That Girl (1966–1971): Season 3, Episode 22 - The Defiant One - full transcript
While Ann is shopping at her local grocery store, a young black boy is caught shoplifting by the store owner. The boy, eight year old David Johnson, claims that his mother was going to buy the pilfered candy bar for him. His supposed mother?: Ann. Ann ends up defending David, who claims that he stole the candy because he was hungry, which Ann infers means that he comes from a poor family. However, David later claims that he lives on Park Avenue, but with his single father, who beats him, and his thirteen siblings. Ann believes the parts of the story that make David sound like he comes from an impoverished background in a less than happy home life. Instead of letting David wander off on his own, Ann insists on taking him home, although she is somewhat loathe to do so if only because of David's violent father. As David seems not to know how or want to get home, Ann takes David on a trek through the streets, slums, buses and police stations of Manhattan, doing whatever it takes to ensure David is taken care of by her high standards. Will Ann ever truly learn where David lives and about his background? If David has his way, Ann will find these things out, but not quite in the good Samaritan way she wants.
Excuse me.
Oh, can... can I
ask you something?
Oh, yeah.
If tuna fish is on special,
five cans for 89 cents,
how much does it
cost for three cans?
For three cans?
Well, that's all I really need.
Oh. Well, uh... if five
cans are 89 cents,
then three cans would
be 3/5 of 89 cents.
Uh, how much is that?
How much is that?
Well, uh, let me see.
Um, 3/5 of 89 is
3 times 1/5 of 89,
and 1/5 of 89 is, um...
17 4/5.
So, uh, 3 times 17
and 4/5 would be, um...
Why don't you buy the sardines?
They're on special,
three for 62 cents.
Thank you. I think I will.
Good afternoon.
In terms of weather, yes.
In terms of business, no.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Nah. Let's see now... 45, 45.
And 45, 45.
And... 40...
Sonny.
What are you doing?
Nothing. You didn't
have what I wanted,
so I'm leavin'.
Hold it. Now, you hold it!
Hold it.
[Grocer] I saw you.
[Boy] You saw me what?
I saw you shoplifting.
I don't know what that means.
You put back the candy bar,
and I'll tell you.
What candy bar?
The one that's sticking
out of your pocket.
Gee!
How did that get there?
You stole it.
No, I didn't!
Oh, yes, you did.
Do you have the
money to pay for it?
No... but I was gonna charge it.
All right, smarty-pants,
I'm gonna call a policeman.
No, please! I didn't steal it!
My mother was gonna buy it!
Oh, I see.
And, uh... where is your mother?
She's... She's...
She's right over there.
She's that girl.
♪♪ [theme]
This girl is your mother?
Yeah!
Listen, kid, don't
you lie to me!
How do you know he's lying?
How do I know? I know because...
because... It's so obvious!
You think I'm too young?
I think you're too,
uh... uh... Too what?
Too, uh...
w-h-i-t-e.
That spells white.
Thank you. Sir, are you
by any chance a bigot?
Of course not! I just
naturally assumed that...
Lady. Are you his mother?
Well, not necessarily.
What does that mean?
It means I might
be, I might not be.
But I don't think that's
the question here.
Right. The question
is, put back the candy!
[whispering] Why
did you take that?
I was hungry.
There. You see?
Do I see what?
Oh, nothing. Just put
the candy bar on my bill.
Yes, ma'am.
Thank you.
Thanks.
You're welcome.
What's your name?
David Johnson.
How old are you, David?
8.
That's 4.50, please.
Oh. Fine. Here's $5.00
Thank you.
You know, David,
even when a person
is poor and hungry,
taking something
without paying for it is wrong.
You know that, don't you?
If you had the money, you'd
have bought it, wouldn't you?
I believe you.
There you are, lady. Thank you.
You want me to help
you? No, that's all ri...
No. On second thought,
that's a good way
for you to earn your 10 cents.
There you are.
Oh, uh, by the way...
I am too young to be his mother.
Okay, here we are.
Thanks, David.
Just put it down anyplace.
How do you like my apartment?
It's groovy.
[chuckles] Thank you.
Where do you live?
Park Avenue.
Park Avenue?
In a penthouse.
Oh, David.
The place a person lives
is nothing to be ashamed of.
I'm not ashamed of it.
Well, then you don't have
to fib about it, do you?
You know something, David?
Many people from poor families
and poor neighborhoods
become very successful
and very famous.
Now, you tell me
where you come from.
And don't apologize for it.
I come from a poor family
in a poor neighborhood.
Come on in the kitchen.
I live in a tenement.
I know.
It's a very dark tenement
with big holes in
the wall and fat rats.
Fat rats?
How about that?
Well, that's... still
nothing to be ashamed of.
Do you have a
refrigerator or an ice box?
A refrigerator.
Oh. Good.
How many are in your family?
One.
Just one person?
No. Just one refrigerator.
Oh. I meant how many people?
Oh.
There's my father and me.
And your mother.
Don't have a mother.
Oh, I'm sorry.
How many brothers
and sisters do you have?
How many?
David. Brothers and sisters
are people to be proud of.
Now, how many do you have?
Seven brothers and six sisters.
My, that's some family!
Counting you and
your father, that's 15!
Is that too many?
[chuckling] No, not at all.
I'll bet you're very
close to each other.
In one apartment, we have to be.
[chuckles] Yeah.
Does, uh, your
father have a job?
Sometimes.
Well, I'm... I'm sure
he always tries his best...
because he loves all 14 of you.
Well.
That's, uh... that.
I thank you for your assistance.
You're welcome.
And now I guess it's
time for you to go home.
Do I have to?
Yes, you most certainly do.
Much as I enjoy your company,
you belong with your family.
They're probably
worried about you.
Hey, wait a minute. You
want something to eat
before we go?
You have a chili dog?
Well, no.
But I'll make a deal with you.
We'll go have a chili dog,
and then you'll go home. Okay?
Yes, ma'am!
My name is Ann Marie.
You may call me Ann.
Do you have any children?
Well, I'm gonna
wait till I get married.
[chuckles] You want another one?
Can I?
Yeah. Could we please
have another chili dog?
Thank you.
David, what street
do you live on?
East 89th Street.
East 89th? What's the address?
Don't worry. I can find it.
Oh, no. I want to go with you.
I'm not gonna let
an 8-year-old boy
roam the streets
of Manhattan alone.
I do it all the time.
Well, never mind. We're
gonna take the cross-town bus
through the park.
Wow! A bus? I never
get to ride a bus.
Here.
[laughs]
You havin' fun?
Uh-huh. Good.
I'm his governess.
My people have been with
his people for generations.
Okay.
What's your father's first name?
Joseph.
Joseph.
Here's a Johnson, but
it doesn't say which one.
Do you live in
apartment 3-C, David?
I don't remember.
The manager.
Mrs. Ellis, 1-A. Come on,
we'll talk to the manager.
[buzz]
Mrs. Ellis? Yeah?
I'm very sorry to disturb you,
but could you please tell me
if the Johnson in 3-C
is Joseph Johnson?
Arthur Johnson. Why?
Well, uh, this young man
is the son of Joseph Johnson,
and we're just trying
to find his home.
Well, you sure
look like a new kind
of social worker to me.
Oh. I'm not a social worker.
I'm just a friend.
Uh, the Johnson
family has 14 children.
So what?
Oh. Well, I just thought
maybe that would
help you remember who they are.
Sorry.
Why don't you just take
him to the police station?
They'll hold him
until when and if
somebody comes to claim him.
"When and if"?
Well, with 14 kids,
it might take 'em
a little while to
realize he's missin'.
Come on.
It'll take all night if
we have to go through
every building on 89th Street.
Yeah. I guess I ought to
go back to Park Avenue.
Oh, David. We have no time
to play games on Park Avenue.
I better take you home with me.
You gonna keep me?
No. I'd love to, but I can't.
Why not?
Well, because you
don't belong to me.
You have enough room, and
you don't have any children.
Well, I know, but...
If you take me home,
my father will beat me.
Why? What for?
For getting lost.
Oh, no, he won't.
Not when I tell him
what happened.
They don't call him Joseph
X for nothing, you know.
Come on. Let's take
a walk. I want to think.
I thought you meant
talk a walk outside.
Oh, yeah... [door buzzer]
Just a minute.
Oh, hi. Hi.
I was in a totally
different neighborhood,
so I thought I'd drop... Hi.
Oh, Donald Hollinger,
this is David Johnson.
David and I are,
uh, new friends.
Oh? How'd you meet?
Stealing a candy bar.
Why did you steal a candy bar?
She didn't, I did.
Because he was hungry.
I still am.
You're kidding.
What would you like?
Do you have any ice cream?
Before dinner?
I'll smash it up so
it looks like soup.
Good thinking.
One soupy ice cream coming up.
Now you just sit there,
and I'll bring it in to you.
Oh, Donald, when I tell
you, you'll die. You'll just die.
When you tell me what?
When I tell you what
I'm about to tell you.
Okay, so far, I'm
with you. Oh, Donald.
This lovely and
intelligent little boy
is a tragic victim of society.
He lives in the
slums with fat rats...
and 13 brothers and sisters.
No parents?
Well, he doesn't have a mother,
but he has a
seldom-working father.
They're so poor, Donald,
that David's idea of a special
treat is taking a bus ride.
And he lives in constant terror
of his father who beats him.
Okay, can you
possibly take it easy?
No, I cannot
possibly take it easy.
I'm so upset, I couldn't possible
take it easy for a million dollars.
Please excuse me.
All right, David,
here's your ice cream.
Thank you. You're welcome.
Eat it in good health...
and with faith in
a free America.
Hello. Dad? It's David.
I've been kidnapped by a fanatic
white lady named Ann Marie.
She lives at 344
West 78th Street.
That's all I can say,
so I can put back my
ropes before she finds out.
I called you so
you wouldn't worry.
I think it's awful.
Honestly, Donald, I
think it's just awful.
Are you finished talking?
Well, I'm finished
presenting the bitter facts.
I'm not finished presenting
my bitter conclusions.
May I present my
conclusions first?
Why? Because I'd like to.
All right, but let's try not to
get too emotional about this.
Well... we'll try.
Now, you sit, I stand.
Why? Because I have the floor.
Now look, Ann, I realize...
But I reserve the
right to disagree.
Ann! I have the
floor! Excuse me.
Okay.
I realize the facts
are that David
is a classic example of
the underprivileged child.
But the facts also are
that you have no right
to keep him here without his
father's knowledge or consent.
But I don't know
how to find his father.
Yes, you do. How?
By calling the police.
Oh, sure. I knew you'd say that.
Honey, chances are the police
are looking for him already.
And what if they aren't?
Then they'll look
for his father.
That's their job.
But, Donald, this is a big city.
Where are they
gonna find his father?
Ann. What?
You must call the police.
I know it, you know it,
you know I know it,
and I know you know it.
I don't know, Donald.
Honey, come on!
All right, I'll call.
But I don't know if I'll
be able to communicate.
Why shouldn't you be?
Because I'll be sobbing
into the telephone.
Hi. Hi.
Is it okay for me to read
one of your magazines?
It's the okay-est thing
in the whole world.
David. Yes, sir?
David, Miss Marie...
He doesn't call me Miss Marie.
He calls me Ann.
Oh. Okay, fine.
David, Ann has to
make a phone call...
Oh, let me tell him.
David, I have to
make a phone call.
I have to call the police.
To report me for
stealing a candy bar?
Oh, no.
No, you wonderful,
precious baby.
Ann. Yes?
You're choking him. Oh.
She has to tell the
police where you are
so they can notify your parents.
You really are cold
about this, aren't you?
Hello. Operator.
Would you please connect
me with whatever police station
is in the area of
East 89th Street?
Thank you.
Hello. Police station?
Yes, ma'am. Desk sergeant
speaking. May I help you?
Uh, yes. Do you have a report
of a missing 8-year-old boy?
Just a moment. I'll check.
What's his name?
David Johnson.
No, ma'am, I don't
show him on my list.
Are you and the child related?
Uh... no. Not exactly.
Officer, what is the procedure
for an unreported missing
child found by a private citizen?
Well, the procedure is,
the child is taken into
custody by our juvenile division.
What do they do?
They turn him
over to juvenile hall
until the court makes
legal disposition.
Under those
circumstances, good-bye.
What a minute.
You didn't give them your
name and address. Big deal.
It is if they don't
know where you live.
Donald, please, not
in front of the boy.
David, would you care
for some more ice cream?
No, I don't think I better.
I'm starting to see
spots in front of my eyes.
A lesser man would
be dead by now.
Ann, there's something
I think I ought to tell you.
What, David? What is it?
I'm... [knock on door]
Who's that?
I'm not expecting anybody.
Are you expecting anybody?
Okay. Take it easy.
[knock on door]
It's the police. Why the police?
They traced my call.
What for?
I told you: they want to
put David in juvenile hall!
Honey, only as a last resort.
Donald, it is no resort.
It's practically a prison.
I want you to go in the bedroom,
and don't come
out till I call you.
Ann, will you listen to me?
Donald, please!
David, do as I say.
Can I go out on the fire escape
and get away over the roof?
No, you can't.
Hide in the closet
or under the bed.
Now be quiet. Be a good boy.
[knock on door] Ann...
Ann, what do you
hope to accomplish?
Donald, they are
not gonna take him.
How are you gonna
stop them? Be practical.
I am being practical.
I'm going to adopt him.
Ann, for heaven
sakes... [knock on door]
Now, Donald, please,
don't argue with me.
I know a lot pf people may
condemn me, but I don't care.
Okay. Open it. [knock on door]
Hello. Is Ann Marie here?
Yeah, yeah. That's her
relaxing in the living room.
Stool pigeon.
Is it Miss Marie or Mrs.?
I'm not gonna answer any
questions without my lawyer.
It's Miss.
Miss Marie, are you harboring
an 8-year-old
fugitive from justice?
May I please see your
badge? What badge?
Are you not a detective
with the juvenile division?
No, I'm David's father.
You're David's father?
And I can prove it.
That's me. Joseph J.
Johnson, 113 East 89th Street.
That's you, all right.
113 East 89th Street?
Is... is that by any
chance on the corner
of East 89th and Park Avenue?
As a matter of fact, it is.
How do you do?
Joseph Johnson,
Donald Hollinger.
Pleased to meet you. Pleasure.
Haven't we met
before? You look familiar.
But your name...
Joseph Johnson's not the
name I use professionally.
Joseph X?
No. I'm billed as J.J.
J.J. Johnson the comedian!
Well, I hope so.
Of course! We've seen you
on television, haven't we, Ann?
I think I'd like to sit down.
I feel a little dizzy.
Joseph X? Did
David tell you that?
Well, actually, he just...
Mm-hmm. What else did he say?
Uh, he said he has
13 brothers and sisters.
[chuckles] Well, that's
close. He's an only child.
He said you live in
a slum. With fat rats.
We live in a penthouse...
with a fat maid.
He said you beat him.
Not yet, but, uh, give me time.
Is he here? He's here.
Mr. Johnson... Yes, Miss Marie.
Is there something...
wrong with David?
Yes. I think he has
an overactive put-on.
And probably too many
opportunities to use it.
Excuse me. I'll get him.
Did he cause her much trouble?
Uh, yes. Yes, as
a matter of fact.
You might say she got
emotionally involved.
You'd be surprised
how many people do.
One lady got so shook up,
she wanted to adopt him.
You're putting me on.
David.
David!
Hi. Hi.
Someone's here to see you.
My father?
I'm not sure.
He's a big man with
a whip in each hand.
Wants to know if it's all right
if he beats you
in my living room.
I said it's perfectly
okay with me.
Of course, that's
nothing compared
to what your seven
brothers and six sisters
are gonna do to you
when they get a hold of you.
I don't really have any
brothers and sisters.
No kidding.
And I really don't
have a mother.
I'm sorry about that.
It was a kick when I told the man
in the supermarket that you were.
Are you mad at me?
Yes.
No.
I'm undecided.
I guess you don't like me now
that you know I told you lies.
That's okay, David.
To tell you the truth,
I knew you were putting
me on the whole time.
You did? How?
I didn't. I just said
that for revenge.
Did you tell my dad
I stole a candy bar?
No, we didn't get to that.
It's not that he minds stealing,
he just doesn't like me
eating a lot of sweets, that's all.
David!
Well... he's not
crazy about stealing.
Thank you.
Well, come on.
Your father's waiting.
How much do I owe you? For what?
For everything I ate.
I can pay you next week.
This week's allowance is gone.
That's why I swiped
the candy bar.
Oh, I see.
Well, you don't owe me anything.
I'm just gonna chalk
it up to experience.
Is, uh, there anything else
you have on your mind?
I apologize for all
the lies I told you.
You're forgiven.
Of course I did try to tell
you I live on Park Avenue.
You're very quiet.
I was just thinking. About what?
About how I always
leap to conclusions.
You know, that
wasn't all a put-on.
In a way, David told me what
he thought I wanted to hear.
Maybe.
If he weren't black,
I wonder if I would have
believed him so quickly.
Oh, honey, I think you would have
believed any child under those conditions.
Unfortunately, it's
a little easier to buy
when it's somebody like David.
Do you think we can
change that, Donald?
Do you think we can make it so
that when any child of any race
paints the kind of
picture David did
we'd know it was
his imagination?
Because our society just
wouldn't have that anymore.
I think we can try.
By the way, this should be a
good lesson to you, Donald.
To me? Mm-hmm.
There was no need
to call the police.
Closed-Captioned By J.R.
Media Services, Inc. Burbank, CA
Oh, can... can I
ask you something?
Oh, yeah.
If tuna fish is on special,
five cans for 89 cents,
how much does it
cost for three cans?
For three cans?
Well, that's all I really need.
Oh. Well, uh... if five
cans are 89 cents,
then three cans would
be 3/5 of 89 cents.
Uh, how much is that?
How much is that?
Well, uh, let me see.
Um, 3/5 of 89 is
3 times 1/5 of 89,
and 1/5 of 89 is, um...
17 4/5.
So, uh, 3 times 17
and 4/5 would be, um...
Why don't you buy the sardines?
They're on special,
three for 62 cents.
Thank you. I think I will.
Good afternoon.
In terms of weather, yes.
In terms of business, no.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Nah. Let's see now... 45, 45.
And 45, 45.
And... 40...
Sonny.
What are you doing?
Nothing. You didn't
have what I wanted,
so I'm leavin'.
Hold it. Now, you hold it!
Hold it.
[Grocer] I saw you.
[Boy] You saw me what?
I saw you shoplifting.
I don't know what that means.
You put back the candy bar,
and I'll tell you.
What candy bar?
The one that's sticking
out of your pocket.
Gee!
How did that get there?
You stole it.
No, I didn't!
Oh, yes, you did.
Do you have the
money to pay for it?
No... but I was gonna charge it.
All right, smarty-pants,
I'm gonna call a policeman.
No, please! I didn't steal it!
My mother was gonna buy it!
Oh, I see.
And, uh... where is your mother?
She's... She's...
She's right over there.
She's that girl.
♪♪ [theme]
This girl is your mother?
Yeah!
Listen, kid, don't
you lie to me!
How do you know he's lying?
How do I know? I know because...
because... It's so obvious!
You think I'm too young?
I think you're too,
uh... uh... Too what?
Too, uh...
w-h-i-t-e.
That spells white.
Thank you. Sir, are you
by any chance a bigot?
Of course not! I just
naturally assumed that...
Lady. Are you his mother?
Well, not necessarily.
What does that mean?
It means I might
be, I might not be.
But I don't think that's
the question here.
Right. The question
is, put back the candy!
[whispering] Why
did you take that?
I was hungry.
There. You see?
Do I see what?
Oh, nothing. Just put
the candy bar on my bill.
Yes, ma'am.
Thank you.
Thanks.
You're welcome.
What's your name?
David Johnson.
How old are you, David?
8.
That's 4.50, please.
Oh. Fine. Here's $5.00
Thank you.
You know, David,
even when a person
is poor and hungry,
taking something
without paying for it is wrong.
You know that, don't you?
If you had the money, you'd
have bought it, wouldn't you?
I believe you.
There you are, lady. Thank you.
You want me to help
you? No, that's all ri...
No. On second thought,
that's a good way
for you to earn your 10 cents.
There you are.
Oh, uh, by the way...
I am too young to be his mother.
Okay, here we are.
Thanks, David.
Just put it down anyplace.
How do you like my apartment?
It's groovy.
[chuckles] Thank you.
Where do you live?
Park Avenue.
Park Avenue?
In a penthouse.
Oh, David.
The place a person lives
is nothing to be ashamed of.
I'm not ashamed of it.
Well, then you don't have
to fib about it, do you?
You know something, David?
Many people from poor families
and poor neighborhoods
become very successful
and very famous.
Now, you tell me
where you come from.
And don't apologize for it.
I come from a poor family
in a poor neighborhood.
Come on in the kitchen.
I live in a tenement.
I know.
It's a very dark tenement
with big holes in
the wall and fat rats.
Fat rats?
How about that?
Well, that's... still
nothing to be ashamed of.
Do you have a
refrigerator or an ice box?
A refrigerator.
Oh. Good.
How many are in your family?
One.
Just one person?
No. Just one refrigerator.
Oh. I meant how many people?
Oh.
There's my father and me.
And your mother.
Don't have a mother.
Oh, I'm sorry.
How many brothers
and sisters do you have?
How many?
David. Brothers and sisters
are people to be proud of.
Now, how many do you have?
Seven brothers and six sisters.
My, that's some family!
Counting you and
your father, that's 15!
Is that too many?
[chuckling] No, not at all.
I'll bet you're very
close to each other.
In one apartment, we have to be.
[chuckles] Yeah.
Does, uh, your
father have a job?
Sometimes.
Well, I'm... I'm sure
he always tries his best...
because he loves all 14 of you.
Well.
That's, uh... that.
I thank you for your assistance.
You're welcome.
And now I guess it's
time for you to go home.
Do I have to?
Yes, you most certainly do.
Much as I enjoy your company,
you belong with your family.
They're probably
worried about you.
Hey, wait a minute. You
want something to eat
before we go?
You have a chili dog?
Well, no.
But I'll make a deal with you.
We'll go have a chili dog,
and then you'll go home. Okay?
Yes, ma'am!
My name is Ann Marie.
You may call me Ann.
Do you have any children?
Well, I'm gonna
wait till I get married.
[chuckles] You want another one?
Can I?
Yeah. Could we please
have another chili dog?
Thank you.
David, what street
do you live on?
East 89th Street.
East 89th? What's the address?
Don't worry. I can find it.
Oh, no. I want to go with you.
I'm not gonna let
an 8-year-old boy
roam the streets
of Manhattan alone.
I do it all the time.
Well, never mind. We're
gonna take the cross-town bus
through the park.
Wow! A bus? I never
get to ride a bus.
Here.
[laughs]
You havin' fun?
Uh-huh. Good.
I'm his governess.
My people have been with
his people for generations.
Okay.
What's your father's first name?
Joseph.
Joseph.
Here's a Johnson, but
it doesn't say which one.
Do you live in
apartment 3-C, David?
I don't remember.
The manager.
Mrs. Ellis, 1-A. Come on,
we'll talk to the manager.
[buzz]
Mrs. Ellis? Yeah?
I'm very sorry to disturb you,
but could you please tell me
if the Johnson in 3-C
is Joseph Johnson?
Arthur Johnson. Why?
Well, uh, this young man
is the son of Joseph Johnson,
and we're just trying
to find his home.
Well, you sure
look like a new kind
of social worker to me.
Oh. I'm not a social worker.
I'm just a friend.
Uh, the Johnson
family has 14 children.
So what?
Oh. Well, I just thought
maybe that would
help you remember who they are.
Sorry.
Why don't you just take
him to the police station?
They'll hold him
until when and if
somebody comes to claim him.
"When and if"?
Well, with 14 kids,
it might take 'em
a little while to
realize he's missin'.
Come on.
It'll take all night if
we have to go through
every building on 89th Street.
Yeah. I guess I ought to
go back to Park Avenue.
Oh, David. We have no time
to play games on Park Avenue.
I better take you home with me.
You gonna keep me?
No. I'd love to, but I can't.
Why not?
Well, because you
don't belong to me.
You have enough room, and
you don't have any children.
Well, I know, but...
If you take me home,
my father will beat me.
Why? What for?
For getting lost.
Oh, no, he won't.
Not when I tell him
what happened.
They don't call him Joseph
X for nothing, you know.
Come on. Let's take
a walk. I want to think.
I thought you meant
talk a walk outside.
Oh, yeah... [door buzzer]
Just a minute.
Oh, hi. Hi.
I was in a totally
different neighborhood,
so I thought I'd drop... Hi.
Oh, Donald Hollinger,
this is David Johnson.
David and I are,
uh, new friends.
Oh? How'd you meet?
Stealing a candy bar.
Why did you steal a candy bar?
She didn't, I did.
Because he was hungry.
I still am.
You're kidding.
What would you like?
Do you have any ice cream?
Before dinner?
I'll smash it up so
it looks like soup.
Good thinking.
One soupy ice cream coming up.
Now you just sit there,
and I'll bring it in to you.
Oh, Donald, when I tell
you, you'll die. You'll just die.
When you tell me what?
When I tell you what
I'm about to tell you.
Okay, so far, I'm
with you. Oh, Donald.
This lovely and
intelligent little boy
is a tragic victim of society.
He lives in the
slums with fat rats...
and 13 brothers and sisters.
No parents?
Well, he doesn't have a mother,
but he has a
seldom-working father.
They're so poor, Donald,
that David's idea of a special
treat is taking a bus ride.
And he lives in constant terror
of his father who beats him.
Okay, can you
possibly take it easy?
No, I cannot
possibly take it easy.
I'm so upset, I couldn't possible
take it easy for a million dollars.
Please excuse me.
All right, David,
here's your ice cream.
Thank you. You're welcome.
Eat it in good health...
and with faith in
a free America.
Hello. Dad? It's David.
I've been kidnapped by a fanatic
white lady named Ann Marie.
She lives at 344
West 78th Street.
That's all I can say,
so I can put back my
ropes before she finds out.
I called you so
you wouldn't worry.
I think it's awful.
Honestly, Donald, I
think it's just awful.
Are you finished talking?
Well, I'm finished
presenting the bitter facts.
I'm not finished presenting
my bitter conclusions.
May I present my
conclusions first?
Why? Because I'd like to.
All right, but let's try not to
get too emotional about this.
Well... we'll try.
Now, you sit, I stand.
Why? Because I have the floor.
Now look, Ann, I realize...
But I reserve the
right to disagree.
Ann! I have the
floor! Excuse me.
Okay.
I realize the facts
are that David
is a classic example of
the underprivileged child.
But the facts also are
that you have no right
to keep him here without his
father's knowledge or consent.
But I don't know
how to find his father.
Yes, you do. How?
By calling the police.
Oh, sure. I knew you'd say that.
Honey, chances are the police
are looking for him already.
And what if they aren't?
Then they'll look
for his father.
That's their job.
But, Donald, this is a big city.
Where are they
gonna find his father?
Ann. What?
You must call the police.
I know it, you know it,
you know I know it,
and I know you know it.
I don't know, Donald.
Honey, come on!
All right, I'll call.
But I don't know if I'll
be able to communicate.
Why shouldn't you be?
Because I'll be sobbing
into the telephone.
Hi. Hi.
Is it okay for me to read
one of your magazines?
It's the okay-est thing
in the whole world.
David. Yes, sir?
David, Miss Marie...
He doesn't call me Miss Marie.
He calls me Ann.
Oh. Okay, fine.
David, Ann has to
make a phone call...
Oh, let me tell him.
David, I have to
make a phone call.
I have to call the police.
To report me for
stealing a candy bar?
Oh, no.
No, you wonderful,
precious baby.
Ann. Yes?
You're choking him. Oh.
She has to tell the
police where you are
so they can notify your parents.
You really are cold
about this, aren't you?
Hello. Operator.
Would you please connect
me with whatever police station
is in the area of
East 89th Street?
Thank you.
Hello. Police station?
Yes, ma'am. Desk sergeant
speaking. May I help you?
Uh, yes. Do you have a report
of a missing 8-year-old boy?
Just a moment. I'll check.
What's his name?
David Johnson.
No, ma'am, I don't
show him on my list.
Are you and the child related?
Uh... no. Not exactly.
Officer, what is the procedure
for an unreported missing
child found by a private citizen?
Well, the procedure is,
the child is taken into
custody by our juvenile division.
What do they do?
They turn him
over to juvenile hall
until the court makes
legal disposition.
Under those
circumstances, good-bye.
What a minute.
You didn't give them your
name and address. Big deal.
It is if they don't
know where you live.
Donald, please, not
in front of the boy.
David, would you care
for some more ice cream?
No, I don't think I better.
I'm starting to see
spots in front of my eyes.
A lesser man would
be dead by now.
Ann, there's something
I think I ought to tell you.
What, David? What is it?
I'm... [knock on door]
Who's that?
I'm not expecting anybody.
Are you expecting anybody?
Okay. Take it easy.
[knock on door]
It's the police. Why the police?
They traced my call.
What for?
I told you: they want to
put David in juvenile hall!
Honey, only as a last resort.
Donald, it is no resort.
It's practically a prison.
I want you to go in the bedroom,
and don't come
out till I call you.
Ann, will you listen to me?
Donald, please!
David, do as I say.
Can I go out on the fire escape
and get away over the roof?
No, you can't.
Hide in the closet
or under the bed.
Now be quiet. Be a good boy.
[knock on door] Ann...
Ann, what do you
hope to accomplish?
Donald, they are
not gonna take him.
How are you gonna
stop them? Be practical.
I am being practical.
I'm going to adopt him.
Ann, for heaven
sakes... [knock on door]
Now, Donald, please,
don't argue with me.
I know a lot pf people may
condemn me, but I don't care.
Okay. Open it. [knock on door]
Hello. Is Ann Marie here?
Yeah, yeah. That's her
relaxing in the living room.
Stool pigeon.
Is it Miss Marie or Mrs.?
I'm not gonna answer any
questions without my lawyer.
It's Miss.
Miss Marie, are you harboring
an 8-year-old
fugitive from justice?
May I please see your
badge? What badge?
Are you not a detective
with the juvenile division?
No, I'm David's father.
You're David's father?
And I can prove it.
That's me. Joseph J.
Johnson, 113 East 89th Street.
That's you, all right.
113 East 89th Street?
Is... is that by any
chance on the corner
of East 89th and Park Avenue?
As a matter of fact, it is.
How do you do?
Joseph Johnson,
Donald Hollinger.
Pleased to meet you. Pleasure.
Haven't we met
before? You look familiar.
But your name...
Joseph Johnson's not the
name I use professionally.
Joseph X?
No. I'm billed as J.J.
J.J. Johnson the comedian!
Well, I hope so.
Of course! We've seen you
on television, haven't we, Ann?
I think I'd like to sit down.
I feel a little dizzy.
Joseph X? Did
David tell you that?
Well, actually, he just...
Mm-hmm. What else did he say?
Uh, he said he has
13 brothers and sisters.
[chuckles] Well, that's
close. He's an only child.
He said you live in
a slum. With fat rats.
We live in a penthouse...
with a fat maid.
He said you beat him.
Not yet, but, uh, give me time.
Is he here? He's here.
Mr. Johnson... Yes, Miss Marie.
Is there something...
wrong with David?
Yes. I think he has
an overactive put-on.
And probably too many
opportunities to use it.
Excuse me. I'll get him.
Did he cause her much trouble?
Uh, yes. Yes, as
a matter of fact.
You might say she got
emotionally involved.
You'd be surprised
how many people do.
One lady got so shook up,
she wanted to adopt him.
You're putting me on.
David.
David!
Hi. Hi.
Someone's here to see you.
My father?
I'm not sure.
He's a big man with
a whip in each hand.
Wants to know if it's all right
if he beats you
in my living room.
I said it's perfectly
okay with me.
Of course, that's
nothing compared
to what your seven
brothers and six sisters
are gonna do to you
when they get a hold of you.
I don't really have any
brothers and sisters.
No kidding.
And I really don't
have a mother.
I'm sorry about that.
It was a kick when I told the man
in the supermarket that you were.
Are you mad at me?
Yes.
No.
I'm undecided.
I guess you don't like me now
that you know I told you lies.
That's okay, David.
To tell you the truth,
I knew you were putting
me on the whole time.
You did? How?
I didn't. I just said
that for revenge.
Did you tell my dad
I stole a candy bar?
No, we didn't get to that.
It's not that he minds stealing,
he just doesn't like me
eating a lot of sweets, that's all.
David!
Well... he's not
crazy about stealing.
Thank you.
Well, come on.
Your father's waiting.
How much do I owe you? For what?
For everything I ate.
I can pay you next week.
This week's allowance is gone.
That's why I swiped
the candy bar.
Oh, I see.
Well, you don't owe me anything.
I'm just gonna chalk
it up to experience.
Is, uh, there anything else
you have on your mind?
I apologize for all
the lies I told you.
You're forgiven.
Of course I did try to tell
you I live on Park Avenue.
You're very quiet.
I was just thinking. About what?
About how I always
leap to conclusions.
You know, that
wasn't all a put-on.
In a way, David told me what
he thought I wanted to hear.
Maybe.
If he weren't black,
I wonder if I would have
believed him so quickly.
Oh, honey, I think you would have
believed any child under those conditions.
Unfortunately, it's
a little easier to buy
when it's somebody like David.
Do you think we can
change that, Donald?
Do you think we can make it so
that when any child of any race
paints the kind of
picture David did
we'd know it was
his imagination?
Because our society just
wouldn't have that anymore.
I think we can try.
By the way, this should be a
good lesson to you, Donald.
To me? Mm-hmm.
There was no need
to call the police.
Closed-Captioned By J.R.
Media Services, Inc. Burbank, CA