Dallas (1978–1991): Season 6, Episode 4 - The Big Ball - full transcript

What's really waiting for you
at Southfork?

- Only John Ross.
- And J.R.

No matter how much
you think he's changed...

...you know what your life
will be if you marry him.

I'm not sure
that I am gonna marry him.

Your announcing that memorial
scholarship in Daddy's name...

...especially at the Oil Barons Ball...

...hell. it'd mean the world to Mama.

I'll never feel for anyone
the way I felt for you.

Then things haven't changed
between us.

I don't know what old Jock
would've said about this.



Maybe Miss Ellie could speak for him.

This is an awful long way to come...

...to listen to a bunch
of maybes and ifs.

We're talking about a lot of money.

Refineries don't come cheap.
you know.

If this is too far. we could always meet
at my office in Dallas.

No. I told you before.
when we meet, it's gotta be in private.

I don't want anybody
to know of our association.

Now. are you gonna
do what I tell you or not?

Don't get so uptight.

I already authorized
the purchase of the refinery.

You what?

You mean. I've been
sitting here like a fool...

...listening to a bunch of chitchat?
Why didn't you tell me in the beginning?



Because Harwood Oil
is still 75 percent mine.

And I think I'm entitled to know
why you want a refinery.

You are entitled to the profits
that are coming to you...

...when you do what I tell you.

At Ewing Oil, I didn't take
orders from anybody.

I'm sure as hell not gonna start now.

J.R.. I get the feeling our relationship
has changed somehow.

No. it's exactly the same.

I make the decisions.
and you do as you're told.

- That's not what I meant.
- Well. what is it, then?

Did I upset you when I turned down
your little pass the other day?

Well. you did remind me
that doing business with women...

...can be a very frustrating situation.

I thought my telling you
that I preferred your brother to you...

...might've ruffled your feathers some.

I don't care if you wanna be with
two chimpanzees and a goat.

I only make an offer once.

Now. you do as your told.
and we leave it at that.

Let's do just that.

Hello.

Hello.

Dad told me I'd find you down here.

- Do you feel as strange as I do?
- Yeah. I sure do.

I didn't know how I was gonna feel
when I saw you.

Well. I've been thinking about it
all morning.

Well. the way we parted. I...

It's almost as if we're strangers.

What about now?

I don't know.

Well. a let's changed.

I suppose.

How are things going with you?

- The rodeo circuit?
-lt's better than ever.

I hear you and J.R.
are getting married.

Kind of thought
that would've happened by now.

Has something changed?

Yeah. in a way.

I just needed some time
to think about things...

...before I went ahead.

I didn't come back
to complicate your life. Sue Ellen.

If I'd known you were here.
I'm not sure I would've come at all.

I'm so glad you did.

I've thought so much about you.
How you were. if you were all right.

I was gonna call you.
I wanted to talk to you so much.

- Well. why didn't you?
- Because there was nothing I could say.

And because it would've been worse
over the phone than it is now.

Dusty. what we had was so wonderful.

Most people
never have those feelings.

That was then, Sue Ellen.

We've both gone on with our lives...

...and you can't look back.

Is that it? It's all behind us.
like it was never there?

It'll always be there for me.

I'll never feel for anyone
the way I felt for you...

...the way a part of me still does.

Then things really haven't changed
between us.

Let's ride back up to the house.

All right.

Hey. Mama. Miss Anderson.

- J.R.
- Oh. hello. J.R.

Nice outing?

Picked up my dress
for the Oil Barons Ball.

Wait till you see your mama
in that dress. She looks so pretty.

- That's enough of that.
-lt's true. Ellie.

I'm gonna be mighty proud
to walk in there with you. Mama.

Thanks for taking me.
I better get this upstairs...

-...before it gets too wrinkled.
- Okay. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

- Bye. J.R.
- Miss Anderson?

Something. J.R.?
- Yes. ma'am. I was just wondering...

...if Punk and the boys
are gonna go ahead...

...with that scholarship
in Daddy's name.

Oh. they are for a fact. but they're
just going to wait a little while.

They're not gonna announce it
at the ball?

No. No. I don't think so.

They had enough trouble trying
to get Miss Ellie to go to the ball...

...so they don't wanna do anything
that might upset her while she's there.

Well. I don't know.
She'd be real happy to hear that.

Well. Punk just doesn't wanna
take any chances.

I understand. I understand.
Nice talking to you.

Thank you. You too. Bye now.

So this is Emporia. Kansas.

Told you it wasn't very big.

There's Aunt Lil's.

Aunt Lil?

Raymond.

Aunt Lil. I'd like you
to meet my wife. Donna.

- I’m so pleased to meet you.
- Thank you.

You haven't changed at all.
I would've known you anywhere.

Well. little more gray in my hair
since you left.

Such a shame it took your daddy's
funeral to bring us back together.

Yeah. it's a shame.

Well. land sakes.
where are my manners?

I got a pitcher of nice.
fresh lemonade inside.

Aunt Lil...

...Donna and I thought we'd try
and check in to a motel.

- We'll be back.
- Motel?

Well. you'll do no such thing.
You come right inside with me.

Come along now. Donna.
We'll bring your bags later.

- How was your ride?
- Fine.

Linda. I want you to meet
Sue Ellen Ewing.

Sue Ellen. this is Linda...

...my wife.

Sue Ellen. I've been
looking forward to meeting you.

Didn't you say anything to her?

I didn't really know how.

Well. I must admit.
this is quite a surprise.

I had no idea.

Why don't we all sit down.
have some coffee...

...and get to know each other?

I'd like that.

I'm sorry that you
had to find out like this.

- Well. I am a bit shocked.
- I can imagine.

You know. Dusty told me
all about you.

I think I have an unfair advantage.

I'm sorry. Sue Ellen.

There's no need to be.

You don't have to explain
your life to me.

Well. you might've told me.
Invited me to the wedding.

Well. it kind of happened
all of a sudden.

How long have you been married?

- About a month.
- Five weeks and three days. to be exact.

He asked me one night
after he talked to you. Mr. Farlow.

- Well. how did you two meet?
- On the circuit.

Have you known each other
for very long?

Oh. I knew him
before he even knew I was alive.

My daddy taught him how to cowboy
when he first joined the rodeo.

That's about the truth. You were
a little tagalong kid in those days.

Oh. that's when I first
fell in love with you.

I've been in love with him ever since.

Look. Dusty told me
all about the two of you.

And it hurt for along time.

Especially when I thought
I was gonna lose him.

And I know you still
have to have feelings for him...

...but you're gonna get married too.

And I know I can make Dusty happy.

I just hope you can wish us well.

I do. I truly do.

You two seem to have
so much in common.

And even though Dusty and I
care for each other...

...we could never have made it.

And I sincerely hope you can.

Thank you. Sue Ellen.

And as soon as we have
our first little girl...

...I think we're gonna
name her after you.

- Are you pregnant?
- Oh. no. But we're hoping.

Look. I promised Linda I'd show her
the stock down at the new corral.

- I think now's a good time.
- That's a good idea.

We'll see you later.

I'm sorry. I had no idea.

I know.

Reverend Wyman's
performing the service.

Remember him. Raymond?

I remember the name. He was the one
who was there when Mama died?

He was. Beautiful service.

I hope he can think of something nice
to say about Amos.

That'd please your mama.

Aunt Lil. you got a lawn mower?

Somewhere in the garage. Why?

Well. it just looks like
your lawn needs some cutting.

Now. Raymond. you sit down.
You're not here to work.

That must be Michael now.

Michael, I'm so glad you're home.

-I've got some relatives for you to meet.
- Oh. yeah?

This is your cousin Raymond...

-...and his wife. Donna.
- Michael.

- Hi. how are you?
- Good.

- Hi. Mike. It's nice to meet you.
- Yeah.

Listen. would you call me Mickey?

Only one ever called me Michael
is Ma.

Michael's a beautiful name.

So you're from Texas?

Yes. sir. Little town called Braddock.
just outside of Dallas.

Hear you work on a farm.

Well. we call them ranches in Texas.

Well. whatever they're called.
the idea's the same?

Not exactly.
We don't farm. we raise cattle.

Terrific.

- What's for dinner?
- We're not gonna eat for a little while.

Come on. I'm hungry.

Well. I thought I'd give Raymond
and Donna a chance to relax a little bit.

Fine. Fine. You relax.
I'll go into town and get a burger.

I tell you what. I'd just as soon
eat right now. It is no big deal.

No. no. no. That's all right.

You just finish your lemonade.

I gotta meet some friends anyway.

- You gonna be here long?
- Just till after the funeral.

Yeah. that's awful.

A real winner like Amos Krebbs
kicking off.

Michael.

You have no right to talk like that.

I'm sorry.
Didn't mean to upset my cousin.

Take more than you to do that.

See you later.

I apologize for Michael.
He had no call talking like that.

Oh. it's all right, Aunt Lil. really.

I don't know.

He was such a nice boy
when he was growing up.

I just don't seem to be able
to reach him anymore.

Well. you know. they talk about
people going through stages and...

I don't know anything about stages...

...but I know he's a good boy.

Just needs a firm hand to guide him
and discipline him.

Lord knows I can't.

- Why don't I help you with dinner?
- Oh. no. no. no.

You just sit down and relax.
and I'll see to it.

- I like her.
- Yeah. I like her too.

She's right about the boy though.

What he really needs
is a good stiff kick in the butt.

You all right?

Yes. I'm just fine.

I'm just a little tired. that's all.

Well. l'll--

I'll see you in the morning.

- Good night.
- Night.

- Good night. Dad.
- Good night. Mr. Farlow.

I think we'd better get you either
to start calling me "Dad“ or “Clayton.“

Mr. Farlow's too formal.

Good night. Dad.

- Hello?
- Miss Ellie. this is Sue Ellen.

- Did I wake you?
- Nu, nu.

I just wanted you to know
that I'll be coming back to Southfork.

Well, are you all right?
I'm delighted, of course, but you sound--

You sound strange.

I just realized
that Southfork is where I belong.

See you soon.

The Lord is my shepherd.
I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures.

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul.

He leadeth me in the path of
righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea. though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death...

...I will fear no evil.
for thou art with me.

Thy rod and thy staff.
they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies.

Thou anoint-est my head with oil.
My cup runneth over.

Surely. goodness and mercy
will follow me all the days of my life.

And I will dwell
in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen.

Let's go back to the house.

I'm gonna split. See you tonight.

-I'll be with you in a minute.
- Okay.

Probably better it happened
this way. Mama.

Nobody knows the truth.

Chances are. old Amos
is probably headed...

...in the opposite direction
than you anyhow.

I guess Jack's filled you in
on what's happened by now.

I hope you're happy.

I'd sure like to think
that you and Jock are friends.

I hope so.

I love you. Mama.

Let's go.

I think they wanted to leave us alone
so we could talk.

There's really not very much
left to say.

I've known her all my life.

I've always liked her.

And she's good for me.

And I did not ask her to marry me
until after I found out about you and J.R.

That's not a very good reason.

That's the one I was waiting for.

I guess things don't always work out
the way you want them to.

They did for her.
She even wants to have children.

And we will.

- I didn't think that was possible.
- Neither did I.

Before I went back on the circuit.
I went to see a couple of doctors.

The problem wasn't physical.

Are you telling me
that it was psychological?

That's what they told me.

Everything was different once I started
back on the rodeo circuit. Sue Ellen.

I didn't have to think about it.
Pressure was off me.

- And then one night...
- Lucky Linda.

- That's not fair.
- Then what is fair?

Your being married to her?

That didn't happen
until after I found out...

...about you and J.R.
getting back together.

That was the end of the pressure
for you. wasn't it?

- You didn't have to commit to me.
- I wanted to commit to you.

You thought you did.

But deep down inside. you thought
I wanted too much from you.

A normal life.
Life here on the Southern Cross.

No more rodeos, no more cowboy.

Sue Ellen. you know I loved you.

Yes.

But our making love meant
that you were tied to me forever.

You know. the mind's a funny thing.

The best thing that happened to you
was getting me out of your life.

Linda's proof of that.

Maybe if things had been different...

Things are the way they are.

And all we can do is try to find
something to make us happy.

Does that really mean J.R. for you?

Who else is there?

- You're the only one who can do it.
- I don't know.

Your announcing that memorial
scholarship in Daddy's name...

...especially at the Oil Barons Ball...

...hell. it'd mean the world to Mama.

I mean. she's finally reconciled herself
to the fact that Daddy's dead.

- I know that. but--
- She's got her life to get on with.

What better way than surrounded by all
her friends, honoring Daddy's memory?

You just might be right.

She's got so much to get into order.

And I give you my word.
I'll be there every step of the way.

I still think you're wrong to leave.

I have to.

Dusty getting married
hasn't anything to do...

...with the reason
you came down here.

It gave me some of the reasons
I was looking for.

You sure it isn't just overreaction
to him and Linda?

You can't lead your life that way.

That's not the reason at all.

I've always been
a romantic dreamer...

...sure that some man would always
come around and sweep me off my feet.

For a while. that man was Dusty.
but no more.

That's behind me now.

It's time I go back to reality.

And is it so difficult
to face reality here...

...with my help?

What's really waiting for you
at Southfork?

- Only John Ross.
- And J.R.

No matter how much
you think he's changed...

...you know what your life with him
will be if you marry him.

Well. I'm not so sure
that I am gonna marry him.

lam sure that I'm going
to the Oil Barons Ball with him...

...but after that. we're gonna
have to play it day by day.

Not much reason to leave.

I think I'm tired of reasons.

At least John Ross
will be with his father.

He'll have a secured future.

And I know that J.R. wants to let him
run Ewing Oil when he's grown.

But J.R.'s been voted out.
It's Bobby's company.

Well. it may be now...

...but there's one thing
I know about J.R.

Bobby won't be able to keep Ewing Oil
from J.R. for very long.

If you ever need me...

You're the best man
that I've ever known.

And I hope you know
how much I love you.

And I love you.

- Morning.
- Morning.

Hey. way to go. cousin.

You got some kind of old war wound
or something...

-...that keeps you from doing this?
- No. I just got better things to do.

Such as...?

Such as lots of things
you wouldn't understand.

Try me.

You know. I'd really like to.

But I'm kind of busy this morning.
See you.

- Michael.
- What is it?

Don't you think it'd be friendly
if you'd stayed home today...

...and spent some time
with your relatives?

No. I don't think it would be.

I wish you would.

Well. you can't always have
your wishes come true.

- Please. Michael.
- Don't be such a pain in the butt.

Hey! Listen up. kid.

I don't wanna spend any
more time with you than I have to...

-...but you give your mama some respect.
- Or what?

Or the next time I hear you spouting off
like that. I'll teach you respect.

And I'm just the guy to do it.

You ain't gonna be around here
long enough.

As long as I am around here...

...I wanna hear a lot of “Yes. ma'ams“
and “Yes. sirs“ out of you.

You understand?

- Yes. sir.
- Fine.

Goodbye. sir.

Goodbye. ma'am.
Goodbye. Mother dear.

I'm sorry. Aunt Lil.
I guess I just lost my temper.

Oh. don't apologize to me, Raymond.

It did my heart good
to see someone take him in hand.

Well. I guess all he really needs
is some direction.

Hey. are you gonna leave that lawn
half-mowed?

Okay. boss. I'm going.

I wish you and Raymond
could stay a few days longer.

It'd be a blessing to me.

Yes. ma'am.

But I just don't think we can.

- Certainly know how to run a meeting.
- Well. it helps to own the company.

People tend to pay attention
to the boss.

I'll remember that.

- Who do we see next?
- Ray Dodd.

He's taking over
at Merchant's First Bank.

- You do have a tuxedo, don't you?
- Yeah. Why?

The Oil Barons Ball is tonight.

Now that you're working
for Stonehurst Oil, I want you there.

Give me a chance
to introduce you to people.

Well. I appreciate the invitation.
but. you see. Afton and I have been--

Good. I do not need an escort.

And if I did. I certainly wouldn't want
someone who works for me.

- Morning. Dad.
- Morning.

- Morning.
- Come on. Come on.

Where's Sue Ellen?

Gone.

Well. it's getting late. You don't think
Mama's got cold feet. do you?

Oh. I bet she'll be down any minute.

- Sue Ellen. I just love your dress.
- Thank you.

I'm gonna go see
what's holding her up.

Ladies and gentlemen. may I present
Ms. Eleanor Southworth Ewing.

Well. Mama. you just look wonderful.

Well. shall we go
and show the Oil Barons...

...what the Ewings are made of?

Mama. Ladies.

- Howdy!
- Good to see all y'all.

- You look beautiful.
- Hi. J.R.

Didn't I tell you, Ellie.
that dress would be perfect?

Ellie. come on. I got a whole table
of your friends waiting to talk to you.

- Do you think we should go with her?
- Oh. Mama's gonna be just fine.

She's gotta come out sooner or later.

I don't know. It might be
an awful lot all at once.

Stop worrying. Bobby.
Punk and Mavis'll take care of her.

Let's go get a drink, darling.

Why is it I think my older brother's
always up to something?

Because he always is.

Don't let J.R. spoil tonight. Come on.

- You want a drink?
- No. I wanna dance.

Okay.

Bourbon and branch.
and soda for my lady.

- Yes. sir.
- J.R. Ewing. What a pleasant surprise.

Well. Miss Harwood.
you're looking awful nice tonight.

And you. you cut a dashing figure.

Well. thank you. Thank you.

This is Holly Harwood. This is
my ex- and future wife, Sue Ellen.

- Hello.
- This is Jordan.

- Hello.
- Jordan.

Are you in the oil business?

Well. her daddy died
and left her Harwood Oil.

It must be very difficult
running an oil business at your age.

Well. I'm getting expert advice.

- Enjoy yourself.
- Thank you.

Here. darling.

- Lovely. isn't she?
- Yes. very sweet. very sweet.

But very '(OWN-

Here's to the only woman in my life.

- Mama!
- Bobby.

Bobby. you are a menace
on the dance floor.

Or am I just getting rusty?

- Not true. You dance wonderfully.
- Well. then let us continue.

- How do you like that?
- Well. I love it.

I think it's terrific.
Did you see how happy Mama looks?

Don't be a matchmaker.

Well. I think it's about time
Mama met someone.

And Clayton Farlow
fills that bill perfectly.

- Hey. Frank.
- Hey. Punk.

I've been looking for you.
Where you been?

Cruising around.
seeing who's doing what to whom.

Good. good.

Frank. did you ever meet
Jock Ewing's wife?

- No. I didn't.
- Miss Ellie.

Old friend of mine here
I'd like you to meet.

Frank Crutcher. Ellie Ewing.

- I’m pleased to meet you. ma'am.
- Thank you.

I was a great admirer of your husband.
He was a fine man.

- I’m awfully sorry.
- Thank you.

And may I say
how pretty you look tonight.

Well. if I were younger.
I think I'd blush.

If you were a lot younger...

...you wouldn't have half the charm
you've got right now.

You're not a used-car salesman.
are you?

No. But does that mean you wouldn't
buy a car from me if I was?

- Well. I'd be very careful.
- You'd better be.

We could have a dance...

...if I promise not to step on your toes
or make you blush.

- Mama. we gotta go back to our table.
- All right. Goodbye. Mavis.

- See you later. Punk.
- Goodbye. darling.

- Some other time. maybe?
- Maybe.

Mama.

Sit down. Frank.

- Mavis. how you been?
- Fine. thank you.

- Who was that. Mama?
- Who?

- That snake-oil salesman.
- His name is Frank Crutcher.

- He's a friend of Punk's.
- I thought Punk was Daddy's friend.

- Oh. J.R.. for heaven's sakes.
- Miss Ellie. how nice to see you.

Hello. Jordan.

- Evelyn. How are you?
- Hello. Miss Ellie. I'm fine.

- Marilee. Hello. Cliff.
- Hello.

- How are you?
- Fine. thanks.

- You look well. Cliff.
- I’m wonderful.

Real happy to hear
you're working with Marilee Stone.

Are you?

Try not to write any checks
on her money.

I wouldn't want you to ruin her company
like you did your mama's.

J.R.

Really not worth the trouble.

Sure is tough on her.
trying to handle him all alone.

It sure is.

Tell me. how involved
do you plan to get in all this?

Not a lot.

I'd just like to kind of straighten him out
a little bit before we leave.

Well. that could take a miracle.

I mean. we're only gonna be here
a for a couple of days.

I know. But whatever we do. it'd sure
make it that much easier for Aunt Lil.

Do you think that anything you do
in the next couple days...

...is gonna have a lasting effect?

Well. something's better than nothing.

I really do think
he can be brought around.

Well. you think a lot more of him
than I do.

- But you can try.
- I have to. He's family.

Ladies and gentlemen.
can I have your attention. please?

Folks. can I have a little quiet
in here. please?

Thank you. Thank you very much.

And I also wanna thank all of you
for coming out tonight...

...and making our 30th annual
Oil Barons Ball a big success.

I haven't missed a single one
of these things since we got started.

But this particular ball tonight...

...is very special to me.

Special because...

...tonight...

...we're gonna honor
a very special man.

A man I'm proud to say
was one of my closest friends...

...ever since we was kids...

...wildcatting together
over in the East Texas fields.

Now. y'all might not think
that he was such a good friend...

...when I tell you that it was him
that hung the name Punk on me.

For all of you that don't know it.
my real name's Marvin.

My friend was a tough man.
but he was fair.

All he ever needed was a handshake
to make a deal.

He was a man that touched
most of our lives.

I guess you could say
he was kind of a symbol...

...of what we believe
the oil business is about.

He was the kind of man
that made Texas great.

So tonight...

...I’m happy to tell you
that in honor of him...

...every year from now on...

...there's gonna be four worthy
young people go through SMU...

...paid for by the Jock Ewing
Memorial Scholarship.

I don't know what old Jock
would've said about this.

But I think that maybe Miss Ellie
could speak for him.

Come on. Mama.

Jock Ewing was a great man...

...measured in the only true value
of a man.

Not in money or power...

...but in friends.

As I look around.
I see so many of you...

...that called Jock "friend.“

And he was my husband.

But more than that...

...he was my best friend.

I know how much you all miss him.

But in a way. he'll always be alive
in your memories...

...and in his family.

And now through
the scholarships of SMU.

I know how very proud he'd be...

...if he knew what you'd done for him.

And perhaps he does.

And for him and for me. I thank you.

My life will never be the same
without him...

...but Jock. of all men...

...always believed that you had to
be ready to face tomorrow...

...and so we will.

I'll always know...

...that my sons had the finest father...

...and I was married
to the finest man...

...that God ever put on this earth.

- Mama.
- Thank you. Bobby.

I'd like to propose a toast...

...to Jock Ewing.

I've decided to call Harv Smithfield
in the morning.

It's time your daddy
was laid to rest legally.