Jason47's Days of Christmas Past: 1966

Richard brings up the adoption and the pending divorce. He wants to know if there’s anything he can say or do to change her mind. Susan tells him the decision is final. She tells him that she wants no part of David’s child or his life. He tells her that she can't walk out of her child’s life. Susan makes it clear that the only reason they got married was to give this baby a name. She has no feelings towards the baby and wants the baby with parents that can love it.

ACT THREE

Int. Hunter Den (Later. Richard is here this evening with the intention of asking Diane to marry him. It is vital that he underplay and understate throughout, with sensitivity. He and Diane have just finished dinner by candlelight, the scene is in progress)

Richard thanks Diane for a wonderful dinner. She offers dessert: cherry pie, but he wants to wait until later. She then offers coffee and he declines. He lights a cigarette and is lost in thought. He starts reminiscing about one Christmas Eve, when their son, Dickie was born. They talk about that being the happiest time of their lives, then it being taken away 4 years later when Dickie died. Diane remembers that they had Susan by then. Richard reminds her that he just wanted one child, but she wanted a second one. She tells him that by the time Susan was going to be born, she could sense that he wanted that child. He tells her the years apart, she raising Susan by herself, were meaningless and wasted. Diane tells him that was in the past and now Susan is happy with David and a new baby is coming soon.

Richard tell Diane that the greatest mistak he made was walking out on her and Susan ten years ago. She tells him that she wasn’t a good wife because she was obsessed that nothing happen to Susan. She was afraid of losing her just like she lost Dickie. They both agree that distance and time make a situation seem different. He thinks he should have tackled the problem instead of running away. He says it's taken him ten years to realize the errors of his ways. She says they were both wrong. He says what about now…maybe we can fix the past, Deena (his pet name for her.) Diane reacts to the nickname and tells him she almost forgot that he called her that before they were married. Richard tells her he knows that he’s the one that wanted the divorce, but he realizes that he wants a second chance with her. He asks her to marry him. He asks if it's too late? She tells him, no, it's not too late!

(He looks at her, she at him. He slowly moves toward her, takes her in his ams…they kiss.)

ACT FOUR

Int. David & Susan’s Apartment (Later. One light on. We hear key in door. Susan opens it, enters. Followed by David who is somewhat burdened down with the gifts he’s carrying. Shower gifts)

David asks her to be more considerate and turn on the lights since he’s carrying these gifts. They both can’t believe that David’s co-workers threw them a baby shower. Susan asks him why he didn’t know about it, a holiday party that was really a baby shower. She looks at the gifts with no interest. He tells her that his co-workers know that they’ll be leaving Salem next week. Susan is still upset about the act she had to play at the baby show. He tells her to get over it, the party’s over. She wants David to get rid of the gifts and tree tomorrow. She tells him that he can drop off the baby stuff at the orphanage in the South side. David doesn’t think getting rid of the tree is a good idea. He says he’ll get rid of it Tuesday, the day they leave. He’ll get rid of everything then.

As David is stacking the presents in a pile, Susan notices David’s new watch. She asks where he got it. He tells her that his other watch didn’t keep time well and he bought this one. Susan notices it is very expensive looking. The phone rings and Susan thinks its one of his “genius” co-workers. She’s next to the phone so she answers it.

CUT TO: Int. Hunter Den (Diane and Richard. Richard on the phone. Diane’s arm is around him, his around her.)

Susan says “Hello,” and it's her dad on the other line. He asks about the office party and she says it was “unbelievable and fantastic.” He’s curious and asks her what does that mean. She tells him that she’ll tell him later. Susan asks what can she do for him. She is sure he’s not calling to talk about the party. Richard tells her she’s right and he has a reason-a very exciting one. He tells her that he wants her mother to tell her. Richard passes the phone to Diane and she asks Susan if they can postpone their trip for a few days to the end of next week. Susan’s concerned and asks why? Diane tells her that she and her father would like David and her to come to their wedding. Susan can’t believe it and asks again. Diane says that she’s getting re-married to her father. Susan breaks into shear happiness.

(Take Susan, great sobs of happiness. Overwhelmed, she forgets the phone for a moment, it dangles loosely in her hand. David looks at her, not knowing what’s going on. Take Susan, beside herself with joy.)

Robert Brubaker...K.T. Stevens
John Martin...Helen Martin

Episode # 288
Air Date: Friday, December 23, 1966
Script Writer: William J. Bell

ACT ONE

Int. David & Susan’s Apartment (This is immediately after close of preceding script. Susan is sobbing tears of joy as we hear her conclude her conversation with her parents. David, of course, has no idea what it’s all about)

Susan is so happy she’s wiping the tears away. She tells both her parents that they have made her so happy, a great Christmas present. She tells them they will be there to celebrate. During this time, David is anxiously awaiting what news has gotten Susan so happy. He can't take the suspense any more and asks about the phone call.

Susan tells David that the most wonderful thing has happened. She tells him that they have to postpone the trip to Cleveland for a few days. David complains about having reservations for hotel and flight and meetings set up. Susan doesn’t care and tells him to cancel them. He then tries to tell her that the baby is due soon. She rebuffs him by telling him that the baby isn’t due for another 5-6 weeks. She wants him to stop arguing with her. He wants a good explanation about why they should postpone the trip. Susan finally tells him that her parents are getting re-married and they are going to the wedding. She goes on and on about her parents reuniting being something she’s always wanted. David finally relents and gets on the phone to change their plans. She tells him if they hadn’t gotten married and found out about the baby, then her father wouldn’t have come back and rekindled his marriage. David tells her at least something good came out of this marriage. She wants to celebrate with her parents. David tells her he’ll do whatever she wants, but they can't have a party for them tomorrow night. His parents are planning something special for them. She tells him it's been quite a night and looks at the Christmas tree. She thinks, finally, this tree has some meaning for her. David tells her that they should turn in since he has to get up early and get to his office.

(As Susan plugs in the tree lights from a switch near the base of the tree—so she doesn’t have to bend and can do it easily—take her looking at the tree, somewhat soberly but with great inner happiness.)

ACT TWO

Int. Booth in Restaurant (Following day, late afternoon. Take a booth in one of the nicer restaurants of Salem. There are no other booths, extras. Shoot this one booth tight. Scene is in progess.)

Tony and Mickey are talking at a restaurant. Mickey says that he’s glad that he’s gotten to know him and asked him to lunch. He tells him it's too bad that his father couldn’t come, he’ll have to get a raincheck. Tony says it better be soon because his father is leaving the country for the Far East. Now he explains that he’s taken a one-year job as a pilot for one of his company’s subsidiaries. Mickey asks him how he feels having his father so far away. Tony tells him it's something his father really wants and he doesn’t want his feelings to interfere with Craig's wishes. Mickey says he really wants to see Craig before he goes next week. Tony suggests that after lunch, they drive out to the airport to meet him. Mickey tells him he needs to drive Julie to another airport because Tom had an emergency. He and Alice will be taking her. Tony says she’s lucky. Mickey agrees and tells him she’s happy.

CUT TO: JULIE IN PHONE LIMBO (She’s dressed for her trip and is wearing the heart that David gave her for Christmas. She’s hesitant, looks at the phone, then dials)

CUT TO: Int. Susan and David’s Apartment (Susan is in her bedroom, getting dressed. Her door is closed. David is in the living room putting on his tie.)

David answers the phone. Julie asks him if it it's ok to call him at home. She tried calling his office, but he already left for the day. He says Susan’s in the other room. She just wanted to hear his voice one last time before she gets on the flight and wants to thank him for the present. He thanks her for his present and tells her he loves her very much and will miss her. Julie tells David that she’ll see him in a month. He says then they can be married when she comes back.

Susan comes out of her bedroom and asks who called. David tells her it was one of the guys from the office. She now wishes that they postponed this dinner with David’s parents and go out with her parents instead. David tells her that they can't and wishes she stops trying to get out of it. Susan tells him her parents are nice but can get possessive. David tells her that she won't have to put up with them much longer. They won't have to put up with her as well. Susan reminds him that his parents think she’s the best thing that happened to him. She wonders how his parents are going to take the news of the divorce. David tells her when the time comes, he’ll have his story and it will be fine. Susan jokes about telling his father that he beat her. He’ll disown him if she said something like that. David tells her that’s a funny joke and if she’s ready, they can leave. She plays around and asks him if he’s going to help her with her coat, “darling.” As he’s helping her, he tells her to lay off the terms of endearment when they’re at dinner. She tells him that they're playing a game. He says saying those things to each other doesn’t ring true. Then she brings up the beating joke again and he gives her a look and they leave.

ACT THREE

Int. John Martin Living Room (John Martin and Helen are dressed for the evening. But at the moment, John is alone—he’s tossing the keys to the new house up and down in his hand. He’s alive with anticipation—but keep him in character. Bring Helen to the doorway. She stops, looks at her husband, smiles. There of course should be a Christmas tree. Use the Horton’s.)

John can’t wait to give David and Susan the keys to the new house that he bought for them. Helen says he looks like the cat that ate the canary. John tells her that he’s always wanted to give them this since they found out that Susan was giving them their first grandchild. Helen asks how he’s going to tell them about the house. He says that he’ll think of something. Maybe he’ll tell them to come check out the house that belongs to a friend. He wants to handle it. Helen tells him she won’t spoil the surprise. John’s a bit sad that the draperies couldn’t be made in time, even after making Susan pick the design and having her think they were for their home. Helen tells him the temporary drapes are lovely. They hear the doorbell. Helen thinks David forgot his keys. Helen goes to let them in. They wish each other happy holidays. John tells them they already are the happiest ever.

John offers them non-alcoholic egg nog and Susan accepts. She compliments them on their Christmas tree. John tells him it's been a while since they have had a tree. Usually they go to Florida and spend the winter there. He says maybe next year, they all can go with the baby. David brings over the cups of egg nog for everyone. Susan toast to the months ahead. David tells his father that he noticed the house down the street is finished. John and Helen exchange glances as David talks about the new house down the street. John tells him it’s a coincidence that he mentioned that house because he was going to ask them if they wanted to take a tour later on. Susan has never noticed it before. John tells her one of the guys from the office is moving there. David asks who and John tells him, Phil Dickens. David thinks its odd that Phil never mentioned moving. John tells him he left him a set of keys and thought they would enjoy looking at it. David tells him another time because they can’t stay too late. John insists that it’ll only take a couple of minutes and asks Susan. Susan says it's ok.

(John smiles warmly at her, then glances to Helen as we take it out. Susan is just being accommodating. David feels it’s a waste of time.)

ACT FOUR

Int. New House Living Room (This is later. Take the living room of the lovely new home that John and Helen are about to present to Mr. and Mrs. David Martin. Pan the room slowly. It’s a charming warm, beautiful home—more contemporary than modern. It of course is furnished—and really except for substitute draperies—is ready to move into. David and John are the first to complete their tour as we see them return to the living room from another part of the house. David, or course, is preoccupied and somewhat indifferent.)

John asks his son his opinion on the house. He says it's very nice: seven rooms, wooden area. He can't believe that Dickens never brought up the fact that he bought this house. John thinks perhaps it never occurred to Phil to tell David about it. David lights a cigarette and thinks of going outside in order to not dirty the ashtrays. John tells him he shouldn’t worry about that. David now wonders what’s keeping Helen and Susan. John notices that he’s a bit nervous. He tells him that they have had to postpone the trip to Cleveland for a couple of days. John asks why and David tells him that Susan’s parents are getting married. John’s happy and guesses that her parents want them there to witness the ceremony. He doesn’t understand why that would make him nervous. David guesses it’s the whole sudden change of plans. John thinks that it's because he's becoming a father pretty soon. He agrees and sees that the women have come into the living room.

Susan is raving about the kitchen- state of the art appliances and loves the master bedroom. She also mentions the fireplace. She tells John she doesn’t think she’s seen a nicer home. John explains that there are three fireplaces in all. Helen wants them to sit and talk, but David tells her that they shouldn’t because Phil and his wife might walk in. John tells him that Phil’s visiting his folks over the holidays. Susan says the house is furnished beautifully. She thinks a lot of money was spent on them. John steps in to explain that this home is an investment. A young family needs a home where kids can play and it will last a lifetime. He thinks there's nothing more important for a family than a good home. David, a bit uneasy, thinks they should go back to John and Helen’s home for some more eggnog. Helen tells him they’ll go back in a few minutes. John then thanks Susan for bringing their family together. He knows that he’s said it numerous times, but he wants her to know that they love her very much. Helen tells her she’s loved like a daughter. Susan thanks them.

John then tells his son how proud of him he is for becoming this responsible young man with a baby on the way. All this in a few short months and they couldn’t be more proud of him. David thanks him. John then tells him that the house isn’t for Phil, but they needed a story in order for them to come over to see it. Susan is confused. John continues that he and Helen planned, built and furnished this house- FOR THEM! David and Susan look at each other-stunned. Susan doesn’t know what to say. John hands the keys over to David and tells him Merry Christmas. Helen tells Susan Merry Christmas.

(Helen embraces Susan. Take David as he accepts the keys, slowly takes a few steps and looks almost numbly at everything about him—then take John—who smiles at Helen. Helen, her arms around Susan, returns his smile. They are excited and happy—unaware of the real reason for Susan and David’s stunned reaction to their gift—take it out on John and Helen as they beam at each other.)