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.

Family Album USA - Episode 10 - Smell The Flowers

Family Album USA: Episode 10 - Smell The Flowers


Act I

In act one, Susan goes over her schedule. She has a very busy day. She has calls to make. And she has meetings to attend. But Susan thinks she forgot something. What did Susan forget?

Sam	Good morning, Susan.
Susan	Good morning, Sam . What's the chedule today?
Sam	Ten 0'clock, telephone FAO Schwarz about the new twin baby dolls.
Susan	OK.
Sam	Telephone Mrs. Zaskey at the advertising agency.
Susan	I did that. Go on.
Sam	Eleven 0'clock, approve the sketches for the toy spaceship.
Susan	Where are they?
Sam	Right here.
Susan	Did you look at them?
Sam	Yes, I did.
Susan	What do you think of the spaceship?
Sam	I think the kids'll love it.
Susan	Would you show me the drawings, please?
Sam	Huh.
Susan	Now, what else is on the schedule today?
Sam	Well, at one o'clock you have a lunch appointment with Mr.Levine, the client from the Toytown Stores.
Susan	Where?
Sam	At Rossano's.
Susan	Hmm. Anything else?
Sam	At four o'clock, you have a meeting with the production staff in the conference room.
Susan	Make sure everybody is at that meeting.
Sam	Will do. At six you're meeting Mr.Ozawa.
Susan	Oh, yes. Are his models here?
Sam	They're in my office.
Susan	I'd like to see them.
Sam	Right.
Susan	What else?
Susan	Come on, Sam...
Sam	You work hard, Susan. When was your last day off?
Susan	Hmm. I can't remember.
Sam	You really ought to take some time off.
Susan	What for?
Sam	To enjoy the simple things in life...
Susan	I know, Sam. Maybe soon.
Sam	To smell the flowers.
Susan	Oh, wait a minute.What's today' date?
Sam	Today is the twelfth. Why?
Susan	It seems to me I scheduled something else.
Sam	There's nothing else in the appointment book.
Susan	I'm sure I did. Oh, well, I'll probably remember it later.
Sam	I hope it isn't important.
Susan	Hmm. It's probably nothing. OK, let's get started. Would you call Priscilla Smith at FAO Schwarz, please?
Sam	Right.
Sam	These are the models from the Japanese film maker.
Susan	Thank you. Just put them on my desk.
Sam	And the new drawings for the toy spaceship.
Susan	Wonderful. That was fast.
Sam	We have a new artist. She's very talented.
Susan	What time is it, anyway? My watch stopped.
Sam	It's evelen thirty.
Susan	What time is my lunch date with Bill Levine.
Sam	One 0'clock.
Susan	Remind me to leave at twelve forty-five.
Sam	Did you remember your other appointment for today?
Susan	No, but I have a feeling it's going to be too late when I do remember.
Susan	Yes, Sam?
Sam	I just solved the mystery.
Susan	What did I forget?
Sam	You have some guests in the reception room.
Susan	What? Who?
Sam	Mr. Harry Bennett and his daughter.
Susan	I remember! Oh... Harry! I made a lunch date with him and his daughter weeks ago.
Sam	Is he a client?
Susan	He's a friend.
Sam	Well, He's here with his daughter to have lunch.
Susan	I met her at Thankgiving, and I promised to have lunch with both of them today.
Sam	Yes, indeed. What are you going to do about your appointment with Mr.Levine?
Susan	Any suggestions? Oh!

Act II

Coming up in Act Two, Susan greets Harry and Michelle. But Michelle may not want to have lunch. Later on, they go out. And Susan tries to talk to Michelle. What's on Michelle's mind?

Susan	Hi, Michelle. Hello, Harry. It's nice to see you again.
Michelle	Hello.
Harry	Hi, Susan. We have both been excited about seeing you and having lunch with you today. Michelle picked these flowers out for you.
Michelle	Daddy, can we go soon?
Harry	We're going to go to lunch in a few minutes, honey.
Michelle	But I'm thirsty.
Harry	OK. You go out and get a drink of water at the fountain.
Susan	The fountain is over there, Michelle.Near the Exit sign.
Michelle	Thank you.
Harry	Michelle is a little shy.
Susan	I used to be that way when I was her age. Harry, if Michells doesn't want to go, we don't have to.
Harry	She'll be fine. Remember, I haven't dated anyone else since her mother died. This is a little difficult for her. Are you ready to go?
Susan	Yes. But could you wait one minute? I have a call to make. Would you excuse me?
Susan	Sam, get Mr. Levine a Toytown Stores on the telephone for me, please.
Sam	Right. Hello. Susan Stewart calling Mr. Levine please. He's on the phone
Susan	Mr. Levine, Susan Stewart. I find myself in an barrassing situation. I made another lunch date for today and forgot to enter it in my appointment book. Can you and I meet for drinks tomorrow? I'd really appreciate it... Yes...Thank you...Tomorrow at five o'clock at the Biltrnore. I'll see you then. Thank you, Mr.Levine.
Waiter	Welcome to the South Street Restaurant, folks. What'll it be?
Harry	What do you recommend?
Waiter	Well, the crab salad's always a big hit.
Harry	Susan, would you like the crab salad?
Susan	I'd love the crab salad.
Harry	Michelle, would you like to try the crab salad, too?
Michelle	OK, Daddy.
Harry	We'll have threecrab salads and a pitcher of lemonade.
Waiter	Help yourself to celery and carrots and other vegetables.
Harry	We used to catch crabs.
Susan	Where was that?
Harry	We had a summer house on Fire lsland. Do you remember, Michelle?
Michelle	Sure. You and Mommy used to take me on the ferryboat.
Harry	Sometimes, at night, we would go down to the beach and catch crabs, remember?
Michelle	With a piece of meat on a string!
Harry	Right. Well, I think I'm going to go get us all some vegetables.
Waiter	There you go.
Susan	Thank you.
Waiter	And some ice-cold lemonade.
Susan	Thank you.
Waiter	Enjoy it.
Susan	Michelle, can I help you with the lemonade?
Michelle	No, thank you, I'll wait for my father.
Susan	Michelle, can we have a talk?
Michelle	Sure.
Susan	I know you miss your mother.
Michelle	You do?Susan: Yes. And I'm not trying to take her place.
Michelle	Then why are you and Daddy spending so much time together?
Susan	Becaue we like each other. And right now, he needs a friend.
Michelle	I'm his friend.
Susan	I know you are.
Michelle	Sometimes he's very sad.
Susan	And so are you, I think.
Michelle	Sometimes.
Susan	I'd like to be your friend, too. Will you let me be your friend, Michelle?
Harry	So, what were you two talking about?
Michelle	Just girl talk, daddy. It's too hard to explain.
Harry	You're probably right. Well, let's get started.

Act III

In Act Three, Susan, Harry and Michelle have a lot of fun together. But Susan has work to do. Harry is disappointed. Michelle is disappointed, too. What will Susan do?

Susan	Oh, it's a quarter to four, and I have a production meeting at four.
Harry	I planned to take you for a ride in Central Park in a horse and carriage.
Susan	Harry, I'd love to , but I have work to do.
Harry	OK. We'll walk back to your office with you. It's so nice out. I decided to forget about my accounting problems and just enjoy this beautiful spring day. Take the time, Susan.
Susan	I know I should, but... well, there are too many things to do.
Harry	I understand. I'll go for a ride with Michelle.
Susan	Right. Well, I had a really nice time.
Harry	So did I.
Michelle	So did I. I'm sorry you can't come with us, Susan.
Susan	So am I.
Harry	Bye-bye.
Susan	Harry! Michelle! Can you wait till I make a phone call?
Harry	Sure.
Sam	Susan Stewart's office.
Susan	Sam, this is Susan.
Sam	Hi. How was lunch?
Susan	Fine.
Sam	You're late. The production department's waiting in the conference room.
Susan	I know. Ask Paul Smith to fill in for me. He knows everything about the production schedule, and he can answer any questions.
Sam	Right.
Susan	Don't tell anyone, but I'm taking a little time to smell the flowers.
Sam	Good for you. It'll be our sceret.
Susan	But schedule another production meeting for tomorrow. I'll be back for my six o'clock appointment with Mr. Ozawa.
Sam	OK, Susan. And have a nice afternoon.
Susan	Thanks
Harry	She likes you.
Susan	I know. I like her.
Harry	How'd you do it?
Susan	We had a talk.
Harry	About what?
Susan	Life.
Harry	And what did you decide?
Susan	That's a secret...between us women.

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