"Days of Christmas Past:
1968"
Head Writer: William J.
Bell
Episode # 780: Prelude to Christmas: Susan
Seaforth's Debut as Julie
Airdate: Wednesday, December 11,
1968
ACT ONE
TOM: Julie, how are you?
JULIE: I'm fine,
thanks.
TOM: Your grandmother's been a little worried. We tried to call you
once but there was no answer.
JULIE (subdued, yet warm): I know. I've been
away. I didn't give up muy place, but I've been gone for about six weeks.
TOM (his face reflecting his concern): Where did you go?
JULIE: Oh, no
place special. I felt restless, so I went up north, along the coast. I needed to
get away.
TOM: Well, it's good to hear your voice, know you're all
right.
JULIE: I found several letters from you...I was so sorry to hear about
Laura and the baby, but then your last letter said they were both all
right.
TOM: Yes, we've been very lucky. Laura came home from the hospital
today, and they'll be able to bring the baby home very soon.**
[**NOTE: The
baby spoken about is Michael Horton, who was born on the 9/27/68 episode. He was
most recently played by Roark Critchlow in 1999.]
(DURING THE ABOVE, TAKE
REACTION SHOTS OF ALICE, WHO IS LISTENING INTENTLY, A HAPPY LOOK ON HER FACE.
TOM REACTS, READY TO TURN THE PHONE CALL OVER TO ALICE, SINCE THERE IS NONE OF
THE OLD EASE AND WARMTH BETWEEN HIM AND JULIE)
JULIE: I'm so glad...Give them
my love, will you?
TOM: I'll do that. And I'd better turn you over to your
grandmother before we let the time get away from us. Nice hearing from you,
Julie...and take care of yourself.
JULIE: Thanks, grandfather.
(TOM HANDS
THE PHONE TO ALICE. THE WARMTH BETWEEN THE TWO WOMEN WILL BE QUITE A CONTRAST TO
THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN JULIE AND TOM. BECAUSE NO MATTER WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN
THE PAST, THIS IS ALICE'S GRANDDAUGHTER, A CHILD WHO SPENT CONSIDERABLE TIME
GROWING UP IN THIS HOUSE)
ALICE: Julie, darling?
JULIE: Grandma, how are
you?
ALICE: Fine, dear. How are you?
JULIE (shaded): All right, I
guess...I've missed you so much...
(TAKE ALICE'S REACTION)
ALICE: We've
missed you too, dear.
(ALICE SHOOTS A LOOK AT TOM. TAKE HIS GUARDED
REACTION)
JULIE: You sound so...far away.
ALICE: So do you. Much too far
away.
JULIE: I've been thinking about you and grandfather all day, so I
thought I'd call.
ALICE: We're so glad you did...Julie...Are you all right,
dear?
JULIE: Of course, I'm fine.
ALICE: You don't sound fine.
JULIE:
Well, I suppose I'm a little lonely.
ALICE: You know, I was sitting here
tonight, making out Christmas cards, and I came to your name on the list, and I
thought to myself, wouldn't it be wonderful if she could be with us for the
holidays.
(ALICE STOPS, REACTING TO TOM'S CONCERN. THIS IS WHAT JULIE HAS
REALLY WANTED TO HEAR)
JULIE: I didn't think grandfather ever want me to come
back to Salem.
ALICE (already trapped, felling a sudden warmth toward Julie's
plight): He wants you to happy, Julie. We both do. And I see no reason why you
can't be with the family for the holidays.
(JULIE IS WARMING TO THE
IDEA)
JULIE: It sounds wonderful!...There really isn't anything to keep me
here.
ALICE: How soon can you come?
JULIE: Maybe in a week or so. I'll let
you know as soon as my plans are definite.
ALICE: All right,
darling.
JULIE: I love you, grandma. Very much.
ALICE: I love you too,
dear...I'm so glad you called.
JULIE: So am I...Say goodbye to grandfather
for me.
ALICE: I will...Goodbye, dear.
(ALICE HANGS UP THE PHONE SLOWLY,
TURNS TO FACE TOM, WHOSE FACE REFLECTS GENUINE CONCERN ABOUT ALL THIS)
ALICE:
Tom, please...Don't be angry with me.
TOM: How could I be angry with you,
ever?
ALICE: She sounded so lost and alone.
TOM (gently): I know,
Alice...I love her, too. It isn't that I don't want her home with us for
Christmas...But I can't help wondering if it's wise having Julie come back to
the place where she put her baby out for adoption a year ago.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BANNING LIVING ROOM (JANET, SITTING ON THE SOFA, DEEPLY
THOUGHTFUL. ESTABLISH, THEN BRING SCOTT OUT FROM THE NURSERY, A WARM SMILE ON
HIS FACE)
SCOTT: The baby's sound asleep. He didn't even turn over when I put
another blanket around him.
(THERE IS A LONG PAUSE, AND SCOTT STUDIES JANET
FOR A MOMENT. HE GOES OVER TO KISS THE TOP OF HER HEAD)
SCOTT: You're awfully
quiet tonight, Mrs. Banning.
JANET: I was thinking about Christmas coming,
what a wonderful time of year for the children. And for some reason, I found
myself thinking about Julie Olson. And wondering what it must be like a year
later, after giving up a baby. I wonder what she must be thinking now.
(TAKE
SCOTT'S REACTION AND MUSIC: UP TO FINISH AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK. UP ON:
COMMERCIAL POSITION # 2)
ACT TWO
SCOTT: Why would you be thinking of Julie
Olson?
JANET: I find myself thinking of her a lot. After all, we know so
little about Brad's real mother. And nothing at all about his father.
SCOTT:
It's strange, but I've almost forgotten about Julie Olson. In my mind, you
are Brad's mother. His real mother.
JANET: Oh darling, of course I am.
And you're his father.
SCOTT: Then why think about Julie Olson?
JANET: I
suppose, in a way, I wonder what kind of a woman could ever give up a baby.
There must have been so much heartbreak and tragedy in her life, to force her to
make such a decision.
SCOTT: If there hadn't been heartbreak, and tragedy, we
never would have had an opportunity to adopt Brad.
JANET: Yes, I know. The
idea of having to lose a baby. Give it up...It must be very difficult.
(OF
COURSE, SHE IS SPEAKING NOW OF WHAT SHE FACES: GIVING UP HER BABY AND HER LIFE.
SCOTT LOOKS AT HER SEARCHINGLY)
SCOTT: You forget, Mrs. Banning, that we love
each other. Any child we might have been able to have together, well, no one in
the world could have taken him away from us...It was difficult for Julie Olson.
She didn't have a husband to help her raise her baby.
JANET: It wouldn't be
easy, trying to raise a child, with only one parent. It wouldn't be easy at
all.
(CAMERA HAS MOVED IN CLOSE TO TAKE THE DIMENSION OF JANET'S FEELINGS AND
THOUGHTS. SHE IS THINKING ABOUT SCOTT, HOW HE WILL HAVE TO CARRY ON ALONE. TAKE
SCOTT'S REACTION, THEN HIS OBVIOUS EFFORT TO LIGHTEN JANET'S MOOD)
SCOTT:
Hey, not so serious! Christmas is coming, and we have to decide what to give
Brad.
JANET (a half smile): You mean, decide what not to give
him.
SCOTT: You think I'll spoil him?
JANET: Of course, why not?
SCOTT:
Would he like an electric train, do you think?
JANET: No, but you
would!
SCOTT: I'm going to buy him everything I ever wanted and didn't get
when I was a kid.
JANET: Whose Christmas is this...yours or the
baby's?
SCOTT: Ours. Yours and mine...If Brad's a good boy, I might
let him touch the electric train!
JANET: Oh, Scott!
(SCOTT KISSES HER VERY
GENTLY, PAUSE AS HE LOOKS AT HER)
SCOTT: Still thinking about Julie
Olson?
JANET: I was thinking just then about Susan...and the future. Her
future.
SCOTT: Marriage to Bill Horton, I imagine.
JANET: He's a very
lucky man. I wonder if he knows that?
SCOTT (smiling): I'm sure he does. In
fact, from what Susan told us earlier, he's probably proposing to her right
now.
DISSOLVE TO: INT. SUSAN'S APARTMENT (A CONTINUATION OF PREVIOUS EPISODE
WITH SUSAN AND BILL. SUSAN IS LOOKING AT BILL, HER FACE SOLEMN AND HER EMOTIONS
UNDER CONTROL. HOLD A BEAT, THEN CAMERA PULLS BACK TO INCLUDE BILL, WHO IS
FEELING THE STRAIN OF HAVING TO RECOUNT THIS STORY)
BILL: Don't look at me
that way, Susan.
SUSAN: What way?
BILL: I don't know exactly. Except that
you seem to be a million miles away.
SUSAN: I'm listening Bill. For the rest
of the story. You said that was only the beginning, the night you had too much
to drink and went to Laura's room at the hospital.
BILL (turning away from
her): You aren't making it any easier, Susie.
SUSAN: I love you,
Bill...Nothing you tell me can change that.
BILL: I'm counting on that...I
want to bring out marriage all the honesty I can. You deserve that
much.
SUSAN (her voice low, controlled): Go on with the rest of the story,
Bill.
BILL: It isn't very pretty.
SUSAN (very low): Life has a way of not
being very pretty. Sometimes...
(HOLD ON SUSAN A BEAT, THEN MUSIC: UP TO
FINISH AND OUT. FADE TO: BLACK. UP ON: COMMERCIAL POSITION # 3. MUSIC: THEME. UP
ON: HOUR GLASS/MATTE CARD. UP ON: COMMERCIAL POSITION # 4)
ACT THREE
BILL: Well,
anyway, I never took another drink after that night...It wasn't easy, facing
Laura the next morning. She told me to get out of her life and stay out...I
swore I would do that, that I would never hurt her again, in any way...And I did
stay out of her life...But neither one of us realized just how much I had hurt
her that night.
SUSAN: What can I say to you, Bill? Something like this
happening to Laura...
BILL: Susie, I didn't know what I was doing. I was
drunk.
SUSAN: She never told Mickey?
BILL: How could she? He would have
wanted to kill me...And I wouldn't have blamed him.
SUSAN: Laura was right.
Let's put the past behind us. Don't let it in any way jeopardize what we want to
build together...
BILL: I want to do that, Susie. If only Laura and I were
involved, there would be no reason to have told you what happened.
SUSAN: I
don't understand.
BILL: After that night, I searched the fiber of my being to
figure out what kind of man I was. It changed my whole life, that night. I
decided not to let one mistake wipe out everything else of value...I kept my
distance from Laura. And I built a new relationship with my brother.
SUSAN:
Yes, I remember, how happy everyone was, when you and Mickey got back together
again.
BILL: I was trying to forget what happened, and I had started to
forget. Until last July...Do you remember, I wasn't feeling well, I had a bit of
abdominal discomfort.
SUSAN: Yes, I gave you soup several times because you
couldn't keep anything else down.
BILL; Well, I finally stopped being
bull-headed and decided to see a doctor.
SUSAN: Yes, I remember...
BILL:
Dad was out of town, so I went to Dr. Lincoln for a checkup...It's, it's almost
incredible the way things happen, Susie. Maybe the word is "destiny."
SUSAN:
I don't know what you mean.
BILL: I went to Dad's office to get my medical
file to give to Dr. Lincoln, and I got into a conversation with Miss Perkins,
who gave me the folder...Well, I went back to my quarters, waiting to see Dr.
Lincoln, and I started to read through the history. I don't know why I did it,
just browsing I guess. Anyway, I suddenly realized it wasn't my file at all. It
was a case history on my brother, Mickey.
SUSAN: Bill, why are you telling me
all this? None of it makes much sense!
BILL: It will in a moment. I tried to
phone Miss Perkins, to tell her about the mistake, but her line was busy. By the
time I tried again, she'd gone out to lunch. I was closing the folder, when a
notation on the last page caught my eye...I...I was stunned by what I
read.
SUSAN: What do you mean?
(BILL DOESN'T ANSWER HER DIRECTLY)
BILL:
I found out later about a test Mickey had taken...Why he did it, I don't
know...The point is, he did have the test done, by my father. Mickey had been
reading one of Laura's medical journals, an article on mumps in the adult male.
That sometimes it can leave a man...sterile. So Mickey, who remembered he'd had
mumps in law school, went to Dad and had a test taken. He and Laura had been
married only a few months, and both of them were anxious to have children right
away.
SUSAN: What was the notation on Mickey's medical history?
BILL: I'll
never forget the words: "Sterility test proves the patient to be unequivocally
infertile..."
(SUSAN UNDERSTANDS THE MEANING OF THESE WORDS, BUT FOR A BRIEF
MOMENT, DOESN'T RELATE IT TO THE POINT BILL IS TRYING TO MAKE ABOUT THE
BABY)
SUSAN: Bill, that can't be. I mean, that can't be true...Laura and
Mickey have a baby....
(TAKE BILL'S LONG, PENETRATING LOOK)
BILL: There is
no question about the test being right, Susan.
(TAKE TIME HERE FOR SUSAN'S
REACTION. KEEP HER INTENSE, HER VOICE VERY LOW. WHEN SHE SPEAKS, HER VOICE IS
SHAKEN)
SUSAN: Bill, what are you saying? If this isn't Mickey's
baby...
(BILL IS GRIM, INSISTING ON THE COMPLETE TRUTH)
BILL: It isn't
Mickey's baby. It can't be...The baby is mine...
(TAKE REACTIONS OF THIS
BOMBSHELL, AND... MUSIC: UP TO FINISH AND OUT. FADE TO: BLACK. UP ON: COMMERCIAL
POSITION # 5)
ACT FOUR
Episode # 787: Prelude to Christmas: Susan
Seaforth's Debut as Julie, Part 2
Airdate: Friday, December 20,
1968
Dan Ferrone
(Lou)
In San Francisco, Julie (Susan Seaforth in her 2nd episode) is getting
ready to leave San Francisco for Salem. Lou, Julie’s boyfriend,
is disappointed that she’s leaving for Salem. He even asks if he can
accompany her to meet her family. Lou tells her that he’s in love with her and
wants to marry her. Julie tells him that she isn’t in love. Lou tells her
that she won't let go of the past and that’s why she cant fall in love with him.
Episode #
788?>
Air Date: Monday, December 23, 1968
PROLOGUE
(This being the Christmas season, we will avoid the clinical aspects of
Janet’s illness and play the manifestation of her condition as fatigue. Though
Janet, being Janet, will resist her every physical limitation, will in fact,
fight to ward it off for as long as she humanly can, inevitably there will be
those moments when she must give in to it. She does this by either sitting down
or by leaning somewhat heavily on a table or counter area. But we keep it subtle
and underplayed. As for Susan, she’s been somewhat subdued both yesterday and
today although she’s tried to mask her feelings, Janet has been aware that
something is disturbing her. It’s afternoon in the Banning Apartment. We open in
the kitchen area. Janet, for the moment, is alone. She looks into the oven where
there are about three metal sheets of homemade Christmas cookies of all
traditional sizes and shapes. Janet first peeks at the cookies, smiles a faint
smile—which is all she can muster at the moment, then while bent over she closes
her eyes, touches the side of her head, more out of dizziness than pain. She
closes the oven door, braces herself for a few moments on the counter, than as
she gets her bearings once again she looks off to make certain Susan didn’t see
her—but she just looks, she doesn’t have to move anywhere to determine this.
Then Janet again opens the open door, takes out the cookie sheets, puts them on
the table as Susan returns to the kitchen, having just looked in on Brad. Keep
Susan a shade subdued.)
Janet and Susan first talk about how Brad is going to love
Christmas, the cookies, etc… Janet notices that Susan hasn’t been her cheery
self and asks her if something’s wrong. Janet and Susan have become very close
friends and know each other well. Each of them wonder how well they know one
another. Susan finally opens up and tells her that it's partly Bill and Julie
coming back to Salem. Susan tells her she was her best friend. Janet thinks that
shouldn’t worry her but Susan tells her the “friendship” was a long time ago and
a lot has happened.
ACT ONE
(Immediately pick up Int. Banning
Apartment):
Janet asks more about Susan's “friend”, Julie. She asks if
she’s going to visit Susan. Susan tells her that Julie’s here to visit her
family. Susan tells Janet she thinks that Julie doesn’t want to see her.
Janet suspects something happened to their friendship. Susan tells her there's a
chain of events in which Julie blames her and it wasn’t her fault. Janet can't
imagine anyone being upset with Susan. Susan tells Janet perhaps she’ll
tell her what happened but for right now, she wants to keep it in the
past. They change the subject to Bill. Janet asks Susan if she wants to
talk about Bill. She knows Susan hopes to marry him. Susan tells her that
there isn’t going to be a marriage. Janet wasn’t sure, but she noticed Susan’s
indecision about it. Susan tells her that she and Bill talked and decided to
just be good friends. Janet thinks that in time, they’ll get back together.
Janet confesses now that Susan’s not together with Bill, she’s grateful that
she’ll be in her family’s lives. She, Brad and Scott have become very
attached to Susan and think of her as family. Janet thought that Susan getting
married wouldl change their friendship because Susan’s priority would be her
husband. Janet especially plays up the role Susan has with Brad. She hopes her
relationship with Brad never changes. Brad wakes up. Susan goes to get him as
Janet finishes the cookies. Susan goes to Brad
and changes his clothes and shows him the Christmas tree:
(Long, Long pause. Finally from Janet’s vantage point, see Susan
carrying Brad (whos wearing his little “sleeper”) into the living room where
only the Christmas tree lights are on. It is a big and beautiful tree and the
baby heasn’t seen it lighted before this moment. Cut to Susan as she and Brad
approach the tree. Capture the boy’s reaction, his beautifully expressive face,
Susan holding him very close)
Susan takes him up to the tree and tells him what it is and how Santa is
going to give him lots of presents because he’s such a good little boy. She
kisses him on the cheek. Janet is watching this interaction between Susan and
Brad.
ACT TWO
(Front hall stairs of Horton home. Bring Tom slowly and thoughtfully
down the stairs. He stops, looks at his watch, hesitates another thoughtful
moment, then walks into the living room where Alice is opening Christmas cards.
The Christmas tree is already up. Also, there should be evidence of Christmas
cards on display. It won't be important to this script, but it will be important
to a subsequent one. Alice casually looks up as Tom enters, but there is no
smile as she’s more preoccupied with the card she’s looking
at)
Alice sees a card from the Bannings and tells Tom that she didn’t send them one. She thinks about sending it now, but Tom tells her that she shouldn’t. Now they both think of the tragedy that has befallen that family. Tom feels that Janet will try her best to put on a brave face for her family. Tom mentions Susan being there for them during this time. Tom then lights his pipe and tells Alice that they should be thinking of going to the airport soon to pick up Julie. Tom begins skimming through a medical journal and Alice fixes the Christmas card on the mantle. Tom suggests that they go out for dinner but Alice says she already has everything ready and can't wait to see Julie again. Alice goes to get her purse and Tom looks at the Banning Christmas card…the doorbell rings- it's Julie with several suitcases and presents. Tom is shocked to see her and she tells him that she was able to get an earlier flight. Alice comes down the stairs and see Julie. They hug and Alice wishes her Merry Christmas. Tom notice this warm moment between grandmother and granddaughter, he however, has this lingering doubt about his granddaughter’s stay in Salem. (Jason47 note: This is Susan Seaforth's first scene in Salem, and her first scene with Macdonald Carey and Frances Reid).
ACT THREE
(Int. Horton Living Room- A short time later. It is terribly
important that Tom straddle the fence here: A. he does love this girl, she’s his
granddaughter. But B. he’s been hurt by her before and will deftly measure her
every word. He wants to trust her—but in view of the past, can he? Nor is he
insensitive to her slight reserve towards him. First and foremost is his concern
for her future security, happiness and well being. However, he’s not about to be
easily taken in—in this scene, or the shows to follow. But Julie is up to
matching “wits” with him. Take Tom alone in the living room as he’s cleaning his
pipe, whatever. Then he and we hear, off:)
Julie comes into the living room after asking Alice if she needs any
help. Tom and Julie have small talk about the weather in California vs. here in
cold, snowy Salem. She says she misses white Christmases because she was born in
Salem. She says it's all about the environment people are raised in. She doesn’t
want Tom to know that she plans on staying…not yet. Tom mentions the letters
that he’s written to her and asking her if she ever needed any money. Julie
tells him that she doesn’t. Tom thinks she’s working but Julie corrects him and
says she has the money from her trust and John Martin sends her money each
month. Tom is surprised but Julie plays coy thinking that Tom has always known.
He asks how long John has been sending money. Julie tells him the
day John found out that she was having David’s baby. Tom asks how much
he sends and she tells him $700 a month. He hopes that he’s been saving most of
the money but she tells him no, she spends it- every cent to try and forget.
Julie is starting to lose her temper and tells Tom that he’s not wasting time in
trying to get her to lose her temper with him. He tells her that she brought it
up and that wasn’t his intention at all. Then Tom really wants to know how
she’s doing. Julie states she’s fine but Tom thinks she needs to adjust to her life,
to live with the past. Julie thinks he's fishing around about her son- is she
giving up looking for him? Julie tells him yes, so she guesses that’s what
he means by adjusting. Tom’s not sure he can believe her answer. She’s trying
not to let Tom get to her and now she brings up Susan’s name. Julie asks
Tom what he expects of her regarding Susan and giving up her baby for
adoption.
ACT FOUR
(Int Banning Apartment- Evening. After dinner. Scott
is holding Brad. And whatever Brad is doing, we let Scott reflect the impeding
tragedy in his expression as he looks at the Christmas tree. His back is toward
the kitchen. Establish, then bring Janet into the room. She stops for a moment
and treasures the sight of her husband and son by the Christmas tree. Then she
approaches. She puts her hand on Scott’s shoulder, unmindful of his mood. He
immediately plays the masquerade. He puts his arm around
Janet.)
Scott tells her that the tree is the prettiest they have had. Janet
tells him that Susan did most of the decorating while she was baking the
cookies. He’s says he will thank Susan later. Janet tells Scott that
she invited Susan over for Christmas dinner, and Scott is surprised. He thinks
she would spend it with Bill. Janet then tells him that Bill and Susan
are not going to get married. Scott asks what happened and Janet says
it was Susan’s decision. Scott can't believe that Bill would break it off with
such a wonderful girl. Scott finds it surprising that just the other day Susan
was so optimistic, hoping that Bill would propose. He doesn’t believe that she
would be the one to back away. Scott asks if Susan’s depressed about the
relationship ending. Janet tells her that Susan was more worried about her
friend coming back into town and not talking about the skeletons in her closet.
They
start talking about how loving, caring and patient Susan is with Brad. They say
she’s the most important person in his life (next to them.) They also agree on
how all of them want to raise Brad in the same way. Janet stops herself from
talking too much about Susan. Scott doesn’t notice and tells her that she is
part of their family. Janet changes the subject and asks if they can take a
family picture so they can start an album. Scott realizes the significance of
the album and tells her that they can do whatever she wants. Janet tells him
that she wants to make this the best Christmas ever. He tells her that it will be and they
embrace.
Episode # 789
Airdate: Tuesday, December 24,
1968
Angus Duncan
(Dr. Tony
Romano)
PROLOGUE
(Int. Corridor Outside of Bill’s Quarters- Afternoon.
Take
Romano wearing white resident’s jacket, with a hospital memorandum in his hand
as he approaches Bill’s Quarters half humming some undistinguishable and
non-melodic “song.” There is a somewhat off-the-cuff intensity in his
expression, not the kind suggesting a doctor’s concern for a patient, but rather
a bachelor waiting for an overdue phone call from a luscious blonde. But there
is no smile. And this should be characteristic of Tony Romano M.D.—a certain
drive and intensity, he’s always negotiating something or someone in his mind.
Unless, of course, there’s some medical personal crisis—which there won’t be for
this young man for some time. Without knowing, without hesitating, he walks into
Bill’s Quarters, sort of waving the memorandum, expecting Bill to be
there)
Tony can’t wait to tell the news of the memo and goes into Bill’s
quarters hoping to find him there. Bills not and Tony goes to write something
clever on the memo when his on-call bell goes off. He calls and is happy to hear
it's one of his dates calling. Tony asks her to be his date on New Year's
Eve. As he’s putting his feet up and talking to this woman, Bill walks in. Tony
sees him and gives him the memo. Bill’s watching as Tony asks about
bringing drinks to a party. Tony’s disappointed that his date, Shirley, is a
ginger ale girl. He tells her that a staff member is going on vacation and that
he can use their apartment. He wants to celebrate with her with a small and cozy
party. Tony finds out that Shirley;s brother is home on military leave and
maybe they can invite him to the party. Tony abruptly cancels the date after she
insists on inviting her brother. He hangs up and asks Bill about the memo.
The
memo says that the hospital needs more patient rooms so the staff will be
sharing quarters, starting in the new year. Tony calls him his new roommate. The
phone rings…it's another girl for Tony named Ruthie. Bill is now impatient with
Tony and tells him he’s waiting for a call. Tony asks Ruthie if he can call her
back on another phone. He goes to leave and notices one bed and asks if they’re
going to put another bed so he can sleep. After Tony leaves, Bill shakes his
head and smiles. He goes to call Susan. He asks Susan if he can stop by her
place. She agrees and they hang up.
ACT ONE
Alice and Julie are talking about the gift that Alice got for Tom: a
dictating machine. Alice says that Tom always struggles with the old
one but thinks he’s become attached to it. She says the older something is,
the more attached he becomes to it. Julie jokes that means she should feel very
secure. Julie tells Alice that he’ll be happy with the gift since the old one is
broken. Julie asks about Tom's present for Alice. Alice says that she
doesn’t know and all she does know is that he’s picking it up today. Then she
tells Julie that she never knows what he gets her. Julie corrects her and tells
her that she knew that she was going to get a coat last Christmas. Alice
says she didn’t know it was going to be a mink. Julie tells Alice that she’s so
lucky to have a great marriage and thinks that she and David would have had a
marriage like theirs. They change the subject to the family dinner. Julie asks
who’s going to come over. Alice tells her that Mickey, Laura, Michael, Tommy and
Bill will be there. Julie asks about Susan but Alice tells her that she won't be
there. Alice asks if she knows why Susan’s not coming.
ACT TWO
Julie is still questioning Alice about Susan. She asks Alice
if Susan was invited after she knew that she (Julie) was coming
home. Alice says she was invited before and after. She and Bill are very close.
Bill thought that Julie’s attitude towards Susan would have changed. Then Julie
asks if they’re going to get married. Alice tells her that Tom thinks they’re
getting married. Julie says that would make her her Aunt. Alice tells her that
she should realize that's why Susan isn’t here- it's because of her. Alice
explains that Susan didn’t want to upset her so she decided not to come. Susan
hopes one day that they can salvage some sort of friendship between
them. Alice tells her that Susan was found not guilty. Julie protests
but Alice keeps explaining to her that Susan has changed. She has matured and is
dedicated. Then she tells her of the poor family across the hall whom Susan has
dedicated herself to helping because the young mother has very little time to
live. She’s helping her husband and son cope. Julie counters that she doesn’t
care about that family and she had a son and she doesn’t have him now because of
Susan. Julie reminds Alice that she doesn’t have a grandson
because of Susan. Julie says time hasn’t healed her wounds.
(DISSOLVE TO…Int. Susan’s
Apartment. Susan has a very
small table tree with five or six gifts beneath it. She’s holding Brad—and she
is somewhat mooded. She walks toward the tree)
Susan is talking to little Brad and telling him that she
doesn’t think that his parents would mind him opening a present. She calls
herself a second mother to Brad and kisses him on the cheek.
ACT THREE
(Take it up almost immediately. We open with a little spontaneous
business with the child here as both Susan and Brad are down on the floor and
he’s trying to rip off the wrappings. Susan helps him when he needs help—but
only to start a tear here and there—letting Brad do as much of this as possible.
We have some action toy inside the box—something with movement, something he
hasn’t seen before, perhaps something you wind up. Susan ad libs with him—but
she remains mooded despite her smile, her love and devotion. We play this for as
long as we can—because this can and should be a wonderful “moment.” And, it is
drama—our audience knowing, of course, that this is Julie’s baby. Then when
Brad’s finally playing with the little toy, watching it…take Susan as she looks
at him with deep love, thinking of Janet, thinking of the
future)
Susan is telling Brad to smile and that she will make sure that he’s
always protected and cared for. That she will tell him of his real mother,
Janet, after she passes away. Susan says she will always be close to him
and love him. The doorbell rings...it's Bill. Bill is subdued and
now that he sees baby Brad, can’t help but think about his own baby boy. He
tells her Merry Christmas. Susan tells him that Scott and Janet went to evening
services and left Brad with her. Bill uncharacteristically takes Brad’s hand and
asks about the little toy. Susan says that’s one of the presents she gave him.
Susan senses his emotions towards Brad. Bill hands Susan her present, she tells
him his present is under the tree. As she goes to take his coat, Bill stares at
the little boy, thinking of his own. He loses himself as he looks at Brad and
Susan asks what he’s thinking about. He tells her for the first time he
understands Julie’s emotions at not being with her son at Christmas. Susan
doesn’t take this personally. She also knows the pain.
ACT FOUR
(A short time later):
Bill has Brad’s little toy in his hand. Susan has just come from the
bedroom where Brad is sleeping. She asks if Bill wants some egg nog and he
declines. There’s some awkward silence, then Susan gets Bill’s present from the
tree and hands it to him. The mood is somber as they give each other looks.
Susan breaks the mood by asking Bill if they should open their presents now.
Bill starts opening his present first. Susan gives him a beautiful yellow
cashmere sweater. He thinks it's funny. Susan asks him why and he tells her to
open her present and she’ll see. As she’s opening it, she guesses what he means:
he also bought her a yellow cashmere sweater. They both smile at each other. She
likes the idea and they look at each other. Bill finally says what he’s been
keeping in and asks her how she can stand the sight of him after everything he’s
told her. She plainly tells Bill that she loves him. She’ll always love him and
treasure him. But she thinks their relationship was never meant to be. Then she
talks about her commitment to Brad and how he’s committed to stay away from his
son's life for the sake of Laura and Mickey and little Michael. He tells her
that he’s not that committed to staying away as he has a gift for Michael and
was going to give it to him. Susan tells him to let go. Bill asks
Susan again to marry him. Susan tells him the day that he can get his feelings
resolved for his son and Laura is the day that she’ll marry him. Then he gets
up, picks up the little toy and tells Susan that he doesn’t know if that day
will ever come. (Hold on Bill, the
Christmas Tree…and fade out)
Episode #
790
Airdate: Wednesday, December 25,
1968
John Clarke (Mickey)...Susan Flannery
(Laura)...John Lupton (Tommy)...Regina Gleason (Kitty)...Heather North
(Sandy)
PROLOGUE
(Int. Horton Living Room- Very
Early Christmas Morning. Open on the Christmas tree in all its glory, then
slowly pull back to include Alice, dressed in a becoming and festive robe,
sitting on the sofa admiring the tree. There is a soft smile on her face. After
a beat, Tom enters from upstairs, stands looking at Alice a moment, then joins
her)
Tom kisses his wife and wishes her a Merry Christmas. He was asleep and
he asks why she didn't wake him. Alice tells him that she just wanted to
have a few moments by herself to remember all the past Christmases. She tell Tom
that she misses the Christmases where the kids were little, stomping down
the stairs, full of noise. Tom also misses it. Alice tells him that
now they’re lucky to see the grandkids opening the presents. She wants Laura and
Mickey to have more kids very soon. Alice now thinks of these Christmases as the
“golden years.” She remembers the little time they had to themselves during
Christmas was when the kids were asleep. They would each open one present and
finish decorating the Christmas tree. Alice picks up a present and tells him
that this one can’t wait to be opened. She wants to see his reaction. Alice
wants him to promise to tell her if he doesn’t like the present. Tom says he
likes all her presents. He sees it’s a dictaphone and is thrilled. She asks him
about his old one and Tom says he doesn’t mind giving that one up because it
didn’t work. Tom says they can try it out today as they record Christmas
conversations. Alice thinks that’s a great idea and runs down the guest list for
today: Mickey, Laura, baby Michael, Tommy and Kitty. She’s so grateful that they
have Tommy back.
(DISSOLVE TO… Int. Mark and
Kitty’s Apartment. Jason47 Note: The scripts still list Tommy Horton as Mark
Brooks. Camera in close on
Mark’s face, a study in conflicting emotions. Camera pulls back slowly to reveal
Mark, alone, dressed in a robe, looking at the lighted Christmas tree. Presents
are beneath the tree. We hear Mark’s brief train of
thought)
Mark is talking to himself saying it's his first Christmas with his
daughter and Kitty.
(His train of thought is broken by the sound of approaching footsteps.
Mark turns in time to see Kitty, dressed in a robe, enter from the hall. She is
carrying a beautifully wrapped present. They stand looking at each other for a
moment, their faces blank, emotionless. When Kitty speaks, her voice is
subdued.)
Kitty says Merry Christmas to Mark. He says thanks...for
letting their daughter have a happy Christmas.
ACT ONE
(Take it up immediately. Kitty and Mark stand looking at each other then
we hear: SOUND: A door slam down the hall Sandy comes rushing into the living room,
tying the belt of her robe, a big smile on her face.)
Sandy says Merry Christmas to Kitty and Mark. She gives them a big hug.
She’s excited for the present that they got Mark. Mark wants a cup of coffee
first. Sandy woke up early to make the coffee and breakfast so that they could
unwrap the gifts at the same time. She goes to the kitchen to get a tray of food
and coffee. She wants everyone to take their time opening the presents and
reading the cards. Mark tells her she could have been a sergeant in the army.
Sandy says if she’s going to have the best Christmas ever, she’s got to be
organized. Sandy hands them a mug of coffee and she wants to make a
speech. Sandy starts with telling both of them how she’s noticed the glances
between them. She tells Kitty that she knows that she’s been pushing her to have
extra time with her father and really appreciates it. This is why she’s giving
them a getaway weekend for them to reconnect. She asked Tom for a Christmas
check and she’s also used her allowance to pay for the weekend. Sandy asks them if they’re pleased. Mark
tells her it's sure a surprise. Kitty tells her it was very sweet of her to do
this for them. Sandy says that they can go any place they want...up to a certain
monetary limit, that is! They both tell her that the gift is very sweet.
Now
Sandy tells her father to open another present. She goes to the tree to get his
present. He asks her when she’s going to open hers. She says “Santa” opens her
presents last. Sandy hands Mark the present and tells him that this one was
mother’s idea. She tells him to read the card out loud. He opens the present- a
leather bound manuscript. They are his original notes from the lab bound in
leather. Sandy tells him that Kitty worked on this project for months with Tom.
Mark is speechless and looks at Kitty with gratitude. Sandy smiles at his
reaction.
ACT TWO
(Int. Horton Living Room- Later. Open on close up of
tape recorder. Camera pulls back to include Alice as she switches it
on)
Alice reminds everyone to act naturally as she pulls back the camera to
get the whole group.
(She turns to smile at the group and camera pulls back to include Tom
and Mickey and Laura, all dressed in their Christmas best. Laura looks
lovely)
Alice tells everyone that she and Tom thought it would be nice to record
some of their thoughts on Christmas with his new tape recorder. Alice presses
some buttons as she asks Tom to help her with the machine and we hear his
pre-taped message:
TOM’S VOICE: Merry Christmas,
everybody—and a very Merry Christmas to my wife, Alice, who, as usual, has found
the perfect gift for me.”(Beat) “Darling I can see the surprise on your
face now—
(Alice is surprised. She turns to Tom, who grins, and both Mickey and
Laura are amused. The tape continues:)
TOM’S VOICE: But I seldom get a chance
to say all the nice things I want to say to you. So what better time than now,
as our family gathers for Christmas together…
(Take everyone’s reactions, a beat as Tom’s taped voice pauses and then
continues. The moment is filled with nostalgia for
everyone.)
TOM’S VOICE: Everyone knows what a wonderful mother
and homemaker you are. But I’m the only man in the world who knows what kind of
a wife you have been all these years.
(Take Mickey, who reaches for Laura’s hand. Take Alice’s face as she
turns to look at Tom. The voice continues.)
TOM’S VOICE: So, to begin this
Christmas recording, a toast to my wife, who is the very spirit of Christmas
herself—always kind, always compassionate, always thinking of everyone else.
Always putting my happiness and comfort ahead of her own. I thank you, my dear
wife…my dear, dear Alice.
(The voice has ended. There is a moment of
silence.)
ALICE: Oh,
Tom…
(She turns to embrace him and he holds her tenderly for a moment.
Mickey, a big grin on his face, goes to switch off the
tape.)
MICKEY: Well, while you two
lovebirds carry on, I’d better switch this to RECORD or else you’ll have a lot
of blank tape.
(As he switches it on: SOUND: a baby crying off in the study
comes over shot)
(Laura reacts quickly)
LAURA: That must be
Michael.
(She gets to her feet.)
MICKEY: Who else? Tell him to turn the volume up
so we can catch his voice.
(Sound: The crying gets louder.) (Everyone
laughs)
MICKEY: Dad, you want to check this—make sure
we’re recording?
ALICE: Laura, I’ll go get the bottle,
dear, and start heating it.
LAURA: Thank you,
Alice.
(She exits towards study. As Alice exits living room: SOUND: Doorbell
Rings)
ALICE: Tom, will you get that,
dear?
(CUT TO…Ext. Horton
Front Porch. Kitty, Mark, and
Sandy, dressed warmly and loaded with presents, stand on the porch. Mark rings
the doorbell again, as camera moves in on Sandy’s face. It is all aglow)
Sandy asks Mark if this is the best Christmas ever. He looks at Kitty
and agrees with Sandy. Tom opens the door and wishes them all a Merry Christmas.
Tom tells Kitty she looks like Mrs. Claus. He tells them Alice is in the kitchen
and shows Sandy where to put all the presents. The baby starts crying and Alice
enters with a baby bottle. Alice wishes them Merry Christmas as she goes to baby
Michael, who’s still crying for his bottle. She hands the bottle to Laura.
Everyone is having a good time.
(We stay in hall as camera slowly pulls back to include the
stairway. Slowly, unseen yet by anyone, Julie starts coming down the stairs.
Camera moves in on her face as she pauses on the landing, her mind on her own
baby, and we can read her thoughts as we hear the voices off in the living room.
Baby has stopped crying.)
Julie is hearing everyone's voice as they look at baby Michael and
comment on him grabbing bottle, looking so cute. Tom says there’s nothing like
having a baby around Christmastime.
(And we hold on Julie’s stricken face a long moment. Before we take
it out)
ACT THREE
(Int. Horton Study. Open on Laura’s
face. She is smiling down at her baby (off -camera). It can be a doll here.
She is listening to the sound of Christmas music coming from the living
room. Someone is playing a recording of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” MUSIC: O
LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM Laura, listening to the music and gently rocking
the baby, looks like a Madonna herself. The door to the study opens and Mickey
enters. Laura looks up, making a warning sound for Mickey to be quite. He
tiptoes over for a peek at his son. Take Mickey’s face in
close.)
MICKEY (softly)
Asleep?
(Laura nods and carefully moves to put the baby, wrapped in his
receiving blanket, in a small old-fashioned cradle. NOTE: This has been
in the Horton Family for years. It should be old looking. Alice has brightened
it with festive ribbons for young Michael Horton. As Laura busies herself with
the baby, gently arranging him in the cradle, covering him with another blanket,
take Mickey watching his wife, his love for her very
apparent.)
MUSIC: CHRISTMAS MUSIC CONTINUES SOFTLY IN B.G.
(This should be a lovely moment. Mickey joins Laura at the side of the
cradle. He puts his arm around her and they stand there, looking at their baby.
Camera angle so we do not see the baby)
MUSIC: O.S. HYMN COMES TO AN END
(Mickey repeats, looking down at his sleeping
son:)
MICKEY: (very softly)
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in you tonight.” (Laura
turns to him and Mickey kisses her gently on the forehead.) Look at him,
darling – our son—
LAURA: (very soft, a radiant happiness on her
face) Yes, Mickey—our son…
(CUT TO Ext. Horton Front
Porch. In close, as Bill
rings the doorbell. He is loaded down with presents and there is a sprinkling of
snow on his shoulders.)
(CUT TO Int. Horton Dining
Room. As Alice and Julie
enter, each carrying covered dishes to set on the table.) SOUND: DOORBELL
OVER (Alice glances at Julie)
Alice asks Julie to get the doorbell, telling her it's probably Bill.
Julie goes to get the door, recalling her last encounter with Bill as not
pleasant and then remembers Susan. Sandy enters with another covered dish. Sandy
comments that the table looks wonderful. Alice tells Sandy that Marie had the
flowers sent and reads the cable: “To Mom and Dad and
everybody—I miss you—I love you—My thoughts are with you today—and—all the days
of our lives. Merry, Merry, Christmas. Love, Marie.”
(CUT TO Ext. Porch.
Bill is about to ring again, as the door opens and Julie stands there.
She is pleasant but subdued)
Bill awkwardly wishes Julie a Merry Christmas. Fortunately, Tom and Mark
join Julie and Bill at the door. Tom tells him that he’s just in time for the
Christmas toast. Bill asks where Alice is and Tom tells him she’s in
the kitchen. Julie takes Bill’s coat and he asks where everyone is. Julie tells
him most are in the living room. He asks about the “Tiger” (baby Michael) and
she tells him that he’s asleep.
(CUT TO Int. Living Room.
In close on pitcher pouring tomato juice. Camera pulls back to reveal
Mickey as he hands a glass to someone)
Mickey hands the glass to Kitty and looks up and notices no one’s in the
living room. As he hands a drink to Laura, he asks her go and round up everyone
and check on the baby. Mickey asks Kitty where’s she been lately. Tommy comes
over a lot but usually without her. She tells him that she’s been very busy with
Christmas stuff. Before everyone comes, he makes a toast to Kitty for
making his brother’s life happy and giving him a real family. He says all one
has to do is look at Sandy’s face to tell how great of a family they are. All
Kitty can say is thank you.
ACT FOUR
(Int. Horton Dining Room. Short Time Later. Tom is carving the turkey. Alice is directing people to their seats.
ALICE: Tommy—you sit there—I know
you want to be next to your wife. (Mark and Kitty exchange painful
glances) Sandy—sit across from your parents, next to
Julie.
SANDY: Okay,
Grandma.
ALICE: Mickey, you’re right there—and
Laura—(Looking around) Where’s Laura?
MICKEY: (with a grin)
Checking Michael William Horton—where else?
(CUT TO Int. Study. Shot of
Michael, face down, sleeping on his stomach. Camera pulls back to include Bill,
who has a big grin on his face. He speaks in a
whisper.)
BILL: Hi, there,
Tiger!
(Laura, unseen by Bill, enters in the B.G., stops short. Take her
reaction. Then back to Bill.)
BILL: How you doing,
fella?
(He turns, sees Laura watching him. He puts a warning finger to his
lips, in a very un-Bill-like gesture. Then he crosses to her side. Speaks a
little above a whisper.)
BILL: I just checked him—he’s sound
asleep! (Take Laura’s reaction and back to Bill) He’s quite a little
guy—your son…
(CUT TO. Int. Dining
Room. As everyone settles
into their seats. Alice is seated, Tom at the head of the table. Laura and Bill
enter, quietly taking their seats. Mickey stands to seat Laura. And all eyes
turn toward Tom. Various ad libs to cover above
action)
MICKEY: Mom, the turkey smells
wonderful.
SANDY: I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m
starved.
JULIE: So am
I!
KITTY: Alice, I don’t know how you do it—serving
so many people.
ALICE: I love it…(looking around the
table) Tom—I think we’re
ready…
TOM: (He bows his head and everyone follows suit) Dear Lord, bless
this food we are about to eat. And bless our family, those of us gathered around
this table—and those far away—Marie—Addie—Ben—who cannot be with us. (Beat.
Camera begins a pan of the faces at the table, coming to rest first on Sandy and
Julie) We are happy to have our two granddaughters with us and—(Camera
pans to Kitty and Mark) –we are grateful for the return of our eldest son,
Tommy, to his wife and family. (Camera moves on to Laura and Mickey) It
has been a very good year. You answered our prayers and, thanks to You, we have
a new grandson in the house today. We have Laura, safe and well. (Camera
moves to Bill, then back to Tom, as he looks at his youngest son) I want to
especially thank you, Dear Lord, for giving my son, Bill, the skill and the
courage to save both Laura and her baby. (Beat) With your blessing, we
all look forward to a peaceful, happy New Year…Amen…
(MUSIC UP. As everyone raises their heads and begins the ritual of the Horton
Christmas Dinner, and take it out)
Episode #
791
Airdate: Thursday, December 26,
1968
John Zaremba
(Judge Turner)
Janet is trying to teach Brad how to play with his wind-up toy. He
tries but pushes it over and everyone laughs. Brad mimics his mother saying,
“Boom-E-Do” and Janet is so proud of him for trying to say it. She tells Scott
she wishes that they had recorded all the gurgling sounds that he made in his
playpen. She tells him it would have been nice to play when Brad was older
and to listen to their voices. The mood saddens and Susan changes the
subject. She tells Janet that the dinner was wonderful but she ate too much.
Janet asks Scott to bring out the camera so they can take picture of the tree
and all the presents. He leaves to get the camera and Janet asks Susan to take a
picture of her family. Susan says she’ll be glad to. Janet tells her that they
need to get going and making that album for Brad to have when he’s older. It’ll
be a good keepsake to remember the times he was young. Susan agrees knowing that
Janet really wants to be remembered when she’s gone. Janet tells Susan that it
was wonderful to have her here for Christmas. Susan tells her she enjoyed
herself, being a part of a family. Janet tells her she is, and hopes she will
always be, part of this family.
ACT ONE
(A short time later. Open on close shot of Janet, Scott and Brad, posing
for a picture, in front of the Christmas tree, they all are smiling, a warm
family pose. Then we see the flashbulbs go off. Camera pulls back to include Susan, who
has taken the picture)
Susan tells them that the picture is going to turn out great. Now she
want a picture of Janet and Brad. Scott takes the camera and takes the picture.
Janet asks Susan to take Brad for a moment. Janet feels a bit tired, trips but
recovers her balance. She picks up the toy that she tripped over. Janet pretends
to scold Brad telling him to pick up his toys. Susan tells her soon enough he’ll
be able to do just that. Scott takes Brad and
tells Janet to have a seat. He tells her that the lighting by the couch would be
better for a picture. She sits down and Scott gives her Brad to hold on her lap.
Scott gives her the toy to distract Brad and he takes the picture. Janet says
it's way past his bedtime and Susan goes to help her by taking Brad as she
stands up. Susan kisses him and tells him goodnight. Susan gives Brad to Scott
and he hugs and wishes him the same. Now, Brad is in Janet’s arms. Susan thanks
Janet again for including her today. Janet senses that she’s leaving and tells
her not to go until after she puts the baby to bed. She goes to put Brad to bed.
Scott
thanks Susan for being here with them today. She says she should be the one
thanking them. Scott asks if today was too depressing and Susan disagrees. This
house is filled with love and can’t be depressing. Scott comments to Susan that
Janet is a remarkable woman and she will be until the very end. Susan says that
he’s given her the strength to carry on. She tells him that she’s glad that they
took all those pictures because someday Brad will ask about his mother. He will
be able to show him the pictures and have a place in her heart. Susan says all
of us have learned to live one day at a time.
ACT TWO
(Int. Horton
Living Room- About the Same Time. Julie and Bill are
alone. The others have gone home. Tom and Alice are in the kitchen, having
coffee. There is no open conflict between Bill and Julie in this scene, even
though they read each other like a book. Open on Julie. Pouring a cup of coffee.
Camera pulls back to include Bill as she hands him a cup. She has almost drained
the serving pot)
Julie tells Bill that Tom and Alice are making more coffee. Bill thinks
they’re stealing a moment to be alone as well. Julie agrees and says she’s grown
up in this house and knows it. It's been great seeing Tom and Alice still in
love and happy all those years. Bill tells her that he’s glad she came back for
Christmas. Giving him a doubting look, Julie asks if he really means that. Bill
asks why? She tells him that he wanted to invite Susan and because she’s here,
Susan was uninvited. Bill says she didn’t want to come, she was never uninvited.
Julie tells him he's not very bright if he thought Susan would want to spend
Christmas with her. He agrees saying that Susan was the first to pick up on the
possible tension but it wasn’t because she didn’t want to see her. She makes a
sarcastic remark about being fond of her and Bill asks her when she’s going to
let her anger go. Why is she still hostile towards Susan? Julie questions
whether she sounded hostile but Bill tells her that her tone is hostile. Now,
she’s asks him if he’s going to lecture her again. Bill asks her if that’s what
she thinks is happening here. Julie says that you, Grandpa and Mickey always
lecture her about forgiving Susan. That it would be important for Susan’s
well-being if she could forgive her. Bill tells her that the judge says there
was nothing to forgive. Julie, in a bitter tone, tells him he’s right, about
what the judge said. Bill tells her that he can read her like a book. Julie
tells him that she knows Susan killed her lover. She knew she would have no
father for her baby. Julie tells Bill maybe Susan's changed; it's been over
a year since she gave her baby up for adoption. Bill softens and tells her that
he’s hopeful that she can make a new life for herself. Julie changes the
interrogation to Bill and his desire to marry Susan. Bill asks who’s been
spreading this rumor. She tells him all the family. Bill tells her that she’s
like him, a loner, but she’ll be the first to know when he does get married.
Julie tells him that she can’t picture him married to such a “goody two-shoes”
as Susan. Bill agrees- she’s too good for either one of them. Then he tells her
that she spent Christmas next door taking care of a little boy whose mother has
only weeks to live. Julie is being sarcastic and tells him how touching. Bill
tells her to stop hating on Susan. She gives him a smile and tells him that
she’s given up hating altogether.
ACT THREE
(Int. Judge Turner’s Chambers- Following
Day. Open on the judge,
studying legal documents, the Banning file on the adoption of Brad, and camera
slowly pulls back to include Scott, who stands anxiously awaiting the judge’s
verdict. Finally, Judge Turner looks up at Scott. His manner is compassionate,
understanding, but his attitude must be that the child comes
first.)
The judge is telling Scott that this case is highly unusual but under
the circumstances and having the report of Miss Williams, the case worker, he
understands why Scott had to tell his wife that the adoption had been final.
Scott tells him that he’s Brad’s father in every sense of the word. The judge
tells him that he’s there for the welfare of the child. The judge asks
how Scott told his wife about Miss Williams stopping by making unannounced
visits. Scott tells him that he told Janet that they were social visits and not
court-obligated ones. The judge states that Scott’s concern is that Brad is
taken from him before the adoption is final. Scott agrees with his summation.
The
judge asks what steps has Scott taken for any emergencies. He tells her that his
neighbor has been like a second mother to Brad. The judge tells him that the
court will continue to monitor the situation with Miss Williams stopping by and
making sure the child is well. He states that it is possible for a single person
to adopt a child. The judge says it's not common but there’s one thing that
concerns him. He’s concerned about all the steps Scott and Janet have taken to
mask their adoption- changing their name, moving to another place. Scott tells
him that both are worried about the adoption being a direct one. Judge
Turner says that they were worried that the birth mother would come and
claim the child. Scott corrects him and tells him that they’re not worried
anymore because they have done everything to ensure their son’s future is safe
and secure. The judge then asks about his wife’s illness. Scott tells him that
she has very little time to live.
ACT FOUR
(Int. Horton Living Room- That Evening. Open on Julie,
looking over the Christmas cards on display around the fireplace. She is looking
at names. Tom is reading the evening paper. He looks up as Julie picks up one
very pretty card.)
Julie comments that she doesn’t even know half the people that send them
Christmas cards. She asks about the Bannings and Tom tells her that they’re
Susan’s neighbors. Julie, sarcastic, says Susan even gets her neighbors to send
you cards. Tom says that Mrs. Banning is a patient of his. Then Julie asks
if it’s the one who’s “going to drop dead of a dreadful disease…” Tom gets
annoyed and tells her that kind of talk is not becoming. She apologizes. She
thinks that she’s had Susan shoved down her throat. Tom tells her if there’s
talk of Susan, then the Bannings will probably be mentioned. She’s been a good
friend to them and their baby. Julie says she’s heard she’s a “second mother.”
Tom asks her if they are pushing Susan down her throat or just that she’s the
one that brings her up. She thinks he may be right. Julie says that
when she’s back in Salem, she thinks of her and her baby. Tom tells her maybe if
she hadn’t met the adoptive parents, it would be easier on her. She tells her
grandfather not to worry, she has given up searching for her baby, but cant help
thinking if he had a happy Christmas. Tom says he probably did and tells her
that she liked the parents well enough. He tells her that she needs to face what
happened and learn to live with it. Then he says that Julie should go
to Susan and try to re-kindle their friendship. Julie says “That’s a joke!” She
doesn’t want to be around babies and Susan is trying to play pretend mommy to a
baby.
(DISSOLVE TO…Int. Banning Apartment.
Close shot- photo of Brad. Camera pulls back to reveal Scott and Janet looking
at the pictures in Brad’s album. They are sitting on the couch, very happy, very
loving)
Janet and Scott are looking through the album and baby Brad’s firsts: his first step, his first grin, when he first lost his hair. She can't wait to put the Christmas pictures in the album and hopes they turned out good. She asks how long the pictures will take to develop. He tells her that color ones take longer but he had them put a special rush so they could have them in the New Year. Janet can't believe how quick the year has gone. He tells her that they’re going to celebrate the New Year...just the two of them with a bottle of champagne. Janet says that it sounds perfect!