Family Album USA - Episode 26 - Opening Night

 

Family Album USA: Episode 26 - Opening Night

Act I

In Act One, Richard's publisher is preparing an exhibit, a show with Richard's photographs. Richard is very nervous. Later, a newspaper critic arrives to review Richard's work. Will he like Richard's work?

Carlson	A little further to the right, Tom.
Tom	Is this OK?
Carlson	Good.What do you think ,Richard?
Richard	I like it there.
Carlson	It's the first thing people will see when they come in. It sets the tone for the whole show. The next thing they'll see is this enlargement with the words Family Album, U.S.A.
Richard	I can't believe this is really happening!
Carlson	You've earned it. Years of work went into these pictures.
Richard	I know, but it's still a dream come true.
Carlson	Well, remember, we're not sure what the critics are going to write about your show yet. And you never know what the man from the New York Times is going to say about it.
Richard	Are you worried?
Carlson	I always worry. The reviews of this show are important for the sales of your book.
Richard	When do we see the reviews?
Carlson	Soon. One of the critics is coming over this morning for a preview. I hope he's in a good mood.
Richard	So do I. Marilyn and I hope to use money from the sales of this book to buy a new house.
Carlson	The book will be a success. And the show will help promote it.
Richard	Speaking of promoting the book, do I really have to autograph copies for the guests at the opening?
Carlson	It's common practice.
Richard	I feel uncomfortable about it.
Carlson	A lot of people come to openings just so they can get the autograph of somebody who may be famous someday.
Richard	Couldn't we wait until I'm famous?
Carlson	A little further back, Tom. It's too close to the refreshments.
Richard	No, I think this one belongs in the "people-at-work" section.
Carlson	You may be right.Try it there,Tom
Tom	Right.
Carlson	Nervous about the opening tonight?
Richard	Nervous? Me? No.I'm scared to death.
Carlson	How about guests? How many people will you be bringing?
Richard	Well, my family, I guess. My wife Marilyn, my father and mother, my brother Robbie, my sister and her husband and their daughter. And my grandfather. Is that too many?
Carlson	No such thing as" too many" at an opening.
Richard	I hope they like it.
Carlson	Your family or the pubic?
Richard	Everybody. But especially my family. They've stood by me throught all this.
Carlson	I'm sure they'll like it.
Mitchell	Harvey, how are you?
Carlson	Mitchell, so nice of you to come. Richard, this is Mitchell Johnson. Mitchell is one of the most important syndicated reviewers in the country.
Mitchell	Well, you're the young man who did all this.
Richard	I'm afraid so.
Mitchell	Nice to meet you.
Richard	Nict to meet you, Mr. Johnson.
Carlson	Mitchell has always encouraged new talent.
Mitchell	Well...you mind if I look around and see what it says to me?
Carlson	Be our guest.
Mitchell	Mm-hmm, hmm, uh-huh.
Richard	What does that mean when he goes, "Mm-hmm, mm-hmm,mm-hmm"?
Carlson	It probably means he's clearing his throat. I don't know.
Tom	I don't care what the critics say, Mr.Stewart. Your work is brilliant.
Richard	Thank you, Tom.
Carlson	Tom is studying photography at NYU.He's working with me during the summer months as an intern.
Richard	Oh, really? I'd like to see your work.
Tom	It's not good enough to show. I'm still learning.
Richard	Oh, I'd still like to see your work. You may be the next Ansel Adams and not even know it.
Tom	If you really mean it, I'll bring some of my pictures into the gallery.
Richard	I do mean it.
Mitchell	Very interesting pictures, Mr.Stewart. You have a most unusual eye.
Richard	Thank you. I hope that's a compliment.
Mitchell	It is.
Carlson	Are you going to be reviewing the show, Mitchell?
Mitchell	Oh, yes. It's definitely worth reviewing.
Carlson	Favorably?
Mitchell	Oh, you know I never answer that question, Harvey. I'd like an advance copy of the book, though, so I can study it.
Carlson	I have an autographed one in my office. Tom, would you give Mr.Johnson the copy of Richard's book on my desk?
Tom	Just follow me, Mr.Johnson.
Mitchell	Sure.
Richard	Do you think he liked my photographs?
Carlson	We'll know when tonight's papers come out. Keep your fingers crossed.

Act II

In Act Two, Richard gets ready to go to the opening of his exhibit. He is more nervous now. Richard is worried about what people will think of his work. Later Richard and Marilyn arrive at the gallery. What's wrong?

Marilyn	Do you like the dress?
Richard	I love it.
Marilyn	I designed it myself.
Richard	It's beautiful.
Marilyn	Are you ready? We're supposed to be there before the guests arrive.
Richard	I know. I know. Help me with this tie, will you? Honey, I'm scared to death.
Marilyn	But this is what you've been working for all these years.
Richard	No, no. I worked to put together a book of photographs. This is show business.
Marilyn	Well, it's all part of the same job. Just relax and enjoy it.
Richard	You're right. I earned this, and I'm going to enjoy it. As soon as I recover from my nervous breakdown.
Marilyn	What are you afraid of?
Richard	Everything. A critic was there this morning. He probably hates my work. I have to sign copies of my book for a lot of people I never met before. My new shoes hurt my feet...
Marilyn	You're going to be a great success. Are you ready?
Richard	As soon as I get these cuff links on.
Marilyn	Let me help. Mom and Dad are already on their way down to the gallery.
Marilyn	There! You look very attractive.
Richard	Thank you. Well, I suppose I'v run out of excuses.
Marilyn	Mm-hmm. Let's go...
Richard	Oh, one minute. Before we go to the gallery, I just want to tell you that I never could have done this book without your help and your love. I appreciate it.
Marilyn	Thanks. Now, no more stalling.
Marilyn	What is it?
Richard	There's nobody here!
Marilyn	Of course not, Richard. Your show doesn't begin until eight thirty.
Richard	Oh. Right.
Carlson	Richard! Welcome! Good luck tonight!
Richard	Well, thanks. This is my publisher. Harvey Carlson. You've met my wife Marilyn...
Carlson	Charmed.
Marilyn	Hi.
Richard	My mother, Ellen Stewart. Harvey Carlson.
Carlson	It's good to meet you.
Ellen	It's nice to meet you.
Richard	This is my father, Dr.Philip Stewart...
Philip	Nice to meet you, Mr. Carlson.
Richard	My brother Robbie...
Robbie	Hi.
Carlson	Hi.
Richard	And this is my sister Susan and her husband Harry Bennett and his daughter Michelle.
Carlson	It's nice to meet you.
Richard	And this gentleman is my grandfather, Malcolm Stewart.
Carlson	Welcome, Mr.Stewart. Well, make yourselves comfortable. There are hors d'oeuvres at the table, fruit punch at the bar. Help yourselves. Can I get you something, Mr.Setwart?
Grandpa	No, thank you.
Carlson	You can feel very proud of your grandson, Mr.Stewart.
Grandpa	I do. I'm proud of all my grandchildren, Mr.Carlson.
Carlson	Of course.Feel free to look around. If you need anything, just ask.
Grandpa	Thank you.
Richard	Harvey?
Carlson	Yes?
Richard	Did Mitchell Johnson's review come out yet?
Carlson	Not yet. The newpapers don't come out till about ten 0'clock. When they come out, we'll get it.
Richard	Thanks.
Carlson	Ready?
Richard	Yes. Have the people arrived?
Carlson	The guests are waiting. Tom's about to open the doors. Good luck! And stop worrying! They're going to love it.

Act III

In Act Three, Mr. Carlson gives Richard a newspaper. But Richard is too nervous to read it. It's a review of Richard's work. Later, Mr. Carlson introduces Richard and Marilyn to John O'Neill. Mr. O'Neill is magazine publisher and he offers Richard a job. Will he take the job?

Richard	What's this?
Carlson	Read it.
Richard	I can't. Would you read it, Marilyn?
Marilyn	"Richard Stewart's show at the Carlson Gallery is a collection of photographs from his new book entitled Family Album, U.S.A.There is power and beauty in. Mr.Stewart's work, and his book introduces us to a remarkable new talent." Oh, Richard, it's wonderful!
Carlson	Congratulations!
Richard	Wow! I'm overwhelmed.
Carlson	Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention for a moment, please? I hope you're all enjoying the exhibition.I know that I am. And I would like to introduce the young man who spent the last five years taking these remarkable pictures and writing the background for Family. Album, U.S.A-Mr Richard Stewart.
Richard	Hello. I want to thank all of you for coming here tonight. I'd like to thank Harvey Carlson for his faith in my project. But most of all, I would like to thank my family for their love and support all through this adventure. Thank you.
Richard	Oh, I'm glad this's over.
Tom	Would you mind?
Richard	Oh, not at all.
Tom	Thanks.
Richard	Our pleasure. Hope it wins a Pulitzer Prize.
Tom	I'll settle for an"A" in my photography course.
Carlson	Ah, Richard, Marilyn, I want you to meet John O'Neill.
Richard	Oh,how do you do ?
Marilyn	Nict to meet you.
O'Nell	I've been looking forward to meeting your husband, Mrs. Stewart. I'm really impressed by your show.
Richard	Thank you.
O'Neill	In fact, I'd like your autograph.
Richard	Oh, well, really...
O'Neill	On a contract.
Richard	What's this about, Harvey?
Carlson	Mr.O'Neill is the publisher of several magazines.
Marilyn	Of course. I've seen you on television.
Carlson	Mr.O'Neill was so impressed with your work that he wants to develop it into a magazine concept.
Richard	Well, that sounds very exciting, but where would I fit into the plan?
O'Neill	I'd like you to be the photo editor of the magazine.
Marilyn	Oh, Richard, how exciting!
Carlson	It's a wonderful opportunity, Richard.
Richard	Hold on. Wait a minute, please.
Carlson	What's the problem, Richard?
Richard	The problem is that I'm a photographer, not an editor. I like what I do. In fact, I love what I do...which is going out with a camera and a roll of film and seeing the wonder of humanity. Now, I appreciate your offer, but I've worked so hard on Family Ablum, U.S.A, and I'm giving some thought to a new book on a different subject. I'm flattered, but I enjoy taking pictures, and I want to continue doing that. Thank you, but I'm happy being a photoprapher.
O'Neill	I understand, Richard.
Carlson	Richard, I know your next book will be a success.Congratulations!
Richard	Thanks.
Marilyn	You're a real Stewart!
Richard	Thanks.

More information about Family Album USA video series at Family Album USA.