Studio One (1948–1958): Season 6, Episode 37 - The Death and Life of Larry Benson - full transcript
Larry Benson was reported missing on the battlefield more than three years ago and the entire town is excited about his unexpected homecoming.
Westinghouse. The
name that means sureness.
Whether it's on vacuum
cleaners for America's homes
or electric trolley
coaches for our cities.
Whether it's a
product for your home,
for your business,
for your farm,
for your factory...
I'm coming.
Yes? Nettie Clark.
- I'm soaked to the skin.
- Come in.
- Oh, dear.
- Oh, my dear.
Will you look at these shoes?
And naturally I wouldn't have
sense enough to wear my glasses.
And me only three
days out of a sickbed.
Hello, Freda.
You look tired.
Oh, I know you're
not. You never are.
But you look it.
I'm going to shake
like a puppy now.
Anything around here
can't stand a wetting?
- No.
- Good.
Ooh! There.
Take off your sweater.
You're gonna catch cold.
No, I can't. I've got a
turkey shriveling in the oven.
I just dashed over
here to pick up my cake.
- Is it ready?
- The angel food?
Mm-hmm.
Freda, you know, you'd
look five years younger
if you cut your hair and
gave yourself a permanent.
They have those do-jiggers...
Jessie was supposed
to deliver your cake.
She left here an
hour and a half ago.
Well, she must have eaten it.
What's the matter?
Oh! Larry's pies! Excuse me.
Custard pie is his favorite.
He used to be able
to eat a whole one.
Freda, you know I wouldn't have
missed that boy's homecoming
for anything in the world.
It's just that Harry's Uncle
Fred and Aunt Olga...
You know, the ones in the
poodle-clipping business?
Now, if that isn't ridiculous.
They're driving through,
and, naturally, they would
have to stay for dinner.
On a Saturday night too.
I understand the whole
crowd, the whole town,
is going to be at the station.
Well, there's my cake.
"Nettie Clark. Deliver at 4:30."
Oh, Nettie, I'm sorry.
Jessie must have forgotten it.
Oh, well, she's probably
silly with excitement,
what with her brother coming
home from Korea and all.
How long has it been, Freda?
Seems like more than two years.
It's been three.
Three?
Well, just imagine.
Where does the time go?
Well, I've got a
turkey to baste.
Oh, I'm glad for you, Freda.
You must be very happy.
Now, you give that boy
of yours a big hug for me
and tell him hello.
I'm going to send him
over a turkey leg tomorrow
if I can keep it away
from Harry's Uncle Fred.
He eats like a fury!
I might just as well
not have this thing,
the way it's coming down.
Sorry about the cake, Nettie.
Oh, forget it.
You've got enough
to worry about.
Oh, good heavens!
I forgot to pay you.
Isn't that just like me?
- Give it to me another time.
- It's a dollar and a quarter.
Will you look at it coming down?
Well, I'm going to
run before I drown.
Boy, is it teeming.
I had to run all the
way from Mrs. Potter's.
Hope those cakes
didn't get soggy.
By the way, I'm
supposed to tell you,
Mrs. Potter said
she'll mail you a check.
I forgot how much
the apple pies were.
- You'll have to call her.
- Take off your shoes, honey.
The Bennetts want to know when
you're baking doughnuts again.
- I said probably Tuesday. Okay?
- Mm-hmm.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- You awfully wet?
- Oh, I'm soaked.
Look at my hair.
It's all a mess.
What time is it?
Now, catch your breath.
It's quarter of 6:00.
Give me your socks.
- You forgot Mrs. Clark's cake.
- Oh, I know.
I almost knocked
her over just now.
I'm sorry.
I left it on the kitchen table
especially so I'd
remember it, too.
Mom, do you think there's
anything in those memory courses
they advertise in the
movie magazines?
"Your memory can
be your salvation."
I don't know, dear.
Think I'm gonna send for one.
Mom, did you check and see
whether Larry's train's on time?
Yes, it's on time.
I'm gonna wear my new dress.
I don't care if it
blows up a hurricane.
Golly, Mom, I'm so excited.
I wonder what he'll look like.
I bet he's grown.
Do you think he has?
He was only 18 1/2 when he left.
Boys grow till
they're 21, don't they?
Some do.
Phil Bennett's 23,
and he's still growing.
He's weird, though.
Mom, do you suppose
Larry's really all better?
I mean, what did he
sound like on the phone?
I told you, dear, it wasn't
a very good connection.
Did he sound weak?
No. No, he sounded all right.
You know, I've
been thinking Mom.
I mean, about what
to say to him and all.
I've decided not to
ask him about anything.
I mean, about what it was like
being missing in
action or anything.
I think that's the
best policy, don't you?
I mean, if he wants to talk
about it, I'm just gonna nod.
I was wondering... Do you
think if he starts to talk about it,
I should even
change the subject?
I wouldn't worry
about that now, dear.
I wonder what those
Army hospitals were like.
I bet they're real depressing.
I don't know if they are.
What's the matter, Mom?
Nothing.
Well, you look funny.
Aren't you happy?
Of course I'm happy, baby.
Now, you run on up and change.
I don't want you to catch cold.
Okay.
Mom, are you nervous?
Oh, well, now if
that isn't the silliest.
You mean because of
that crowd at the station?
Jessie, your
father's coming here.
Oh, no, Mommy.
Called me an hour ago.
Haven't talked to
him in one year,
and he called me an hour ago.
He wants to go with us to
the station to meet Larry.
I couldn't say
no. It's his right.
Jessie, he didn't even
ask me how I was.
Why does he have to come here?
Why can't he go
straight to the station?
Mom, I don't understand.
This was supposed
to be a happy thing.
I've been fluttery in
my stomach for days.
Why does he have to?
He's Larry's father, Jessie.
He's my father, too,
and I don't know him
to say hello to anymore.
Don't say that.
Mom, I was planning
on having fun tonight.
Larry's coming home.
A few months ago, we
thought he was dead,
and now he's coming home.
This isn't a time for strangers.
Jessie!
I won't know what to say to him.
Well, I can't give you the
words, baby, but they'll come.
Now run on up and
get ready, hmm?
Hello, Sam.
Hello, Freda.
Come in.
Thanks.
It's a pretty bad night.
My feet are probably...
It's all right. The
rug's wet already.
Oh.
- Well, I didn't want to...
- No, no. It's quite all right.
Take off your coat, Sam.
You're looking well, Freda.
Wouldn't you like to sit down?
Yeah. Yeah, I would. Thanks.
How have you been,
Sammy? You look thinner.
Oh, fine. Fine.
Well, you know me. I...
I very rarely get sick.
Oh, you got new curtains, huh?
They're a year old.
How's Jessie?
Jessie's fine. She's
growing up fast now.
Mm-hmm. Where is she?
In her room putting
on a new dress
and wondering what
she's going to say to you.
Oh, now, Freda...
I'm sorry.
It's not easy.
No.
No, it's not easy.
I, uh... I heard
about the baking.
You're not working
too hard, are you?
I mean, it wouldn't be so good
if you were working too hard.
We're getting along fine.
That's good.
Did you speak to Larry?
- How'd he sound?
- All right.
Yeah? Where was he?
California somewhere.
California.
It'll be good to see him again.
You still got his butterflies?
Yeah.
I was sure he was dead, Freda.
I could feel it. You
know what I mean?
I went out in the backyard
one night in my pajamas.
Oh, I don't know,
must have been 3:00
or 4:00 in the morning.
And I cried.
I haven't cried since
I was 8 years old.
But I cried then.
My nose got sore, just
like when I was a kid.
I never told you about that.
It was about four
months before we...
before I left here.
I had to come here, Freda.
I heard Larry was alive, and
I heard he was coming home,
and I just had to come.
- Can you understand that?
- Yes, I can understand that.
- Well, I'm his father!
- I said I can understand.
Does he, uh...
Does he know about us?
No. Not yet.
How we gonna tell it to him?
I don't know.
What's to tell?
Nothing.
Can't even tell myself.
"Larry, your mother and
I were married 25 years,
and then we couldn't stand
being together anymore."
That's my side of it.
All the words I ever found.
Yeah. Yeah, that...
That's what I'm gonna tell him.
I don't have any side.
- What time is it?
- Why didn't you ever call Jess?
You might as well
have taken her arm
and snapped it in
two across your knee.
Hurt that much.
Stop it, will you?!
Hello?
Oh, yes, Mrs. Lambert.
Yes, we'll deliver it
tomorrow afternoon.
Hello, Jessie.
Hello.
You look grown up.
I'm 16.
Yeah. Yeah, I know.
Thank you, Mrs.
Lambert. Goodbye.
Well, it's good to
see you, Freda.
Oh, I rented a
car. It's outside.
It's only two blocks,
but I thought the kid
would get a kick out of it.
Freda!
Freda, I had to come!
After all, how often
does a thing like this
happen in Oakmont?
Oh, for heaven's sake!
That band!
Isn't that terrible?
Isn't it ridiculous?
I made Harry and Uncle Fred
and Aunt Olga come along.
We can have supper later.
Oh, my dear, they're starving.
Hello, Jess.
My, aren't you pretty?
Now, you know I
wouldn't have missed this
for anything in the world.
I'm happy for you, Freda.
- Sam.
- How are you, Nettie?
Thank you, Nettie. It
was very nice of you.
Oh, Mrs. Benson.
Oh, hello, Mrs. Fitch.
We only have a minute,
but Walter and me,
we wanted to tell you how
happy we are about your boy.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Mom, you all right?
There he is now!
Mom!
Mom! Mom!
Hey, wait!
That's not Larry Benson.
That's not Larry Benson.
And now let's pause for a moment
and turn to our Westinghouse
program and Betty Furness.
Yes, see if you can do
this with your refrigerator...
Find anything that
you want, blindfolded.
Well, it's easy if you have
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because it gives you a
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For instance, suppose
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dozen Cokes and other beverages
and keep them perfectly
chilled and ready to enjoy.
Then, suppose
you want the butter.
Well, it's right up here
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for easy spreading.
Then, how about a nice,
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Well, there's no groping
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and has a special
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The eggs? Well, they're
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And there's a full
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Now, each one of these
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Isn't that convenient?
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Now, I know that you don't go
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but isn't it wonderful
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That's why I know
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And that means no
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Go and see this exciting new
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Available only at your
Westinghouse dealer.
And remember...
We return now to
"Westinghouse Studio One"
and "The Death and
Life of Larry Benson."
Dad!
You've lost weight, skinny.
Oh, it's funny.
I knew when I came home
you'd have a stuffy nose.
You always do when
you feel like crying.
Here, Mom. Blow.
Jess, you little pip-squeak.
You're all grown up.
Miss America!
You know what?
It's a funny thing.
All of a sudden, it feels
like I've never been gone.
I'm hungry.
Wait a minute.
Oh, hello, Mrs. Fitch.
Well, what's a matter with her?
I-I don't know.
- I'd like to go home.
- Now you wait a minute!
Sam.
Jessie.
Why, that's no
more Larry than I am.
I know because
I was his teacher,
and I've known him
since he was a little fellow.
Where is Larry Benson?
Well, nothing changes.
Even the way it smells.
That's the last time I'm gonna
lug you, you ton of bricks.
Well, what do you know?
I've grown nearly two inches.
Look at this, Dad.
Two inches at least.
You bet me a dollar I wouldn't
grow more than one, remember?
Fork it over.
Who are you?
I said, "Who are you?"
Well, what's the matter?
Haven't you got ears?
- Dad.
- Sam.
I just walked into the
house 10 seconds ago.
What are you playing games for?
In the car, nobody
opened his mouth.
- What's wrong?
- What's your name?
What's my name?
Mom, what's a matter with him?
I'll show you what's
a matter with me!
What are you trying to do to us,
busting in here out of nowhere,
acting as if you were our son?
Acting?
But, Dad, you got to be
joking? What are you saying?
Mom, what does he
mean? I don't understand.
Oh, you don't understand?
Where's my boy?
You're crazy.
- Answer me!
- Sam.
He'll answer.
He'll answer or
I'll break his neck!
Sam, stop it!
Mom.
Go upstairs, Jessie.
Jess.
- You haven't even said hello.
- That's enough of that!
You come back! Listen to me!
If you shout, I don't
think I'll be able to stand it.
I can't stand it now!
I beg of you! Please!
Mom, for heaven's
sake. What is it?
Come inside.
Take off your coat, Sam.
How did you know
where to find the humidor?
Well, that's where
it's always been.
You never let Dad
keep it on the table
'cause he always
spilled tobacco.
How do you know that?
How do I know it?
Well, what do you
want me to say?
I've seen it a thousand times.
I prayed for three
years I'd see it again.
Mom, what are you trying to do?
I don't know.
Well, I'm back in my own home,
and everybody's staring at
me like I'm a bug on a pin.
Look, you got to tell
me what's going on.
You walked over to
some woman in the station
and said hello to her.
Who was it?
It was Mrs. Fitch.
And who is Mrs. Fitch?
She was my seventh-grade
schoolteacher.
She gave me a "B" in conduct!
Who do you think Mrs. Fitch is?
Look, you've got to
tell me what's going on.
Freda.
Oh, Mrs. Benson, I'm
certainly sorry to trouble you.
I know it's late.
Oh, no trouble at all.
Well, Burt and I were
stretching our legs after the rain.
My, but it's nice and fresh out.
Well, anyway, I was telling Burt
that I'd like to order some
of those brownies you make.
The ones with the almonds.
And the funniest thing, just
after I finished telling him,
we were passing by here,
so I thought I'd ring the bell.
- I'm sorry...
- I'd like to order a dozen.
I'm expecting the
children tomorrow,
and I haven't a
thing in the house.
I'm very sorry, Mrs. Potter.
I couldn't possibly have it
for you tomorrow morning.
Oh. Well, if you can't,
you can't, I guess.
Thank you very much,
Mrs. Potter. Good night.
Now you listen to me!
Mom, what was that?
What was she talking about?
Are you selling cakes
to the neighbors?
Wait a minute! Who are
you to be asking that?
Are you?
Why do you call me "Mom"?
Why do I call you "Mom"?
Well, that's all I've
called you for 21 years.
Look at me.
Where do you come from?
How do you know us?
You're going to have to
answer my questions now
because I'm not going to
be able to ask very many.
I stood in the station
tonight waiting for my son.
He didn't get off the train.
- What are you saying?
- It isn't very easy to stand...
Who are you?
I'm Larry Benson.
No!
I'm back in my own
home after three years,
and I feel like it's
coming down on my head.
Where do you
think you're going?!
Sam, please!
- Sam, please!
- What's the matter with you?!
I don't know, but
he's frightened!
Larry's room.
- I'm going up.
- To do what?
Tear it out of him!
No, Sam, please. Let him stay.
Don't stand in my way, Freda!
Don't try to stop me!
Stop it, you hear?!
Take your hands off my mother!
Sam!
My hand, where I
slapped him... It stings.
He just looked at me.
What did you want him to do?
Freda, where... where's Larry?
I don't know.
How can you stand there
and say "I don't know"
like somebody was asking
you the time or something?
What are you made of, anyway?!
My insides are twisting
and turning so hard it hurts.
I never felt such a pain.
Where's Larry?
Now don't say, "I don't know"!
I'm talking about our boy.
I want to know where
Larry is. I want to know now!
I want to know it, too, Sam.
Freda, look, there
must be some way.
I mean, if we sat down
with him, if we were quiet.
He doesn't know.
Did you see his face
when you hit him?
You were his father.
He's crazy.
- Sam, go home.
- No.
It would be better. I
can't think with you here.
I said no.
Oh, I can't go now, Freda.
I'll sit up in a
chair. Anything.
And then tomorrow
we'll call the Army.
We'll make inquiries. We'll try.
Oh, please, Freda.
All right, Sam.
I wonder if he
liked the butterflies.
What are you talking about?
I'm afraid, Sam.
I'm afraid.
And there isn't anyone to
make me not afraid anymore.
Hello.
Is it all right if I come in?
You were looking
at the butterflies.
- Yeah.
- They're pretty.
They're beautiful.
It takes a lot of running.
I mean, sometimes
you have to chase them.
I don't know why I came in here.
Maybe you could understand it.
This was my
brother's room, and...
Remember how you used
to scream and run to Mom
when I'd put them on the pins?
How did you know that?
- It doesn't hurt them a bit.
- But you couldn't know.
You used to call me a murderer.
No. No, that's not true.
I used to call Larry...
What are they doing to me, Jess?
They don't know me.
I'm their son, and
they don't know me.
They don't want me here.
You got to help me, Jess.
Your face is all red
where he hit you.
Why did he hit me?
He never hit me
before in his life.
It's almost like
he's not my father.
It's almost like
he's not my father.
Why?
I don't know him anymore.
He left us a year ago.
No, that's not true.
What do you mean?
Tell me. What are
you trying to say?
He didn't leave. He didn't!
I've got a family here!
And now let's pause for a moment
and turn to our Westinghouse
program and Betty Furness.
They seem to like
each other, don't they?
And of course they like
the clear and lovely music
coming from that
handsome portable radio
and the juicy steak
charcoal-broiling
on that smart barbecue grill.
And you're going to like
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and this useful grill
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But they're yours all
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You save $9.85.
Now, this deluxe
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Now here we've
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to show you the long-life
batteries installed.
But suppose
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where only flashlight
batteries can be obtained.
Well, a simple adjustment
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And, as usual, your favorite
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What's more, this
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is open here in the front so
you can leave the radio right in it.
Then let me show
you how easy it is
to use this clever
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You just pull the
handles out like this,
and then the charcoal goes
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There's no danger
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Then, when you want to turn
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Just turn the
grill, right like that.
Now, remember, this deluxe
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the batteries, and the grill
are yours for only $34.95.
And then, for just
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So see your Westinghouse
dealer tomorrow.
Take advantage of this really
exciting summer bargain special
while it lasts.
And remember...
We return now to
"Westinghouse Studio One"
and "The Death and
Life of Larry Benson."
Oh, Freda. Oh.
I must have fallen asleep.
Are you all right?
Yes. I'm all right.
I spent the night thinking.
All night.
That's a very hard thing to do.
You think about everything
that ever happened
in your whole life.
I didn't want to.
Coffee's on. It's leftover.
Tried to think about what to do,
but it kept slipping
out of my head.
I don't know what's
the matter with me.
Can't seem to think anymore.
Would you like something to eat?
Hmm? No. No, thanks.
You know the only
thing I could think of?
- I'm gonna call the Army.
- It's Sunday.
All right, so it's Sunday!
What do they do, shut down
the whole Army on Sunday?
Well, there must be
someplace we can call.
That's what phones are for.
Look, how long do you
think I can live with this thing?!
I've been sitting out in
that chair, and I've been...
All right, it's Sunday.
What are we supposed
to do, go to church?
Coffee's ready. Sit down, Sam.
I don't understand you.
What are you thinking about?
It's like I know him.
What's the matter with you?
You're not making sense.
I know him, Sam.
He came into my room last night.
I was crying.
Put his hand on my head.
Felt just like Larry's hand.
I didn't cry any more.
That's insane, isn't it?
I don't know.
I don't know what's
insane or what isn't.
Don't call today, Sam.
Please. Not today.
- Where is he?
- He's in his room.
It's not his room,
Freda! It's Larry's room!
Hello.
Now there's some
questions I want to ask you.
Thought maybe you'd like...
Come back here.
It's like talking to a rock.
Your coffee's getting cold.
Oh, my coffee's getting cold.
That's a fine thing to say now.
Why don't you ask
me what time it is?
Why...
Sam, no! That
doesn't belong to you.
Look, Freda. Larry's picture.
- What are you going to do?
- What do you think?
Sam, please. Let me talk to him.
- I know how.
- I know how too!
He had Larry's
picture in his bag
and never even opened his mouth.
But, Sam, he couldn't!
Don't you understand?
He couldn't.
You can't shout at this
boy. He won't hear you.
Sam, let me talk to
him. Please let me.
Well, ask him
about Larry's picture.
- I will.
- Ask him about the picture.
I will, Sam.
Grass smells sweet, doesn't it?
I used to like to
lie in it and read.
Sometimes I'd fall asleep.
I haven't done that
in three years now.
Hedges are a little ragged.
You have to keep after them.
Mom, why did Dad leave here?
I don't think we should
talk about that now.
I want to know.
Well, I... I don't think
I can answer you.
He doesn't have the right.
Can't talk about the
right or the wrong of it.
You don't know.
Sometimes things
like this happen.
No one knows why.
You can love
someone very much...
For 25 years.
It's only time.
Feel the grass.
Yeah, it's cool.
Hasn't been quiet before.
I don't know quite
how to behave.
I know.
There are so many things.
I never thought when I
came home I'd be frightened.
I don't want you
to be frightened.
Why don't you call me something?
It's like I've got no name.
Say "Larry."
Say "son," say "dear." Why
don't you call me something?
Dear.
Mom.
Who is this?
Oh, that's... That's
Danny Holmes.
Danny Holmes?
Yeah, I keep his picture.
Who is Danny Holmes?
He's my friend.
I wrote you about
him so many times.
Don't you remember?
Yes, I remember.
So many things about Danny
that were really remarkable.
You know, like the harmonica.
I wrote you about that,
how he used to play it.
At night, in the hills, you
could hear it everywhere.
It was a good sound.
Lieutenant never shut him up,
'cause the guys
liked it so much.
I told you.
Yes, you told me.
Danny Holmes.
He was my brother.
Does that sound funny?
No.
That's what I felt.
I really felt he was my brother.
See, we were together
from the beginning.
He always wanted
to talk about home.
Where was Danny's home?
I don't know. I don't
think he had one.
Not since he was a
little kid about 6, I guess.
His folks died. I don't
know where they lived.
He didn't talk
about it very much.
Bummed around, I think.
Maybe that's why he used to want
to hear about my home so much.
You know, about you and
Dad and Jess and everybody.
I remember one time
we were sitting in a truck
riding up to Taejon,
and I told him about the hayride
we went on out to Cat's Creek.
That was fun. Do you remember?
I don't know, sitting in
the truck reminded me of it,
the bumping and
everything, so I told it to him.
He cried. All the
guys looked at him.
And later on, he told me that
he'd never been on a hayride.
What else did you tell him?
Oh, I don't know. Everything.
Everything I could think of.
What it's like to have a family.
The things we do together.
How much we love each other.
Oh, Mom, you should
have seen his face
when I'd tell him
about the house,
when I'd show him the pictures
of you and Dad and
Jess and everybody.
I even showed him the pictures
of my seventh-grade class.
The one with me
sticking my tongue out
and Mrs. Fitch wearing
the same nutty hat
she had on yesterday and looking
like she wanted to swat me one.
He loved that so much.
He'd sit and he'd think. But
somehow he'd be far away.
He was always
grabbing a blade of grass
and chewing on
it when we talked.
Liked the taste, he said.
Lots of people like
the taste of grass.
Yeah.
He never got tired of this, Mom.
He'd ask me to tell it
to him again and again,
about the house, the
town, the people we knew.
About all the
things he never had.
We were lost in
the hills that time.
We hid in a little
cave for nine days.
Smelled like
earthworms in there.
It was so small
we couldn't move.
But we'd lie there,
and I'd tell Danny about
the way we lived for hours.
And, you know, it's funny,
but that's the happiest I ever
saw Danny... those nine days.
It's like when
he'd listen to me,
he finally belonged somewhere.
Where is Danny now?
Somewhere.
I don't think I could find it.
It's in a valley
between two big hills.
He died in my arms there.
I dug up the ground with
my hands, and I buried him.
And then it started to rain,
and I wandered off
into the hills again.
It was like I died, not Danny.
They found me. I
don't know when.
It was a long time.
They said I was hysterical.
I had Danny's picture in my
pocket, and that's all I had.
He was my brother.
His name is Danny Holmes.
Larry's dead. He buried him.
Larry's dead.
Yes.
Good morning!
I hope I'm not too early.
I'd be mortified if
I woke anyone up.
May I come in?
I'd like to pick up my
little cakes, if it's all right.
How many would
you like, Mrs. Potter?
A dozen. Oh, I hope
you have that many.
I was counting on it.
- I have them.
- Oh, good.
The children are
so fond of them.
You know, I absolutely swear
by your baking, Mrs. Benson.
I really do.
I think you should go
in for it in a bigger way.
You know what I mean?
I'll bet anything you'd
be very successful at it.
Well, I mean, anyone
who bakes the way you do.
Why, you could pack
some of those cakes
in those little cellophane bags,
I'm sure the stores
would buy them.
You could call them
"Mrs. Benson's Cakes."
Or something like that.
I hope they're fresh.
11, 12.
That one looks...
That one looks
a little underdone.
Oh, thank you.
They get a little overdoughy
when they're not quite done.
Oh, thank you. Now,
how much is that?
Oh, they're 15 cents apiece.
Mmh, that's, uh, $1.80. Right?
Well, I must be going.
I, uh...
I have to be at church. Early.
The choir.
Mr. Peabody has
a feeling that, uh...
Well, goodbye. Thank you.
- Dad, why does...
- I'm not your father.
I'm not your father!
My son is dead! Do you hear?
My son is dead!
Well, what are you
looking at me like that for?
You buried my son.
I don't know you!
Sam.
Now you've got to
understand this now.
You've got to!
- Sam, please.
- Tell him so he knows, will you?
He's standing there, and I
can feel him with my hands.
And Larry's dead.
I can't hear you anymore.
- Larry's dead!
- Sam!
Get him out of here!
Get him out!
Who am I? Doesn't
somebody know me?
I know you.
I loved my brother.
I want him back.
Look at him.
- He's so like Larry.
- Jessie.
No, listen, I'm
trying to tell him.
I know, darling. I know.
Sam.
You're going to have
to listen to me now
because this is so important,
and I'm not going
to say it very well.
I don't want to hear it.
Sam, look at me.
Look at me, Sam.
Somewhere I've
got to find the words.
It's about Larry.
Do you remember him?
Oh, Freda, for heaven's sake.
'Cause I do, Sam.
Like he was here.
Every move he made.
Every hair on his head.
The joy of watching him
grow. The hopes I had for him.
The hope, Sam. That's the thing.
You have a son,
and you give your whole
life giving him your love
so that he can be good.
And you make mistakes,
and you wonder and you worry.
And then all of a sudden
you realize he is good,
decent, and gentle,
and getting ready to be a man.
And then you know everything's
gonna be all right with him.
And then you can really start
to hope for the wonderful things.
And that's the importance
of it, Sam, the hope...
Stop it, will you, Freda?!
That one day in
a strange valley,
your boy runs with
another boy just like him.
A friend. Almost a brother.
And death chooses
between them and finds Larry.
And you think that's
the end of hoping.
But it isn't.
Oh, Sam, it isn't.
Sam, how lucky we are.
A son came home to us.
Look at him, how he sits there.
So like Larry.
So like every boy.
What's the difference between
any of them on the Earth?
Name it, Sam.
Name it. I'll send
him out of this house.
Larry shared his
whole life with this boy.
Our son gave us to him
because he loved him.
What Larry gave,
we can't take away.
Oh, look at him, Sam.
He needs so to be loved.
He needs a father.
Can't you see that?
He wanted us so much that he
became our son in his own mind.
Oh, Sam.
Please. He needs us terribly.
I-I want to hope
for our son again.
Sam, we need to be a family.
Welcome home, son.
Sam, I love you.
They're looking at us.
Smile at them, Jessie.
Your father and your
brother have come home.
And now here's
Betty Furness to ask,
"Where were you on
the night of July 14th?"
Yes, remember how hot it was?
So hot you couldn't
sleep a wink.
Well, be prepared for those
hot, humid nights and days ahead
with this wonderful
new Westinghouse
room air conditioner.
It keeps you so cool in summer,
it freshens the
air all year 'round,
and warms it in winter too.
It gives you 10
different comfort zones.
You just push a single button
on this exclusive
comfort control panel,
and you change the weather.
What's more,
this fiberglass filter
cleans the air of
dust and pollen.
That's a wonderful comfort
if you suffer from
asthma or hay fever.
And the Westinghouse
is draft-free too.
We put these ribbons
on here just to show you.
You can turn these three
grilles in any direction.
Like this.
Like this.
You control the flow of air
so that you never feel a draft.
Look for this sign.
See your certified
Westinghouse dealer.
You can own a Westinghouse
room air conditioner
for as little as $3.25 a week
after a small down payment.
And remember...
Keep cool with this amazing
new Westinghouse four-way fan.
Use it on the table,
or as a hassock fan
for all-around circulation.
Use it in the window
to drive the hot air out.
See this new
four-way Riviera fan
at your Westinghouse dealer's.
"Studio One" originated live
from New York City.
name that means sureness.
Whether it's on vacuum
cleaners for America's homes
or electric trolley
coaches for our cities.
Whether it's a
product for your home,
for your business,
for your farm,
for your factory...
I'm coming.
Yes? Nettie Clark.
- I'm soaked to the skin.
- Come in.
- Oh, dear.
- Oh, my dear.
Will you look at these shoes?
And naturally I wouldn't have
sense enough to wear my glasses.
And me only three
days out of a sickbed.
Hello, Freda.
You look tired.
Oh, I know you're
not. You never are.
But you look it.
I'm going to shake
like a puppy now.
Anything around here
can't stand a wetting?
- No.
- Good.
Ooh! There.
Take off your sweater.
You're gonna catch cold.
No, I can't. I've got a
turkey shriveling in the oven.
I just dashed over
here to pick up my cake.
- Is it ready?
- The angel food?
Mm-hmm.
Freda, you know, you'd
look five years younger
if you cut your hair and
gave yourself a permanent.
They have those do-jiggers...
Jessie was supposed
to deliver your cake.
She left here an
hour and a half ago.
Well, she must have eaten it.
What's the matter?
Oh! Larry's pies! Excuse me.
Custard pie is his favorite.
He used to be able
to eat a whole one.
Freda, you know I wouldn't have
missed that boy's homecoming
for anything in the world.
It's just that Harry's Uncle
Fred and Aunt Olga...
You know, the ones in the
poodle-clipping business?
Now, if that isn't ridiculous.
They're driving through,
and, naturally, they would
have to stay for dinner.
On a Saturday night too.
I understand the whole
crowd, the whole town,
is going to be at the station.
Well, there's my cake.
"Nettie Clark. Deliver at 4:30."
Oh, Nettie, I'm sorry.
Jessie must have forgotten it.
Oh, well, she's probably
silly with excitement,
what with her brother coming
home from Korea and all.
How long has it been, Freda?
Seems like more than two years.
It's been three.
Three?
Well, just imagine.
Where does the time go?
Well, I've got a
turkey to baste.
Oh, I'm glad for you, Freda.
You must be very happy.
Now, you give that boy
of yours a big hug for me
and tell him hello.
I'm going to send him
over a turkey leg tomorrow
if I can keep it away
from Harry's Uncle Fred.
He eats like a fury!
I might just as well
not have this thing,
the way it's coming down.
Sorry about the cake, Nettie.
Oh, forget it.
You've got enough
to worry about.
Oh, good heavens!
I forgot to pay you.
Isn't that just like me?
- Give it to me another time.
- It's a dollar and a quarter.
Will you look at it coming down?
Well, I'm going to
run before I drown.
Boy, is it teeming.
I had to run all the
way from Mrs. Potter's.
Hope those cakes
didn't get soggy.
By the way, I'm
supposed to tell you,
Mrs. Potter said
she'll mail you a check.
I forgot how much
the apple pies were.
- You'll have to call her.
- Take off your shoes, honey.
The Bennetts want to know when
you're baking doughnuts again.
- I said probably Tuesday. Okay?
- Mm-hmm.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- You awfully wet?
- Oh, I'm soaked.
Look at my hair.
It's all a mess.
What time is it?
Now, catch your breath.
It's quarter of 6:00.
Give me your socks.
- You forgot Mrs. Clark's cake.
- Oh, I know.
I almost knocked
her over just now.
I'm sorry.
I left it on the kitchen table
especially so I'd
remember it, too.
Mom, do you think there's
anything in those memory courses
they advertise in the
movie magazines?
"Your memory can
be your salvation."
I don't know, dear.
Think I'm gonna send for one.
Mom, did you check and see
whether Larry's train's on time?
Yes, it's on time.
I'm gonna wear my new dress.
I don't care if it
blows up a hurricane.
Golly, Mom, I'm so excited.
I wonder what he'll look like.
I bet he's grown.
Do you think he has?
He was only 18 1/2 when he left.
Boys grow till
they're 21, don't they?
Some do.
Phil Bennett's 23,
and he's still growing.
He's weird, though.
Mom, do you suppose
Larry's really all better?
I mean, what did he
sound like on the phone?
I told you, dear, it wasn't
a very good connection.
Did he sound weak?
No. No, he sounded all right.
You know, I've
been thinking Mom.
I mean, about what
to say to him and all.
I've decided not to
ask him about anything.
I mean, about what it was like
being missing in
action or anything.
I think that's the
best policy, don't you?
I mean, if he wants to talk
about it, I'm just gonna nod.
I was wondering... Do you
think if he starts to talk about it,
I should even
change the subject?
I wouldn't worry
about that now, dear.
I wonder what those
Army hospitals were like.
I bet they're real depressing.
I don't know if they are.
What's the matter, Mom?
Nothing.
Well, you look funny.
Aren't you happy?
Of course I'm happy, baby.
Now, you run on up and change.
I don't want you to catch cold.
Okay.
Mom, are you nervous?
Oh, well, now if
that isn't the silliest.
You mean because of
that crowd at the station?
Jessie, your
father's coming here.
Oh, no, Mommy.
Called me an hour ago.
Haven't talked to
him in one year,
and he called me an hour ago.
He wants to go with us to
the station to meet Larry.
I couldn't say
no. It's his right.
Jessie, he didn't even
ask me how I was.
Why does he have to come here?
Why can't he go
straight to the station?
Mom, I don't understand.
This was supposed
to be a happy thing.
I've been fluttery in
my stomach for days.
Why does he have to?
He's Larry's father, Jessie.
He's my father, too,
and I don't know him
to say hello to anymore.
Don't say that.
Mom, I was planning
on having fun tonight.
Larry's coming home.
A few months ago, we
thought he was dead,
and now he's coming home.
This isn't a time for strangers.
Jessie!
I won't know what to say to him.
Well, I can't give you the
words, baby, but they'll come.
Now run on up and
get ready, hmm?
Hello, Sam.
Hello, Freda.
Come in.
Thanks.
It's a pretty bad night.
My feet are probably...
It's all right. The
rug's wet already.
Oh.
- Well, I didn't want to...
- No, no. It's quite all right.
Take off your coat, Sam.
You're looking well, Freda.
Wouldn't you like to sit down?
Yeah. Yeah, I would. Thanks.
How have you been,
Sammy? You look thinner.
Oh, fine. Fine.
Well, you know me. I...
I very rarely get sick.
Oh, you got new curtains, huh?
They're a year old.
How's Jessie?
Jessie's fine. She's
growing up fast now.
Mm-hmm. Where is she?
In her room putting
on a new dress
and wondering what
she's going to say to you.
Oh, now, Freda...
I'm sorry.
It's not easy.
No.
No, it's not easy.
I, uh... I heard
about the baking.
You're not working
too hard, are you?
I mean, it wouldn't be so good
if you were working too hard.
We're getting along fine.
That's good.
Did you speak to Larry?
- How'd he sound?
- All right.
Yeah? Where was he?
California somewhere.
California.
It'll be good to see him again.
You still got his butterflies?
Yeah.
I was sure he was dead, Freda.
I could feel it. You
know what I mean?
I went out in the backyard
one night in my pajamas.
Oh, I don't know,
must have been 3:00
or 4:00 in the morning.
And I cried.
I haven't cried since
I was 8 years old.
But I cried then.
My nose got sore, just
like when I was a kid.
I never told you about that.
It was about four
months before we...
before I left here.
I had to come here, Freda.
I heard Larry was alive, and
I heard he was coming home,
and I just had to come.
- Can you understand that?
- Yes, I can understand that.
- Well, I'm his father!
- I said I can understand.
Does he, uh...
Does he know about us?
No. Not yet.
How we gonna tell it to him?
I don't know.
What's to tell?
Nothing.
Can't even tell myself.
"Larry, your mother and
I were married 25 years,
and then we couldn't stand
being together anymore."
That's my side of it.
All the words I ever found.
Yeah. Yeah, that...
That's what I'm gonna tell him.
I don't have any side.
- What time is it?
- Why didn't you ever call Jess?
You might as well
have taken her arm
and snapped it in
two across your knee.
Hurt that much.
Stop it, will you?!
Hello?
Oh, yes, Mrs. Lambert.
Yes, we'll deliver it
tomorrow afternoon.
Hello, Jessie.
Hello.
You look grown up.
I'm 16.
Yeah. Yeah, I know.
Thank you, Mrs.
Lambert. Goodbye.
Well, it's good to
see you, Freda.
Oh, I rented a
car. It's outside.
It's only two blocks,
but I thought the kid
would get a kick out of it.
Freda!
Freda, I had to come!
After all, how often
does a thing like this
happen in Oakmont?
Oh, for heaven's sake!
That band!
Isn't that terrible?
Isn't it ridiculous?
I made Harry and Uncle Fred
and Aunt Olga come along.
We can have supper later.
Oh, my dear, they're starving.
Hello, Jess.
My, aren't you pretty?
Now, you know I
wouldn't have missed this
for anything in the world.
I'm happy for you, Freda.
- Sam.
- How are you, Nettie?
Thank you, Nettie. It
was very nice of you.
Oh, Mrs. Benson.
Oh, hello, Mrs. Fitch.
We only have a minute,
but Walter and me,
we wanted to tell you how
happy we are about your boy.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Mom, you all right?
There he is now!
Mom!
Mom! Mom!
Hey, wait!
That's not Larry Benson.
That's not Larry Benson.
And now let's pause for a moment
and turn to our Westinghouse
program and Betty Furness.
Yes, see if you can do
this with your refrigerator...
Find anything that
you want, blindfolded.
Well, it's easy if you have
this exciting new Westinghouse
Food File refrigerator
because it gives you a
special place and a special cold
for every kind of food.
For instance, suppose
you want a Coke.
Well, it's right here
in this exclusive
Westinghouse beverage keeper,
where you can file over a
dozen Cokes and other beverages
and keep them perfectly
chilled and ready to enjoy.
Then, suppose
you want the butter.
Well, it's right up here
in the butter keeper,
kept firm but soft enough
for easy spreading.
Then, how about a nice,
juicy steak for dinner?
Well, there's no groping
around, because it's right here
in this exclusive
Westinghouse meat keeper
that's located right
under the freezer
and has a special
circulating cold
that keeps fresh
meats fresh days longer.
The eggs? Well, they're
right over here on the door.
And there's a full
two dozen of them.
Now, each one of these
egg keepers holds six eggs.
And you can tilt it like
this or lift it right out.
Isn't that convenient?
And how many times have
you had to search for cheese
in your refrigerator?
Well, this Westinghouse
Food File refrigerator
has a special place
just for cheese.
It's this exclusive
cheese file right here,
where your cheese is
kept at just the right cold
so it's at the right temperature
and the right humidity.
Now, I know that you don't go
around your kitchen blindfolded,
but isn't it wonderful
to be able to know
just exactly where everything
is whenever you want it?
That's why I know
you're going to love
this brand-new
idea in refrigeration...
The Westinghouse
Food File refrigerator.
Of course, it's
completely frost-free.
And that means no
defrosting in the freezer
and no defrosting in
the refrigerator ever.
Go and see this exciting new
Food File refrigerator tomorrow.
Available only at your
Westinghouse dealer.
And remember...
We return now to
"Westinghouse Studio One"
and "The Death and
Life of Larry Benson."
Dad!
You've lost weight, skinny.
Oh, it's funny.
I knew when I came home
you'd have a stuffy nose.
You always do when
you feel like crying.
Here, Mom. Blow.
Jess, you little pip-squeak.
You're all grown up.
Miss America!
You know what?
It's a funny thing.
All of a sudden, it feels
like I've never been gone.
I'm hungry.
Wait a minute.
Oh, hello, Mrs. Fitch.
Well, what's a matter with her?
I-I don't know.
- I'd like to go home.
- Now you wait a minute!
Sam.
Jessie.
Why, that's no
more Larry than I am.
I know because
I was his teacher,
and I've known him
since he was a little fellow.
Where is Larry Benson?
Well, nothing changes.
Even the way it smells.
That's the last time I'm gonna
lug you, you ton of bricks.
Well, what do you know?
I've grown nearly two inches.
Look at this, Dad.
Two inches at least.
You bet me a dollar I wouldn't
grow more than one, remember?
Fork it over.
Who are you?
I said, "Who are you?"
Well, what's the matter?
Haven't you got ears?
- Dad.
- Sam.
I just walked into the
house 10 seconds ago.
What are you playing games for?
In the car, nobody
opened his mouth.
- What's wrong?
- What's your name?
What's my name?
Mom, what's a matter with him?
I'll show you what's
a matter with me!
What are you trying to do to us,
busting in here out of nowhere,
acting as if you were our son?
Acting?
But, Dad, you got to be
joking? What are you saying?
Mom, what does he
mean? I don't understand.
Oh, you don't understand?
Where's my boy?
You're crazy.
- Answer me!
- Sam.
He'll answer.
He'll answer or
I'll break his neck!
Sam, stop it!
Mom.
Go upstairs, Jessie.
Jess.
- You haven't even said hello.
- That's enough of that!
You come back! Listen to me!
If you shout, I don't
think I'll be able to stand it.
I can't stand it now!
I beg of you! Please!
Mom, for heaven's
sake. What is it?
Come inside.
Take off your coat, Sam.
How did you know
where to find the humidor?
Well, that's where
it's always been.
You never let Dad
keep it on the table
'cause he always
spilled tobacco.
How do you know that?
How do I know it?
Well, what do you
want me to say?
I've seen it a thousand times.
I prayed for three
years I'd see it again.
Mom, what are you trying to do?
I don't know.
Well, I'm back in my own home,
and everybody's staring at
me like I'm a bug on a pin.
Look, you got to tell
me what's going on.
You walked over to
some woman in the station
and said hello to her.
Who was it?
It was Mrs. Fitch.
And who is Mrs. Fitch?
She was my seventh-grade
schoolteacher.
She gave me a "B" in conduct!
Who do you think Mrs. Fitch is?
Look, you've got to
tell me what's going on.
Freda.
Oh, Mrs. Benson, I'm
certainly sorry to trouble you.
I know it's late.
Oh, no trouble at all.
Well, Burt and I were
stretching our legs after the rain.
My, but it's nice and fresh out.
Well, anyway, I was telling Burt
that I'd like to order some
of those brownies you make.
The ones with the almonds.
And the funniest thing, just
after I finished telling him,
we were passing by here,
so I thought I'd ring the bell.
- I'm sorry...
- I'd like to order a dozen.
I'm expecting the
children tomorrow,
and I haven't a
thing in the house.
I'm very sorry, Mrs. Potter.
I couldn't possibly have it
for you tomorrow morning.
Oh. Well, if you can't,
you can't, I guess.
Thank you very much,
Mrs. Potter. Good night.
Now you listen to me!
Mom, what was that?
What was she talking about?
Are you selling cakes
to the neighbors?
Wait a minute! Who are
you to be asking that?
Are you?
Why do you call me "Mom"?
Why do I call you "Mom"?
Well, that's all I've
called you for 21 years.
Look at me.
Where do you come from?
How do you know us?
You're going to have to
answer my questions now
because I'm not going to
be able to ask very many.
I stood in the station
tonight waiting for my son.
He didn't get off the train.
- What are you saying?
- It isn't very easy to stand...
Who are you?
I'm Larry Benson.
No!
I'm back in my own
home after three years,
and I feel like it's
coming down on my head.
Where do you
think you're going?!
Sam, please!
- Sam, please!
- What's the matter with you?!
I don't know, but
he's frightened!
Larry's room.
- I'm going up.
- To do what?
Tear it out of him!
No, Sam, please. Let him stay.
Don't stand in my way, Freda!
Don't try to stop me!
Stop it, you hear?!
Take your hands off my mother!
Sam!
My hand, where I
slapped him... It stings.
He just looked at me.
What did you want him to do?
Freda, where... where's Larry?
I don't know.
How can you stand there
and say "I don't know"
like somebody was asking
you the time or something?
What are you made of, anyway?!
My insides are twisting
and turning so hard it hurts.
I never felt such a pain.
Where's Larry?
Now don't say, "I don't know"!
I'm talking about our boy.
I want to know where
Larry is. I want to know now!
I want to know it, too, Sam.
Freda, look, there
must be some way.
I mean, if we sat down
with him, if we were quiet.
He doesn't know.
Did you see his face
when you hit him?
You were his father.
He's crazy.
- Sam, go home.
- No.
It would be better. I
can't think with you here.
I said no.
Oh, I can't go now, Freda.
I'll sit up in a
chair. Anything.
And then tomorrow
we'll call the Army.
We'll make inquiries. We'll try.
Oh, please, Freda.
All right, Sam.
I wonder if he
liked the butterflies.
What are you talking about?
I'm afraid, Sam.
I'm afraid.
And there isn't anyone to
make me not afraid anymore.
Hello.
Is it all right if I come in?
You were looking
at the butterflies.
- Yeah.
- They're pretty.
They're beautiful.
It takes a lot of running.
I mean, sometimes
you have to chase them.
I don't know why I came in here.
Maybe you could understand it.
This was my
brother's room, and...
Remember how you used
to scream and run to Mom
when I'd put them on the pins?
How did you know that?
- It doesn't hurt them a bit.
- But you couldn't know.
You used to call me a murderer.
No. No, that's not true.
I used to call Larry...
What are they doing to me, Jess?
They don't know me.
I'm their son, and
they don't know me.
They don't want me here.
You got to help me, Jess.
Your face is all red
where he hit you.
Why did he hit me?
He never hit me
before in his life.
It's almost like
he's not my father.
It's almost like
he's not my father.
Why?
I don't know him anymore.
He left us a year ago.
No, that's not true.
What do you mean?
Tell me. What are
you trying to say?
He didn't leave. He didn't!
I've got a family here!
And now let's pause for a moment
and turn to our Westinghouse
program and Betty Furness.
They seem to like
each other, don't they?
And of course they like
the clear and lovely music
coming from that
handsome portable radio
and the juicy steak
charcoal-broiling
on that smart barbecue grill.
And you're going to like
this exciting summer bargain
special because, listen...
This handsome Westinghouse
radio with the smart carrying case,
these batteries,
and this useful grill
are worth a total of $44.80.
But they're yours all
together for only $34.95.
You save $9.85.
Now, this deluxe
personal portable
is especially
adapted for traveling
because it has an
automatic battery conserver
that takes over and makes
the batteries last longer.
Now here we've
opened the radio for you
to show you the long-life
batteries installed.
But suppose
you're in the country,
where only flashlight
batteries can be obtained.
Well, a simple adjustment
lets you install them like this.
And, as usual, your favorite
stations come in loud and clear.
What's more, this
smart carrying case
is open here in the front so
you can leave the radio right in it.
Then let me show
you how easy it is
to use this clever
barbecue grill.
You just pull the
handles out like this,
and then the charcoal goes
down there in the fire pail.
There's no danger
of starting a forest fire.
Then, when you want to turn
your steak over, don't use a fork.
Just turn the
grill, right like that.
Now, remember, this deluxe
Westinghouse personal portable,
together with the
handy carrying case,
the batteries, and the grill
are yours for only $34.95.
And then, for just
a few dollars more,
you can get this exclusive
porto-pack power-supply unit
that adapts the portable
to A.C. house current.
So see your Westinghouse
dealer tomorrow.
Take advantage of this really
exciting summer bargain special
while it lasts.
And remember...
We return now to
"Westinghouse Studio One"
and "The Death and
Life of Larry Benson."
Oh, Freda. Oh.
I must have fallen asleep.
Are you all right?
Yes. I'm all right.
I spent the night thinking.
All night.
That's a very hard thing to do.
You think about everything
that ever happened
in your whole life.
I didn't want to.
Coffee's on. It's leftover.
Tried to think about what to do,
but it kept slipping
out of my head.
I don't know what's
the matter with me.
Can't seem to think anymore.
Would you like something to eat?
Hmm? No. No, thanks.
You know the only
thing I could think of?
- I'm gonna call the Army.
- It's Sunday.
All right, so it's Sunday!
What do they do, shut down
the whole Army on Sunday?
Well, there must be
someplace we can call.
That's what phones are for.
Look, how long do you
think I can live with this thing?!
I've been sitting out in
that chair, and I've been...
All right, it's Sunday.
What are we supposed
to do, go to church?
Coffee's ready. Sit down, Sam.
I don't understand you.
What are you thinking about?
It's like I know him.
What's the matter with you?
You're not making sense.
I know him, Sam.
He came into my room last night.
I was crying.
Put his hand on my head.
Felt just like Larry's hand.
I didn't cry any more.
That's insane, isn't it?
I don't know.
I don't know what's
insane or what isn't.
Don't call today, Sam.
Please. Not today.
- Where is he?
- He's in his room.
It's not his room,
Freda! It's Larry's room!
Hello.
Now there's some
questions I want to ask you.
Thought maybe you'd like...
Come back here.
It's like talking to a rock.
Your coffee's getting cold.
Oh, my coffee's getting cold.
That's a fine thing to say now.
Why don't you ask
me what time it is?
Why...
Sam, no! That
doesn't belong to you.
Look, Freda. Larry's picture.
- What are you going to do?
- What do you think?
Sam, please. Let me talk to him.
- I know how.
- I know how too!
He had Larry's
picture in his bag
and never even opened his mouth.
But, Sam, he couldn't!
Don't you understand?
He couldn't.
You can't shout at this
boy. He won't hear you.
Sam, let me talk to
him. Please let me.
Well, ask him
about Larry's picture.
- I will.
- Ask him about the picture.
I will, Sam.
Grass smells sweet, doesn't it?
I used to like to
lie in it and read.
Sometimes I'd fall asleep.
I haven't done that
in three years now.
Hedges are a little ragged.
You have to keep after them.
Mom, why did Dad leave here?
I don't think we should
talk about that now.
I want to know.
Well, I... I don't think
I can answer you.
He doesn't have the right.
Can't talk about the
right or the wrong of it.
You don't know.
Sometimes things
like this happen.
No one knows why.
You can love
someone very much...
For 25 years.
It's only time.
Feel the grass.
Yeah, it's cool.
Hasn't been quiet before.
I don't know quite
how to behave.
I know.
There are so many things.
I never thought when I
came home I'd be frightened.
I don't want you
to be frightened.
Why don't you call me something?
It's like I've got no name.
Say "Larry."
Say "son," say "dear." Why
don't you call me something?
Dear.
Mom.
Who is this?
Oh, that's... That's
Danny Holmes.
Danny Holmes?
Yeah, I keep his picture.
Who is Danny Holmes?
He's my friend.
I wrote you about
him so many times.
Don't you remember?
Yes, I remember.
So many things about Danny
that were really remarkable.
You know, like the harmonica.
I wrote you about that,
how he used to play it.
At night, in the hills, you
could hear it everywhere.
It was a good sound.
Lieutenant never shut him up,
'cause the guys
liked it so much.
I told you.
Yes, you told me.
Danny Holmes.
He was my brother.
Does that sound funny?
No.
That's what I felt.
I really felt he was my brother.
See, we were together
from the beginning.
He always wanted
to talk about home.
Where was Danny's home?
I don't know. I don't
think he had one.
Not since he was a
little kid about 6, I guess.
His folks died. I don't
know where they lived.
He didn't talk
about it very much.
Bummed around, I think.
Maybe that's why he used to want
to hear about my home so much.
You know, about you and
Dad and Jess and everybody.
I remember one time
we were sitting in a truck
riding up to Taejon,
and I told him about the hayride
we went on out to Cat's Creek.
That was fun. Do you remember?
I don't know, sitting in
the truck reminded me of it,
the bumping and
everything, so I told it to him.
He cried. All the
guys looked at him.
And later on, he told me that
he'd never been on a hayride.
What else did you tell him?
Oh, I don't know. Everything.
Everything I could think of.
What it's like to have a family.
The things we do together.
How much we love each other.
Oh, Mom, you should
have seen his face
when I'd tell him
about the house,
when I'd show him the pictures
of you and Dad and
Jess and everybody.
I even showed him the pictures
of my seventh-grade class.
The one with me
sticking my tongue out
and Mrs. Fitch wearing
the same nutty hat
she had on yesterday and looking
like she wanted to swat me one.
He loved that so much.
He'd sit and he'd think. But
somehow he'd be far away.
He was always
grabbing a blade of grass
and chewing on
it when we talked.
Liked the taste, he said.
Lots of people like
the taste of grass.
Yeah.
He never got tired of this, Mom.
He'd ask me to tell it
to him again and again,
about the house, the
town, the people we knew.
About all the
things he never had.
We were lost in
the hills that time.
We hid in a little
cave for nine days.
Smelled like
earthworms in there.
It was so small
we couldn't move.
But we'd lie there,
and I'd tell Danny about
the way we lived for hours.
And, you know, it's funny,
but that's the happiest I ever
saw Danny... those nine days.
It's like when
he'd listen to me,
he finally belonged somewhere.
Where is Danny now?
Somewhere.
I don't think I could find it.
It's in a valley
between two big hills.
He died in my arms there.
I dug up the ground with
my hands, and I buried him.
And then it started to rain,
and I wandered off
into the hills again.
It was like I died, not Danny.
They found me. I
don't know when.
It was a long time.
They said I was hysterical.
I had Danny's picture in my
pocket, and that's all I had.
He was my brother.
His name is Danny Holmes.
Larry's dead. He buried him.
Larry's dead.
Yes.
Good morning!
I hope I'm not too early.
I'd be mortified if
I woke anyone up.
May I come in?
I'd like to pick up my
little cakes, if it's all right.
How many would
you like, Mrs. Potter?
A dozen. Oh, I hope
you have that many.
I was counting on it.
- I have them.
- Oh, good.
The children are
so fond of them.
You know, I absolutely swear
by your baking, Mrs. Benson.
I really do.
I think you should go
in for it in a bigger way.
You know what I mean?
I'll bet anything you'd
be very successful at it.
Well, I mean, anyone
who bakes the way you do.
Why, you could pack
some of those cakes
in those little cellophane bags,
I'm sure the stores
would buy them.
You could call them
"Mrs. Benson's Cakes."
Or something like that.
I hope they're fresh.
11, 12.
That one looks...
That one looks
a little underdone.
Oh, thank you.
They get a little overdoughy
when they're not quite done.
Oh, thank you. Now,
how much is that?
Oh, they're 15 cents apiece.
Mmh, that's, uh, $1.80. Right?
Well, I must be going.
I, uh...
I have to be at church. Early.
The choir.
Mr. Peabody has
a feeling that, uh...
Well, goodbye. Thank you.
- Dad, why does...
- I'm not your father.
I'm not your father!
My son is dead! Do you hear?
My son is dead!
Well, what are you
looking at me like that for?
You buried my son.
I don't know you!
Sam.
Now you've got to
understand this now.
You've got to!
- Sam, please.
- Tell him so he knows, will you?
He's standing there, and I
can feel him with my hands.
And Larry's dead.
I can't hear you anymore.
- Larry's dead!
- Sam!
Get him out of here!
Get him out!
Who am I? Doesn't
somebody know me?
I know you.
I loved my brother.
I want him back.
Look at him.
- He's so like Larry.
- Jessie.
No, listen, I'm
trying to tell him.
I know, darling. I know.
Sam.
You're going to have
to listen to me now
because this is so important,
and I'm not going
to say it very well.
I don't want to hear it.
Sam, look at me.
Look at me, Sam.
Somewhere I've
got to find the words.
It's about Larry.
Do you remember him?
Oh, Freda, for heaven's sake.
'Cause I do, Sam.
Like he was here.
Every move he made.
Every hair on his head.
The joy of watching him
grow. The hopes I had for him.
The hope, Sam. That's the thing.
You have a son,
and you give your whole
life giving him your love
so that he can be good.
And you make mistakes,
and you wonder and you worry.
And then all of a sudden
you realize he is good,
decent, and gentle,
and getting ready to be a man.
And then you know everything's
gonna be all right with him.
And then you can really start
to hope for the wonderful things.
And that's the importance
of it, Sam, the hope...
Stop it, will you, Freda?!
That one day in
a strange valley,
your boy runs with
another boy just like him.
A friend. Almost a brother.
And death chooses
between them and finds Larry.
And you think that's
the end of hoping.
But it isn't.
Oh, Sam, it isn't.
Sam, how lucky we are.
A son came home to us.
Look at him, how he sits there.
So like Larry.
So like every boy.
What's the difference between
any of them on the Earth?
Name it, Sam.
Name it. I'll send
him out of this house.
Larry shared his
whole life with this boy.
Our son gave us to him
because he loved him.
What Larry gave,
we can't take away.
Oh, look at him, Sam.
He needs so to be loved.
He needs a father.
Can't you see that?
He wanted us so much that he
became our son in his own mind.
Oh, Sam.
Please. He needs us terribly.
I-I want to hope
for our son again.
Sam, we need to be a family.
Welcome home, son.
Sam, I love you.
They're looking at us.
Smile at them, Jessie.
Your father and your
brother have come home.
And now here's
Betty Furness to ask,
"Where were you on
the night of July 14th?"
Yes, remember how hot it was?
So hot you couldn't
sleep a wink.
Well, be prepared for those
hot, humid nights and days ahead
with this wonderful
new Westinghouse
room air conditioner.
It keeps you so cool in summer,
it freshens the
air all year 'round,
and warms it in winter too.
It gives you 10
different comfort zones.
You just push a single button
on this exclusive
comfort control panel,
and you change the weather.
What's more,
this fiberglass filter
cleans the air of
dust and pollen.
That's a wonderful comfort
if you suffer from
asthma or hay fever.
And the Westinghouse
is draft-free too.
We put these ribbons
on here just to show you.
You can turn these three
grilles in any direction.
Like this.
Like this.
You control the flow of air
so that you never feel a draft.
Look for this sign.
See your certified
Westinghouse dealer.
You can own a Westinghouse
room air conditioner
for as little as $3.25 a week
after a small down payment.
And remember...
Keep cool with this amazing
new Westinghouse four-way fan.
Use it on the table,
or as a hassock fan
for all-around circulation.
Use it in the window
to drive the hot air out.
See this new
four-way Riviera fan
at your Westinghouse dealer's.
"Studio One" originated live
from New York City.