That's My Boy (1951) - full transcript

JACK:
♪ Stand up and cheer
For Ridgeville ♪

♪ As we route the foe ♪

♪ Strong and fearless... ♪Jack?

You better hurry
if you want hot wheat cakes!

Coming, honey.

♪ Stand up and cheer
For Ridgeville ♪

♪ As we route the foe ♪

♪ Strong and fearless
Proud and peerless ♪

♪ Go, go, go ♪

♪ Stand up and shout
For Ridgeville ♪

♪ Hail the red and blue ♪



♪ We are here for
Here to cheer for ♪

♪ Ridgeville U ♪

One, two, up and do it.

ANN:
Jack, will you hurry, please?

Be right down in a minute, hon.
Keep those wheat cakes hot.

One, two, up and do it.

Jack?One, two, up and do it.

ANN:
Are you hurrying, dear?

Another 35,
and I'll be right down, hon.

One, two...

Junior gonna have breakfast
with us, Mrs. Jackson?

I think so, May.

I hope he gets back
from the doctor's in time.

Not sick again?



Nothing serious,
just his old trouble, his eyes.

With this rainy weather, his
sinus has been none too good.

Oh, May, we'll have to get rid
of those flowers.

You know, with Junior's
hay fever.

Seems to me like that boy's
gettin' worse.

Not at all. Junior's just had
his share of bad luck.

After all, he's only a baby.
He'll outgrow it.

I don't know. I've been
in this house for 15 years.

He's sure takin' his time.

We're not discussing
Junior's physical condition.

Now, let's check on
those wheat cakes.

Yes'm.

Jack, will you please hurry?
Everything's getting cold.

Coming, honey.

Watch out below!

Oh, stop it, Jack!

Now, got a big kiss
for your husband?

As soon as I catch
my breath.

Breath? That's not
the girl I married.

Since when does a former Olympic
women's swimming champion

get out of breath?As of now!

I'm ashamed of you.
You're getting old.

You're not the girl I married.The girl you married

wants you to eat
your breakfast.

The girl I married
was the greatest swimmer

to ever win in the Olympics.

And that was the day
that I proposed.

Oh, you'll never change.

The perennial college boy.

Now sit down,
and let's forget sports.

They belong
in the scrapbooks,

and we sure have our share
of them, all neatly bound.

So as we grow older, we can sit
before the fire and read them

and quietly
disintegrate together.

I hate to grow old.

Well, I must say, you're
doing it rather gracefully.

I've never seen you
looking more attractive.

Pretty good shape
for a man of 41.

Still could get out
on that field at Ridgeville U

and make those youngsters
watch their step.

Oh, no, not Ridgeville U
and football.

They haven't had a team
up there in years.

The kids today just don't
play guts football.

Jack, Ridgeville
is a small university.

You can't expect them
to beat

a university
like Southern California.

When you and I went to school
and I played quarterback,

we beat Southern California.

Sit down, dear,
and eat your breakfast.

What a team we had
that year, oh, boy!

Bronco Clayton,
there was a fullback for you.

Ha! And Dusty Henrickson,
an end. Dynamite!

How do you want your eggs, dear?Big Butch Gorky.

There never was a halfback
like him.

How do you want your eggs?

And Pudgy Durgin,
lightning fast.

We had a team
that year, Ann.

There'll never be
football like that again.

BOTH:
How do you want your eggs?

And in all due modesty,
I must say,

we'd have never beat USC
without "Jarring" Jack Jackson.

You know, they don't make you
All-American on pull.

Didn't get that name
"Jarring" Jack for nothing.

None of this
fancy-pantsy dodgin'

like the kids are doing today.

You hunched yourself
and hit the line hard.

You didn't go down
because somebody grabbed you,

you carried them
with you, right?

Right. How do you
want your eggs?

USC thought they had us.

Ha-ha-ha!
You remember, hon?

The score was 6-nothing,
one minute to go, 20 yards,

and they thought we'd pass.I asked you a question.

Let me explain it,
so you'll see for yourself.

Here was the play.

You play Stubby Cochran's
position, center.

I don't wanna play
Stubby Cochran's position!

He was a great center, Ann.
Almost made All-American.

Stay down there. May...

Yes, sir.You play end for USC.

Excuse me, Mr. Jackson.
I can't play end for USC.

The wheat cakes
will get cold!

Well, maybe you're right.
Play guard.

The play was right off center.
That's it. Stay down there, hon.

Watch it, May,
I'm coming around your end.

But Mr. Jackson, what about
the wheat cakes?

This is ridiculous.Stay down.

We only got a minute to go.

All right, 44 shift, 33 shift,
22 shift, 21 hike!

Hi--

Are you hurt, son?No, sir.

Get off the floor. Put your
hands up over your head.

Take a few deep breaths,
come on.

That's it,
you'll be all right.

Jack, stop that.
Here, dear, let me help you.

Where are your glasses?I don't know, Mother.

They must be around here
someplace.

Oh, well...

ANN:
Oh, dear!

Oh, are you all right, dear?
Here, let me help you.

There.

Oh!

I'll be all right. I'll just sit
here at the piano for a while.

Thanks, Dad.

Dad, what were you doing?

Oh, nothing, I was--

Your father was
reliving his youth.

Well, dear, you'd
better go upstairs

and freshen up
for breakfast.

All right, Mother.
I'll be down in a jiffy.

All right.

Oh, Mother, Dad, do you notice
anything different about me?

No, you look the same
to me, son.

No, what is it?

Well, the lower half
of the brace is off,

and the other half
comes off next week.

That's wonderful, Junior.I think so.

I also have good news
from Dr. Hunter.

What?He says that the liver shots

are working better
than he expected,

and it'll only be
a question of time. Bye.

Ann... You know
that I love Junior

as well as any father
ever loved a son.

In fact, I've named him
Junior after me.

But how could this have
happened to the two of us?

How could
what have happened?

Let's face facts, Ann.

Look at you, look at me,

and then look at Junior.

Is there nothing to this
doggone heredity business?

Oh, Jack,
he's only a baby.

A baby? He's graduating
from high school.

Yes,
but he's just a child.

A child?

Is that any excuse
for him to have hay fever

in both winter and summer?

To wear glasses
since he was 6 years old?

To have sinus trouble whether
it's rainy or isn't rainy?

For heaven's sakes, what's he
going to be when he grows up?

It's frightening.

Jack, there's nothing wrong
with Junior physically.

Dr. Hunter says
it's psychosomatic.

Psychosomatic, what's that?

Well, his ailments
are brought on

by mental and emotional
disturbances.

Well, who's disturbing him?

You are.

Me? Don't be ridiculous.

You know there isn't
a better father than I am.

I've given that boy
everything.

When he was 6, I built him
a gym out in the garage.

When he was 10, I gave him

the finest professional
football equipment.

Oh, no, don't put the blame
on me.

He's half yours too.Please, Jack, he'll hear you.

Well,
I don't care if he--

--if he does.

Let's eat
our breakfast.

May. May!

ANN:
Junior!

Hurry, your father's waiting.

I'll be right down, Mother.

I just have one more nostril
to go.

ANN:
Come on, Junior,
everything's ready.

I'm-- I'm sorry
I'm late, Dad.

I used your razor,
do you mind?

Razor? What for?

Well, I'll be--
I'll be shaving soon.

In fact, it's starting to come
in on my upper lip now, see?

Well,
that's encouraging.

Be careful
you don't cut yourself.

I'll be careful,
but if anything did happen,

I always have my Boy Scout
first aid kit with me.

I'm not an Eagle Scout
for nothing, you know.

Heh.

Have some
strawberries, son.

Oh, I'll have to pass
it up, Dad.

Why? Build you up.Well, I--

You know Junior's allergic
to strawberries.

He breaks out in a rash.Oh, yeah, I forgot.

Oh, that's all right, Dad,
but I'm taking shots for it.

Great. Well, what's next?

May!

Jack, you don't have
to bellow.

Mm, boy, those look good.

Pass your plate,
honey.

Thank you.

That's it, son. Now, I want you
to eat every one of those.

Put some syrup on there.

Now, dig in, boy.
Make a man of you.

Dad, I--Oh, you want butter. Sure.

Mm, that a boy.

Dad, I can't eat these.Why not, boy?

Jack, you just go on and eat
and let Junior alone.

Why can't you eat it,
son?

Well, Dad, I have too much
sugar content in my system now,

which Dr. Hunter
says could ultimately lead

to diabetes when I get older,
and I'm taking shots for it.

Shots?

Right.

Say, these wheat cakes
are pretty good.

By the way,
where are the eggs?

May!

You want them with the ham
and the bacon?

Leave off the bacon.
I want to lose some weight.

Just the ham and eggs.Yes, sir.

What's the matter
with you, boy?

I'm waiting for
my egg, sir.

An egg?

What kind of a breakfast
do you call that?

You're graduating. You have to
go to college and play football.

How do you expect to do that
on one egg?

That's my diet, sir.

Jack, leave the boy alone.
You're only making him nervous.

He's making me nervous!
I can't eat a thing.

Now what are you doing?

I'm preparing to take
my pill, Dad,

which will allow me
to eat the egg.

You want me to gain weight,
don't you?

Why don't you just
swallow it with water?

I can't take a pill
that way, sir. I gag.

Gag? Oh, look...
You just take the pill,

you put it on the back
of your tongue,

flush it down with water,
and it's all over.

I've tried that, sir,
but I gag.

That's ridiculous.
You're not going to grow up

to be a sissy!ANN: Jack, please!

Will you stay out of this, Ann?
After all, I'm not a villain.

I have a right to show my son
how to take a pill.

Now, son, just relax
and leave everything to me.

Have you got
another pill there?

Give it to me.

Now, you take your glass
of water in your right hand.

Come on. Take your pill
in your left.

Stick out your tongue.
Way out.

Now put the pill on the back
of your tongue, way back.

That's it, ahh.

Flush it down
with water.

Oh, for heaven's sake.

Here, I'll help you.
Give me another pill.

All right, now open up.

Flush her down.

Now, you got it?

Good!
Now, you see, son,

it just takes a little guts
and a little doing.

A simple case of mind
over matter, right?

Now, Junior,
I'm going upstairs to dress,

but before I go to work,

I want to have
a little talk with you.

See you in the den.

My favorite room.

Nothing like the old den
for a heart-to-heart talk.

I'm more proud of you
every time I come in here, Dad.

I wanna be
proud of you.

That's why I wanna have
this talk.

Now, sit down and relax.
Have one?

Oh, no, thank you, sir.Go ahead, you're old enough.

Yes, sir.

I guess you're not ready yet.
And don't call me "sir."

It sounds like I'm training you
to be an English butler.

This is just man talk,
you and me, so relax, son.

Now, what are your plans
for college?

Oh, well, Dad,
I thought that I'd--

You'd like to go to Ridgeville.
That's natural.

Your grandfather went there,
built the stadium.

You mother went there,
and I went there.

I was a nine-letter man
myself.

So naturally
you'll be there.

Yes, the name Ridgeville
and Jackson

are one and the same thing.

I know, Dad, but I thought
I'd like to--

You'd like to try for the team.
You're lucky.

I could help you there.

Coach Wheeler is
a very dear friend of mine.

I gave him a new gym
last year,

so we won't have
any trouble there.

But Dad, I thought...
Well, I'd like to join--

Join a fraternity,
naturally.

You'll be an ALK man,
just like your dad!

We won't have
any trouble there.

I gave the boys
a new house last year.

But Dad--Yes, you'll have

four grand years
at Ridgeville

before you come out to the plant
and take over in my place.

You've got a good life, Junior.
I wish I were your age,

just starting out, everything
to look forward to.

Oh, to be young again.

You're a lucky boy, Junior.

Dad, could I...
Could I say something?

Certainly, son.

Well, sir,
I don't want you to think

that I'm disrespectful,
or that I don't appreciate

everything you're trying
to do for me.

It--
Well, I have an idea.

You have an idea?Yes, sir.

I wanna go to college,

but I don't want to go
to Ridgeville.

Not go to Ridgeville?

Well, there's nothing wrong with
Ridgeville, sir, it's just that

I became interested
in animal husbandry.

And there's a very wonderful
school upstate,

Northern California Aggie.

It's a farm college,
and they're very progressive.

Northern California Aggie?

A farm college?

Well, yes, sir.
It's an experimental school,

and they're doing wonders
with animals.

For instance, the dean
crossed a pig with a hybrid,

and it's very interesting
what came out.

What?A very short pig.

Uh, but the experiments
aren't finished yet, Dad.

I thought I might even become
a vet and work with animals,

'cause they're different
than human beings.

They can't tell you
when they're in pain.

They have no way
of communicating.

Therefore one has to have
more feelings for them

than the ordinary doctor.

Am I making you
understand, Dad?

You're making me ill.

JACK:
You standing there telling me
that a son of mine, a Jackson,

wants to go to some jerk
agricultural college

and study
to be a horse doctor?

You two boys ought to be
ashamed of yourselves,

in here chatting
when there's so much to do.

Jack, the car is waiting.

And, Junior,
it's your graduation day.

Now, come along, Jack.

Jack?Yeah, what is it?

Remember, be home early.

Junior's graduating tonight, and
the ceremonies start at 7:30.

Don't worry, I'll be there
with bells on.

Cow bells.

"Jarring" Jack Jackson's son,
a horse doctor!

Mother, what's wrong
with Dad and me?

We don't get along.

Oh, you're just
imagining things.

Every boy has certain
disagreements with his father.

That's natural.

All the time,
is that natural?

Junior, your father's heart is
set on you going to Ridgeville.

I know, Mother, but I can't
follow in Dad's footsteps.

His shoes are too big, and
I feel uncomfortable in them.

You understand.Yes, I understand.

Sometimes I think your father's
the boy and you're the man.

Now, come along.

PHOTOGRAPHER:
Everybody looking this way.

Smile!

Attention.

Now, that was
really good.

Quiet, everybody.

I would now like to get a
picture of the most popular boy.

President of the student body
Washington High School

and the greatest athlete who
ever graduated, Bill Baker!

All right, Bill,
steady.

Mr. Jackson,
that's my son, Bill.

That strapping, good-looking
healthy specimen belongs to you?

Wait a moment.

I want you to have a picture
taken with Babs Hunter,

the most beautiful girl
in our graduating class.

Babs, will you come up?

Babs looks wonderful, doc.
You must be very proud of her.

She's quite a girl.
Quite a girl.

Junior Jackson, will you
come here a minute?

No, not in the picture.

I want you to hold
the flash light.

Now.

Thank you.

Hiya, Dad,
how do you feel?

Fine, my boy.
Fine.

Mr. Jackson, I want you
to meet my son, Bill.

Glad to meet you, young man.Nice to know you, sir.

Got quite a boy there, Henry.
He's got quite a handshake.

Oh, quite a boy, quite a boy.
Heh-heh-heh.

Mr. Jackson, I know this isn't
the time or the place,

but I was wondering
if you could see Bill tomorrow

on a little personal matter.Of course, I'd be glad to.

I'll see the two of you at
the plant tomorrow.

Good luck to you, my boy.

I wish you were.

That heredity business
is all cockeye.

Little Henry Baker?

Oh, come on, Jack.
Let's have some punch.

He sure does.Oh, take it easy, Dad!

I forgot, I'm sorry.
Anyway, congratulations, son.

Thank you, Dad.
And thank you for the watch.

See, Mother?

"To Junior. Love, Dad"

Oh, Jack, that's sweet.

Congratulations, Junior.Oh, thank you, Dr. Hunter.

Sir, would it be all right
if I took Babs home tonight?

Certainly, Junior.
Certainly.

Thank you.
Dad, may I have the car?

You see, I'd like a--

Of course. Have a good time.

Here are the keys.
Don't stay out too late.

Cuts down
on your wind.

I'll be home early.
You sure you don't mind, sir?

Why, not at all, Junior.
Where is Babs?

I don't know, sir,
but I'll find her.

Little Henry Baker.

Take it easy.
I'll get writer's cramp.

Oh, Bill, you haven't
signed mine yet.

You promised to sign
mine too.

Don't forget, I have
the second dance with you.

I have the third.And I have the fourth.

Bill?

Thanks.Thanks, Bill.

Thanks, Bill.You're welcome.

Could I have
your autograph too?

You can have
anything you want.

You look pretty tonight.

You look
pretty good yourself.

Wanna dance?I'd love to.

May I have this dance,
Mrs. Johnson?

Why, I'd love to, Junior.

♪ Here's a new dance
We ought to show 'em how to do ♪

♪ Gives us a chance ♪

♪ To really show 'em
Somethin' new ♪

♪ Are you ready? ♪

♪ Ready and waitin', sir ♪♪ Well, okay ♪

♪ First you put your two knees
Close up tight ♪

♪ Then you sway 'em
To the left ♪

♪ Then you sway 'em
To the right ♪
♪ Then... ♪

♪ Step around the floor
Kind of nice and light ♪

BOTH:
♪ Then you twist around
Twist around ♪

♪ With all of your might ♪♪ Wow ♪

♪ Stretch your lovin' arms
Straight out into space ♪

BOTH:
♪ Do the eagle rock
With style and grace ♪

♪ Swing your foot way 'round
And bring it back ♪

♪ Now, that's what I call
Ballin' the jack ♪

BILL:
♪ First you put your two knees
Close up tight ♪

♪ Then you sway 'em
To the left ♪

♪ And then you sway 'em
To the right ♪

BABS: ♪ Then...♪BILL: ♪ Slip around the floor ♪

♪ Kind of nice and light ♪

BOTH:
♪ Then you twist around
Twist around ♪

♪ With all of your might ♪BABS: ♪ Wow ♪

BILL:
♪ Stretch your lovin' arms ♪

♪ Straight out into space ♪

BOTH:
♪ Do the eagle rock
With style and grace ♪

BILL:
♪ Swing your foot way 'round
And bring it back ♪

♪ Now, that's what I call
Ballin' the jack ♪

♪ First... ♪♪ Yes? ♪

♪ Your knees up tight ♪

♪ Then sway 'em... ♪♪ Done ♪

♪ To the left, to the right ♪

♪ Step around the floor
Kind of nice and light ♪

BOTH:
♪ Then twist
With all of your might, boy ♪

♪ Your arms in space ♪

♪ You do the eagle rock
With style and grace ♪

BABS:
♪ Swing your foot way 'round
Then bring it back ♪

BABS & BILL:
♪ Now, that's what we call
Ballin' the jack ♪

BILL & BABS:
♪ Knees ♪

ALL:
♪ Your knees close up tight ♪

BOYS: ♪ Hep-hep ♪BABS & BILL: ♪ To the left ♪

GIRLS: ♪ Reverse ♪BABS & BILL: ♪ To the right ♪

♪ Then you step around the floor
Kind of nice and light ♪

♪ Then twist, boy
With all of your might ♪

BABS & BILL: ♪ Stretch ♪ALL: ♪ Stretch ♪

BABS & BILL:
♪ Out in space ♪

♪ Do the eagle rock
With form and grace ♪

♪ Your foot way 'round ♪♪ Bring it back ♪

BABS & BILL:
♪ That's what we call
Ballin' the jack ♪

♪ Get your lovin' arms ♪

♪ With style and grace ♪

♪ Swing your foot way 'round ♪

♪ Bring it back ♪

♪ Boy, boy, boy
Doo-den dah ♪

♪ That's what we call
Ballin' the jack ♪

I can't understand it.

Henry Baker,
to have a son like that.

I hope Junior and Babs
like each other.

She's such a sweet girl.

I think
they'd be a nice couple.

A little man, to have
such a big son.

It just doesn't make sense.

Jack, what are you
mumbling about?

Oh, nothing.

It's amazing.

It just doesn't seem fair.

I'm sorry we didn't get to dance
the last waltz together, Junior.

I guess
we missed each other.

But I looked for you.

Well, anyways, you're taking me
home, and I'm with you.

You don't mind
taking Bill home, do you?

No, not at all.

Thanks, Junior.
This sure is a sweet car.

You're a lucky guy.

Put the radio on,
will you, Junior?

Yeah, sure.

Drive slowly through the park,
huh, Junior?

♪ I'm in the mood
For love ♪

♪ Simply because
You're near me ♪

♪ Funny, but when
You're near me ♪

♪ I'm in the mood
For love ♪

♪ Why stop to think
Of whether ♪

♪ This little dream
Might fade? ♪

♪ We've put our hearts
Together ♪

♪ Now we are one
I'm not afraid ♪

♪ If there's a cloud above ♪

♪ If it should rain
We'll let it ♪

♪ But for tonight
Forget it ♪

♪ I'm in the mood
For love ♪

Boy, you sure are a lucky guy
to have a girlfriend like Babs.

Yep, a lucky guy.

Yes?WOMAN: Coach Wheeler is here.

Coach Wheeler?
Yes, send him right in.

Yes, sir.

"Jarring" Jack Jackson.
Put it there.

Coach Wheeler, you old
son of a gun, glad to see you.

What's the beef?No beef. I've got good news.

Ridgeville's got a chance
for the championship this year.

On the level?Yep, here's the layout.

There's a great athlete
in this town, Bill Baker.

Just graduated from
Washington High School.

His old man's
a bookkeeper someplace.

Underpaid,
hasn't got a cent,

works for some rich,
miserable guy,

so this kid doesn't have
money to go to college.

Eh, it's the old story,
Jack.

Coach, uh, I know
this kid, Baker.

His father works for me.
He's my bookkeeper.

Jack, I didn't mean to--That's all right.

Forget about it.
What do you want me to do?

Finance this kid
through school.

All right, I'll do it
on one condition.

When my son
comes to Ridgeville,

you've got to see
that he makes the team

and gets his letter.

But Jack,
be reasonable.

Or Albie Booth, a great kicker.Well, it's possible, but--

There's no "buts"
to it, Coach.

I want my kid to earn
his letter at Ridgeville

more than anything in life.

It's a package deal,
Coach.

If you wanna take Bill Baker,
you have to take my son.

Yes or no?

I need this Baker boy
like I need my right arm.

And I need your son Junior
like I need a...

Okay, it's a deal.

My son's here.

Can you see him now,
Mr. Jackson?

Yes, send him right in.

Mr. Jackson.Hi, Bill.

Sit down.

What's on your mind?I was talking with my dad,

and he suggested I come here
and ask for a job in your plant.

Well, aren't you planning
to go to college?

Well,
I always wanted to,

but frankly,
we don't have the money.

What would you do if someone
offered you a chance

to go to Ridgeville,
all expenses paid?

I'd faint.Well, don't faint.

Because I'm going
to make you that offer.

But why?

Well, Bill, you know
my son, Junior?

Well, I spent a few hours
with him last night,

but I don't know him too well.

That's the point.
I want you to know him better.

You see, he's a great kid,

but he didn't turn out
the way I wanted him to.

I...I wanted him to be more...
More like you.

Well, maybe
he's just a different type.

You're so right.

That's why I thought that
maybe if the two of you

were roommates at Ridgeville,

that you could sort of
look after him.

Maybe you could inspire him
to be an athlete like yourself.

You know, the strong
looking after the weak.

What does he say
about all this?

He doesn't know
anything about it.

And he must never know.

Well, what do you say?

Is it a deal?It's a deal, Mr. Jackson.

But you know, with Junior,
it's not gonna be too easy.

I only hope I have enough time
left to play football.

You're getting closer
to Ridgeville, son.

Yes? Well, hello, dear.

Feeling fine, fine, yes.

Delighted to have him
for dinner, certainly.

Good old Ben Green, my old
classmate, Phi Beta Kappa.

Smart as a whip.

Yes, I'll be home early
for dinner.

All right, dear. All right.

Let me get this
straight, Ben.

Aren't you
a doctor?

I'm a psychiatrist.

You mean dealing
with crazy people?

Oh, no, Dad, a psychiatrist
is a man who helps people

adjust to their environment
and overcome inhibitions.

Huh?Very good, son.

That, in essence,
is what we do.

You'd be surprised
how many people

need help
and don't know it.

Well, I think it's all bunk.Jack, please!

That's all right.
Jack hasn't offended me.

A lot of people share
his viewpoint.

They don't know
they need help.

I was on a very interesting
case in Chicago

about a month ago.

A typical case of
a dominating father

trying to run
his son's life.

Result,
typical son:

shy, introverted,
psychosomatic symptoms.

Clash of personalities, tragedy.What happened?

In this case,
the father committed suicide.

He jumped out of
a second-story window.

That's very interesting,
Dr. Green.

Do you know of any
similar cases?

Well, there was another case
where a father and son--

Yes, well, I don't approve

of this kind of conversation
in front of children.

Junior, why don't you
go upstairs now

and get a good night's rest?
Kiss your mother good night.

But Dad--JACK: You heard what I said!

Kiss your mother,
shake hands with Dr. Green,

and upstairs
you go, right, son?

Good night, Mother.Good night.

Good night,
Dad.

Good night, sir.Good night.

Would you know where I could
get books on this subject?

Son.Oh.

Good night.

An only child?

Yes, he's our only child.

Hmm, very interesting.

Well, if you'll excuse me,
I have some things to do.

Jack, I don't want to get
too personal,

but I think you have
a problem with your son.

Let me help you.

A lot of people pay me
fancy prices for this.

You can get it free.Thanks, Ben.

There is a problem,
and there shouldn't be,

because no one could be a better
father than I am to that boy.

He's going to step right in
to a big business.

It's all set up for him.

I had it all planned for him
to go to Ridgeville.

Had it arranged for him to have
the best room in the fraternity.

Even had it fixed for him
to get his letter.

What do I get for it?He resents it.

How did you know?

Say, Ben, what is happening
with this younger generation?

They're ungrateful.Jack, you don't understand.

He's not the problem,
you are.

Me?

Why, there isn't a better
father than I am, Ben.

That boy's had the best.

Well, let's not
get into all that.

You've done nothing
for that boy.

You've done it all for yourself.
You're selfish, Jack.

Selfish?

I only want my son
to be a leader.

Maybe he's not a leader.Well, he's got to be!

Jack, you're trying to run your
son's life, and it won't work.

He's not like you,
and if you keep it up,

you're going to run
into a much worse problem

than whether or not he wants
to go to Ridgeville.

It can become much worse.

Well, what'll I do, Ben?

Well, why don't you go up
and visit with Ann,

let me talk to Junior
a few minutes.

Maybe I can help.

Junior, can you
come down here a minute?

JUNIOR:
I'm getting ready for bed.

Well, forget about it
and come on down here...

son.

JUNIOR:
All right, Dad.

Now, remember, we want
that boy to go to Ridgeville.

Dr. Green here would like
to have a little talk with you.

You wanted to see me, sir?Yes, Junior.

I'd like to have
a chat with you.

Well, is it all right with--Oh, yes, yes.

Let's go on in the den where
we can be more comfortable.

Oh, if you don't mind, sir,
could we talk someplace else?

You see...You don't have to explain.

I understand.
Would the patio be better?

I think so.Fine.

You don't like the den,
Junior. Why?

Oh, it's a nice room.

It's my father's favorite.

But it's his room.
You understand.

Mm-hm. Very interesting.
Of course.

Anyway,
it's a nice night,

so let's just make
ourselves comfortable

and have
a pleasant chat, hm?

Junior, I'd like to ask you
a few questions.

You don't mind, do you?Oh, no, sir.

I like talking to you.Good.

Now that you've graduated
from high school,

what would you like to do?

Well, will it be confidential,
just between the two of us?

Confidential.

Well, sir, I'd like to go
to Ridgeville,

and I'd like to play football,
but I never will.

Why not?Because of my dad.

Don't get me wrong, sir,
I love him and I respect him,

and I'd like to do everything
he did, but I never will,

because I couldn't do it
as good. I'm scared.

How do you know
you couldn't do it as good?

Well, no one is as good
as my dad, sir. Just ask him.

He does everything the best.

That's why I do everything
the worst.

I got what you call
complexes.

And I don't mean to
be disrespectful, sir,

but I'm frustrated.

Have you ever told your dad
what you would like to do?

Oh, no, sir.
You can't tell him anything.

He tells you.

Why don't you try to meet
your dad halfway?

Talk it out with him.

Try to show him your side of it.
You take the initiative.

You know, older people
are more set in their ways.

I think you owe it
to your dad and yourself

to try to become better
acquainted with him.

I'll try, Dr. Green.Fine.

You can go to bed now,
Junior, if you'd like.

Thank you, sir.

Good night, sir.Good night.

Ben,
what's wrong with him?

Nothing, Jack.
He's a fine boy.

I think someday you're going
to be proud of him.

I would suggest,
however, that you try

to see more of him alone,
get to know him better.

Well, I'd like to, Ben,
but it seems like

every time we're
together, we fight.

I think
the boy resents me.

It's...
It's unnatural.

On the contrary, Jack, it's the
most natural thing in the world

for children to resent
their parents.

It's based on the fact that
from the time they're born,

parents represent authority,
interfere with their will.

So the average normal child
often resents his parents.

Some children wish
they had different parents,

some children hate
their parents.

What about Junior?
Do you think he hates me?

Hates you?

The only advice
I can give is...

never take your boy
hunting.

Who is it?JACK: It's me.

Just a minute, Dad.

Come in, Dad.

Son...

...I think we ought to become
better acquainted, don't you?

I think so.

A father and a son ought
to be, well, close,

more like buddies.

Don't you think so?I think so.

Tomorrow's Sunday.

Why don't we spend
the whole day together,

just you and I, alone.

You know, like...
Like pals.

I'd like that, Dad.

Good. What would you
like to do, son?

Anything you'd like to do, Dad.Well, no, it's your day.

Now,
what would you like to do?

Anything
you'd like to do, Dad.

Now, I'm asking you--!

Goodness.

What would you
like to do, son?

Well, I have
a splendid idea, Dad.

Something I think
we'll both enjoy.

Oh, what is it?

Would you
take me hunting?

If that's what
you really want to do.

Careful with that gun,
it may be loaded.

No, it isn't. See?

Will you be careful
with that thing?

You know it's loaded!I know it, Dad.

You know,
an accident can happen.

It'd be a terrible thing
if you shot your own father.

Yeah.
Ha-ha-ha-ha!

What are you grinning about?

I'm so happy. I'm having
such a good time, Dad.

I think we'll find
some game over there.

Now, son, why don't you
go in front of me?

I want you to have
the first shot.

No, Dad,
you go in front of me.

No, son, now,
you go in front of me.

I'll cover your rear.

No, Dad, I'll be
in back of you. You first.

Ooh, it's a fine specimen,
isn't it, Dad?

Really is, son.

Let's have a little nip
to celebrate!

Join me, son?

Oh, I've never had a drink.You're a man now.

Anybody that can shoot
like that can have a nip.

I'd rather you have it with me.
You have my permission.

Son, here's to you
and Ridgeville.

JACK & JUNIOR :
♪ For he's a jolly good fellow ♪

♪ He's a jolly good fellow ♪

♪ That nobody can deny ♪

Well!Evening, madam.

Good evening,
Mother.

What is this all about?

Just a little evening
between father and son.

Perfectly normal.Perfectly normal.

You've both been drinking.

Drinking? That's ridiculous.

Just a little celebration

of Junior deciding to go
to Ridgeville.

Right, son?

Right, Dad!

May! May!

Hi.

This is room 24, isn't it?Yeah.

What are you trying to do,
grow up to be a rabbit?

No, these are my Dr. Denton
pajamas in case I get a chill.

Well, I guess you and I
are gonna be roommates.

Huh? Why?

I don't know why. They just
assigned me to room 24.

Oh.

What's the matter,
did you expect to bunk alone?

No, no,
I was just wonderin'

why the two of us
are roommates, that's all.

Just wonderin'.I don't know why.

They just put us together,
I guess.

Okay?

Yeah, okay.

Do you mind
if I have a drawer?

Oh, no, no.
I didn't know.

I'll get them out.

Would you like the top drawer
or the bottom drawer?

It makes no difference
to me.

It makes no difference
to me.

It makes no difference
to me.

It makes no difference
to me.

Will one drawer
be enough?

One is plenty.

More shirts?

JUNIOR:
Oh, no, these are
my medications.

Oh, you're planning
to become a doctor?

Oh, no, you see,
I haven't been too well.

You want the upper shelf
or the lower shelf

of the medicine chest?BILL: Either one.

I don't have too much.

The lower one is easier
to get to.

BILL:
Makes no difference to me.

Makes no difference
to me.

If you ever have sinus, this
will clear it up in a minute.

Just two drops in each nostril,
and you'll breathe again.

Of course, a little will
trickle down your throat,

but I have a pill for that
which clears it up.

Well, I wouldn't have any use
for that. I'm pretty healthy.

Oh, that's nice. You wanna
sleep in the upper or the lower?

Makes no difference.

Makes no difference to me.Makes no difference to me.

You gonna make up your mind,
or you gonna drive me nuts?

Don't get huffy.
I'll take the lower.

Fine.

I think
I better take the upper.

Why?

Uh, it's drafty here
in the lower.

My sinus, remember?

Okay.

I better go back
to the lower.

Why?

I'm gettin' a nosebleed
up here.

It's too high.Okay, any way you want.

Good night, Bill.Good night, Junior.

Aren't you gonna open a window?Why, you warm?

Gotta sleep with a window open.
You wanna be healthy, don't you?

I do? I mean, I do.

I'll get it.

BILL:
I said open it!

Bill?

What are you doin'?Oh, nothin'.

You closin' the window?No.

Don't you believe me?I believe you, but open it.

I hope we'll become friends
and like rooming together.

You know, roommates and pals.

Bill, are you asleep?

Coach,
that Baker kid's great.

Look at that punt,
70 yards.

Yeah,
he's all right.

We've got
a good chance, boys.

I've never seen
a better football player

since "Jarring" Jack Jackson
played for Ridgeville.

We got a break when they
changed the freshman ruling.

All right, you guys,
over on the dummy!

Come on, move,
on the double!

Coach Wheeler?Yes?

I'm ready
to report, sir.

Who you gonna report,
and for what?

Me, I'm ready
to play football.

Look, I'll save you
a broken neck.

The Ping-Pong team
needs an anchorman.

But sir--

Look, you're too light
for football! Sorry.

But you wrote me
a letter,

and it said Junior Jackson
to report.

What'd you say your name was?Junior Jackson.

Oh. Oh, yes,
Junior Jackson.

I didn't recognize you.

Must you wear glasses?

Oh, no, sir.
Only when I wanna see.

Okay, get in with
the rest of the boys.

We're hittin' the dummy.Yes, sir!

Nice one.

Junior, you hurt?

No, I'm all right.
I must've stumbled.

Here,
let me help you up.

I don't need any help.
I'm all right.

The kid's like his old man.
He's got guts.

As far as being
a football player,

there
the resemblance ends.

Grass drill,
running in place.

Ready, begin!

COACH:
Bring those knees up!
On your stomach!

On your back!
On your stomach!

On your feet!

On your right side!

Left side!

On your feet!

On your back!

Right side!

On your feet!

All right,
bring those knees up!

Hold it! All right, all
the backs on the chinning bar,

linemen around the goalpost
and into the showers.

You need any help?No, I can make it.

When? The football season
will be over.

Bill?
Yeah?

Is this good for me?Well, of course.

How come
I'm getting nauseous?

Hop on the table,
buddy.

I'll take these.Oh, I can't see without them.

You'd be better off.

Ow! Oof!

It's all in the neck, son.
All in the neck.

Gotta straighten out
that spine.

Now, just relax, boy.
Just relax.

Better?

Yeah, but what happened
to the head?

Ah...

Junior?

Junior?JUNIOR: I'm in here.

What are you doing?

Nothin'.
I'm just sittin' here.

Why?

Why? Where can I go?
The whole body's broken.

So I'm just sittin' here.

But I ain't got nerve enough
to put my head under the water.

Well, where's it hurt?Where does it hurt?

Where doesn't it hurt?
It's easier.

I know just the thing.

I'll go get something
to fix you up.

What is it?What you need's a good rubdown.

I'll go get some alcohol.Oh, no!

Come in.

You're Bill Baker,
first year at school.

Wear shirt size 15 1/2,
40 regular in jacket,

hate ties, like soft white
shirts, and haven't much money.

Wow, what are you,
a walking department store?

No, let me introduce myself.
My card.

"Terry Howard,
college representative

of nationally known brands.

Buy at your convenience.

Don't come see me,
I'll see you.

Save half by seeing Terry Howard
first." What are you selling?

I have some of the finest
cashmere you've ever seen.

Feel that material.
Crush it in your hands.

Once a girl gets a load of
cashmere like that,

she'll never let you alone.

Let me show you
my sports clothes.

I have to go--You haven't seen the argyles.

Socks to match your eyes.
Every color, every description.

And the luscious maroon sweater
to go with those wavy locks.

Well, a salesman with
sex appeal, huh?

Strictly business.

This is the way I work
my way through college.

Now, what can I give you?

I don't think you have it
in that sample case.

Just a minute.
Let's stick to business, huh?

I know
when I'm outmatched.

I can't afford any new clothes.
I'll see you around.

JUNIOR:
Bill, Bill!

Junior Jackson,
size 9 shoe, 10 1/2 sock

and 13 1/2 shirt.

JUNIOR:
I'm dying. I'm dying!

Are you Junior Jackson?

Yeah.Are you decent?

I've always tried
to live a clean life.

No, I mean
are you in the bathtub?

Yeah, I'm taking
a bubble bath.

I'm Terry Howard,
college representative

of some of the finest
manufacturers in the country.

For new customers, we have
an introductory offer,

these nylon swimming trunks,
absolutely no cost on your part.

Here, put them on.

Although I haven't seen you,
I know you're the type

that would like
a dark cashmere suit,

very suitable for evening wear
in place of a tuxedo.

Can I come in?Yeah.

Gee, a girl saleslady.

What kind of college is this,
Vassar?

Oh, a milk bath. We have a much
better product, Pink Tonic.

It's cheaper and
the bubbles last longer.

Please,
if you don't mind--

Let me show you these
cashmere jackets.

This one has a belt in the back
and is very sporty.

And this dark blue is very
suitable for evening wear

in place of a tuxedo.

Oh, yes, of course
this one is English-made.

You have the shoulders for it,
I notice.

Please, lady,
forget the clothes.

I just wanna get my body back.

There's no obligation on
your part, so let me finish.

It's hard to tell
what you would wear.

I haven't much to go on.

Look, miss...You can call me Terry.

You're Junior Jackson.How do you know?

Oh, I have a line on every
new student who comes here.

You do this for a gag?

Not at all. You see,

it's the only way
I can get my education.

Some girls are waitresses.
I'm a salesgirl. I prefer it.

Anyway, it helps me
in my psychology training.

You see, I'm a psychology major.Gee, I wish I had your spirit.

I'm glad to meet a girl
like you. Oh...

Oh, just happen to have
the thing for you.

This striped robe,
marked down from 45 to 22.

Well, it just so happens
I need a robe.

But you'll have to leave
the room.

TERRY:
Bill!

STUDENT:
See you at the house.

Hi.Hi.

How come I haven't
seen you lately?

Football season.

What's the matter,
don't you ever relax?

Sometimes.Why don't you try it some night?

Say tonight, for instance.
I'm not doing anything.

Look, Terry, I know you're about
as good-looking as they come

on this campus, but I also
know there are three things

that'll stop a guy
from playing football.

That's being with a dame,

going with a dame
and liking a dame.

So I'll see you around.

Nine tennis sneakers,
size 10.

One dozen silk ties.Nine tennis sneakers...

Three socks,
size 8 1/2.

One dozen argyle,
size 9 1/2.

One dozen
v-neck sweaters.

Uh, formerly $8,
on sale for $9.

Formerly $8,
on sale for $9?

The price of living's
gone up all over.

Junior, you've been a great help
to me. I can't thank you enough.

Terry, will you tell me
something?

What?

How does someone
become like you?

Don't try. I'd rather
be rich like you.

No, I mean, you have so much
confidence in yourself.

It's all a matter of ego,
Junior.

That's what psychology
teaches you.

Ego?Sure.

You see, Junior, you've gotta
believe in yourself.

You've gotta keep saying over
and over, "I'm big, I'm big!"

Now, say it.I'm big.

No, no, no, Junior.
Believe it.

Out, out!
Throw your chest out.

It's difficult for me.
I'm skinny.

Well, spiritually then.

Put your shoulders back,
walk up and down, be cocky.

Say, "I'm big, I'm big!
You hear me, I'm big!"

I'm big, I'm big!
You hear me?

I'm big.

Well, it's a start
in the right direction.

And that's what you've got
to believe, and I'll help you.

You'll sort of be my guinea pig
in my psychology experiment.

Guinea pig?

Come in.

Who is it?It's me, Junior.

Well, come on in.I can't. Help me!

Well, why can't you--?

What is this?

Christmas is months away.
What are you doing?

I just had
a date with Terry.

You better stop seeing
that dame.

We won't have any room
to sleep here.

Oh, no, Bill. She's wonderful,
and so good for my ego.

The least I could do
was buy some things.

Look at this dressing jacket
I bought.

It can also be used
for grouse hunting.

You know,
it's reversible.

You have to live in England
for it, but it's practical.

Of course.
Where's the monocle?

She didn't have any in stock.
She's ordering it.

It's due next week.Grand.

Bill?What?

I'll tell you a secret.Go ahead.

I think I'm stuck on Terry.I'd have never guessed it.

She's the first girl
I ever had

that took a personal
interest in me.

She certainly took a personal
interest in you, all right.

Would you do me a favor?Well, it all depends.

You ever hear
of Cyrano de Bergerac?

Cyrano de Bergerac?

Didn't he play end
for Cornell?

No, he was a character
in a very famous play,

and he had a big nose
and he was very ugly.

He sent his best friend to talk
for him to the girl he loved

because he was self-conscious
about his nose.

So?So I'm worse than Cyrano.

I'm self-conscious
about all of me.

So I thought you could go
see Terry

and tell her
how I feel about her...

Why me?

Well, because you have
an easy way with the women,

and you're
a big football hero.

Would you do that for me,
Bill? You just gotta!

Why must I "just gotta"?

Look at all this stuff.
I'm runnin' out of money!

Come in.

Oh, hi, Bill.Hi.

What can I do for you?
You need some shirts?

Always selling, aren't you?

A gal's gotta live.You sure are living.

I brought over a check
for the stuff you sold Junior.

When are you gonna
stop selling him clothes?

Well,
he needed clothes badly.

And I see you did all right
for yourself too.

I always say a man
can't have too many clothes.

What do you always say?

I always say I think
the kid's stuck on you.

You're kidding!Who else but a guy in love

would buy 15 pairs of shoes,
and all of them tennis sneakers?

I'm interested in Junior
as a psychological study.

He's sort of snooky, you know.Yeah, but he's a great guy.

You'd be lucky
to get somebody like him.

What do you mean?Trouble with dames

is you have no vision.

Most of you
go for a big, husky,

broad-shouldered good-looking
football-hero type.

So?

Someday Junior's
gonna be like that.

Bill?Yes?

How long do you think
it'll take him?

It'll take him quite a while.

To be like you?Yes.

Well, why should I wait then?

"Dear folks,
it seems hard to realize

"that a month has gone by
since I left home.

"I like Ridgefield
pretty much.

"I'm rooming with
a swell fellow, Bill Baker,

"who was in
our graduating class.

He's been very nice to me."He ought to be, hm!

What'd you say, dear?

Nothing, go on.Oh.

"I also like a girl
named Terry Howard.

"She's very unusual
and has a forceful personality.

I think Dad will like her."

I thought he liked
Doc Hunter's girl, Babs.

Well, kids that age are fickle.

Besides, she's here,
and he's at college.

Forget about
his love life.

Go on with
the important things.

"Tell Dad that much
to my surprise,

"I'm still on
the football squad.

"I can't understand it,
because try as I might,

"I'm not improving
fast enough.

"The coach doesn't like me
or dislike me.

"He just seems nervous
when I'm around.

"But I hardly think
he'll let me in the first game,

"so there's no reason
for you and Dad to come up.

"I'm sorry.
I'm doing the best I can.

Love, Junior."

I miss the boy.

You'll get to see him
this weekend

when we go up for the game.

It says he doesn't think
he'll get in the game.

Yeah, well, "Jarring"
Jack Jackson's son

will be in that first game,
I can promise you that!

May! Oh, May!

STUDENTS:
R-I...

D-G...

E-V...

I-L...

L-E!

Ridgeville! Ridgeville!

Go, Ridgeville!

All right, men,
attention!

I want you to meet Ridgeville's
most distinguished alumnus,

who's gonna say a few words
to you.

This is the famous
"Jarring" Jack Jackson.

Men, I'm going to be short
and to the point.

I just had three rules
when I played football:

you hit 'em fast,
you hit 'em low,

and you hit 'em hard.

If they get up,
you hit 'em again.

So let's get out
on that field

and play
guts football.

Remember, you're playing
for Ridgeville.

So good luck to you all,
and let 'em have it!

Come on,
let's go!

Wait, Junior.
I wanna talk to you.

Gee, Dad,
I better get out there.

This will only take
a minute, Junior.

You could make this
the happiest day in my life

if you just get out there
and really play football!

I don't even know
if I'll get in the game.

Don't worry, I have
a feeling that you will.

I hope so.
I better get out there.

You know, you're not gonna
just run out on the field

like the rest of the players,
you're gonna make an entrance!

What do you mean, sir?You see this old number 66?

That's your dad's
old jersey!

When I quit playing
football 20 years ago,

they retired that number, and
nobody has worn it until now.

You're gonna put this on

and really make an entrance
in this jersey.

People are gonna see
another Jackson

coming out wearing old number 66
to play for good old Ridgeville.

How do you feel, son?Isn't it a little large, Dad?

Well, tuck it in!

Remember, live up
to old number 66.

Old "Jarring" Jack Jackson's
number.

Now go to it, boy!

Good afternoon, fans.
This is Tom Harmon

speaking
from the stadium,

where today we'll bring you
the game

between Ridgeville
and Thornton University.

The game today, of course,
is the opening of the season,

and it promises to be
a whale of a football game.

The captains return to their
teams, and they're now getting

their final instructions
from the coach.

There they go
to line up for the kickoff.

Jones will kick off for
Thornton. Yes, that's right.

And back in the receiving
position for Ridgeville

is Tom Edwards and Bill Baker,

Ridgeville's
All-American candidate.

Jones signals,
the ball clubs get ready--

He approaches the ball.

It's a long end-over-end kick
going way downfield.

It's going to Baker. He takes
it on the seven yard line.

He's at the 10, the 20,

he's got some nice blocks,
he's at the 35...

Straight-arms two tacklers.

Well, he's going to go
all the way!

He's on the two yard line

and rolls into the end zone
for a touchdown!

It certainly seems apparent
that if this Baker boy

continues to spark
the Ridgeville team

as he has done today
all season,

the playoff for the Rose Bowl
will be between Ridgeville

and that great University
of California team.

You see that?
You couldn't have done better.

Very good, very good.

When are you gonna
send Junior in?

HARMON:
The teams are lining up
for the extra point now.

Smith will hold
and Baker will kick.

Get set. One, two, three!

HARMON:
There's the pass
from center...

And it's good!

And Ridgeville leads,
7-nothing.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I like to be conservative

when I talk about football,

but I would like
to make a prediction here.

This club looks like
the greatest team

that they've had
in 20 years, and why?

Simply because
of one man, Bill Baker.

That boy's an All-American
if I've ever seen one.

All right, Coach,
how about Junior?

Okay, Jackson, get in.

Me?

Wait a minute,
there's a substitution.

They're taking Baker out, and
I certainly don't blame them.

There's no sense in risking
an injury at this time.

The substitute
for Bill Baker is number...

66.

Number 66?

Let's try K97 on two.
Uh, that's a pleasant play.

We might enjoy ourselves
with that one.

Unless you'd rather have,
uh, K97 on four.

That's more strenuous, but we
might get through with it.

No, we better do K97
on two.

PLAYER:
On two, break.

HARMON:
They're out of the huddle now.

Oh, oh, fellas,
I have a better idea.

I'm sorry,
will you come back?

HARMON:
Oh, they're back
in the huddle again.

Take it easy, Coach,
take it easy.

The boy
will come through.

You'll have to excuse us,
but this is private.

HARMON:
Heh, Jackson's apparently
having a little trouble

with his signal.

My heavens, you're nosy!
Come on.

Delay of the game!

HARMON:
Ridgeville's penalized five
yards for delaying the game.

It's now third down,
20 yards to go,

Ridgeville's ball
on Thornton's 47-yard line.

Take it easy, Coach.
Take it easy.

The boy will come through.

Spread flanker left,
spread flanker right.

B.G. opposite,
two lead swing,

36 A.O. on four.

PLAYER:
On four, break.

HARMON:
Ridgeville comes out
of the huddle.

They go into an unusual spread
formation, no blockers.

One, two, three, four, five.HARMON: Jackson back...

ball is snapped,
Jackson has it.

He's smothered back
at his own 45-yard line.

He fumbles! There's a big
pile-up down on the field.

I think-- Yes, they did!
Thornton recovered the fumble!

Ladies and gentlemen,
so far in this game

young Jackson has not been

anything like his father,
believe me.

But then too, Thornton's
had their troubles.

They're going to have to go
into punt formation and kick.

It's Philips back
in punt formation.

There's the snap from center.

He gets off a long spiral kick
that comes down the field.

Jackson waits for it
on the 20-yard line.

Well, he's caught it.
He's off, there he goes.

The 25, the 30, the 35,
he's at midfield.

A Thornton man grabs him
with a necktie tackle,

but Jackson is still
on his feet!

Wait a minute, Jackson
is running the wrong way!

He's back at the Thornton 40,
the 30, the 10, the 5--

He's hit by his own man on the five-yard line and fumbles,

and Thornton
recovers for a touchdown!

Listen to that crowd boo!

Get in there and take that--
That-that kid's place!

They're taking Junior
Jackson out of the ball game

and putting Bill Baker back in.

Believe me, ladies
and gentlemen,

Junior Jackson is nothing
like his father.

He'll win ball games, perhaps,

but I'm afraid for
the other team.

This has been the worst day
of my life.

How could my own son
do this to me?

It's not all Junior's fault.Ann...

you see before you
the mere shell of a man.

A man who's devoted
his entire life to his child.

And look what happens.

He makes a touchdown
for the other team.

Is there no justice?Oh, don't be so dramatic.

It's only a football game.

Only a football game?

Out there in front of all
of my old classmates,

in front of 20,000 students,

the son of "Jarring"
Jack Jackson disgraces himself?

Is there anything worse?

Yes, he could've been
a criminal.

Well, that wouldn't
have been so bad.

At least we could've sent him
away and no one would know.

Jack, I'm not going to stand
here and have you berate Junior.

He probably feels bad enough.Ann...

...are you sure he's our son?

Oh, stop it, Jack!
He was born at home.

Oh, yeah, that's right.

I haven't even got
the satisfaction of thinking

they might've switched him on us
in the hospital.

Junior Jackson,
what are you doing

in this empty stadium at night
without your coat on?

You'll catch
your death of cold!

I'm sorry, Mother.

Junior,
I'm worried about you.

Do you still want
to play football?

I like it, but I guess
I'll never get a chance now.

Coach will drop me
from the squad.

Gee, today I disgraced
everybody.

Son, listen to me.
You were at a disadvantage.

It isn't the easiest thing to be
the son of a great athlete.

A prominent father's the biggest
drawback a boy can have.

Don't I know!So from now on,

your father will not
dominate you.

You'll be left to make your
own decisions. I'll see to that.

You're going to stop
playing football...

But--take up your regular studies,

and you're going to shower
and have dinner immediately.

But I don't--From now on,

you have nothing
to worry about.

You can make up
your own mind.

You're a man.

Come along, son.

Yes, ma'am.

Bill, Mr. Jackson wants
to talk to you.

Be seeing you, Jack.
Thanks.

Sit down, Bill.

You played a great game
this afternoon, boy.

Reminded me a little of me.Thank you.

Of course, you can't pass
like me or run like me.

You don't hit the line
like I used to,

but you reminded me
a little of me.

There'll never be
another you, sir.

Thank you, son.

Bill, you remember
the proposition I made you.

Coach Wheeler is dropping
Junior from the squad.

But our deal is still on.

Mr. Jackson,
you don't understand.

I like living with Junior.

We're getting to be
great friends.

You don't have to pretend.But I'm not pretending.

I understand, Bill.
You're loyal,

and you're just trying
to make it easier for me.

Your father should be
a very happy man.

I know that I would be.

Bill, you'll still get
my check every month.

You've lived up to
your part of the bargain.

Well, that's very generous
of you, sir, but...

Well, thank you.

Coach?Yes, Bill?

I was talking to Mr. Jackson.
You can't drop Junior.

Why not?
Didn't he say it was okay?

It might be okay with him,
but it's not okay with me.

You gotta give him
another chance.

Now, wait a minute.

Either Junior plays,
or I don't play.

You don't have to--That's the way I want it.

Now, what do you say?

Getting tougher to be
a coach every day.

Okay, but you better be good
next Saturday.

With your methods,
you gotta have a lot of talent.

Don't worry, I got it.

Terry, I'm through
double-crossing Junior.

Take it easy.Don't tell me to take it easy.

You talked me out of it before.
I'm through being a heel.

I'm gonna tell him.But it's so bad for his ego!

Never mind his ego.
It's more honest this way.

Okay,
but I'll handle it.

I wanna break it to him
gently.

I don't wanna shatter
his confidence.

When are you gonna tell him?Next time I see him.

Good. It's the only
fair thing to do.

JUNIOR:
Terry, can I come in a minute?

I don't want him
to find me here.

Quick, in the closet.You be sure you tell him.

Leave everything to me.

I just came over
to say goodbye.

I'm leaving school.

Leaving school? Why?

I ran out of reasons.

Today on the football field,

I disgraced my father
and the team.

Now I'm being dominated
by my mother,

and she's almost as bad
as my father.

I shouldn't have
come to Ridgeville.

Oh, sit down, Junior.
Let's talk this out.

There's nothing to talk about.
I'm a failure.

Oh, don't get excited,
Junior.

Something will turn up to give
you your confidence back.

I'm a failure. The only
reason Bill lived with me

is because
he felt sorry for me.

And you try to help
because you're a nice person.

Besides,
I'm a good customer.

No, I'm leaving school.

Oh, but Junior, if you leave
school, I'll feel very bad.

You will?Well, yes.

I like you for yourself.

You do?Well, sure.

And I think
if you stick it out,

you'll prove to your father

and to everybody
that you're a man.

Well, I could do it,
Terry, if...

If...Yes?

If I had a girl
like you behind me.

I mean, if I thought that you
thought that I was somebody.

And I do think you are.

Terry,
I been stuck on you

since the day you sold me
the robe when I was in the bath.

Well, I liked you too,
Junior,

but I've gotta tell you
about Bill and me.

We can talk about Bill
some other time.

If you wear my fraternity pin,
I won't leave school.

Well,
how will that help?

Well, it'll give me
a reason to stay.

It'll be a little victory.

It'll restore my confidence.
That's what you said I needed.

Just wear it a little while
and see if you like it.

Well, okay,
but on one condition,

that you won't leave school.

Oh, no, I won't.
I'm a new man.

I'm a tiger. I'm big!

You're wearing
my fraternity pin! I'm big!

Well, you certainly told him.

What did you expect me to do
with everybody browbeating him?

He needed
someone to turn to,

and this was no time
to sell him shirts.

Well, what about you and me?We'll have to wait.

I'll have to be Junior's girl
until he builds up confidence.

But you love me.Of course.

This is just for Junior.

Okay, just for Junior.

JUNIOR:
I can't go on with this!

Sure you can.
It's all for you.

Yeah, Junior, it's all for you.
Come on, once more.

I told you to crouch.
Crouch!

I told you a million times,
use your body, your knees.

I can't go on with this.

Sure you can.
It's all for you.

Yeah, it's all for you.
Come on, we'll try it once more.

REFEREE:
Let's go!

Set!
One, two, three, four, five!

Now?

Not now.

CROWD:
Sit down, sit down!

Fine. Kick the ball.

Set!
One, two, three, four!

Good kick! You're developing
into a great kicker.

I'm getting more
confidence too.

Maybe I'll get
in the homecoming game.

Sure you will.
Don't you feel better?

Oh, sure, and I owe it all
to you two, my best friends.

And I'll always be grateful
to you for this.

That's okay.It's all for you, Junior.

Now?

Not now.

ALL:
♪ Stand up and cheer
For Ridgeville ♪

♪ As we route the foe ♪

♪ Strong and fearless
Proud and peerless ♪

♪ Go, go, go
Rah, rah, rah ♪

♪ Stand up and shout
For Ridgeville ♪

♪ Hail the red and blue ♪

♪ We are here for
Here to cheer for ♪

♪ Ridgeville U ♪

ALL:
♪ Rah, rah, rah ♪

♪ Stand up and cheer for-- ♪

Sing, sing!

♪ --route the foe ♪

Come on, sit down!♪ Strong and fearless ♪

♪ Proud and peerless ♪

♪ Go, go, go ♪Sit down!

♪ Stand up and shout
For Ridgeville ♪

♪ Hail the red and blue ♪

♪ We are here for
Here to cheer for ♪

♪ Ridgeville U ♪

Sit down!

CROWD:
♪ Stand up and shout
For Ridgeville ♪

♪ Hail the red and blue ♪

♪ We are here for
Here to cheer for ♪

♪ Ridgeville U ♪

ALL:
Coach! Coach!

We want Coach Wheeler!
We want Coach Wheeler!

We've come a long way since
the beginning of the season.

I want to thank the student body
for being with us all the way.

We've got to break it up now.

I want the boys to get
a good night's sleep.

ALL:
Yay, team! Yay, team! Yay!

Hey, Bill,
the coach told me

I might get in the game
tomorrow.

That's great.I owe it all to you.

I can't tell you
how grateful I am.

Forget it. We're pals.

That's why I want you to know.Know what?

After the game tomorrow,
I'm throwing a party.

I'm gonna introduce Terry
to my folks.

If they like one another,
well, you never can tell.

You might be my best man.You mean --

Yeah, aren't you happy
about the idea?

Yeah, I think
it's real great.

I'm only sorry
I can't be with you,

but I have a party of my own
to go to.

Hey, Bill...

Who is it?BILL: It's me, your boyfriend.

What are you doing here?
It's after hours.

I've just come up
to congratulate the bride.

Hope you and Junior--What are you talking about?

You've been drinking.
It's the night before the game!

So what?
Besides, drunk or sober,

I know when I'm being
double-crossed.

What's come over you?

You ought to know.
You planned it that way.

Me, Bill Baker,
big All-American.

Big All-American sucker!I don't understand.

You wouldn't understand.

First I let his old man
buy me through college,

then I let my girlfriend talk me
into playing second fiddle.

All for Junior.We agreed it was for his ego.

What about my ego?
Everything for Junior's ego.

I'm tired of it. I come
to tell you I'm tired of it.

Shh, someone will hear you!Don't shush me!

I'm tired of playing games.

What's going on
with you two?

Glad you asked that question,
madam.

That's what I come up
to find out.

HARMON:
Ladies and gentlemen,
this has been

one of Ridgeville's
saddest homecoming games.

Without Bill Baker, they've
put up a good fight,

but Wilton is winning,
7-nothing.

There's only five minutes
left to play.

Ridgeville has called
time-out.

I never should've let you
room with a boy like that.

I'd rather not talk
about him.

One chance in a million
for a championship,

and that kid's
gotta get loaded.

Why did he do it?
Why did he pick last night?

Coach, you gonna let Junior in?

Please, Dad.Oh, yeah.

Son, maybe some of living
with Baker rubbed off on you.

Loosen up.

I've gotta talk to you
about Bill.

Forget it, Terry.
I thought he was my friend.

He is! That's why
he's in this trouble.

He wanted to tell you
about your father's money

and that we loved each other,
but I wouldn't let him,

because we were trying
to build up your ego.

In building you up,
he thought I double-crossed him.

That's why he came
to my room drunk

and got himself expelled,
and it's all your fault!

What can I do to make it up?

There's only one thing
to do.

Stop being self-centered
and dependent on other people.

Get out there and stand
on your own legs.

You have reason
to have confidence now.

Bill helped you. Now get
out there and help Bill!

Okay, Terry, I'll try.

All right, there's
two minutes left. Get in there.

Coach, I'd like
to ask you something.

Did Bill keep me
on the squad?

I'd like to ask you
a favor.

What is it?Could I wear Bill's jersey?

Fred, got 32's jersey?FRED: Yeah, here it is.

Okay, hurry it up.

Junior Jackson is wearing
Bill Baker's number 32.

Junior Jackson is going
into the game for Ridgeville.

K24 on three.PLAYER: On three, break!

HARMON:
Ridgeville's ball on Wilton's
20-yard line.

Set! One, two, three!

HARMON:
The ball is snapped. He starts
to circle his left end.

No, wait, he's running
back towards his own goal!

Junior is running
the wrong way!

No, wait a minute.

He's reversing his field.
He picks up his blockers.

He's back to the 40, the 30...

the 20, the 10, the five!

Junior Jackson scores
a touchdown for Ridgeville!

What a beautiful
tactical maneuver!

That's my boy!
That's my Junior!

The score is now 7-6,
with Wilton leading.

Jackson covered almost 90 yards
on that touchdown run.

Well, now it'll be
Ridgeville's turn to try

for this all-important
extra point.

It will be Ryan who will attempt
the extra point for Ridgeville.

But Coach, I could've made
the extra point.

You've been seeing
too many movies

where the hero goes in at the
last minute and wins the game.

That touchdown you made
was a miracle, thanks.

Sit down.

HARMON:
There's the snap from center.

There's the kick.
It's no good!

So Wilton leads
by a score of 7-6

with but one minute
left to play.

That missed kick may have been
the ball game.

Ridgeville lining up
for the kickoff.

They'll kick off to Wilton.
There's the kick.

A long kick
coming down the field.

Barton takes it.
He's going to run it out.

He's back to the five,
the 10, the 15, the 23--

He's hit at the 23 and goes
down and he fumbles!

And I believe
Ridgeville recovers!

Yes, they did,
so it'll be first down

and 10 yards to go
for Ridgeville.

With five seconds left to play
in the ball game,

now we'll see whether or not
Ridgeville can capitalize

on this break.

Ridgeville has called
for a time-out.

Coach, you gotta
put Junior in.

He's a great kicker.
I've been practicing with him.

He's a Jackson.
I tell you, he'll come through.

Junior,
it's a tough spot.

You'll be kicking from
the 29 yard line.

A stiff wind blowing.
What do you say?

I'll do the best
I can, Coach.

Okay, it's crazy, but go in.
And good luck.

HARMON:
Coach Wheeler's making
a substitution.

He's taking Ryan out and
putting young Jackson in.

Apparently Ridgeville is going
to try a field goal

from an almost
impossible angle.

PLAYER:
Break!

I wonder what's going through
young Jackson's mind now.

You can do it, Junior.
You're big now. Do it for Bill.

Remember all the hours
we practiced?

Take your time. You can do it.

HARMON:
There's the kick.
It's up, up, up.

It's over for a field goal!

The gun goes off,
and Ridgeville wins

by a score of 9-7!

That's my boy!
That's my Junior!

HARMON:
What a hero Junior Jackson
will be in this town tonight.

The entire Ridgeville team
is swarming out on the field.

They've got Jackson
on their shoulders

and carrying him off the field.

Well, what a football game
that boy has played today!

Well, Terry, all
misunderstandings cleared away?

You happy?Very happy.

I am too.

Oh, there's Bill.
Let's go tell him the news.

Bill, we've got
some news for you.

Congratulations, but
it's not news anymore.

You don't understand.
Will you dance with Terry?

She wants it that way.
Right, Terry?

Well, I don't want--Please, Bill.

And I want it that way.
She's for you.

Okay, pal?Okay, pal.

Junior!Hiya, Babs.

I've been looking all over
for you.

You know, I can't tell you how
thrilled I was this afternoon.

You're just
the best football player

that ever was
in the whole wide world.

I guess I was just lucky.

Lucky?
Why, you just thrilled me.

You know, I've always liked you,
ever since high school.

Yeah, you did?Of course.

Couldn't you tell?Well, I--

Well, you'll be able to tell
from now on, sugar.

What have you got
for your little Babs?

Close your eyes,
pucker up your lips...

Bye.

Dad, see,
I wore my letter!

That's nice, son,
but where are your glasses?

Well, since I won
the game this afternoon

and I'm a hero,
I don't need them anymore.

Doc Hunter was right,
it was psychosomatic!

But Dad, aren't you pleased
about the letter?

Son, you've taught me

there are more important things
in life than football.

Will you please autograph
my program?

Mine too.Certainly, happy to do it.

Who's talking to you?
We mean him.

Yeah, who does that
old geezer think he is?

That "old geezer" is my dad,
"Jarring" Jack Jackson,

the greatest football player
ever turned out at Ridgeville.

So what?
We saw you this afternoon.

For our money,
you're the greatest.

I'm going out for football
next season.

Could you give me
some advice?

Well, there were three things
when I played football.

You hit 'em low,
you hit 'em fast,

and you hit 'em hard.
And if they get up,

you hit 'em again.

Yes, sir, you gotta play
guts football.

BOY 1:
Thanks, Junior.

BOY 2:
Yeah, thanks a lot, Junior.

JUNIOR:
Okay.

I'm sorry, Dad.

That's all right, son.
That's my boy!