffs, two Caesars,
large scotch for me and--
Monkey?
Nothing, thank you.
That'll be it. Thanks.
Phillip, I need to change--
I know, the buffalo
sounds trendy, but it's not.
It's good--
No.
My life.
What?
I want to be on my own.
On your own what?
Everything.
You see, everything I have--
Excuse me. Your drink,
Mr. Conlon.
Thanks.
Everything I have
is wired into you.
I mean, all of the emotional
circuitry is about you,
your work, and your needs,
and your accomplishments,
and your calls.
And I get lost in the wires,
Phillip. I do.
Emotional circuitry?
Oh, boy.
This is Cella, right?
She's working you over.
Don't tell me
you're going to these sessions.
No, this is not Cella.
This is me.
Finally, this is me.
These are lonely,
frustrated women, Fanny.
FANNY:
This has nothing to do
with Cella.
I should have seen this coming.
How long have you been going
to these meetings?
[SCOFFS]
It has nothing to do with that!
Give me some credit for being
able to think for myself!
Carter.
Hello, Phillip.
Fanny!
Misha.
Honey. Can I see you for
a moment in the kitchen, please?
Hello, Vera.
Right now.
What do you think
you're doing?
You lay this nonsense
on me in a public place
when I'm surrounded
by the people I fear and loathe.
How can you do this?
At least I got your attention.
You've got it, all right!
You've got it!
Well, it's been a long time
since I got that!
Oh, Fanny, when are you
gonna grow up?
You want to be on your own.
What does that mean?
Screw around, hang out,
get a job?
What can you do?
Act? Be a nuclear physicist?
What?
You arrogant bastard!
I have been feeding your
insatiable ego for so many years
that you can't imagine me
doing anything else, can you?
Well, you just watch!
[EXCLAIMS]
Impressive, aren't we?
Quite.
We just put her to bed.
It's the most peaceful time
in a magazine's life.
Come on up.
WOMAN: Coming up next...
Coffee's vile.
Oh, that's all right.
...with the New York
Philharmonic.
So you're going back to work?
Yes.
Now, why don't I run
into Phillip anymore
at the Yale Club?
Well, Phillip's given up
swimming.
It interferes
with his smoking.
[LAUGHS]
What did you have in mind?
Well, I've never actually
worked in magazine publishing.
But maybe it's like osmosis.
I feel I know
a great deal about it.
Mm-hm.
Do you have a résumé?
Yes.
Hm. Good school.
[SCOFFS]
Well, you really are just
beginning, so to speak.
There's nothing here, is there?
Well, that depends
on how you look at it.
I don't expect
to enter at a high level.
Okay, ask Phillip to call me.
We'll brainstorm. Um...
If I don't have something
for you here,
we're bound to know
someone who does.
Phillip and I
aren't together anymore.
So that won't be possible.
Oh.
[♪♪♪]
DIANA:
No, no, no, because
he's disgusting.
Honey?
What are you doing?
Nothing. We're just talking.
I wish you'd call.
Sorry. I needed some things
and I was in the area.
Well, call first next time.
I will.
I showed Daddy my costume
for Our Town.
I can see that.
He thinks I'm entirely too young
to play Mrs. Gibbs.
I really
should have been Emily.
Sharon Broski's
in my class and...
BOTH:
What are you gonna do?
PHILLIP:
How about a cup of coffee?
You think I'm in trouble?
Yeah. I'm sorry the place
is such a mess.
I've been very busy.
Any interesting offers?
Oh, sure. Yeah.
But I don't want to rush
into anything, you know.
Sure.
You need any money?
I think Diana could use some.
Yeah.
I moved out of Pete's.
Got my own place.
Sublet. It's a little studio
on 67th.
You should have the address
and phone number.
Oh, thanks.
[PAPER TEARS]
I...
Are you sure we're
doing the right thing by Diana?
Well, I wonder if she really--
On the other hand,
single parents are the norm.
I just know when you
launched all this, I...
I was spinning.
On some level, though,
it feels good.
My God, we've been together
almost all of our adult lives.
Another experience,
some time to myself I don't have
to feel guilty about.
It's not the worst thing.
No.
It's not the worst thing.
Well, I'll see you
next time...
when I come for Diana.
Oh, of course. Sure.
[♪♪♪]
You wanna go over to Cella's
and play Monopoly?
You wanna go to the circus?
We gotta lighten up here,
Mom.
This is true.
So make a play date.
You're already overbooked,
kiddo.
For you, kiddo.
FANNY:
Claire?
Is she in?
Thanks.
Hi, Claire.
This is Fanny. Yeah.
You know, I was just thinking
about that great weekend
we all had together
out at your house.
And I was wondering
if maybe you...?
Fanny Conlon.
Mrs. Phillip Conlon.
Phillip, yes.
No. No, no, no,
don't apologize.
No, of course.
Yeah. No, I-- I understand.
Of course. Great.
Fine. That's what we'll do.
Bye.
I'm going to bed.
[JACKHAMMER RATTLING]
Diana!
Diana!
Has the paper come yet?
Yeah, you want it?
Don't be cute.
I'm not cute. You're cute.
What was that?
You should really pick up
in here, Mom.
It's really disgusting.
Yeah. I'll get around to it.
So are you sick or what?
I mean, how much
can one person sleep?
As much as one person wants to.
Are you collecting information
for your father?
No. No, I'd just like it
if you'd be like...
Like what?
Like get out of here
and do some stuff.
You don't even
go shopping.
We had take-out Chinese
every night this week.
So I don't feel like cooking.
Is that a crime?
So go to a doctor or something.
He's back.
What?
Your father. "Manhattan Diary."
Huh.
Prepare to be exploited.
"The saddest men are these.
"They are neither young nor old,
but somewhere in between.
"They sit on the rock
by the pond
"at the Children's Zoo
in Central Park
on Sundays..."
That's our place.
"...and watch
their daughters play.
"They take their sons
to see the Knicks
"and their daughters
to the movies.
"And after they have taken the
children home to their ex-wives,
"they go to the hotels,
the furnished rooms,
"the borrowed apartments,
"the places where they live
and brood over their children,
and wonder what to do
at night."
Oh, that-- That's
heartbreaking, isn't it?
"They never go to singles bars
on Third Avenue.
"They know that if they did,
they would only feel foolish.
"They never go to group therapy
and encounter groups,
sensitivity training."
Oh, that wouldn't have
killed him.
"They are either too old
or too skeptical for that.
"Instead, they poke
at their dead marriages,
"they drink, they watch
television, they read...
they have affairs."
[NEWSPAPER CRUMPLES]
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[FANNY SCOFFS]
CELLA: Put it down already.
[SIGHS]
This is the third time
this week.
I mean, can you believe this?
It's ridiculous.
This is a custom-made tux
he's wearing.
I'm sitting here
eating dog food.
Hey, watch it. You're
talking about my soy loaf.
DIANA:
Take it easy, Mom.
Blair gave it to him.
She's giving him stuff.
Oh, that's nice.
Spend a lot of time
with her?
Well, Dad has sleepovers
with her.
Mm...
Why wasn't I told this?
I don't know.
I didn't wanna make you mad.
I don't think she's sogreat.
But Dad does. I don't know.
Okay. Okay, fine.
Time to get serious.
CELLA: Like what?
Divorce.
Custody, child support,
the whole shmear.
Do you know anybody
that can help me?
I don't have
any money for lawyers.
Well, I wouldn't call
these women lawyers.
I'd be tempted
to call them atomic warheads.
Yeah.
So basically,
we feel our client
has been the subject
of abuse and neglect
after demonstrating years
of extraordinary
intellectual support...
Is this a sick joke?
...moral support,
by lending
specific creative input
to your client's
weekly newspaper.
This is hilarious.
In addition,
she provided services
such as household
servant, cook,
child care provider, for which
she received no remuneration.
PHILLIP:
Household servant?
She's been subjected
to mental abuse--
What the hell is that?
My client demands complete
and utter custody
of Diana Leslie Conlon.
Absolutely not!
Compensatory child support,
full tuition, medical expenses
and vacation expenses.
This is absolutely ridiculous!
Be quiet.
Just let the dust settle.
Tattoo likes you, darling.
I can't tell.
He doesn't really communicate.
[CHUCKLES]
She's adorable.
Hm.
Diana. Diana.
I have a little
something for you.
Would you like to open it?
[DRAMATIC THEME PLAYING
ON TV]
Hi, Mom.
Uh, you hungry? I made lasagna.
No. We ate.
You ate.
What did you eat?
Little sandwiches and things.
Oh. Little sandwiches.
My, my, my.
So, what you watching?
Nothing.
Why don't you
take your coat off?
I think I'm gonna go
do my homework.
What are you hiding, Diana?
I'm not hiding.
Then take your coat off!
Where did you get that?Blair.
And your father let you keep it?
Sure, why not?
I'll tell you why not.
Because Blair's trying
to buy your love.
Little dresses,
little sandwiches.
I can make
little sandwiches too.
But that's not the point,
is it?
[CRYING] I don't know, Mom.
I'm just gonna do my homework.
[CAR HORN BLARES IN DISTANCE]
[♪♪♪]
Sweetheart,
I need to talk to you.
Hey.
What?
I need to talk to you.
No...
Come on. I have to show you.
[FANNY GRUNTS]
Here. Here.
This is your father's life.
It's dinners.
It's teas.
Openings of this,
openings of that.
He's everywhere.
He's everywhere.
And aren't we lucky?
We get to read all about it,
huh? And this?
This is what I call
the early days of his column.
Did he ever read these to you?
I don't know. I guess.
I'm everywhere in them.
Everywhere.
This is all about us.
All about us.
Everything we did together.
[SCOFFS]
It was an impossibly
happy time.
Just impossible,
I suppose.
But...the point is,
this is what I did.
I made this home for you all.
I know you did, Mom.
It was wonderful. It was.
It was wonderful.
It was-- I suppose it was.
Don't you suppose? Don't you?
What does your father say
about me, huh?
What does he say to you?
What does he tell you about me?
What does he ask?
He just wants to know
like how school is and stuff.
[CAR ALARM BLARING IN DISTANCE]
Nothing about me?
I mean, how I'm doing?
What friends I have.
What boyfriends?
No. He doesn't.
[EXHALES SHARPLY]
[GRUNTS, YELLS]
Tell your father that's what
I think of his gorgeous life!
You tell him
that's what I think of him!
[♪♪♪]
[GROANS]
[SNIFFLES]
"Dear Mom..."
DIANA:
I don't know what to do
to make things better for you.
It's like everything I do
is wrong.
I'm going to Daddy's
for a while
and see how that is.
Okay?
Maybe without me around,
you'll be able to relax some.
I still love you so much.
I want us to be like we were,
okay?
[GUNFIRE BATTLE IN WESTERN
PLAYING ON TV WITHIN]
Phillip, please wait.
Look. It's real simple, Fanny.
You scared the hell
out of my daughter.
I know. I know I did.
I'm living in one room here,
Fanny.
One room. You got
a three-bedroom apartment,
but I'll be damned
if I'll let you have her again.
Look, I'm really sorry. It--
I got down. You know,
I just kind of got down.
Goodbye, Fanny.
The lawyers will
handle this now.
No. Wait, wait, please.
I haven't seen her in two weeks.
Phillip, would you
please just ask her
if I could see her
for a few minutes?
She's not here.
[GUNFIRE, MEN WHOOPING
ON TV WITHIN]
Well, would you tell her that
I, uh...
That I don't want her
to come home.
I just want her to talk to me
for a few minutes, okay?
Well, it's gonna
have to be up to her.
Are you mad?
No, darling.
Are you?
Um, you should be.
I did a really terrible thing.
[PEOPLE ARGUING IN DISTANCE]
Mom, it's okay.
I mean, it's okay, really.
[NERVOUS CHUCKLE]
But I'm gonna stay with Dad
for a while.
All right? I mean, that is--
Sure. Sure.
I got a job. Heh.
Wow, that's great.
That's cool.
Well, it's pretty un-cool,
actually.
It's a pretty stupid
kind of job.
But, uh, heh, who cares?
Anyway, they gave me
one of these.
And what's that?
Time card.
You punch in, punch out.
It tells them
how much to pay you.
So, what do you, like, do?
Typing pool.
[CHUCKLES]
Oh.
But it's a really big
advertising agency.
And it's really hip.
I mean, it's like wall-to-wall
hip to hip.
Oh, baby, please,
I wanna see you soon.
Yeah.
Yeah.
[♪♪♪]
WOMAN:
Lauren. Uh, call me later.
[CAR HORNS HONKING]
[TYPEWRITER CLACKING]
Oh, David.
Do you need anything?
No. I got it covered.
Oh, good.
Okay, Ramona. Time's up, hon.
Okay. Okay.
Time's up.
I stayed home with my baby
for, like, the last year.
You lose the polish, you know?
If I had someplace to practice,
I could get it back.
See, I used to be real fast,
I'm telling you.
I can see that.
I'll just-- I'll take it easy.
Ramona.
I'm setting up an interview
for you.
Ten o'clock.
Head of the department.
Huh?
Come here.
Now, listen to me.
You can do this job.
You just need a little focus.
I'm gonna tell you something,
might seem kind of stupid.
And if you tell anybody,
I swear I will deny it forever.
This is my lucky piece.
You take it tomorrow.
Keep it in your pocket and
the interview will go great.
I don't joke
with these things, Mrs. Conlon.
Fanny.
Yeah, I believe all that stuff.
There's good luck
that can follow you, and bad.
Take this.
Come on.
[CHUCKLES]
And you will be fine.
Ten o'clock.
[♪♪♪]
Quit the damn paper then.
They don't deserve you.
Write for yourself.
The trouble is
I'm addicted to readers.
I'm old-fashioned that way.
Maybe a little vacation
will help.
Blair, about this summer.
I talked to Diana--
I'm so excited for her.
She is going to love Nabawaka.
I cannot think
of a better gift.
[SIGHS]
It's a magical place, Phillip.
I don't have to tell you
what I went through
to get her in there.
It's a closed list.
Yes.
Yes, I appreciate that.
But...
it's just that I've only
got her for these six weeks.
That's the deal.
I don't wanna
just send her away.
You make it sound
like she's going to prison.
It's simply the best camp
in the country.
They have everything--
riding, sailing,
marvelous people in the arts.
Marvelous.
You know there's nothing
for her in Newport.
Oh, I forgot what we ordered.
What did we order?
Mm. You ordered.
Mm...
[POP MUSIC PLAYING
OVER SPEAKERS]
[CHUCKLES]
I don't remember.
That's what heat
does to me.
My memory dissolves.
I hate this.
I mean, I hate that
she's gone all summer.
Not all summer. Six weeks.
She's gonna love it.
I ate it up.
You went to
a socialist worker camp.
There is no comparison.
Come on. Camp is camp.
Mosquitoes, marshmallows,
sex, arts and crafts.
Oh, I wanna be there right now.
What I don't figure
is he fights to get her
for two months of the summer,
and then he puts her away
in this Camp Nabawaka.
Naba-who?
[IN BRITISH ACCENT]
Oh, very, very posh, mind you.
You should have seen
the brochure.
And all these lovely young
girls in their tennis whites
posing in an English garden.
Ooh. La-ti-da-di.
Yeah. I guess Blair
paid for it.
I don't think he could.
I haven't seen him
publish anywhere lately.
I wonder if he stopped writing?
It happens to the best.
What the hell do I care?Yeah.
[DOOR BUZZES]
I'll go get the money.
Okay. Extra pancakes
with the moo shoo.
Make sure we got them.
[SCOFFS]
Like we need them.
We do.
Not.
[LAUGHS]
[PHONE RINGING]
You get it, Cella!
Order.
Oh, great. Here.
That should be enough, okay?
Hey, it's Camp Naba-what's-it.
Diana's in the hospital.
What?
What? Hello?
Yes?
My daughter, Diana,
she's here.
Is she all right?
Oh, she's fine.
Routine appendectomy.
No complications.
[CHUCKLES]
Oh, good. I wanna see her?
Well, it's after visiting hours.
But since your husband's
already in there, okay.
My husband.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
Oh...baby.
We, uh, talked a little
before she fell asleep.
She asked if she could keep it.
Keep what?
Her appendix, in a jar.
Asked if I could arrange it.
Fanny. Fanny!
Six weeks!
You couldn't keep her
for six weeks.
Don't twist this.
This was an accident, Fanny.
This would've happened
wherever she was.
I'm not talking about
accidents, Phillip.
I'm talking about a father
who fights like hell
to have time
with his daughter.
And then dumps her in a camp
when she becomes
an inconvenience.
That's what I'm talking about.
Why do you do this to me?
[SCOFFS]
I think you're doing
a pretty good job on yourself.
[SCOFFS]
[♪♪♪]
FANNY:
What do you think
about this haircut?
Is it too severe?
No, it's not. I like it.
Yeah?
It's very sporty.
Does good things for your chin.
What's wrong with my chin?
Get out of there.
What is it?
Oh, something I made.
Party hats?
Uh-huh.
You gotta
be kidding me.
You're gonna wear one.
No way.
Beautiful banquet.
Only for you.
All my specialties.
Ah.
Okay. Here we are.
Thank you.
Surely.
Okay, quick.
I want you to open this
before they get here, okay?
What is it?
My first dream journal.
The one the year
you were born.
You gave me a lot
of wonderful dreams,
my darling,
when you were deep inside.
You're amazing, Mom.
You know that?
I mean, who else would give
their daughter
a slice of their subconscious?
This is something
slightly more decorative.
Aw...
You wouldn't even let me
borrow them.
Well, you grew into 'em.
So when was the last time
you two saw each other?
The last time we avoided
each other, you mean?
Oh, four or five years ago.
Yeah, we were going after
the same cab.
Took me days to recover.
I have a confession.
What?
I didn't tell Daddy
you were gonna be here.
What?
You know how he gets.
And I thought that he might--
Oh, boy. This is
gonna be interesting.
Very thoughtful of her.
Graduating me, dear.
The idea of flying
across the country
for one of those
endlessly boring ceremonies
with Henry Kissinger droning on
about foreign policy
and trout fishing.
I mean--
What do you want?
Just that.
It was very thoughtful of her
taking that semester off.
Shall we?
Did I tell you my father
was a trustee at Stanford?
Many times.
Would have loved to have done
a little lunch at Le Cirque.
Why would she
have picked this place?
We ate here a lot
when she was little.
Hello, Mrs. Conlon.
I'm Diana's mother.
Very glad to meet you.
You too.
You didn't tell me.
Hi, Phillip.
Hello, Fanny.
MR. FONG:
Welcome, welcome.
[SPEAKS IN
FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
Your daughter made
a very nice banquet.
Only for you, very special.
Thank you, Mr. Fong.
Well, this is a first.
[CHUCKLES]
A gift certificate
from Bergdorf.
Oh, thank you, Blair.
That's very sweet.
Uh, to Diana,
distinguished honors graduate,
Stanford, 1994.
Distinguished daughter.
Congratulations,
sweet pea.
[SPEAKS IN
FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
MR. FONG: Along with
the foolish and the wise.
That about covers it.
Plate?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Diana...it was
so nice to see you.
[SIGHS]
When did you stop smoking?
Oh, about four years ago.
Oh. Remarkable.
I wanted-- I wanted
to thank you
because of all
you've done for Diana.
The schooling and...
And I could never
have done it.
Well, of course. Yeah.
Good night, sweet pea.
'Night.
'Night.
[CAB DOOR CLOSES]
What a workout.
DIANA: Well, I thought
you handled it beautifully.
Yeah? You see this little
polite smile on my face?
You're gonna
have to live with it
or tear it off with pliers.
Well, I wasn't
expecting that.
Hm?
She was lovely.
Perfectly lovely.
After all these years
hearing about her,
she was very well-behaved.
Fanny.
I wasn't expecting that.
The pizza looks
really good there.
[CHORTLES]
[PHONE RINGS]
Get that?
Yep.
Hello?
PHILLIP: Hi, sweet pea.
Hi, Dad. Where are you?
Just around. How's it going?
Well, um, I'm gonna take
a little time off.
You know I hate decisions.
You know that.
Yeah, I know.
Just don't let it slip.
Is, uh, your mother around?
Yeah. You want to talk to her?
Yeah. If it's
all right with you.
[MOUTHS]
Me?
Okay.
Hello.
Hi.
Did you get the photos?
Yes. I did.
Thank you very much.
I thought it might be
a good idea
for you and me to get together
to talk about Diana.
Her plans, you know?
Us?
Yeah, you and me.
I don't want to pressure her.
No. No, I see your point.
So how about tomorrow
afternoon?
The monument, 3:00?
Um, make it 2:00.
Okay?
2:00, then.
All right. Bye.
[MUTTERS INDISTINCTLY]
So how's the writing going?
I haven't noticed
you published for a while.
Yeah, funny thing.
That's what happens
when you stop writing.
I never stopped wanting to
write. I just, I don't know.
I quit the paper
to work on the book
and it didn't really
come together.
And then I took
a teaching job, and...
Well, it's been really painful
for me, this dry spell.
Why a dry spell?
Why not just
another kind of living?
Not that simple, Fanny.
Of course it's not
that simple.
But do you have to carry
all the guilt around?
It gives me something to do
with my shoulders.
There are other uses.
[♪♪♪]
Hey, Mr. Conlon,
long time.
Long time, Harry.
You coming in?
No.
Well, what do you think?
Maybe next Sunday?
Maybe.
Hm.
[SIGHS]
Okay.
[GASPS]
How long have you been there?
Long enough.
Oh, yeah? Take that.
So, what's the occasion?
No occasion. I'm just
looking through some stuff.
Ah. Going out?
I might be going
for a walk with your father.
Uh-huh.
You know what a great one
he is for walking.
So this is becoming like
a regular thing now, huh?
I mean, what is this?
Like the fourth time?
Don't count.
That sweater's very--
It's just your color.
I didn't get that
for you, did I?
[LAUGHING]
No. Anything you bought me
has long since been recycled.
Men have the most
unreasonable sense
of how long things last.
Do we?
Mm.
I'd like to think
it's not that unreasonable.
I've been trying to figure
out how to tell you this
without making it seem as if
you're somehow involved. But...
I'm leaving Blair.
Got nothing to do
with you, Fanny.
It's been a long time
coming.
I'm looking at apartments
on the west side.
Are you coming back
to the old neighborhood?
Yeah.
But the big headline is,
I had a terrific
writing day yesterday.
It just came back, Fanny.
All the old rhythms.
Heh. I can't tell you how good
it felt to watch my fingers
moving over the keys
and I couldn't stop 'em.
That sounds good to me.
♪ You great, big
Beautiful doll ♪
♪ Let me put
My arms around you ♪
Diana!
Mom?
FANNY:
Diana!
Honey.
I-- I found a bump.
Take it easy, Mom.
What's the medical term? I--
A lump.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
Thursday, split pea.
No, thanks.
It's split pea.
I love split pea.
Comes with half a sandwich.
Chicken salad, tuna?
Nothing for me.
Give her a chicken salad.
A whole one, my half.
[SIGHS]
So?
What did he say?
You know, you got this map.
And you can hold it
in your hands and look at it.
And you follow the lines.
And you get to a place you like
and you think, I'll stay.
What did he say?
That the map really isn't
the territory, is it?
I have maybe a year.
He said it so softly,
I had to lean forward
so I could hear him.
It's all over me.
It's all in me.
Do you want mayo
on that, sweetheart?
I don't want a goddamn
sandwich!
[SPOON CLATTERS]
[GROANS, SIGHS]
[GRUNTS]
Hi.
[WEAKLY]
Is it done?
Yup.
Both breasts?
Yeah.
Oh, God.
Oh, God.
[SOBBING]
Good news is the surgeon
could take you.
He's doing the most
innovative work right now.
Fanny, you go with him,
there's a good chance...
[SNORTS]
Chance? For what?
You win some time.
That's all anybody can do.
We win it every day, all of us.
We just don't realize it.
[SIGHS]
Save it.
Where's Diana?
PHILLIP: You want to see her?
Yeah.
Okay.
[♪♪♪]
Is she up?
She wants to see you.
[SIGHS]
Are you okay?
I thought I was.
Go on in. Go see her.
You know, I don't know who's
the more scared, me or Mom.
I mean,
all I want to do is sleep...
which is what I do
when I can't deal.
You should've seen me
at school.
Some kids food binged,
and I slept.
It's a much better response
to stress, don't you think?
Go on, now.
Go see her.
Okay.
Dad, I'm really glad
you're with us.
I don't think
that we--
Well, I know that I couldn't.
[♪♪♪]
I love you.
Me too.
Go on.
PHILLIP: I'll get the stuff
out of the trunk.
HARRY: Thanks.
Welcome back.Harry.
Hey.
Good to see you.
Honey, will you--?
Go slow.
[SIGHS]
So, you got a band?
Sure do, Ms. Conlon.
[CHUCKLING]
Full brass section.
Oh.
[CHUCKLES]
[SIGHS]
Oh, man.
FANNY: How about
just the couch, huh?
Okay.
Where do you want these?
Oh, just put them there.
Come on in.
I've got some things
I've gotta--
FANNY:
Please, come sit down.
You're staying for dinner,
aren't you, Dad?
No. I really have some things
that I have to get done tonight.
Oh.
Another time?
Yes.
Okay.
Keys, hon.
See you.
He was so frightened,
wasn't he?
Who?
Your father.
What do you mean?
Well, you know,
we've been so careful,
to meet outside in the park.
Neutral ground.
This was
his first time inside.
I think he was afraid
of getting sucked back in.
You notice how he stayed near
the door the whole time.
You gotta give him
time, Mom.
[CHUCKLES]
I wish I could.
FANNY: You know, I want to do
the whole full walk today, okay?
Um, the whole two hours,
our usual route,
no shortcuts. All right?
Sure. Whatever you think
you can handle, just
don't overdo it.
You don't have to prove
anything.
Says who?
Says me.
[CHORTLES]
You don't want to wear
me out, do you?
No.
No, I don't wanna lose you.
Not now.
I keep spending
so much time thinking
about how things went
for us.
I have these pieces
of memory, these...
chunks.
The rest is just--
The rest is just debris.
Blown-out tires
and abandoned wrecks.
Let's drive right by.
Okay?
Okay.
[WIND HOWLING]
[♪♪♪]
It's Moscow out there, Mom.
It is absolutely Moscow
out there.
Well, there goes
my treatment.
What, you're scheduled
for today?
Yeah.
Well, one day,
more or less.
It doesn't really matter,
does it?
[SIGHS]
We're about to find out.
[PHONE RINGS]
Hello?
Dad?
You gotta do something.
All right.
No, no. All right.
[CHILDREN LAUGHING]
[ENGINE STRUGGLING]
Hey. I need your help.
Yeah, right. Take a ticket
and stand in line.
I got 40 people
ahead of you.
Not like this, you don't.
How much you say
your name was?
How about 50?
Okay, Mr. 50,
you're on next.
[KETTLE WHISTLING]
[INTERCOM BUZZING]
Diana?
Hello?
PHILLIP:
Look out
the dining room window.
Phillip?
At your service.
PHILLIP:
Straight back.
Got plenty of room.
Okay, you can go now.
Straight back.
Move to the right.
Right. Yeah.
[♪♪♪]
Hey! Cut it off.
Oh, thanks, Harry.
I think Diana's got me.
FANNY:
Am I supposed to be impressed?
It would help.
[SCOFFS]
[CHUCKLES]
Well, I'm impressed.
[CAR ENGINE STARTS]
[FANNY GRUNTS, LAUGHS]
[CHUCKLING]
I'm impressed.
[WIND HOWLING]
All right.
Yeah.
Well, take your boots
off, Mom.
You take 'em off.
[GRUNTS]
Daddy, will you stay
for dinner?
I think you've earned it.
I'd love to.
[FANNY PLAYING THE PIANO]
♪ In Dublin's fair city ♪
♪ Where girls are so pretty ♪
♪ I first set me eyes
on sweet Molly Malone ♪
♪ She wheeled a wheelbarrow ♪
♪ Through streets broad
And narrow, crying ♪
♪ "Cockles and mussels alive
Alive-o" ♪
So is this what
it was like?
Hm?
You know, when you
and Mom were young.
I'd like to think it was.
[HUMS THE TUNE]
♪ I forgot the words here ♪
♪ But we'll get back ♪
♪ I know to cockles
And mussels ♪
♪ Alive, alive-o ♪
♪ Alive, alive-o ♪
♪ Crying cockles and mussels ♪
♪ Alive, alive-o ♪
Oh, Diana. I haven't seen
your mom all day.
She usually goes out
for a paper around 11.
I rang the bell a few times.
[♪♪♪]
Mom?
[SIGHS HEAVILY]
What have you got there?
FANNY:
Oh...
This, my dream journal.
Your dream journal?Yeah.
You write down
everything you dream?
Oh, well.
Interesting.
How long have you
been doing that?
You've been keeping this
for 20 years
and I didn't know
about it?
[GRUNTS]
Where was I?
[GRUNTS]
[BOTH MURMUR]
So, what's this dream about,
this last one?[GROANS]
A wedding.
A simple one.
The most beautiful day.
Oh, we didn't know them,
but the bride welcomed us.
And we danced.
PHILLIP: Yeah.
DIANA: Hi, guys.
Hi.
How you doing?
Do you need something
for the pain?
Yeah.
Mom, why didn't you
call the nurse?
I mean, they have it here
for you whenever you want it.
Look, you shouldn't be
hurting, okay?
Okay.
Why didn't you say
something to me?
You'll be feeling better
in a few minutes, Mrs. Conlon.
Okay.
Need anything else?
No, thanks.
Happy birthday, Dad.
Thanks.
It's your birthday?
Yeah.
I just didn't have any time
to get anything, you understand.
Don't be silly.
[CHUCKLES]
I need a few things.
[CHUCKLES]
Mom, I don't--
Okay...
[NOISEMAKER WAILS]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
You want some cake?
Thanks.
Phillip.Yeah?
"There is no such thing
as too much birthday."
Indeed.
Indeed.
[♪♪♪]
You go on home.
I'll finish up.
No, I'll go with you.
I'm sticking around.
You go on.
[BEEPING]
How you doing?
You want some water?
Uh-huh.
Suzy, you missed the party.
I heard, I heard.
They saved me
some cake, though.
You're almost empty here.
I'll be right back.
Visiting hours
are over, sir.
[CHUCKLES]
She doesn't know who you are.
How should I introduce you?
I don't care.
Ex-husband, whatever.
Suzy, come here.
What, is it done?
I want you to meet...
my best friend.
Diana?
Diana?
Hm?
What are you doing?
Well, they called.
I'm supposed to pick out
something for her to wear.
You know, something
for them to dress her in.
Ah.
But I...
I can't seem to find anything.
You know, nothing seems right.
I don't know.
Are you okay?
Mm-hm.
You know, I was thinking
about that red blouse.
You know, for good luck.
That's what the Chinese
think anyway.
Keep off the evil eye.
You know,
and I was also thinking--
And this may sound
a little idiotic,
but I was thinking about
putting her
in something of mine.
You know, so that
I could be close to her.
Sweetheart...
I've been working
on something for the service.
I'd like you to let me know
what you think.
All right?
"When I try to write
about Fanny...
"I get stuck in a place
"somewhere between regret
and deliverance.
"We were married
for 12 years...
"divorced for about as many.
"Most of what I remember of our
time together is bittersweet.
"The birth of Diana...
"the honey days...
"then the years apart...
bitter beyond belief."
When I met Fanny again...
just a year ago,
she let me back into her life.
And for that...
I'm blessed.
I...
love Fanny Conlon.
I love her spirit...
her heart, her...
infinite ability
to celebrate and taste
and weave together
the things that matter...
into a life that mattered.
PHILLIP:
You okay?
DIANA: Yeah, I'm rumbling
around in there.
I never knew it was so huge.
You can get a roommate.
Wouldn't that help
with the costs?
Yeah. I keep writing
the ads,
but I always cancel them.
I don't know.
She's everywhere, you know.
I mean, I can feel her
in every room.
She's all over
the apartment.
I don't know. I'm just
not ready yet, you know?
But you can't give up
a rent-controlled
apartment, right?
No.
I mean, someday I'll live there
and get married
and raise three kids.
[CHUCKLES]
I mean, it's my dowry.
Meanwhile, if you need
any help with the rent--
I will let you know
if I do, Dad.
♪ Lost in my illusions ♪
♪ I got lost ♪
PHILLIP:
Hey, slow down.
♪ All my senses
Went astray ♪
♪ I got tossed ♪
♪ In the storm
Of my confusion ♪
♪ And I thought that love
Would look the other way ♪
♪ I believed ♪
♪ Love would always find me ♪
♪ I deceived ♪
♪ Everyone along the way ♪
♪ Took my leave ♪
♪ And I let the bright lights
Blind me ♪
♪ But it looks like it's
Caught up with me today ♪
[VOCALIZING]
[♪♪♪]
♪ I got lost ♪
♪ Lost in my illusions ♪
♪ I got lost
All my senses went astray ♪
♪ I got tossed
In the storm of my confusion ♪
♪ And I thought that love
Would look the other way ♪
♪ First I tried
Asking for direction ♪
Hey, taxi!
Hey.
♪ Then I lied
And I said I knew the way ♪
Taxi!
♪ I went looking
For protection ♪
Wait! Taxi!
♪ And I never thought
That love would get away ♪
Wait a minute! Oh!
Hey, this is mine!
You!
It's a little town, Fanny.
You meet the same 20 people
everywhere you go.
Well, that's a good reason
to move.
Look, I'm late.
I can't help you out here.
Don't worry about it.
You just added years to my life.
Yeah? Well, I'm sorry
to hear that.
♪ Hits the way ♪
♪ An arrow finds its mark ♪
♪ I got lost ♪
♪ Lost in my illusions ♪
♪ I got lost ♪
♪ All my senses went astray ♪
Cliff, one large.
♪ In the storm
Of my confusion ♪
♪ And I thought that love... ♪
What? You get mugged?
I ran into my ex-wife.
I still wanted to kill her.
Hey, I know the breed.
Well, Fanny's unique.
In the category
of domestic monster,
she holds a very
deadly place.
Thanks, man.
Cheers.
Okay.
[FANNY LAUGHING]
Let me, Mommy.
I can do it.
Oh! Okay. All right.
I know one dad
who is gonna flip over this.
♪ Rock-a-bye your daddy ♪
Ready.
♪ And up and back
And back, and up ♪
♪ With a birthday melody ♪
Can you do it?
♪ Rock-a-bye your baby ♪
♪ With a birthday melody ♪
Okay, okay. Now listen up.
What is the one thing
that we never do?
Never, ever, ever.
Bother Daddy
when he's in there.
That is right.
This is a special occasion
because it's his birthday.
We're gonna make an exception.
But it doesn't count.
Go, go.
Surprise!
Surprise!
What are you doing?
Well, it's chocolate
chocolate marshmallow.
I'm on a deadline here, Fanny.
We thought you could
use a little break.
Sweetheart,
I'm in trouble here.
I've got three hours
to write this column.
I don't have a clue.
It's in there.
I know it's in there.
We could talk about it.
Free associate?
I could take notes.
[SIGHS]
Is this really chocolate
chocolate marshmallow?
Yep.
How can you love me?
I'm so weak.
Oh, it's not easy.
[ALL LAUGHING]
[TCHAIKOVSKY'S "DANCE OF
THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY" PLAYING]
Lovely.
FANNY:
Jeté away over here, baby.
Oh. Ooh!
Did I do good?
That's good.
Diana,
I'll tell you something.
Weddings can be overdone,
and Christmas can be overdone,
and whole apartments
are overdone.
But there's one thing
that cannot be overdone.
There is no such thing
as too much birthday.
Hear, hear.
Hear too.
All right, kids.
Back to work.
Up and at 'em.
Would you like a scalp massage?
Scrambled brains
with plum sauce?
No.
Actually, you've
given me something
much more to the point.
Mm?
An idea.
[BLOWS]
[GROANS SOFTLY]
I'm going for the early
edition. You wanna come?
[FANNY GROANS]
What a view.
FANNY [KNOCKING]:
Cella.
Cella!
Listen, I made coffee,
and Diana, she'll sleep
another half hour.
Why am I doing this?
But if she should wake up--
Yeah, yeah, yeah...
Ooh.
There you go.
Let's see.
Okay, "Manhattan Diary.
Phillip Conlon.
The man was convinced
the time had come--"
No, not here.
The monument.
The monument. Yeah.
"The man was convinced
"that the time
for celebrating was long past.
"What mattered, he knew,
or thought he knew,
"was the measuring of tasks,
victory by quiet victory.
But his wife was not convinced,
nor was she quiet."
Oh!
"There is no such thing,
she announced,
as too much birthday."
[LAUGHS]
FANNY:
"And she proceeded
to take the man
"to a place where celebration
was in the very air he breathed
"and the arms
that wrapped him round.
The tasks, it seemed,
would have to wait."
No such thing as too much
birthday, huh?Yeah.
You're a regular
walking greeting card.
Okay, fine.
No. What'd I say?
Look, I know
this is not fashionable,
so please keep this
to yourself.
But I happen
to be very proud of my husband.
Okay. Great.
He's got his column. Wonderful.
Maybe you need something
that's, you know, yours.
Didn't you tell me
you studied acting?
What's that got to do
with anything?
Finish this. Gotta go.
No.
Listen, if we're still friends,
Friday,
would you watch Diana?
We have a dinner.
Just bring me
some of that birthday cake.
Heh. Okay.
[AIR BRAKES HISS]
[CHUCKLES]
DOORMAN:
Good evening.
FANNY: Good evening.
PHILLIP: Good evening.
Cornaver doles out these
invites very carefully.
Guess my little
column's heating up.
Of course it is. I own stock.
What are you gonna talk about?
What do you mean?
There's gonna be some
heavy hitters here.
So?
Well, you have to work to hold
your own with this crowd.
Helps to have a few
little jewels in your pocket.
You don't wanna ramble on,
sweetheart.
I don't ramble, sweetheart.
Tell the Anastocias.
Oh, you tell it.
I'll just wing it. Good evening.
Good evening.
Darling...
Oh, thank you.
And above the headboard,
a little framed notice
barely large enough to read,
"Nobel Laureate dreamt here."
[ALL LAUGH]
Well, it usually takes us until
the first day of rehearsals
to get our New York
armor on.
Wouldn't you say, Neil?
Oh, quite.
Oh, and if you're here long
enough, you become a superhero.
Oh, yeah. That's the deal.
I mean, everyone here
develops their own
special super skills,
guaranteed.
For example,
I look fairly normal, do I not?
However, I can at will sprout
these little suction cups
that hold me to the ceiling
of the subway during rush hour.
Or I can reach across
the deli counter at Zabar's
to get that last piece
of bratwurst.
Tell me, Fanny.
What do you do
when you're not sticking
from ceilings, I mean?
[LAUGHS]
I'm an actress.
I act.
Do you really?
Are we on the same track here?
We most certainly are.
Neil's in charge
of our auditions.
Marvelous play,
first major revival.
I'm thinking we should see her
for Pamela.
Yes. Or Kim.
Splendid. Well, will you
take a run at it?
Sorry. What you meant to say,
Fanny, was that you "act"
as if you're deliriously happy
being married
to a self-involved blowhard
like me.
I beg your pardon?
Well, Fanny's not actually an--
Actually,
Fanny would be delighted.
Fine. We'll send the script
tomorrow then.
That would be great.
[SPEAKING IN ITALIAN]
You've got it all wrong. I was
just trying to protect you.
Do you have any idea
who this guy is?
He is probably
the most important
living director
in the British theater.
Oh, well then,
of course I need protection.
How stupid of me.
This is not your league, Fanny.
You took some classes.
You did some off, off Broadway.
But why risk being hurt
like this?
To remind myself
I'm still here.
[SCOFFS]
When he sees you,
does he have a boyfriend?
I'm just going to audition.
An audition for these guys?
These are killers.
These people will have
you for breakfast.
WOMAN:
Fourth time, going back. Ready?
Fanny Conlon.
Fanny Conlon.
Yes! Yes, I'm here.
You won't believe
what happened to me.
Oh, I might.
Well, I'll tell you
what happened.
I opened the closet door
and this water came gushing out.
I mean, gushing.
It was everywhere!
I was like being in a cartoon.
Everything was soaked.
What is the logic, I ask you,
of putting water lines
in a closet, huh?
Anyway, so I've got 20 minutes
to get here.
And so I break down
and I called Otto,
our superintendent
with the invisible friend.
Yes, I swear to God.
We have a superintendent who
hallucinates this helper, Fritz.
His name is Fritz.
It's never simple, is it,
Pamela?
You love someone
for all the wrong reasons,
then you marry them
hoping that you turned them
into the right reasons.
Is that how it goes?
I never stopped
to take the inventory.
I just fell in love with you.
Please don't.
Oh, don't worry.
I won't become
your old problem,
your reliable complaint
for the boys.
No, I may be crazy
in love with you,
but I bloody well know a good
exit line when I hear one.
PHILLIP:
Bravo, both of you.
Oh, heaven.
God.
When do you do it for Cetoni?
I don't.
I blew it.
Anxiety attack.
Oh, darling. I'm sorry.
Oh, it was ridiculous.
It's pretty stupid stuff,
Mommy. Really.
Yeah?
I liked you much better
when you played Big Bird
or Daffy Duck.
I like you when you play you.
Well, what's a part
without feathers, huh?
DIANA:
Exactly.
[AS DAFFY DUCK]
Someone somewhere
will need some tickling.
Mommy.
Yes.
[♪♪♪]
[DOOR BELL JINGLES]
Hiya, Sid.
Hey, Mrs. Conlon.
So I'm reading about you
every Wednesday now, huh?
Who is she?
You know "Manhattan Diary"?
She's the wife.
You are kidding?
No.
She's the wife?
Yeah.
You're the wife?
That's me.
See?
[LAUGHTER]
A picture for the window, huh?
The whole family.
WOMAN:
Excuse me.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
WOMAN:
That's her.
It's her.
That's the one.
I was impressed.
That's Fanny.
So, Fanny.
Yeah?
Your life must be pretty
interesting these days...
with your husband's column.
The column's doing very well,
yeah.
Doesn't it make you
really self-conscious though?
I mean, every word
that comes out of your mouth,
everything you do,
like instant quotation.
All your stuff's out there
in public.
I mean, what do you have left?
Mommy! Mommy!
Hi.
Diana, hi.
Come on, kiddo.
What's the prize?
There is no physical prize.
It's an honor.
What's an honor?
Well, that's like when--
An honor is when you do
something really well,
and everybody knows it.
Cool!
No Girl Scout cookies.
They make me break out
into campfire songs.
[ALL CHUCKLE]
Well, congratulations.
Thanks. It's really
a bigger deal for Fanny.
She's changed her dress
three times already.
Hm.
Well, whatever works
for you. Heh.
See you later.
See you.
Thanks.
What's going on in there?
Cella's women's group.
Do they wanna drink my blood?
Of course.
[SIGHS]
[ELEVATOR BELL DINGS]
[APPLAUSE]
[LAUGHS]
[MOUTHS]
This is for you.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Over here.
Right this way. Mr. Conlon!
PHILLIP: At the paper, they
started calling them Fanny-isms,
the little jewels
that find their way
into my column each week.
Fanny-isms, of course,
originate with Fanny.
I don't have a life force
moving me.
I've got a wife force.
[LIGHT LAUGHTER]
This is to you, darling.
Now, of course, the problem is,
how do I keep it fresh?
How do I keep from becoming
a caricature of myself?
Once you got this...
The essential wife.
Excuse me?
You, the essential wife.
Well, aren't you? Heh.
All wise words,
and milk and cookies,
and pumping your man up
like a good girl should.
And when he leaves you
for someone slightly
more interesting,
just what will you do
with yourself then, hm?
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Hey!
Hey, Fanny, hold up!
[FANNY EXHALES]
It was awfully stuffy in there.
Some very impressive people
in there.
What, do you mean like that
little cutie from Newsweek?
Don't be ridiculous.
She's just a kid.
Well,
I wanna go home now.
Okay, okay.
I'll put you in a cab.
Okay.
What? You're not coming
with me?
You don't mind?
No. Of course not.
This is the best night
of our life, monkey.
See you.
Our life.
[SCOFFS]
Yeah.
I don't feel nervous at all.
Oh, honey, that's great.
Now, don't move.
But shouldn't I feel nervous,
just a little?
No. No, not necessarily.
Now just hold still here.
Get a seat in the front, okay?
So I can see you and Daddy.
Yeah, of course.
Of course I will.
Phillip?
Don't you have that
on backwards?
Daddy!
Now don't tease her.
You have no idea
how relaxed she is.
Oh, I'm glad
somebody's relaxed.
Phillip?
What's going on?
Oh, I've got to go to this
reception for Kronenberg.
I tried to get out of it,
but...
Isn't this awfully last minute?
Yeah. I'm sorry.
He nailed me.
I couldn't do anything.
FANNY:
Well, what about your daughter?
I'll make it up to her.
She'll think of some blackmail.
Phillip, it's one thing
to cut me out of your life.
It's another thing
to bump Diana for another date.
Don't start this now,
please, Fanny.
I'm not starting anything,
Phillip.
You don't understand
the politics here.
I'll tell you what I understand.
I never see you anymore.
You come flying in here.
You leave dirty shirts, you
drink coffee, and you're gone.
Now, there was a time
when you wouldn't have dreamed
of going to one of these things
without me.
It's business, Fanny.
Gossip and schmooze.
You'd hate it. I'd change
places with you in a minute.
[SCOFFS]
Oh, yeah.
I'll bet.
Let me see.
Stop. Look, it's bad luck.
FANNY: Yeah.
It's all so cruel.
I mean, toe shoes.
It's like foot binding.
It's not that bad.
Anyway, Phillip's always wanted
to see her on pointe.
It's a little fantasy of his.
A little fantasy?
Oh, come on.
You know what I mean.
No, I don't. So where is he?
I don't wanna talk about it.Fine.
I don't think he has any idea
how much it hurts.
You know,
kids get over this stuff.
Me.
Oh.
[APPLAUSE]
They worked so hard.
[GENTLE CLASSICAL COMPOSITION
PLAYING ON PIANO]
This is precious.
Oh, I was so proud of you
I thought I was gonna pop.
Oh, thank you. Thank you.
Hey, Harry.
Good evening, everybody.
I was in a ballet recital.
Were you?
On pointe, it's very difficult.
I couldn't do it.
Has Mr. Conlon come home?
Haven't seen him.
Uh...
DIANA:
Why couldn't Daddy come?
Oh, it just broke his heart
having to spend
the evening kissing up
to Mr. Kronenberg, darling,
believe me.
Ah. Good night. I love you.
So, what's going on?
Phillip's-- He's very,
very busy these days.
You know, he's
under a lot of pressure.
He's writing these political
pieces and things.
I didn't ask about him.
I was talking about you.
I knew that.
Wednesday night is my women's
group. I go around 8:30.
Oh, no.
No, no, no. Not for me.
No, I can only take one of you
pushy broads at a time.
Ha! Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Night.
Night.
FANNY:
I'm awake.
How did it go?
Charming.
She was absolutely lovely.
Oh, I'm sure.
And how was your performance?
Oh, who knows?
You do these things,
you milk the circuit.
I'd like to go with you
on the next one,
whatever it is.
You'd be bored silly.
And you're not?
[SCOFFS]
You know, Phillip,
I'm feeling left out.
You've got your whole life
compartmentalized.
And I'm over there.
Notice how we always have
this conversation
when I'm totally
exhausted?
The problem is we never
have this conversation.
It's the only conversation
we have.
One endless tape loop.
Someone once called me
the essential wife.
Did you know that?
Okay, time out.
I gotta get some sleep.
Essentially yours...
whatever that's worth.
No.
I'm not doing this tonight.
You go solo, huh?
You know all the parts.
I sure do.
Marriages work as long
as the oppressed see themselves
as being, quote, "cared for."
Well, you know, protected
from other males,
fed, sheltered,
all that garbage.
Once she understands
that she doesn't need his,
quote, "care,"
she breaks the chains.
That's pretty facile, Mary.
[TRAIN RUMBLING IN DISTANCE]
She needs his, quote, "care,"
to help raise her,
quote, "children."
She shouldn't be made to feel
she's selling herself
into slavery.
She is.
She is. She is.
Alimony is a form of slavery.
It is like this gold card
that saps you spiritually.
Uh-uh. Lincoln's promise
to the slaves.
"Forty acres and a mule,"
same thing.
Don't say that.
Same thing exactly.
What happens?
What if he begins to see you
as someone who provides
a kind of service?
And you tiptoe around him.
Try to please him.
The more you ask
for reassurance that...
he still loves you...
and still wants you,
the more you end up...
whining.
And the more he ends up
distancing himself until...
you just disappear.
Hey!
Hold it!
This is not my thing, Cella.
Not at all.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, okay.
It's not like, you know,
I make $25 every
new recruit I bring in.
You couldn't pay me
to listen to this.
Hey, is this Phillip speaking?
Listen, my friend.
We may have plenty of days
that are not suitable
for publication,
but we have
a working marriage, okay?
It works.
Now, it may splatter,
it may clank,
it may need a good kick every
once in a while, but it works.
So leave us alone, okay?
[♪♪♪]
[POLICE SIREN BLARING
IN DISTANCE]
Come to bed.
No.
No.
Listen, I want some coffee.
No, bed.
Please, make a pot of coffee.
Just leave it at the door.
Honey, look,
a few hours won't hurt--
Maybe you didn't hear me.
Make some coffee and close
the door on your way out.
What are you working on?
You think I'm gonna discuss this
with you now?
Well, I just wondered--
Look, if I finish this sucker,
I'll let you read it.
How's that?
That's fine.
I'll make coffee.
Good girl.
Phillip--Black.
Look, I'm sorry. I know you're
under a lot of pressure.
And I'm sorry.
And I don't wanna make it
worse. I--
Could you please try
and complete a sentence, huh?
Everybody needs to hear things
sometimes.
Do you understand
what I'm trying to say?
I need to hear things.
I wouldn't mind if you...
Look, if we could
just get back maybe
to the some
of the playful times,
it would be so much easier.
These things don't go stale--
Just please get the hell
out of here now!
Please! Now! Go!
[♪♪♪]
[PHONE RINGING]
Hello.
Hi.
I was a complete jerk
last night. I'm sorry.
No excuses. No jive.
It's not that easy, Phillip.
I have a proposal.
I left a file on my desk.
It should say McMillan.
If you bring it down,
I'll buy you a serious lunch.
I'll think about it.
Think fast. I need it by noon.
Okay, sure. Bye.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
My, my. Do you come here often?
When it's on
someone else's expense account.
Paper doesn't go
in for these perks.
Good to see you, Mr. Conlon.
Hi.
They seem to know you here.
Phillip.
PHILLIP:
Hi, Vera.
I heard the deal just closed.
Congratulations.
I wish I had brought you in.
Well, it's not much of a deal,
is it? All it's gonna mean
is poor, old mother
won't have to carry around
crumpled, yellowing newspapers.
She'll have a book with a real
cover. "My son the writer."
What book is this?
Excuse me, darling.
My usual clumsiness.
Vera Silverberg, my wife, Fanny.
Hello.
You're not what I expected.
I missed something. What book?
Ah, Phillip,
your table's ready.
Ah.
VERA: It was nice meeting you.
What book?
This is not the way
I was planning to tell you,
but sit down.
Mrs. Conlon.
Thank you.
I got a contract for
the "Manhattan Diary" columns.
"Maybe you build a little
series," if it goes.
Hey, watch. I'll be
discounted into oblivion.
Oh, I doubt that, Phillip.
I need--This is not the day
to show up here.
Who is it?
You don't know him.
We'll order something simple.
We'll be out before he is.
They do a great buffalo
stroganoff here.
Fine.
Peter, would you
send Misha over, please.
God knows we could use
the money.
If Diana's tuition goes up
one more time this year,
I'm pulling her out of there.
It's just obscene
asking that kind of money.
Two stroganoffs, two Caesars,
large scotch for me and--
Monkey?
Nothing, thank you.
That'll be it. Thanks.
Phillip, I need to change--
I know, the buffalo
sounds trendy, but it's not.
It's good--
No.
My life.
What?
I want to be on my own.
On your own what?
Everything.
You see, everything I have--
Excuse me. Your drink,
Mr. Conlon.
Thanks.
Everything I have
is wired into you.
I mean, all of the emotional
circuitry is about you,
your work, and your needs,
and your accomplishments,
and your calls.
And I get lost in the wires,
Phillip. I do.
Emotional circuitry?
Oh, boy.
This is Cella, right?
She's working you over.
Don't tell me
you're going to these sessions.
No, this is not Cella.
This is me.
Finally, this is me.
These are lonely,
frustrated women, Fanny.
FANNY:
This has nothing to do
with Cella.
I should have seen this coming.
How long have you been going
to these meetings?
[SCOFFS]
It has nothing to do with that!
Give me some credit for being
able to think for myself!
Carter.
Hello, Phillip.
Fanny!
Misha.
Honey. Can I see you for
a moment in the kitchen, please?
Hello, Vera.
Right now.
What do you think
you're doing?
You lay this nonsense
on me in a public place
when I'm surrounded
by the people I fear and loathe.
How can you do this?
At least I got your attention.
You've got it, all right!
You've got it!
Well, it's been a long time
since I got that!
Oh, Fanny, when are you
gonna grow up?
You want to be on your own.
What does that mean?
Screw around, hang out,
get a job?
What can you do?
Act? Be a nuclear physicist?
What?
You arrogant bastard!
I have been feeding your
insatiable ego for so many years
that you can't imagine me
doing anything else, can you?
Well, you just watch!
[EXCLAIMS]
Impressive, aren't we?
Quite.
We just put her to bed.
It's the most peaceful time
in a magazine's life.
Come on up.
WOMAN: Coming up next...
Coffee's vile.
Oh, that's all right.
...with the New York
Philharmonic.
So you're going back to work?
Yes.
Now, why don't I run
into Phillip anymore
at the Yale Club?
Well, Phillip's given up
swimming.
It interferes
with his smoking.
[LAUGHS]
What did you have in mind?
Well, I've never actually
worked in magazine publishing.
But maybe it's like osmosis.
I feel I know
a great deal about it.
Mm-hm.
Do you have a résumé?
Yes.
Hm. Good school.
[SCOFFS]
Well, you really are just
beginning, so to speak.
There's nothing here, is there?
Well, that depends
on how you look at it.
I don't expect
to enter at a high level.
Okay, ask Phillip to call me.
We'll brainstorm. Um...
If I don't have something
for you here,
we're bound to know
someone who does.
Phillip and I
aren't together anymore.
So that won't be possible.
Oh.
[♪♪♪]
DIANA:
No, no, no, because
he's disgusting.
Honey?
What are you doing?
Nothing. We're just talking.
I wish you'd call.
Sorry. I needed some things
and I was in the area.
Well, call first next time.
I will.
I showed Daddy my costume
for Our Town.
I can see that.
He thinks I'm entirely too young
to play Mrs. Gibbs.
I really
should have been Emily.
Sharon Broski's
in my class and...
BOTH:
What are you gonna do?
PHILLIP:
How about a cup of coffee?
You think I'm in trouble?
Yeah. I'm sorry the place
is such a mess.
I've been very busy.
Any interesting offers?
Oh, sure. Yeah.
But I don't want to rush
into anything, you know.
Sure.
You need any money?
I think Diana could use some.
Yeah.
I moved out of Pete's.
Got my own place.
Sublet. It's a little studio
on 67th.
You should have the address
and phone number.
Oh, thanks.
[PAPER TEARS]
I...
Are you sure we're
doing the right thing by Diana?
Well, I wonder if she really--
On the other hand,
single parents are the norm.
I just know when you
launched all this, I...
I was spinning.
On some level, though,
it feels good.
My God, we've been together
almost all of our adult lives.
Another experience,
some time to myself I don't have
to feel guilty about.
It's not the worst thing.
No.
It's not the worst thing.
Well, I'll see you
next time...
when I come for Diana.
Oh, of course. Sure.
[♪♪♪]
You wanna go over to Cella's
and play Monopoly?
You wanna go to the circus?
We gotta lighten up here,
Mom.
This is true.
So make a play date.
You're already overbooked,
kiddo.
For you, kiddo.
FANNY:
Claire?
Is she in?
Thanks.
Hi, Claire.
This is Fanny. Yeah.
You know, I was just thinking
about that great weekend
we all had together
out at your house.
And I was wondering
if maybe you...?
Fanny Conlon.
Mrs. Phillip Conlon.
Phillip, yes.
No. No, no, no,
don't apologize.
No, of course.
Yeah. No, I-- I understand.
Of course. Great.
Fine. That's what we'll do.
Bye.
I'm going to bed.
[JACKHAMMER RATTLING]
Diana!
Diana!
Has the paper come yet?
Yeah, you want it?
Don't be cute.
I'm not cute. You're cute.
What was that?
You should really pick up
in here, Mom.
It's really disgusting.
Yeah. I'll get around to it.
So are you sick or what?
I mean, how much
can one person sleep?
As much as one person wants to.
Are you collecting information
for your father?
No. No, I'd just like it
if you'd be like...
Like what?
Like get out of here
and do some stuff.
You don't even
go shopping.
We had take-out Chinese
every night this week.
So I don't feel like cooking.
Is that a crime?
So go to a doctor or something.
He's back.
What?
Your father. "Manhattan Diary."
Huh.
Prepare to be exploited.
"The saddest men are these.
"They are neither young nor old,
but somewhere in between.
"They sit on the rock
by the pond
"at the Children's Zoo
in Central Park
on Sundays..."
That's our place.
"...and watch
their daughters play.
"They take their sons
to see the Knicks
"and their daughters
to the movies.
"And after they have taken the
children home to their ex-wives,
"they go to the hotels,
the furnished rooms,
"the borrowed apartments,
"the places where they live
and brood over their children,
and wonder what to do
at night."
Oh, that-- That's
heartbreaking, isn't it?
"They never go to singles bars
on Third Avenue.
"They know that if they did,
they would only feel foolish.
"They never go to group therapy
and encounter groups,
sensitivity training."
Oh, that wouldn't have
killed him.
"They are either too old
or too skeptical for that.
"Instead, they poke
at their dead marriages,
"they drink, they watch
television, they read...
they have affairs."
[NEWSPAPER CRUMPLES]
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[FANNY SCOFFS]
CELLA: Put it down already.
[SIGHS]
This is the third time
this week.
I mean, can you believe this?
It's ridiculous.
This is a custom-made tux
he's wearing.
I'm sitting here
eating dog food.
Hey, watch it. You're
talking about my soy loaf.
DIANA:
Take it easy, Mom.
Blair gave it to him.
She's giving him stuff.
Oh, that's nice.
Spend a lot of time
with her?
Well, Dad has sleepovers
with her.
Mm...
Why wasn't I told this?
I don't know.
I didn't wanna make you mad.
I don't think she's sogreat.
But Dad does. I don't know.
Okay. Okay, fine.
Time to get serious.
CELLA: Like what?
Divorce.
Custody, child support,
the whole shmear.
Do you know anybody
that can help me?
I don't have
any money for lawyers.
Well, I wouldn't call
these women lawyers.
I'd be tempted
to call them atomic warheads.
Yeah.
So basically,
we feel our client
has been the subject
of abuse and neglect
after demonstrating years
of extraordinary
intellectual support...
Is this a sick joke?
...moral support,
by lending
specific creative input
to your client's
weekly newspaper.
This is hilarious.
In addition,
she provided services
such as household
servant, cook,
child care provider, for which
she received no remuneration.
PHILLIP:
Household servant?
She's been subjected
to mental abuse--
What the hell is that?
My client demands complete
and utter custody
of Diana Leslie Conlon.
Absolutely not!
Compensatory child support,
full tuition, medical expenses
and vacation expenses.
This is absolutely ridiculous!
Be quiet.
Just let the dust settle.
Tattoo likes you, darling.
I can't tell.
He doesn't really communicate.
[CHUCKLES]
She's adorable.
Hm.
Diana. Diana.
I have a little
something for you.
Would you like to open it?
[DRAMATIC THEME PLAYING
ON TV]
Hi, Mom.
Uh, you hungry? I made lasagna.
No. We ate.
You ate.
What did you eat?
Little sandwiches and things.
Oh. Little sandwiches.
My, my, my.
So, what you watching?
Nothing.
Why don't you
take your coat off?
I think I'm gonna go
do my homework.
What are you hiding, Diana?
I'm not hiding.
Then take your coat off!
Where did you get that?Blair.
And your father let you keep it?
Sure, why not?
I'll tell you why not.
Because Blair's trying
to buy your love.
Little dresses,
little sandwiches.
I can make
little sandwiches too.
But that's not the point,
is it?
[CRYING] I don't know, Mom.
I'm just gonna do my homework.
[CAR HORN BLARES IN DISTANCE]
[♪♪♪]
Sweetheart,
I need to talk to you.
Hey.
What?
I need to talk to you.
No...
Come on. I have to show you.
[FANNY GRUNTS]
Here. Here.
This is your father's life.
It's dinners.
It's teas.
Openings of this,
openings of that.
He's everywhere.
He's everywhere.
And aren't we lucky?
We get to read all about it,
huh? And this?
This is what I call
the early days of his column.
Did he ever read these to you?
I don't know. I guess.
I'm everywhere in them.
Everywhere.
This is all about us.
All about us.
Everything we did together.
[SCOFFS]
It was an impossibly
happy time.
Just impossible,
I suppose.
But...the point is,
this is what I did.
I made this home for you all.
I know you did, Mom.
It was wonderful. It was.
It was wonderful.
It was-- I suppose it was.
Don't you suppose? Don't you?
What does your father say
about me, huh?
What does he say to you?
What does he tell you about me?
What does he ask?
He just wants to know
like how school is and stuff.
[CAR ALARM BLARING IN DISTANCE]
Nothing about me?
I mean, how I'm doing?
What friends I have.
What boyfriends?
No. He doesn't.
[EXHALES SHARPLY]
[GRUNTS, YELLS]
Tell your father that's what
I think of his gorgeous life!
You tell him
that's what I think of him!
[♪♪♪]
[GROANS]
[SNIFFLES]
"Dear Mom..."
DIANA:
I don't know what to do
to make things better for you.
It's like everything I do
is wrong.
I'm going to Daddy's
for a while
and see how that is.
Okay?
Maybe without me around,
you'll be able to relax some.
I still love you so much.
I want us to be like we were,
okay?
[GUNFIRE BATTLE IN WESTERN
PLAYING ON TV WITHIN]
Phillip, please wait.
Look. It's real simple, Fanny.
You scared the hell
out of my daughter.
I know. I know I did.
I'm living in one room here,
Fanny.
One room. You got
a three-bedroom apartment,
but I'll be damned
if I'll let you have her again.
Look, I'm really sorry. It--
I got down. You know,
I just kind of got down.
Goodbye, Fanny.
The lawyers will
handle this now.
No. Wait, wait, please.
I haven't seen her in two weeks.
Phillip, would you
please just ask her
if I could see her
for a few minutes?
She's not here.
[GUNFIRE, MEN WHOOPING
ON TV WITHIN]
Well, would you tell her that
I, uh...
That I don't want her
to come home.
I just want her to talk to me
for a few minutes, okay?
Well, it's gonna
have to be up to her.
Are you mad?
No, darling.
Are you?
Um, you should be.
I did a really terrible thing.
[PEOPLE ARGUING IN DISTANCE]
Mom, it's okay.
I mean, it's okay, really.
[NERVOUS CHUCKLE]
But I'm gonna stay with Dad
for a while.
All right? I mean, that is--
Sure. Sure.
I got a job. Heh.
Wow, that's great.
That's cool.
Well, it's pretty un-cool,
actually.
It's a pretty stupid
kind of job.
But, uh, heh, who cares?
Anyway, they gave me
one of these.
And what's that?
Time card.
You punch in, punch out.
It tells them
how much to pay you.
So, what do you, like, do?
Typing pool.
[CHUCKLES]
Oh.
But it's a really big
advertising agency.
And it's really hip.
I mean, it's like wall-to-wall
hip to hip.
Oh, baby, please,
I wanna see you soon.
Yeah.
Yeah.
[♪♪♪]
WOMAN:
Lauren. Uh, call me later.
[CAR HORNS HONKING]
[TYPEWRITER CLACKING]
Oh, David.
Do you need anything?
No. I got it covered.
Oh, good.
Okay, Ramona. Time's up, hon.
Okay. Okay.
Time's up.
I stayed home with my baby
for, like, the last year.
You lose the polish, you know?
If I had someplace to practice,
I could get it back.
See, I used to be real fast,
I'm telling you.
I can see that.
I'll just-- I'll take it easy.
Ramona.
I'm setting up an interview
for you.
Ten o'clock.
Head of the department.
Huh?
Come here.
Now, listen to me.
You can do this job.
You just need a little focus.
I'm gonna tell you something,
might seem kind of stupid.
And if you tell anybody,
I swear I will deny it forever.
This is my lucky piece.
You take it tomorrow.
Keep it in your pocket and
the interview will go great.
I don't joke
with these things, Mrs. Conlon.
Fanny.
Yeah, I believe all that stuff.
There's good luck
that can follow you, and bad.
Take this.
Come on.
[CHUCKLES]
And you will be fine.
Ten o'clock.
[♪♪♪]
Quit the damn paper then.
They don't deserve you.
Write for yourself.
The trouble is
I'm addicted to readers.
I'm old-fashioned that way.
Maybe a little vacation
will help.
Blair, about this summer.
I talked to Diana--
I'm so excited for her.
She is going to love Nabawaka.
I cannot think
of a better gift.
[SIGHS]
It's a magical place, Phillip.
I don't have to tell you
what I went through
to get her in there.
It's a closed list.
Yes.
Yes, I appreciate that.
But...
it's just that I've only
got her for these six weeks.
That's the deal.
I don't wanna
just send her away.
You make it sound
like she's going to prison.
It's simply the best camp
in the country.
They have everything--
riding, sailing,
marvelous people in the arts.
Marvelous.
You know there's nothing
for her in Newport.
Oh, I forgot what we ordered.
What did we order?
Mm. You ordered.
Mm...
[POP MUSIC PLAYING
OVER SPEAKERS]
[CHUCKLES]
I don't remember.
That's what heat
does to me.
My memory dissolves.
I hate this.
I mean, I hate that
she's gone all summer.
Not all summer. Six weeks.
She's gonna love it.
I ate it up.
You went to
a socialist worker camp.
There is no comparison.
Come on. Camp is camp.
Mosquitoes, marshmallows,
sex, arts and crafts.
Oh, I wanna be there right now.
What I don't figure
is he fights to get her
for two months of the summer,
and then he puts her away
in this Camp Nabawaka.
Naba-who?
[IN BRITISH ACCENT]
Oh, very, very posh, mind you.
You should have seen
the brochure.
And all these lovely young
girls in their tennis whites
posing in an English garden.
Ooh. La-ti-da-di.
Yeah. I guess Blair
paid for it.
I don't think he could.
I haven't seen him
publish anywhere lately.
I wonder if he stopped writing?
It happens to the best.
What the hell do I care?Yeah.
[DOOR BUZZES]
I'll go get the money.
Okay. Extra pancakes
with the moo shoo.
Make sure we got them.
[SCOFFS]
Like we need them.
We do.
Not.
[LAUGHS]
[PHONE RINGING]
You get it, Cella!
Order.
Oh, great. Here.
That should be enough, okay?
Hey, it's Camp Naba-what's-it.
Diana's in the hospital.
What?
What? Hello?
Yes?
My daughter, Diana,
she's here.
Is she all right?
Oh, she's fine.
Routine appendectomy.
No complications.
[CHUCKLES]
Oh, good. I wanna see her?
Well, it's after visiting hours.
But since your husband's
already in there, okay.
My husband.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
Oh...baby.
We, uh, talked a little
before she fell asleep.
She asked if she could keep it.
Keep what?
Her appendix, in a jar.
Asked if I could arrange it.
Fanny. Fanny!
Six weeks!
You couldn't keep her
for six weeks.
Don't twist this.
This was an accident, Fanny.
This would've happened
wherever she was.
I'm not talking about
accidents, Phillip.
I'm talking about a father
who fights like hell
to have time
with his daughter.
And then dumps her in a camp
when she becomes
an inconvenience.
That's what I'm talking about.
Why do you do this to me?
[SCOFFS]
I think you're doing
a pretty good job on yourself.
[SCOFFS]
[♪♪♪]
FANNY:
What do you think
about this haircut?
Is it too severe?
No, it's not. I like it.
Yeah?
It's very sporty.
Does good things for your chin.
What's wrong with my chin?
Get out of there.
What is it?
Oh, something I made.
Party hats?
Uh-huh.
You gotta
be kidding me.
You're gonna wear one.
No way.
Beautiful banquet.
Only for you.
All my specialties.
Ah.
Okay. Here we are.
Thank you.
Surely.
Okay, quick.
I want you to open this
before they get here, okay?
What is it?
My first dream journal.
The one the year
you were born.
You gave me a lot
of wonderful dreams,
my darling,
when you were deep inside.
You're amazing, Mom.
You know that?
I mean, who else would give
their daughter
a slice of their subconscious?
This is something
slightly more decorative.
Aw...
You wouldn't even let me
borrow them.
Well, you grew into 'em.
So when was the last time
you two saw each other?
The last time we avoided
each other, you mean?
Oh, four or five years ago.
Yeah, we were going after
the same cab.
Took me days to recover.
I have a confession.
What?
I didn't tell Daddy
you were gonna be here.
What?
You know how he gets.
And I thought that he might--
Oh, boy. This is
gonna be interesting.
Very thoughtful of her.
Graduating me, dear.
The idea of flying
across the country
for one of those
endlessly boring ceremonies
with Henry Kissinger droning on
about foreign policy
and trout fishing.
I mean--
What do you want?
Just that.
It was very thoughtful of her
taking that semester off.
Shall we?
Did I tell you my father
was a trustee at Stanford?
Many times.
Would have loved to have done
a little lunch at Le Cirque.
Why would she
have picked this place?
We ate here a lot
when she was little.
Hello, Mrs. Conlon.
I'm Diana's mother.
Very glad to meet you.
You too.
You didn't tell me.
Hi, Phillip.
Hello, Fanny.
MR. FONG:
Welcome, welcome.
[SPEAKS IN
FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
Your daughter made
a very nice banquet.
Only for you, very special.
Thank you, Mr. Fong.
Well, this is a first.
[CHUCKLES]
A gift certificate
from Bergdorf.
Oh, thank you, Blair.
That's very sweet.
Uh, to Diana,
distinguished honors graduate,
Stanford, 1994.
Distinguished daughter.
Congratulations,
sweet pea.
[SPEAKS IN
FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
MR. FONG: Along with
the foolish and the wise.
That about covers it.
Plate?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Diana...it was
so nice to see you.
[SIGHS]
When did you stop smoking?
Oh, about four years ago.
Oh. Remarkable.
I wanted-- I wanted
to thank you
because of all
you've done for Diana.
The schooling and...
And I could never
have done it.
Well, of course. Yeah.
Good night, sweet pea.
'Night.
'Night.
[CAB DOOR CLOSES]
What a workout.
DIANA: Well, I thought
you handled it beautifully.
Yeah? You see this little
polite smile on my face?
You're gonna
have to live with it
or tear it off with pliers.
Well, I wasn't
expecting that.
Hm?
She was lovely.
Perfectly lovely.
After all these years
hearing about her,
she was very well-behaved.
Fanny.
I wasn't expecting that.
The pizza looks
really good there.
[CHORTLES]
[PHONE RINGS]
Get that?
Yep.
Hello?
PHILLIP: Hi, sweet pea.
Hi, Dad. Where are you?
Just around. How's it going?
Well, um, I'm gonna take
a little time off.
You know I hate decisions.
You know that.
Yeah, I know.
Just don't let it slip.
Is, uh, your mother around?
Yeah. You want to talk to her?
Yeah. If it's
all right with you.
[MOUTHS]
Me?
Okay.
Hello.
Hi.
Did you get the photos?
Yes. I did.
Thank you very much.
I thought it might be
a good idea
for you and me to get together
to talk about Diana.
Her plans, you know?
Us?
Yeah, you and me.
I don't want to pressure her.
No. No, I see your point.
So how about tomorrow
afternoon?
The monument, 3:00?
Um, make it 2:00.
Okay?
2:00, then.
All right. Bye.
[MUTTERS INDISTINCTLY]
So how's the writing going?
I haven't noticed
you published for a while.
Yeah, funny thing.
That's what happens
when you stop writing.
I never stopped wanting to
write. I just, I don't know.
I quit the paper
to work on the book
and it didn't really
come together.
And then I took
a teaching job, and...
Well, it's been really painful
for me, this dry spell.
Why a dry spell?
Why not just
another kind of living?
Not that simple, Fanny.
Of course it's not
that simple.
But do you have to carry
all the guilt around?
It gives me something to do
with my shoulders.
There are other uses.
[♪♪♪]
Hey, Mr. Conlon,
long time.
Long time, Harry.
You coming in?
No.
Well, what do you think?
Maybe next Sunday?
Maybe.
Hm.
[SIGHS]
Okay.
[GASPS]
How long have you been there?
Long enough.
Oh, yeah? Take that.
So, what's the occasion?
No occasion. I'm just
looking through some stuff.
Ah. Going out?
I might be going
for a walk with your father.
Uh-huh.
You know what a great one
he is for walking.
So this is becoming like
a regular thing now, huh?
I mean, what is this?
Like the fourth time?
Don't count.
That sweater's very--
It's just your color.
I didn't get that
for you, did I?
[LAUGHING]
No. Anything you bought me
has long since been recycled.
Men have the most
unreasonable sense
of how long things last.
Do we?
Mm.
I'd like to think
it's not that unreasonable.
I've been trying to figure
out how to tell you this
without making it seem as if
you're somehow involved. But...
I'm leaving Blair.
Got nothing to do
with you, Fanny.
It's been a long time
coming.
I'm looking at apartments
on the west side.
Are you coming back
to the old neighborhood?
Yeah.
But the big headline is,
I had a terrific
writing day yesterday.
It just came back, Fanny.
All the old rhythms.
Heh. I can't tell you how good
it felt to watch my fingers
moving over the keys
and I couldn't stop 'em.
That sounds good to me.
♪ You great, big
Beautiful doll ♪
♪ Let me put
My arms around you ♪
Diana!
Mom?
FANNY:
Diana!
Honey.
I-- I found a bump.
Take it easy, Mom.
What's the medical term? I--
A lump.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
Thursday, split pea.
No, thanks.
It's split pea.
I love split pea.
Comes with half a sandwich.
Chicken salad, tuna?
Nothing for me.
Give her a chicken salad.
A whole one, my half.
[SIGHS]
So?
What did he say?
You know, you got this map.
And you can hold it
in your hands and look at it.
And you follow the lines.
And you get to a place you like
and you think, I'll stay.
What did he say?
That the map really isn't
the territory, is it?
I have maybe a year.
He said it so softly,
I had to lean forward
so I could hear him.
It's all over me.
It's all in me.
Do you want mayo
on that, sweetheart?
I don't want a goddamn
sandwich!
[SPOON CLATTERS]
[GROANS, SIGHS]
[GRUNTS]
Hi.
[WEAKLY]
Is it done?
Yup.
Both breasts?
Yeah.
Oh, God.
Oh, God.
[SOBBING]
Good news is the surgeon
could take you.
He's doing the most
innovative work right now.
Fanny, you go with him,
there's a good chance...
[SNORTS]
Chance? For what?
You win some time.
That's all anybody can do.
We win it every day, all of us.
We just don't realize it.
[SIGHS]
Save it.
Where's Diana?
PHILLIP: You want to see her?
Yeah.
Okay.
[♪♪♪]
Is she up?
She wants to see you.
[SIGHS]
Are you okay?
I thought I was.
Go on in. Go see her.
You know, I don't know who's
the more scared, me or Mom.
I mean,
all I want to do is sleep...
which is what I do
when I can't deal.
You should've seen me
at school.
Some kids food binged,
and I slept.
It's a much better response
to stress, don't you think?
Go on, now.
Go see her.
Okay.
Dad, I'm really glad
you're with us.
I don't think
that we--
Well, I know that I couldn't.
[♪♪♪]
I love you.
Me too.
Go on.
PHILLIP: I'll get the stuff
out of the trunk.
HARRY: Thanks.
Welcome back.Harry.
Hey.
Good to see you.
Honey, will you--?
Go slow.
[SIGHS]
So, you got a band?
Sure do, Ms. Conlon.
[CHUCKLING]
Full brass section.
Oh.
[CHUCKLES]
[SIGHS]
Oh, man.
FANNY: How about
just the couch, huh?
Okay.
Where do you want these?
Oh, just put them there.
Come on in.
I've got some things
I've gotta--
FANNY:
Please, come sit down.
You're staying for dinner,
aren't you, Dad?
No. I really have some things
that I have to get done tonight.
Oh.
Another time?
Yes.
Okay.
Keys, hon.
See you.
He was so frightened,
wasn't he?
Who?
Your father.
What do you mean?
Well, you know,
we've been so careful,
to meet outside in the park.
Neutral ground.
This was
his first time inside.
I think he was afraid
of getting sucked back in.
You notice how he stayed near
the door the whole time.
You gotta give him
time, Mom.
[CHUCKLES]
I wish I could.
FANNY: You know, I want to do
the whole full walk today, okay?
Um, the whole two hours,
our usual route,
no shortcuts. All right?
Sure. Whatever you think
you can handle, just
don't overdo it.
You don't have to prove
anything.
Says who?
Says me.
[CHORTLES]
You don't want to wear
me out, do you?
No.
No, I don't wanna lose you.
Not now.
I keep spending
so much time thinking
about how things went
for us.
I have these pieces
of memory, these...
chunks.
The rest is just--
The rest is just debris.
Blown-out tires
and abandoned wrecks.
Let's drive right by.
Okay?
Okay.
[WIND HOWLING]
[♪♪♪]
It's Moscow out there, Mom.
It is absolutely Moscow
out there.
Well, there goes
my treatment.
What, you're scheduled
for today?
Yeah.
Well, one day,
more or less.
It doesn't really matter,
does it?
[SIGHS]
We're about to find out.
[PHONE RINGS]
Hello?
Dad?
You gotta do something.
All right.
No, no. All right.
[CHILDREN LAUGHING]
[ENGINE STRUGGLING]
Hey. I need your help.
Yeah, right. Take a ticket
and stand in line.
I got 40 people
ahead of you.
Not like this, you don't.
How much you say
your name was?
How about 50?
Okay, Mr. 50,
you're on next.
[KETTLE WHISTLING]
[INTERCOM BUZZING]
Diana?
Hello?
PHILLIP:
Look out
the dining room window.
Phillip?
At your service.
PHILLIP:
Straight back.
Got plenty of room.
Okay, you can go now.
Straight back.
Move to the right.
Right. Yeah.
[♪♪♪]
Hey! Cut it off.
Oh, thanks, Harry.
I think Diana's got me.
FANNY:
Am I supposed to be impressed?
It would help.
[SCOFFS]
[CHUCKLES]
Well, I'm impressed.
[CAR ENGINE STARTS]
[FANNY GRUNTS, LAUGHS]
[CHUCKLING]
I'm impressed.
[WIND HOWLING]
All right.
Yeah.
Well, take your boots
off, Mom.
You take 'em off.
[GRUNTS]
Daddy, will you stay
for dinner?
I think you've earned it.
I'd love to.
[FANNY PLAYING THE PIANO]
♪ In Dublin's fair city ♪
♪ Where girls are so pretty ♪
♪ I first set me eyes
on sweet Molly Malone ♪
♪ She wheeled a wheelbarrow ♪
♪ Through streets broad
And narrow, crying ♪
♪ "Cockles and mussels alive
Alive-o" ♪
So is this what
it was like?
Hm?
You know, when you
and Mom were young.
I'd like to think it was.
[HUMS THE TUNE]
♪ I forgot the words here ♪
♪ But we'll get back ♪
♪ I know to cockles
And mussels ♪
♪ Alive, alive-o ♪
♪ Alive, alive-o ♪
♪ Crying cockles and mussels ♪
♪ Alive, alive-o ♪
Oh, Diana. I haven't seen
your mom all day.
She usually goes out
for a paper around 11.
I rang the bell a few times.
[♪♪♪]
Mom?
[SIGHS HEAVILY]
What have you got there?
FANNY:
Oh...
This, my dream journal.
Your dream journal?Yeah.
You write down
everything you dream?
Oh, well.
Interesting.
How long have you
been doing that?
You've been keeping this
for 20 years
and I didn't know
about it?
[GRUNTS]
Where was I?
[GRUNTS]
[BOTH MURMUR]
So, what's this dream about,
this last one?[GROANS]
A wedding.
A simple one.
The most beautiful day.
Oh, we didn't know them,
but the bride welcomed us.
And we danced.
PHILLIP: Yeah.
DIANA: Hi, guys.
Hi.
How you doing?
Do you need something
for the pain?
Yeah.
Mom, why didn't you
call the nurse?
I mean, they have it here
for you whenever you want it.
Look, you shouldn't be
hurting, okay?
Okay.
Why didn't you say
something to me?
You'll be feeling better
in a few minutes, Mrs. Conlon.
Okay.
Need anything else?
No, thanks.
Happy birthday, Dad.
Thanks.
It's your birthday?
Yeah.
I just didn't have any time
to get anything, you understand.
Don't be silly.
[CHUCKLES]
I need a few things.
[CHUCKLES]
Mom, I don't--
Okay...
[NOISEMAKER WAILS]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
You want some cake?
Thanks.
Phillip.Yeah?
"There is no such thing
as too much birthday."
Indeed.
Indeed.
[♪♪♪]
You go on home.
I'll finish up.
No, I'll go with you.
I'm sticking around.
You go on.
[BEEPING]
How you doing?
You want some water?
Uh-huh.
Suzy, you missed the party.
I heard, I heard.
They saved me
some cake, though.
You're almost empty here.
I'll be right back.
Visiting hours
are over, sir.
[CHUCKLES]
She doesn't know who you are.
How should I introduce you?
I don't care.
Ex-husband, whatever.
Suzy, come here.
What, is it done?
I want you to meet...
my best friend.
Diana?
Diana?
Hm?
What are you doing?
Well, they called.
I'm supposed to pick out
something for her to wear.
You know, something
for them to dress her in.
Ah.
But I...
I can't seem to find anything.
You know, nothing seems right.
I don't know.
Are you okay?
Mm-hm.
You know, I was thinking
about that red blouse.
You know, for good luck.
That's what the Chinese
think anyway.
Keep off the evil eye.
You know,
and I was also thinking--
And this may sound
a little idiotic,
but I was thinking about
putting her
in something of mine.
You know, so that
I could be close to her.
Sweetheart...
I've been working
on something for the service.
I'd like you to let me know
what you think.
All right?
"When I try to write
about Fanny...
"I get stuck in a place
"somewhere between regret
and deliverance.
"We were married
for 12 years...
"divorced for about as many.
"Most of what I remember of our
time together is bittersweet.
"The birth of Diana...
"the honey days...
"then the years apart...
bitter beyond belief."
When I met Fanny again...
just a year ago,
she let me back into her life.
And for that...
I'm blessed.
I...
love Fanny Conlon.
I love her spirit...
her heart, her...
infinite ability
to celebrate and taste
and weave together
the things that matter...
into a life that mattered.
PHILLIP:
You okay?
DIANA: Yeah, I'm rumbling
around in there.
I never knew it was so huge.
You can get a roommate.
Wouldn't that help
with the costs?
Yeah. I keep writing
the ads,
but I always cancel them.
I don't know.
She's everywhere, you know.
I mean, I can feel her
in every room.
She's all over
the apartment.
I don't know. I'm just
not ready yet, you know?
But you can't give up
a rent-controlled
apartment, right?
No.
I mean, someday I'll live there
and get married
and raise three kids.
[CHUCKLES]
I mean, it's my dowry.
Meanwhile, if you need
any help with the rent--
I will let you know
if I do, Dad.
♪ Lost in my illusions ♪
♪ I got lost ♪
PHILLIP:
Hey, slow down.
♪ All my senses
Went astray ♪
♪ I got tossed ♪
♪ In the storm
Of my confusion ♪
♪ And I thought that love
Would look the other way ♪
♪ I believed ♪
♪ Love would always find me ♪
♪ I deceived ♪
♪ Everyone along the way ♪
♪ Took my leave ♪
♪ And I let the bright lights
Blind me ♪
♪ But it looks like it's
Caught up with me today ♪
[VOCALIZING]