Good Times (1974–1979): Season 3, Episode 16 - A Place to Die - full transcript
An elderly man who knows Michael asks to spend New Years Eve at the Evans' house so that he can die surrounded by friends.
♪ Good times Any time
you meet a payment ♪
♪ Good times Any
time you need a friend ♪
♪ Good times Any time
you're out from under ♪
♪ Not gettin' hassled
Not gettin' hustled ♪
♪ Keepin' your
head Above water ♪
♪ Makin' a wave when you can ♪
♪ Temporary layoffs Good times ♪
♪ Easy credit
rip-offs Good times ♪
♪ Scratchin' and
survivin' Good times ♪
♪ Hangin' in a chow
line Good times ♪
♪ Ain't we lucky we got 'em? ♪
♪ Good times ♪♪
Hey, now, look here, man,
I know tuxedos are tough to rent
around New Year's Eve time,
but ain't you got
a little something
a little cheaper than that?
How about a little
lower than that?
A little lower than that.
J.J., will you stop
tying up the phone?
Okay, Ma.
Uh, look, here, man.
Suppose I left out
the cumberbun?
How about the shoes?
I could always paint
my sneakers black.
The cuff links?
The shirt stud?
The shirt?
You'll be down to your
underwear pretty soon.
Now, will you get off the phone?
You know I'm expecting
a call from your father.
Sure, Ma.
Hey... look here, man. I
have to get back to you.
Yeah, okay.
I got to consult my
business manager. Bye.
Uh... Business manager,
could I borrow $5?
Now, you know
we're short on money.
Else why would your
father have to take
an extra job out of town?
Ma, this last year's
dress is perfect,
but you have to take
in the waist just a little,
because I've lost a few pounds.
Whoo!
Well, I may have found them.
Whoo!
Well, Thelma, I'm glad to
hear that you lost some weight.
Now you only have
one unsightly bulge...
Your face.
Look who's talking,
the big shot who thinks
he can rent a tuxedo.
Well, I got news for you.
They don't have a size
10 chest and 42 sleeve.
You got some nerve, you old...
All right, you two,
that's enough.
Ma.
Hello?
James.
Daddy!
How are you, honey?
Oh, good.
Yeah, everything here is fine.
Honey, when do you
think you'll be through
with your job?
Your daddy is gonna be
home for New Year's Eve.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yeah, all the kids are
going out for New Year's Eve.
Nah, I don't wanna go anywhere.
Just staying home with
you is celebration enough.
Have mercy.
We can't wait to see
you. We miss you so.
Now, look, I know
this phone call
is costing money, so
I'm gonna say goodbye.
Okay, bye-bye, sweetheart.
Bye, Dad. Bye, Daddy.
Your daddy's taking a
bus Wednesday morning,
and he gonna be here by 3:00!
Whoo-hoo-hoo! Yeah!
All right.
Couldn't have
gotten here that fast.
They got a 55-mile-an-hour
speed limit here.
Florida.
Do I know you?
No, but I know
you. May I come in?
Well, um... Yeah.
Well, well, well.
You're Thelma.
That's right.
And I don't have
to ask who this is.
How are you, J.J.?
Wow, you know us all.
Well, look here.
If you from the
Internal Revenue,
the reason we ain't
paid no income tax
is because we don't
have any income.
I ain't from the
Internal Revenue.
This is just like I
pictured it. This is nice.
Real nice.
Yeah, homey and cheerful.
This is the perfect place.
The perfect place for what?
The perfect place for me to die.
Hey, uh, look here, man.
I think you got
the wrong address.
Fenway's Mortuary is
five blocks down the street,
and they usually don't
deal in the deceased
until after they stop moving.
What are you
talking about, Mr...
Johnson. Hubert Johnson.
Well, I think you'd better
explain, Mr. Johnson.
It's like I said, I
came here to die.
It could be a couple
of days, maybe a day,
maybe an hour from now,
maybe even the
next five minutes.
Well, that's nice.
While you're waiting,
would you care
for a cup of coffee?
I don't think we have
time to boil the water, Ma.
J.J.
It would be nice to
have a cup of coffee.
All right.
Uh... can I ask
you one question?
Of course.
If you really think
you're gonna die,
why did you pick our apartment?
Because I like this family.
But how do you know us?
Hi, Ma.
Hello, sweetheart.
Hey, Mr. Johnson.
Michael.
Hey, what are you doing here?
I was looking for
you, and I got worried.
Michael... you two
know each other?
Yeah, Ma.
You have a real
nice boy here, Florida.
You know, on his
way home from school,
if I'm sitting out in
front of the rest home,
he always stops to talk to me.
- Oh.
He's the only friend I got.
You know, not too many people
stop to talk to old folks.
Mama, don't listen to him.
He's not old,
and besides, we're
really running buddies,
except we don't do too
much running together.
Don't you have any
friends at the rest home?
No.
In fact, I don't even
bother to introduce myself.
No sense saying "how-do"
to someone that's done.
That's why Michael
here is my main man.
He keeps me up on things.
Come on, Michael, show them
what you taught
me the other day.
All right, but remember,
we start on the
right foot, ready.
And go. One, two, three, four.
Side, two, three,
four, up... and back.
Oh, that's nice, Michael.
Hey!
One, two, three, four.
Hey.
Oh, that's the hustle.
I know.
That's why I can't understand
all this talk about you dying.
What do you mean?
You're not gonna
die, Mr. Johnson.
Michael, my time has come.
My heart can't pump any longer.
It's got more leaky
valves than a '61 Buick.
And my blood, it don't
circulate anymore.
It just shuffles.
We're sorry to hear
that, Mr. Johnson.
Now, don't you
feel sorry for me.
I've lived my life, had my
fun, and sowed my wild oats.
Now I'm just waiting
for that top dude
to make his house call.
You mean, he's coming here?
Hey, look here, I hope he knows
which one of us he's
coming here to get.
J.J.!
Don't, worry, son.
I'm the one that's
got the reservation.
You know, I'm still confused.
Of course, I don't really think
you're gonna pass on,
but if you think
you are, tell us,
why here?
Because there's
somebody here that I love.
The rest home
ain't no place to die.
No dignity. You're just a body.
You know, when
somebody dies there,
they make the rest
of us go in our room
and close the doors,
and then they sneak
out the deceased.
Don't even give you a
chance to wave goodbye.
Oh, that's terrible,
Mr. Johnson.
So I said to myself, "Hubert,
"one place you ain't
gonna die is that rest home.
"No, sir, you're gonna die
like a man's supposed to,
with a family around him."
Don't you have a
family of your own?
Oh, sure, I got a
son in California,
and a daughter in Savannah.
But Mama, he hasn't
seen them in over 15 years.
They love me, like children
love old folks these days...
far away.
Well, I know when my time
comes, I'd want my family around.
Don't worry, Ma, we'll be there.
Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Uh, what I mean
is that, uh, well...
Uh, we're getting
close to New Year's,
but you're still the April fool.
Yeah, that's
right. That's right.
Still got on your
Halloween mask!
Uh, yes?
Is there a Mr. Johnson here?
That's me.
Rental service.
Sign here, please.
Thank you.
Uh, what's this?
Oh, didn't wanna worry you
none, use none of your beds,
so I rented one of my own.
Oh, now, wait a minute!
Hey, Flo... I just saw
them delivering a bed.
What's going on?
Hi, Willona.
You know me?
Michael told me all about you.
He told me that you
were a beautiful woman,
and you are a beautiful woman.
Oh, Michael has a
way of exaggerating,
and bless his heart.
I'm Hubert Johnson.
Willona Woods.
You here for a visit?
Yeah, WILLONA: Oh!
But according to him, he
ain't gonna stay too long.
J.J.
What's happening, Flo?
Mr. Johnson here
has some crazy idea
about coming here to die.
You're jiving, ain't you?
No, I'm not,
and I only wanna
stay here till I go.
Mr. Johnson, this is just
too big a responsibility
for us to take on.
Florida, I'll make
a deal with you.
It's only a couple of
days to New Year's.
If I'm not gone by then, I'll
go back to the rest home.
We gonna have
to talk about this.
You mind going
into the other room
while we discuss it?
J.J., show him.
Not at all.
I sure hope and
trust you vote my way.
Oh, Ma, you can't turn him down.
This means so much to him.
I know that, honey,
but think about it.
What is your father gonna
say when he gets back?
Oh, Mama, Mr. Johnson's
not gonna die, and besides,
we'll just be making him
happy for a couple of days.
Yeah, we all can
help take care of him.
I'll pitch in with the cooking.
There goes his
chance of being happy.
Listen, you all are
missing the point altogether.
Now, this man is
convinced he's gonna die,
and he might.
Well, it's just too
big a burden for me
to have on my shoulders.
Oh, but Mama, it
would be terrible
to send him back
to that rest home.
Oh, Michael. No, Mama, listen.
One time I went
inside to visit him.
Mama, it was sad,
all those old people
just laying in their beds
looking at nothing.
Ma, I know he'll be
a lot happier here.
Thelma, for once, I
have to agree with you.
Flo.
Well...
Mama, please.
Oh, Michael, Michael.
Oh, all right.
He can stay.
Thanks, Ma.
Now you're talking.
Hey.
Hey, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Johnson,
you can come out now.
Michael, how'd the vote go?
I'll let Mama tell you.
Mama.
Mr. Johnson, you're
welcome into our home.
Oh, thank you. Thank you.
I really appreciate that.
Michael. Yeah?
One more time!
Come on. And move it! All right.
Start with your right
foot, all right? Ready, go.
Do the hustle!
One, two, three, four.
Oh, that's...
Ah... Another beautiful day...
but I guess I make
it more beautiful
because I am the
sunshine of my life.
Hey, Michael, when you
getting out of that bathroom?
Hey, Hubert. Happy
day before New Year's.
Hubert?
Hubert!
Ma!
What's the matter?
Ma, he did it! He did it.
He did what?
Look! Look!
Oh, my God.
Ma, is he...
He said he was gonna
die, and I didn't believe him.
J.J., keep Michael
in the bathroom.
He must've known
it was gonna happen.
He's got on his good
suit. He's all dressed up.
Run, he's a zombie!
Hubert.
Well, I just wanted your opinion
on how I looked
buried in this old suit.
Well, that one is just fine.
Now, stop all this foolishness.
You are not going to die.
Come on.
Let's all have some breakfast.
Michael, help me set
the table, sweetheart.
Okay, Ma.
I'll make the oatmeal, Ma. Okay.
Uh-oh, Thelma's
gonna make the oatmeal.
How you want it,
Hubert? One lump or two?
I'll give you a lump
upside that big head.
You got some nerve,
you old manicotti-head.
I don't wanna
hear it... Stop it.
I said, cut it out.
Florida, let them be.
That yelling is like
music to my ears.
It is?
Sounds of a family.
It's been a long time.
I can't tell you
how I've enjoyed
these last couple
of days with you.
I'm glad, Hubert.
We've enjoyed having
you over, Mr. Johnson.
Yeah, I loved it.
Except for one thing.
What's that?
I ain't died yet.
Hi, y'all. Hey, Willona.
How you doing? Whoo-oo!
Hubert, I see you getting
all ready for the New Year.
That's not what
I'm getting ready for.
Oh... well, I am.
Roy Webster's taking
me to the big bash
at the Drake Hotel
tonight, honey,
and I want to
look extra special.
You know, I figure what
Roy's paying for the minimum,
he might as well see
Willona's... whoo, maximum.
Willona. Huh?
There's something I
been meaning to ask you.
What?
How come a beautiful
woman like you ain't married?
Hubert Johnson,
is that a proposal?
Come on, baby, light my fire.
Are you sure you got
anything left to... burn?
An old log lights up faster
than a green one.
Whoop! Too fast for
you. Come on, sit down.
Sit.
Willona...
There's some fresh
coffee on the stove.
Okay.
Hello.
James!
I thought you'd be
on your way by now.
What?
Oh, no.
Well, what time you
think you'll be coming in?
Well, I'll wait up for you
no matter what time it is.
Yeah, I'm upset too, honey.
You take care, now.
Bye-bye, sweetheart.
What's the matter, Ma?
Your daddy ain't gonna
make it in for New Year's Eve.
There was a big snowstorm,
and all the roads are blocked.
Hmm.
You know, this is
the first New Year's
since we've been married
that we didn't spend together.
Well, Ma, we're sure not
gonna let you spend it alone.
That's right!
Yeah, that's right.
We'll have a party right here.
Oh, no, no, no. All of
you have someplace to go.
Yeah, but we could change that.
Larry's working late tonight
and wasn't gonna pick me
up until after midnight anyway,
so we'll just stay
here, that's all.
Oh, Thelma. Yeah,
instead of taking
my date to the Y to
dance, I can take her here.
J.J., sometimes you
can be thoughtful.
Mm-hmm.
Well, it's $3.50
a head at the Y.
It's free here.
Just jiving, Ma, just jiving.
I don't want you
to be alone either.
Okay, love.
Neither do I, Flo.
I'll tell Roy to cancel the
reservations at the Drake,
and we'll do our
celebrating right here.
Listen, the money he was
gonna spend for the minimum,
he can spring for a
case of champagne.
A whole case?
Oh, yeah, honey, because
when the old year goes out,
Willona might
just go out with it.
And Mama, I'll
skip Debbie's party.
She always wants me
to kiss her, and when I do,
my bubblegum gets
stuck in her braces.
This is so sweet of all of you,
but you really, really
don't have to do it.
No, Mama, we'll keep the
party going till Daddy gets here.
All right. Thank you very much.
Hubert...
Hubert?
Care to join us for the party?
Yeah, come on, Mr. Johnson.
Well, let's see what
happens around 9:00.
And if I'm still alive,
we might as well... jive.
Honey, you will
be alive, all right.
Oh, Thelma, move,
you're gonna make me mess up.
Get outta the way!
Whoo!
Oh, Michael, I almost had it.
Hey, it's almost 12:00.
Should I turn on the TV?
Uh-uh, we got a few
minutes left, honey. Okay.
How come you're not dancing?
You were having
a good time before.
You know, I'm just
sitting here thinking.
It looks like I'm going
back to the rest home.
Here, Ma.
We'll talk about
that in the morning.
Right now, just enjoy the party.
I can't understand it.
By now, a preacher
should be doing my eulogy.
Oh, now, Hubert.
Of course, I don't
know what he'd say.
I was born a poor man,
then a working man,
then a married man,
then a family man,
and now I'm an old man.
It isn't very exciting, is it?
Hubert, it might be more
exciting than you know.
I got a eulogy that
will bake your potatoes.
You have? Mm-hmm.
I'm gonna give you a
free example right now.
Oh. Come around here,
brothers and sisters, come on.
Huh? What's
happening? Gather 'round.
What you talking about, Willona?
Gather 'round. Oh.
Brothers and sisters, we
are gathered here tonight
to say goodbye
to Hubert Johnson.
Amen!
Oh, who was this man?
Who?
Hey, was he rich and famous?
Did he discover a
cure for disease?
No.
Did this man walk on the moon?
No.
Well, then, who was this man?
Who was he?
I say, who was this man?
Hey! He was an ordinary man.
I said he was an ordinary man.
Now, some of you
out there might say,
"Why she hooting and a-hollerin'
about some ordinary man?"
Because there ain't
nothing more special
on God's green earth
than an ordinary man.
Because all he doing
is the best he can.
That's right!
Hey, hey, Hubert
Johnson was a good man,
a spiritual man.
He worked like a dog
to take care of
his family and kids.
But most of all, I
said, most of all,
he lived!
He lived every
minute of his life.
Whoo!
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir!
When other folks was out there
chasing after pie in the sky
with ice cream on
top, Hubert knew...
Hubert knew it
was all just jive.
Jive à la mode.
Jive à la mode.
Here lies a man... of
goodness and purity
that lived his last 10
years on social security.
Hey, hey!
Don't cry. No, no.
Don't shed no
tears... No, no, no.
Because Hubert's home up there.
Home in paradise.
He done found out, they
serve red beans and rice.
♪ When Hubert J ♪
♪ When Hubert J ♪
♪ Go marching in ♪
♪ Go marching in ♪
♪ When Hubert J Go marching in ♪
♪ Oh, I want to
be In that number ♪
♪ When Hubert J Go marching in ♪
♪ When Hubert J ♪
♪ When Hubert J ♪
♪ Go marching in ♪
♪ Go marching in ♪
♪ When Hubert J go marching in ♪
♪ Oh, Lord, I want
to be In that number ♪
♪ When Hubert J go marching in ♪
♪ When Hubert J Go marching in ♪
All right!
♪ When Hubert J go marching in ♪
He go right in!
♪ When Hubert J go marching in ♪
Hubert, are you all right?
Is he all right, Flo?
Ma, should we call a doctor?
Uh... I think it's
too late, honey.
Mama, Ma... Ma, is he dead?
Yes, baby, but don't you cry.
It happened just
the way he wanted it,
with a family and
friends around.
It's all right, baby. Oh, Mama.
It's all right.
♪ Mm-mm-mm ♪
♪ Just lookin' Out
of the window ♪
♪ Watching the asphalt grow ♪
♪ Thinkin' how It all
looks hand-me-down ♪
♪ Good times Good times ♪
♪ Keepin' your
head Above water ♪
♪ Makin' a wave When you can ♪
♪ Temporary layoffs Good times ♪
Good Times is recorded on tape
before a live audience.
♪ Ain't we lucky we got 'em? ♪
♪ Good times ♪♪
you meet a payment ♪
♪ Good times Any
time you need a friend ♪
♪ Good times Any time
you're out from under ♪
♪ Not gettin' hassled
Not gettin' hustled ♪
♪ Keepin' your
head Above water ♪
♪ Makin' a wave when you can ♪
♪ Temporary layoffs Good times ♪
♪ Easy credit
rip-offs Good times ♪
♪ Scratchin' and
survivin' Good times ♪
♪ Hangin' in a chow
line Good times ♪
♪ Ain't we lucky we got 'em? ♪
♪ Good times ♪♪
Hey, now, look here, man,
I know tuxedos are tough to rent
around New Year's Eve time,
but ain't you got
a little something
a little cheaper than that?
How about a little
lower than that?
A little lower than that.
J.J., will you stop
tying up the phone?
Okay, Ma.
Uh, look, here, man.
Suppose I left out
the cumberbun?
How about the shoes?
I could always paint
my sneakers black.
The cuff links?
The shirt stud?
The shirt?
You'll be down to your
underwear pretty soon.
Now, will you get off the phone?
You know I'm expecting
a call from your father.
Sure, Ma.
Hey... look here, man. I
have to get back to you.
Yeah, okay.
I got to consult my
business manager. Bye.
Uh... Business manager,
could I borrow $5?
Now, you know
we're short on money.
Else why would your
father have to take
an extra job out of town?
Ma, this last year's
dress is perfect,
but you have to take
in the waist just a little,
because I've lost a few pounds.
Whoo!
Well, I may have found them.
Whoo!
Well, Thelma, I'm glad to
hear that you lost some weight.
Now you only have
one unsightly bulge...
Your face.
Look who's talking,
the big shot who thinks
he can rent a tuxedo.
Well, I got news for you.
They don't have a size
10 chest and 42 sleeve.
You got some nerve, you old...
All right, you two,
that's enough.
Ma.
Hello?
James.
Daddy!
How are you, honey?
Oh, good.
Yeah, everything here is fine.
Honey, when do you
think you'll be through
with your job?
Your daddy is gonna be
home for New Year's Eve.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yeah, all the kids are
going out for New Year's Eve.
Nah, I don't wanna go anywhere.
Just staying home with
you is celebration enough.
Have mercy.
We can't wait to see
you. We miss you so.
Now, look, I know
this phone call
is costing money, so
I'm gonna say goodbye.
Okay, bye-bye, sweetheart.
Bye, Dad. Bye, Daddy.
Your daddy's taking a
bus Wednesday morning,
and he gonna be here by 3:00!
Whoo-hoo-hoo! Yeah!
All right.
Couldn't have
gotten here that fast.
They got a 55-mile-an-hour
speed limit here.
Florida.
Do I know you?
No, but I know
you. May I come in?
Well, um... Yeah.
Well, well, well.
You're Thelma.
That's right.
And I don't have
to ask who this is.
How are you, J.J.?
Wow, you know us all.
Well, look here.
If you from the
Internal Revenue,
the reason we ain't
paid no income tax
is because we don't
have any income.
I ain't from the
Internal Revenue.
This is just like I
pictured it. This is nice.
Real nice.
Yeah, homey and cheerful.
This is the perfect place.
The perfect place for what?
The perfect place for me to die.
Hey, uh, look here, man.
I think you got
the wrong address.
Fenway's Mortuary is
five blocks down the street,
and they usually don't
deal in the deceased
until after they stop moving.
What are you
talking about, Mr...
Johnson. Hubert Johnson.
Well, I think you'd better
explain, Mr. Johnson.
It's like I said, I
came here to die.
It could be a couple
of days, maybe a day,
maybe an hour from now,
maybe even the
next five minutes.
Well, that's nice.
While you're waiting,
would you care
for a cup of coffee?
I don't think we have
time to boil the water, Ma.
J.J.
It would be nice to
have a cup of coffee.
All right.
Uh... can I ask
you one question?
Of course.
If you really think
you're gonna die,
why did you pick our apartment?
Because I like this family.
But how do you know us?
Hi, Ma.
Hello, sweetheart.
Hey, Mr. Johnson.
Michael.
Hey, what are you doing here?
I was looking for
you, and I got worried.
Michael... you two
know each other?
Yeah, Ma.
You have a real
nice boy here, Florida.
You know, on his
way home from school,
if I'm sitting out in
front of the rest home,
he always stops to talk to me.
- Oh.
He's the only friend I got.
You know, not too many people
stop to talk to old folks.
Mama, don't listen to him.
He's not old,
and besides, we're
really running buddies,
except we don't do too
much running together.
Don't you have any
friends at the rest home?
No.
In fact, I don't even
bother to introduce myself.
No sense saying "how-do"
to someone that's done.
That's why Michael
here is my main man.
He keeps me up on things.
Come on, Michael, show them
what you taught
me the other day.
All right, but remember,
we start on the
right foot, ready.
And go. One, two, three, four.
Side, two, three,
four, up... and back.
Oh, that's nice, Michael.
Hey!
One, two, three, four.
Hey.
Oh, that's the hustle.
I know.
That's why I can't understand
all this talk about you dying.
What do you mean?
You're not gonna
die, Mr. Johnson.
Michael, my time has come.
My heart can't pump any longer.
It's got more leaky
valves than a '61 Buick.
And my blood, it don't
circulate anymore.
It just shuffles.
We're sorry to hear
that, Mr. Johnson.
Now, don't you
feel sorry for me.
I've lived my life, had my
fun, and sowed my wild oats.
Now I'm just waiting
for that top dude
to make his house call.
You mean, he's coming here?
Hey, look here, I hope he knows
which one of us he's
coming here to get.
J.J.!
Don't, worry, son.
I'm the one that's
got the reservation.
You know, I'm still confused.
Of course, I don't really think
you're gonna pass on,
but if you think
you are, tell us,
why here?
Because there's
somebody here that I love.
The rest home
ain't no place to die.
No dignity. You're just a body.
You know, when
somebody dies there,
they make the rest
of us go in our room
and close the doors,
and then they sneak
out the deceased.
Don't even give you a
chance to wave goodbye.
Oh, that's terrible,
Mr. Johnson.
So I said to myself, "Hubert,
"one place you ain't
gonna die is that rest home.
"No, sir, you're gonna die
like a man's supposed to,
with a family around him."
Don't you have a
family of your own?
Oh, sure, I got a
son in California,
and a daughter in Savannah.
But Mama, he hasn't
seen them in over 15 years.
They love me, like children
love old folks these days...
far away.
Well, I know when my time
comes, I'd want my family around.
Don't worry, Ma, we'll be there.
Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Uh, what I mean
is that, uh, well...
Uh, we're getting
close to New Year's,
but you're still the April fool.
Yeah, that's
right. That's right.
Still got on your
Halloween mask!
Uh, yes?
Is there a Mr. Johnson here?
That's me.
Rental service.
Sign here, please.
Thank you.
Uh, what's this?
Oh, didn't wanna worry you
none, use none of your beds,
so I rented one of my own.
Oh, now, wait a minute!
Hey, Flo... I just saw
them delivering a bed.
What's going on?
Hi, Willona.
You know me?
Michael told me all about you.
He told me that you
were a beautiful woman,
and you are a beautiful woman.
Oh, Michael has a
way of exaggerating,
and bless his heart.
I'm Hubert Johnson.
Willona Woods.
You here for a visit?
Yeah, WILLONA: Oh!
But according to him, he
ain't gonna stay too long.
J.J.
What's happening, Flo?
Mr. Johnson here
has some crazy idea
about coming here to die.
You're jiving, ain't you?
No, I'm not,
and I only wanna
stay here till I go.
Mr. Johnson, this is just
too big a responsibility
for us to take on.
Florida, I'll make
a deal with you.
It's only a couple of
days to New Year's.
If I'm not gone by then, I'll
go back to the rest home.
We gonna have
to talk about this.
You mind going
into the other room
while we discuss it?
J.J., show him.
Not at all.
I sure hope and
trust you vote my way.
Oh, Ma, you can't turn him down.
This means so much to him.
I know that, honey,
but think about it.
What is your father gonna
say when he gets back?
Oh, Mama, Mr. Johnson's
not gonna die, and besides,
we'll just be making him
happy for a couple of days.
Yeah, we all can
help take care of him.
I'll pitch in with the cooking.
There goes his
chance of being happy.
Listen, you all are
missing the point altogether.
Now, this man is
convinced he's gonna die,
and he might.
Well, it's just too
big a burden for me
to have on my shoulders.
Oh, but Mama, it
would be terrible
to send him back
to that rest home.
Oh, Michael. No, Mama, listen.
One time I went
inside to visit him.
Mama, it was sad,
all those old people
just laying in their beds
looking at nothing.
Ma, I know he'll be
a lot happier here.
Thelma, for once, I
have to agree with you.
Flo.
Well...
Mama, please.
Oh, Michael, Michael.
Oh, all right.
He can stay.
Thanks, Ma.
Now you're talking.
Hey.
Hey, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Johnson,
you can come out now.
Michael, how'd the vote go?
I'll let Mama tell you.
Mama.
Mr. Johnson, you're
welcome into our home.
Oh, thank you. Thank you.
I really appreciate that.
Michael. Yeah?
One more time!
Come on. And move it! All right.
Start with your right
foot, all right? Ready, go.
Do the hustle!
One, two, three, four.
Oh, that's...
Ah... Another beautiful day...
but I guess I make
it more beautiful
because I am the
sunshine of my life.
Hey, Michael, when you
getting out of that bathroom?
Hey, Hubert. Happy
day before New Year's.
Hubert?
Hubert!
Ma!
What's the matter?
Ma, he did it! He did it.
He did what?
Look! Look!
Oh, my God.
Ma, is he...
He said he was gonna
die, and I didn't believe him.
J.J., keep Michael
in the bathroom.
He must've known
it was gonna happen.
He's got on his good
suit. He's all dressed up.
Run, he's a zombie!
Hubert.
Well, I just wanted your opinion
on how I looked
buried in this old suit.
Well, that one is just fine.
Now, stop all this foolishness.
You are not going to die.
Come on.
Let's all have some breakfast.
Michael, help me set
the table, sweetheart.
Okay, Ma.
I'll make the oatmeal, Ma. Okay.
Uh-oh, Thelma's
gonna make the oatmeal.
How you want it,
Hubert? One lump or two?
I'll give you a lump
upside that big head.
You got some nerve,
you old manicotti-head.
I don't wanna
hear it... Stop it.
I said, cut it out.
Florida, let them be.
That yelling is like
music to my ears.
It is?
Sounds of a family.
It's been a long time.
I can't tell you
how I've enjoyed
these last couple
of days with you.
I'm glad, Hubert.
We've enjoyed having
you over, Mr. Johnson.
Yeah, I loved it.
Except for one thing.
What's that?
I ain't died yet.
Hi, y'all. Hey, Willona.
How you doing? Whoo-oo!
Hubert, I see you getting
all ready for the New Year.
That's not what
I'm getting ready for.
Oh... well, I am.
Roy Webster's taking
me to the big bash
at the Drake Hotel
tonight, honey,
and I want to
look extra special.
You know, I figure what
Roy's paying for the minimum,
he might as well see
Willona's... whoo, maximum.
Willona. Huh?
There's something I
been meaning to ask you.
What?
How come a beautiful
woman like you ain't married?
Hubert Johnson,
is that a proposal?
Come on, baby, light my fire.
Are you sure you got
anything left to... burn?
An old log lights up faster
than a green one.
Whoop! Too fast for
you. Come on, sit down.
Sit.
Willona...
There's some fresh
coffee on the stove.
Okay.
Hello.
James!
I thought you'd be
on your way by now.
What?
Oh, no.
Well, what time you
think you'll be coming in?
Well, I'll wait up for you
no matter what time it is.
Yeah, I'm upset too, honey.
You take care, now.
Bye-bye, sweetheart.
What's the matter, Ma?
Your daddy ain't gonna
make it in for New Year's Eve.
There was a big snowstorm,
and all the roads are blocked.
Hmm.
You know, this is
the first New Year's
since we've been married
that we didn't spend together.
Well, Ma, we're sure not
gonna let you spend it alone.
That's right!
Yeah, that's right.
We'll have a party right here.
Oh, no, no, no. All of
you have someplace to go.
Yeah, but we could change that.
Larry's working late tonight
and wasn't gonna pick me
up until after midnight anyway,
so we'll just stay
here, that's all.
Oh, Thelma. Yeah,
instead of taking
my date to the Y to
dance, I can take her here.
J.J., sometimes you
can be thoughtful.
Mm-hmm.
Well, it's $3.50
a head at the Y.
It's free here.
Just jiving, Ma, just jiving.
I don't want you
to be alone either.
Okay, love.
Neither do I, Flo.
I'll tell Roy to cancel the
reservations at the Drake,
and we'll do our
celebrating right here.
Listen, the money he was
gonna spend for the minimum,
he can spring for a
case of champagne.
A whole case?
Oh, yeah, honey, because
when the old year goes out,
Willona might
just go out with it.
And Mama, I'll
skip Debbie's party.
She always wants me
to kiss her, and when I do,
my bubblegum gets
stuck in her braces.
This is so sweet of all of you,
but you really, really
don't have to do it.
No, Mama, we'll keep the
party going till Daddy gets here.
All right. Thank you very much.
Hubert...
Hubert?
Care to join us for the party?
Yeah, come on, Mr. Johnson.
Well, let's see what
happens around 9:00.
And if I'm still alive,
we might as well... jive.
Honey, you will
be alive, all right.
Oh, Thelma, move,
you're gonna make me mess up.
Get outta the way!
Whoo!
Oh, Michael, I almost had it.
Hey, it's almost 12:00.
Should I turn on the TV?
Uh-uh, we got a few
minutes left, honey. Okay.
How come you're not dancing?
You were having
a good time before.
You know, I'm just
sitting here thinking.
It looks like I'm going
back to the rest home.
Here, Ma.
We'll talk about
that in the morning.
Right now, just enjoy the party.
I can't understand it.
By now, a preacher
should be doing my eulogy.
Oh, now, Hubert.
Of course, I don't
know what he'd say.
I was born a poor man,
then a working man,
then a married man,
then a family man,
and now I'm an old man.
It isn't very exciting, is it?
Hubert, it might be more
exciting than you know.
I got a eulogy that
will bake your potatoes.
You have? Mm-hmm.
I'm gonna give you a
free example right now.
Oh. Come around here,
brothers and sisters, come on.
Huh? What's
happening? Gather 'round.
What you talking about, Willona?
Gather 'round. Oh.
Brothers and sisters, we
are gathered here tonight
to say goodbye
to Hubert Johnson.
Amen!
Oh, who was this man?
Who?
Hey, was he rich and famous?
Did he discover a
cure for disease?
No.
Did this man walk on the moon?
No.
Well, then, who was this man?
Who was he?
I say, who was this man?
Hey! He was an ordinary man.
I said he was an ordinary man.
Now, some of you
out there might say,
"Why she hooting and a-hollerin'
about some ordinary man?"
Because there ain't
nothing more special
on God's green earth
than an ordinary man.
Because all he doing
is the best he can.
That's right!
Hey, hey, Hubert
Johnson was a good man,
a spiritual man.
He worked like a dog
to take care of
his family and kids.
But most of all, I
said, most of all,
he lived!
He lived every
minute of his life.
Whoo!
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir!
When other folks was out there
chasing after pie in the sky
with ice cream on
top, Hubert knew...
Hubert knew it
was all just jive.
Jive à la mode.
Jive à la mode.
Here lies a man... of
goodness and purity
that lived his last 10
years on social security.
Hey, hey!
Don't cry. No, no.
Don't shed no
tears... No, no, no.
Because Hubert's home up there.
Home in paradise.
He done found out, they
serve red beans and rice.
♪ When Hubert J ♪
♪ When Hubert J ♪
♪ Go marching in ♪
♪ Go marching in ♪
♪ When Hubert J Go marching in ♪
♪ Oh, I want to
be In that number ♪
♪ When Hubert J Go marching in ♪
♪ When Hubert J ♪
♪ When Hubert J ♪
♪ Go marching in ♪
♪ Go marching in ♪
♪ When Hubert J go marching in ♪
♪ Oh, Lord, I want
to be In that number ♪
♪ When Hubert J go marching in ♪
♪ When Hubert J Go marching in ♪
All right!
♪ When Hubert J go marching in ♪
He go right in!
♪ When Hubert J go marching in ♪
Hubert, are you all right?
Is he all right, Flo?
Ma, should we call a doctor?
Uh... I think it's
too late, honey.
Mama, Ma... Ma, is he dead?
Yes, baby, but don't you cry.
It happened just
the way he wanted it,
with a family and
friends around.
It's all right, baby. Oh, Mama.
It's all right.
♪ Mm-mm-mm ♪
♪ Just lookin' Out
of the window ♪
♪ Watching the asphalt grow ♪
♪ Thinkin' how It all
looks hand-me-down ♪
♪ Good times Good times ♪
♪ Keepin' your
head Above water ♪
♪ Makin' a wave When you can ♪
♪ Temporary layoffs Good times ♪
Good Times is recorded on tape
before a live audience.
♪ Ain't we lucky we got 'em? ♪
♪ Good times ♪♪