Family Ties Forever!
01-23-2004, 02:25 AM
Family Ties
Episode 1: Pilot
Scene I: Kitchen
Elyse is sitting at the table by the phone.
Enter Steven
Steven: You're up early.
Elyse: Yeah, I thought I'd get a jump on this. I promised the Emersons I'd have this in by Thursday.
Steven walks over to where Elyse is.
Steven: This is there dream house project?
Elyse: Yeah, what do you think? (Shows Steven the plans)
Steven: There's no door here, connecting this side of the house to the other side.
Elyse: The Emersons don't like each other all that much.
Steven: Well, this is a little extreme isn't it?
Elyse: Are you kidding me? I had to talk them out of putting in a molt.
Steven walks over to the stove.
Steven: I don't think the kids were to impressed with our slide show last night. Do you?
Elyse: No. I recognize that glazed look in Alex's eyes. It's the same look I used to get when my father used to talk to me about the Depression.
Steven: Well, I enjoyed them anyway. I can't believe how young I looked.
Elyse: We all looked young.
Steven: Yeah, but you still look the same.
Elyse: Oh, go on.
Steven: Actually, if anything's changed, it's that you look even better now.
Elyse: Go on.
Steven: No, I mean it, there's just something wonderful about the way you look.
Elyse: I said go on.
Elyse and Steven kiss.
Mallory enters through swinging door.
Mallory: Oh God, are you two pawing at each other again?
Steven: I don't consider a legitimate display of affection pawing. Do you know what pawing is?
Mallory goes over to where the plates are and gets plates for breakfast. She then walks to the table with the plates.
Mallory: Of course I know what pawing is, I'm dating Richard Defozeo aren't I?
Steven: Not anymore.
Mallory: You guys have been married a long time. Haven't you had enough?
Elyse: I haven't, have you? (looks at Steven)
Steven: No.
Elyse: Sorry. (looks at Mallory)
Steven and Elyse kiss.
Mallory sets plates on table.
Mallory (shrugs): Gross.
Mallory: Is this my lunch? (Holds up brown paper bag)
Elyse: Yes.
Mallory: What's in it?
Elyse: You'll like it.
Mallory: Are there sprouts in here?
Elyse: There are no sprouts.
Mallory: Nothing alive?
Elyse: Nothing alive, nothing healthy, don't worry.
Alex enters.
Alex: How do I look?
Steven: Middle aged.
Alex: Dad, recent studies show, that you can predict success, by the way a person dresses.
Steven: Alex, you're a young man. You shouldn't be worried about success. You should be thinking about hopping on a steam trainer, and going around the world, or putting a pack on your back and heading down to Mexico, South America, or anywhere.
Alex: The 1960's are over Dad.
Steven: Thanks for the tip.
Jennifer enters through the swinging door, carrying her homework.
Jennifer: Anyone know what the capital of Iowa is?
Mallory, Steven, Elyse, and Alex all answer at the same time with all different answers.
Jennifer: Well, that narrows that down a little.
Steven: Actually, Jennifer, Iowa is the one state that has no capital. So it's the responsibility of every American to look out for Iowa.
Phone rings.
Alex: I'll get it, it's for me.
Alex gets up and goes over to the phone.
Alex: Hello?
Alex: Yeah, just a second. Jennifer it's for you.
Jennifer gets up to answer the phone.
Jennifer: Don't talk to long ok? I'm expecting an important call.
Steven: Who are you expecting a call from?
Alex: Oh, no one.
Mallory: Kimberly Blanton.
Steven: Who's Kimberly Blanton?
Alex: Oh nobody.
Mallory: She's this super rich chick at school who drives a yellow convertible and looks like a barbie doll. Alex thinks she might be interested in him.
Alex: What are you, the town pryer?
Mallory: I have no secrets from my father.
Jennifer: Yeah, ok bye.
Hangs up phone and walks over to table and sits down.
Phone rings again.
Alex: I'll get it, it's for me.
Alex: Hello? Jennifer it's for you.
Jennifer: It's probably Chrissy again, she's going through a personal crisis.
Jennifer gets up to answer it.
Mallory: Come on Alex she's not going to call, girls like Kimberly just don't call guys like you.
Alex: Thank You.
Mallory: You see, Alex's been chasing her for three months now, and he hasn't even gotten to first base.
Alex: That's not true.
Mallory: Ah huh.
Alex: I've been chasing her for two months, but we're making progress. The lines of communication are open. Which is more than I can say for the phones in this house. Jennifer, you're only nine years old. How much could you possibly have to say?
Jennifer: Can you hold on a second Chrssy? Look Alex, I might only be nine years old, but I'm a person too, and I have a right to speak on the telephone without being harassed by you.
Alex: Get off the phone now.
Jennifer: I'll call you back, ok Chris?
Jennifer: Mom, did you see that?
Elyse: No, what happened?
Jennifer: Alex hit me.
Alex: Jennifer.
Jennifer: Ok, he didn't really hit me, but he wanted to. I could see it in his eyes.
Elyse: Alex, get a grip on yourself. If Barbie's going to call--
Alex: Her name isn't Barbie Mom, she just looks--
Phone rings.
Mallory gets up quickly and answers it.
Mallory: Hello? May I tell him who's calling?
Mallory covers the receiver with her hand.
Mallory: It's Kimberly Blanton.
Alex: Kimberly.
Mallory: Oh, I'm sorry Kimberly, I don't think he's--
Alex intercepts the phone.
Alex: Alex P. Keaton here.
Mallory: Smooth Alex.
Mallory goes to the table and sits down.
Alex: Kimberly, what a pleasant surprise. Tonight? Just a minute, let me check.
Alex covers the receiver with his hand.
Alex: Kimberly is coming over to study with me tonight. Is it ok if she has dinner with us first?
Elyse: Sure, if you want her to.
Alex: Tonight seems to be clear Kimberly. Alright, very good. Ok, see you at school. Bye.
Alex hangs up the phone.
Alex picks up his briefcase and walks out the kitchen door. Once outside...
Alex: Yahoo!
Steven: I haven't seen him this excited since Reagan was elected.
Scene II Livingroom:
Steven is sitting on the couch reading and listening to a record. Elyse is sitting at the table by the front door sowing a pillow.
Alex enters from the kitchen.
Alex: Unbelievable, how can you two be so relaxed? Kimberly's going to be here any minute. Don't you want to get in the kitchen Mom?
Elyse: Why? Is it a surprise party?
Alex: No, I'm serious Mom, what about dinner? Don't you have to watch it?
Elyse: Alex, don't worry, I put the roast in the oven. It knows what to do from there.
Alex: The ambiance in here is all wrong.
Alex turns off the light that Steven had on to read by.
Steven: Hey.
Steven turns the light back on.
Alex turns off the record Steven was listening to.
Steven: Hey, what are you doing? I was listening to that.
Alex: That's depressing Dad. This is an up night, this guy sounds like he's in pain.
Steven: He's supposed to be, he's a folk singer.
Alex puts on a different record.
Steven: Now, that's depressing.
Alex: You know, the house doesn't look all that great.
Elyse: When is Kimberly coming? Maybe we can have it painted before she gets here.
Mallory standing at the top of the stairs (landing)
Mallory: Tonight's the night isn't it?
Mallory comes downstairs.
Mallory: Kimberly Blanton in our very own home. It's like a dream.
Alex: Very funny.
Mallory: She probably just wants to check out your table manners. See if you know what the small fork is for, that kind of stuff.
Alex: Come here, I'll show you what the small fork is for.
Elyse gets up from the table by the front door.
Elyse: Alex, maybe your getting a little carried away here. If Kimberly, doesn't like you or your family for who they are, then maybe she's not worth caring about at all, don't you think?
Alex: Are you going to wear your hair like that, or are you going to put it up?
Jennifer at the top of the stairs (landing)
Jennifer: Alex, I changed my mind. I don't want to wear this.
Alex: To late Jennifer. A deal's a deal.
Jennifer comes downstairs.
Jennifer: I'll give you your dollar back.
Doorbell rings.
Alex: Ok, that's her, alright, everybody just stay calm.
Everyone stands next to each other. Alex walks over to them and places one of Jennifer's hands on one of her hips.
Alex: Small fork's for salad right?
Mallory: Right, and the spoon is for soup.
Alex: Soup, right. Ok, just act natural.
Alex answers the door.
Alex: Hi, sorry I had to answer the door myself. Our butler's off tonight.
Scene III Dining Room:
Everyone is sitting at the dining room table eating dinner.
Elyse: Well, tell me Kimberly, what are you studying in school?
Kimberly: Oh, you know.
Mallory: Sounds interesting.
Alex: What Kimberly means is, it's the same stuff I'm studying, so you're probably familiar with it.
Alex: So, Dad, do you think we'll sail around the world this year?
Steven: To tell you the truth Alex, it doesn't look good.
Alex: Kimberly sailed to the south of France last summer.
Elyse: That sounds interesting, I've always wanted to go there, what's it like?
Kimberly: Well, it was ok. It's real different though. I'll tell you one thing, if you're ever going to the Rivera, you're going to have a really hard time finding a decent cheese burger.
Elyse: Well, thanks for the warning. We'll just bring our own.
Jennifer: We went away last summer too, to Cleveland. It was far away and everything. We got to take the bus.
Kimberly: The bus. What do you mean?
Alex: What my sister means is, we went to visit our grandmother, Grand Mar. We were going to fly, but--
Jennifer: There was a bum on the bus remember? (laughs)
Alex: Jennifer, eat your potatoes.
Kimberly: So, exactly what do you do Mr. Keaton?
Steven: I manage the public television station here in town.
Kimberly: Oh, what a cute job. That's the station with all the English shows right?
Steven: I wouldn't say they're all English, but there are some.
Kimberly: Yeah, I watched it once or twice. But, I really miss the commercials.
Elyse: I forget Kimberly, what is it you say, that you're studying?
Mallory: You know.
Kimberly: Just the basic college prep courses.
Elyse: Have you decided what you want to major in, in college?
Kimberly: Well, yeah, see, I really want to dedicate my life to helping others. I really want to be a cheerleader.
The tea kettle is heard.
Elyse: I'll get the tea.
Kimberly: Oh, let me give you a hand with that.
Alex stands up and helps Kimberly with the chair.
Kimberly: Thanks.
Elyse and Kimberly get up from the dinning room table and head into the kitchen.
Alex: Well, what do you think? Is she something else or what?
Scene IV Livingroom:
Elyse is on the phone.
Elyse: I'm sorry Mr. Emerson, that you don't like the location of your wife's bedroom, that's as far away as I could get it. I did have to stay on the property. Well, we could try that, but it would mean going under ground. Ok, give my best to Mrs. Emerson. Hello? Hello?
Elyse hangs up the phone.
Steven: Trouble in paradise?
Elyse: You know what I can't figure out?
Steven: What?
Elyse: The Emersons have eight kids.
Alex at top of stairs (landing)
Alex: Either of you guys know anything about polo?
Steven: Polo?
Alex comes downstairs.
Alex: Kimberly's picking me up any minute now, today's the big tournament for the Gray Cup, or Blue Cup, or some Cup. I was hoping one of you would at least know the rules
Steven: Polo?
Alex: Nevermind, I'll just ride like everyone else does.
Alex goes back upstairs.
Steven: Do you think maybe he was switched at birth and the Rockafellars got our kid?
Elyse: It could be. I wasn't going to tell you, but this morning, I found a copy of Wall Street Week under his bed.
Elyse gets up from the table by the front door and goes over to where Steven is by the couch.
Elyse: I just had a thought. Alex is going to be gone for the whole day. Mallory's on her way out too. How about we go upstairs, put on some old Johnny Mathis albums and...
Steven: What about Jennifer? She's still here?
Elyse: Give her your Master Charge and let her check into the Holiday Inn for the weekend.
Steven: Well, she is almost ten.
Steven and Elyse kiss.
Mallory enters from the kitchen, carrying a jacket.
Mallory: You two never stop do you?
Steven: Don't you knock before you enter someone's livingroom?
Mallory: Don't you have some self control? I mean, it's not even lunch time yet.
Alex comes downstairs.
Alex: I won't be home for dinner. There's going to be a little party after the Polo game tonight.
Mallory: It's a Polo Match you claud. I can't believe what I have to put up with.
Mallory leaves through the front door.
Elyse: Where's the party going to be?
Alex: It's over at the Carlton Country Club.
Steven: Alex, the Carlton is a restricted club.
Alex: Oh, that's alright, I'll be with the Blanton's. You know it's really neat over there. They have an indoor pool, you can eat on the terrace, and if you get a phone call, they bring the phone right to your table.
Steven: That will come in handy in case, Elliot Jane Way calls.
Elyse: What your father means is, the Carlton doesn't have any members who are black, Jewish, hispanic, or any other group who didn't come over on the May Flower.
Alex: I just want to go to a party Mom, I don't want to change the world.
A car horn is heard. Alex leaves through the front door.
Scene V Livingroom:
Steven is talking on the phone.
Steven: Hi yes, is this the Carlton Country Club? Listen my name is Steven Keaton and--, no I'm not a member, yes I can hold. Hi, yes I'm trying to locate my son, Alex Keaton he's with the Blanton party, no he's not a member either. Yes, I can hold.
Elyse comes into the livingroom and turns on the main light. Since Steven was talking on the phone with dim lighting.
Steven: Ok, well listen, that's what I thought it was too, I'll try it out on the highway and let know. Thanks a lot.
Steven hangs the phone up.
Elyse: Who was that?
Steven: One of the mechanics over at the Volvo place.
Elyse: Which one?
Steven: Swen.
Elyse: You have Swen's home number?
Steven: He was at the shop. I'm thinking of maybe taking the car in and have him have a look at it.
Steven puts a jacket on.
Elyse: Steven it's a quarter of ten.
Steven: Well, you get a discount if you bring it in at night. You know how those Sweeds are, they're used to working late. The Land of the Midnight Sun and all that.
Elyse: Norway, is the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Steven: Well, they sure fooled Swen, I better get down there and tell him.
Steven: Ok, that wasn't really Swen.
Elyse: You're kidding?
Steven: I was trying to reach Alex. There was something I wanted to tell him.
Elyse: Can't it wait until he gets home?
Steven: That's what I want to tell him to come home now. It's driving me nuts that he's over there Elyse.
Elyse: Steven: I don't like it any more than you do, but Alex is Alex. He sees things differently then we do.
Steven: I know he does, and I admit some of it up until now has been cute. I didn't mind the pop quiz on wine the other night. If he wants to hang a poster of William Buckley over his bed that's his own business. But, we have to draw a line somewhere and I think a restricted club is a good place to draw it.
Steven leaves through the front door.
Scene VI Carlton Country Club
Alex, Kimberly and her parents are sitting at a table eating.
Steven enters the club looking for Alex.
Steven comes over to the table.
Alex: Dad?
Steven: Excuse me, I'm sorry to disturb you, everything is alright, can I speak to you for a second Alex?
Steven: Hello Kimberly.
Kimberly: Hello Mr. Keaton. May I introduce my parents? Dad.
Steven: Steve Keaton.
Presten: Presten Blanton. My wife Emily.
Emily Blanton: How do you do?
Steven: I'm fine thank you.
Presten: There isn't any trouble is there?
Steven: No, I just forgot to tell Alex something.
Emily: Won't you sit down for a moment Mr. Keaton?
Steven: No, really I can't stay, thank you.
Presten: Roger, bring a chair for Mr. Keaton please.
Steven: No, that's ok Roger, don't bother.
Presten: Just for a moment. Go ahead Roger bring it.
Steven: No, Roger don't. Oh, ok, go ahead bring me a chair. Excuse us for a moment.
Alex: Excuse me.
Alex and Steven walk away from the table.
Alex: What's going on Dad?
Steven: Alex, I want you to come home with me now.
Alex: Not so loud.
Steven: I'm sorry, this place makes me mad and when I'm mad I'm loud. Now come on, let's go, I don't want to make a scene.
Alex: I think it's a little too late for that.
Steven: I was hoping you would come to it yourself, but obviously, you don't understand the moral ramifications of your being here.
Alex: Would you just stop it Dad?
Steven: Don't you understand what this place stands for? It's aliteis, it's exclusionary.
Steven tries an orderv and a drink.
Steven: Boy these things are great, what are they?
Waiter: Rumockey sir.
Steven: Are there any without liver?
Kimberly: The Bunny Hop Alex, come on.
Steven: Don't hop away from me when I'm talking to you.
Scene VII Livingroom:
Elyse, Mallory, and Jennifer are sitting on the couch. Steven and Alex are also in the room.
Elyse: Ok girls let's go up.
Jennifer: Go ahead Mom, we'll meet you up there.
Mallory: Nice try kid.
Jennifer: Well, it was worth a shot anyway.
Mallory, Jennifer and Elyse go upstairs.
Steven: Before you say anything Alex, I just want you to know I'm sorry.
Alex: Dad, I just want you to know that that's not enough.
Steven: I'll write notes of apology to the Blanton's and Kimberly. What did you tell them anyway?
Alex: I told them the truth. That you were my Dad's twin brother, and that you escaped from a home.
Steven: Thanks for covering for me.
Alex: You really humiliated me Dad. How could you do that?
Steven: Alex, it's hard to know when to interfere and when to let you go on your own. When you were little it was easy. Take the poison and put it on a high shelf and give you a safe place to play, and make sure you don't tumble down the stairs. As you get older it gets harder. The line between protecting and interfering can get blurry. I tripped over it tonight, as you might have noticed.
Alex: You were really something out there.
Steven: My father, your Grandpa Jake, was a very unemotional man, very distant, very proper. He was so proper, I didn't know he cared. He didn't show it. I guess I overreact, because he didn't react at all. Understand?
Alex: Yeah, I guess.
Steven: Look Alex, I was wrong to go over there like I did, but I hope you understand why I did. I hope you understand why I felt so strongly about you being a restricted club.
Alex: I do Dad, but I'm seventeen years old. When I see Kimberly Blanton in a strapless evening gown, I don't look past her for the bill of rights.
Steven: Alex, I was seventeen once myself, but I had principles, I had beliefs. Well, now that you mention it, I do recall working for Nixon for a couple of weeks in 1960.
Alex: Richard Nixon?
Steven: You see, there was this young republican, Sandra Fudderman, a real fashis, but she wore it well. I mean Sandra was...well she had...,there was a way she could...--
Alex: I get the point Dad.
Steven: I love you very much Alex, sometimes it overwhelms me and I make mistakes like tonight. I know there are other fathers, more in control, more reserved, more adult, but, none that love their sons more than I love you.
Alex: I know you do Dad. But, that's the crazy part, even when we were out there bunny hopping tonight, mad as I was, and I was hopping mad. I knew.
Steven: Good.
Alex: But, I'm not you Dad. We're two different, separate people.
Steven: I know that.
Alex: Think this kind of thing's going to happen again?
Steven: I don't know, we're both getting older. One of us is bound to grow up eventually.
Steven and Alex shake hands. Then they hug.
The End.
Episode 1: Pilot
Scene I: Kitchen
Elyse is sitting at the table by the phone.
Enter Steven
Steven: You're up early.
Elyse: Yeah, I thought I'd get a jump on this. I promised the Emersons I'd have this in by Thursday.
Steven walks over to where Elyse is.
Steven: This is there dream house project?
Elyse: Yeah, what do you think? (Shows Steven the plans)
Steven: There's no door here, connecting this side of the house to the other side.
Elyse: The Emersons don't like each other all that much.
Steven: Well, this is a little extreme isn't it?
Elyse: Are you kidding me? I had to talk them out of putting in a molt.
Steven walks over to the stove.
Steven: I don't think the kids were to impressed with our slide show last night. Do you?
Elyse: No. I recognize that glazed look in Alex's eyes. It's the same look I used to get when my father used to talk to me about the Depression.
Steven: Well, I enjoyed them anyway. I can't believe how young I looked.
Elyse: We all looked young.
Steven: Yeah, but you still look the same.
Elyse: Oh, go on.
Steven: Actually, if anything's changed, it's that you look even better now.
Elyse: Go on.
Steven: No, I mean it, there's just something wonderful about the way you look.
Elyse: I said go on.
Elyse and Steven kiss.
Mallory enters through swinging door.
Mallory: Oh God, are you two pawing at each other again?
Steven: I don't consider a legitimate display of affection pawing. Do you know what pawing is?
Mallory goes over to where the plates are and gets plates for breakfast. She then walks to the table with the plates.
Mallory: Of course I know what pawing is, I'm dating Richard Defozeo aren't I?
Steven: Not anymore.
Mallory: You guys have been married a long time. Haven't you had enough?
Elyse: I haven't, have you? (looks at Steven)
Steven: No.
Elyse: Sorry. (looks at Mallory)
Steven and Elyse kiss.
Mallory sets plates on table.
Mallory (shrugs): Gross.
Mallory: Is this my lunch? (Holds up brown paper bag)
Elyse: Yes.
Mallory: What's in it?
Elyse: You'll like it.
Mallory: Are there sprouts in here?
Elyse: There are no sprouts.
Mallory: Nothing alive?
Elyse: Nothing alive, nothing healthy, don't worry.
Alex enters.
Alex: How do I look?
Steven: Middle aged.
Alex: Dad, recent studies show, that you can predict success, by the way a person dresses.
Steven: Alex, you're a young man. You shouldn't be worried about success. You should be thinking about hopping on a steam trainer, and going around the world, or putting a pack on your back and heading down to Mexico, South America, or anywhere.
Alex: The 1960's are over Dad.
Steven: Thanks for the tip.
Jennifer enters through the swinging door, carrying her homework.
Jennifer: Anyone know what the capital of Iowa is?
Mallory, Steven, Elyse, and Alex all answer at the same time with all different answers.
Jennifer: Well, that narrows that down a little.
Steven: Actually, Jennifer, Iowa is the one state that has no capital. So it's the responsibility of every American to look out for Iowa.
Phone rings.
Alex: I'll get it, it's for me.
Alex gets up and goes over to the phone.
Alex: Hello?
Alex: Yeah, just a second. Jennifer it's for you.
Jennifer gets up to answer the phone.
Jennifer: Don't talk to long ok? I'm expecting an important call.
Steven: Who are you expecting a call from?
Alex: Oh, no one.
Mallory: Kimberly Blanton.
Steven: Who's Kimberly Blanton?
Alex: Oh nobody.
Mallory: She's this super rich chick at school who drives a yellow convertible and looks like a barbie doll. Alex thinks she might be interested in him.
Alex: What are you, the town pryer?
Mallory: I have no secrets from my father.
Jennifer: Yeah, ok bye.
Hangs up phone and walks over to table and sits down.
Phone rings again.
Alex: I'll get it, it's for me.
Alex: Hello? Jennifer it's for you.
Jennifer: It's probably Chrissy again, she's going through a personal crisis.
Jennifer gets up to answer it.
Mallory: Come on Alex she's not going to call, girls like Kimberly just don't call guys like you.
Alex: Thank You.
Mallory: You see, Alex's been chasing her for three months now, and he hasn't even gotten to first base.
Alex: That's not true.
Mallory: Ah huh.
Alex: I've been chasing her for two months, but we're making progress. The lines of communication are open. Which is more than I can say for the phones in this house. Jennifer, you're only nine years old. How much could you possibly have to say?
Jennifer: Can you hold on a second Chrssy? Look Alex, I might only be nine years old, but I'm a person too, and I have a right to speak on the telephone without being harassed by you.
Alex: Get off the phone now.
Jennifer: I'll call you back, ok Chris?
Jennifer: Mom, did you see that?
Elyse: No, what happened?
Jennifer: Alex hit me.
Alex: Jennifer.
Jennifer: Ok, he didn't really hit me, but he wanted to. I could see it in his eyes.
Elyse: Alex, get a grip on yourself. If Barbie's going to call--
Alex: Her name isn't Barbie Mom, she just looks--
Phone rings.
Mallory gets up quickly and answers it.
Mallory: Hello? May I tell him who's calling?
Mallory covers the receiver with her hand.
Mallory: It's Kimberly Blanton.
Alex: Kimberly.
Mallory: Oh, I'm sorry Kimberly, I don't think he's--
Alex intercepts the phone.
Alex: Alex P. Keaton here.
Mallory: Smooth Alex.
Mallory goes to the table and sits down.
Alex: Kimberly, what a pleasant surprise. Tonight? Just a minute, let me check.
Alex covers the receiver with his hand.
Alex: Kimberly is coming over to study with me tonight. Is it ok if she has dinner with us first?
Elyse: Sure, if you want her to.
Alex: Tonight seems to be clear Kimberly. Alright, very good. Ok, see you at school. Bye.
Alex hangs up the phone.
Alex picks up his briefcase and walks out the kitchen door. Once outside...
Alex: Yahoo!
Steven: I haven't seen him this excited since Reagan was elected.
Scene II Livingroom:
Steven is sitting on the couch reading and listening to a record. Elyse is sitting at the table by the front door sowing a pillow.
Alex enters from the kitchen.
Alex: Unbelievable, how can you two be so relaxed? Kimberly's going to be here any minute. Don't you want to get in the kitchen Mom?
Elyse: Why? Is it a surprise party?
Alex: No, I'm serious Mom, what about dinner? Don't you have to watch it?
Elyse: Alex, don't worry, I put the roast in the oven. It knows what to do from there.
Alex: The ambiance in here is all wrong.
Alex turns off the light that Steven had on to read by.
Steven: Hey.
Steven turns the light back on.
Alex turns off the record Steven was listening to.
Steven: Hey, what are you doing? I was listening to that.
Alex: That's depressing Dad. This is an up night, this guy sounds like he's in pain.
Steven: He's supposed to be, he's a folk singer.
Alex puts on a different record.
Steven: Now, that's depressing.
Alex: You know, the house doesn't look all that great.
Elyse: When is Kimberly coming? Maybe we can have it painted before she gets here.
Mallory standing at the top of the stairs (landing)
Mallory: Tonight's the night isn't it?
Mallory comes downstairs.
Mallory: Kimberly Blanton in our very own home. It's like a dream.
Alex: Very funny.
Mallory: She probably just wants to check out your table manners. See if you know what the small fork is for, that kind of stuff.
Alex: Come here, I'll show you what the small fork is for.
Elyse gets up from the table by the front door.
Elyse: Alex, maybe your getting a little carried away here. If Kimberly, doesn't like you or your family for who they are, then maybe she's not worth caring about at all, don't you think?
Alex: Are you going to wear your hair like that, or are you going to put it up?
Jennifer at the top of the stairs (landing)
Jennifer: Alex, I changed my mind. I don't want to wear this.
Alex: To late Jennifer. A deal's a deal.
Jennifer comes downstairs.
Jennifer: I'll give you your dollar back.
Doorbell rings.
Alex: Ok, that's her, alright, everybody just stay calm.
Everyone stands next to each other. Alex walks over to them and places one of Jennifer's hands on one of her hips.
Alex: Small fork's for salad right?
Mallory: Right, and the spoon is for soup.
Alex: Soup, right. Ok, just act natural.
Alex answers the door.
Alex: Hi, sorry I had to answer the door myself. Our butler's off tonight.
Scene III Dining Room:
Everyone is sitting at the dining room table eating dinner.
Elyse: Well, tell me Kimberly, what are you studying in school?
Kimberly: Oh, you know.
Mallory: Sounds interesting.
Alex: What Kimberly means is, it's the same stuff I'm studying, so you're probably familiar with it.
Alex: So, Dad, do you think we'll sail around the world this year?
Steven: To tell you the truth Alex, it doesn't look good.
Alex: Kimberly sailed to the south of France last summer.
Elyse: That sounds interesting, I've always wanted to go there, what's it like?
Kimberly: Well, it was ok. It's real different though. I'll tell you one thing, if you're ever going to the Rivera, you're going to have a really hard time finding a decent cheese burger.
Elyse: Well, thanks for the warning. We'll just bring our own.
Jennifer: We went away last summer too, to Cleveland. It was far away and everything. We got to take the bus.
Kimberly: The bus. What do you mean?
Alex: What my sister means is, we went to visit our grandmother, Grand Mar. We were going to fly, but--
Jennifer: There was a bum on the bus remember? (laughs)
Alex: Jennifer, eat your potatoes.
Kimberly: So, exactly what do you do Mr. Keaton?
Steven: I manage the public television station here in town.
Kimberly: Oh, what a cute job. That's the station with all the English shows right?
Steven: I wouldn't say they're all English, but there are some.
Kimberly: Yeah, I watched it once or twice. But, I really miss the commercials.
Elyse: I forget Kimberly, what is it you say, that you're studying?
Mallory: You know.
Kimberly: Just the basic college prep courses.
Elyse: Have you decided what you want to major in, in college?
Kimberly: Well, yeah, see, I really want to dedicate my life to helping others. I really want to be a cheerleader.
The tea kettle is heard.
Elyse: I'll get the tea.
Kimberly: Oh, let me give you a hand with that.
Alex stands up and helps Kimberly with the chair.
Kimberly: Thanks.
Elyse and Kimberly get up from the dinning room table and head into the kitchen.
Alex: Well, what do you think? Is she something else or what?
Scene IV Livingroom:
Elyse is on the phone.
Elyse: I'm sorry Mr. Emerson, that you don't like the location of your wife's bedroom, that's as far away as I could get it. I did have to stay on the property. Well, we could try that, but it would mean going under ground. Ok, give my best to Mrs. Emerson. Hello? Hello?
Elyse hangs up the phone.
Steven: Trouble in paradise?
Elyse: You know what I can't figure out?
Steven: What?
Elyse: The Emersons have eight kids.
Alex at top of stairs (landing)
Alex: Either of you guys know anything about polo?
Steven: Polo?
Alex comes downstairs.
Alex: Kimberly's picking me up any minute now, today's the big tournament for the Gray Cup, or Blue Cup, or some Cup. I was hoping one of you would at least know the rules
Steven: Polo?
Alex: Nevermind, I'll just ride like everyone else does.
Alex goes back upstairs.
Steven: Do you think maybe he was switched at birth and the Rockafellars got our kid?
Elyse: It could be. I wasn't going to tell you, but this morning, I found a copy of Wall Street Week under his bed.
Elyse gets up from the table by the front door and goes over to where Steven is by the couch.
Elyse: I just had a thought. Alex is going to be gone for the whole day. Mallory's on her way out too. How about we go upstairs, put on some old Johnny Mathis albums and...
Steven: What about Jennifer? She's still here?
Elyse: Give her your Master Charge and let her check into the Holiday Inn for the weekend.
Steven: Well, she is almost ten.
Steven and Elyse kiss.
Mallory enters from the kitchen, carrying a jacket.
Mallory: You two never stop do you?
Steven: Don't you knock before you enter someone's livingroom?
Mallory: Don't you have some self control? I mean, it's not even lunch time yet.
Alex comes downstairs.
Alex: I won't be home for dinner. There's going to be a little party after the Polo game tonight.
Mallory: It's a Polo Match you claud. I can't believe what I have to put up with.
Mallory leaves through the front door.
Elyse: Where's the party going to be?
Alex: It's over at the Carlton Country Club.
Steven: Alex, the Carlton is a restricted club.
Alex: Oh, that's alright, I'll be with the Blanton's. You know it's really neat over there. They have an indoor pool, you can eat on the terrace, and if you get a phone call, they bring the phone right to your table.
Steven: That will come in handy in case, Elliot Jane Way calls.
Elyse: What your father means is, the Carlton doesn't have any members who are black, Jewish, hispanic, or any other group who didn't come over on the May Flower.
Alex: I just want to go to a party Mom, I don't want to change the world.
A car horn is heard. Alex leaves through the front door.
Scene V Livingroom:
Steven is talking on the phone.
Steven: Hi yes, is this the Carlton Country Club? Listen my name is Steven Keaton and--, no I'm not a member, yes I can hold. Hi, yes I'm trying to locate my son, Alex Keaton he's with the Blanton party, no he's not a member either. Yes, I can hold.
Elyse comes into the livingroom and turns on the main light. Since Steven was talking on the phone with dim lighting.
Steven: Ok, well listen, that's what I thought it was too, I'll try it out on the highway and let know. Thanks a lot.
Steven hangs the phone up.
Elyse: Who was that?
Steven: One of the mechanics over at the Volvo place.
Elyse: Which one?
Steven: Swen.
Elyse: You have Swen's home number?
Steven: He was at the shop. I'm thinking of maybe taking the car in and have him have a look at it.
Steven puts a jacket on.
Elyse: Steven it's a quarter of ten.
Steven: Well, you get a discount if you bring it in at night. You know how those Sweeds are, they're used to working late. The Land of the Midnight Sun and all that.
Elyse: Norway, is the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Steven: Well, they sure fooled Swen, I better get down there and tell him.
Steven: Ok, that wasn't really Swen.
Elyse: You're kidding?
Steven: I was trying to reach Alex. There was something I wanted to tell him.
Elyse: Can't it wait until he gets home?
Steven: That's what I want to tell him to come home now. It's driving me nuts that he's over there Elyse.
Elyse: Steven: I don't like it any more than you do, but Alex is Alex. He sees things differently then we do.
Steven: I know he does, and I admit some of it up until now has been cute. I didn't mind the pop quiz on wine the other night. If he wants to hang a poster of William Buckley over his bed that's his own business. But, we have to draw a line somewhere and I think a restricted club is a good place to draw it.
Steven leaves through the front door.
Scene VI Carlton Country Club
Alex, Kimberly and her parents are sitting at a table eating.
Steven enters the club looking for Alex.
Steven comes over to the table.
Alex: Dad?
Steven: Excuse me, I'm sorry to disturb you, everything is alright, can I speak to you for a second Alex?
Steven: Hello Kimberly.
Kimberly: Hello Mr. Keaton. May I introduce my parents? Dad.
Steven: Steve Keaton.
Presten: Presten Blanton. My wife Emily.
Emily Blanton: How do you do?
Steven: I'm fine thank you.
Presten: There isn't any trouble is there?
Steven: No, I just forgot to tell Alex something.
Emily: Won't you sit down for a moment Mr. Keaton?
Steven: No, really I can't stay, thank you.
Presten: Roger, bring a chair for Mr. Keaton please.
Steven: No, that's ok Roger, don't bother.
Presten: Just for a moment. Go ahead Roger bring it.
Steven: No, Roger don't. Oh, ok, go ahead bring me a chair. Excuse us for a moment.
Alex: Excuse me.
Alex and Steven walk away from the table.
Alex: What's going on Dad?
Steven: Alex, I want you to come home with me now.
Alex: Not so loud.
Steven: I'm sorry, this place makes me mad and when I'm mad I'm loud. Now come on, let's go, I don't want to make a scene.
Alex: I think it's a little too late for that.
Steven: I was hoping you would come to it yourself, but obviously, you don't understand the moral ramifications of your being here.
Alex: Would you just stop it Dad?
Steven: Don't you understand what this place stands for? It's aliteis, it's exclusionary.
Steven tries an orderv and a drink.
Steven: Boy these things are great, what are they?
Waiter: Rumockey sir.
Steven: Are there any without liver?
Kimberly: The Bunny Hop Alex, come on.
Steven: Don't hop away from me when I'm talking to you.
Scene VII Livingroom:
Elyse, Mallory, and Jennifer are sitting on the couch. Steven and Alex are also in the room.
Elyse: Ok girls let's go up.
Jennifer: Go ahead Mom, we'll meet you up there.
Mallory: Nice try kid.
Jennifer: Well, it was worth a shot anyway.
Mallory, Jennifer and Elyse go upstairs.
Steven: Before you say anything Alex, I just want you to know I'm sorry.
Alex: Dad, I just want you to know that that's not enough.
Steven: I'll write notes of apology to the Blanton's and Kimberly. What did you tell them anyway?
Alex: I told them the truth. That you were my Dad's twin brother, and that you escaped from a home.
Steven: Thanks for covering for me.
Alex: You really humiliated me Dad. How could you do that?
Steven: Alex, it's hard to know when to interfere and when to let you go on your own. When you were little it was easy. Take the poison and put it on a high shelf and give you a safe place to play, and make sure you don't tumble down the stairs. As you get older it gets harder. The line between protecting and interfering can get blurry. I tripped over it tonight, as you might have noticed.
Alex: You were really something out there.
Steven: My father, your Grandpa Jake, was a very unemotional man, very distant, very proper. He was so proper, I didn't know he cared. He didn't show it. I guess I overreact, because he didn't react at all. Understand?
Alex: Yeah, I guess.
Steven: Look Alex, I was wrong to go over there like I did, but I hope you understand why I did. I hope you understand why I felt so strongly about you being a restricted club.
Alex: I do Dad, but I'm seventeen years old. When I see Kimberly Blanton in a strapless evening gown, I don't look past her for the bill of rights.
Steven: Alex, I was seventeen once myself, but I had principles, I had beliefs. Well, now that you mention it, I do recall working for Nixon for a couple of weeks in 1960.
Alex: Richard Nixon?
Steven: You see, there was this young republican, Sandra Fudderman, a real fashis, but she wore it well. I mean Sandra was...well she had...,there was a way she could...--
Alex: I get the point Dad.
Steven: I love you very much Alex, sometimes it overwhelms me and I make mistakes like tonight. I know there are other fathers, more in control, more reserved, more adult, but, none that love their sons more than I love you.
Alex: I know you do Dad. But, that's the crazy part, even when we were out there bunny hopping tonight, mad as I was, and I was hopping mad. I knew.
Steven: Good.
Alex: But, I'm not you Dad. We're two different, separate people.
Steven: I know that.
Alex: Think this kind of thing's going to happen again?
Steven: I don't know, we're both getting older. One of us is bound to grow up eventually.
Steven and Alex shake hands. Then they hug.
The End.