Family Album USA - Episode 25 - Country Music

 

Family Album USA: Episode 25 - Country Music

Act I

In Act One, Ellen helps Richard prepare for a camping trip. Ellen has offered to baby-sit for Max while Richard and Marilyn are away. But Marilyn doesn't feel comfortable about leaving the baby. Why is Marilyn so concerned about leaving Max?

Richard	Hot dogs. I love hot dogs. There is nothing better than a hot dog in the country.
Ellen	Hot dogs and mustard.
Richard	Cooked outdoors over an open fire. I wish I had one now.
Ellen	Do you remember when Daddy and I used to take you and Susan and Robbie to Jones Beach?
Richard	Oh, I sure do.
Ellen	We'd wait until dark and make a fire, and we'd cook the hot dogs. Oh, don't forget the mustard. And, oh, does anybody want ketchup?
Richard	I might as well take it along. And now to make sure we've got the hamburger patties. I have to remember to put them in the bag tomorrow morning before we leave.
Ellen	I'll remind you, Ricard.
Richard	Mom, we really appreciate your taking care of Max for the weekend and giving up your free time.
Ellen	I love doing it. Susan and Harry have a sitter for Michelle in the city, and I'm taking care of Max. It's no big deal. I am happy to do it for you.
Richard	I guess Max is asleep by now. He's not crying anymore.
Ellen	Oh, poor baby. He's teething.
Marilyn	Well, he's asleep-finally. I feel so bad for him. It hurts so much when a baby gets his first teeth.
Ellen	He'll be fine, Marilyn.
Richard	Well, he wakes up several times during the night, and the pain is so bad.
Marilyn	I'm really concerned about going away for the weekend, Ellen, and leaving you with the full responsibility of taking care of Max. Especially with his teething. I wish he felt better.
Ellen	Please don't worry, Marilyn. Remember your father-in-law's a pediatrician. We have a live-in doctor if there's a problem I can't handle.
Richard	I agree, Marilyn. We really don't have to be overly concerned.
Richard	I'll go upstairs and stay with him until he falls asleep again.
Marilyn	Thanks, Richard. Try putting him across your lap on his stomach. He likes that.
Richard	I"ll try it.
Ellen	When are Susan and Harry Picking you up, Marilyn?
Mariyn	They're coming by at six tomorrow morning, so we can get an early start.
Ellen	That's nice. And you'll have a full day in the country.
Marilyn	And a full night. Tomorrow night we'll be camping out in tents.
Ellen	And coming home on Sunday?
Marilyn	We'll be heading back late in the afternoon.
Ellen	You're going to have the time of your lives. Camping out is such great fun.
Marilyn	We'll have a great time camping out, I'm sure. But I"m still a little worried about you, Ellen.
Ellen	It will be my great pleasure, Marilyn. Remember, it's only one night.
Richard	He's asleep. I think he'll sleep through the night now.
Marilyn	Thanks, honey. I hope he's good when we're away.
Richard	Well, so do I. Now, to check the list of things we need for the camping trip. We need to bring a flashlight.
Ellen	It's in the right-hand drawer, next to the bottle openers.
Ricard	Do we have a bottle opener on the list, Marilyn?
Marilyn	No.No bottle opener. Is that one of the things Susan and Harry are bringing?
Richard	No. And we're bring the ketchup, mustard, relish-all that stuff. And cooking utensils. Well, here's the bottle poener, and here's the flashlight.
Ellen	Matches.
Marilyn	Matches?
Richard	Yes, of course. For when we build our campfire. I can't build a fire by rubbing two pieces of wood together.
Marilyn	And don't forget your camera and film, Ricard.
Richard	All packed and ready.
Marilyn	And let's not forget our cassette player and some tapes.Some music tapes and some blank tapes so that we can record our thoughts about the trip.
Ellen	Oh, that's a nice idea. An audio diary.
Marilyn	That's what I thought.
Richard	Got it! The cassette player and the tapes.

Act II

In Act Two, Marilyn, Richard, Harry and Susan arrive at their campsite. Harry has been camping before, and he knows what to do. Later, Marilyn and Richard listen to the sounds of the country. And Marilyn gets an idea...

Susan	Oh, I love it! To be away from the city on such a beautiful day is my idea of heaven! The grass. The trees. The fresh air.
Harry	I told you you'd like it. I've been doing this for years.
Richard	You have the spirit of a teenager, Susan. Wait till you see yourself jumping around.
Marilyn	That's what I love about Susan. She works hard. She plays hard. She's a real Stewart.
Harry	Come on, Richard. Help me get this stuff out of the car.
Richard	Where does it go?
Harry	Well, we'll put everything over there. We'll set up our tents over there by the edge of the woods. Then we'll be able to make our fire there where it's safe.
Richard	Oh, there's our table and benches. All set for eating.
Harry	That's what makes this spot so good.
Marilyn	Is anybody hungry?
Susan	I am.
Harry	We just got here.
Susan	When you're out in the fresh air like this, it makes you hungry. Aren't you hungry, Marilyn?
Marilyn	I sure am. How about you, Richard?
Richard	Starving.
Harry	You guys are like three kids.
Richard	Aren't you hungry, Harry?
Harry	Well, yeah. Now that you mention it, I guess I am. I mean, how could a guy not be hungry with all this talk about eating?
Marilyn	Where's the bag with the chicken salad sandwiches?
Harry	Right here, next to the ice packs. Here. Put the tablecloth on the picnic table, and I will bring the cola and the plastic cups.
Harry	Well, how do you like it so far?
Richard	I've never been more relaxed.
Marilyn	Me, Neither.
Susan	I wish we had brought Michelle, Harry. She would have loved it.
Marilyn	Oh, You're right. I wish we had brought Max.
Richard	Marilyn, Susan, let's not begin to worry about Michelle and Max. We're having a good time, and they're in good hands.
Harry	Richard is right. Are you having a good time, Susan? You haven't answered my question.
Susan	I am having a good time, Harry. I promise not to think about the city. We're in the country. Let's all just enjoy this wonderful place and this wonderful weather.
Harry	Good.
Susan	This is heaven, Harry! It was such a great idea to spend the weekend this way.
Harry	Thanks, Susan. I thought you'd all like it.
Susan	Like it? I love it! Listen to the sounds of the summer that surround us. It's so calming.
Harry	I've always liked camping out. Away from the telephones and account books. It's refreshing for me. I always go back to the city in a wonderful state of mind.
Susan	We've only been here for a day, and I've completely forgotten about all my business problems. The office seems so far away.
Harry	I'm glad you like it, Susan.We'll spend many more weekends like this.
Susan	And next time we'll bring Michelle, I wish she were here with us to enjoy the country.
Harry	And next time we'll bring Michelle.
Marilyn	Just listen to the sound. It's so soothing.
Richard	I can hardly keep my eyes open. If only we could bottle the fresh air.
Marilyn	Wouldn't it be wonderful?
Richard	We could call it "Deep Sleep Country Air."
Marilyn	It puts you to sleep. So does the sound. I've bee having a hard time keeping my eyes open just listening to it. It's like a special music.
Richard	Too bad we can't bottle the sound.
Marilyn	But we can!
Richard	Can what?
Marilyn	Bottle the sound.
Richard	What are you talking about?
Richard	Oh, yeah? Great idea! Let's do it!

Act III

In Act Three, Richard, Marilyn, Harry and Susan return home from their camping trip. Richard thinks that something is the matter. And he tries to solve the problem. Ellen: What works?

Marilyn	I'm so glad everyone is asleep. I thought Max would be crying, and everybody would be a wake.
Richard	What did I tell you? Nothing to worry about.
Susan	I'm sure everything is fine. My mother knows all there is to know about taking care of babies, I assure you.
Harry	Let's put some of this stuff away and then take off. We've got a forty-minute drive into the city.
Ellen	Welcome home-and I do mean welcome home.
Richard	Something wrong?
Ellen	Oh, nothing's wrong, Richard.Believe me, Max is fine. But his teeth hurt, and he just can't get to sleep, poor dear.
Susan	Neither can you.
Marilyn	Oh, I feel so bad.
Ellen	Oh, I'm fine. How was your weekend?
Harry	We had a great time, Mom.
Richard	It was wonderful. The weather couldn't have been better.
Ellen	It was nice here, too.
Marilyn	Did you get a chance to get outside at all?
Ellen	Oh, yes. Grandpa helped me yesterday afternoon. I went to the supermarket to get a few things, and I stayed out an extra half hour. The village was filled people-the weather was so nice.
Richard	Harry's a professional camper, Mom. He knows all there is to know, and he made the weekend very easy for us to enjoy.
Harry	Come on. You all helped.
Susan	You were wonderful, Harry!
Marilyn	Why don't you go to your room, Mom, and get some sleep.
Ellen	Oh, I'm fine. Tell me more about your weekend. Did you do anything special?
Susan	Lots of special country things.We picked flowers.
Marilyn	And we brought some home for you. It was so nice to be out in the country.
Ellen	They smell wouderful.
Marilyn	Everything smelled so special. It would have been great if we had been able to bottle the smells.
Harry	It would be a great business if you could do that.
Ellen	Oh!
Marilyn	Uh, we're home now, Ellen. We'll take care of it.
Richard	I'll take care of it. Let's see if it works.
Ellen	What's that?
Richard	A little we'd better head home. It's getting late, and we have a bit of a drive.
Harry	Well, all your things are inside. There's your sleeping bag.
Marilyn	Oh, thanks, Harry.
Harry	Say good-bye to Richard. We'll call you all tomorrow night.
Marilyn	Good-bye.
Susan	Bye, Mom.
Ellen	Bye-bye.
Marilyn	Bye.
Ellen	I'm so tired I think I'm overtired. I don't know if I can get to sleep.
Ellen	Max has stopped crying.
Marilyn	Yes. It works!
Richard	It works!
Ellen	What works?
Richard	This.
Ellen	Oh. Oh, where did you get that? It sounds so nice. I think I'm falling asleep.
Richard	Like Max did.
Richard	Good night.
Marilyn	Good night. Sounds of the country. The soothing sounds of the country.

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

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.