Family Album USA - Episode 7 - Man's Best Friend

 

Family Album USA: Episode 7 - Man's Best Friend


Act I

In Act I, Robbie notices that Alexandra is unhappy about something. Alexandra is lonely. She misses her family in Greece. A little later, they hear a strange sound

Alexandra	Robbie, this new Walkman is absolutely wonderful.
Robbie	Richard and Marilyn bought it for me for my birthday.
Alexandra	They're so thoughtful. You are very lucky, Robbie, To have such a nice family.
Robbie	Is something wrong, Alexandra?
Alexandra	No, nothing.
Robbie	Yes, there is. I can tell. What's the matter? Come on, you can tell me .What's up?
Alexandra	I don't know. Something's wrong.
Robbie	OK, let's talk.
Alexandra	I received a letter from my partents this morning.
Robbie	Did they write some bad news?
Alexandra	No.
Robbie	Well, then why are you so sad?
Alexandra	I miss them. I miss them very much.
Robbie	I'm sorry. Alexandra. But I understand.
Alexandra	The Mollnas treat me so nicely, and I love being with you family so much... but when I received the letter with photographs of my family, I cried. I cried because I miss them all.
Robbie	You really miss your family, don't you?
Alexandra	Yes.I know I must seem silly. It's not like I have nobody. I Like the Molinas very much, and they're so kind to me.
Robbie	Hey, why don't we go out for a cheeseburger and French mes? That'll cheer you up. And you can use my Walkman.
Alexandra	That's a good idea. But if we go out, please don't complain about your math teacher or your math homework. I want to have fun.
Robbie	So do I.
Robbie	I have to turn off the lights, or else my father will get really angry. He says I never turn them out when I leave. If they come home and they're on...
Robbie	Do you hear something?
Alexandra	Yes. What was that?
Robbie	It sounded like a dog barking.
Alexandra	It sounded like a dog barking right here.
Robbie	Yeah.
Alexandra	A dog!
Robbie	A sprinel! Come on in! Make yourself at home.
Alexandra	Oh,you poor little thing. Come here.
Robbie	Come on.
Alexandra	Poor baby.
Robbie	Where did you come from?
Alexandra	Her name's Gemma, and she belongs to Mr.and Mrs.Levinson. There's a phone number-five five five...eight four four eight. Robbie, maybe you should call them and tell the Levinsons we have their cute little spaniel.
Robbie	I've always wanted a springer spaniel.She's so cute.
Operator	The number you ae calling-555-8448-is no longer in service.
Robbie	The number's no longer in sevice.
Alexandra	Oh, you poor, poor baby. You've lost your family.
Robbie	We'll find them. Don't worry, Alexandra.

Act II

In Act II, Robbie and Alexandra take care of Gemma. They want to find the dog's owners so Robbie calls the ASPCA, the American Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Later on, Robbie and Alexandra go to ASPCA for help but they might not be able to find the owners. What can Robbie and Alexandra do?

Robbie	Don't worry, Alexandra. We'll find the owner.
Alexandra	How, Robbie?
Robbie	Let me think.
Alexandra	Gemma, sit. Good Gemma.Give me your paw.Good Gemma.This dog is well trained.
Robbie	With a little help from the ASPCA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. They're the ones.We once found a cat. She was caught in the branches of our tree.And Dad called the ASPCA.They came and solved the problem.
Alexandra	Robbie, let's call them.
Robbie	Let me see-ASPCA....Here it is.ASPCA Animal Shelter. 555-7700.
Linda	Hello, ASPCA.
Robbie	Hello,my name is Robbie Stewart. I have a lost dog I'd like to bring to you. How late are you open?
Linda	We're open till nine P.M.
Robbie	Thank you. I'll bring the dog over by nine.
Linda	Thanks. Bye.
Robbie	Thanks. Good-bye.
Alexandra	They're still open?
Robbie	They're open until nine 0'clock. We have two and a half hours. Let's take Gemma by there now. They'll find the owner.
Alexandra	I hope so. I'm so sad to see this little dog without her family.
Robbie	I'm sure they'll find the owner . But if they don't, I'll adopt her. She's so cute. Look at those eyes. She's hard to resist. Don't you just love her?
Alexandra	I'd like to keep her, too. But I'll be going home to Greece at the end of the semester. She just wants love and affection.Come on, Robbie. Let's get her to the animal shelter, so they can find her owners quickly. Don't worry, Gemma. We'll get you home. It's not easy being away from home.
Robbie	Come on, Poochie. Atta girl! Let's go .We're off to the animal shelter.
Linda	Your name?
Robbie	Robbie Stewart. And this is Alexandra Pappas.
Linda	Your name will do, Mr.Stewart. Your address?
Robbie	46 Linden Street, Riverdale.
Linda	Where did you find the dog?
Alexandra	She found us.
Linda	You tried calling the number on the collar?
Robbie	Yes, but the number's no longer in service.
Linda	And there's no address on the dog tag?
Alexandra	There's no other information.
Linda	No ID number. Without that, it's hard.
Alexandra	You will try to find the dog's owner.
Linda	Oh, we'll try, believe me.
Robbie	And if you don't?
Linda	Yes?
Robbie	If you don't... can I...can I adopt the dog?
Linda	Why, yes. If the owners don't claim the dog in forty-eight hours, then you can apply for adoption.
Robbie	How do I do that?
Alexandra	You really want to ?
Robbie	Yes. I'm serious. If no one comes to claim Gemma, I'd like to adopt her.
Linda	It's not difficult.

Act III

In Act III, Robbie finds out how to adopt a dog. Both Robbie and Alexandra would like to have a pet. Later on, Linda has news for Robbie. Will Linda find the owners? Will Robbie adopt Gemma?

Linda	OK. If you want to adopt an animal, first we need to know some references.
Robbie	References? People we know?
Linda	Friends, teachers... We need to talk to some people about you. We want to be sure that you're responsible and that you can take good care of an animal. Then you have to till out this form about your family background.
Robbie	Is that it?
Linda	No, there's more. We need to know about your history with animals. Have you ever owned an animal?
Robbie	Yes. We had a cat when I was eight years old. I love cats.
Linda	Do you have any animals now?
Robbie	Unfortunately, no.
Alexcandra	Anything else?
Linda	We also lide to know your reasons for wanting an animal.
Alexcandra	Just to hold it and cuddle with it. Just to have as a pet I love animals.
Robbie	To have a friend-a pal. You know, man's best friend is his dog.
Linda	And one thing more. If you're under twenty-one years of age.
Robbie	That's me.
Linda	Then an adult must sign for you.
Alexandra	Uh-oh.
Robbie	No problem. My parents will think it's a good idea. I'll be back with them.
Alexandra	If the real owners don't come to claim Gemma...
Linda	After forty-eight huors. But please call first.
Robbie	Thanks for your information and for being so helpful.
Linda	It's my pleasure. Nice talking to both of you.
Robbie	Thanks again. Bye.
Alexandra	Maybe the real owners will come to claim her.
Robble	Her eyes look so sad. She must really miss them.
Linda	I see you're both animal lovers.
Robbie	We are.
Alexandra	Good-bye, Miss Aborn. We'll call in a couple of days.
Linda	Good-bye, and thanks for bringing Gemma in.
Robbie	Bye.
Alexandra	I keep thinking about the dog-about Gemma, alone in the animal shelter.
Robbie	I know. But I promse you, Alexandra, the dog is just fine.They're very kind to the animals.
Alexandra	I know they are. I mean about her being alone. Even if they are kind to Gemma, she's still alone, without her family
Waiter	Ready, folks?
Robbie	Are you ready, Alexandra?
Alexandra	Yes, I'm ready. I'll have the chefs salad, please.
Robbie	I will have a cheeseburger, medium rare, with raw onion, and French fries, please.
Waiter	Anything to drink?
Alexandra	A diet cola, please.
Robbie	Ginger ale with lots of ice for me, thank you.
Waiter	I've got it. Thanks.
Robbie	Aren't you surprised that the animal shelter is so careful about finding homes for the animals?
Alexandra	No, I'm not.
Waiter	And a cheeseburger, medium rare, with onion and French fries. And a ginger ale with lots of ice. Salad dressing?
Robbie	Hey, I wanted you to hear my new sound system when the dog scratched on the front door.Let's finish eating, and then we'll go back to my house. I want you to hear my new tapes. I've got some areat new dance music.
Robbie	Hell.Stewart residence.
Linda	Hello. Is Robbie Stewart there?
Robbie	This is he. Who's this?
Linda	This is Linda Aborn from the animal shelter.
Robbie	It's Linda from the animal shetter. Yes, Linda. Hi.
Linda	We have good news and bad news, Robbie.
Robbie	Oh?
Linda	The good news is that the Levinsons have come by to pick up the dog. The bad news is, you won't be able to adopt the dog.
Robbie	That's OK.
Linda	Come by one day and look at some of the other dogs. I'm suer there's one for you. Thanks, Robbie. And the Levinsons thank you for bringing their dog to us.
Robbie	Thanks, Linda. Bye.
Alexandra	The owners claimed Gemma?
Robbie	That's right.
Alexandra	I'm glad for the dog.
Robbie	I guess I am, too. She said if I come by, She'll help me fine another dog.
Alexandra	Come on. Let's dance.

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

Family Album USA - Episode 6 - Thanksgiving Day

Family Album USA : Episode 6 - Thanksgiving Day

Family Album USA: Episode 6 - Thanksgiving Day

ACT I

Today is Thanksgiving day an important to American holiday. In the first act Philip prepares an apple pie for the Steward family. He uses lot of ingredient but one ingredient is very special. Later, Robbie goes out for a while but something happens and Robbie is upset. Why is Robbie upset?

Ellen	OK, Philip. This is your third cup of coffee. We should get to work, or we won't be finished by dinner time.
Philip	I guess we must.
Ellen	We must.
Philip	OK.The beginning of my famous Thanksgiving apple pie.One apple. Two apples. Three apples. Four apples
Ellen	Come on, Philip! Get busy with your famous apple pie. There's much more to be done.
Philip	Now, the ingredients.
Philip	What goes into my apple pie besides apples? Ah, yes. Flour, sugar, butter.Butter, nice and cold and hard. OK, here are the walnuts. Last but not least, the reason my apple pie is famous-cinnamon. Cinnamon...Ellen, where's the cinnamon?
Ellen	If there is any cinnamon,it's in the cabinet with the salt and pepper.
Philip	Salt, pepper, dill weed, garlic powder,cinnamon. Ellen?
Ellen	Yes,Philip.
Philip	Is it possible that we forgot to buy cinnamon?
Ellen	Yes,it is possible that we forgot to buy cinnamon.
Philip	Well, how can I make my famous apple pie without cinnamon?
Robbie	Good morning.
Ellen	Oh, hi, Robbie.Good morning.
Philip	Good morning. Robbie. Can you do me a favour?
Robbie	Sure, Dad.What?
Philip	Remember my apple pie on Thanksgiving? What do you love about it?
Robbie	The apples?
Philip	No. The sssss...
Robbie	Cinnamon!
Philip	Right.We don't have any cinnamon.
Robbie	I'll go down to Henry's grocery. He's always open. I'll get some for you.
Philip	That's my boy!
Ellen	Oh, put your heavy jacket on, Robbie. It's cold outside.
Robbie	Alexandra might call. Tell her I'll call her right back.
Ellen	OK.
Philip	Thanks, Son.
Ellen	Uh, why does he always have to slam the door?
Ellen	Hello...Hello, Alexandra. How are you?... Fine. Robbie just went to the store. He'll be back soon. He said he'll call you... Oh, oh, I see... Oh... certainly. Well, do you have the phone number there?...Oh... I see...Please, I know he wants to talk to you...Thank you, and happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, too. Try to come by later for dessert... Bye. That was Alexandra. She and the Molinas are going to spend Thanksgiving with their cousins. She doesn't have the phone number.
Philip	Oh, Robbie will be disappointed.
Ellen	He'll be grouchy. Maybe she'll call back. She promised.
Robbie	Here's your cinnamon, Pop. It was a dollar and sixty cents.You forgot to ask me for the change.
Philip	Or did you forget to give it to me?
Philip	Thanks, Son.
Ellen	Alexandra called.
Robbie	I'll call her back.
Ellen	She said she'll call you later. She's not at home.
Philip	You should have your breakfast, Son. Make you feel better. Protein, vitamins.
Robbie	She said she'll call back?
Ellen	Yes, she did.
Grandpa	Good morning, everyone! Happy Turkey Day? What's wrong?
Robbie	Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Grandpa	What's gotten into him?
Ellen	He missed a phone call.
Grandpa	From...?
Philip	Yes, Alexandra.
Grandpa	It's nice to see young love... Oh, to be young again! Where's the coffee?

ACT II

Grandpa is trying to cheer up Robbie. Phillip is excited, he wants to watch the football game. And the telephone rings. Is it Alexandra?

Grandpa	I love parades. The Thanksgiving Day parade is always such great fun. Look at that Superman balloon! Wowee! Just floating along high above Central Park West. Don't you just love it? Oh, and the bands and the music. John Philip Sousa. I love his music. Da dadas da da dada da da da da da dada. Oh,look at that float, Robbie.Look at those funny-looking clowns.
Robbie	It's for kids.
Grandpa	Maybe so, but parades always make me feel like a kid.Remember when you and your dad and I went to the Thanksgiving Day parade? You were Four or five years old ,I think.
Robbie	Hello, hello... Oh, hi, Susan. How are you?... Here's Mom.
Ellen	Hello, Susan. Yes, I know, but he'll get over it . Good. Then you'll be here about five? Oh, fine. I look forward to seeing you and Harry and Michelle. Drive carefully. Good-bye.
Philip	Taste Ellen's turkey dressing. It's delicious.
Grandpa	I'm not surprised. It's Grandma's recipe.
Robbie	It's my favourite part of the meal.
Philip	What about my famous apple pie?
Robbie	Dad,your apple pie is my favourite dessert.
Philip	How's the parade?
Robbie	OK.
Robbie	Mom! Is it for me?
Ellen	No, Robbie.
Philip	Who was it?
Ellen	Wrong number. Philip, would you join me in the kitchen, please? It's getting late. We have vegetables to prepare.
Robbie	Can I help with anything?
Ellen	No, honey. You just relax with Grandpa. I'll get you to help serve later.
Grandpa	Ellen reminds me so much of Grandma.
Philip	What time does the Michigan football game come on?
Robbie	Four.
Ellen	Philip!
Philip	I'll be back to see the game.
Robbie	Grandpa,when did Dad graduate from Michigan?
Grandpa	Let me think. He graduated from medical school in 1960 and from the University of Michigan in 1956.
Robbie	did you go to Michigan, too,Grandpa?
Grandpa	Yup. I graduated in 1937.
Robbie	I've got to start thinking about college soon.

ACT III

In act three, the Stewart family and their friends get ready to eat their Thanksgiving dinner. And they give thanks. And Robbie gives thanks in his own way. Later after dinner Philip forgets something. What does Philip forget?

Philip	OK, everybody. I want to welcome Harry and his daughter Michelle to Thanksgiving with us.
Harry	Thank you, Dr.Stewart.
Philip	Call me Philip.
Harry	OK.
Philip	But first, I think we should take a moment and remember the meaning of Thanksgiving.
Harry	Philip, I took Michelle to a school play about the first Thanksgiving.
Philip	Well, why don't you tell us about that, Michelle?
Michelle	Thanksgiving was about the Pilgrims, the first settlers in America. They shared the first harvest with the Indians and gave thanks.
Philip	All right. Then in that spirit let each of us give thanks. Each in his own way. Who wants to begin?
Grandpa	I will. I give thanks for being here with my family and for being well, so I can enjoy you all.
Robbie	All right! We love you, Grandpa.
Susan	I'd like to give thanks for a healthy year, a good job, and for meeting Harry and Michelle.
Harry	We'd like to give thanks for meeting Susan and the Stewart family.
Michelle	I love you, Daddy.
Susan	Thanks, Harry. That was very kind of you.
Robbie	I'd like to give thanks for Grandpa coming to live with us. And I'd also like to thank my math teacher for giving me a passing grade. And call me, Alexandra.
Ellen	Oh,Robbie!
Grandpa	She'll call.
Richard	You go first, Marilyn.
Marilyn	I'm thinking. You go first.
Richard	Well, you all know I'm working on my photo album. It's not finished yet. And I'd like to thank Marilyn for being so patient.
Marilyn	Thanks, Richard. I should thank you for encouraging me to keep working on my fashion designs I'm lucky to have a husband with an artistic eye.
Ellen	Oh, we have a lot to be thankful for. For the food on this table. Just like the Pilgrims.
Philip	I'll go along with that, Ellen.
Ellen	Well, help me serve, Robbie.
Harry	It was a wonderful meal, Mrs. Stewart. Thank you.
Richard	And now to see the end of the football game.
Philip	Exactly.
Ellen	Where are you going, Philip?
Philip	Remember, the Michigan football game? And Michigan needs a touchdown.
Ellen	Did you forget something?
Robbie	Dad, your famous apple pie.
Philip	Just let me see the score, Ellen.
Marilyn	Go ahead, Philip.We should all take a little break before dessert.
Ellen	Oh, who could that be? Oh, it must be Alexandra. I invited her to come by for dessert.
Robbie	You did?
Grandpa	I like Ellen.
Robbie	You know everyone, Alexandra.
Ellen	No, she doesn't know Harry Bennett and his daughter Michelle.
Alexandra	Nice to meet you.
Harry & Michelle	Hi.
Marilyn & Michelle	Hello, Alexandra.
Alexandra	Hi, Marilyn.Hi, Susa... Happy Thanksgiving.
Ellen	And Alexandra brought us a pumpkin pie.
Robbie	Please sit down, Alexandra. Dad, Richard-Alexandra's here.
Richard	Michigan needs a touchdown. Three minutes to play. Hi, Alexandra. Welcome.
Philip	Hello, Alexandra, Yes, Michigan needs a touchdown. One tiny little touchdown, with just three minutes to play.
Alexandra	You want Michigan to win.
Philip	How'd you guess?
Ellen	What happened?
Philip	We forgot to turn the oven on .
Ellen	We did? Philip, why don't you go watch the last three minutes of the game.I will serve coffee and pumpkin pie.
Philip	OK. I'll be back in a few minutes.
Ellen	Robbie, would you bring the dessert plates. And, Marilyn, would you pour coffee, please.
Marilyn	Sure, Ellen.
Grandpa	How was your Thanksgiving dinner, Alexandra?
Alexandra	Just wonderful, Mr. Stewart. The Molinas are a large family. I love being with them.
Robbie	I'm glad you came by, Alexandra.
Alexandra	I am, too.
Philip	Touchdown! Touchdown! Touchdown!
Grandpa	Great Thanksgiving. Lots to be thankful for. Michigan scored a touchdown. Alexandra came by. And nobody misses Philip's famous apple pie.
Ellen	Oh, Grandpa!

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