[Woman] Hi, Cary.|- Hello, Sara.
you're way ahead of me.
of my trees, much less get them pruned.
Oh! I can't take|credit for that.
Martin always made the arrangements|with the nursery.
After his death, the service|just automatically continued.
Not that I haven't the time. With|the children away except for weekends,
- I've got nothing but time.|- Yes, I know.
That's enough about that.|Let's have our lunch. It's all ready.
- Darling, I can't have lunch.|- Oh?
I would have phoned, but I wanted|to bring back the dishes I borrowed.
Sometimes I think you're smart|not to be a club woman.
Sometimes I wonder,|but it's just not for me.
- I hope you didn't go to trouble.|- I didn't.
It's George. He just phoned.|He's bringing out a weekend guest.
Last-minute notice, as usual.
What with a hundred other things to do,|I've got to dig up a date tonight...
- For this Mr. Allenby.|- A date?
Look, he's 40, which means he'll|consider any female over 18 too old.
We might as well face it.|I've got to be off.
Oh, how about joining us tonight|at the club for dinner?
Well, no, Sara,|I don't think I'd better.
Don't be silly. I'll phone Harvey.|Pick you up around 7:30.
- Harvey?|- Oh, well, at least he's available.
- Bye, darling.|- Good-bye.
Engine Starting]
- Could I help you, Mrs. Scott?|- Well, yes, thank you.
- Just put it right there.|- All right.
- Would you like some hot coffee?|- Yeah, thanks.
Perhaps you'd like|to share my lunch with me.
My friend couldn't stay. I have plenty|of food. Chicken, salad and rolls.
- Just a roll and some coffee will do.|- All right.
- Won't you sit down?|- Mm-hmm.
I was just wondering|if there's much to be done.
- Everything looks so wonderful.|- Not much.
[Chuckles]
Do you think you'll finish today|or will you have to come back?
Well, probably will.
I often wish I knew more|about gardening.
Do you think|I ought to take it up?
Only if you think|you'd like it.
- I'm Mrs. Scott.|- Yes, I know.
- I'm Ron Kirby.|- Oh, you're Mr. Kirby's son.
Mm-hmm. I took over the nursery|three years ago when my father died.
Have you been coming here|ever since?
Mm-hmm. Every spring and every autumn.
This may be my last year.
At agricultural school, I got interested|in trees. So I started growing them.
- What kind of trees?|- All kinds.
White fir, Douglas fir,|silver tip spruce.
- Do I have any?|- [Chuckles] No.
But you have some|just as interesting.
Like this Koelreuteria.
In china where it comes from,|they call it the Golden Rain tree.
Beautiful, isn't it?
They say it can only thrive|near a home where there's love.
- It's a beautiful legend.|- Mm-hmm.
Well, I'd better|get back to work.
Thank you for the coffee.
[Boy] Hey, Mother!
Here I am!
Hello, darling!|- Hi!
- Ned|- Hi, mom.
I didn't expect you home|until tomorrow.
I didn't have a class today|so I phoned Kay from Princeton...
I was catching up on some case|histories... bane of the social worker...
- So I brought them along.|- When's dinner?
I've been invited out|for dinner.
- Where are you going?|- Sarah's giving a party at the club.
I'll have to get dressed. Harvey's|going to pick me up in a little while.
Harvey?
Oh, that's all right.|I'll go fix the cocktails.
- Harvey likes my martinis.|- Ned, the martini wizard.
Have you been seeing much of Harvey?|- No, dear, he's been out of town.
Florida, I think.|- I like Harvey.
He's pleasant, amusing,|and he acts his age.
If there's anything I can't stand,|it's an old goat.
As Freud says, when we reach|a certain age, sex becomes incongruous.
I think Harvey understands that.
##[Orchestra]
And the only bachelor|around here.
I'll admit,|he does have his drawbacks.
He talks too much|about his health,
but when you get to be his age,|it's understandable.
Of course, it's normal to|fall apart as one grows older.
But I can see|it might be hard to accept.
Although naturally it doesn't matter|as much with men as it does with women.
But, I guess Harvey's|intelligent enough anyway to...
this?
[Wolf Whistle]
It's about time you wore something|besides that old black velvet.
- Is it?|- Of course.
Personally, I never subscribed|to that old Egyptian custom.
At least I think it was Egypt.|- What egyptian custom?
Of walling up the widow alive in the|funeral chamber of her dead husband...
along with|his other possessions.
The theory being that|she was a possession too.
with him. The community saw to it.
Of course, that doesn't happen anymore.|- Doesn't it?
Well, perhaps not in Egypt.
- What do you mean?|- Oh, nothing. Let's go downstairs.
[Music Off]
Holy cats, Mother.
I've had it for quite a while.|I just haven't worn it.
- Do you like it?|- I guess it's all right.
[Doorbell Ringing]
Hope it doesn't|scare Harvey off.
- A typical Oedipus reaction.|- A what?
A son subconsciously resents his|mother being attractive to other men.
We call it an Oedipus complex.
[Door Closes]
- Good evening, Harvey.|- Cary, my dear! Well!
- And Kay!|- Hi, Harvey.
- You'll have a cocktail before you go?|- We have time.
- He's mixed it especially for you.|- Thank you.
- We've missed you.|- I'm glad.
- Did you enjoy Florida?|- Perfect, Kay, perfect. Cary!
I discovered one of the most|wonderful doctors down there.
Cured one of my eternal colds,|like that!
Mom, Harvey, the Scott special.|- Thank you, Ned.
- Thank you.|- Mmm!
Excellent, my boy! Excellent!
I'm not sure the gin is as good|as the brand I usually use,
but the vermouth is fair.
[Kay] You mean|those two little drops you put in?
Kay, I hope for the sake|of my liver you've miscounted.
[Chuckling]
Cary, you're looking|lovely tonight.
- That color becomes you.|Well, thank you, Harvey.
Ned was afraid the dress|might frighten you.
It would take more...|perhaps I should say, less to scare me.
No, thank you, Ned.|One cocktail is my limit.
You know,|my reform started...
the night your father|won this trophy.
He filled it with champagne|and made us drink it.
[Sighing]|I can still remember it.
- How many of you were there?|- Not enough.
- I think we better start, don't you?|- Yes, Harvey.
##[Orchestra]
- Cary! Hi, Harvey.|- Hello, Bill.
- We never see you anymore.|- Cary, dear, it's been ages.
Ann and I were laughing|the other night about the time Martin...
Here you are. You can have her later.|Come on, darling.
My favorite woman. What'll it be?
- We had a martini at the house...|- Never switch the pitch.
- Same for you?|- Nothing for me. I've had my quota.
You'll need more than one to see you|through this party, all my fault too.
- And I've got him for the whole weekend.|- George! Hush.
Tom, Cary. I want you to meet|Miss Frisbee, Mr. Allenby, Mrs. Scott.
- Mrs. Scott.|- How do you do?
Hello. I've been telling|your Mr. Allenby...
He's awfully hard to resist.
Seems to be mutual.
- Sara!|- Hello, Sara, Cary.
Did you see? The Nortons|are here together. After all the talk...
- What talk?|- You know what everyone said.
- No, but i'm sure you do.|- [Clearing Throat]
Cary, oh, darling! How wonderful|to see you. I hardly recognized her.
It's indecent to have two grown|children and look as young as you do.
attracting attention, is there?
I suppose that's why so few widows wear|it. They'd have to be so careful.
- Hello, Howard.|- Hi!
[Sara] Go ahead, Cary.
All right. I'd like to.
That was a horrid thing to say, Mona.
What do you mean?
I was only trying to cheer her up|by telling her how lovely she looked.
- But she didn't seem to need it.|- Shall we have a drink?
- How are mary and the children?|- Everybody's down with the flu.
- I'm sorry.|- House is like a hospital.
Now i'm glad I did.|[Chuckles]
You're beautiful, Cary.|Too beautiful to be lonely.
I can never decide whether Howard's|wife is a saint or just not very bright.
She stays at home alone|night after night.
- Yes, but she has the children.|- Even if she hasn't got Howard?
- What does that mean?|- Don't bristle. Did I mention cary?
I'm beginning to think|you have an evil mind.
Now, really.
- It's much nicer out here, isn't it?|- Yes.
That's where they're going|to build a new swimming pool.
- Oh?
That's a wonderful place for it.
When do you think they'll...
Why don't we meet in new york?|I know a place.
Howard, let's forget|you said that.
I'm sorry, Cary.|I don't know what got into me.
I know you're not like that.|I apologize for what I said.
That's all right, Howard.
- But I don't apologize for wanting you.|- [Sighs]
Why didn't Ned tell me|about you before?
Think of all the time|we've wasted.
You're off on a tangent.|Your values are confused.
I don't get it.
The basic values of the sex attraction|between man and woman are...
Oh, Mother and Harvey.
Well, i'll try to explain,|but not here.
Here you are.
- Would you like a nightcap?|- No, thank you, Cary.
It's way past my bedtime.|It's been a wild night for me.
I've enjoyed every minute of it.|I always enjoy being with you.
Thank you.|I feel the same.
- Have your key?|- Yes.
Now do you understand that much?
Frankly, no. But...
All right, I'll...|I'll try again.
Cary...|[Nervous Chuckle]
I don't know whether you're ready|to think about marrying again.
Well, no, l...|I don't think I'm ready.
Of course I realize I'm not|very romantic or impetuous...
But then, you'd hardly|want that sort of thing.
I'm sure you feel as I do.
That companionship and affection|are the important things.
I could give you those, Cary.
Well, I won't press you|for a decision now.
- Good night, dear.|- Good night, Harvey.
You really didn't want to be|a football captain. You wanted love.
- Yes.|- No, not the romantic nonsense.
I mean, basic love,|the desire to be liked.
Football was merely|a means to the end.
Of course,|you do have the build for it.
How can anyone so little|be so smart?
And yet so pretty?
[Sawing Sound]
- I'll see you Tuesday.|- Well, how long does this go on?
Oh, you mean the pruning.
He was supposed to come back|a couple of weeks ago and finish up.
- I almost gave him up for lost.|- The independent type, huh?
- Good-bye, darling.|- Good-bye, Sara.
Hello there.
[Engine Starting]|- Hello.
I thought you deserted us.
- I've had a busy week.|- Busy two weeks.
- Have you been buying more trees?|- How did you guess?
Well, l... I was just going to make|some fresh coffee.
- Would you like some?|- No, thank you. I'm all finished.
That means we're not going|to see you again until next spring.
I won't be coming back|next spring.
I'm giving up|my maintenance work.
Growing trees|is a full-time job.
At least the way|I want to do it.
Don't worry.|I'll find you someone.
Thank you.
Well, I guess this is good-bye.|I wish you luck with your trees.
- Remember the silver tip spruce?|- Yes?
I was wondering,|if you're not too busy,
you might like to come over|to my place and see them.
Well, I'm sorry,|but I'm afraid I can't today.
Oh, well, of course,|if you can't.
- Oh, Mr. Kirby.|- Yes, Mrs. Scott?
Well, I was just thinking|that maybe if...
You've changed your mind?
All right! Let's go!
It certainly is|out in the woods.
- Not what you expected?|- I thought you lived here.
I do.
I can see that a woman might not|like it, but it does very well for me.
If one likes to live|in a glass house.
At night when I'm in bed|I can see the stars in the sky.
- And you have your plants.|- Mm-hmm.
- What a lovely color.|- That's a coleus.
The one on the other side|is a dracaena.
Grows into sort of a tree.
- Oh, where are the trees?|- Right outside.
After you.
Of course, they're only|five year olds, but...
Five years to grow that?|Don't you ever get impatient?
If you're impatient,|you have no business growing trees.
Someday I'm gonna tear down the old mill|and put in more silver tip spruce there.
- What's in the old mill?|- Oh, nothing.
Could we go in?|I love to poke around old buildings.
[Door Creaking]
That's the old millstone.|Grandpa used to grind his flour here.
Watch the cobwebs.
That's the loft where|he used to store his grain.
Oh!
Oh, look.
Oh! Wedgwood.|If we could only find the pieces.
- What would you do with it?|- I'd steal it. I love wedgwood.
It was probably thrown there|because the pieces were missing.
Better leave it.
Seen enough?
No, I haven't even started.
I suppose these old beams|are rotted.
No, they're oak.|They're good for another hundred years.
And the stairs?|What's up there?
I don't know.|I haven't been there since I was a kid.
- It's pretty dirty... full of cobwebs.|- Oh, I don't mind.
[Gasping]
Did the bird|frighten you, Mrs. Scott?
Well, it...|it would frighten anyone.
A fireplace.|Why, that makes it perfect.
Perfect? For what?
Why, a perfect place|for you to live.
It would take a lot of work,|but it'd be worth it.
- I've got a place to live.|- Oh.
You don't intend to live|in that room all your life.
- I hadn't thought about it.|- You'll have to one of these days.
You'll meet a nice girl...|- I've met plenty of girls.
Nice and otherwise.
Well, not the right one.
And when you do...|Or do you think you're not susceptible?
No. I don't think that.
Well, it's getting|a little late.
I'm sorry. I wasn't|trying to arrange your life.
After all, it's|none of my business.
[Dove Cooing]
[Door Creaking, Closing]
I'm going upstate to buy some trees|for some friends of mine.
I'll be gone a couple of weeks.|I'll see you when I get back.
- No, l...|- I'll see you.
[Footsteps Approaching]
##[Piano]
[Doorbell Ringing]
- Hello, Cary!|- Hello, Sara.
I dropped by to invite you for dinner|tonight. Mona and Mark are coming.
Mona?|- I know, but I owe them a dinner.
Besides, Mona can be amusing|unless you happen to be her target.
I suppose I should say yes. I haven't|been out since harvey left town.
But mona...|I didn't mean that the way it sounded.
You can't sit around here|with nothing to do.
You should at least|get a television set.
- Oh, no!|- Why?
Because it's supposed|to be the last refuge for lonely women?
That's very sweet of you,|but I don't want a television.
All right, but I've already spoken|to the local television man about you.
[Doorbell Ringing]
- You really should get one...|- Excuse me.
- Hello.|- Hello.
I was just going to drop in|on some friends of mine.
I thought you might like|to come along.
Well... won't you come in?
Thank you.
They'll probably ask us|to stay for dinner.
I have a guest right this minute.|Could you wait?
Cary?|- Yes, Sara?
- Mrs. Warren, this is Mr...|- Kirby.
How do you do? I can't stay.|I'll see you tonight.
Would you be terribly disappointed|if I didn't come tonight?
Of course not! I understand if you're|not in the mood for Mona's gossip.
- We'll make it next week. Bye.|- Good-bye, Mrs. Warren.
You are coming.
Well... Yes.
It'll be cold by the time we get back.|Better take a warm coat.
[Horn Honking]
Hey, Mick!
I'll be right back.|Hey, Mick!
[Car Door Closing]
- Hi, Ron.|- Hi.
[Laughing]
[Laughing Continues]
[Ron] Hi!
- I'd like you to meet Mick and Alida.|- How do you do?
- Hello.|- Hello, Cary.
What a nice surprise.|Come on upstairs.
- You're just in time for the clambake.|- Good!
- Come on in.|- Thank you.
- It's a little chilly in here.|- I'll have a fire in a moment.
I'll take your coat.
- Say, Ron, why don't you start it?|- Okay.
I'll make an anderson special, a talent|I developed on the ulcer circuit.
Freely translated,|the advertising business.
You wouldn't believe it,|but he was once a v.i.p. In New York.
No, you're the one that taught him|to be a very independent person.
The only thing he ever taught me was|how to open a wine bottle with my teeth.
To hear them tell it,|you'd think they spent the war...
crawling from|wine cellar to wine cellar.
[Ron] We did!|- Make cary comfortable, will you, Ron?
All right.|Sit down, Cary.
- What did you say about me outside?|- When?
When he looked at me|and laughed.
I told him you had the prettiest legs|I'd ever seen.
- Here is the Anderson special.|- Oh, it's heavy!
Put the cauldron on the fire,|will you, old man?
- You're in for a shore dinner.|- Hope you like it.
- I do.|- Good!
- Here you are, Cary. Alida.|- Thank you.
Here's to those who wish us well, and|those that don't can go to hackensack.
Salud.
- How do you like it?|- Marvelous. What's in them?
First you get some ice, two jiggers|of clements, a little twist of...
Mick, stop it!
- You can help me bring up some wine.|- We'll be right back.
- How many are coming tonight?|- You never can tell.
That's so true.|You never know with that boy.
Which means I better get busy.
- Can I help you?|- Oh, no, make yourself comfortable.
"The mass of men lead lives|of quiet desperation.
"Why should we be in such|desperate haste to succeed?
"If a man does not keep pace|with his companions,
"perhaps it is because|he hears a different drummer.
"Let him step to the music|which he hears, however measured...
or far away."
- Why, that's beautiful.|- That's mick's bible.
He quotes from it|constantly.
- Please let me help.|- All right. Come on.
Kind of heavy.
- Is it Ron's bible too?|- Hmm?
I don't think Ron's ever read it.|He just lives it.
- Put it in the middle.|- All right.
Thank you.
- Alida?|- Hmm?
taught Mick?
Well, it's kind of|hard to explain.
I guess all of us|are looking for security these days.
You see, Mick thought...|Well, like a lot of other people...
that if he had money and an important|position it would make him secure.
Then when he met Ron who didn't have|either one and didn't seem to need them,
He was completely baffled.
Mick a long time to figure it out.
What was the answer?
To thine own self be true.|That's Ron.
comes from inside himself.
take it away.
Ron absolutely refuses to let|unimportant things become important.
That's what Mick|and I were doing. We were.
In fact, things got so bad|between us that...
right before he went to Korea|we were thinking of a separation.
You seem so happy.
Not then.|We weren't happy then.
Our whole life was devoted|to keeping up with theJoneses.
But when Mick was wounded|and had a lot of time to think,
He decided to get off|that merry-go-round.
When he came back,|he put it right up to me.
[Woman] Alida!|- Yeah?
My room's a mess,|but don't bother. I'm off!
- Wait!|- I can't, I'm late. See you tomorrow.
- Mary Ann! What time?|- I don't know. In the afternoon.
[Ron Chuckling] Mary Ann!
- I didn't know you were coming.|- Why, sure.
- [Mary Ann] Now I'm disappointed.|- Why?
I thought it was just another|of Mick and Alida's get-togethers.
- If i'd known... I want a rain check.|- Name it.
- To go swimming with you again.|- It's too cold.
- How about sailing then?|- Fine.
- Before it gets too cold for that too.|- I have a windbreaker.
- What about me?|- You'll be warm enough.
You never take me seriously.
Drive carefully, Mary Ann!
My young cousin.|She's spending the winter with us.
She thought our party sounded dull, so|she arranged to stay with a girlfriend.
- Think this will be enough?|- Yes.
darling?
What have you been doing? I thought|you'd have the heavy work done.
- Put the bottles down.|- Think 16 will be enough?
- With this crowd? Thanks.|- You betcha.
Oh, no, thanks, honey, but there's some|tablecloths in the right-hand drawer.
- Lobsters have arrived!|- Look, I got 'em!
Hey, Manuel! Thank you!
I caught myself|this morning!
- This is Manuel, the lobster king.|- Hello!
My pleasure.|She's beautiful! My wife Rozanne.
Tanto gusto!
Mi hija, Marguerita.|- How do you do?
Marguerita is a very good cook.|She makes this corn bread...
Hey, hey, hey!|Get your paws off!
[Rozanne] Alida!|- It's so good seeing you.
You will love the lobsters.|Mick, let me help you.
Well, Grandpa! How are ya?|Let me take your coat.
Cary, this is Grandpa Adams.|He's a beekeeper and artist.
- You must see his one-man show.|- Why, I hope to.
Of course, Miss Cary, I'm not|an abstractionist. Strictly primitive.
[Alida] Come on in, Grandpa!
Edna, what a beautiful cake!
Meet Miss Pidway, head of the Audubon|Society and an outstanding bird-watcher.
- How do you do?|- How do you do?
- Glass of wine, Manuel?|- Two glasses of wine for Manuel!
- A dollar says you can't.|- Why, put it on your bill.
I've never seen this|done before.
- I wouldn't try that with my new teeth!|- Oh, no.
- [Cork Popping]|- Ha-ha!
# My, my, my|I have rovey eye #
# How he fly|all around the town #
# Eye, eye, eye|every passerby #
# He look-a her up|he look-a her down|ooh-hoo #
# Ooh-hoo #
#Lady, what a pleasant view #|- Thank you.
# Ooh-hoo #|[Wolf Whistle]
# I make the flirty eye|at you #
No more fly #
#All around the town #
# Not since I find|a passerby #
# She look-a me up|Me look-a her down #
# She and me we go to town #
Hey, Mick, take over.
# Da-da, da-da, da #
# Da, da, da #
# ah, ha, ha #
- Hey! [Muttering]|- [Laughing]
[Manuel Continues Muttering]
- Faster, mick!|- ## [Tempo Increases]
[Cary]|Oh!
Hey! Hey! Hey!
- [Laughing]|- Oh!
Hey, everybody!|The lobsters!
[Chattering, Laughing]
[Alida]|Get 'em out of the way. There!
[Doorbell Ringing]
Mrs. Scott?|- Yes?
I'm Mr. Week. Mrs. Warren told me|you might be interested in television.
Most of my ladies tell me|tv gives them something to do.
Mrs. Warren has made a mistake.|I'm not interested in television.
I'm in a terrible hurry.|Will you excuse me?
May I call again, Mrs. Scott...
[Car Horn Honking]
When you called me|to hurry, I hurried.
Did you have anything better to do|of a Saturday afternoon?
No, as a matter of fact, the children|aren't coming up this weekend.
After you.
Oooh!
What you've done to it!
And the fireplace!|Oh, it's so friendly.
And you put in|this big window.
What a beautiful view|of the pond.
- Why, you can see for miles!|- Mm-hmm.
- The sun comes up right over that hill.|- Oh!
- Do you like it?|- Why, it's unbelievable.
Let's take your boots off, huh?
Of course, there's a lot of work to|be done yet, but it'll be worth it.
- Your feet are cold.|- I know. They're frozen.
- The teapot. You found all the pieces.|- Mm-hmm.
It took days and days.|[Chuckles]
These stairs are|moving to the loft.
I'll add the bedroom up there.
The old millstone|I'm trying to make into a table.
You know why I've started|to fix the place?
I didn't want to say anything until|I knew I could make it livable...
for us.
Do you understand|What I'm saying, Cary?
Yes.
I'm asking you to marry me.
I love you, Cary.
L... I just hadn't|thought about marriage.
Why do you think|I've been seeing you?
I didn't think.
- Can't you see it's impossible?|- No.
This is the only thing|that matters.
No. There are|other things that matter.
The children... How could I ask them|to give up their home?
Home is where you are, Cary.
But the kind of life you lead,|l... I don't know that life.
How could I make sure|it would work out?
You can't, Cary.|You can't!
Don't you see I'd be turning my back|on everything I've ever known?
- Isn't it enough we love each other?|- No, cary.
It isn't.|It isn't enough for either of us.
You're running away from something|important because you're afraid.
- Afraid?|- Mm-hmm.
- Of what?|- Many things.
Perhaps you're right.
It's absurd|to think of marriage.
- It's out of the question.|- Cary!
The hours|you've spent mending it.
Doesn't matter.
Cary.
Don't forget your boots.
I'll help you.|You mustn't catch cold.
[Sobbing]
Darling, don't cry.
Oh, Ron,|I love you so much.
What are you|thinking about?
That I love you.
It won't be easy.
There will be|a lot of things that...
You'll have to help me.
I'll help all I can.
- It's getting late.|- Mm-hmm.
Does it matter?
I'll take you home.
with the roast twice on saturday.
I kept phoning|up till 9:00 in the evening.
I'm sorry,|but I completely forget.
- Hello, Mrs. Plash.|- Hello. I was just thinking about you.
- Pleasantly, I hope.|- Of course.
I was telling Mrs. Scott|I couldn't figure out where she was.
- I even phoned the club.|- Oh?
The children weren't coming up so|I decided to go away for the weekend.
- I'll take my roast now.|- Glad you had a chance to get away.
- Where did you go, darling?|- Upstate.
Good-bye.|Good-bye, Mona.
It's comforting to know|she's not lonely, Mr. Gow.
Mona Plash is such a gossip.
It'll be all over town|by tomorrow, I'm afraid.
I hate to have the children learn|about us before I tell them.
Then you'd better tell them.
It should be so simple.
Two people who are in love|with each other, want to be married.
Why is it so difficult|all of a sudden?
It isn't,|if you're not afraid.
That's what Mick|learned from you, isn't it?
No. You can't learn that|from anybody.
Mick discovered for himself that|he had to make his own decisions,
that he had to be a man.
And you want me to be a man.
Only in that one way.
Mona certainly didn't|waste any time, did she?
I suppose the whole town's|talking about it.
Well, she phoned me.|That's why I rushed over.
Of course,|I didn't believe a word.
You should.
You can't be serious.|Your gardener?
He isn't my gardener.
He did work on the trees.|You met him.
And even if he was,|I'm in love with him.
And I'm going to marry him.
Well, all right,|maybe I'm a snob.
But it isn't just a question|of whether he's a gardener.
The talk won't stop at that.
younger than you are.
And the fact that you're a widow.|- What does that got to do with it?
- With money.|- Ron isn't interested in my money.
And that he worked at your place|while Martin was still alive.
People will say that all this started|before your husband died.
- But that's not true. You...|- I don't!
But Mona? Ha!|Mona will have a field day.
Before she gets through,|the whole town will believe it.
You know, Cary, as well as I do|that situations like this...
bring out the hateful side|of human nature.
Remember you have|Ned and Kay to think about.
At their age,|what people say matters terribly.
Have you stopped to think|what all these rumors will do to them?
You're asking me to give up Ron because|of something in people that's mean?
- I didn't say that.|- Do you think it would be good...
if I were to let myself be|beaten by such hatefulness?
Well, I'm not gonna do it.
Let them say what they want to.
And that goes for you too, Sara.
I must say, Cary,|you've got stubbornness.
And courage.
If you want to throw me out,|I won't blame you.
I apologize.|At least I can do that much.
You don't have|to apologize, Sara, just...
just go on being my friend.
I'd be a fool not to do that.
I've got to give a cocktail party|this weekend for that moron Jo-Ann.
She bagged Tom Allenby.
You bring Ron.|Maybe if people see him,
maybe if they get to know him,|they'll accept him.
Well, I'll call him.
[Train Bell Clanging]
Good evening, Mrs. Plash.
- Hello, ned. You home for the weekend?|- Yes, I am.
Just wait until you see your mother.|She's never looked so radiant.
- I wish I knew her secret.|- Thank you, Mrs. Plash.
- Lf you'll excuse me, I've got to hurry.|- Mm-hmm.
Yoo-hoo, Mildred!|How was New York?
Mother?
I'm home!|Where are ya?
I'll be up in a minute.
Yeah.
- How are you, dear?|- What were you doing in the cellar?
I was putting some things|away in the storage closet.
Everything was getting|so cluttered.
Where's Kay? She and Freddie|were supposed to drive up together.
She's upstairs.|We've been waiting for you.
Why all the mystery when|you phoned? Who's coming?
Oh, mother, I hope you don't mind|my borrowing your manicure set.
Which is better?|Crimson snow or traffic light?
[Ned] Oh, dig you. Since|when have you joined the female ranks?
- All right!|- Now, Kay, Ned.
I want to discuss something with you|that concerns you as much as me.
You're going to get married.
Why, yes.|How did you know?
Oh, it had to happen.
Anyone as attractive as you.
Besides, you know what I think|of widows being walled up alive.
Egyptian fashion.
I knew you felt that way in theory.
Theory and action should be one.
Don't worry, Mother.|We're all for it.
Oh, darlings.
Hey, save that for Harvey.
Harvey?
Well, it isn't Harvey.|It... It's Ron Kirby.
You know him.|At least you've met him.
The only Kirby I know|is old Kirby the gardener.
- Last I heard, he was dead.|- Ron is his son.
Mother, is this a joke or something?
- No, it isn't a joke, Ned.|- But, Mother, you can't...
There's no point in approaching this|emotionally. Let's try to be objective.
us!
Just the same. Now, Mother, have you|introduced him to any of your friends?
[Ned]|Yeah, what does Sara think?
Well, Sara's invited us|to a cocktail party tonight.
I wanted you to know him first,|so I asked Ron to come early...
for a drink,|one of your special martinis.
This is no time for martinis.
Mother, why did you keep|this whole affair such a secret?
Because subconsciously|you were afraid he wouldn't fit in?
Why, Ron has no intentions|of fitting in, Kay.
He's quite content|with his life the way it is.
- Mother, the whole thing is impossible.|- You don't know him.
- We know the type.|- And we know you, Mother.
[Doorbell Ringing]|- Suppose that's him now.
You must realize how|important this is to me.
I'm relying on both of you|to be fair and... give Ron a chance.
All right.|I'll make the martinis.
[Doorbell Ringing]
Won't you come in, Ron?
- You know Ned and Kay?|- Yes, of course. Hello.
- It's nice to see you again.|- Thank you.
Shall we go into the living room?
Kay, as I told you, Ron,|is doing social work in New York.
sorts.
- NNed, you make a very good martini.|- Not too strong for you?
- You still have the nursery, Mr. Kirby?|- Oh, yes.
He's going in more|for tree farming now.
money in growing trees?|- There can be.
The only thing I know about trees|is they make good logs.
- Now's your chance to learn.|- Mother?
- What happened to dad's trophy?|- Why, nothing happened to it.
clutter|you were putting away?
Ned.
I suppose from now on,|there'll be lots of changes around here.
Ned, if you mean because of my marriage|to your mother, you needn't worry.
I have no intention of living here.|We'll be leading quite a different life.
But this has been the family house|for I don't know how long.
we were born!
Ned, I wish you'd treat this matter|in a more detached fashion.
You don't know Mother as we know her.|She's really much more conventional...
than you seem to think she is.
She has the innate desire for group|approval, which most women have.
Never mind the $10 words.
And where, if I may ask,|do you expect our mother...
and, I suppose, us too to live?
- My place.|- In a greenhouse?
Oh, no, no.|He's going to remodel the old mill.
Mother, if you'll excuse me, I'm going|to a lecture. I'd better get ready.
Good-bye, Mr. Kirby.
Mother, I've got some|studying to catch up on.
What happened? I've never|seen them act like that before.
It's natural, Cary.|I'm not like their father.
What does that|got to do with it?
It would be different if you were|marrying the same kind of man.
Successful businessman,|pillar of the community.
I can understand it.
Perhaps you're right.
But once I make them see that...|Shall we get started?
Cary, do we really have to go?
Well, Sara said that...|And anyway, I want to show you off.
- We can take my car.|- Mine's right here.
- Does it matter that much?|- It shouldn't.
Jim, get me another one, will you?|I don't want to miss the arrival.
- How about you, Mrs. Taylor?|- Well, I really shouldn't, but...
Excuse me.
If you see cary before I do,|let me know.
It'll be easier for her|if I took them around.
- Count on it, Sara. Got a light?|- I may need to.
Hold my drink, dear.|A gardener?
Why doesn't he find himself|a decent money-making vocation?
You think material success is the only|end worthy of pursuit of man?
- What's wrong with money?|- You have to have it to have contempt.
Excuse me.
Thank you. Do you really think|she'll have the nerve to come?
- Oh, there they are now!|- They're here!
- Just look at that car.|- Just look at that man.
Daughter!
It's always the quiet ones,|isn't it?
But she's certainly the last person|you'd expect to...
Always pretending|to be so prim and proper.
Why, Howard,|did she turn you down?
I'm Cary's best friend.
- I'd like to be your friend too.|- Thank you.
Come on, darling. George.
- Cary, my favorite woman.|- George, I want you to know Ron Kirby.
- Used to know your father. Fine man.|- Thank you.
Shall we say hello to Romeo|and his Juliet? Come on, darling.
So that's Cary's nature boy.
- You know the doctor, Dan.|- Hello, Cary.
You know Miss Frisbee,|Mr. Allenby. Mr. Kirby.
- How do you do?|- How do you do?
This was kind of|supposed to be my party,
but looks like Mrs. Scott's|getting the attention.
I guess it is more unusual|when someone your age gets married.
But I think your friend's|awfully lucky.
You see, no one in my family's|had a dime since the civil war.
So, Tom won't get anything|but poor little me.
My dear. What's this I hear about...
Oh. Haven't I seen you|somewhere before?
Well, Mrs. Humphrey,|probably in your garden.
three years.
Oh, yes, of course.
- Ah, sara, I really must be going.|- I'll be right back.
Come into the bar. You've earned|yourself a good strong drink.
- Go ahead, Ron.|- I'll be right back.
All right.
- Howard.|- Hi.
How are you?
- Mona, Mark.|- Oh, my dear, he's fascinating.
And that tan!|I suppose from working outdoors.
he's handy indoors too.
Mona's sure got your number, Cary.
So have I.
Well, excuse me, Howard.
##[Piano]
Guess you played me for a prize sucker|that night at the club, huh?
Goin' into that perfect lady routine.|Makin' me apologize.
If I'd known then|what I know now,
- would have had a different ending.|- Oh, Howard.
Never too late, huh, Cary?|Line forms to the right.
- Howard, you're drunk!|- Why, Cary!
Isn't one man|enough for you?
Maybe you'd better stay|right where you are.
What is it, Cary?
[Sara] Believed what?
type. You seem to attract that, Cary.
- Shall we go?|- Yes.
- Excuse us.|- Oh, george!
Why, that man was|positively murderous.
- Did you see that, Fred?|- What's the commotion?
He might have|killed poor Howard.
- And in Sara's lovely house too!|- Well!
Car Door Closing]
Nothing's important except us.
Will you remember that?
Yes.
- I'll take you to the door.|- No, Ron.
Thank you, but... good night.
Good night.
Engine Starting]
Ned, you're still up?
Don't forget to put the screen around|the fireplace before you come up.
Mom...
I've got a few things|to say to you, Mother.
All right, Ned.
I just want to tell you, meeting him|hasn't changed my mind one darn bit.
We did what you asked.
I asked you to give Ron a fair chance.|I don't think you did.
Just because we didn't agree|with your choice?
Listen, Mother, somebody in this|family's gotta think straight.
And you don't think I can?
I think all you see is|a good-looking set of muscles.
Why, Ned!
That's the way it looks,|doesn't it?
You're planning to give up a home that's|been in the family for I don't know...
There's a certain tradition.
Aand for what?
Don't you realize|what people are gonna say?
Haven't you any sense|of obligation to father's memory?
What does that|got to do with it?
How can you think of marrying Kirby|when you've been Father's wife?
- It's against everything.|- Nonsense, Ned.
Mother... are you really|intending to go through with this?
Yes, I am.
me|to come visit ya.
How could I bring my friends?|I'd be ashamed.
Ned!
Ned, we mustn't let this|come between us.
If you mean Kirby,|he already has!
[Door Slamming]
And then Ned|on top of everything else.
No, I haven't heard a word.|I've got a call in for him.
Well, Kay stayed over.
[Door Closing]
the talk will die down?
Kay?
Sara, I'll have to call you back later.|All right.
[Sobbing]
[Door Opening]
- Kay, darling, what is it?|- [Sobbing]
What's the matter?|Well, tell me.
[Sobbing]|Nothing. It...
- [Sobbing]|- It's about me, isn't it?
Freddie and I|were at the library.
One of the kids|made a crack about you.
What did they say?
That you and Mr. Kirby were...|even before Daddy...
Now, you stop that, Kay.|You know that's a lie.
Of course I do,|and I told them so!
They went on and on|and I got mad and...
We were asked to leave.|[Sobbing]
[Sobbing]|- Oh, darling.
And on the way home|Freddie and I had a fight.
I told him that I didn't care|what people said.
But, Mama, I do care!|I care terribly!
- [Sobbing]|- Oh, Kay, l... I don't know what to do.
I can't bear to see|you and ned so unhappy.
- [Sniffling]|- But, you see, Kay, I love Ron.
You love him so much|you're willing to ruin all our lives?
- You can't really think that.|- What else can I think?
But, Kay, you've talked|so much about people...
and why they do|the things they do.
- You say you understand.|- But I don't!
I don't! I thought I did.
[Sobbing]
[Knocking]
Cary?
- Oh, Ron, l...|- What's the matter?
Well, Ned's left home and l...
I left Kay in tears. Some of her|friends have been dreadful to her.
Because of me?
Ron, we're gonna have|to wait to get married.
- Why?|- Well...
To give the children|a chance to get used to the idea.
They'll feel differently|when they know you better.
- You don't want to marry me?|- I'm not saying that.
I'm asking you to be patient.|It's only a question of time.
Only of time?
Right now everybody's talking about us.|We're a local sensation.
Like Sara said, if the people get used|to seeing us together,
then maybe|they'll accept us.
You mean, we'll be invited|to all the cocktail parties.
And, of course, Sara will see to it|I get into the country club.
Dear Howard and I will|shake hands and forget.
- And Mona won't be malicious.|- That isn't what I mean.
And ned and kay|won't mind so much...
because we'll be living|just as you always have.
- Probably in your house.|- What's wrong with that?
It's only for a little while.|It would make things so much easier.
It wouldn't change you.|You couldn't be changed.
Yes, I could.
I'm learning right now how easy|it would be to let myself be changed.
- By whom?|- By you.
I'm sorry, Cary.|But it wouldn't work.
I can't live that way.|You knew that from the beginning.
But I can't ruin|my children's lives.
I have a responsibility to them.
Are you sure it's just that?
Well, what do you mean?
- You don't think I care what people say.|- Yes, I do.
You're not even trying|to understand.
- How can you say you love me...|- God knows I love you.
But I won't let Ned nor Kay|nor anyone else run our lives.
Don't you see we could never|be happy if we did?
I can see that you don't want to listen|to anybody's ideas but your own.
I can see that you're trying to make|me choose between you and the children!
No, Cary, you're the one|that made it a question of choosing.
So you're the one|that'll have to choose.
All right.
It's all over.
Cary?
[Door Closing]
I admit, after meeting him,|he's a darn nice guy, but l...
But I still say|you did the right thing.
Oh... I suppose so.
Everyone will welcome you back|to the fold. I'll see to that.
I don't know what i'd do|without you, Sara.
I know what you've been|going through.
I know it hasn't been easy.|But at least you have the children.
with club work and parties.
[Phone Ringing]
That must be Ned.|I have a call in for him.
You've told Kay?|- Yes, she's very happy.
- Hello?|- [Woman] Mrs. Scott?
- Yes.|- I have your party now.
- [Ned] Mother, you called me?|- Yes, Ned, I did.
I wanted to talk to you.|I, um... I've decided that...
Well, I'm not going|to be married.
- Oh, great.|- You will be up this weekend?
You bet, Mom.|I got a class now, so good-bye, huh?
- Well, Ned... Ned?|- [Phone Disconnects]
Was he pleased?
Yes, he...|He seemed to be.
- Hello, dear!|- Bill! I thought you'd never get here.
- What's for dinner?|- Good night. Say hello to the children.
- Hello, Cary. Nice to see you.|- Hello, Doctor. Nice to see you.
I've been meaning to call you|about a checkup.
I don't think it's serious, but|I've been having miserable headaches.
- Any time. Can I give you a lift?|- I'm waiting for the children.
- Let me hear from you now.|- All right.
[Train Whistle Blowing]
Oh, Mrs. Scott.
Seems the kids couldn't make it.
Guess they're pretty busy|with the holidays coming on.
Something in a christmas tree,|ma'am? Oh, hiya, Mrs. Scott.
- Merry christmas!|- Merry christmas, Tom.
- Like this one?|- I need one bigger than this.
- How about this?|- That's not very pretty.
I'll show ya another one.
Hello, Cary.
Well, hello.
I, uh... I have to get a tree|for the children, and I saw these.
How are you?
- How about this pine, Mrs. Scott?|- Oh, I'm fine.
[Clearing Throat]
No, not that one. L...
I didn't know|they were your trees.
No, they're Mick's.
I'm helping him unload.
- How are Mick and Alida?|- Fine.
Will you say hello|to them for me?
They'll be right back.|They're doing some christmas shopping.
Here's a medium-sized fir,|Mrs. Scott.
Or maybe you'd rather have a spruce?
- A silver tip spruce?|- Oh, I've got a beauty!
You remembered.|Oh, Cary...
Ron! Ron?
Mick and Alida sent me|to get you.
Oh, I didn't know|you had a customer.
How about this one,|Mrs. Scott?
No. Send this one to me.
Ron? Shall we go?
Yeah.
#Let heaven and nature sing #
#Let heaven and heaven #
#And nature sing #
- #Joy to the world #|- [Bells Jingling]
#The Lord is come #
# Let earth receive her king #
prepare Him room #
#And heaven|and nature sing #
and nature sing #
and heaven #
#And nature sing #
the Lord is come #
receive her king ##
- Hello, Mama! Merry Christmas!|- Merry Christmas!
- Thought we'd never get here.|- I'm so happy to see you.
- Oh, it looks gorgeous!|- Hey, look at all that loot!
- Is that for me?|- Where's our present for you?
Nothing's come.|But don't worry about it.
- Just having the two of you is enough.|- I better phone.
- Not here. It's a secret!|- [Chuckling]
- Don't open anything until I get back.|- All right.
Mama!
Look!
Why, that's lovely, Kay.
Freddie and I|are going to be married.
In february,|after he graduates.
Well, aren't you a little young?
You were 17 when you got married.
But... it's so soon.
Soon?|Oh, it seems like forever.
Oh, Mama!
Remember the afternoon|that Freddie and I had the big fight?
each other. Mama, he's so wonderful.
Yes, I remember.
That was the day you told me your life|would be ruined if I married Ron.
I was being childish. You shouldn't|have let me get away with it.
Of course, that was different.
You didn't really love him,|did you?
Mother!
Your present's on the way.
Hey, this is Christmas.|Let's enjoy it.
After all, it'll probably|be the last one we spend in this house.
What do you mean?
Kay's getting married.|And if I'm not called up right away,
I'm in line for the Walker Scholarship|which means a year in Paris.
with the Dayton Company.
I didn't want to tell you till|I had it pretty well cinched.
Hey, Mother.
Thank you.
Yes, with Kay and I away,|I think we should sell the house.
The house?
It's too big for one person.|What with taxes...
[Doorbell Ringing]|- There's your present now.
[Sighing]|Tsk!
[Door Opening]|- Mama?
[Door Closing]
Don't you see, Kay?|The whole thing's been so pointless.
Oh, mama, I'm...|I'm terribly sorry.
I didn't mean to hurt you.
[Sobbing, Sniffling]
Mama, it still isn't too late,|if he loves you.
[Sighing]
Mother?
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Mrs. Scott,|and Happy New Year.
Kay and I couldn't afford|anything but a table model.
and it's easy to operate.
All you have to do is turn that dial and|you have all the company you want...
right there on the screen.
at your fingertips.
Fetch, go on!|Fetch, old boy!
Ha, ha!|Boy, are you slippin'.
Why don't you try|using shells in that gun?
- Doesn't seem to help.|- Ha, ha!
Can't shoot straight anymore,|I guess.
I don't seem to be good|for anything lately.
You haven't been good for anything|since you and Cary broke up.
- What's that got to do with it?|- Everything, and you know it.
You're not the same anymore.
You're no good to me,|yourself or anyone.
All right,|so what do I do about it?
- Call her up. Go see her. Apologize.|- Apologize for what?
I don't know for what.|For anything. Make up something.
[Dog Whining]
That's a boy. Good boy.|Hey, nice, huh?
Look, Mick,|I told her that I love her.
I asked her to marry me. I can't force|her. She has to make up her own mind.
She doesn't want to make up her|own mind. No girl does.
She wants you|to make it up for her.
- Come on, let's go.|- No, I'll be along later.
Gotta catch one pheasant|at least.
Hey, uh...|Well, uh... You know.
[Laughing]
Well, Dan,|what's the verdict?
I was just going over|the findings.
There's nothing organically|wrong with you, Cary.
Why do I have|these headaches?
It's not my imagination.|And they're getting worse all the time.
- You're punishing yourself.|- For what?
For running away from life. Headaches|are nature's way of making a protest.
Will you give me|something for them?
Do you expect me to give you|a prescription to cure life?
Sit down.|I want to talk to you.
Forget for a moment|that I'm your doctor.
Let me give you some advice|as a friend. Marry him.
[Whispering]|Oh.
Well, there's no point|in discussing that.
- It's all over.|- Apparently it isn't.
- You still have the headaches.|- But that's silly.
And anyway,|how could I marry him?
The whole thing was impossible|from the beginning.
You know, Dan, in a place like|Stoningham, you can't ignore convention.
So you gave up a man you were|in love with because of others?
And you had the great satisfaction|of being taken back into the fold.
I was thinking of my children.
were before. Lonelier, in fact,
and ned abroad.
Sso what good|was your noble sacrifice?
Cary, marry him.
Oh, it... it's too late.
And maybe he's|found someone else.
Anyway, if he'd really loved me,|he would have come to me.
No! If you'd loved him,|you'd have gone to him!
In spite of the town,|the children, everything.
Let's face it. You were ready|for a love affair, but not for love.
Good-bye, Dan.
[Door Closing]
[Horn Honking]
- Cary!|- Hello, Alida!
Hi!
- It's so good to see you!|- It's so good to see you!
What were you doing in the doctor's|office? Nothing wrong, is there?
Oh, no. Just a checkup.|He couldn't find a thing wrong with me.
- Would you have a cup of tea?|- I'd love to, but I'm late.
- I have to pick up Mary Ann.|- Mary ann?
She's getting married, you know.|- Married?
been going together for a year now.
I don't think you've met this one.
I have to dash. Come by and see us,|We miss you!
- I appreciate that. Good-bye, Alida.|- Bye!
Cary!
C...
Cary!
Cary!
[Doorbell Ringing]
- Alida?|- Hello, Cary.
- Come on in.|- I thought I should come over.
- There's been an accident, Cary.|- It's ron.
- You better come with me.|- How bad is he?
Don't know yet.|Dr. Hennessy and Mick are with him now.
- Oh, alida.|- Get your coat first.
[Footsteps Running]
Mrs. Scott.|Please, Mrs. Scott.
- How is he?|- We don't know anything yet.
- Where's Mr. Anderson?|- He took the doctor back to town.
- Well, didn't he...|- Nothing that he could have done.
He'll be back|in the morning.
I'm sorry, Mrs. Scott.|I have strict orders.
He can't be disturbed.|He must be kept quiet.
Let me take your coat.
Why don't you sit down?|I'll get some coffee.
Wish Mick had waited.
But I'm sure the doctor wouldn't have|gone if he thought there were...
Alida.
This room.
The beauty that|Ron's put into it.
And the love.
He never gave up hope|that you'd come back, Cary.
You told me once that|Ron was so secure within himself.
Because he refused to give importance|to unimportant things.
Why did it take me so long|to understand it?
Remember I told you it took us|a long time to find the right answer?
It doesn't happen overnight.
I feel like such a coward.
I was so frightened.|I let others make my decisions.
Alida, I've let so many people|come between us.
Friends, neighbors, children.
And the strangest one of all, myself.
Don't worry about things|in the past.
Isn't that|unimportant too, hmm?
If only I haven't|waited too long.
Your coffee.
Thank you, but I really|don't care for any.
Why don't you go upstairs|and rest a while? Try to sleep.
I couldn't sleep.|I want to stay here in case he wakes up.
May I sit over there?
Well, all right.
[Chiming]
[Chiming Continues]
- Well, Dan?|- He's got a concussion.
Otherwise, I'd get him to the hospital.
It's gonna take time|for him to recover.
Dan, what can I do?
You plan to stay?
Yes. No more running away.
He'll need rest and care.|And he'll need you, CCary.
Nurse.
Cary.
Yes, Ron.
You've come home.
Yes, darling, I've...|I've come home.