Jason47's Days of Christmas Past: 1972

David and Julie are talking about their grandmothers- Alice and Addie. David loves Addie and thinks she's such a young grandma. Julie asks how he feels about Doug. David says he thinks he's fun and knows a lot of games. He also likes to hear him sing and play the piano. He says he likes having a lot of relatives but best of all- likes his family together. He then talks about leaving Salem without her. He tells her that he never stopped loving her even though he acted like he did. She hopes he always feels like he can love her, even when he may let him down. David assures her he could never lose his love for her. They hug. In a voiceover, Julie recalls almost giving David up and how it wouldn't be Christmas without his love. She starts crying. David notices his mom crying and is confused. She tells him that she's so happy to be with him and they both hope that they'll always be together.

Episode # 1798
Air Date: December 25, 1972

PROLOGUE (Christmas Day): Int. Horton Front Hallway

Laura and Mike walk through the doorway as Tom is opening the door to greet them. Mike is telling Tom about Uncle Bill's present: a ship model. He wants to show it to Bill, as he has already assembled it. Tom tells Mike that Bill's in the kitchen. Alice walks in to greet them. They all move to the living room, where Mike is excited to see Bill. Bill asks about Mickey and Laura tells him that he'll be by later since they are going to the hospital to celebrate Christmas. Mike runs to get his present for his uncle. He tells Bill to close his eyes. Bill does and opens his eyes in astonishment at the ship. Mike tells him that he's been building the ship after school for months. Now, it's Bill's turn to give Mike his gift: a real chemistry set. Laura tells him that he can do real experiments like in the hospital. He runs to hug Bill. Everyone sees the great (father-type) relationship that Bill and Mike have.

ACT ONE: Int. Banning Apartment

The Bannings are in their pajamas opening up presents. David wants Julie to open his present to her. He teases that it's something that she can use everyday. She opens it and finds potholders. David made them at his craft class at school. Julie is surprised that he made them. He tells her that even strong war heroes knew how to crochet. Scott chimes in to tell her that he said it was a very special present. David also says that he made them because he didn't want her to burn her pretty hands. They talk more about the potholders and how special they are. Scott goes to the tree to get a present for Julie. David and Scott are waiting for her to open the big box. Inside is a mink coat. Julie thinks it's gorgeous. She tries it on. She can't believe Scott spent that much money and starts crying. She is speechless and all Scott tells her to say is "I love you," She does. They all hug.

ACT TWO: Int. Doug & Addie's Living Room

Doug is putting presents under their small tree. The doorbell rings and it's Julie carrying a canvas. He's surprised to see her. She's wearing her new fur coat. He notices the coat right away and she tells him that it's Scott's present. He's going to get Addie, but before he does she asks him to be honest about the present she has for them. He says he'll like any present from her but she's afraid that her mother will not like it. She doesn't want to cause trouble between them. Doug's surprised by that and she tells him that its her New Year's resolution. Addie walks in. Julie wishes her Merry Christmas and wants to give her the present she bought so as not to haul it over to Grandma's house. Julie also says she wanted to see how Addie would like it privately. Addie notices the coat and Julie tells her Scott gave it to her. Addie opens the gift and it's a finished oil painting of Doug from an old sketch Julie once did. Addie is speechless. Doug thinks it's so well done. Julie is waiting for her mother's approval. Addie calls it "unusual." Julie talks about finishing up Bob Anderson's portrait and finding this charcoal sketch. She tells Addie if she doesn't like it, it's ok. Doug tells her it's the best present he's ever gotten. Addie is jealous by that statement. Doug guiltily says that he loves Addie's present as well: a watch.

ACT THREE: Int. Doctor's Lounge at Hospital

Mary Anderson is putting the star on the tree. The whole room is decorated for the annual Christmas party. Bill compliments her on the decorations. Bill has to get dressed as Santa. Mary is helping him by putting the pillows on his body. Bill admires Mary's dress and gives a nice compliment as Laura comes in the room. He tells Mary to start dressing that way in the office. Bill doesn't see Laura until after he makes that comment to Mary. Mary wishes Laura a Merry Christmas and Laura tells her that she looks lovely. Laura tells both of them that she was going to help Bill out but sees that Mary's got it all covered. Mary says all she's done is tie the pillows. Laura says she can finish up the rest because she's doing such a great job of getting him all plump like Santa. Mary asks Laura if she doesn't mind. Mike strolls by the room and tells Bill he looks funny. Mike makes fun of Bill as Santa. Mary is telling him to be quiet so she can glue on the beard. Bill jokes around with Mike about women talking men into doing anything… Mike protests and says he's too young for "the mushy stuff."

ACT FOUR: Int. Doctor's Lounge at Hospital

The Christmas party is in full swing. The children have been wheeled into the lounge, in beds and wheel chairs, and they are laughing and smiling as Doug leads them in a variety of Christmas songs. Tom stands to one side, enjoying the scene. There is much applause and laughter after each song, with Mary and Laura and Mike leading the kids in the singing. Everyone is in high spirits and having a wonderful time. At the end of the singing, Mary holds up her hands for silence. Mary tells the kids that it's the time for Santa to stop by the hospital. Mary turns to Doug, waves her hand, and he starts playing "Jingle Bells" (or whatever), as Bill comes through the door dragging a big bag of toys. Bill looks marvelous, in full dress as Santa. Laura, looking at him with great love and tenderness, puts her arm around Mike and the two of them stand smiling and happily watching Bill. Take Mary, noticing the way Laura is looking at Bill, wondering her own private thoughts as she goes to help out Santa. Mary continues calling to Mike at the end of the song. Mike helps out pass out presents to the kids. Mike asks "Santa" how he's doing and "Santa" tells him he's the best helper he's ever had. Bill gives Mike a squeeze. Take Laura's reaction, as Tom comes to stand by her side. She turns to him, eyes filled with tears. They are apart from the others. Laura tells Tom that it's beautiful to see Mike and Bill so close...like father and son.

Episode # 1797
Air Date: December 26, 1972
Production Note: If there is a December 19 preemption, this episode will air December 26.
(There was a December 19 preemption for Apollo 17 coverage, so this episode aired out of order the day after Christmas)

PROLOGUE: Int. Eric's Hospital Room

There's a small Christmas tree in the room. Tom, Anne and Greg are there. Tom's checking Eric's breathing and motions to Greg so they can talk about Eric's condition. Anne stays by Eric's side. Tom and Greg are talking about the new medicines not helping his brother. Greg tells Tom that his mother thinks he can cure him but nothing they have tried has worked. Tom and Greg agree that the next 24 hours are critical to whether Eric survives. Greg tells Tom he feels so helpless. Eric begins to gain consciousness. Eric calls out for his mom Anne. He calls out for Greg. He tells them that he had a dream about his book. Greg tells him that he'll stop by his apartment and pick up the manuscript he's been working on. This frightens Eric because of the contents of the book, particularly the chapter on Susan. He starts getting agitated and tells them both to not read what he's written. He worries about Susan and her baby. He tells them that he has to do something. Tom tells Eric that Susan is fine and her baby is fine too. Eric wants to see Susan.

ACT ONE: Int. Eric's Hospital Room

Tom and Greg are talking about the strange request asked by Eric. Greg tells Tom that Eric and Susan have never had a good relationship. Tom suggests that maybe Eric wants to make amends. Tom tells Greg to get some sleep. Eric is going to need him and Tom offers to help him. Tom leaves for home. Greg and his mom Anne talk. She tells him that Eric went unconscious again. She talks about the crisis that's to come. He tells her that Eric will need all the strength to survive it. She mentions the weird request to see Susan. She asks Greg what it means and Greg says he has no idea. Anne gets the feeling that Eric believes he will not survive the crisis. They talk about Eric wanting to see Susan and Greg tells her that sometimes patients say strange things. Anne thinks that he wants to talk to Susan to put his affairs in order- preparing to die. She goes on to say that Eric doesn't want him to marry Susan, that he's never had a great relationship with her. It worries Greg that Eric is so worried about his happiness instead of fighting this illness. Anne breaks down and sobs. Greg holds her.

ACT TWO: Int. Susan's Apartment

Susan is changing her baby's diaper and talking to her. Little Anne is so pretty and is going to look like…she stops….she doesn't know if she'll look like her or…She curses Little Anne's father- Eric. She paces back and forth, wondering about Eric and his health. She blames herself for his illness. She thinks that maybe if she would have called the ambulance sooner, he wouldn't be struggling for his life. She thanks God that she got him to the hospital to have some kind of chance to live. The doorbell rings- its Eric's mother, Anne. Susan asks about Eric's condition and she tells her that there's been no change. She hopes coming here isn't an imposition. Susan makes some coffee as Anne looks at her namesake. Anne tells her that Little Anne is such a good baby. Susan tells Anne that's why she wanted to name her after her. Anne starts to cry and they hug. Susan tells her she knows how difficult this ordeal has been for her. Susan tries to reassure her that Greg will find a way to get Eric better. Anne tells her that she's so afraid of losing Eric.

ACT THREE: Int. Susan's Apartment

Susan can't believe that Eric thinks that he's going to die. Susan asks why Anne thinks that. Anne tells her of the strange requests he talks about when he's conscious. She tells him about Greg telling Eric that he'll bring over his manuscript so he can work on it at the hospital. Eric reacted very strangely towards that suggestion. Then Anne tells her that Eric has changed- he wants to move back home with her. That's when he got sick. Anne thanks Susan for finding him and bringing him to the hospital. She tells her she wishes she would have found him sooner. Eric called Greg, but Greg was at a house call. She waited before she went to see Eric. She apologizes again and Anne tells her that what's on Eric's mind now. He needs to see her. She said that Eric mumbled something about being sorry. They then talk about their icy relationship. First when Anne heard about Susan having the baby and then her hostility towards Eric. Susan says it's all in the past. Anne is sounding desperate. She breaks down and tells Susan that she has a feeling that Eric will not make it and he wants to talk to her about apologizing for his treatment of her, so he can die in peace. Susan doesn't believe it but Anne tells her she can't think of any reason why Eric is urgently wanting to talk to her.

ACT FOUR: Int. Eric's Hospital Room

Greg is by Eric's bedside. Eric is in and out of consciousness, mumbling things. Eric is asking about Anne and Greg tells him that she's at Susan's trying to get her to come and see him. Eric thinks she won't come. Greg tries to tell him to calm down and that talking can wait. Eric tells him that it can't and that he's "not afraid." Greg tries to calm Eric and then there's a knock on the door: It's Susan. Susan comes in and Greg tells her that Eric has been asking to talk to her. Greg leaves the two of them alone to talk. Susan asks Eric how he's feeling and he says he's fine- it's hard to talk. She tells him not to worry about her and the baby. She's going to keep Little Anne. Eric tells her that's best and he's glad. He wants to be honest with her. She wants him to concentrate on getting better. Susan tells Eric what happened between them is dead and buried. He has to get better for his mom and brother. Eric asks for one more favor: he wants to see Little Anne.

Episode # 1799
Air Date: December 28, 1972

PROLOGUE: Int. Mickey's Den

Mike is putting something on to protect Mickey's desk so he can play with his Christmas present: the chemistry set. Laura comes down the stairs dressed for work, glad that Mike liked the present his uncle Bill gave him. She asks Mike if he really likes the present and he says that he stayed up all night just reading the manual. He couldn't wait to try out all the experiments. Laura wonders if Bill knew that Mike would be so fascinated with chemistry (as he's really his son.) Laura flashes back to the conversation where Bill and Laura talk about Mike being their son. Laura composes herself and heads for the kitchen to fix breakfast. Mike asks her if Bill knows how he's feeling. She clarifies by asking him about chemistry, Mike says about everything. She suggests sharing how he feels with him.

ACT ONE: Int. Mickey's Kitchen

Mickey and Laura talk about Mike loving the chemistry set and having his breakfast in the den. Mickey asks if she's going to the hospital now and she tells him she's going to work in the clinic a bit later. First she's dropping off a present to Susan. Mickey is going to check on Eric. Laura asks if Eric knows him. Mickey says no, but maybe a visit from a former vet might cheer him up. They talk about Greg and Eric both being sensitive and how Greg can raise another man's child. They talk about loving a child regardless of biology. Mickey can't understand why Susan hasn't taken up Laura's offer of counseling her about the rape. Mickey states that she's made a good transition but Laura questions why hasn't Susan set the wedding date to marry Greg. Laura thinks there's something going on that Susan is not telling anyone.

Susan's Apartment: Susan is thinking about Eric's request to see her baby. We hear Eric's voiceover as he asks to see her. She questions whether she has the courage to do it, but then how can she disregard a man's dying wish?

ACT TWO: Int. Eric's Hospital Room

Anne is by her son's side as he is in a coma. The phone rings and Eric hears Susan's voice. He struggles to consciousness to ask whether she will bring the baby. Anne and Susan now talk about his condition. Anne tells her that he goes in and out of consciousness. She asks about his condition and she tells her that it hasn't changed. She hangs up and Eric asks Anne if Susan is bringing the baby. He's getting confuses as to whether Susan visited him. He thinks she has agreed to bring the baby. Anne reminds him that she already came to see him. She asks him if he needs to talk to Susan. He says he has much to say to everyone. Anne is crying. He tells her not to cry. Anne tells him that she just doesn't want him to worry about anything, that Susan and Greg and all of them will be a great family. Then she mentions to him that Greg told her that he might move back home. Eric confirms it….if he leaves the hospital. Anne tells him when he comes back she can take care of him. That would be a wonderful Christmas present to her. Mickey watches their conversation in the doorway.

ACT THREE: Int. Eric's Hospital Room

Anne sees Mickey and kisses Eric's forehead. She goes to leave so that Mickey and Eric can talk. Mickey introduces himself and she thanks him for coming. Mickey doesn't ask Eric how he feels because he always hated when people asked that question: you feel lousy. Mickey tells Eric of being in the same hospital room, lying flat on his back. Eric apologizes for not coming to see him, but Mickey tells him that he didn't know him, why would he come to visit? Well, Eric points out that Mickey didn't know him and he came now to see him. Mickey talks about how he thought he wouldn't survive his hospitalization but he did. Eric appreciates his words and they talk about Greg. They both think Greg is a great guy and Mickey tells him that Greg is very proud of his little brother. He's proud that he's finished his book. Mickey tells him that he knows of some contacts in the literary world and maybe he can set up a meeting so they can read his novel. Eric is not in the mood to talk about the future and Mickey understands. He tells him whenever he feels up to it. Eric tells Mickey that he may edit one chapter of it. Mickey reiterates that whenever he's ready, he'll make the call. Mickey leaves. Anne comes back to Eric thinking of that one chapter, "The Girl in the Park." She tells him that Mickey is going to help him get his novel published. Eric tells her that he knows. Eric tells her mom that if anything happens to him, to read his novel…but only if something happens to him.

Susan's Apartment: Laura is at the front door to Susan's apartment carrying a small gift. She rings the doorbell…

ACT FOUR: Int. Susan's Apartment

Laura and Susan have come into the bedroom, closing the door. Susan wants to wait to open the present until Little Anne wakes up. Laura notices that the baby is restless. Susan asks if the baby can sense that things are not normal. Laura tells her that it's a possibility. She tells Susan that Little Anne probably misses Greg. Susan says that she's been very defensive towards Laura. Susan tells her that she should feel secure now that she has the baby and Greg. Laura tells her to think of her as a friend first and a psychiatrist second. Susan tells her the situation with Eric is very upsetting and doesn't know why she's so affected even though she doesn't know him that well. She asks Laura if she thinks that he's going to make it. Laura tells Susan all she knows is that Eric's prognosis is very poor. Susan wishes there was something that she could do. She tells Laura that she wants to bring the baby to the hospital. Laura tells Susan that a baby can have a positive reaction and goes on about the type of pneumonia Eric has and it not being contagious. Susan just feels so emotional right now but wants to do something for the family. She asks if it can be arranged. She asks if Laura can arrange it and Laura tells her it would be best coming from Tom. Susan wants Laura to ask Tom and is resolute about doing this for Greg's family.