Voila! Finally, the Far From Heaven
script is here for all you quotes spouting fans of the movie starring
Julianne Moore and Dennis Quaid. This script is a transcript that was painstakingly
transcribed using the screenplay and/or viewings of Far From Heaven. I know, I know, I still need to get the cast names in there and I'll be eternally
tweaking it, so if you have any corrections, feel free to
drop me a line. You won't
hurt my feelings. Honest.
Mother! Mother,
can I sleep over at Hutch's tonight?
Mrs. Hutchinson
gave permission.
Not tonight, David.
Your father and I are going out,
and I need you
to look after your sister.
Aw, shucks. Now move out of
the way so Mother can park.
Sherry Seeger says they only
cost five or six dollars.
Please, Mother.
Please, can I?
Oh, Sybil, thank heavens. Well, I
knew you were going to the grocery.
David, please help Sybil
unload the car.
How come Janice doesn't
got to? Doesn't have to.
Because Janice is carrying
in all her belongings
and marching straight
upstairs into a bath.
Your father and I have an engagement tonight,
so I want you to have a nice early dinner.
And help Sybil.
Yes, ma'am.
Sybil, did Mr. Whitaker call while I
was out? Not since you’ve been gone.
How do you like that guy?
Mother, can I please get them?
Janice, I said we'd discuss it with
your father. Now hurry on inside.
David, put your bike away
and help with the groceries.
Where's your jacket?
It's inside.
Well, hello, stranger.
Aren't I seeing you in about
three hours' time? You are.
But I just left the caterers
and I had to dash over.
Oh, you have the samples? You bet.
Oh, come inside.
You just caught me actually.
I could only stay a second.
I still have loads to do.
David, what did I tell you?
I'm getting the last bag.
And imagine with the
table setting I showed you.
The aqua trim. Is that smart? Oh, yes.
You like?
Mm-hmm.
Well, I'll call the caterer in the morning,
you confirm with Dorothy on the deposit
and, honey,
we're in business.
Magnatech ' here we come. You betcha.
Thanks for stopping by, El.
I'll see you at : .
You know Frank-
on the dot.
Mother?
Mm-hmm.
When you were a little girl,
you looked just like me, right?
Mm-hmm.
So, when I grow up,
does that mean I'll look like you?
I s that what you want,
darling, to look like me?
Yes, I hope I look
exactly as pretty as you.
What a lovely compliment coming
from my perfectly lovely daughter.
: .
Where on Earth
is your father?
Sybil, did I leave
my gloves on the hall table?
Yes, I see them.
It's nearly after and Mr.
Whitaker still hasn't phoned?
I'm at my wits' end.
Oh, thank you, Sybil.
I tried phoning the office even
though I knew no one would be there.
I certainly hope that's him,
because if it isn't
Whitaker residence. This is the
Hartford Police Department
calling for a Mrs. Frank Whitaker.
Who is it?
The police department.
Hello?
Yes, am I speaking with a
Mrs. Frank Whitaker? Yes.
One moment, please.
Cathy?
Oh, Frank.
Are you all right? What
happened? Everything's fine.
It was all
just a big mix up
the whole thing.
But you have to come get me.
They won’t let me leave on my own.
Oh, Frank, don't worry, darling.
I'll be there as soon as I can.
Is there anything
I can do, Mrs. Whitaker?
Just keep an eye on the children,
please. I don't think I'll be very long.
Big time faggot. Family
man. Never can tell.
Say, get a load of this one. You
don't see that every day of the week.
This is your copy, ma'am,
and your receipt.
Thank you.
Oh, Frank.
I tell you one thing
if it hadn't been for that
snivelling junior cop,
they would have never gone through
this whole charade in the first place.
Instead of trying to save face
I saw that guy that they were after, that loiterer.
But they wouldn’t
listen to me.
So, there were
drinks after work?
What do you mean? They said something,
intoxication level, something
Christ, I had one lousy cocktail with
Bill after work going over the portfolio.
Should I be arrested for that
too? No, of course not, darling.
The whole thing has
just put me in a foul state.
He's fine.
Oh, the car's fine.
Frank says it was
the bumper that got hit.
But you know me,
I can't tell the difference.
Oh, I'm just sorry
we had to miss it.
She was fine.
Said it was all a dreadful bore,
what with Mona Lauder
and her gossip.
Cathy,
I'm sorry.
Darling, you've nothing
to be sorry for.
It was all just
a silly, wretched mistake.
Ohh.
I'm so tired.
Of course you are.
You sleep now.
The bus is here.
Have a good day at school.
Bye.
I thought you were going to
have another piece of toast.
It's late. I should
be getting down there.
Can I at least fix you lunch? No, thank
you, dear. I've got lunch meetings all week.
It's portfolio season.
Sybil, if that’s the milkman,
his check is in the drawer.
I'm just glad you're
feeling better, dear.
Thank you, darling.
Pardon me, ma'am, sir.
Mrs. Whitaker, this is Mrs. Leacock.
She said she had an appointment
with you this morning.
Oh, jiminy, I completely forgot
the time. Please forgive me.
I do apologize,
Mrs. Whitaker,
but candid views are
always the best.
Good-bye, darling.
Good-bye, dear.
Mrs. Leacock.
Pleasure, Mr. Whitaker.
Your husband's a very
charming man, Mrs. Whitaker.
Thank you. We're rather
fond of him ourselves.
Now, please, won’t you come in?
Make yourselves at home.
I suppose
I still can't imagine
why you would want an interview with
someone like me in the first place.
Readers of the Weekly Gazette,
Mrs. Whitaker
women just like yourself
with families
and homes to keep up.
A good society paper
need not be a gossip rag.
You are the proud wife
of a successful sales executive-
planning the parties,
and posing at her husband’s
side on the advertisements.
To everyone here in Connecticut,
you are Mr. and Mrs. Magnatech.
Thank you.
I'm very flattered.
But, really, my life is like
any other wife or mother's.
In fact, I don't think I've,
I've ever wanted anything
What is it, dear?
I think I just saw someone
walking through our yard.
What on Earth
Oh, my
Mrs. Whitaker, perhaps you should call the police.
Excuse me.
May I help you?
Who are you?
I'm sorry, ma'am. My name is Raymond Deagan
Otis Deagan's son.
I was just taking over
some of his
Oh, you're Otis's son.
Yes.
I'm terribly sorry for speaking
to you in that manner.
II didn't know
who was in my yard.
Oh, no need. How is your father?
I know he was in the hospital.
Yes, well,
my father's passed away,
I'm afraid.
Oh
Oh, I-I had no idea.
I'm, I'm so very sorry.
Please, accept our
deepest condolences.
Your father was
a wonderful, dedicated man.
Thank you.
Mrs. Whitaker?
The caterer's on the
line. Oh, thank you, Sybil.
I beg your pardon. Would you excuse
me for just a moment? Of course.
Mrs. Leacock,
I'm terribly sorry.
I’ll just be one minute
more. That's fine, dear.
Good morning, Magnatech International?
How may I direct your call?
Good morning, Mr. Whitaker.
Good morning, Kitty.
Lovely dress you're
wearing. Thank you, sir.
Good morning,
Marlene, Stan.
Good morning, Mr. Whitaker. How's the
second-best golfer in Hartford this morning?
Somebody break
the books already?
Don't tell me our wives'
party budgets finally came in.
It's almost as fatal.
Millstein called.
Looks like New York just shaved
a week off portfolio deadline.
You've got to be kidding
me. I wish I were.
What are they trying to do,
strangle us to death?
Does Doug know? Yeah, I
called him first thing.
All right.
Get Doug and the others.
Call a portfolio meeting
for lunch today.
Marlene, see if you can reschedule
the production review for dinner.
And, uh, could you get my
wife on the phone, please?
Thanks, Stan.
Mrs. Whitaker is on line one.
Oh, Frank. I'm sorry.
No, no, I understand.
I just wish you wouldn't
overwork yourself, especially after
I know.
I will.
See you then.
Good-bye, dear.
I'm terribly sorry
about all the interruptions.
Now, where was it
you wanted me?
Just one more
at the fireplace.
That's it.
Now smile.
Isn't that darling?
Hold it.
Well, I guess that
about wraps it up.
Bob, Rick.
Gentlemen.
You're sure you’re all right
getting home, sir?
Thank you, Davis. But as nd in
command of the U.S.S. McMillan,
I do feel equipped to locate
my own car without cover.
Very good, sir.
Bright and early.
Sir, can you spare
some change, please?
Spare change?
Anything would help.
Spare change?
Where ya headed,
tiger?
Look out, Jake!
Oh, for heaven's sake.
David, that is the third time I've told you
to turn off that infernal racket and go to bed.
Can I please just this once?
No, you certainly may not,
and that is final.
Ah, geez. That is not the kind
of language we use in this house.
Now march.
And don't forget
to wash your teeth.
Hi.
Feeling better now?
Mrs. White?
The picture?
Yes.
I thought you really enjoyed
the scene in the gentlemen's lounge.
How about a drink?
Sure.
I know just the spot.
I'll bet you do.
Identification, please.
Huh? Identification
Driver's license.
Thank you, sir.
Have a pleasant evening.
Yes, sir. What can I
get you this evening?
Uh, just a scotch-
neat, please.
Yes, sir.
There you are, sir.
One more of the same.
"So, does the fabled maxim hold that behind
every great man there resides a great lady?
"In this case, wife, mother
and Mrs. Magnatech herself,
"Cathleen Whitaker
proves that it does.
"A woman as devoted
to her family
as she is kind to Negroes."
To Negroes? Let me see that. What
on Earth is that woman thinking?
Cathy? Oh, she's been liberal ever since
she played summer stock at college
with all those
steamy Jewish boys.
Why do you think
they used to call her "Red"?
Oh, for heaven sakes. Let's go inside
before Joe McCarthy comes driving by.
Uh-oh.
Oh, I love that scarf..
Oh, I'm sure it just
blew behind the house somewhere.
For heaven sakes. This
really isn't your day, is it?
No. Did they really call you "Red"?
Oh, Nancy. Honestly!
Would anyone like
another daiquiri?
Better not.
Oh, no,
one's my limit.
El?
Mmm.
All right, girls.
No more beating around the bush.
Nancy.
Oh, II can't.
Oh, come on.
It can't be that bad.
Um, well, uh
Mike insists on
He insists
on once a week.
Ah, you got off easy.
Once a week?
Oh, you're lucky.
Ron's more like two or three.
Three, really?
And how.
That's nothing. Girlfriend of mine
Shirley Dawson.
Her husband-
every night of the week.
Plus, three more times
on the weekend.
Can you imagine?
It was lovely, Cathleen.
Thank you. Bye.
Bye, girls.
The chicken was divine.
Oh, thanks, El.
I'll call you tomorrow.
All right. Bye-bye.
Could this possibly
Oh, I'm sorry.
No. You found it.
Yeah, I found it hanging
off one of the birches out back.
It was so windy.
I was going back into the house
and it just sailed off my neck.
I had a feeling
it might be yours.
Who else could have been so
absentminded? No, no, it's the color.
It just seemed right.
Well, thank you, Mr. Deagan-
for finding it.
Please, call me Raymond.
Thank you, Raymond.
Everything looks
wonderful, by the way. Good.
I think we got everything
pretty much under control.
Well, it can't have been easy
taking over for your father so quickly.
Well, between Pop's business,
my, uh, shop
and taking care
of my little girl,
doesn't leave much time
for reflecting.
I didn't know you had children. Just the one
Sarah's her name.
And how old is Sarah?
Eleven.
Well, I'm sure
she's a lovely child.
You and your wife
must be very proud.
Well, um, Mrs. Deagan,
my wife, uh,
passed away when
Sarah was about five.
Oh, Raymond,
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
Sarah and I,
we do just fine.
You know, I got a
picture of her somewhere.
There she is.
That's my Sarah.
Oh, she's darling.
Look at those eyes.
Now, what's this I hear
about a shop?
Oh, yeah, the plant shop. It's just
a little place down on Hawthorn.
Started out as
a service for gardeners
till I opened the store about
six years ago, and, uh
Well, it's the only thing that
business degree's been good for yet.
Why, that's marvellous, Raymond.
You should be very proud.
Well, I am.
Uh, if you’re ever in the
neighbourhood, be sure to stop by.
I certainly will.
All right, then.
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
If that’s
your father
Don't worry Sybil,
I'll get it.
Hello?
Frank,
you haven't left yet?
Oh, no.
Not again.
All right.
Good-bye, dear.
He isn't coming home again?
No, he's going to be late.
Father never wants
to come home.
Janice, he most certainly does. He's just very
busy at work and under a great deal of strain.
Yeah!
Shut up.
Janice, that's enough.
Sybil, you know what?
Wrap up Mr. Whitaker's plate. I'm
going to run down to the office
and take it to him myself.
All the way downtown?
It's not so very far.
Anyway,
the children are fine.
Knowing Mr. Whitaker, I'm just saving
him another night of pretzels and coffee.
Thank you.
I'm just dropping something off
for my husband on the th floor.
Mr. Whitaker. Thank you.
All right.
Frank?
Oh, Frank.
Frank?
Cathy.
Mr. Maynard
Left an estimate
for the roof.
I put it
in the kitchen.
Twelve hundred something.
Cathy
I can't.
I don't
What?
Eh, you see, uh
Once,
a long time ago,
a long, long time ago,
I had, um,
um, problems
I just figured that was
that was it.
II never imagined-
You had problems?
YYes.
You, uh, never
spoke to anyone
aa doctor?
No.
No one?
I don't understand.
Neither do I.
What ifI mean,
there must be people who
II don't know.
Because
Otherwise, I don't know what I
Cathy.
All right.
Thank you.
Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker,
this is Dr. Bowman.
Mr. Whitaker,
how do you do?
Hello.
Mrs. Whitaker, how lovely. Thank you.
I suppose we may
as well get started.
Actually, uh, Mrs. Whitaker,
I think it might be best
if your husband and I
conversed in private.
In private.
Yes, of course.
I think it would be
best. Certainly, Doctor.
I'll see you later.
I'll see you later, dear.
Today, the general attitude
regarding this sort of behavior
is naturally more modern,
more scientific than it
ever has been before.
But for those
who do seek treatment,
who possess the will
and desire
to lead a normal life,
there still remains
only a scant
five to thirty percent
rate of success
for complete
heterosexual conversion.
For many, it's
the treatment itself
that often changes
the patient's mind.
What does it, uh, comprise of?
The treatment. The treatment's comprised
of psychiatric sessions
twice a week,
sometimes more.
Just talking?
Yes.
Though some patients have explored
additional, more behavioural methods.
Behavioural?
Electroshock aversion therapy for instance.
Or hormonal
rebalancing procedures.
I know this can all seem
rather daunting at first.
I suggest
you take some time.
Think over the various options
we've discussed.
Discuss it with your wife.
No, I already know.
I want to begin treatment.
I can't let this thing
destroy my life,
my family's life.
I, uhI-I know it's a sickness,
because
it makes me feel
despicable.
I promise you, Dr. Bowman,
I'm going to beat this thing.
I'm gonna break it.
So help me God.
Why don't you confirm those
times we discussed with Rosalyn.
I'll see you here same time
next Tuesday. Thank you, Doctor.
Mr. Whitaker, Mrs.
Whitaker. Thank you, Doctor.
Frank?
What?
I'm just proud of you,
that's all.
Don't say that.
Well, I am.
He seems a very decent man,
Dr. Bowman. Don’t you think?
Frank?
I don't know, Cathleen.
I suppose he's decent.
But you must have liked him enough
to want to see him again.
Who else am I going to see?
Well, I'm sure there are numerous doctors
in Hartford or Springfield if you
Look, I just want to get the
whole fucking thing over with!
Can you understand that?
Frank, please don't.
II'm sorry.
All right, Cathy, I'm so sorry.
Good morning, Mr. Whitaker. Morning.
Morning.
Good morning, Mr. Whitaker. Hi, Kitty.
I hope you have a pleasant
day, sir. Thank you.
Good morning, Mr. Whitaker. Marlene.
I found this in the
cupboard, sir. What's that?
Your office lamp-
the one that was missing.
Ah
Should I have it repaired, sir?
Yes. Yes, thank you, Marlene.
Mr. Whitaker,
Mr. Fine's been waiting.
Frank?
Uh?
I didn't see you
sitting there.
Everything all right?
Oh, with me?
Of course.
What's up? Just picked up
the galleys from the printer.
How do they look?
Great, just great.
Just leave them there. I'll
take a look first chance I get.
Sure.
You'll let me know
what you think?
Of course I will.
You're first on my list.
What's it gonna take to get
you back on that course anyway?
We haven't seen you for weeks. I know.
Sunday. No excuses.
All right.
I'll hold you to it.
Thanks again, El. You sure
that's all I can give you?
Oh, yes. The caterer should have everything.
I just thought a few extras would be nice.
Oh, don't forget. The art show is
Saturday. Start working on Frank tonight.
I swear he's the kind of man
you have to pin messages to.
Though I'm sorry to say,
Mona Lauder will be attending.
Turns out her uncle's in town,
some hotshot art dealer from New York.
I think I met him
at one of Mona's soirees.
A bit flowery
for my taste.
How do you mean? Oh, you know,
a touch light on his feet.
Oh, you mean
Yes, darling, he's one of those.
Of course, I could be mistaken.
Just an impression I got.
You don't care
for them particularly?
Well, no, not particularly.
Not that I actually know any.
Call me old-fashioned, I just like
all the men I'm around to be all men.
Say, why the third degree?
It's not the third degree.
I'm just interested,
that's all, in your views.
I read an article
in a magazine.
What?
Nothing.
I'm just delighted to see you taking
interest in yet another civic cause.
I can see it now.
"Cathleen Whitaker and
her kindness to homosexuals."
Ugh. That word.
See you Saturday
and bring Frank. I'll try.
Then Billy Hutchinson stole
a pass at the ten-yard line.
Ran it all the way for a touchdown.
You should a seen it, Pop.
Father, want to see my routine
for the ballet recital?
Hey, I was talking to Pop. Children, give
your father a moment to eat his dinner.
Would you like
another lamb chop, dear?
Oh, I'm fine.
Are you sure?
I have plenty in the
oven. No, thank you.
I'm, I'm fine.
We're playing Lincoln on Saturday, Pop
if you’re not working.
That reminds me. This Saturday is the reception
for the modern art show I told you about,
the one that Eleanor's group
is sponsoring.
Oh, God. I know how you hate these
things, but I simply have to go.
Eleanor pleaded with me to ask you.
Wait, what about me?
No one cares one bit
what I'm doing Saturday.
David, I'm sorry.
But this Saturday your mother has an
engagement that simply cannot be changed.
Well, Pop could come.
Couldn’t you, Pop?
We’ll see, David.
Janice, could you please
pass the butter?
Thank you.
President Eisenhower was determined
to keep the troops there until
satisfactory or
unequivocal assurances that
Frank?
Hmm?
Did you see him?
Yeah.
You didn't say a word.
So how did it go
with Bowman?
Did you feel-
It was fine.
And there's nothing else you care to
share with your very own adoring wife?
Cathleen, what I discuss
with this doctor
it's private, all right.
That's part of it.
Oh, I understand, darling.
I do.
Oh
Frank, wait till you see the hors d'oeuvres.
The caterer's doing,
just such a marvellous job.
I think you’re going to be so pleased
this year, darling. I really do.
Eleanor, darling,
I'm so sorry I'm late.
Cathleen, darling.
Hello, Mona.
Uh, I want to introduce you
to my uncle, Morris Farnsworth,
that wickedly successful
Gotham art dealer
who was kind enough to attend
our provincial little gathering.
Morris, darling,
allow me to introduce you
to my dear little friend,
Cathleen Whitaker,
whose face and civic fancies
are hardly strangers
to the society pages
of Hartford.
Oh, Mona. Really, you must
ignore her, Mr. Farnsworth.
Charmed. I do hope you enjoy your stay.
Morris was just telling us
the most delightful tale
all about
a forged Rembrandt.
Cathy, don't let us keep you. I know you
want to see the show. I am dying to see it.
Oh, yes, dear,
simply charming.
Eleanor, you should be
so proud. Thank you, Mona.
It was lovely to meet you, Mr.
Farnsworth. Likewise, my dear.
Wife of Hartford executive
communing with Picasso?
Mrs. Leacock, it's lovely
to see you again.
And how is that
charming husband of yours?
Oh, he's very well.
Thank you.
Um, would you excuse me
just a moment?
Oh, certainly, dear.
Thank you.
Raymond, what a tremendous
surprise finding you here.
Mrs. Whitaker, hello.
Is this your daughter?
Yep, this is my Sarah.
Hello, Sarah.
Hello.
Bobby, get over here!
Say, Sarah,
isn't that Hutch and his little
brother I see playing out front?
You remember them,
don’t you, baby?
Oh, sure you do.
The day we went
to the Hutchinson house.
Oh, yeah.
What do you say you go out and see
if they’d like to play for a while?
Ah, go on.
For Daddy?
Attagirl.
Oh, Raymond, she's lovely.
Thank you.
Well, how on Earth did you
find out about this show?
Well, I do read the papers. W
No, of course you do.
I just meant that it's-
it's such ait's a coincidence.
I know.
I was just teasing you.
Because, you know,
I'm not prejudiced.
My husband and I have always believed
in equal rights for the Negro
and support the N.A.A.C.P.
I'm glad to hear that.
I just wanted you to
know. Well, thank you.
Oh, not at all.
Go!
Straighter, Tommy!
You got to throw it straighter.
And hard.
One, two, three, go!
It's too heavy..
What? On the back. Your airplane.
Who asked you?
Come on, Bobby.
So, what's your opinion
on modern art?
Uh, it's hard
to put into words really.
II just know what I care for,
and, and what I don't.
Like thisI don't know
how to pronounce it.
"Mira"?
Miró.
Miró.
I don't know why,
but I just adore it.
A feeling it gives.
I know that sounds
terribly vague.
No, no, actually it confirms something I've
always wondered about modern art, abstract art.
What is that?
That perhaps it's just picking
up where religious art left off,
somehow trying
to show you divinity.
The modern artist just pares it down to
the basic elements of shape and color.
But when you look
at that Miró,
you feel it just the same.
Why, that's lovely,
Raymond.
T o tell the truth, I've always
preferred the work of the Masters.
Rembrandt,
Michelangelo
Would you excuse me a
moment? Oh, certainly.
Cathleen
Oh, El, honey, everything looks just marvellous.
Cathy, who on Earth is that man?
You have this whole place in a clamour.
For heaven sakes why?
Because of that ridiculous story?
Who is he?
He's Raymond Deagan,
Otis Deagan's son.
Your gardener? He passed away and
Raymond's taken over his business.
You certainly seem
on familiar terms with him.
Oh, "familiar terms"-
What does that mean?
He happens to have some very
interesting views on Miró.
Oh, jeepers, look at the time. I have to fly.
I'm having the carpets cleaned for tomorrow
What time are the caterers
showing? They said : .
I'll come early, for moral
support. You're a doll.
So glad you could make it.
Come in. Come in.
Not to say that I'm against integration,
mind you.
I do believe
it's the Christian thing to do.
But I still say
what happened in Little Rock
could just as easily
have happened here in Hartford.
Nonsense.
Well, why is that?
Well, for one thing, there's no
Governor Faubus in Connecticut.
But the main reason,
there are no Negroes.
No, but there are some
rather dangerous pro-integration
types right here in Hartford.
Dangerous?
Oh, yes.
Some very attractive ones, in fact,
noted, I'm told,
for their kindness to Negroes.
Oh, Dick, stop. Where on
Earth did you hear about that?
Shirley read it to me.
I should have known.
What's all this?
Absolutely nothing.
Now, let me freshen those.
Excuse me, please.
Thanks.
Oh, by golly, there she is now,
the "purist" gal in the room.
Oh, Stan, liquor brings out the Texan
in you. I hope Eleanor isn't listening.
So what if she is. I still say
Frank is the luckiest guy in town.
Hear! Hear! It's all smoke and
mirrors, fells. That's all it is.
You should see her
without her face on.
Frank!
No, he's absolutely right.
We ladies are never what we appear,
and every girl as her secrets.
I'll say. How about this girl
getting her husband another drink?
Darling, don’t you think
you've already had enough?
No, I don't think I've had enough
I'd just like to take a moment to raise a
glass to our marvellous host and hostess
and another glorious annual
party at the Whitakers.
To Frank and Cathy,
truly Mr. and Mrs. Magnatech.
Hear! Hear!
My goodness.
Thank you very much.
Now, who can I freshen
up? Ron? No, I'm fine.
Me. Oh, I think you’re fresh enough.
All right.
Here, Mrs. Whitaker,
let me take that for you.
Thank you, Sybil.
Cathy?
Hi.
Honey,
is everything all right?
Why? What do you mean?
FrankI've never
seen him so soused.
Oh, he's been working so hard lately.
He's under tremendous strain.
You sure that's all?
Oh, yes.
You'd tell me if there was
anything more? Of course I would.
Well, Cathy,
I think we just threw ourselves
one class-"A" swanky function.
It did turn out nicely,
didn't it?
Cathleen, darling, you've simply
outdone yourself once again.
Thank you so much.
Frank?
Well, if I do say so myself,
it was a lovely party,
all considering.
I just wish
it didn't have to turn ugly
in front of our friends.
Honestly, Frank,
if you didn't insist on
What is it?
Oh, Frank.
Oh, Jesus.
Oh, Jesus! What's
happening? I can't even
God!
Frank, it doesn't matter.
The important thing is to
keep, to keep trying. Don't!
What?
Because
I'm sure, you know,
Dick Dawson wouldn't mind lending
his services every once in a while.
Oh, Frank.
I mean, you wouldn't mind
that so much, would you?
A good-looking guy
like Dick.
Maybe even Stan
would pitch in.
Frank, you're the only man
that I've ever wanted.
Just let go.
Frank, Frank, you're
You're all men to me.
You're all man.
Stop it!
Cathy. Cathy, I'm sorry. Oh.
I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to.
It's all right.
I'm-I'm all right.
It was an accident.
Are you bleeding?
Oh, just-just the littlest bit.
Perhaps, um, you could get me
some ice, dear.
Some ice?
Yes.
Cathy-
II know.
Uh, um, it's all right.
I'm all right.
Hey, there, hon. Listen. I can't stay.
I'm meeting Stan for lunch at the club.
Oh, that sounds like fun. Can't believe
I let you get away without these.
It's cute, your hair that way.
Oh, yeah?
I experimented.
Oh, it's adorable.
Thanks.
Oh. Whoopsie.
Thanks.
Cathy.
What?
What happened to your head?
Oh, nothing.
II hit the door.
It was
the silliest thing.
Cathy.
What?
Did something happen
between you and Frank?
What do you mean?
Cathy,
I'm your best friend.
Nothing happened.
Nothing at all.
Oh, Cathy.
Eleanor.
Cathy, I'm your dearest
and closest friend in the world.
You call meday or night.
You hear?
Mrs. Whitaker?
Is there anything I can do?
You sure?
I'mI'm fine.
I just, um
IIt's a difficult time
with my husband.
Oh. It happens with married people.
I know it does. I’m just-
It’s just embarrassing.
Please forgive me.
Forgive you?
Mrs. Whitaker, listen.
I have to pick up some shrubs
from a farmhouse just out of town.
Which means I gotta get a move on.
Why don't you
come along for the ride?
Some fresh air,
change of scenery
might help you
take your mind of things.
Ooh. Oh, no.
I, uh
I couldn't. Uh
Thank you, Raymond,
for offering.
You're very kind.
You sure?
Mrs. Whitaker?
Oh. Yes, Sybil? It's
Mrs. Barker on the phone.
I'll be right there! Oh.
Mm. I have to get back.
Okay.
Oh, not at all. Um, well, I
I was planning on picking them up at : .
You'd like to switch
for Thursday?
I don't see why that
would be a problem.
Um, No. I'm glad
I could be of help.
Certainly.
Bye now.
Raymond.
Mrs. Whitaker.
Hi.
Hello.
Oh, wouldn’t you know it. I just received
a call and suddenly everything's changed.
Anyway, I
You changed your mind.
Well, good.
Thank you very much,
Mr. Deagan. Thank you.
Oh, it's lovely.
What is it?
Hamamelis
well, flowering witch hazel. Fairly rare in these parts.
It's beautiful.
You were right. What a
perfectly lovely spot.
Is that a path?
I think so.
Let's have a peek.
All right.
Sometimes it's the people
outside our world
we confide in best.
But once you do confide,
share with someone,
they're no longer
really outside, are they?
Oh. Look!
How lovely.
Did he cause that?
He didn't mean to strike me.
I am so sorry.
No. Heaven knows
we all have our troubles.
I'm sure you,
yourself
What?
I don't know. Ever since running
into you at the exhibition,
I kept wondering
what it must be like
to be the only one
in a room.
Colored or
whatever it was.
How that
might possibly feel.
I'm sure I've-
I've never
Well,
I suppose you sort of
grow accustomed to it over time.
I mean, don't get me wrong.
There is a world,
even here in Hartford,
where everybody
does indeed look like me.
Trouble is, very few people
ever leave that world.
I only want what every father
wants for his child.
The opportunities growing
up I never had. Naturally.
But I tell you something. If you’re really interested
Oh, I am.
You hungry? I mean,
could you eat something?
I suppose I could.
Tell you what,
I'm gonna take you
to one of my favourite spots.
On good days, it's got
hot food, cold drink,
and just about
discernable music.
It's hard to beat that. There you go.
Say, who's green Edsel?
Yoo-hoo.
Yoo-hoo.
Here I am.
Oh. There you are, ma'am.
Let me get that for you.
Oh. Thank you very much indeed.
Thank you, ma'am.
Oh, my God.
Let me help you with that,
ma'am. Oh. Thanks very much.
«
Thank you. I'm hardly
dressed for a restaurant.
You look fine.
Raymond.
Don't worry.
This is a very friendly place.
Say there,
Esther.
What, you can't
say hello anymore?
Looks like you speakin'
just fine for yourself.
Oh, now you just sore because I haven't
been coming around like I used to.
Is that so?
Mm-hmm.
Now what do you say about bringing
us over a couple of drinks?
What would you like? Oh,
uh, a daiquiri if they
One daiquiri
and a bourbon on the rocks.
Thank you, doll.
What do you think
you're doing, boy?
Thank you.
Well, I hope you’re
finding this very amusing.
What do you mean?
This is a very welcoming place.
How you doing', Gus?
See what I mean?
Thank you.
Thank you, Esther.
Here's to being the only one.
You know,
we don't have to stay here.
If you feel uncomfortable
No. As long as I stay away from Esther,
I think I'll be fine.
All right then.
«
Thank you, Raymond,
for a lovely afternoon.
No. Thank you, Mrs. Whitaker.
I've had one as well.
Mrs. Whitaker sounds
so formal. Would you
Would I what?
Ask me to dance?
«
Oh. That looks wonderful.
Now, let's see.
Where should we put it?
Oh. I know. Right there.
Right
by the window.
Yes.
Yes. That's lovely. It certainly is.
Oh. Now, let's see.
Where did I put that list?
Although I promised Janice that I
wouldn't be late for her recital.
Can't miss that.
Sybil, I've been meaning to ask you
Yes, ma'am?
What's the name of that
church group you belong to?
The one you mentioned to
me. You mean, at Ebenezer?
The Baptist group?
Yes. I believe that's it.
Or was it South Green Baptist during
the fair drive, the Ladies Auxiliary?
Oh. I didn't know
there was more than one.
Yes. I always seem to be
signing up for something.
I think that's marvellous, Sybil, that
you find the time with all you do for us.
I just have so much in the attic
I've been meaning to go through.
I thought you might know of a
church or civic organization
that could use a donation.
Well, certainly, Mrs. Whitaker,
if that’s what you’re looking for.
Places in need are never hard
to find. I'm sure you’re right.
Oh! My. Hello.
May I help you?
Good afternoon, ma'am.
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name's Reginald Carter
and this is Martha Livingston.
We're members
of the Hartford Branch
of the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People.
Oh, well, certainly, I am
familiar with your organization.
Perhaps you'd be interested in reading
over our complimentary brochure.
Mm. Yes. I would. If you wouldn't
mind signing our roster
I'm running so terribly late
as it is.
Sybil, would you mind
signing for me? Yes, ma'am.
Thank you.
«
Mother!
Hello, dear.
Did the recital just begin?
Shh!
So where are the other little girls
from your class?
Over there.
Janice. Janice!
Sybil?
Hello.
Cathy?
El? Oh, Cathy. Thank heavens you're
home. I've been trying you all day.
El, what is it? So you haven't
heard? You haven't heard a thing?
No. What happened? Oh, Cathy.
There's been talk. Vicious talk.
What do you mean? About what? About you?
Oh, for heaven sake. What
now? Honey. It's Mona, Cathy.
She'sWell, she's just been
on some kind of rampage,
swearing up and down that she saw you and
a colored man somewhere out on Franklin.
Getting out of a truck
or some such thing.
The same colored man she claims
you were talking to at the art show.
Eleanor, that's-
that's preposterous.
I mean, yes, I've spoken to Mr. Deagan on
occasion, but this makes it sound like
I know. You have no idea
what it's been like around here.
The phone has been ringing off the hook
since : this morning.
Eleanor, the entire situation is so absurd.
Darling, I know.
What in the world
am I supposed to do?
I suppose you could start by
getting yourself another gardener.
Frank? What on Earth
Eleanor, could I call you back? Frank just walked in.
Of course. You go ahead.
I'll call you later.
Frank?
What are you doing home?
Is everything all right?
Just tell me one goddamned thing. What?
Is it true,
what they've been saying?
Frank, I can't believe
you even
Because if it is, even in the slightest,
I swear to God, Cathleen
Frank, I am sorry you even
had to hear such nonsense.
Yeah, well, Dick Dawson didn't seem
to think it was such nonsense
when he snuck away from his desk
to phone me today.
Good heavens. He says the
whole friggin' town's talking!
Frank, please.
Sybil will hear you.
I sent her out!
Christ, Cathleen, do you even have the
slightest idea about what this could mean?
Don’t you realize the effect
it's gonna have on me
and the reputation I have spent the
past eight years trying to build
for you and the children
and for the company?
Frank, I swear to you, whatever
Mona Lauder saw or thought she saw
was entirely a figment of that
woman's hateful imagination.
Yes. I have spoken to
Raymond Deagan on occasion.
He brought his little girl to Eleanor's art show. But
But, apparently,
even here in Hartford, the idea of a white
woman even speaking to a colored man
Oh, please!
Just save me the Negro rights!
You know what that woman
is capable of!.
And besides,
II've already given him notice
and wewe won't be seeing
that man again.
Fine.
Is that why you came home-
because of what Dick said?
Did something happen
at work?
Frank.
Tsk. I guess you could call it
some sort of early Christmas bonus.
What do you mean?
A month of rest
and relaxation.
Can you imagine? During the
busiest season of the year.
What a goddamn honour.
But when you consider
the bang-up job I've been doing
ever since good ol' Dr. Bowman
came on the scene
and for being-
What did Millstein call it?
"Years overdue."
They do owe you a vacation
after all you've given them.
Palm Springs
is supposed to be nice.
So says the word on high.
I know it may not
seem like it now,
but a little time away,
a vacation,
might be the best thing
for both of us.
Frank, what a wretched day
it must have been for you.
Say, what do you know? Pop's
home. What you doing' home, Pop?
David, your father
has work to do.
It's best you help yourself to a glass
of milk and get started on your studies.
Yes, Mother. Say, Pop
Mind your mother, David.
Yes, sir.
Uh, say, Mr. Deagan-
Yes, Jake?
There's a lady on the phone
for you. I'll be right there.
Hello.
Hello.
Thank you for meeting me. I
realize you have a busy schedule.
Worked out fine.
I was glad you called.
Are you sure
everything's all right?
Uh, is there something
I can do for you folks?
Can we leave here?
Of course.
What is it?
What happened?
I wanted to see you
in person, Raymond. I
I justI can't.
Can't what?
It isn't plausible for me
to be friends with you.
You've been so very kind to me and I've been
perfectly reckless and foolish in return,
thinking-
Thinking what?
That one person
could reach out to another,
take an interest in another
and maybe for one
fleeting instant
could manage to see
beyond the surface,
beyond the color of things?
Do you think we ever really do
see beyond those things
the surface of things?
"Just beyond the fall of grace,
behold that
ever-shining place."
Yes. I do.
I don't really have a choice.
I wish I could.
Good luck to you, Raymond.
Mrs. Whitaker.
You! Boy!
Hands off!.
Yeah! You!
Raymond, please don't.
You're so beautiful.
Come on, dear.
Oh! It is them! It is!
Thank you, Mother.
Thank you, Father.
Mwah!
Oh-ho. Merry Christmas,
sweetheart.
Now I'll be as good
as all the other girls in class.
Here you are,
darling.
Just the way you like it. Ahh.
Hey, Pop.
Look at this steam engine.
Wonderful.
Oh. My goodness.
I knew I was
forgetting something.
A little something
for Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Well, what have we here?
"Bermuda."
"Acapulco. Rio.
Miami." Take your
pick. It's your choice.
Mother, will you help me
lace up my slippers?
In a minute, dear. I don't know.
Stan is always raving about Miami.
Oh, Frank.
Miami would be a dream.
El says it's just darling.
Everything's pink.
Oh, really?
Hmm.
Maybe we oughta
consider Bermuda.
Oh, Frank!
I do love you, darling.
Mwah.
I do.
«
I must say,
you look extremely fetching
all gussied up
in your white tux and tie.
Well, it's a good thing,
since I can hardly breathe in it.
Oh. It's not that bad.
You like my dress?
Why, yes.
Very much. Didn't I say?
You did not.
Well, it's a ravishing dress
with a ravishing girl
to go with it.
That's more like it.
Very nice.
Right this way, sir.
Hilda, we're over here.
Ah. Excuse us.
No problem at all.
«
You have a lovely family. Thank you.
Have a Happy New Year. Happy New Year.
Oh, Kenny, be a darling and
pour the champagne. Sure, Mother.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the time has come
for the countdown
into the new year.
Must be almost time.
All together now!
Five, four, three,
two, one.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, darling.
«
Happy New Year to you.
Where do you wanna go?
Mm. The table.
All right. Mary.
Did you see Kenny?
Martin! Martin!
Martin!
Oh! Caroline.
You know you’re not
supposed to go in there!
Now what did I tell you
about going in that pool?
You know you're not
supposed to go in there!
Donna!
Hello there.
Well, hello.
Nice swim, darling?
Ahh.
Isn't the sun just marvellous? Mm-hmm.
Donna. Time to get out.
What? But why?
Because I said so.
Here comes Kenny.
I was looking for you on the other side.
I tell you, we're gonna
have to start meeting points.
That does it. I've had quite enough
fashion advice for the afternoon.
I do believe it's time
for my Miss Mitchell.
Oh, heavens.
What?
I think I left it upstairs. So
silly. You want me to go get it?
No. You just sat down.
Oh, no. I don't mind.
You sure? Yeah. I have
to get a paper anyway.
Thank you, darling.
I think it's right there
on the nightstand.
Hey, Hutch. Look. What?
Hey, fellas!
Look who's coming.
It's daddy's girl.
Hey there, daddy's girl.
Where do you think you're going?
Home.
Home to see your daddy?
Yeah. And his white girlfriend.
Hey! Where you going?
We just wanna play.
Uh-oh. Wrong turn,
daddy's girl.
Hey, daddy's girl.
Over here.
Yeah. She made a wrong turn
all right. Just like her daddy.
They're here! I see
their car! They're here!
Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs.
Whitaker. Oh, my goodness.
What a lovely greeting.
Hiya, Pop. Hey, Mother.
Hey. So, Mother, was it dreamy?
Oh-ho. Listen to you.
"Dreamy."
Did you have a nice time, Mr.
Whitaker? Yes. It was very relaxing.
Say, Pop
David, help Sybil with the luggage please.
Pop, you'll never guess what
happened at school this week.
Try and guess. David. Uh, I give up.
I'm helping, Mother. Billy
Hutchinson and these two other boys
all got expelled
from school.
I think you mean "suspended."
No. Expelled. I swear.
For throwing a rock at a
girl's head. That's terrible.
A little girl at school?
No. She was a Negro.
What? Who told you such
a thing? Tommy Hawkins.
He saw it, so he had
to tell the principal.
Sybil, is this true? Yes,
ma'am. I'm afraid it is.
What on Earth
has gotten into this town?
It was just a couple
of foolish kids.
Yeah. Hutch said that they were
just trying to teach her a lesson.
Well, I think it's dreadful, and you're not to
play with that Hutch boy again, understand me?
Yes, ma'am.
David, while you’re up,
how about flippin'on
the set for your old man?
Sure, Pop.
Mother, how do you spell "skirt"?
Uh, just a minute, dear.
Mother's making a call.
Oh. Yes. Hello. Um, I was wondering
if you could help me possibly.
I just received
your brochure,
which I found
extremely informative,
and I was curious about what was
entailed, precisely, in your
in your volunteer program in terms
of particular skills and so on.
You see, I-
Oh.
Oh, yes.
I can hold.
Father's home.
Frank. What happened
to the match?
Oh, my, um, shoulder.
It started acting up.
II just couldn't
sit there any longer.
You didn't say anything. Father,
I did the splits today. Wanna see?
Janice, your father
just walked in the door
and you have schoolwork
to finish.
Yes, Mother.
You know, Frank, you
never had that physical.
And I think you're due for
one. Can I call Dr. Ellis?
You know,
it's been three years.
Oh. Did I tell you that the paediatrician
thinks that Janice is going to need braces?
Father, do I have to? Apparently,
our little girl has an overbite.
Pop, you'll never guess what
I'm doing. Where is your coat?
It's in the garage. I'm waxing
Pop's car. And what's it doing there?
It's gonna
look swell, Pop.
How many times do I have to tell you
children you are not permitted outdoors
in this kind of weather
unless you are properly dressed?
Yes, ma'am.
Because I give up.
If you wanna go and catch your
death of cold, then so be it.
You try talking some sense into them,
Frank, because whatever I say doesn't
Frank?
What's the matter?
God.
David, Janice,
go upstairs to your rooms.
Now.
Now!
Frank.
What is it?
Cathy,
something's happened.
What?
I've fallen in love
with someone
who wants to be with me.
Oh, Cathy,
II-I justI
I never knew what that felt
But I know that sounds so cruel, but
Oh, God. Cathy, I tried.
I tried so hard
to make it go away.
ItItI thought
that I could do it
for you and for the kids.
But I can't.
I justI can't.
I can't.
I, um, assume then, you'll be
wanting a divorce.
Cathy.
Eleanor.
Eleanor, it's me, Cathy.
Oh, Cathy.
So you see, El,
why I couldn't tell you anything-
anything at all.
Oh, you dear sweet kid.
In a million years, I couldn't
have imagined. Not Frank.
I think that's what's
been hardest of all.
The endless secrecy.
Our entire lives
just shut in the dark.
Are there savings?
None to speak of.
Certainly not
with Frank's job on the line.
Well, honey, if there’s anything
you need, anything at all
Oh, El. I mean it.
We're here, all right?
Thank you, El,
for always having been.
You know, it's funny.
What's that?
This whole time, the only person I was
able to talk to about any of this
was Raymond Deagan.
What?
It's true.
Not in the way that Mona intended.
Nothing like that.
But we would just talk.
And somehow, it made me feel
I don't know.
Alive somewhere.
Eleanor, I know
it's ridiculous and mad,
but II think of him.
I do.
What he's doing.
What he's thinking.
I
I do.
El?
What can I say?
You're so full of surprises,
I'm speechless.
What do you mean? I'm sure I
must've looked entirely the fool
crusading away against Mona Lauder
and all her so-called inventions.
Eleanor, how could you
say such a thing?
I didn't say a word.
Who am I to tell anyone
how to lead their lives?
Eleanor, nothing happened
between us. I told you that.
Cathy, it's
none of my business,
but you certainly make it
sound as if something had.
Mrs. Whitaker?
Oh. Sybil.
I'm sorry to disturb you, ma'am.
II just
Yes, Sybil?
There's something I've been wanting
to tell you, ma'am, for some time.
Something I believe you surely Anna
know, even if it isn't exactly my place.
Well, what is it? It's about
the little colored girl, ma'am.
The one that got hit. Yes.
What about her?
I'm sorry, ma'am. It was Mr.
Deagan's little girl, Sarah.
What? Oh, Sybil. No.
The neighbours tell me she's doing just
fine. Oh, that poor sweet little girl.
That. How in God's name could you not have
told me, Sybil? This was weeks ago!
Mrs. Whitaker,
please don't be cross with me.
I didn't wanna
make things any worse.
Sybil, do you know
where Mr. Deagan lives?
I believe he's been at his father's
old place on th and Governor.
Twelfth and Governor.
Thank you.
Are you going there now?
Please keep an eye on the
children. I shouldn't be too long.
Mrs. Whitaker.
What?
Would you like me
to go with you, ma'am?
No. No, I'll be fine.
Thankyou, Sybil.
Who on Earth?
Yes. Raymond, I
I just heard. Just this instant.
I heard
and I jumped into my car.
How are you? How is Sarah?
We're fine. Thank you.
Would you meet me around the side?
Sarah, everything's all right. Daddy's
just gonna be out for a minute, okay?
Okay.
Raymond. What she
must've been through.
What's being done to the boys? Nothing.
I won't put her
through that again.
Not now. Not with rocks coming
through the windows every night.
Raymond, that's hateful.
Oh, it's not whites throwin' them.
It's coloreds.
No.
Yeah.
Seems to be the one place where whites
and coloreds are in full harmony.
Anyway, we'll be outta here
soon enough once and for all.
You're moving?
Yeah.
Where to?
I have a brother in Baltimore,
says he can find me work there.
So we're packing up the house.
Two weeks, Friday, we'll be on
the : train heading south.
What about your-
your business, your shop?
Oh, the business is through.
Nobody's gonna hire me.
So I'm gonna sell the shop
to a cousin of mine.
Yeah. Things are
pretty well finished for me here.
I've never lived anywhere
other than Hartford.
Perhaps
sometime in the future
after you’re settled,
I could
Perhaps I could come for a visit,
see Baltimore.
You see, I
Well, it seems as if
I'm to be single again.
Oh, Mrs. Whitaker.
Please call me Cathy.
Cathy.
No one would know us there.
I'm just not sure
that would be a wise idea.
After,
well,
everything that's
What matters now,
what has to matter the most,
is what's right for Sarah.
I've learned my lesson
about mixing in other worlds.
I've seen the sparks fly.
All kinds.
Have a proud life.
A splendid life.
Will you do that?
Good-bye, Cathy.
Hello.
Cathy, did I wake you?
II'm sorry to call this late.
I hope I didn't, uh
Uh, no. I was awake.
I, uh, didn't want to
upset the children.
No. No, of course not.
How are they, by the way?
Fine. Just fine. They still
ask when you'll be coming home.
I know.
That's, uh, partly
why I'm calling really.
I got a call from Dick
yesterday
and he said
that everything was set,
um, papers drawn up.
And he wanted to know how Thursday
was for you. : or sometime?
II told him I thought
you had car pool Thursdays,
but I wasn't absolutely
certain, so I said I would check.
You never could remember
my car pool days.
And they've
always been the same.
Wednesdays and Fridays,
long as I can remember.
Oh, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Right. Uh
Same old absentminded
What time
did you say on Thursday?
What? The appointment. What time?
Three.
Uh, three o'clock.
All right.
Okay.
Uh, well great.
ThatThat was it,
uh, really.
I
know it's late.
It is.
So I'll see you
onon Thursday then.
See you Thursday.
Good-bye, Cathy.
Good-bye, Frank.
Sixty-seven dollars
and thirty-two cents.
Now, what day is today?
Oh, Sybil. You don't
need to do that.
It's Friday.
I know it's Friday,
but there's so much to be done now,
I can hardly expect you
to be polishing tables.
No reason not to keep things up.
No reason at all.
I know. Don't forget the grocery list.
Thank you.
I don't know how on Earth
I'd ever manage
I shouldn't be long, Sybil.
All right, Mrs. Whitaker.
Why are we turning in here?
I'll be right back.
Where are you going?
Now stay put, both of you.
All aboard! Southbound train
to New York and Washington
now departing!
All aboard!
All right. Thanks.
I 'I I be seeing you.
All aboard!
Southbound train
to New York and Washington
now departing.
All aboard!
Ready to go?
That's my girl.
Wesley! Come on!
We'll miss the train.
Don't forget to call
your mother tomorrow.
All aboard! Southbound train
to New York City
Thank you, sir.
Here you go. Thanks.
All aboard!