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A Very Merry Toy Store (2017)
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- Candles and carols And Christmas with you I'll bring the chocolate Won't you bring some too? We'll have sleigh rides and yuletides And Christmases white With candles And carols tonight When it's snowing and blowing And freezing outside Bundle up, my darling Let's go for a ride There'll be shopping and stopping Till nighttime, and then It's candles And carols again Oh, the fire Burns brighter each year Let the love light shine Hang some mistletoe And move closer, dear Christmas kisses so delicious Think I'll have another With my reindeer and good cheer And Christmases white Candles and carols tonight [inaudible] - Hi. Hi. - Hey, guys. It's cold, come on in... Thank you for coming. Hi. Hmm. - How many at DiNova's? - Two. Including Mr. Finch. - Al Finch? - Mm-hmm. - Huh, he was at the poker game the other night. - Oh, yeah? How much did he take you for? - What makes you think I lost? - Uh, because you played, Randy. Come on, how much? Eighty bucks? - Ha! Shows all you know. Eighty-five, yeah. So next time, don't be so smug. [phone rings] - Forrester Toys, where you can pre-order the all new Princess Alicia doll and snow castle. This is Connie speaking. How may I help you? No, ma'am. We won't have the Alicia dolls until the 12th. Yes, I'm pretty sure DiNova's will tell you the same thing. No, I don't have their number. Yes, I believe it's spelled D-I-N-O-V-A. V, as in "Victory." Okay. Bye-bye. Good luck. Paula, let me get you that chess set. [phone rings] - DiNova Toys, where you can pre-order the all new Princess Alicia doll and snow castle. This is Will speaking. How may I help you? No, ma'am. Not until the 12th. Uh-huh. Thank you. - It's a quad copter. Great for the indoors, but I would definitely keep my Ming vases out of the way. They're right there on the shelf. - Connie, you've got to help me. I need a toy for my boss's daughter. - What age? - 7 1/2. - My Little Pony Magical Princess. Twilight Sparkle. Aisle 2. - You sure she'll like it? - You might just make partner. Oh, hi. What's your name? - Eleanor. - Hi, Eleanor. You look like a seasoned pilot. You want to take the controls? There you go. Ah, you're doing great. Just don't lose the luggage. - Hi. - Hey. - My son's looking for a skateboard for Christmas, and I heard about this one brand, called the Hurricane. - We carry the Thrasher. You know it? Oh, it's a great board. - Um... would Forrester's have the Hurricane? - They might. Let's find out. Just make you get a top-of-the-line helmet to go with it, then your boy should be fine. - Why would I need a top-of-the-line helmet? - Min, where do we keep that number for Forrester's? - Why would I need a top-of-the-line helmet? - Well, I'm sure you heard about the recall. I got it, Min. We're good. - What recall? - Hmm? - What recall? - Oh, sometimes the wheels fly off at high speed. No big deal. Hello, Forrester's...? - Uh, hold it. Tell me more about the Thrasher. - Pie Face. Is this a game I could play with my family? - I've never met your family, ma'am. - Randy, I'll take this. Actually, Pie Face is a great family game, and the more people that play it, the better. - But are the rules complicated? - No, ma'am not at all. Very simple. Just don't forget to pick up whipped cream on your way home. -[laughs] - She was asking good questions, huh? - Greg, if you're thinking about getting that for your grandson, you already got him the same truck for his birthday. - I did? - Same color and everything. - Any other ideas? - Three words: LED hand spinner. Aisle 5. - He will not be bored. - Thanks. - [chuckles] Hey, sweetie. How was school? - Okay. - Not very convincing, kiddo. Can you hand me that penguin, please? - What's up? - Marshall Booter. He says he's sure his bobsled's going to win this year. - And what do you say? - That he's right. It wins every year. - Do I have to remind you that the Cubs won the World Series last year? So anything can happen. Shark. - Greetings and salutations. - Hi, Nana. - Hi, honey. - Hey, Mom. How was the crowd over at DiNova's? - No comment. - Mom! - Connie, I refuse to feed this ridiculous obsession of yours. - You're not feeding it. You're just snacking between meals. Come on, talk to me. - Maybe half this size. - Yes! Can I get an amen? - That is not very neighborly. Don't encourage her. - Hey, listen, I have been swamped with the store. I don't think I'll be able to cook dinner tonight. - I can't either. Takeout from Joe's? - Perfect. - Roast beef and mash? - With extra gravy. And pecan pie. - Forget the pie, kiddo. We've got ice cream. And remember, we are on a budget. - Okay, I'm on it. - You want to throw your stuff in the back and help me? - Four letters. A watery conveyance. Ends with a K. - Bark. - [chuckles] That's what my dog said. - It's also a boat. Hath not their bark been very slow in sail. - Game of Thrones? - [laughs] A Comedy of Errors. Mr. Shakespeare. - Hey, it fits. - Yeah. - You go to Harvard or something? - Morristown High. You don't need Harvard, Ed. You just need a library card. - I am late. I will see you later, Joe. - Okay, pal. - Oh, hey, Pam. - Hi, Ed. - Have a good night. - Have a nice evening. - Good evening, Pam. - Hello, Joe. - My, what do we have here? Three turkey specials, one roast beef and gravy. Sounds good to me. Francine, we're going to need four slices of pecan pie. - Coming right up. - Oh, Joe, we didn't order the pie. - Compliments of the chef, me. - Oh, you don't have to do that. - I changed the recipe. I want to hear what you think. Unless, of course, you hate it. Then don't tell me. - That's not likely. Thank you very much. - Let me ask you a question. Are you still giving those piano lessons out of your house? - Every day. Why? - You got room for another student? - Grandchild? - Not quite. This one is 68 years old, but he's very eager to learn. What do you think? Am I too late? - Well, it's never too late. But why the sudden interest? - Uh, it's my niece. - Your niece. - Yeah, my niece Tilly, actually. She's getting married in six weeks down in Baltimore. I'd like to be able to play the Wedding March at her ceremony. - Six weeks? Doesn't leave us much time, does it? - Is it impossible? - Not if you work hard. - So that means it's impossible. - [laughs] - I was afraid of that. Kidding. When do we start? - Call me. Thanks, Francine. - Say hi to Randy for me. - All right, darling. - Bye. - Good night, you two. - Bye-bye. - I will call you. - Okay. - Hello, house. - Mm, smells good. - Well, let's hope it tastes good too, because this will be our last takeout for a while. - Listen, sis, if money's a problem, I just got invited to a poker game at Lou Gallano's place. - No, Randy. No more poker, please. I beg you. - How come? - Um, because... I forgot the most delicate way to say this. You stink at it. - Connie, if I am so bad at poker, how come everybody in town wants to play it with me? - Here we go. - Pecan pie? Mom! - He didn't charge us for it. - Small mercies. - Still worried about your loan payment? - Oh, no more than Dorothy was worried about the Wicked Witch. - Connie, level with me. - Well, if business stays brisk and the bank extends my loan deadline, then we'll be okay. But it wouldn't hurt if DiNova's would pull up stakes and move to Alaska this month. But I'm not counting on that. Teej, dinner. Turn of the TV and go wash your hands. - Hey, kids, what store has all your favorite toys for Christmas this year? - Roy's! - I can't hear you. - Roy's! - Still can't hear you. - Honey, what...? - Roy's! - Why are you whispering? - You have your earmuffs on. - Oh. I knew that. - [all laugh] male announcer: Roy's Toys. Largest selection in New England. And pre-order the new Princess Alicia doll from the hit movi e Moonglow, on sale December 12th. - Nervous, Mom? - The nearest Roy's is in Hartford. You know that, honey. Go wash your hands. - How many times am I going to have to buy this house, Ben? - So, what made you sell it in the first place? - Equal distribution of assets. I didn't have a choice. But now I want it back. I need it back. I miss it. - What about Laura? Do you miss her too? Ha! What am I saying? Of course you miss her too. She's as beautiful as she was brilliant. She's as funny as she was-- - Yeah, I get it, Ben. But this was my family home. I grew up here. - That's right. Well, even for a part-time mayor, that was very impolitic of me to say. I'm sorry, Will. - So, how much to move in? - Well, I would wave my commission fee, of course, but the bank's going to want at least $80,000 upfront. - $80,000? - Yeah. - All right, well... that just means I'm gonna have to have an awesome December. That's all. - Oh, my daughter loves this song. It's from a movie. - Moonglow. - Moonglow. Yes. - Do you carry the doll? - Oh, not until next week. But if you pre-order the doll, we will guarantee it by next Tuesday. - Great. - Ho, ho, ho. What would you like for Christmas this year? [gasps] A what? A mermaid? All right. Well, I'll see if I can talk to your mom about a little fishy then. Just ring your bell on Christmas Eve, and I'll come visit you. All right, come over here and see Santa. Now, what is your name? - Angelica. - Angelica, what a beautiful name. What would you like for Christmas this year, huh? A kitten? I think we can probably do a kitten, if I put in a good word with your mom. We'll see, all right? So here's a bell. And ring it on Christmas Eve, and I'll see what I can do. Okay. All right, buddy, hop aboard. Oh! Now, what would you like for Christmas this year? A recorder? Oh, you're a music man, huh? Well, here's a little bell. And on Christmas Eve, I want you to ring that. And I'm going to try to bring a recorder your way. Now you be real good. All right. Oh. Hey, Francine. What are you doing here? - Randy, you asked me that last week when you bumped into me at the movies, and the week before that at the bowling alley. - Oh, well, I guess I'm just a curious guy. Well, here. Merry Christmas. - Oh. - All right. All right there. Hey, what's your name? - Okay, well, we will see you on the 12th. Can I help you find anything else? - Thanks. I think I'm just going to keep browsing. - Okay. - Hey, how's DiNova's up the street? - I cannot say enough about it. - [laughs] - Thanks. - Because it drives me crazy. - And the... itsy-bitsy spider Climbed up the spout again - Hey. - Okay, that was better, Joe. But remember, G-flat is here. - Yeah, sorry, I got a little distracted there. I was worried about the spider. - Yes, he certainly was in a bit of a pickle, wasn't he? - Yeah, but then sun comes out, dries everything all... Everything's normal again. Yeah, it's pretty convenient if you ask me. - Lazy, you mean. - Yeah. Like they'd rather just want to wrap everything up and get out of there, you know? - Well, maybe he had to go to the bathroom. - Maybe. I'm sure all that talk about the rainfall probably didn't help, huh? - [both laugh] - Don't make me laugh when I'm drinking, Joe. Pianos are expensive. - I promise. - By the way, what kind of piano are you practicing on at home? - I bought this... this little Brite. You know, it's cheap. On Craigslist. I don't know what it was called. It was 60 bucks. - Just remember, you need to practice two hours a day if you want to be ready for your niece Tilly's wedding. - Yeah. - Okay? - Sure. - All right, from the top. - From the top. From the top. - The itsy-bitsy spider Went up the garden spout - You got to buy this too? - Why do I have to buy that? - Because it's open and I'm drinking it. - Speaking of theft, Randy, I noticed some missing inventory again. I think I have a shoplifter on my hands. - Okay, here's what you do. Four guys, undercover. - Four? - Yeah. Like one for each corner of the store. - Preferably ex-Navy SEALs. - Navy SEALs, got it. - Shoplifter comes in for the five-finger discount, and boom. You take them out like the A-Team. - Okay, you're proposing I spend tens of thousands of dollars to catch a Play-Doh thief. - Okay, two guys, ex-FBI. Now the thing here is-- - Randy, how about we just get some security cameras, okay? They're 30 bucks, over there. - We can do that. - Yeah. - Oh, dude, business is booming, Jake! [laughs] I had to hire three more people just to keep up with traffic this week. I can't-- Oh, hey, Forrester. How's it going? Hey, Jake, listen, man, I got to go. But let's have dinner soon, okay? On me this time. Merry Christmas. My buddy Jake. - So sounds like things are going good for you, huh? - What? Oh, man, don't tell me you just overheard that. Okay, now I'm embarrassed. - [laughs] Well, you should be, because there is no cell service in here. - I'm sorry? - Yeah, this whole block is a dead zone. - Oh, really? Well, then who was I just talking to? - Uh, the only person who finds you faintly amusing. Yourself. - I know plenty of people who find me amusing. - Oh, yeah? How is skid row these days? - Okay, that was kind of clever. - And, of course, we are pleased as punch to be bringing our high quality superior selection to this part of the state. - Your grand opening is on Saturday. How did you manage to keep it quiet for so long? - It wasn't easy, believe me. - Back to you, David. - How could this have happened, Ben? - A heads-up would have been nice, Ben. - I was blindsided too. - How'd he build a huge story in town without anyone knowing about it? - He didn't. He was crafty. He went through a second party. He bought the old Tower Records just off the highway. It's been standing empty for nine years. - Well, serves us all right for not buying more records. - Ben, what are you going to do about this? - Well, naturally, Will, I'm going to wave my enchanted mayor's wand seven times and turn Barnes's new store into a big pile of goose feathers. - How would that be? - Sounds good, Mayor. But I'd keep that wand under lock and key, because if-- - Joking. - Unsuccessfully. But maybe there is a magic wand we can use. Come with me. - You want to tell me where you're going? - Less than anything else in the world. - She does not mince words. - County library? Whoa. Don't get in here much. What are we looking for? - Municipal document. I know I saw it down here once, but they have moved everything around since I worked here back in college. - Oh, I remember when you took that job. - Oh, yeah? - Yeah. Dad was scared stiff you'd wind up a librarian instead of going into business with him. Sis, you know I'm not bitter, right? About Dad leaving the store to you instead of the both of us? - Well, I hope not, Randy. I mean, I was there when you told him you'd rather spend 50 years in the Sahara than one hour in the toy business. - Boy, sure took that literally, didn't he? - [laughs] - But, well, I guess it makes sense. I mean, you love the store as much as he did, and I love crewing on fishing boats and giving you a hand in the off-season, but... - But? - [sighs] Well, it's just I wanted Dad to be proud of me, that's all. - Oh, Randy, he adored you. - Well, yeah, but it's not the same as being proud. - Ah-ha. - What? - Come on down to Roy's Toys. Roy's got everything you need for Christmas this year. - How about a driver's license? - Almost everything. - [all laugh] - And...cut. That was great. Let's go tighter. Five minutes, everybody. - Listen, Max, the kid in the black shirt over there is walleyed. It's creeping me out. - Walleyed? - Yeah. I'm afraid you're going to have to replace him. - Get a normal kid in there. - Okay, Roy. - And do it quietly, under some sort of pretext. - I'll think of something. - Good. Miss Halifax, what's the good word? - Problems. - That's a bad word. - You need to see this, Roy. It's from the New Britain location. - Are they ready for the grand opening? - There may not be any grand opening, Roy. Look. - What am I looking at? - County ordnance someone dug up from 1948. Forbids the operation of any retail establishment over a certain size. - Well, what about Tower Records? - It was never enforced before. - Well, why pick on me? Why does Tower get all the breaks? - Roy, they're bankrupt. You're worth $2 billion. Who got the break? - They did. - Okay, Roy, you're getting hysterical. - You're right. I'm in a tizzy. These things throw me into a tizzy. I need a field estimate of my chances. - Of not being shut down if you ignore this thing? 25 to 1. - Get my lawyer on the phone. - Which one? - All of them. - Okay, your little brother's going to love this. - Merry Christmas, Brady. - Thank you. - Paper just came. - Oh, good. Let me check out the new coupon. - Oh, no. - What's wrong? Did they forget the little dotted line that shows you where to cut? Oh, no. - I know. I know. - What happened to the ordnance? - Connie, it's like I told Will DiNova just now. Barnes's attorney filed a motion for a waiver. - Filed a motion with who? - The Board of Selectmen. We're voting on it this month. But it has to be a simple majority. That's the good news. And the board is only me and two other people. Shirley Laverson who, granted, might vote in Barnes's favor. And my brother-in-law Pete, who I just gave my kidney to last year, who I guarantee you will not. And I'm certainly not going to. - What was-- What's the bad news? - I beg your pardon? - Well, you said there was-- That was the good news, like there was also some bad news. What's the bad news? The vote is on Christmas Eve. Until then... [mumbles] - What? Until then, what? - Barnes gets to remain open. - No! No, that is two weeks away. That could seriously damage my business. - I know. Will DiNova has a lot to lose too. - Stop trying to cheer me up. [phone rings] Forrester Toys, where you can pre-order the all new Princess Ali-- DiNova? - Well, good morning, Connie. Do you need a menu? - Oh, no, thanks, Joe. I'm not staying. - Well, how about a referee then? - Toll House cookies. Help yourself. What is a toll house anyway, huh? - Is that why you asked me to come down here? To ask me that? - No. You going to sit? Got a proposal for you. - You're not my type. - Forrester, my deal will go a whole lot better if I don't have to fight with you. - Mine won't. - All right, look, I know we have a little history together. Your dad resented my uncle for buying his own store up the street, and you resented me for taking it over. I get it. - Is this going to be a long story? - No, I'll cut right to the end. - We're drowning. - I'm not. - Give me a break. We're in the same leaky boat, and you know it. - Oh, a second ago we were drowning. - So I mixed my metaphors a little. Sue me. The point is, there's trouble in River City, and his name is Roy Barnes. - I am well aware of Roy Barnes. What is it you want exactly? - An alliance. You and me. - I'm sorry? - Strictly of convenience, and only for two weeks. - You mean like working together? - Why not? I feel like Bugs and Daffy teaming up to fight Elmer Fudd. It happened all the time. - Bugs never teamed up with Daffy. - What? You're cra-- You want a list? "Rabbit Fire," 1951. "Rabbit Seasoning," 1952. - "Rabbit--" - You know what, DiNova? I don't care. - All I'm saying is we pool our resources. All we got to do is keep ourselves alive until the board votes to reject Barnes's waiver on Christmas Eve. Then we're home free. - And if they don't reject it? - Well, then we're sunk anyway. But Ben assured me they will reject it. I'm sure he told you the same thing. So, what do you say? Temporary partners? - I'm going to have to think about it. - What? - Have a nice day. - Are you going to let me know before his big grand opening on Saturday? Forrester! Man, she loves these dramatic exits. - I know I do. [phone rings] - Hello? Oh, hi, honey. You coming home? - Yeah, in a bit. Mom... the sign on the store, Dad copied the design from the caf he took you on your first date, didn't he? - Mm-hmm. Brewed Awakenings. Up in Grandville. We sat sipping coffee for more than three hours. Your dad was so nervous that half the sugar ended up in his lap. - He was crazy about you, Mom. - Yes. He loved me, and you, and Randy, and TJ, and that store. That was his world. - Pretty great world. - You want to tell me what's going on? - Oh, nothing, Mom. It's just... I have this friend. She lost her dad four years ago, and her husband a year later. And now she's close to losing her business. So she gets to wondering, what does luck have in store for me next year? - Well, Connie, you tell your friend that luck can change. Especially if you make your own. - Did you get that from a fortune cookie? - Doesn't mean it's not true. - I love you, Mom. I'll be home soon. - I love you too, sweetheart. [phone rings] - Hello? - DiNova? I'm in. - Yes! Oh, by the way, I'm Bugs in this scenario, okay? You're Daffy. [laughs] I'm just kidding. You can be Bugs if you want to. Hello? You've already hung up, haven't you? All right, then. I...yeah, I'm going to hang up too. You might be wondering what it is I'm doing here, and what it is you're doing here, employees of Forrester Toys and DiNova Toys. Well, as of today, we few, we happy few, we band of brothers... - And sisters. - And sisters... are co-workers. Each of our stores is remaining open, but we're going to be pooling our profits, our inventory, and our marketing plan. - Which means we're going to ask all of you to put aside that burning feeling of disgust and resentment that's been haunting your thoughts and fueling your nightmares for the last several years, and see if you can work together as a team. Do you think you can do that? - Yeah. No problem. Easy. - Sure. - You can? - We already get along great. - You do? - Connie, I think you might be projecting here. I mean, all of us really like each other. - We actually hang out after work. - Maureen and I have been going out for almost a year now. - And Kenny and I are thinking of eloping next month. - Oh. - Congratulations. - Well, that was awkward. - If you laugh, I'll kill you. [piano being played] - Okay. That was, um... that sounded... you have been practicing two hours a day, right? - Yes, I've been practicing two hours a day. Sometimes three hours a day. - Oh. Hmm. - Let me ask you a question. I've been looking at this photograph for weeks now. One of those guys up there, he was your husband, wasn't he? - Yeah. That's Alex on the right there. - Ah. A fine-looking man. - Hmm. - Grand opening. Nice. Who's the other fellas? - Oh, that's Roger DiNova. - They were partners? - Yeah, didn't you know? - I only hit town a couple of years ago. What happened? - Well, Alex and Roger were best friends in college. And about five years after they graduated, they decided to open a toy store. - It was all Dad's idea. - Connie, do you mind? I'm giving a piano lesson. - Actually, you're giving a history lesson, and I'd like for it to be accurate. - Anyway, since Alex was the primary investor, he felt that it should be his name on the front window. - Dad sunk every last nickel he had into that place. - Roger was okay with that at first, but as time went by and he was working every bit as hard as Alex was-- - Ha! - He decided that his name should be there too. - And Alex refused. - They fell out over it. And then Roger took out a loan and opened his own toy store one block down the road, mainly out of spite. - Mainly? - Connie, do you want to finish telling the story? - Oh, I wouldn't dream of it, Mom. I love science fiction. - And they never made up, huh? - Funny you should ask, Joe. Hi, Pam. TJ let me in. Uh, sorry. Probably should have called first. For what it's worth, Pam, my uncle wanted to visit Alex every day he was in the hospital. But he refused. - I know. I'm sorry, Will. - Okay, let me just say this for the record. I hate this story. - Yeah, me too. - So, what brings you by, DiNova? - Joe, actually. Francine said you might be here. Pancake recipe for tomorrow. The best you ever tasted. - It's yours? - The ex-wife's. I'm sure she's whipping up a batch every morning these days - for Carl. - Carl? - The ex-friend. - I hate all these stories. - TJ, did you remember to close the garage? - No. - I saw a bobsled in there. That yours, TJ? - Yeah. - Nice. Getting ready for the big race next weekend? - Oh, you mean the one I'm going to lose? - He's been reading The Power of Positive Thinking. - You know, I was supposed to lose to Mark and Frankie's sled back in 1987, but I didn't. I actually took first prize. Maybe later I could show you how. - Cool. - Grand opening. This isn't even a good opening. In two hours I've sold exactly one Mr. Potato Head and one game of Monopoly. - Actually, the Mr. Potato Head just got returned, Roy. But they took store credit. - Where is everybody? - You're not going to believe it. - Oh. - The princess will be here Tuesday, Mel. Hey, I am so sorry. We are out of the Chase & Go ball popper, but I bet DiNova's up the street will have one. If I were you I'd hurry. Reverend, how's it going? - Connie, if I served these at church, we'd fill every pew. That heavenly, huh? [laughs] Ben, looks like you could use some more coffee. - Oh, thank you, Connie. Hey, you know why they call coffee "mud"? - Uh, because it was ground a few minutes ago? Old joke, Ben. - I'm not that old. - Hey, Eleanor, you having fun? - Sorry. I know I'm always playing with this toy. - Oh, what do I look like, the FAA? Knock yourself out. - I really wish we could afford to buy it. My dad says there's no money for extras right now. - Yeah, a lot of that going around. - Not bad. Not bad. - Yeah, I counted 85 just now. - Yeah, it was almost 70 over at my place. Well, you were right. Americans will do just about anything for free pancakes. - I think this guy's ready to propose. - Oh. [laughs] - What is he doing here? - So, this is where all my customers got to. I wondered. Connie Forrester, right? - That's me. - Roy Barnes. My associate, Miss Halifax. Nice to meet you finally. And nice little shop you've got here. - Be it ever so humble. - We were just in DiNova Toys. Wall to wall. Tell him congratulations. Pancake breakfast. Hat's off, guys. Very inspired. - Mr. Barnes-- - Roy, please. - Roy. I have to say, you're being surprisingly gracious considering, well... - I'm the competition? Why the heck not? I mean, you two seem to get along okay, right? - Peas in a pod. - See what I mean? I just figured that's how things are done around here. It's kind of refreshing, right, Miss Halifax? - Like a mug of hot cocoa. - Or a stack of buttermilk pancakes. Speaking of which, do you mind if we...? - Yeah, follow me. - The Eliminator? So tell me, what's the Eliminator, exactly? - Sled. - Bobsled, Mr. H. Best one in the county. Tell him how fast it goes, Boots. - 42. - 42 miles an hour, Mr. H. - Oh, that's not going fast. That's flying low. - Right. Hey, Boots, where should we go to celebrate after you win next weekend? - [laughs] You guys are feeling pretty confident, aren't you? - Well, who's going to beat him? - Anything's possible. Cubs won the World Series last year. - [laughs] - Cubs weren't facing the Eliminator. - Hey, pal, listen, I really want to see you win next weekend, huh? - Me too. - How would you like a one-man crew chief? - You're hired. [drill whirring] - Hey. - You hear the latest about Roy Barnes? - No. Do we want to? - Well, apparently now he's a patron of the sport. - What? "Toy mogul Roy Barnes has thrown his hat "into the winter sports arena "by sponsoring Marshall Booter's bobsled, "the Eliminator, which will be competing in the winter carnival race Saturday." Sponsoring? - Yeah, like it's NASCAR or something. Can you believe this? - No. - Why is he doing it? - "Well, just my way of giving back to the community," "Barnes explained, as he stood in front of his recently opened New Britain store." - What a pack of lies. He's doing it to get to me. - To get to us. It'll just be that much sweeter to watch them lose next week. Hand me that screw right there, please. - I'm installing it now, sis. You'd never even know it's a camera. Heck, you even fooled me. [laughs] - Hard to believe. - Right? This dude's shoplifting days are numbered. - Oh, that's great. Thanks, bro. Oh. Hold on, I got to take this, okay? All right. Talk soon. Bye, Randy. Hello? [sighs] This is huge. Thanks, Tess. I owe you one. Tess Howard, I helped her ace third period algebra, and now she gives me intel on Roy Barnes. - What's up? - Well, Tess works at the warehouse where they're shipping the Alicias from. - And? - And... she said there is limited production on the dolls this year. Anyone who placed their order after October 15th won't be getting their dolls in time for Christmas. - Like Roy Barnes's new store? - Like Roy Barnes's new store. - Does that mean Roy is out of luck? - Up a creek without a princess. [all laugh] - Hey, Roy! Neil Armstrong, Roy! Neil Armstrong! - What? Neil Armstrong? Buddy, you're the one in outer space. - Randy, I noticed some more missing inventory. I think our shoplifter has struck again. - Don't worry, sis. The gnome is in the home and on the job 24/7. Let's take a bite out of crime. Okay, never mind about last night. Just go to when you first opened up this morning. - Gas station, Randy. Gas station. - No! I had the gnome facing the wrong way. At the window. [sighs] - You know what? It's my fault, Randy. When I said to monitor the store, I really should have specified this store. - Hey, hey, don't beat yourself up, sis. I'm partly to blame here too. [phone rings] - Hey, Tess. What's up? What bad news? Will, we've got a problem. - How big? - Think Armageddon. - Uh, Sam will finish ringing you up, ma'am. Sam, please. - What's up? - Money changed hands. The dolls that were supposed to be coming to us tonight, they're being delivered to Roy's. - But isn't that, oh, what's the word that means opposite of legal? - Well, if Barnes forged the papers, it's just his word against ours. - We could sue. - And we would definitely win. But I just talked to a lawyer. He said it could take up to three years. - Those are our dolls, Forrester. We paid for them. - I know. The question is, how are we going to get them back? - [sighs] - How are your acting skills? - Let's find out. - Is this Big Al Larkin? This is Sue Dodie calling from corporate. Yeah, listen, I just heard from New Britain. Uh, what's going on out there? I mean, you lost or something? - What are you talking about, lost? I'm on Route 7 now. - Oh, no, you did not just say that, Al. Uh, please hold. Ned, Ned, he says he's on Route 7. I think he's going to the wrong address. - What? I want that man fired! - Oh, whoa, whoa, Ned. Okay, look, look, cool your jets, okay? I know that Roy is your brother-in-law, but let's give the man a chance, okay? Al, Al, listen, are you with me? Listen, you're going to the wrong address, okay? You want to go to 870 Juniper Road, you got that? - 870 Juniper. Got it. Am I in trouble? - Not if you get there in the next 10 minutes. Good luck, Al. - Nice. Yes. Oh, 10 minutes. Come on. - Okay. - We got to go. - Where are my keys? [grunts] - Tell Sue Dodie that was 9 minutes and 58 seconds. - What happened? - I was running late. I had to cross the river at Marineaux Road. - They got a bridge there now? - No. They really could use one, though. This looks like a high school. - Yeah, you know, Roy decided Tower wasn't big enough for him, went out and bought himself a high school. - Pretty nifty, huh? - I guess so. It doesn't look like a store, though. - Thank you, Al. That's exactly the look we were looking for. - Yeah. Latest thing in kids' marketing, Al. You make them think they're in school, and then bam! Toys. - Yeah, yeah, our new slogan is, "It's always recess at Roy's Toys." - Ah. Not bad. - Yeah. - Hey, want me to pull around back? - We're already unloading, Al. Thank you, though. - Gotcha. - Do you think Barnes will report us? - For taking back our own stuff? Not likely. - That's it. - We did it. Ah! - Nice, partner. Nice. Got it. - Moonglow Moonglow The moon will always shine Shining all around [laughs] I may be a terrible singer, but I still love this song. - Yeah, me too. Oh, this is me right here. Up and to the left. Thanks for the lift. You know, the last thing I expected was to have fun tonight. - Me too. - But you did? - Overall, I'd say it was better than a head cold or filing a tax return. - You know, when you gush like that, it just embarrasses me. - Good night, DiNova. - By the way, would it kill us if we started using first names? - Why take chances? - Come on. Just try saying, "Good night, Will." - Good night, Will. - There you go. Was that so bad? - Sort of. [laughs] - Good night, Connie. - Good night. - And listen, now that we have the dolls and Roy doesn't, tomorrow's going to be a mob scene. Get some sleep. [car door closes] - Some mob scene. Where is everybody? - I don't know. Is there something great showing on TV, like The Godfather, or John Wick 2? I doubt it, Randy. - No, John Wick 2. - I heard you. Maybe they're all at DiNova's. Hello? - We're back here. Our customers. - Shoppers at the Roy's Toys in New Britain got the Christmas surprise of their life today when Stephanie Desmore, the pop sensation whose theme from Moonglow is now the number one hit in the country, took to the stage as part of an all-day holiday concert sponsored by toy magnate Roy Barnes. Word spread fast, thanks to social media. And now the star-studded event has attracted an audience of thousands. - Barnes had her flown in today? - Yup. We got the dolls, but he got the diva. - The moon will always shine - I hate this song. - Shine on... - Mike. Hey. Listen, business took a major hit on Tuesday. It picked back up again yesterday, but that balloon payment I have coming up, I'm going to be a little short. - How short? - Uh... Chihuahua? - That's pretty short. - I know, I know. I have to ask for an extension. I can give you $30,000 now, but the other $40,000 maybe in three months. - Fine. - Before you shoot me down, I just want to say that-- Wait, what? - I'll have to run it by Mr. Harris, of course, but I'm confident he'll be agreeable. - Really? You're not joking? - Connie, have you ever met a banker that had you rolling in the aisles? - Good point. Thanks, Mike. Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas. - [laughs] - Plus a little cooking oil for added viscosity. And then you just stir. And voil. - Then it just sits here overnight? - That's it, buddy. You just got to leave these garage doors open, and by the morning these runners will be pure ice. Grease lightning. - Not bad. - Hmm. - Will this really work? - Well, it worked against Mark and Frankie. - Mom, I think Will might be almost as smart as you. - Not quite. But I have my moments. - Dinner's ready, everybody. Will, why don't you join us. - Come on. - No, you cannot see that movie. You're not allowed. Not for another 10 years. - Mm. - Mom, do you think Roy Barnes will be at the race tomorrow? - Oh, I'm sure of it, kiddo. - Doesn't he live down in Stanford? - Yeah, but he'll be there. - Oh, I burned him but good the other night when I drove past the gas station. You guys should have been there. It was the night that I installed the Gnome in the Home. - Remember? - Oh, yeah, I remember. - Yeah. So he's over by the station pumps, just yakking with some dude. And I cruise up and start going, "Hey, Neil Armstrong. Neil Armstrong." I rocked him to the core. - Neil Armstrong? Like-- Like the first man to walk on the moon? - Yeah. Yeah, like, "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." I was calling him a space cadet. I was telling him to moonwalk back where he came from. Neil Armstrong. Come on. Don't tell me you never heard of that before. - I never heard that before. - Ah, well, I guess it's just not hip enough for you then. Kids all know what it means, right? - I never heard it before either, no. - Well, I mean, the young kids. - Yeah, sure. Yeah. - Yeah. - Thanks for dinner. - Oh, thank you. It was nice to get my mind off Roy Barnes for a few hours. Do you think he even enjoys what makes him rich? You know, toys, children, all of that? - Not the way you do. You really love it, don't you? Why do you love it so much? - Well, what do you remember about growing up? I mean, before the age of 10. - Not much. - Most people don't. But I bet there's a special toy you remember. - Hot Wheels Spiral Speedway. Got it for my 8th birthday. - See what I mean? Ah, Spiral Speedway. Mattel introduced that in 1983, discontinued in '91. Awesome track. - Whoa. - Well, when I help a child find the perfect toy, it doesn't just make them happy. It creates a memory... sometimes. And when I do that, well, it's not solving world peace, but it's not nothing either, right?? - Far from it. Hey, uh, do you mind if I ask you a somewhat personal question? - I guess I'd have to hear it first. - Have you been out with anybody since... - Since I lost my husband? The answer is yes. - Yes? - Yes, I do mind the somewhat personal question. Sorry. - For what? All right, well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Top of the hill. - Top of the hill. [engine starts] - [exhales] - All right, here we go. - Okay. - This is it right here. - Careful, TJ. Slippery. - He's all right. - All right. - Okay, buddy, let's go get ready. Get away from your mom. - Forrester, how's it going? - Roy. - I heard you had a little confusion with the delivery of your dolls the other day. I'm very sorry. - These things happen. Here looking after your investment? Oh, that? Come on, that's just local advertising. I don't have a horse in this race. I just came out to support my new neighbors. - Like the one you hope beats the pants off my little boy. - Not true. I'm only sorry that there can't be more than one winner today. But there never is, is there? - You're a real piece of work, you know that? - Okay, bobsledders, take your places on the starting line. - Mom, where's Uncle Randy? - He's down by the finish line. You want Boots to give him a message for you? - You're going to do great, bud. - Oh... Okay, do you see him? - [gasps] - Oh! - TJ! - Whoo-hoo! - Come on, buddy! - The first thing I want to do is go over the rules. When I say go, you slide down this hill. Any questions? Good. Because that would concern me. - Ready? - All right, listen, it's just like the practice runs. Tilt the wheel, don't jerk it. - Got it. - And remember, you own this hill. These other kids, what are they doing here? - Visiting. - Exactly. Let's do it. - Hey, listen, I want you to win, but I'm also your mom, so be careful, okay? All right, go get them. - You're all strapped in? Because we have no insurance. On your marks... get set... go! - Come on, sweetheart. Come on. - All right. - Oh, my God! - What? What's happening? - Barnes has better binoculars than I do. - Ugh! - Come on, come on! Faster! - Aah! - No! - Go, go, go, go, go, go! [all cheer] - Yes! - Yes! All right. Whoo-hoo! [grunts] [both laughing] - Sorry, I got caught up in the moment. - Bravo. No kidding, that was magnificent. - Miss Halifax. - A thing of beauty. - And a joy forever. Congratulations. - You should really be on Broadway, you know that, Roy? - What are you talking about? I told you, I have no horse in this race. - That you did. See you around. [music playing] [no audio] - You know the penalty for failure. Wait! Nice of you to drop in. No! [inaudible] - Hey. Want to dance, sailor? - Yeah, sure. o] - The answer is no. - Hmm? - No, I haven't been out with anyone since Sam passed away. You know, at first you're just afraid of what your kid might think, but then when he starts asking why you're not seeing anyone, you know it's a little more complicated than that. - I don't think it's complicated. - No? - You've been through the ringer the last few years. Twice, in fact. Who wouldn't be scared to get close again? - TJ likes you. - Of course he does. I'm adorable. - Sometimes. [gasps] Oh, did I really just say that? - Yeah, surprised me too. - Feel like going for a walk? - Sure. - Randy, wait. Are you going home? - Oh, hey, Francine. Yeah, my Blu-ray copy of The War for the Planet of the Ap es came in today, so... - I love Planet of the Apes. - Wait, you do? - Yes, I love it so much. - Wow, so cool. - I know, right? - Yeah. Definitely going to have to lend it to you sometime then. Remind me, okay? - Okay. [slow music playing] - Well, you're quite the dancer. I...I took a couple of lessons while I was stationed in Madrid. It seemed safer than studying bullfighting. - [laughs] So you were in the service? - Marine Corps, 23 years. - Wow. That's very impressive. - [laughs] Well, I don't know about that. A lot of guys were in the Marine Corps. Better than me. Let's try it again. - Whoo! - Whoo! [laughs] [mellow music plays] - Listen, I know I can be a little sarcastic sometimes... - Oh, stop the presses! Hold the headline. - Speaking of sarcasm. But, no, this is from the heart. I can't thank you enough, Will. - Well, TJ did most of the work. - No, I don't mean just about the race today. I mean about everything. You know, the whole partnership. It was a good idea. You were right. And if business keeps going the way it's been... - Why wouldn't it? - And the board rejects Barnes's waiver on the 24th... - How could they not? - Well, then everything will go back to the way it was before. - Not a minute too soon. - So...dissolving our new partnership, that's good news, right? - The best ever. - I hate it too. [tender music plays] - Thank you. - You're welcome. See you later. Hi. Did you find everything you need? I'll just curl this for you real quick. Make it nice and... There we go. - [sighs] I don't know about this. I never liked the chandelier, really. - Does Liberace live here? - I was also thinking about putting in a porch light right here. - Oh, nice. That's very Pepperidge Farm. You think Connie will like it? - What do you mean? - Come on, Will. Am I blind? You think handsome and sexy equals blind? Everybody in town knows what's going on between you two. She's a great girl. You're a very lucky guy. - That I am. It's my family home. - There is one piece of bad luck, I'm afraid. This couple down in Philly, they're interested in making an offer on the place. I can stall them for a while, but not indefinitely. So do you think you're close to raising the 80 grand? - Well, I got 37 so far. Forty if I cash in my bonds. - That's not enough. - How much time do I have? - Two, three weeks, maybe. - Oh, that's not enough. [sighs] - Will... I know you were happy here with Laura. - For a while. - And I know you think buying back this house will somehow make you whole again. But maybe there's an argument for not buying it back and moving on with your life. - Get a hold of yourself, Ben. - The forecast: cloudy, windy and cold this morning... - By the way, what was your favorite toy growing up? - Dizzy Doll. - Dizzy Doll. What is that? Like a baby doll? - Mm-hmm. Yeah. His eyes would sort of light up when he speaks. - I know a girl just like that. - Come on down to Roy's Toys, where everything at my New Britain store is 80% off. Nope, there's nothing wrong with your television, and you don't need a hearing aid. But if toys are what you're after, at Roy's they're 80% off. No, no, no. Go on back home, Santa. Roy's got it covered this year with this 80% off sale. 80%. That's spelled 8-O-M-G. It's 80% off, only at Roy's. See you soon. 80% off. - New Britain only. He's doing this to sink us. - Man, we're dead. - Over my dead body. [dramatic music] [indistinct chatter] [inaudible] - Oh, my gosh. Whose puppy is this? - What's going on? - What's your name, little fella? - Oh, is it a doggy? Is he okay? Miss Forrester... [pants] - I love these figures, Rick. You guys are going to love your bonuses this year. Speaking of lovely figures. - Sorry, Roy. She stormed right past me. - Oh, that's no problem. Guys, you want to give us a minute? So, Miss Forrester, how are you? Let me guess. Seething. - No, I passed seething back on Route 15, Roy. You're looking at full-on rage. I want you out of New Britain. - I don't blame you. - This is just another drop in the corporate bucket for you. You know, you don't have to be here, but we do. - Look, it's nothing personal. My team did a field study last year, and realized that a store in your part of the state would optimize market share. So we opened one. - To optimize market share? - Exactly. - For what does it profit a man to gain the world but forfeit his soul? - He gains the world. - You really are hopeless, you know that? - Everybody should be so hopeless. But, hey, I need a manager for my New Britain store. Somebody local, somebody smart. You know, knows all the parents' names, sold toys to all the kids. What do you think? I'll give you a great salary. I'd even buy your store. How about it? - I think you know what you can do with your offer, Roy. Neil Armstrong! - What is with the Neil Armstrong thing? Field estimate. Forrester's chances of staying in business if I take no further action from here? - Three to one. - Here you go. [phone rings] Here you go, boys. Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas. - Sis, telephone. - Hello? Yeah. Mike. - Connie, I just had a call from Mr. Harris. I'm afraid he's rescinding your extension. - What do you mean he's rescinding it? - You need to have the rest of your loan repaid by the 24th. - Mike, today's the 22nd. - It's out of my hands, Connie. - Did Roy Barnes put him up to this? Mike? It's nothing official, you understand. - Then tell me unofficially. Barnes is a VIP customer at the bank. He threatened to take his money elsewhere if we didn't play ball. I'm very sorry, Connie. - Hey, sorry I'm late. I didn't know Joe had a liquor license. - He got it two weeks ago. Just in time. - I'll have a beer, please, Francine. - You got it. - Thanks. [sighs] I'm really sorry. - Got room for another clerk? Experienced, hardworking, and she'll even go on dates with you. - Oh, I'd hire you in a flat second, but it turns out my doors are closing too. - Hmm? - Um... Connie, I don't know how to tell you this, but... I just took a job with Roy Barnes. It's the same one he offered you. Even if the board votes to get him out on the 24th, he still wants to hire me. He promised to buy my shop. - No. - I want that house, Connie. I need that house. - No, you can't do this. - I'm so sorry-- - No, you can't be doing this. - Connie, please listen. You have to tell me you understand. You have to, Connie, otherwise the guilt's just going to eat me alive. - Well, you know, they have cures for everything now. [dramatic music] - Eleanor. You got here just in time. - What do you mean? - Well, we're having a special today. Everything in the store is marked down for customers named after famous first ladies. - Marked down? - 100%. - My gosh. - Better hurry, because there was a Mary Todd in here looking at that yesterday. - Thank you. - Merry Christmas. And Roy Barnes would put an end to that sense of community. I mean, not overnight, of course. But it only starts with toys. And before you know it, Donna, your dress shop that you've owned for 17 years would be wiped out by a 30,000-square-foot box store. And Jim, your hardware store would go head-to-head with a Home World. I mean, sure, it's got a bigger selection, but lower quality. And terrible service. And that kind of attitude seeps into the groundwater. Abby, by the time little Wendy graduates high school, this will hardly be a town anymore. You know, it'll just be another giant retail wasteland with a few houses in between. I mean, sure, the maps and signs will still say New Britain, but it'll be a lie. And we'll be the ones telling it. Thank you. - Thank you, Connie. Now the board will take its vote. Yay to approve Mr. Barnes' motion to remain in town. And nay to reject it. Thank you, Shirley. It's only three votes, so it won't take too long to tabulate. The first vote is... nay. And the second vote is... yay. And the third and final vote is... yay. Roy's gets to remain in town. Congratulations, Mr. Barnes. You ingrate. I gave you a kidney. - I support the free market, Ben. I had to vote my conscience. - Sis, the guy over there... - Pete Griffin. What about him? - He's the one that I saw with Barnes at the gas station the other night. Neil Armstrong, remember? - Are you sure? - Yeah, I'm positive. - Well, why would Barnes drive all the way from Stanford at that time of night to meet with a councilman? Ben, that vote was tampered with. - Tampered with? By who? - By you. You were spotted a few nights back at the gas station with Pete Griffin. - Filling my tank. - That's when the money changed hands. - That's a serious charge you're making, Connie. - Randy will testify to it. - Oh, I'm sure he will. Doesn't mean it happened. Besides, I just met that man today. - Pete? - He's telling you the truth, Ben. - He said, she said. What's the point in even talking about it? - I feel sorry for you. - So do I. You know why I feel sorry for you, Roy? Because you're nothing but a no-good, two-face liar. - What did you call me? - You heard me. - I guess you don't want to be working for me then, huh? - Yeah. You got that right, Roy. Guess I'll stick with humans from now on. Excuse me. [somber music] - Remember this guy? - Dizzy. - Yeah, his eyes glow when he speaks. - I know a boy like that. I wanted to come over and say thank you. You didn't have to do that. - It was a lousy job anyway. Should have seen the break room. - Was it worth it? - Almost. Okay, now it was worth it. - Why is it so dark in here? - Yeah, they shut my power off today. I was going to pay the bill, but... - Why didn't you? - Can't afford it. - But you have $40,000. - Had. Not anymore. I spent it right before I went to City Hall. - Spent it on what? Your house, of course. - Not on the house. On your store, actually. It's all yours again, Connie. Free and clear. You deserve it. A lot more than I deserve you. - But Barnes will just put me out of business in a year. - Then we'll just have to fight him somehow. - Where have you been all this time? - Just up the street. - Hey. - Hi, Joe. - Is this a bad time? - No, no, no. Come on in, come on in. Well, how about some coffee? - Oh, no, thanks. - I was just getting ready for church. I guess I probably shouldn't wear a tie with this shirt, should I? - No, you don't need it. Listen, I just came by to return this check. It's too much money. - Well, uh... Christmas bonus. - Well, that's very generous of you, but I don't think I deserve it. You're not making much progress. You're not making any progress. Have you been practicing two hours a day like I asked? Because your niece Tilly's wedding is right around the corner. - [sighs] - Joe, where's your piano? - [chuckles] - You don't have a piano, do you? - I don't have a niece Tilly either. - But I've been giving you lessons every day for three weeks. - And they were worth every penny. - Oh. Hey, Francine. Connie's not here. - Uh, no, I'm not here for her. Randy, do you have a minute? There's something I need you to see. - Yeah. - [sighs] - You caught the shoplifter? - Um, no, Randy. I am the shoplifter. But I'm returning everything. Unopened. And I'll turn myself in, if you like. - But why did you...? - I wanted you to notice me. - What for? - I'll set fire to the sign tomorrow. - Oh, careful there, kid. Arson's a serious crime. - [chuckles] - Don't forget, the gnome sees all. - The Gnome in the Home. It was facing the wrong way. - Your faces, your cars, your license plates. You're toast. - Yeah. Just met this guy today, huh, Roy? - I gave you my kidney, for crying out loud. What did he ever give you? - Eight grand. - Eight gra--! That's it. I want my kidney back. I want it now. Hand it over! Wait, you know what? I'm just going to take it from you! Get over here! - Field estimate. What are my chances of winning if that goes to trial? I hate that number. - [laughs] - Hey! - Good work. - Thank you, Pam and Joe Haggarty, for that lovely accompaniment. Many of you were present at their wedding this past spring. Although tonight, we are all gathered here to celebrate the union between Connie and Will. [applause] |
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