Michael Landon, the Father I Knew (1999) - full transcript

(slow paced music)
(birds chirping)

(reporters chattering)

- [Mike] My Father,
Michael Landon,

had been loved by millions.

And now that he was gone, the
world would mourn with us.

Mourn the loss of a
man who spent his life

bringing loving families

and honest values into
their living rooms.

But my Father was
much more complex

than the simple, noble,
men he portrayed.

And his own family
life didn't always



mirror the television images.

I am my Father's son

and I have struggled
with his legacy

and my own.

(slow paced music)

- [Walkie-Talkie] Are
you gonna make a move,

or are you just gonna
let me sit here and rot?

Over.

(boy burping)

- Knight to king
bishop three, over.

(boy burping)

- [Boy On Walkie-Talkie]
Decent move.

Pawn to king knight four, over.

(car approaching)



- Dad's home Jack.

Gotta go, over and out.

- [Girl] Move it!

- Ow!

Got a green one!

- Cheat!

Not fair!

- [Boy] Sucker!

Let go!

I said let go!

- Give him a chance to breathe!

(woman screaming)

- Watch out kids!

- [Boy] Sorry Betty!

- Where are my children!

Hey!

Hey, how was your day huh?

- [Boy] Pretty good!

- [Michael] Kisses, kisses.

- I hit two homers Daddy.

Brought in five runs.

- Way to go Les!

- Can we play three flies up?

I'm up first.

- Yeah we can play.

Hang on a second.

Lord you're beautiful.

Would you marry me?

- I already did.

- That's a relief.

(Michael laughing)

All right, you got
two home runs huh?

Did you beat up any wimps today?

- Just Mike.

- You wish!

- Come on, let's get our mitts.

- Mike.

Did you have a report
card to give Dad?

- Up.

Now you know all I care
about is you do your best.

You work hard.

Any bad grades in effort?

- Only one, English.

- Well that's one too many son.

Now if you don't understand
something that's one thing,

but there is no
excuse for laziness.

If it happens again
you're gonna be

spending weekends up in
your room, you got me?

- Yes sir.

- All right.

- Dad, we have no
school tomorrow.

Can we still go
to work with you?

Please?

- Why?
- Please?

- [Michael] Nothing good
ever happens out there.

Come on!

(glass shattering)
(triumphant music)

(women screaming)

(men grunting)

(water splashing)

This time, wash
behind your ears!

(horse neighs)

Cut!

Cut.

Andy, Andy!

You want John to
direct the camera?

- That was very good.

- You all right?

- You bet.

- That was great.

- All right, ladies and
gentlemen, that is a wrap!

Have a nice weekend!

- Mike.

You have time to look at a

couple of script changes
- No!

- [Director] Before you split

because you see--

- I miss my wife,

- [Both Michaels] and baby girl!

- [Michael Jr.]
That was great Dad.

- Hey, here hey wait.

Now remember kids.

We got an early
morning tomorrow.

Gotta pick up your brother
Josh and go fishing!

(slow paced rock music)

- That's him man!

I know that guy, I know him!

Look Ted, it's Little
Joe from Bonanza!

Yo, how's Pa and Big Hoss man?

Hey, show us that fast draw
you got there Little Joe!

(men imitate shooting)

Hey Little Joe, hey,

you ever seen one of these
on the Ponderosa man?

(men screaming)

(car screeching)

- Stay in the car kids.

- What's he doing?

- I think Dad's gonna
kick their butts!

(man screaming)

- Now that I've got your
undivided attention,

it should be clear
that I do not like

my children exposed to
that kind of disrespect.

Yeah?

- Uh huh, uh huh.

- Clear?

All right.

(all laughing)

(light slow music)

Hey.

Wake up.

Rise and fish.

We have a dry night?

Don't worry about it.

Go on, go get cleaned up.

I'll take care of the sheets.

- No, let me Dad.

- Hey Son,

you'll outgrow it, all right?

Don't worry about it.

At least your Mother's not gonna

hang the sheets out the
window like mine did.

But then again, your
Mother hasn't washed

her sheets since I met her.

Now go on, I'll stash
these for Betty.

Go on.

- I love you Dad.

- I love you more.

Now go on, the fish are waiting.

(kids laughing)

Get 'em!

Come on!

(fish splashing)

Here you go Son.

I got one all set up for you.

Hey, tell me something would ya?

What's up with
your brother Mark?

I hardly ever see him anymore.

- Nah, he's fine.

He still works
part-time at the market

and he still plays piano
every other second.

- I guess he's just too grown up

to come around anymore huh?

- Yeah.

- I can dig that.

As soon as I got
away from my folks

I was long gone too.

- Harry, quick!

Get over here, get a picture!

Mister, oh would you mind?

Oh you don't mind do you?
- Come on, come on, let's go.

- [Woman] You are going
to make our vacation!

Do you know who this is?

- Here we go.

- [Woman] Oh you're so tall!

You might wanna put your hand
around my shoulder Mr. Landon.

Oh gosh!

(kids laughing)

- [Michael] Hey Dodie!

- [Woman] Hi.

- Right on time!

Come on Josh, time to go son.

- Why do I have to
go home so early?

- Because, your mom has
something special planned.

Now, I promise.

Next time you can spend
the whole weekend okay?

Come on son.

We had a great time!

- I feel sorry for Josh.

- Yeah, me too.

I'd die if I couldn't
see my Dad every day.

- No, no, you're wrong.

- You don't know what
you're talking about.

- No, you're wrong.

Look, if Nixon was
innocent he would turn

the tapes over to Judge Sirica.

- You're completely
missing my point.

We're talking about
the system here.

We're talking about
political sabotage,

partisan politics
at it's finest.

That's what we're talking about.

- Of course it's much
easier to blame the system

than hold the individual
accountable, right?

- Lynn, I love your brother,

but he's full of crap.

Michael.

Pass the tartar
sauce would ya son?

- The man is a liar and a thief.

- Bob, never argue with
someone that loves to argue.

- Lynn, we're not arguing.

We're debating about
the best foreign policy

president this
country has ever had.

That's what we're doing.

- Oh man.

- Excuse me.

(Michael sneezes)

- [Bob And Les] Bless you.

- God bless you.

- [Everyone] Aw!

(everyone laughing)

- Michael.

- What?

- What you're
teaching the children.

Oh!

- Come on, lighten up.

- Awe geez, he's choking again.

- Give him some air.
- Do something.

- Come here, come here.
- Mike.

- [Michael] Come on, up you go.

Come on.

He's all right.

- I told him to eat slowly
and to chew his food.

I have told him a million times!

- It's all right.

Next time, chew better.

All right son?

- How many times
have I told you this?

Mike, how many times have I
told you to chew your food?

You scared me to death.

- But Nixon is not as out
of line as you think he is.

- [Bob] Oh come on.

- [Mike] Woo hoo!
(water splashing)

Here I go!

I get the pole first!

- [Les] No!

- [Mike] Take that!
(slow paced music)

- I've been looking at some
houses in Beverly Hills.

I want you to look with me.

- Aren't you happy here?

- Yes, I'm happy.

That's not it.

The truth is, we've
run out of bedrooms.

- What do you mean we've...

Why didn't you tell
me that before!

- Oh, well you were
too busy shoving

food up your nose for one thing.

- Oh Lynn baby, I'm so happy.

I'm so happy.

I never though that
this could happen.

- Well we always planned
for a big family.

- No, no, no, I mean
I never thought that

I would be part
of a happy family.

I just never thought
it was possible.

- Well it is

and you are.

- I love you so much.

The kids.

Hey kids, kids, kids!

Listen up!

We're having a baby.

We're having a baby!

(Lynn and Michael laughing)

- [Lynn] So, is
that okay with you?

- [Kids] Yeah!

- Is that okay with you?

- It's okay with me.

(slow paced music)

- Yes, careful, careful!

This is so exciting!

I can't believe it.

I can't believe you bought
us such a great house.

- Hey, every woman needs
a 20,000 square foot

house with nine bedrooms.

- And 13 bathrooms.

- To buy toilet
paper by the case.

(both laughing)

Uh-oh.

Yeah.

Hey kids.

Come on, why the glum faces?

- It's gonna be so
different living here.

- Ah sweetheart--

- I miss the old house already.

- Come here.

Have you been thinking about
how much fun we can have here?

We can go swimming,
we can play baseball,

you can play tennis.

- It's so big.

- Son, everything's gonna
be the same as it was,

only bigger.

Come on, look up there.

See that?

That is your room.

Michael, you're gonna
have practically

the whole front of
the house to yourself.

(light gentle music)

- Jack, how did your parents
act before they got divorced?

I mean, were there any signs?

Over.

- [Jack] You mean like
fighting over everything

or not speaking at all,

and traveling alone?

Bishop to queen rook five.

Why?

- I don't know.

It's nothing, nevermind.

Hey, Dad's home, over and out.

(upbeat gentle music)

Out of the way!

- [Les] Shawna,
Chris, Dad's home!

- [Shawna] Daddy, Daddy!

- [Chris] Me first, me!

- [Les] Nope, get out of my way!

(kids shouting)

- Hey kids, kids, kids!

- [Les] Hi Dad!

- Hi.

Hey, come on, you gotta
let me get in the house.

- Kisses Daddy, kisses!
(kids shouting)

- Chris, you're getting
too heavy for this!

Listen, I can't
hear you when you're

talking at the same time!

- Hey Dad, check out
- Chris, come on now.

- My report card.
- Quiet!

- [Michael] Would
you be quiet son!

- [Lynn] Shawna, come on, Chris.

I have told you about this.

Sweetheart, I'm sorry.

Did you have a hard day?

- Yeah, I just need a little--

- Chris.

- I just need a little
peace, that's all.

- Okay everybody,
we're due at Antonio's

in one hour.
- No, no, no, no.

- [Michael] Honey, we're
not going to Antonio's

tonight are we?

- You forgot.

That's okay, I'll cancel.

- No, that's fine.

- You've had a hard
day, I'll cancel--

- No, it's fine!

It's fine.

We'll go.

- Let's get something
done with your hair.

Come on.

Betty, help me get
these kids together!

Come on now, come on, let's go.

And how many times
I have to tell you

not to trip on your Father
when he comes through the door.

- No, no, no, no.

(speaking foreign language)

- Thank you.

Mikey, Mikey, Mikey!

You're getting to be
a big kid now, huh?

You look just like your Papa.

Listen, you ever want a job,

you come see Antonio, all right?

- Thank you sir,
that's quite an offer.

(Michael laughing)

- Thank you.

- I'd have to be pretty
desperate to work here, huh Dad?

- Hey, don't you
be so cocky Son.

Most people work their
butts off their entire lives

without any
recognition whatsoever.

I mean, you try
hawking studio ads

like my old man did.

Only to drop dead
in a bowl of soup.

If I didn't go to
audition with a friend,

and get lucky enough
to get an acting job,

I'd still be
unloading freight cars

and you sure wouldn't
be sitting here tonight

where you are mister.

- Do I get something to drink?

- Yeah.

Hey.

How about a glass of Mrs.
Landon's favorite red wine?

- I never used to have to ask.

What's going on?

- I have a basketball
game on Saturday.

- Honey, I was talking to Dad.

- Yeah, just a makeup girl.

She's young, she makes mistakes.

- Why does she get to you so?

- I don't know.

- Hey, how about a
barbecue this weekend?

It's been so long
since we've had--

- Son, I was
thinking about maybe

going fishing this weekend.

- That's even better!

- No, I was thinking
about going alone.

Look son, I'm worn out.

All right, I need
a little space,

a little room to myself.

- Yeah.

- I think that's a great idea.

You give so much
to everyone, to us,

I think you probably need
some time for yourself.

- [Michael] Well
thank you sweetheart.

(rushing winds)

(bird cawing)
(metal clanking)

(crowd shouting)

- You're our hero Mike!

(car approaching)

- Hey, how was fishing?

- Hi Son!

Time alone is just
what I needed.

Casting into the
wind, the warm sand.

- Your rod's so clean.

So is your tackle box.

- Hi, how was it?

Fish biting?

- No.

I'm a little tired sweetheart.

I'm gonna go take a nap.

(somber music)

(phone ringing)

- [Man On Phone]
Perry Investigations.

- Yes.

- [Perry Investigations]
May I help you?

- I have a situation here and--

- [Perry Investigations]
What can we do for you?

- It's probably nothing.

- See ya later guys.

- That was a great
play in the ninth Son!

And you reached right
up and grabbed that ball

out of the sky!

- You're embarrassing.
- Thanks Dad.

- [Father] Look, week after week

you're embarrassing
me, why is that?

Huh?

- What a jerk.

I wonder if that
guy has any idea

what he's doing to his son.

- When we get home,
you're gonna take so many

round balls until you get--

- He's gonna miss the ball...

You know something,
that's exactly what

my mother used to do.

One day I was maybe 14-years-old

out in front of our drug store

with a bunch of
my friends, right.

Taxi cab comes screaming
up to the front,

she jumps out starts hitting me

over the head with
a coat hanger.

Calling me all kinds of names

in front of my friends.

- So what'd you do?

- What'd I do?

I made like it was a joke.

I said, "Hey guys,
I think I gotta go.

"My mother wants me."

Sometimes I wanna
punch her lights out.

- So Dad, is everything
all right with you and Mom?

- You know what
that guy oughta do?

He ought to tell his Son,

"Son listen, some balls
are bound to get by you.

"But just don't beat
yourself up if they do."

- [Shawna] Santa came!

Santa came!

Santa came!
- Presents, presents!

- [Shawna] Santa came!

- [Lynn] Merry Christmas!

- This is a moment we
don't wanna forget.

(camera shutters)

- Cut!

Thanks Mr. Landon.

Nice work kids.

All right, we'll reset
for Mother's closeup.

- Mrs. Landon, a call for you.

- Hello.

- [Perry Investigations]
Mrs. Landon.

- [Lynn] Yes.

- [Perry Investigations]
Perry Investigations.

I have information for you.

I'm sorry to confirm
your husband is

having an affair with the
makeup artist on his show.

I have dates, times,
and photographs.

- Thank you, I'll
get back to you.

- Hey Lynn.

Lynn.

Sweetheart, what's the matter?

- Why don't you tell me
about your little secret?

- Dad, Shawna hit me with
her action figure again.

- Hey, well why
don't we just go talk

to your sister about that huh?

- Hey, I've been
trying to raise you.

What are you doing?

- Dreaming of snow and ice.

Hey!

How about we get two ice
blocks from the ice shed

and slide down the hill
at the country club?

- Yeah, like that
could really happen.

- No man, I've done it.

I know I got a picture here.

Here, see.

Aspen.

Man, what's with you?

- Something's going on at home.

I think it's serious.

I mean, I never could
talk to my Mom before,

but now my Dad's
getting weird too.

- You're 15 man.

You're not supposed to
talk to your parents.

They hate you, you hate them.

Why do you think my Mom has
me here in the guest house?

- But it's different
at my house!

I mean, my Dad's the best!

He's everything!

- It's like that in
everybody's house man.

Just some of us are
better at hiding it.

- You think this stuff helps?

- Maybe.

Sometimes.

- Too many things are changing.

Keep it on our channel Jack.

- These just arrived from Dad.

He has to shoot late so
he's gonna meet you there.

Aren't they beautiful?

- I don't know what
your Dad wants from me.

One minute I'm a
queen, the next minute

I'm an absolute stranger.

- Where's that silvery
eyeshadow that you like so much?

Let me help?

- You know, when your
Father and I were...

When your Father was
with Dodie, you know,

he came after me.

I didn't go after him.

I never wanted to be any
kind of homewrecker or any...

- Mom, what are
you talking about?

- [Bob] Knock knock!

- [Les] Hi.

- Hi, may I approach the bench?

- Yeah, listen.

Talk to Mom 'cause
she's weirding out

and I need to go
find some eyeshadow.

- You okay sis?

- He told me the
affair was over.

I have to believe him.

I have to give my
marriage a chance.

- I know.

I know you do.

- Sit still, you keep moving!

- I keep moving so you
can get it in my mouth!

- Uh-uh.

- Okay shh, it's time.

Listen.

- And now, for the favorite
dramatic television program,

the nominations are, "Family."

(audience applauding)

- Stop, stop it Chris!

Look, there's Dad, look.
- "Quincy!"

- "Little House on the Prairie."

(audience applauding)

And your favorite is, "Little
House on the Prairie."

(kids shouting)

- Thank you.

I'm especially
proud of this award.

I love television.

It's one heck of a medium.

- Mom sure looks nervous.

- [Dad] And if our show

causes one child to

pick up a book and read it,

then I'm especially proud.

Because hey, Mom and Dad,

if we don't start
talking to our families

then I'm afraid we're
gonna have dire problems.

- Mom, isn't it great?

Dad won!

What's going on?

- Come here.

Sit down sweetheart.

Leslie, you know
how much I love you.

I mean, you're so pretty.

- [Les] Dad, what's going on?

- I tried not to...

Sweetie, I tried really
hard not to hurt anybody.

- What are you talking about?

- Your Daddy has met
and fallen in love

with another woman.

Please don't hate me sweetheart.

- No!

(Les sobbing)

- Leslie, please don't!

- No!

- Leslie.

Go to your room.

What did you say to her?

- I told her the truth.

- Oh.

What is the truth Mike?

That you just led
me to the apartment

of the woman you're
sleeping with?

- No, I didn't
lead you anywhere,

you followed me, remember?

- You told me it was over.

- I thought it was over.

I just can't seem
to help myself.

I'm all screwed up in the head.

Listen, sweetheart,

it's not you, it's me.

I'm just not excited
about my work anymore.

- Oh.

You're not excited.

How can you be so selfish!

- I'm not excited about
- We have built something

- Anything anymore Lynn,
- Here Mike!

- [Michael] And it's
tearing me apart!

I mean, people, they see
a whole different thing,

but I feel like,

I feel like nothing.

- Oh please.

- I even think that
you and the kids,

that you don't love
me for who I am.

You love me for what I'm

supposed to be.
- Oh my god.

- Would you listen to me!
- I can't believe!

- [Lynn] I can't believe
you're saying this to me.

Fine, fine!

Then quit the business!

Who cares!

I don't care if you are
a plumber, a movie star,

just don't destroy...
- You don't care?

- [Michael] Look at
what I've given you!

I've given you everything
you ever wanted

in your whole life!

And I've lived like
a saint through the

whole damn thing!

- Mike.

Mike,

this is our life.

We have a life and
have a happy family.

We have obligations--

- I don't want
anymore obligations!

I've got enough
obligations Lynn.

What I want is her.

I want her excitement
about my work.

I want her innocence.

Lynn, I want--

- Her youth won't
bring back yours.

- No.

- [Lynn] I don't deserve this.

- No honey, but I deserve this.

I deserve this.
(solemn music)

- Get out.

Get out!

(solemn music)

- If Daddy doesn't live
here anymore is he homeless?

Has he been out in the cold?

- No, I told you.

He was living in a hotel

but now he has a real house

and we can go visit him.

- [Shawna] He's here!

- Hey Dad.

Yeah, I missed you too.

Yeah, I'm doing
great, just great.

You'll work things out.

You always do.

- [Kids] Daddy! Daddy!

- [Shawna] Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!

- Hey, hey, oh!

How are ya?

- [Chris] I missed you.

- Do you have everything?
- Missed you too son.

- [Shawna] Are you cold Daddy?

- No sweetheart I'm
not cold, are you?

- No.

- You look good.

- Thank you, so do you.

- Hey Dad.

- Hey Son.

Come on, let's go, let's go.

Get in the car!

Get in the car!

- Wear your jackets, okay!

- [Shawna] Daddy, blue, pink,
and white checkered bag!

- [Mike] I got shotgun!

- [Michael] Okay fine, go ahead.

- Bye.

(upbeat music)

- [Les] Are you guys
getting dizzy now?

(kids laughing)

- [Michael] Come on, you
gotta hang onto the horse!

- [Les] You're
sitting on my leg!

- [Michael] Make a funny face.

- Should we?

Should we?

Let's go.

- Hey, "Your fortune
will soon await you."

- I hope it's not talking
about your inheritance.

- Dad.

- What's a harry tance?

- Well son,

a harry tance is a
ferocious monster

that makes families
fight one another.

- That's silly.

- Come on Daddy, read yours!

- All right sweetheart.

Let's see.

"You will soon meet a
mysterious stranger."

Terrific.

As if I don't have enough
trouble as it is, right?

Hey kids, I'm really glad we had

a chance to spend
some time together.

You have fun?

You have fun with me, huh?

- I liked the
haunted house best.

- I liked the real
fortune teller lady best.

- Oh yeah?

What real fortune
did the lady tell ya?

- I asked her if you and Mommy

would get back together
and she said yes!

- She doesn't even know our Mom.

I need a fork.

- Chris, Son, I think the
lady might know her stuff.

I mean, I'm still hoping that

your Mom and I
get back together.

- Well that depends Dad.

- Depends on what Les?

- Are you still
seeing, you know?

- I'll get you a fork Chris.

- No.

I'm not sweetheart, that's over.

- Good.

- Hey, where's the
silverware in this place?

- Sweetheart, slow down.

Come on, if you keep
eating like that

you'll be as big as a barn.

(Shawna giggles)

- Whoa!

Diamond earrings!

Hey, who do these belong to?

- I don't know Son,
maybe the cleaning lady?

What do ya say kids?

Do you want ice
cream or a movie?

- [Kids] Ice cream and a movie!

- How 'bout you Son,
what do you say?

Ice cream, a movie, what?

- Whatever.

I got things to do at home.

- Sweetheart, I'm sorry.

Go ahead.

Go ahead, eat, it's good.

- [Intercom] Rollbacks on two.

Brad, rollbacks on
check stand two.

- He is arrogant,
he is thoughtless.

How can he do this to her huh?

How can he do this?

He's just, we're just
so far beneath him?

Or he's so far above
common decency?

- [Bob] Calm down.

I mean, you should
think this through.

- Look, I've thought it through.

I am not gonna stick
around for this.

I am not gonna let
me rub my nose in it.

He's moved on.

I'm taking the kids to Mexico.

- [Man] Stop by
when you're done.

- Oh okay, thank you.

- All right, there ya go.

(faint rock music)

- Mom.

Does this make me look fat?

Dad said that I looked fat.

- No honey, you
look fine, just--

(phone ringing)

Well when you bend
over like that it--

Hello.

Hi Bob.

- [Bob] Is this a bad time?

- No, it's okay, just tell me.

- [Bob] Michael's
filed for divorce.

(somber music)

- Okay, I guess that's it then.

- [Bob] Sorry.

- That was Uncle Bob.

Your Father filed for divorce.

- But, the fortune
teller lady said--

- She wasn't real Shawna.

Just pretend.

- Does this mean we can't
go out and have fun?

- No, it doesn't.

I'll be damned if we're gonna

sit around here in
this room and mope.

We are gonna have fun.

(upbeat music)

I'm sorry?

- What a bozo, what's he want?

- Our Mother.

- Mom!

That's sickening!

What a jerk.

All right, that's
it, I'm outta here!

- What are you doing?

- Hey!

- Hey yourself all right!

- [Lynn] What?

- I'm going back, I need
some money for a taxi.

- Honey, do you have to?

The money's in my purse.

- Yeah, so I wanna leave now!

- Where are your
manners you punk?

You insult me, my partner--

- Hey, she's not your
partner all right greaseball!

Hey, do that again
and I'm again belt ya!

(men grunting)

(man speaking foreign language)

- Michael!

- Aye, aye, aye!
(Michael grunting)

- What are you doing?

- Trying to get away from you!

- Oh, I see, it's okay for your
Father to live with someone

but I can't even have a dance?

- No!

None of it's okay all right!

I mean, there's
four kids at home

and neither one of you
are thinking about us!

- Michael!

Michael!

(slow paced music)

Hey.

Come here.

The last time I nursed a
black eye it was your Dad's.

Would you believe he
got in a fight over

some wig I was wearing?

A big ole pink puffy thing

and it didn't even
look like hair.

Well he'd had a little
too much to drink

and he decided it was
time to defend my honor.

- You wore a pink wig?

- Yes.

It was very much the style.

And if there's one thing
your Father demanded of me,

it was to be stylish.

You know, you really reminded
me of him back there.

So brave, and
handsome, and foolish.

- I didn't feel so brave.

I'm scared.

- I know honey.

We all are.

- [Betty] Come on,
come on, don't run!

- [Shawna] Come on!

- Come on, come on, come on.

(door knocking)

- Mom?

His stuff's gone.

He took everything.

- He probably just wanted
to spare you kids the pain.

(Mom sobbing)

I miss him.

I miss him so much.

(Lynn crying)

- He'll be back.

On weekends.

Buy you stuff you
really don't need.

- Dad knows he screwed up.

He'll fix things.

He always does.

- Yeah, he was just on
vacation for a while

with someone besides your Mom.

- Shut up Jack!

- Hey, it's tougher for you.

Everyone knows who your Dad is.

And the rep you
gotta live up to.

Never thought I'd be
thankful to my Dad

for being a nobody.

Hey, where are you going now?

- I've always wanted
to go into that house,

and I'm going to.

- What if somebody's home?

- So don't let 'em see you.

(knob clanking)

(steps thudding)

Shh.
(Jack laughing)

Wow, check this out.

- Whoa!

(harp chiming)

- [Mike] Whoa dude,
this place is creepy.

- It's pretty cool to me.

- [Mike] Oh cool!

Give me one of those!

- Oh yeah.

Ooh.

- [Man] Who's in here?

(gun clicking)

- [Jack] Mike.

- [Homeowner] Turn around and
move back the way you came.

If it happens again
I call the cops!

- Is that cool or what man?

What the!

What the hell!

- You almost got us killed!

- Dude, what are
you talking about!

That guy was running
on unleaded gas!

- I'm not listening
to you anymore.

(Mike grunting)

♪ We are going to Malibu,
Malibu, to Malibu ♪

♪ We are going to Malibu

- [Michael] We're gonna
go to the beach house!

- [Shawna] Come on Daddy!

Help me up, help me up!

- That's it Michael, I'm not
gonna lie for you anymore.

You're gonna have to
find a way to face him

and deal with his new life.

- I'm not ready to meet her.

What about you Mom?

What kind of life is getting
all fixed up for him?

And then to spend the
rest of the day in bed?

- Come on, come on!

(kids screaming)

- Get it!

Shawna, run!

Run with it, run!

Run, faster, faster!

Faster!

Faster!

I love you.

Go!

- What is it Betty?

What's so important?

- [Betty] There's
someone here to see you.

- Dad!

- [Michael] Ta-da!

- What oh what no way!
(Michael laughing)

- Hey, happy
birthday big ole boy!

Here you go.

- No way, this is so incredible!

Hey, let's go for a spin,

you can be my first passenger!

Santa Barbara?
- Son I can't.

- [Michael] I'm already a
little late for Cindy's.

You understand, right?

But hey, we're still on to
meet her next week, right?

- Sure, right.

- All right.

Hey, Son, enjoy it!

He made everybody turn around

and up out of the water
comes nothing but,

nothing but skin and
black eyebrows, right?

(everyone laughing)

Looking for his, trying
to put his hair back on.

We had a two hour break that day

because they had to dry his
hairpiece to put it back on.

Hey, hey, listen.

I'll meet you over there then.

Come on, come on kids.

Listen, Cindy is
really kind of nervous

about meeting you two.

She wants to make sure
that you like her.

Now you're gonna like her.

You're gonna love her.

She's funny, she's
cute, and, here she is!

Cindy, I want you
to meet my kids.

This is Mike Jr.

- Hi.

- Hello.

- And this, this is my Leslie.

- Hi Cindy.

I like your blouse.

- Thanks.

I like yours too.

- Ain't that just
like two women?

They're always yakking
about clothes Son.

Excuse me!

(Michael sneezes)

- [Cindy] Bless you.

- Whew!
(Cindy screams)

What?

- That is terrible.

- What, what's so funny?
(Michael laughing)

- That was our joke.
(somber music)

- Excuse me.

Son.

Son, look, listen to me.

Look, your Mom, she just
wanted a different deal.

The big house,
the fancy clothes,

the Beverly Hills lunches.

I mean, it's fine,
but it's just not me.

Listen, Cindy likes the
same things that I like.

It's a simple life.

Son, you understand what
I'm trying to tell ya?

- Yeah Dad.

Yeah I do.

(engine turns)

(car revs)

(rock music)

- Oh, hey man, how'd it go?

- Race you to the bottom?

- On this road,
we'll kill ourselves.

- Too bad.

(car screeching)

(Michael laughing)

Woo!

Yeah baby!

(car screeching)

Oh, oh you wanna see this?

You wanna see this?

Come on baby, let's go!

Woo!

No way!

Sucker!

- Mike!

Mike slow down!

(car screeching)

- Nice to see ya!

Bye-bye!

- Mike!

Mike slow down!

Mike!

- Oh god!

(car crashing)

(car scraping)

- Mikey!

Oh my god!

Mike!

Mike, why did I
ever listen to you!

Mike, help, someone!

(crickets chirping)

- 80 miles an hour Michael?

80 miles an hour?

What were you thinking!

Well you weren't thinking,
that's the problem.

So you met his lover, so what!

You could have killed yourself!

Or somebody else
for that matter!

This behavior has got to stop!

Do you hear me!

(solemn music)

(rushing winds)

(light gentle music)
(metal clanking)

(crowd shouting)

- [Woman] We love you!

You're our hero Mike!

- [Michael] Appreciate it.

Thanks for watching.

- Dad?

Daddy!

- [Michael] All
right, I'll sign.

- Where's my Dad!
- What's your name?

- [Michael] I'll get to you.

I'll get all of you.

Hey, thank you.
- Dad!

Dad!

- [Lynn] Michael!

Michael!

- What now?

- I warned you, I warned you.

Michael, how many
times did I tell you?

How many times did
we talk about this?

I warned you that if you
stopped applying yourself,

you would be on your own.

- What are you talking about?

I'm working my butt off.

- Save it.

You've been kicked out of SC.

Your Father and I are
cutting off your money.

- Cutting me off?

How the hell do you expect
me to pay for anything?

- Well, let's see.

You might start
by getting a job.

- You know, it's
a good thing he's

not cutting your money off,

or you'd have to get a job too.

(Mike chuckles)

- That's it, you are out.

You're 20-years-old!

It's time to grow up!

- Whoa!

Hey Jack.

You didn't call me back.

- I've been busy man, school.

You know, life.

- So can I stay here or not?

- Sorry, it's my Mom.

She thinks you
really lost it man.

Afraid you'll burn the
house down or something.

Hey look, I gotta go.

- What are you doing here?

Why aren't you in school?

- I got kicked out.

- Oh no.

Did Mom go off?

- Oh that's an understatement.

Yeah, look, I need
to crash with you

for a while until
I get a job, okay?

Thanks sis.

- [Leslie] Sure.

- I don't really even have
dish washing experience.

We had housekeepers.

But I hope--

- You're gonna be
fine Mikey, fine.

(people chattering)

And I'm gonna have
a special for you.

Mikey, Mikey, bread, water.

Come on, presto eh.

I have wonderful things

I'm gonna make
with my own hands--

(glass shattering)

Mamma mia, come on.

Quick, pick, pick.

That's Michael Landon's kid.

You know, I'm
trying to train him.

- Hey.

Man.

Must be something either
really good or really bad.

(chips crunching)

"Michael Landon's
mistress pregnant."

Why do they print that stuff?

Come on Les, we figured
this would happen.

- We are already so
distanced from him.

With a baby I know
it'll get worse.

- Worse?

We hardly ever see him now.

- Well maybe if we get
him off by himself.

You know, let him know
how we really feel.

- Yeah.

Yeah, maybe we can
tell him what we feel

and he'll argue about
how we really feel.

You wanna slow down
on those things?

You keep eating like that
you're gonna get fat.

- Dad is bad enough.

I don't need it from you too.

(somber music)

- Les, I'm sorry!

(door knocking)

Hey Les!

(Leslie gagging)

Oh god.

- I really loved
last weeks show Dad.

- I think you're writing
and editing so much,

you must miss directing.

Not that you misdirect.

- All right, let's cut
through it shall we?

What do you guys want?

- Well, you know,
things have obviously

been different lately,

you've been so
preoccupied lately that

we just...

Now with Cindy pregnant,

we're feeling like--

- Shawna and Chris, now
they're too young to judge me.

But I see that you two more than

make up the
difference, don't you?

Hang on.

What about my right to be happy?

I mean, how come you
don't want me to be happy?

Kids, come on.

I mean, what's
the matter with me

being happy once in a while?

- Of course we want
you to be happy.

It's just that we're afraid--

- What are you afraid of?

Afraid of what?

- Of losing you more
than we already have.

- Michael, I'm right here.

You wanna talk to me, I'm here.

Talk to me, what is
it, what do you want?

Hm?

I know what you want.

Son I can't give
that to you anymore.

Listen kids, sometimes
people, they just grow apart.

Now why does it have to
be such a big problem?

- You don't get it.

- I don't get what Michael?

What is it that I don't get?

That you two don't
want me to be happy

because something has changed
between your mother and I

and now you want me
to be miserable too.

Is that it?

Is that what I don't get?

(door slamming)

Now you've gone and upset Cindy.

Are you happy?

- This isn't about her!

God I am so pissed!
(wall banging)

- Go on Michael, go on!

Get mad, get angry!

Beat me up.

(slow paced music)

- My hand hurts.

Do you got any aspirin?

- I must've eaten something bad.

- Even if I don't see
you do it, I can tell,

by your bloodshot
eyes and the smell.

You make yourself
puke every day.

- Please don't tell Mom and Dad.

- Promise me you're
gonna get some help.

- I just thought that

if I was thinner

that Dad--

- Would care about you more?

We're on our own now.

We gotta look out
for each other.

You hear me?

Come here.

It's okay.

It's okay.

(slow paced music)

(doorbell ringing)

- Dodie, it's Lynn.

Lynn Landon.

- Been a long time.

- I know this is years late,

but I never
understood until now,

until it happened to me.

I need to apologize to you

for the affair I had with Mike.

I had absolutely no right.

- You know, I never even
think about it anymore.

It's ancient history.

(light gentle music)

- [Priest] To join
in holy matrimony,

this man, this woman.

We ask God's blessing on them

and also upon all those

gathered here this
day with them.

May god cause Michael and Cindy

to prosper in their
new life together.

And may they learn
to share together

an understanding in
joys and triumphs.

- Like many of you here today,

I had a hit and miss
church upbringing.

I knew a lot about God,

but I didn't really know Him.

And that's how most people are.

They know about Him, but
do they really know Him?

And I found myself sitting

in a setback in life.

And when you have
a setback it's easy

to keep taking a set back

and I was like to prodigal Son

who lost everything he
had on riotous living.

But one day, something changed.

I found my Father.

God the Father.

He changed my life
from the inside out

and gave me a reason
to live, forever.

(seagull squawking)

- [Mike] Hey Dad.

- Son.

Been a while since you been out.

Kind of like your step-brothers
coming around less and less.

How's it going?

- It's going okay.

Shooting some industrial
videos during the day

and still at Antonio's at night.

- So how is your Mother?

- She's doing great.

- Shawna and Christ tell me

she's been going to church.

- It's true.

- No, no.

My Mother was raised
Catholic you know,

she always told
Dad and me we were

gonna burn in hell
because we were Jewish.

Of course, that was
after she made me

study the Torah for a
year to get bar mitzvahs.

- Did she ever make
you go to church?

- What, you kidding me?

Son, we were one of the
only two Jewish families

in a town full of antisemetics.

We couldn't even date
girls who went to church.

Kids used to feel my forehead

to see if I had horns or not.

- Pretty stupid kids.

- Yeah.

The double whammy came
right on my bar mitzvah day.

See, that's when
dear old Mom told me

that it was all meaningless.

Yeah, she had me
baptized as a baby

without my Father
even knowing it.

So it was just a joke.

A joke she and him played to see

who could outdo the other one.

But do you know what?

In spite of all that,

I knew that she didn't
just find God in a book

or some building somewhere.

Nah, I knew that you could
find God right out here.

Roar of the ocean.

Your smile.

The smiles of the little boy.

And in my work.

Now this kid from
Collingswood, New Jersey

who's playing an angel on TV.

I mean, go figure.

- But that's actually
what I wanted

to talk to you about.

I was wondering if
there's something

for me to do on "Highway."

'Cause I need a real job Dad.

A career I can build.

- All right.

Camera department.

You start at the very bottom.

You do exactly as you're told,

and if you screw anything up,

I don't want you to
come running to me

to bail you out, you got it?

- I won't let you down Dad.

Thanks.

Oh God!

Shit.

I'm sorry man, my
alarm didn't go off.

- The cart's a mess.

You're making me
look real bad man.

- [Man] Come on
Junior, ready to shoot.

- I can't, nothing's loaded.

- Damn it Mike,
this is inexcusable.

- I'm sorry Mr. Glenn--

- No, no, no, sorry
doesn't cut it.

You didn't do your job

and because of your screw up,

you're wasting a
lot of peoples time.

I have never had a crew
that shut a company down.

I don't care who your Father is,

now you get your
lazy ass in gear,

get the right film off the truck

and loaded in five
or you're fired.

- [Man] Okay, let's rehearse it!

Let's go, come on!

- [Michael] Would you
look at this picture?

Is this not the
most beautiful baby

you've ever seen
in your whole life?

- [Man] I wanna see that face.

- [Michael] Look
at that face huh?

Look at her, gorgeous.

- You do a lot of things well,

but I think this is the best.

You make great babies.

- Well I pick great Mama's.

That's the trick.

Cindy had this
baby, look at that,

without a hitch and
she looks really great.

I got beautiful girls
and I have never

been happier in my whole life.

Never been happier!

Look at this, whoa!

Hi, hi, hi!

(rain pouring)

- [Mike] Hey.

- I didn't see
your car out front.

- [Mike] I took a
walk, I had to think.

How does a man trade in
one family for another

again and again?

"Hey, these kids are
getting too damn old.

"I'll make some younger
ones that can't talk back."

You know, I used to feel sorry
for my step-brother Josh.

(somber music)
Now I am Josh.

How does a man leave his family

and not even say he's sorry?

- I don't know.
(thunder rumbling)

Hell, this whole thing
could be eating him up too.

- Every rule Dad
taught us, he's broken.

He's lied, he's cheated--

- Who doesn't?

Come on, let's go inside.

- Hey, maybe my childhood
was an illusion.

Maybe it was just a
movie Dad ran, right?

I made it all up.

Take me home.

- Where is home these days?

Hey, you're wasted,
get back in the car!

- No!

I told ya, I'm going home!

- Come on Mike!

You don't even
live here anymore!

Hey, I'm leaving Mike!

(door banging)

(dog barking)

Hey, this is it Mike!

Get in or I'm leaving!

(door banging)

- [Homeowner] Who is it?

- I grew up here.

I wanna look around.

- You go away before
I call the police!

- No, I just wanna
see my old room!

- [Homeowner] Hey, I'm
gonna call the cops!

(somber music)

(thunder rumbling)

- I need you Father.

I need you.

- There's some of you
that are here today

and you realize there
must be more to life

than just barely getting by,

and you wanna change.

I want every head bowed
and every eye closed.

And some of you need to receive
the Lord into your life.

If that's you, if you
want that change today,

I want you to lift
your hand right now.

And by that you're saying
"Yes God, change my life."

So you editing all weekend or?

- [Michael] Nope,
moving this weekend.

- Moving?

- Yeah.

Cindy found a bigger
house in Malibu.

Yeah, this way she
can ride her horses

and I can get back
into playing tennis.

Kids can have a pool to swim in.

- [Man] Mr. Landon!

- Yeah!

My guest from
Make-A-Wish is here.

Enjoy.

Hey!

Welcome to the set!

- Glad to see you're still
keeping it simple Dad.

- Hi.

- Karen.

Look, you look beautiful.

- Thanks!
- Look at you!

- [Michael] Come on, I
want you to meet everybody.

Hey Dad, how are you?

- This show's great for all the

screwed up families out there.

Which is every family I know.

- Not mine.

My family's always been there
for me when I needed them.

You know, my parents,
they are so much in love,

it's really wonderful
to see them.

- Hi.

(slow paced music)

You know what was amazing?

Hearing you talk about
your family the other day.

Reminded me of my childhood.

I knew if there
was a pretty face

behind that voice,
I had to meet you.

- So what took you so long?

- Two weeks?

Two weeks is long?

- It seemed like forever to me.

- [Mike] Well, your
face wasn't that pretty.

- Hey.

- It was gorgeous.

I guess I just had
to find my nerve.

I found my nerve,
lost my vision.

- How's that?

- We fogged up my glasses.

(both laughing)

(both screaming)

Oh my God!

(people chattering)

Here you go Dad.

- Hey, thank you Son.

- No problem.

(baby crying)

- Can you imagine
living down here?

I mean think about it.

Trying to raise a family
under these circumstances.

- I don't know how they do it.

- I don't either.

- You know Sheree, the
girl I've been seeing?

- Yeah.

- I've asked her to marry me.

- You're kidding!

Well how long you
been seeing her Son?

- Over a year.

The wedding's in December.

- December?

Congratulations Son.

- [Mike] Thanks Dad.

- Come here, come on.

Of course, you know, if I
had to do it all over again,

I'd probably wait,
a little older.

You know, live a little.

It's like Hemingway said,

"True love always ends badly,"

unless both people
are fortunate enough

to die in the same accident.

But they're just chasing misery
and they're gonna catch it.

- [Woman] Can we get
craft services over here!

- Come on, I'm
kidding, I'm kidding!

Lighten up!

Hey Andy!

My 23-year-old Son's
getting married!

- [Andy] That's wonderful!

- Sorry I'm late.

So, you know the tent
people just informed me

that they won't guarantee
against leaks in December.

So I think we should move the

reception to a hotel.

What do you think?

- Who wants to hassle
with weather and tents?

I think we should wait.

You know, not force this.

- Hassle?

Force this?

How can you even
say those words?

What's happened?

- Nothing.

- Not good enough
Mike, talk to me.

- I don't know.

I was talking to my Dad--

- Ugh, you're not
marrying your Father,

you're marrying me.

- Sheree, wait.

And you know it's not
because I don't love ya.

Because I do.

Just that I'm scared.

I'm scared that I'm gonna
end up just like him.

You know, and leave you
and not really know why.

- Mike, you recognize your fear,

we're talking about it,

the cycle's already broken.

- You're right.

I'm not like my Father.

I don't need to look
to him for approval.

I just need to look inside.

And inside I find us.

(light gentle music)

(camera shutters)

- That's good.

That's fine.

Hey Son, congratulations Son.

- Thanks.

- Awe, she's a beaut Michael.

She's kind, she's pretty.

I think you two are gonna build,

build a fine,

fine life together Son.

I think you finally got
everything you need.

- Thanks Dad.

I couldn't agree with you more.

- All right, come on.

Let's get some food.

How about a drink.

- Let's dance.

♪ Happy anniversary to us

♪ Happy anniversary to us

- Wow.

Oh, no bubbly for me.

- But this is a
special occasion.

- Doctor's orders.

- What?
(Sheree giggling)

What?

Are you, are you kidding?

- Congratulations Daddy.

- I'm gonna be a Dad.

Oh my God!

Oh my God.

- Isn't it wonderful?

- I love you so much.

- I love you.

(Sheree giggling)

Mom!

Here's your first look
at your new grandchild.

You're gonna love this.

You can't believe how
active this little one is.

What's wrong?
(solemn music)

- [Lynn] Your Dad called.

He'd like all the kids to
meet him down at the house.

- [Mike] Why?

- [Lynn] Just call
your Dad honey.

- [Mike] Mom, just tell me.

- [Lynn] Your Dad's
been diagnosed with

inoperable pancreatic cancer

and it doesn't look good.

(Mike grunts)

- All right, here are the rules.

I want no tears.

I want no sad faces.

I want no phony
happy faces either.

I'm gonna call a press
conference and tell everybody

that I'm not just gonna lie
down and let this happen to me.

And I want life
for the little ones

to be as normal as possible,

so you bigger kids,
I want you to limit

your visitations
to weekends only.

Okay?

(somber music)

- Breaker, breaker!

I'm looking for help!

I need alternative cancer cures!

I desperately need a cure!

Come back!

Breaker! Breaker!

I need medical advice!

Is anybody out there?

Come back!

I need alternative cancer cures.

I'm looking for
any kind of hope.

- [Man] You going to talk to me

or you gonna let me
sit out here and rot?

- Jack

- [Jack] I heard it
on the news Mike.

I put my ears on
for old times sake

and there you were.

I'm so sorry man, what can I do?

Over.

- Tell me that I didn't
lose the best friend

that I've ever had.

- [Jack] I'm here.

- Tell me that I can find
a cure before he dies.

- God, how are ya?

- [Mike] Good man.

- You look great man.

- It's good to see you!
- Good to see you too.

- [Mike] Okay.

Yeah, no, I've got
that, I've got that.

Right, right.

But does this particular drug

work on the immune system?

- [Man On Phone]
Well, it's looking

very very pleasant.

- Okay good.

- No, no, it's Adenocarcinoma.
(cameras shuttering)

Yeah, I don't know why they give

the longest names
to the diseases

that give you the shortest
amount of time to live.

What it means is
that I can't pretend

that I have a hangnail.

That's all.

So I'm going in for
traditional chemotherapy

and whatever alternative
medicine seem sensible.

But hey, hey, as long
as I can still do this.

- [Reporter] Awe,
that's great Mr. Landon.

Well I guess I'm
doing all right, huh?

- Look at him, always
putting on a show

even when he should be resting.

- [Reporter] Mr. Landon,
one more time please.

- Your Dad belongs to the world.

Always has.

- I'm losing my Father.

- [Michael] That's
enough, thanks.

- And I haven't even really
- Thanks for coming out.

- [Mike] found him yet.

- [Michael] Appreciate it.

- Hey Mom.

- Hi honey.

- You got a second to talk?

- Well of course.

Come on in, sit down.

Are you all right?

- Tell me something about
Dad that I don't know.

Something that'll make
all the pieces fit.

- Oh Lord.

Honey, your Dad's a
very complicated man.

- But why?

Why did he leave us?

- I don't know for sure, but,

do you remember how you felt

when you felt like
your Dad failed us?

How you fell apart?

Imagine that happened to
you at eight years old.

Your Dad told me
this story once.

It was about his eighth birthday

and he'd asked his Mom
for weeks to have a party.

So they sent out
the invitations,

they decorated the house,

and an hour before the guests
were supposed to arrive,

she canceled it.

She said she didn't like
eight year old boys.

She never celebrated him
in that house ever again.

He felt like he didn't exist.

It nearly destroyed him,

and I think the thing
that hurt him the most

was that he, he couldn't
talk to his Father about it.

- That's why he wrote all those
shows about happy families.

Because that's what he wished
his childhood had been like.

- Don't make the
same mistake Michael.

You talk to him.

- I'm afraid to.

I don't even know how
to make him listen.

- Maybe you could
write him a letter.

Try.

(somber music)

(rushing air)

(metal clanking)

(crowd shouting)

- Dad?

Dad!

- [Michael] Thanks for
coming out, I appreciate it!

- Dad!

Dad!

Daddy!

Dad, where are you!

Dad!

Daddy!

Leave him alone!

He's just a man!

He's my Dad!

(metal clanking)

(ambient music)

(solemn music)

- [Woman] Hi Michael,
we love your Father!

(reporters talking)

- [Man] Our prayers
are with you!

- [Man] God bless!

- [Woman] Tell him to
get well soon Michael!

- [Man] He's gonna pull through!

He can make it!

Don't give up!

- Hey Dad, I've been doing
some research on my own.

This drug is being
used in Mexico

with amazing results.

- Everybody's got a cure.

Son, do you have any
idea how many people have

written me this week?

- No, I mean, I understand.

- It's all right.

Let's take a walk.

Son, I appreciate you
bringing the medicine.

You gotta know, I got
a medicine cabinet

full of miracle
cures from Mexico.

It's not gonna work.

Sit down.

Come on, sit down.

The light's pretty
here isn't it?

- [Mike] Yeah, it's nice.

- It's my favorite spot.

- You've lost more weight Dad.

- Yeah.

The tumor's grown to
twice the size Son.

It won't be long now.

- Dad--

- Now look Son, I'm not afraid.

You know, I'm not
afraid to die Michael,

I just don't wanna be kept alive

on one of those
stinking machines.

I mean, it's my life, right?

And I think I'm the best judge

of when it's over and
when it's not over.

- Dad, there's something
that I wanna tell ya.

- What am I gonna do
with the little kids?

I got kids that are scared Mike.

- Dad, there's something
that I wanna tell you, okay?

I don't know where to start.

- Well maybe it's best
that you didn't start Son,

'cause I'm not feeling so
good out here after all.

I'm gonna go on inside.

- Dad, I have to say this!

Now listen to me!

- What is it Michael?

- You were right.

All along I wanted
you to be miserable.

But it's not because
I didn't love you.

'Cause I love you more than
anybody in this whole world.

I just, I wanted you to
realize that you made a mistake

and come back to us.

When I was a kid Dad,
you were the best.

You were the best.
(solemn music)

And I miss that.

So I'm sorry.

- Well I'm glad you got
that off your chest.

Son, I'm glad.

Eye winker,

Tommy tinker.

Nose smeller,

mouth eater,

chin chomper.

(Michael laughing)

I'm,

I'm a little tired.

I'm gonna go upstairs.

- Come here buddy.

- Take a rest.

Give me a hand
up, would you Son?

Hey.

- [Mike] Here.

- Those stairs are killer.

It's deeper to breathe in.

Listen, I'm real
sorry about all this.

- It's okay Dad.

It's okay.

Watch yourself.

Watch your head.

- Yeah.

Damn it would you,

would you close those
blinds would ya Son?

I'm really tired Michael.

I think I'm gonna get some rest.

Get a little sleep.

Sleep.

- I love you Dad.

- I love you more.

(Michael laughing)

I got one!

I got one!

(kids laughing)

All right, you and your Mom.

Okay, you ready?

Okay, let's race these guys.

(Mike laughing)

- [Mike] Not a round.

- [Michael] Get a real job!

For crying out loud, I'm a Dad!

- [Mike] It's been years
since my Father's passing.

I know now that he
loved me all along.

But as I reflect on my
own life and my Father's,

I realize that the
choices we make in life

often twist our paths
beyond our control.

They cause us to be and do
things we'd never accept

if we could step outside of
ourselves and see clearly.

By finally allowing
him to be just a man,

with human frailties
and limitations,

as well as strengths
and virtues,

I was able to put aside blame,

forgive us both, and
get on with my life.

- [Little Girl] Dad's
home, Dad's home!

Mom, Dad's home!
(light upbeat music)

(kids laughing)

- Oh!

What do ya know!

Which one was here!
- I missed you Daddy!

- [Mike] Give me a kiss.

Oh hi sweetie.

(light gentle music)