Family Album USA - Episode 9 - It's Up to You

 

Family Album USA: Episode 9 - It's Up to You


Act I

In the first act, Robbie is writing a story for the Riverdale high school newspaper. Robbie will have to make some decisions. What does he want to do after graduation? Philip would like Robbie to go to the University of Michigan. So he schedules an interview for Robbie with the Dean of Admissions. But Robbie may not want to go to the same school that his father and grandfather attended. 

What does Robbie want to do?

Robbie	Who is it?
Philip	Dad.
Robbie	Come on in, Dad.
Philip	I thought you might be hungry. I brought you a chicken sandwich and a glass of milk.
Robbie	I am hungry. Thanks, Dad. What time is it, anyway?
Philip	Ten 0'clock. What are you working on?
Robbie	I'm writing a story for the high-school paper.
Philip	Can't you finish it tomorrow?
Robbie	No, I have to turn it in in the morning.
Philip	What's it about?
Robbie	I'm writing an article on the feelings abuot graduation.
Philip	And...how do you feel?
Robbie	Me? A little scared. And exceted, too.
Philip	I felt the same way.
Robbie	The scary part's leaving home and moving to college.
Philip	Oh, leaving home is part of growing up. Well, don't workall night.
Robbie	I don't mind. I enjoy writing.
Philip	Well, maybe you should think about becoming a writer.
Robbie	Maybe I should.
Philip	You have lots of time to decide.
Robbie	That's the worst part-making decisions.
Philip	You'll be OK. Good night, Son.
Robbie	Good night, Dad. Grangpa&
Philip	"Hail to the victors valiant, Hail to the conquering heroes, Hail, Hail to Michigan, The champions of the West!"
Philip	Ah, good morning Robbie.
Robbie	Good morning, Dad.
Grandpa	How's my grandson?
Robbie	Fine, Grandpa. Fine! What's all the cheering about? Did the University of Michigan win another football game?
Grandpa	Better than that. Tell him Philip.
Philip	I just spoke with Charley Rafer.
Robbie	Who's Charley Rafer?
Philip	He's the Dean of Admission for the University of Michigan.
Grandpa	And it turns out he's a classmate of Philip's.
Philip	We were both on the tennis team.
Robbie	Great!
Philip	It is great. He's going to be in New York tomorrow to interview applicants for admission.
Grandpa	And he's agreed to fit you into his schedule.
Robbie	But I may not want to go to Michigan.
Philip	It's one of the best schools in the country, Robbie. I studied medicine there. Your grandfather went to the Englieering School there.
Robbie	I know that, but...
Grandpa	You said you wanted to be a doctor like your father.
Robbie	Not exactly.
Grandpa	You couldn't pick a finer medical school than Michigan.
Robbie	Yes, I know that.
Philip	Let's meet with Charley at the university club. Ten 0'clock tomorrow morning. It doesn't mean you're going Michigan.
Grandpa	It doesn't mean you have to be a doctor. But the inteview will be good experience for you.
Robbie	In that case, it's OK. Dad, growing up means making my own decisions, doesn't it?
Philip	You're right, Robbie. But, like your Grandpa suggested, have the interview.
Grandpa	And then make your own decision.
Robbie	That sounds fine.
Philip	I know it's sudden, Robbie, but this is an important opportunity. We'll head down there first thing tomorrow morning. OK?
Robbie	Sure, Dad.
Philip	I want you to know something, Son. I'm...very proud of you.
Robbie	Thanks, Dad.
Philip	Well, I've got an appointment at the hospital. I'll see you all at dinner time.
Robbie	Bye, Dad.
Grandpa	Is something still wrong, Robbie?
Robbie	I'll be OK.
Grandpa	Going away to college for the first time always makes one a little nervous.
Robbie	I guess so. I'll be OK. I just need time to think.

Act II

Coming up in the second act, Robbie has an interview with Dean Rafer. Dean Rafer asks Robbie about his activities in high school. As they talk, the dean sees that Robbie is uncertain about going to the University of Michigan. 

What will Dean Rafer say to Robbie?

Philip	Sorry, Robbie. Sorry to be late this morning, but, well, we've sitll got some time for a cup of coffee. I can't wait to see my old pal Charley Rafer.
Robbie	Neither can I.
Philip	So you thought about it, huh?
Robbie	Yes, I have, Dad.
Philip	Well, I'm glad. I knew you'd realize that this interview could be an important experience for you.
Robbie	I came to tha conclusion.
Philip	That's very wise, Robbie. Very wise. Now let's head off for the city and the university club.
Robbie	Thanks, Dad.
Philip	Thanks...for what?
Robbie	Thanks for hearing me out. And...
Philip	And...?
Robbie	And thanks for being such an understanding father.
Philip	Well, thank you, Robbie. Thank you.
Dean	Philip Stewart! It's great to see you!
Philip	Charley Rafer-you look as young as ever.
Dean	You must be Robbie.
Robbie	Hi.
Philip	Yes, this is my youngest son Robbie. Robbie, I want you to meet one of the best tennis players on the Michigan team-Charley Rafer.
Robbie	Nice to meet you, Dean Rafer.
Dean	Well, are you as good a tennis player as your dad?
Robbie	No, I'm not very good at it.
Philip	Frankly, neither was I. Charley was the star of the team.
Dean	Yeah.Thanks. Well, how've you been, Philip?
Philip	Oh, working too hard.
Dean	Doesn't show. How's Ellen?
Philip	Fine, thank you. And how's Marge?
Dean	She's still giving the toughest English history exams in the school and loving every minute of it. And speaking of minutes, I have interviews until noon, so why don't we get right to work?
Philip	Can you have lunch with us later?
Dean	I'd love to , Philip, but I'm afraid I can't. I'm only here two days, and I have interviews with twenty-six applicants.
Philip	I understand. Well, thanks. I'll walt outside. Good luck, Son.
Dean	Did you bring your transcript from high school?
Robbie	Yes, sir. Right here.
Dean	Thank you. Please sit down.
Dean	I see under "activities" that you've been writing for the school paper.
Robbie	Yes, sir.
Dean	What kinds of artcles have you written?
Robbie	All kinds-sports, editorals, theater reviews. You name it, I've written it.
Dean	Hmmm. Well, have you ever thought of becoming a journalist?
Robbie	A profesional writer? Not until recently.
Dean	Michigan has a fine School of Joumalism.
Robbie	Yes, I know that.
Dean	You seem to have some reservations.
Robbie	I'm a little uncertain.
Dean	It's been very nice talking to you.
Robbie	Nice talking to you, sir.
Dean	One piece of advice. The most important thing is for you to decided your own future.
Robbie	Yes, sir. Good-bye. Dean Rafer.
Dean	Good-bye. Robbie. Good luck.

Act III

In the third act, Robbie's friend Mike tells Robbie about his interview. And Robbie tells Mike that he likes to study journalism. Later, Robbie talks to his father about his decision. 

How would Philip feel about Robbie's decision?

Mike	I had an interview today, too. I had a great interview with Admissions at Columbia University.
Robbie	Really? What did they say? Will you get into the school?
MIke	Well, they didn't say anything for sure.But I figure that with my grades and with my personality, I'll have no problem.
Robbie	Columbia's a terrific school. What are you going to do?
Mike	Do? I don't know. I also applied to NYU.
Robbie	You sound excited about Columbia. What's your problem, Mike?
Mike	Indecision. Indecision.It's not easy, and this is an important decision we have to make. What about you? How as your interview with Michigan?
Robbie	The interview was fine.
Mike	It's a great college.
Robbie	It is. My father would like me to go there. He and my Grandpa both went there.
Mike	Great medical school, too.
Robbie	I know.
Mike	You can follow in your father's footsteps.
Robbie	Ah! I'd like to follow in my own footsteps, Mike.
Mike	What do you want to study?
Robbie	I've been thinking. I think I want to study journalism to be a reporter-a newspaperman.
Mike	You do a pretty good job on the Riverdale High School paper.
Robbie	And I've been thinking about it a lot lately.
Mike	Have you discussed it with your parents?
Robbie	No. But I have to.
Mike	OK. Let's talk.
Philip	Hi, Dad. Everything's fine. I was just waiting for your to get home so we could talk.
Philip	Anything special you want to talk about?
Robbie	There is, Dad.
Philip	I'm listening.
Robbie	Well, I know you and Mom have given up a lot to save money for my college tuition.
Philip	We want you to go to college, Robbie.
Robbie	I know. I do.
Philip	But?
Robbie	Well, I've Thought a lot about which college, and one of them is Columbia.
Philip	Columbia? Why Columbia?
Robbie	First, they hav an excellent School of Journalism.
Philip	They do. And your friends are planning to go to Columbia?
Robbie	That's only part of it. It's complicated. I'll try to explain. Mike and I had a hamburger this afternoon, and we talked.
Philip	Yes?
Robbie	Well, we talked about a lot of thing .He applied to Colurnbia, and his interview was very successful. He thinks he'll be accepted, and he relly wants to go there.
Philip	Dean Rafer called me today. He told me he was very impressed with you.
Robbie	He's a nice man. He was very kind.
Philiop	He told me you had some doubts about wanting to go to Michigan.
Robbie	Yes. I do. I'm just not sure about what I want to do.
Philip	That's OK.
Robbie	You understand?
Philip	Let me tell you something, Robbie. Something that might be surprising to you.
Robbie	What? Tell me.
Philip	Well, Grandpa wanted me to study engineering, like him. Well, I wasn't clear about my future, but I knew engineering was not for me.
Robbie	What did you tell Grandpa?
Philip	The truth.
Robbie	Then you're not upset about my not wantin to go into medicine?
Philip	I'm not upset at all. I'm just happy that we're able to talk about it.
Robbie	I am too, Dad.
Philip	I suppose you want to apply to Columbia.
Robbie	Yes, but I also wanted to apply to several other colleges.
Philip	I thought you wanted to go to Colurnbia.
Robbie	Well, I might want to go to Columbia. But I might not. I just want to be able to make my own decision.
Philip	You're a real Stewart!
Robbie	And if I think about it long enough, you never know...
Philip	Never know what?
Robbie	If I make my own decision, I might choose Michigan.
Philip	Robbie, you're something! You know, when I was your age, said exactly the same thing to Grandpa.

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

Family Album USA - Episode 8 - You're Going to Be Fine

Family Album USA: Episode 8 - You're Going to Be Fine


Act I

In the first act, Dr. Stewart wants to schedule an operation for a boy named Carl Herrera. Carl needs an operation soon. He's been very sick. But, Carl doesn't want to have the operation. Why doesn't Carl want to be in the hospital now?

Philip	Molly, I need your special talent for handing special maters.
Molly	Like what special matters?
Philip	Well, I have a scheduling problem.
Molly	Yes?
Philip	I have three tonsillectornies set for Friday with Dr.Earl.
Molly	Yes?
Philip	I need to fit a fouth operation into his schedule. And...I know you can do it.
Molly	Who's the patient?
Philip	Carl Herrera. The boy has infected tonsils, and we should remove them as soon as possible.
Molly	Well, I'll try to arrange th schedule, Dr. Stewart. But it's not going to be easy.
Philip	I know you'll be able to take care of it.
Philip	Well, Mrs Herrera, Carl will be perfectly fine after we remove his tonsils.
Mother	Thank you for your reassurance, Dr. Stewart. He's had so many colds and sore throats recently.
Philip	Well, It's a very easy operation, Carl. You won't feel a thing.
Carl	But when do they do it?
Philip	This Friday.
Carl	But Saturday's my birthday.
Philip	Well, we could reschedule the operation, Mrs. Herera, but I don't want to put it off too long.
Mother	No, I think it's important to do it now. We can have a birthday party for you, Carl, when you come out of the hospital.
Philip	Nurse Baker, would you come in, please?
Molly	Come with me, Carl. You and I will talk this over.
Mother	She has a special way with kids.
Philip	She sure does.
Molly	Carl, does your throat hurt?
Carl	Yes.
Molly	OK. Do you want to get better?
Carl	Yes.
Molly	OK. We want you to get better, too.You'll have your tonsils out tomorrow, and you won't get so many colds anymore.
Carl	But if I have my tonsils out tomorrow, I'll miss my birthday party on Saturday.
Molly	I know. It's a problem, isn't it? Let me try to work something out.
Carl	What?
Molly	I have to think about it.
Carl	You're fooling me .
Molly	Oh, I'm not, Carl. Give me a chance to think about it, and I'll come up with something.
Carl	A surprise?
Molly	Maybe. But you just put on your pajamas and robe, and I'll think of a surprise.
Carl	Will it hurt?
Molly	No. There are other boys and girls here, and they're having their tonsils out. You'll meet them.
Carl	I don't want to.
Molly	Change your clothes, Carl. Everything will be just fine.

Act II

In the second act, the nurse, Molly Baker, plays a game with the children at the hospital. The name of the game is charades. But, Carl Herrera won't play the game. Dr. Tewart tries to help. Carl is upset because he wants something else. What does Carls want?

Molly	OK. Do you know how to play charades?
Molly	Frank, you've never played charades?
Frank	Nope.
Molly	Carl, you're sure you've never played? OK, Betty, Tim, and Frank. We're going to play charades. Frank, you can learm as we go. And, Carl, you join in at anytime. OK, let me think. OK, I've got one .All right.
Betty	A movie! A movie!
Molly	Ringt. A movie. OK.
Tim	Six words. It has six words.
Frank	That's easy. I can play.
Molly	Good. OK. We've got a movie. The title.
Betty	Six words.
Molly	Right. First word...
Betty	Sounds like.
Tim	Sounds like...
Molly	You got that part right. Yes.
Betty	Sounds like...
Time	Sounds like what?
Frank	Sounds like no.
Molly	Absolutely right, Frank. Sounds like no. OK. We've got a movie. Six words. The first word sounds like no.
Frank	Row. Row.
Tim	Go.
Molly	Nope.
Tim	Show. That's It-show.
Molly	No...OK...
Betty	Snow.
Molly	Absolutely right, Betty. Sounds like no-snow. OK, a movie. Six words. The first word is snow.
Frank	This is fun.
Molly	Oh, OK.
Betty	The fifth word.
Molly	Right, fifth word.
Tim	Seven?
Molly	Absolutely right. Very good. The fifthe word is seven. OK, we've got a movie. The first word is snow. Fifth word, seven.
Betty	I got it! I got it!
Frank	Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Betty	I got it!
Frank	I got it!
Molly	Carl, now you know charades. Why don't join us?
Carl	I don't like charades. It's for babies.
Molly	Oh, I like it
Carl	Well, they're babies.
Betty	You're a sore loser.
Tim	Yeah.
Molly	No arguing. Save your voices. Between now and tomorrow you're all going to have your tonsils out. And you won't be able to speak for a while. So save your voices till then.
Philip	Hi, gang. Hi, everybody. Well, what's going on?
Molly	I sure I am glad to see you, Dr. Stewart. This is a rough group.
Carl	I didn't want to play charades, so they're angry at me.
Philip	Why don't you want to play?
Carl	Because I don't want to be here. I don't want my tonsils out.
Philip	Why not?
Carl	Because my birthday is tomorrow. My mother promised me a birthday party with a clown.
Molly	But you can have on when you go home, Carl.
Carl	But my birthday is tomorrow.
Philip	I'm sorry, Carl.
Molly	Carl, you'll have your party when you go home.
Carl	But it won't be on my birthday! And you promised me a surprise.

Act III

Coming up in the third act, the children have already had their tonsils out. They have sore throats. Carl's throat hurts too. Carl still want a surprise. The next day, someone comes to visit the children. Who comes to visit?

Molly	It hurts, doesn't it?
Molly	You'll feel better tomorrow, Betty, believe me. Only one day, and it won't hurt as much. Do you feel like eating? Having some dinner? Oh, don't look so sad. Let me tell you about your dinner. It's ice cream
Molly	Ice cream. All kinds of flavrs. Chccolate.
Molly	Strawberry?
Molly	Vanilla?
Molly	Vanilla, too?
Molly	I see you're feeling better already, Betty. So you will have dinner?
Molly	OK, honey, we'll see to it that you have strawberry and vanilla ice cream. Just rest now. You need some rest to help you get better auickly. Hi Frank. How you doing?
Molly	Oh, come on now. You're a big boy. It doesn't hurt that much, does it? Oh, I'm sorry it hurts so much, and won't be able to have dinner. You're just going to have to have ice cream.Yes, Ice cream. Lots of flavors. Want to hear them?
Molly	Chocolate?
Molly	Then chocolate it is. One scoop or two?
Molly	Three scoops?
Molly	Then three it will be.
Molly	You want three scoops also?
Molly	Chocolate, too?
Molly	Well, I see you're feeling better.
Molly	Well, at least you're acting like you feel better. Three scoops of chocolate ice cream for Tim coming up. Hi, Carl. How you doing?
Molly	I know it hurts. But it'll be better tomorrow. In the meantime, what would you like?
Carl	Surprise.
Molly	A surprise? I promised you a surprise, didn't I? And it wasn't just ice cream, was it?
Molly	Your birthday is tomorrow, isn't it?
Molly	Well, maybe, just maybe, there will be a surprise. But first you have to smile. I just want to see one smile frome you.
Molly	No smile, no surprise . That's the deal. No smile, no surprise. If you want a surprise, then you've got to smile first.
Molly	How you all doing? Well, I'm glad you're feeling better because we have a little surprise for you today. It's Carl's birthday, and we have Popo the Clown to entertain you. And here he is -Popo the Clown.
Philip	Happy birthday, Carl. Happy birthday. All right everybody. OK, Carl. It's your birthday. What's your wish? What would you like?
Philip	Hmm?
Molly	You want to play charades?

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