Eleanor the Great (2025) Movie Script
1
[CLOCK TICKING]
[CRICKETS CHIRPING]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[TICKING CONTINUES]
[ELEANOR GRUNTS SOFTLY]
[WHISPERING] Bessie. Bess.
Wake up. We overslept.
Oy.
[SPEAKING YIDDISH]
Thanks.
[LAUGHING]
BESSIE: She's been looking
at this Moishe for a long time.
-[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
-I noticed.
Problem is
he doesn't look at her.
-[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
-She looks at him.
ELEANOR: Did you know that
they're renovating the elevator?
BESSIE: You know
what happened?
-Four times I got stuck there.
-[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
-Me. Why me?
-ELEANOR: Wow.
BESSIE: I was yelling.
I was hitting the button.
"Somebody, come help."
No. Nothing.
-Nothing, nothing, nothing.
-Ugh. Oh.
BESSIE: This is the last time
this is happening.
We're going to sue them.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
-Let's see how that feels.
-Oh. [CHUCKLES]
They won't like it,
but it'll be a nice,
new elevator when it's fixed.
-That's true.
-[CHUCKLES]
That is true. [CHUCKLES]
BESSIE: I tell you,
I saw her the other day.
-Blonde.
-ELEANOR: Rebecca?
Yeah. [CHUCKLES]
Suddenly, she became a blondie.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
To think that
she's gonna find somebody,
she's gonna marry...
Well, you can't say
when love might happen.
BESSIE: Oh, no.
Gives me heartburn.
[CHUCKLES] You always say that.
-The kosher place is, um...
-You like... you like that?
-Oh, yes.
-Okay.
-Best chicken in the world.
-Mm.
[CHUCKLES]
Okay. All right.
-We'll go rest for a while.
-Oh, my goodness.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
Oh, you're
in good shape, Bessie.
So are you.
What are we gonna have
for dinner tonight?
-Chicken.
-[CHUCKLES]
[SEAGULLS CALLING]
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING
OVER SPEAKERS]
[STAMMERS] Excuse me.
Where are
the Claussen's Kosher?
They're supposed
to be right here.
I guess we're out.
[STAMMERS] Hello.
Uh, do... do you have
in the back maybe?
Well, we have a bunch
of other pickles right here,
and, honestly, I think
all pickles taste the same.
Excuse me?
Eleanor. No.
Are you listening to this?
"All pickles are the same."
I heard.
Hey...
"Charlie."
Nice name. [CHUCKLES]
How long you been
working here, Charlie?
I don't know, like...
few weeks?
That's cute.
Well, yesterday
was delivery day.
And you know
how I know that?
Because we've been
coming here every Friday
for the last 16 years.
Can you count to 16, Charlie?
-Well, of course I...
-Ah!
[CHUCKLES]
Here's what you're gonna do.
You're gonna go to the back.
Bessie, point to the back
so Charlie doesn't get lost.
You're gonna turn left
at the shampoo.
Go all the way down the aisle.
Now, I know it's complicated,
Charlie, but stay with me,
and you'll find the pickles
that my friend needs, okay?
Okay, go fetch.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
Look at you.
Do either of you ever smile?
-Hitler took my smile.
-Mine, too.
Oh, please.
Do you have something to say?
You're from the Bronx, Eleanor.
Yeah, does that mean
that I can't be sad
about the Holocaust?
Bessie, tell Ivan I can be sad
about the Holocaust.
She can be sad
about the Holocaust.
But it's not the same.
You weren't there.
Well, neither were you.
I never said I was.
-Bessie, is Ivan yelling at me?
-[PAINED GRUNT]
Bessie? Bessie!
-[P.A. BEEPS]
-NURSE: I'm sorry, Mrs. Stern.
Rounds are taking
a little longer than expected,
but the doctor shouldn't be
more than an hour.
You have no idea, have you?
The Stern Wing of Neurology.
Bessie Stern.
Oh.
Oh, my God. I am so sorry.
I'll page
the doctor immediately.
-That's okay. Thank you.
-Uh, she's concussed.
Don't listen to her.
That'll be great.
And some ice pops.
Red ones, two each.
[SCOFFS]
Come on.
It's a common last name.
How's she gonna know?
You have to stop
doing that, El. [CHUCKLES]
You're interesting enough.
You don't have to lie
about who you are.
It's not a real lie.
I mean, I'm not hurting anyone.
Besides, I'm lying
about who you are.
Oh, yeah?
Well, I'm interesting
enough, too.
[GASPS] My God, Bessie.
-Roger's back.
-[GASPS]
ROGER: [OVER PHONE]
Welcome back.
-[BESSIE COOING]
-I'm Roger Davis,
and this is
The Fabric of New York.
In a heartwarming tale
of reconciliation...
[STAMMERS] Why,
he doesn't seem sad?
You know what? He is sad.
He's just brave.
-Ah.
-[VIDEO CONTINUES PLAYING]
Oh, and handsome.
Oy, oy, oy.
A little gaunt.
Mm. Remember how much weight
you lost after Harry died?
-Best I ever looked.
-[BOTH LAUGH]
Oh.
His wife was Jewish, you know?
I heard. From you.
[BOTH LAUGH]
Terrible about what happened
to her, though.
Happens to all of us.
Not everyone
gets to be a hundred.
Stop that.
You're gonna be fine.
[EXHALES]
[GRUNTS]
Taking a trip, Eleanor?
Moving home, actually.
[SCOFFS] To New York? You?
Well, you know,
my daughter's been begging me
to move in with her
for the longest time.
You mean the kid
who's hooked on Adderall
or the one
who doesn't talk to you?
[ELEVATOR BELL DINGS]
Nice knowing you, Clarice.
Oh, say goodbye
to Melvin for me.
Ah.
Oh, we had such a wonderful time
the other night. [CHUCKLES]
He's very strong.
[SIGHS] You're so full
of shit, Eleanor.
Yeah?
MAX: How long's
Bubbe staying?
Uh, I'm... like,
I'm thinking a month or two.
You know, I need to convince her
that she's better off
living in one of those, um...
-One... One of the...
-Uh, stop it.
-She always loves your ideas.
-Max, give me a break.
Oh. Oh, oh, oh. Hey, hey.
-MAX: Hey.
-Hi.
-Hey.
-Hey.
I see you.
[ELEANOR LAUGHS]
-[CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY]
-MAX: I can help you with this.
ELEANOR: No. No, no, it's fine.
Oh, boy. [CHUCKLES]
-Oh, thank you.
-Yeah.
Oh. [SIGHS]
Are you okay?
Yeah. Great.
How was your flight?
Is she feeding you?
What's going on?
Are you cold?
No, we're inside, Ma.
He's not cold.
You cut your hair, I see.
-Yeah. You like it?
-Yeah.
I liked it better
when it was long.
-So, where's the car?
-Uh, we're taking an Uber.
-Oh. So, Dave got the car?
-No, that's not what I said.
So, Maxie, did your dad
-get the car?
-Um, it...
Anyway, hold that thought.
I'm going to the bathroom,
and you can tell me all about it
in the Uber.
[EXHALES SOFTLY]
She's gonna live forever.
I know.
First time here?
God, no.
I lived in the Bronx
for 40 years
before my husband and I
moved to Florida.
Well, in that case,
welcome home.
[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
Never lived
in Manhattan, though.
I'm 94 years old,
and I'm moving to Manhattan
for the first time today.
I live in Staten.
My condolences.
[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE]
Tell me again,
why do you live here?
Oh, this is
a great apartment, Ma.
Thanks.
We're practically eating dinner
smack-dab in the middle
of the FDR.
The fumes can't be good.
It's affordable, Ma.
How inconvenient is that?
I like it.
Is he being sarcastic?
-[MOUTHING]
-ELEANOR: [CHUCKLES] Oh.
Maxie. [SNIFFLES]
You're at SUNY now.
-Is it good? Do you like it?
-Um...
I think I'll make
Shabbat next week.
That is, if everybody is free.
Uh, no, I got plans, Ma.
-A date?
-No.
Have you started dating again?
Ma.
Uh, he knows.
You think he doesn't know?
Maxie, your mother dated up
a storm in high school.
-[CHUCKLES] Oh.
-Uh, always sneaking boys
-in at night.
-I'm good, thanks.
And what was it those kids
used to call you, Lisa?
-Ma!
-Something very rude.
-Funny but rude.
-Ma.
-Ma!
-What?
Please stop!
"The class mattress!"
That's what it was!
[ELEANOR LAUGHS]
Um, I'll come
to Shabbat, Bubbe.
Oh, one good Jew
in the family.
Thank you, Maxie.
And I'll make that braised
gorgel that you like.
How does that sound?
Yeah, great.
You know, my trainer
was telling me about
her mom's building in Bay Ridge.
Sounds... it sounds great
for people your age.
Why? Do they have
a morgue on-site?
Also, I signed you up
for the Broadway
singing squad at the JCC.
I judged the morgue prematurely.
I can see that now.
[STAMMERS]
What is this piece
of equipment?
Who lives like this?
That's an exercise bike, Ma.
I moved it in here
when Max left for college.
And when we find you a place,
I'm gonna use this room
to work out in.
Oh, great.
Hold on.
Where did you get these?
Oh, oh, I found
all of these old photos
in storage with a bunch
of Daddy's old stuff.
-Oh.
-Yeah.
Would you go to Coney Island
with me tomorrow?
Tomorrow is Thursday, Ma.
I got work.
Oh, come on,
how important could it be?
I have a huge restaurant opening
at Lincoln Center.
What am I gonna do here
all day alone?
I signed you up
for a class at the JCC.
[SCOFFS]
Maybe you'll make friends.
Mm-hmm.
[PIANO PLAYING I'M STILL HERE]
Good times
and bum times
I've seen them all
And, my dear,
I'm still here
Plush velvet sometime
Sometimes just pretzels
and beer
But I'm here
I've stuffed the dailies
In my shoes
Strummed ukuleles
Sung the blues
Seen all my dreams
disappear
But I'm here
ELEANOR: Hello.
WOMAN:
I've slept in shanties
Guest of the WPA
And I'm here
Ah. [CHUCKLES] Thank you.
WOMAN:
Danced in my scanties
Three bucks a night
was the pay
And I'm here
I've stood on bread lines
With the best
Watched while the headlines
Did the rest
In the Depression,
was I depressed?
Nowhere near
Good time, bum times
I've seen 'em all
and, my dear
I'm still here
I've run the gamut
A to Z
Three cheers and damn it
C'est la vie
I got through
all of last year
And I'm here
Lord knows at least
I've been there
But I'm here
Guess who's here
I'm
Still
Here
-Yeah!
-[SONG ENDS]
-[APPLAUSE]
-[GROANS] Oh, God.
Oh.
VERA: Come on, you.
Do you need help with that?
I'd pay you a million bucks.
My friend had a sweater
like that.
Farkakte zipper.
You just have to shake it
around a little.
VERA: Would you look at that?
[CHUCKLES]
Thank you. You're very kind.
We all got to look out
for each other.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
You coming?
You're here
for the group, right?
Yes. Yes.
Don't worry.
The first time
is always the hardest.
I'm glad you found us.
Come.
Come on.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Come on.
[BOTH LAUGH]
I'll just sign in now.
[CHUCKLES] Okay.
[SIGHS]
Oh.
[QUIET CHATTER]
Okay.
Hi, everyone.
GROUP: Hi, April.
APRIL: It's great to see you.
Before we check in, I just want
to introduce you all to Nina.
Go ahead and introduce yourself
to the group, hon.
Um, well, first of all, I...
I just want to say
thank you for letting me
join you.
Um, I'm a sophomore at NYU,
and I'm here
'cause I'm writing an article
for my journalism class.
I'm... I'm just here to observe.
April, we also have
a new member.
APRIL: A lot of newbies today.
Why don't you
introduce yourself?
Hi.
I'm Eleanor.
GROUP: Hi, Eleanor.
APRIL: I'll explain a little
of what goes on here
before we jump in, okay?
We're a support group,
first and foremost.
Sometimes we write about
our time in the Holocaust,
but most of the time,
we just share.
What about the Holocaust?
Just about your experience
as a survivor.
How you move
through the world
having been through
what you have.
The purpose of the Holocaust
Survivors Support Group
is just to speak freely.
Uh, oh.
Oh, I'm sorry.
VERA: Eleanor. Eleanor.
Stay. Stay.
APRIL: I understand
it's emotional.
Most people don't understand
how alienating surviving can be,
how alone you can feel,
but you don't have to be alone.
Not anymore.
Why don't you just tell us
where you're from?
Well, I...
I... I'm from Poland,
originally.
Mm.
Do you want to tell us
a little about your family?
Well, my parents
were very kind people.
[BESSIE WHIMPERING]
[WIND WHISTLING]
[GASPS] Oy! Oy.
[SIGHS]
Bess.
BESSIE: Oy.
Oy.
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
I'm still back there.
[SPEAKING YIDDISH]
I see my brother,
and we're running
in the woods and...
I don't know.
What have I done all this time?
Well, more than most.
What have I done, El, huh?
[STAMMERS] No, tell me.
Well, you raised a family,
you worked at the temple...
[STAMMERS]
and you got Clarice to turn
her goddamn television down.
He would have done much more.
My brother.
Such a good boy.
BESSIE: Hmm.
People look at my arm
and ask me,
"What was it like?"
And all I say,
"It... It was bad."
I never tell.
Not even my own children.
Well, you shouldn't have to.
I'm the only person alive
that knew my brother.
And I'm going to go
into my grave
never having told anyone
about him.
I want someone to know.
I should have told someone.
Why am I still here?
APRIL: Good, Eleanor.
That's a really good start.
-[SNIFFLES]
-Sami.
SAMI: Yes?
Want to tell us about your week?
Absolutely, but first of all,
Eleanor, welcome to our group.
Once you will start talking,
you will find out
that that will be
very liberating for you.
That has been
my personal experience.
Welcome.
VERA: That was beautiful,
Eleanor.
See you next week?
Sure, sure.
Oh, Eleanor. Hi.
Hi. I'm Nina.
Yeah, I saw you in there.
Right.
Um, the way that you talked
about your brother
was so moving.
I... I was wonder...
I was wondering if I, um...
if I could feature you
in my article.
-[ELEVATOR DINGS]
-I think not. No.
Oh. Um, well, maybe like a...
a coffee or a phone interview?
I would really love
to talk to you.
Uh, I'm not interested.
[SOBS SOFTLY]
[SIGHS]
Oh. No, no.
Oh, go ahead. I'm done.
Thanks.
Hey, you know
who's in one of my classes?
Hailey Reed.
Remember her?
From sixth grade?
You know, the one
with the weird dad?
[CHUCKLES] Okay.
Yeah, she's, uh,
she's in this new class I'm in.
I think you'd like it.
It's kinda up your alley.
Journalism and society.
Wait, you were interested
in creative writing.
You sure you're ready
to take on the hard news cycle?
I know.
You think poetry
is a waste of time.
[CHUCKLES] No. No, no.
I never said that.
I think it's a great hobby.
It's just, you know,
hard to make a career out of.
[LOCK CLICKS]
[KEYS DROP ON FLOOR]
Shit.
Where were you?
Oh, my... Mom, you scared
the shit out of me.
You were on a date.
I... No, I took...
Just took a walk.
A walk? In that?
Oh!
Guess not.
Oh, God.
DISPATCHER: Ms. Morgenstein,
do you need the paramedics?
-[WHISPERS] Say something.
-No.
DISPATCHER: If you
can hear me, ma'am,
help is on the way.
No, no. Um, thank you so much.
So sorry. No, thank you.
We're, um,
just testing the, uh...
-Thank you so much.
-DISPATCHER: Okay, ma'am,
-not a problem.
-Thank you, sir.
This seems crazy.
Mom, it's for...
Come on, it's for if you fall
and you can't get
to the phone and...
And what?
Mom, I... I got, like...
I have a million things
going on,
and I cannot be here
all the time,
and... and you have
never lived alone.
I'm worried about
something happening to you
when I'm not here.
What would happen?
Mom, I walked by this amazing
independent living place
-on the Upper West Side.
-Oh.
You would basically
be on your own,
except they, you know,
they do the wellness checks
every morning just... just
to make sure you're okay and...
Oh, I got the... Uh, wait.
I, um, I have the brochure.
They do these fun activities,
and I think there are
a lot of other residents
you would have
a lot in common with.
You'd say that
about Guantanamo
if you thought they had
an opening for me.
Here. I... I got you
the brochure.
I... you know,
it really looks amazing.
[PHONE VIBRATING]
Hey, you got, like,
a million texts here.
Who's Nina?
Oh, here. Give me that.
Give me the phone.
She said she got your number
from the sign-in sheet.
Uh, she's from the JCC.
Hey. Hey. [CHUCKLES]
What did I tell you?
You see, you made friends.
She's probably just texting
about a donation.
[SIGHS]
[TRAFFIC PASSING OUTSIDE]
[LIGHT CLICKING]
[SNIFFLES]
[CRYING SOFTLY]
[SNIFFLES]
[CRYING SOFTLY]
[SNIFFLES]
[CRYING SOFTLY]
We have no bananas
We have no bananas today
We have no...
[HUMMING]
[RINGTONE PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
Hello?
MAX: [OVER PHONE]
Hey, Bubbe.
Maxie! [CHUCKLES]
I was just finishing the food.
What's... what's...
What do you want, honey?
Well, I just realized
my friend's band
is playing tonight,
and I need to reschedule
the dinner.
Is that a problem?
Oh. No, no, I understand.
It's okay.
We'll just do it next week.
Are you sure?
'Cause I can cancel.
It's fine. You just go
have a good time.
Okay. Uh, love you.
Love you, too, honey.
Bye-bye.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Shabbat shalom.
I'm surprised you called.
You're a hard person
to get in touch with.
[CHUCKLES]
Okay.
Well... well,
let's make this quick.
-Yes. Quick.
-Mm.
Quick is...
It's great. Great.
Whew.
NINA: Um, and what year
did you come to America?
No. No, 1953.
Wow, you barely have an accent.
Well, I... [CHUCKLES]
I've been here a very long time.
Of... Of course.
Um, all right, I just have
a few more questions.
You're very serious about
this journalism thing, huh?
Don't you want to be
with your friends?
Friday night and all?
[CHUCKLES] Um...
I don't know.
I think going out
is kind of overrated.
And people are just weird.
I mean, when you go
to boarding school
from ninth to twelfth grade,
you sort of lose touch.
Yeah, I'm not really sure
who my friends are anymore.
That makes two of us.
[CLEARS THROAT] Um...
When you spoke about
running through the woods
with your brother,
you were escaping, right?
You know, I don't think
Shabbat is a good time
for a heavy conversation.
You do know
what Shabbat is, right?
Sure. My mom was Jewish.
But we never, like, practiced.
What do you mean
your mom was Jewish?
If you're Jewish,
you're Jewish.
Oh. no, I, um...
I didn't mean...
She passed away recently.
Oh, my dear.
I am so sorry to hear that.
What was her name?
Jeanne.
Um, where's your bathroom?
Oh. Through that room.
Excuse me. [SNIFFLES]
[CRYING SOFTLY]
[HYPERVENTILATING]
Oh, you're fine.
You're fine.
[SNIFFLES]
[BREATHING DEEPLY]
[SIGHS]
Nina?
Nina?
-What are you doing in here?
-Oh.
I'm sorry. I just...
Well, I saw these pictures.
ELEANOR: Oh.
-Is that your husband?
-Yeah, that's Harry.
-[CHUCKLES]
-And that's Bessie.
She was my closest friend.
Did you guys meet in New York?
Yeah, we lived in the same
housing project in the Bronx.
But we might as well have lived
on this boardwalk.
She loved Coney Island
better than anywhere else
on earth.
You've been crying.
What? No, I haven't.
Yes, you have.
You're all blotchy.
-Here. Sit down.
-[SNIFFLES]
Are you okay?
How... [SNIFFLES]
How long
after your brother died
were you able to talk about
him without crying? [SNIFFLES]
How long has it been?
Almost... Almost six months.
Nina...
[SNIFFLES]
...would you like to go
to synagogue with me tomorrow?
Really?
Every Jewish woman should see
what the faith has to offer.
Besides, you can give me
the third degree there, too.
[CHUCKLES]
I'd like that.
[REBECCA SINGING IN HEBREW]
[SINGING CONTINUES]
Hey.
Oh, later.
You said I could give you
the third degree.
You're here to observe. Learn.
[SINGING CONTINUES]
How often do you come here?
Every Saturday.
Oh.
-How do you know her?
-I don't.
You don't know these people?
Are we crashing
a bat mitzvah right now?
For the longest time,
shul was a place only for men.
Women weren't welcome.
We certainly
weren't bat mitzvahed.
Well, when I was young, I...
[CHUCKLES] I...
[SIGHS]
You were just fighting
to stay alive.
[SNIFFLES] Anyway.
I just mean... Well, I never got
the chance to celebrate
my Jewish identity.
How does it make you feel?
What are you, a shrink now?
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
[SINGING CONTINUES]
[APPLAUSE]
SINGER:
Shake it, shake it
Shake it, break it
-Shake it, shake your...
-[GIRLS LAUGHING]
[LIVELY CHATTER]
You see those girls?
Now, I'm the one that should be
having the bat mitzvah.
They don't even care
about what it means.
Mm.
Hello. [CHUCKLES]
It's, uh, so nice
to see two new faces.
Oh, oh, I'd love
to introduce myself.
I am... Rabbi Cohen.
-ELEANOR: Oh.
-I'm new here myself,
so, um, please feel free
to reach out anytime, okay?
I hope to see more of you.
If you... if you'll excuse me.
Well, that was weird.
[LAUGHS] Oh, God.
He seemed nice.
Oh, come on.
[GIRLS CHATTERING]
ROGER: No.
No, no, I... I told you.
I told you,
and now I'm telling you
for, what, the seventh time?
Just cancel the membership
and stop sending me her mail.
-[PHONE BEEPS]
-Shit.
Sorry, I'm just...
-I'm trying to find my laptop.
-Yeah. Sorry, I...
[SIGHS]
How's the, um,
homework going?
I'm in college, Dad.
I don't know if you can
ask me that anymore.
But I... I did pick a subject
for my journalism project.
Oh, yeah?
Yeah. Yeah.
I'm actually profiling
a Holocaust survivor.
She spends Saturdays
at other people's bat mitzvahs
'cause she wasn't able
to have one.
Yeah.
Anyway...
That's a good angle.
You should push that.
The... the bat mitzvah thing.
Do you know if Mom
ever had one?
A bat mitzvah?
Uh, I think she did.
Maybe. I... I can't remember.
Sorry.
ELEANOR: So, tell me
about your mother.
I'll probably cry if I do.
So, cry. What's the big deal?
Uh, hold that thought.
Excuse me.
Uh, the other guy brought
the water but no straws.
Oh, we actually
don't have straws.
It's, like,
an environmental thing.
This diner
has a political agenda?
You know what? Don't tell me.
Just go back
and see if you can find two.
I don't need one.
Two.
Thank you.
Now, what was I saying?
-You want me to cry?
-[CHUCKLES] Right.
If there's one thing
I've learned,
and you can write this down
in your notebook,
you have to talk about
the things
that make you sad.
Jews fled Poland
and never talked about
what they went through.
They just kept it moving.
And there's some good in that,
but it can just eat you alive.
Eighty years later,
and you'll still be there.
Oh. [LAUGHING]
You got me.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
[NINA SIGHS]
She was, uh,
an artist, actually.
A photographer.
Was she successful?
Yeah.
Yeah, she was.
So, continue.
[CHUCKLES] Every year
on my birthday,
she would make
a new portrait of us together.
Like, same... same background
and same position.
Charting, like,
how we aged and how we grew.
She would fill my room
with secret notes. [CHUCKLES]
It would take me weeks
to find 'em all.
ELEANOR: No wonder
my daughter hates me.
NINA: No, come on.
I'm sure you did
a lot of nice things for her.
ELEANOR:
I kept my daughter alive.
That's what my mother
did for me.
NINA: What was your mom like?
ELEANOR: Tired.
NINA: What's it like
being 94?
ELEANOR: I feel the same way
I did when I was 16.
I mean, I'm exactly the same.
NINA: As you were
in those old photos?
ELEANOR: I used to be
so young and cute.
NINA: You're still cute.
ELEANOR: Everyone thinks
older people aren't sexual,
but I think about sex.
That part doesn't just go away.
You know? Sometimes I...
I'm sad about it.
-ELEANOR: What about you?
-I'm gay.
Wow, that's open and honest.
Well, it's just who I am.
Well, I think it's great
that you can be yourself.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
-Where is it?
-In your hair.
It's stuck in my hair.
I'm glad you approve.
You're a cool lady, Eleanor.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
TED ALLEN: [OVER TV]
Ten, nine...
NINA: [OVER PHONE] Hey,
can I ask a favor?
-What is it?
-Would you consider
coming to speak to the kids
in my class this week?
It's part of my grade.
Speak about what?
Just the same things
you spoke about in group.
You know what I realized?
I talked about my mom
for 20 minutes tonight,
and I didn't cry.
You're welcome.
[SIGHS] Fine.
I'll talk to your friends.
[WHISPERS] Ah. Yes.
[IN NORMAL VOICE] Thank you.
-[CHUCKLES]
-Thank you so much.
This is so formal.
Hello. Eleanor.
-[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
-I'm David Thompson.
I'm head of the journalism
department here at NYU.
-We're so lucky to have you.
-Oh, why, thank you.
Now, you have everything
you need?
-Oh, yes. Yes.
-Great.
Uh, if you'll excuse me,
we're just setting up
the camera,
so it shouldn't take too long.
They're filming this?
Oh, yeah.
Um, Professor Thompson's
very into things
being on the record.
It's kinda like
an important part
of the journalistic process.
-I'm going to the bathroom.
-Oh. Are you okay?
One thing you'll learn about me.
I don't like surprises.
[DOOR OPENS]
[SIGHS]
NINA: Oh, hey.
Are you okay?
[HESITATES]
I... I don't think
this was a good idea.
You'll be fine.
You can just talk to them
like you talked to me.
Oh, well, that's the problem.
I shouldn't be...
Well, I just don't want to talk
about that time.
We have to talk
about the things
that make you sad, right?
[CHUCKLES] You shouldn't
listen to me.
Too late.
[STUDENTS CHATTERING]
[CHATTERING STOPS]
Okay, we're good.
Nina, you can start.
Eleanor Morgenstein,
thank you so much
for coming in today
and sharing your story.
I've brought the class
up to speed
with your recent interviews.
Right.
Well, the... the truth is...
I'd like to go back a little,
start again.
BESSIE: I was nine years old.
A Christian family took us in.
My brother, me and our mother.
Our home was... [CHUCKLES]
inside a small closet.
For years, we lived like this.
[CHUCKLES]
I saw the world
through the slats of a door.
Life was on the other side.
Everything for me was always
on the other side of that door.
Well, when I came to New York,
I would look up in the subway
and see the gratings
and people walking above me.
Now, I would think,
all those people...
they are in life.
In life.
But I was outside.
And then one day...
that door in the closet opened.
[VOICE BREAKING]
There were soldiers.
My mother... [CRYING]
She held us
with all her strength.
[BESSIE SOBS]
[CRYING] She would not let go.
[BESSIE SNIFFLES]
Oh.
She did... she did not let go.
[BESSIE CRYING]
I can still feel her hand
in mine.
[APPLAUSE]
-It wasn't great.
-NINA: What?
-I think you were amazing.
-Uh-huh.
You don't give yourself
enough credit.
ELEANOR: Right.
People really love
listening to you.
Oh, do you have time
to come talk to my professor?
Oh, I have to see
another apartment with Lisa.
Well, if you'd rather
hang out with me,
I have a special trip
in mind for us.
-A trip?
-Mm-hmm.
Give me one of those. [CHUCKLES]
I know I said I hate surprises,
but you know what?
I'm intrigued. [LAUGHS]
Uh, I'll see the apartment
another time.
All right, let's go.
Oh, do you mind
if I drop my bag off first?
We're not far from my place.
ELEANOR: If you're taking me
to your dorm room,
so help me God.
Okay.
Not a dorm.
-[CHUCKLES]
-Wow.
NINA: Yeah, my mom's
parents bought it
for nothing back in the day.
Pictures.
Look at these.
Nina, you didn't tell me
you wrote poetry.
Um, that was from eighth grade.
I wouldn't get excited.
Can I borrow it?
Yeah, sure. You can keep it.
Do you still write poems?
Uh, I don't know.
But what I do know
is that book got me
a full ride
to The Putney School.
-[CHUCKLES] Where's that?
-NINA: Vermont.
I needed to get
the hell out of here.
ELEANOR: That bad, huh?
Yeah. My parents were
just fighting constantly.
What a way to grow up.
NINA: Uh, yeah.
It wasn't really
my favorite time.
ELEANOR: Wait.
Did you forget
to tell me something?
Not really.
You ready?
You've been giving me
the third degree
and forgot to mention
you're related to Roger Davis?
I'm related to Roger Davis.
And our Uber's here.
Roger Davis.
If Bessie were alive,
-she'd drop dead.
-[CHUCKLES]
-Is he home? Is he here?
-No.
Um, he's so handsome and smart,
and Bessie mentioned
that he'd married a Jew.
I should have known.
Well, how would I have known?
[ SAVE THE BEST FOR LASBY VANESSA WILLIAMS PLAYING]
Can I please
take this thing off?
-I'm about to hurl.
-[CHUCKLES]
We're not there yet.
You know, I...
I think I'm a bigger fan
of Roger Davis than you are.
[NINA CHUCKLES]
No, no. I... I love my dad.
It's just been weird.
He never talks about my mom.
Like, I'll bring her up,
and he'll just leave the room.
It's like she just...
poof, went away.
Oh, honey.
Oh, just here
on the right is good.
-You okay?
-Oh, I've got it.
Oh.
All right, you may remove
your mask,
-madame.
- [CHUCKLES]
[ELEANOR GASPS]
[SEAGULLS CALLING]
NINA: Oh, God. I... I thought
this would be different.
I just... I wanted you
to have a nice time.
Eleanor?
[CARNIVAL MUSIC PLAYING FAINTLY]
-[LIVELY CHATTER]
-[BELL RINGING]
[PEOPLE SCREAMING
AND LAUGHING PLAYFULLY]
It's just like it was.
-Oh, thank you.
-[NINA CHUCKLES]
Should we look around?
-Yeah. [CHUCKLES]
-Yeah?
[CARNIVAL MUSIC AND SOUNDS
CONTINUE FAINTLY]
[HUMMING BLUE SKIES]
Nothing but blue sky
Do I see
[CHUCKLES]
[SCATTING SOFTLY]
[SCATTING STOPS]
RABBI COHEN: It's...
it's just wonderful,
[STAMMERS] Eleanor.
I can assign you a date
and a Torah portion today.
-Um...
-Oh.
Oh. Four weeks from today.
Wow. That soon?
[CHUCKLES] Okay. Sure.
Perfect.
Um, which means that
your Torah portion will be...
let's see...
Ah, the story of Jacob
and Esau. [CHUCKLES]
Now, uh...
I know that you're familiar
with the teachings
of the Torah, but I do this
with all my students,
so please [CHUCKLES]
bear with me.
[SNIFFS, CLEARS THROAT]
The story of, uh,
Jacob and his brother Esau
is one of intrigue,
it's one of passion.
Rabbi, I'm 200 years old.
Just give me the gist.
Okay, okay.
Well, then you tell me, Eleanor,
why does Jacob
want his father's blessing?
Because Jacob's older brother
is a bad, selfish guy.
Okay, good, good.
And?
And he doesn't deserve
his birthright,
and Jacob deserves it
because he knows
he will follow
the Lord's commandments.
Very good.
But, uh, Isaac refuses
to give it to him,
so Jacob tricks his father
into thinking
that he's his brother Esau
and covers himself
in sheepskin...
Uh, because Esau
was a very hairy man
and his father was blind.
[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
And so, and so Jacob,
mimicking
his brother's voice, said,
"Father, give me your blessing."
So, you know, Isaac,
he, you know, reaches out,
feels the...
feels for the sheepskin,
mistakes Jacob for his brother
and gives Jacob the blessing.
Just like that.
So, Jacob takes on
his brother's identity,
and there were no consequences?
Um...
Ooh. Well, um...
Other than becoming the revered
patriarch of our religion?
[RABBI COHEN SNIFFS]
Well, the heart
of the story, Eleanor,
it's... it's not
about deception.
It's about truth.
But sure, I... I guess,
under some conditions,
deception isn't always bad.
No.
If the intention is pure.
Right.
[CHUCKLES] Oh.
Oh. [CHUCKLES]
Obviously, it's not done yet.
You know, we still have
the bat mitzvah, um...
Yeah, it's good.
Really?
Yeah, it's...
it's thoughtful.
It's, uh...
It's personal.
It's... it's moving.
It's informative.
[CHUCKLES] I mean...
[CHUCKLES]
You know, I'd like to have
dinner with the two of you.
ELEANOR: "The two of you"?
Me? Like the two of us?
-NINA: Yes.
-Oh!
Out of nowhere, he just asked
to read my Eleanor article.
And so he reads it,
and he likes it.
Well, I'm not surprised.
Your poems are very impressive.
I've been reading them.
Oh, really?
How about this
for the ceremony?
I... I don't have
to wear a dress.
Neither do you.
-Wait. What? Me?
-[CHUCKLES]
ELEANOR: Excuse me.
Uh, where are
your dressing rooms?
ELEANOR: One, two, three!
[BOTH LAUGH]
-You look amazing, Eleanor.
-Oh, look at that! [CHUCKLES]
-Look at you...
-Oh. [CHUCKLES]
...like a real
bat mitzvah girl.
Oh. I'm gonna buy both.
It's my treat.
No, no,
I can't let you do that.
Well, it's my bat mitzvah,
and I can do
whatever the hell I want.
-[LAUGHS]
-You look amazing.
-Well, so do you.
-Do you feel good?
I feel wonderful.
I love this suit.
[BOTH LAUGH]
-We both look so good.
-We look like twins.
I know.
No one's gonna be able
-to tell us apart.
-[LAUGHS] I know.
[ELEANOR SINGING IN ARAMAIC]
[SINGING CONTINUES]
Ma. Ma?
-What are you doing in here?
-Oh. What, Lisa?
You can't knock?
It sounded like you were
strangling an animal in here.
Oh, that's nice.
Thank you very much.
What's that?
Nothing. I'm praying.
-For what?
-[STAMMERS]
For Dad. I'm saying kaddish.
It's been 11 years today
since he died, and I thought...
Dad died in August.
It's March.
Is it?
Ma, are you doing okay?
I'm fine.
I'm just a little confused.
I'm worried about you.
I'm not moving into a home.
Ma, I don't even know
where you are half the time.
You don't answer your phone.
Where are you even going?
I'm fine.
Highlights?
Yeah. Oh, yeah, a little.
-Looks nice.
-Oh.
Eyebrows don't match
now, though.
I told her that.
[SIGHS]
Oh, God.
[HORN HONKS]
ELEANOR: Oh. Thank you.
-[LIVELY CHATTER]
-[PIANO PLAYING JAZZ MUSIC]
Oh. Thank you.
HOST: Ah, welcome
to the Knickerbocker.
Roger Davis's table.
-Right this way.
-Thank you.
Oh.
-[CHUCKLES] Oh, hey.
-Hey, how are you?
[CHUCKLES] Fine.
Good to see you. Oh.
Eleanor. I'm Roger.
-I know who you are.
-[ALL CHUCKLING]
Please.
Wow. You look really great.
Okay, I'm just gonna jump
straight into this.
I'm excited, okay?
I... I showed
my producer your story,
and, um, I think it would make
a great on-air segment
for The Fabric of New York.
I mean, it's a... it's a story
of the... the resilience
of the human spirit.
It's inspirational.
It's a human-interest piece
about you.
-Me?
-[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
Oh, no, no, no, no, I...
Well, look, it's not every day
you meet a Holocaust survivor
that feels the need
to reaffirm her faith.
Oh, I... I'm not really
that interesting.
Well, you're more than
interesting, Eleanor.
You're... you're important.
Your story.
Your brother's story.
You know, I think, um...
I think people
should know about you.
This work is...
it's really touching, Neen.
You liked my article that much?
ROGER: I loved it.
-NINA: Wow. [CHUCKLES]
-No, you're good.
You could... you could do this,
if you wanted it enough.
How much of what I told you
did you end up using?
I'll send it to you tonight.
Oh, my God.
Dad, this is so cool.
[CHUCKLES] Wine?
Yes.
All right.
Well, let's have a toast.
-To Eleanor.
-NINA: To Eleanor.
"When you are
a Holocaust survivor
"and you regress,
"what you
are going back to is
"the darkest point
of human history.
"'Eighty years,'
Eleanor Morgenstein starts,
"'and I'm still back there.'"
[GASPS SOFTLY]
Oh, my God.
What have I...
Oh.
[PIGEON COOING]
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
LISA: Mom, bagels.
Oh. What's the occasion?
I have something at the JCC.
In that?
Well, I only have
so many Saturdays left.
Why not look nice?
Well, you do.
Thank you.
And thank you, Maxie,
for letting me steal your bed.
Oh, yeah, it's no problem. Um...
I'm actually gonna go play ball
with some friends if you want
to, um, split a cab.
Oh, no, it's okay.
I'll... I'll walk. [CHUCKLES]
What do you mean, that's okay?
It's freezing out.
You should split the cab.
Yeah, let's go.
Okay.
Mwah. [CHUCKLES]
Bye, Mom.
-MAX: Bye.
-Bye.
LISA: Bye, sweetie.
MAX: Love you.
ROGER: Guys. Come on.
You'll see everything set up
on the left, okay?
-You in touch with Eleanor?
-Yeah, yeah. She's on her way.
-What's the ETA on the guests?
-Let me follow up.
-Whoa. What guests?
-It's a surprise.
No, no, no, Dad.
Eleanor hates surprises.
She'll like this one.
[STAMMERS]
You know, this is ridiculous.
This bus
has been here forever.
[DRIVER SIGHS]
-You're not moving.
-DRIVER: Nothing I can do.
-[HORNS HONKING]
-Oh. [STAMMERS]
Here is good. [CHUCKLES]
Maxie, I... I'll see you
a little later at home, okay?
Okay. Uh, do you need
any help or anything?
No, no, I'm okay.
I'm fine, hon.
-All right. Love you.
-I love you, too, hon.
-Bye.
-Bye-bye.
Uh, yeah, next stop's
103rd and 3rd, please.
Thanks.
[HORN HONKS]
Call Mom.
So, Bubbe
just got out of my cab,
and she's in another cab.
Um, sir, can you follow
that cab for me, please?
Thank you.
NINA: There you are.
-Hey.
-I like your pantsuit.
-Where'd you get it?
-An old friend.
[CHUCKLES]
Are you calling me old?
You want me to take your coat?
No, no, it's okay.
-You okay?
-Yeah.
[SIGHS] My mouth's
a little dry, but...
-[CHUCKLES]
-Other than that... [SIGHS]
-It's okay. We got this.
-[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
[QUIET CHATTER]
RABBI COHEN: Hello, everyone,
and, uh, welcome.
Today, we are here
to celebrate the dedication
and commitment of a woman
who seeks to claim her role
as a teacher
of the Jewish tradition.
And unlike
most of the students I teach,
she is clearly not being forced
into this by her parents.
[LAUGHING]
[LAUGHTER]
Part of the beauty
of days like this
is who we share them with,
and I know
there are many friends,
new and... and old,
who are here
in support of Eleanor.
Uh, and, uh, I see
a few more trickling in now
who know just how important
friendship and faith are
in these most trying of times.
We are so happy
to have you here.
PETER: Hey.
[RABBI COHEN
CONTINUES SPEAKING]
One of the interns
dug up this article
from a local newspaper
in Florida.
ROGER: "Eleanor Morgenstein,
"born and raised
in Des Moines, Iowa"?
RABBI COHEN: Now,
before we begin,
I'd like to welcome
Eleanor's friend, Nina Davis.
[SIGHS]
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
I didn't meet Eleanor like
I meet most of my friends.
We don't go to the same school.
We don't share
the same taste in music.
We don't...
My mom died this past year,
and I'm young enough that
I don't know too many people
that have lost parents,
thankfully.
Um...
But when it happened,
none of my friends could relate,
or they felt sorry for me,
or... or I pushed them away.
They were too nervous
to bring her up, and...
when I did,
they'd sort of just nod
or pretend
like they didn't hear me,
and conversations
seemed to stop.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Uh, then I met you.
And you listened.
And you understood.
And you didn't try
to change the subject.
You just spoke to me like
you would any other person.
[NINA CHUCKLES]
Which is to say
that you yelled a lot.
[CHUCKLES, SNIFFLES]
Um...
And I want
to thank you for that.
You have helped me.
[SNIFFLES]
Really.
[SNIFFLES]
RABBI COHEN: And, uh,
now I'd like to introduce
Vera Mandrella.
VERA: I am honored
to be speaking
at Eleanor's bat mitzvah.
As survivors, we share
something almost unspeakable.
I am very proud of you,
my friend,
for sharing your story
of the Holocaust
with us at the JCC.
LISA: Ma?
What is going on here?
What is this?
-What? Ma... Ma?
-[VERA STAMMERS]
I'm... I'm sorry?
[STAMMERS]
Ma, did you tell these people
that you were
a Holocaust survivor?
Look, I'm... I'm very sorry.
My mother converted
to Judaism in 1953
when she married my father.
She is not a Holocaust survivor.
She is from the Midwest.
Ma, what is this?
[GUESTS MURMURING]
[STAMMERS] Ma?
[LISA STAMMERS]
Oh, Nina.
ELEANOR: Nina.
Nina, please listen to me.
[ELEANOR SIGHS]
-You okay?
-I was there
for the Broadway
singing squad, and...
and I followed Vera.
-I didn't...
-I really don't want to hear it.
Oh, I was so lonely,
and I needed a friend.
And you have been such
a wonderful friend. You have.
-But you weren't.
-ROGER: Nina.
No, I wasn't.
Let's go home. Car's here.
So everything
that you told me about,
everything that you said
was a lie.
Who the hell lies about that?
Are you crazy?
Maybe I am. I don't know.
NINA: I've spent
all of this time with you.
I've had all of these
open conversations.
[VOICE BREAKING]
I poured my heart out to you.
It wasn't a lie.
Eleanor, please.
It wasn't a lie!
It just wasn't my story!
-Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom.
-Nina!
-Let them go.
-Nina!
-Mom, just let them go.
-Hey, hey.
MAX: It's okay, Bubbe.
LISA: Come on. It's okay, Ma.
MAX: It's okay, Bubbe.
We love you. It's okay.
LISA: Come on, Ma,
let's sit down.
You're okay.
Come on.
[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE]
[PHONE DINGS]
[SIGHS]
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
Yeah?
You okay?
I feel like such an idiot.
Well, you know, there's a...
Don't say that
there's a lesson here.
[LAUGHS] Well...
Well, there is.
I mean...
[ROGER GRUNTS SOFTLY]
Uh... [CHUCKLES]
You always see
the best in people.
Um...
You have since you were a kid,
and... [CHUCKLES]
that can be a wonderful thing.
But not everybody's
who they say they are.
You're older now,
and you'll see that...
people will take advantage
of that kind of trust.
I hate to see you
get hurt like this.
[SIGHS] Yeah.
You want something to eat?
I'm ordering food.
No, I'm okay.
Could you
shut my door, please?
Yeah.
[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING]
[SNIFFLES]
[CRYING]
[EXHALES SOFTLY]
THOMPSON: Facts are
the bedrock of truth,
and in this day and age,
we are constantly bombarded
by misinformation.
It is our job as journalists
to educate the reader
on truth versus reality.
[SIGHS]
[GRUNTS SOFTLY]
Thank you.
Hey, you okay?
Who am I?
Who am I anymore?
You're my mother.
And you always will be.
[CLICKS TONGUE]
You know that I...
love you,
no matter what happens.
You're putting me
in a home, aren't you?
It's not a home.
It's a place
I know you'll be safe.
Safe from what?
Safe from what, Lisa?
I don't...
I don't want to fight.
Aren't you tired of fighting?
I love fighting.
I want to fight.
Let me keep on fighting.
Mom, let me help you.
This is good.
Why don't you
go out anymore, Lisa?
No. That's over.
Why over?
You look at a picture
of yourself taken ten years ago,
and how do you look?
Amazing. [CHUCKLES]
[STAMMERS]
And what did you think
when that picture was taken?
That I...
I was just a hot mess.
[CHUCKLES] And awful.
[CHUCKLES]
You wasted all that time
thinking you looked bad
when you looked gorgeous.
Ma, why didn't... why didn't
you tell me that before?
I don't know.
I should've.
ROGER: No, no, no, no.
Then we cut to
the bat mitzvah footage.
Well, either way, we need it
-ready to go at 8:00.
-What are you talking about?
Peter, I'm gonna call you back.
-Okay.
-Dad, what's going on?
-Yeah, I wanted to talk to you.
-Yeah, about what?
Well, there's still a story
here worth exploring.
What? No, no, there's not.
Actually, Nina, yeah, there is.
Dad, what the hell
are you talking about?
Are you serious?
How could you do this?
This is so embarrassing.
For me and for Eleanor!
Would you just calm down?
Let me explain...
No, no, no, no, no.
There's nothing to explain.
There's nothing to explain,
because all you care about
is getting your story,
even if it means
ruining people's lives.
God, you are so heartless.
How could you do this to me?
Can you just take a second
and listen to me, please?
No, no! You have no right
to tell me what to do.
You have no right
to tell me anything.
I've been so alone, so alone,
and you just
don't seem to get that.
The only reason that
I took this journalism class
or did literally any of this is
so that you would speak to me!
Eleanor has left me 14 messages
trying to explain why she lied.
And you know what? She actually
has a pretty good explanation.
Yeah, I'm sure she does.
Dad. [STAMMERS]
Even if she didn't,
even if she didn't,
it wouldn't matter!
Because at least she felt like
she owed me one.
I was alone when Mom's
accident happened.
Where were you?
Where have you been?
Where have you been for months?
[RINGTONE PLAYING]
Dad, don't do this.
-Just give me a sec.
-Oh, my God.
Wait. Nina!
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
[PANTING]
Hey. I'm here to see
Eleanor Morgenstein, 14N.
Mrs. Morgenstein
moved out a few days ago.
What? Where?
-Uh, sorry. I don't know.
-Oh, my God.
Would you like to leave
a message for her daughter?
We hope you'll join us then.
Thanks, everyone.
-[APPLAUSE]
-ANNOUNCER: Promotional
consideration provided
by Consumer Cellular.
Hey, Eleanor.
The usual? Or are we adding
whipped cream this time?
-[LAUGHS] You're spoiling me.
-[CHUCKLES]
I'll have two scoops of vanilla
and the hot fudge.
Thank you, Dante.
NEWS ANNOUNCER:
You're watching Spectrum News,
New York 1.
Coming up, a story about
a very special bat mitzvah.
You won't want to miss
this one.
The Fabric of New York
with Roger Davis
is coming up next.
Eleanor, it's me. Call me.
I need to talk to you.
-Is the final copy in?
-Yeah, we're good.
Okay, great. Thank you.
PETER: And we're back in ten.
PETER: And five, four,
three, two...
Welcome back.
If you're just joining us
at the 8:00 hour,
I'm Roger Davis, and this is
The Fabric of New York.
[NEWS THEME PLAYING]
Eleanor Morgenstein
was your average 94-year-old.
Having recently moved
to New York City from Florida,
she had a loving family
and attended synagogue weekly.
A few months back,
Ms. Morgenstein walked into
a Holocaust survivors
support group
at her local
Jewish community center
and told a story that moved
everyone who heard it.
It was harrowing.
It was visceral.
The only problem,
it wasn't hers.
Eleanor did not survive
the Holocaust.
In fact, she was born
and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.
She later moved
to New York City,
where, in 1953,
she met Bessie Stern
in the stenography pool.
Best friends for 70 years,
Bessie and Eleanor experienced
all of life's
milestones together.
The two were inseparable
until Bessie passed away
this last December.
It was Bessie's
survivor's story
that Eleanor
told that fateful day.
Eleanor's lie came as a shock
to those close to her.
Even her own family
didn't know
the double life
she'd been living.
Which begs the question,
what drove Eleanor to lie?
And while I can't say for sure,
I imagine...
it was grief.
Now, I'm not defending
or condoning
the actions
of Ms. Morgenstein.
I empathize
with someone who's lost
the center of their universe
only to find themselves
suspended in midair.
Almost eight months ago,
my daughter and I lost her mom.
My wife.
Jeanne Davis.
And I can tell you that grief
can make you selfish,
can make you blind...
to the suffering of others.
Some people act out.
Others retreat inward.
In the months
since my wife died,
I've only said her name once.
And that was just now.
Out of fear.
I've been afraid
to admit my heartbreak
for our family.
But why?
So we at the station
are digging deep,
asking questions
and getting to the root of it.
Why do we, as a society,
bury grief in the darkness
when it is
the inevitable outcome
of the love that unites us all?
Why do we isolate
at exactly the moment
that we need
human connection the most?
When we return, we will begin
a weeklong in-depth series
on the taboos of grief.
From disassociation
to discomfort,
our show sheds light
on the psychology of loss.
Stay with us.
PETER: And we're clear.
-[BELL RINGS]
-[APPLAUSE]
PETER: Back in two minutes.
-Really moving.
-[SIGHS] Thank you.
-MAKEUP ARTIST: Can I touch up?
-Yeah, thanks.
[SIGHS]
[PHONE RINGING]
[GROANS SOFTLY]
NINA: Hello?
Uh, no, that's my mom.
She's not here.
She passed away.
Thanks.
[INHALES SHARPLY]
[BREATH TREMBLING]
[SIGHS]
I'm sorry.
[CRYING]
[SIGHS]
I love you.
[GASPS] Oh, hey, Ma.
Shh. We're reading.
Oh. Shh.
-How you doing?
-I'm fine. Everything's great.
-Yeah?
-[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
Well, isn't that nice of you?
Thank you.
I have something else for you.
Hi, Eleanor. [CHUCKLES]
Oh. Oh!
[CHUCKLES]
ELEANOR: [CHUCKLING] Oh. Oh.
Oh, I...
I thought she hated me.
Oh, I thought you hated me.
NINA: No, I could never.
Oh!
This is the granddaughter
I told you about. Oh.
[CHUCKLES]
-I missed you.
-Oh.
Oh, me, too.
-Okay. Okay, lovebirds.
-[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
-Let's get out of here, huh?
-Where are we going?
Oh. Uh, we could get
some fresh air.
Do you want to have lunch, Ma?
Oh, we eat lunch at 11:00.
Oh. That's early.
There is somewhere
I need to go, though.
But what time is it?
We've got time.
[QUIET CHATTER]
Maybe not.
We got this.
[CHUCKLES]
[GROANS]
Oh, shit.
Her name was Elizabeth Stern.
Bessie.
She was born
December 17th, 1929.
She was married to Sidney Stern
for 50 years,
and they had two children,
Stephen and Rachel.
And four
beautiful grandchildren.
After Sid died,
we lived together
for 11 years.
And sometimes when you live
with someone for that long,
you forget where you end
and they begin.
And I am so sorry,
so sorry that I betrayed
your trust.
I... I tried to fill the hole
that she left.
I told her story
like it was mine because...
I... I miss her.
And now, I... I need to tell it
because she can't, uh...
Go on.
BESSIE: After we
were captured,
we were taken to Auschwitz.
We were separated.
They took my mother.
My brother [CHUCKLES]
tried to run after her,
but I had to hold him back.
I had to.
[BESSIE SIGHS]
We survived
because we could work
in the ammunition factory.
We had small hands.
And that was good
for that kind of work.
Mm.
Then one day,
they moved us...
packed us in trains.
Well, we... we didn't know
where we're going.
How did you ever get away?
On top of the trains,
there were soldiers with guns,
and they would shoot at anyone
who would jump from a window.
My God, did people jump?
I did.
Well... [STAMMERS]
I wouldn't have done it,
but I saw my brother,
he jumped first,
so I did the same thing.
I landed in a ditch of snow,
and I was running.
I was running.
They kept on shooting.
I could hear the bullets.
Oh.
I end... I ended up
in the woods.
It was wet, and there was snow,
and I was so cold,
but I did not move.
I stood still,
and I... I waited.
I just waited.
Then when the...
train was gone
and it was quiet,
that's when I stood up.
I... I still don't understand.
My brother, he...
he jumped, I mean,
[STAMMERS] a few seconds
before me,
and it took me hours
till I found him.
And...
[WHIMPERS]
[CRYING] When...
When I did...
[CRYING]
I could not even recognize him.
[CRYING]
Fourteen times, they shot him.
You counted?
I had to!
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
I had to know.
[CRYING]
I picked him up,
and I took him in my arms...
[SNIFFLES]
and I took him to the forest.
I lay him to rest the way...
[CRYING] Oh, the way my parents
would have wanted.
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
I asked myself so many times,
"Why?
"Why am I alive?
"Why is he dead?
"Why is my brother dead?
What did he do?
"How could God exist?"
It took me years
to go back and pray.
And...
I think I'm beginning
to... understand.
Maybe...
Maybe God saved me...
so I can share my life
with you.
Oh.
I think, oy...
I'm all...
spoken out.
You think
you'll be able to sleep?
[SPEAKING YIDDISH]
Come.
[BESSIE SIGHS]
I think we deserve
to sleep in tomorrow.
What do you think?
Bess?
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
[SIGHS]
WOMAN:
Blue skies
Smiling at me
Nothing but blue skies
Do I see
Bluebirds
Singing their song
Nothing but bluebirds
All day long
Never saw the sun
shining so bright
Never saw things
going so right
Noticing the days
hurrying by
When you're in love,
my, how they fly
Blue days
All of them gone
Nothing but blue skies
From now on
Never saw the sun
shining so bright
Never saw things
going so right
Noticing the days
hurrying by
When you're in love,
my, how they fly
Blue days
All of them gone
Nothing but blue skies
From now on
Nothing but blue skies
From now on
[SONG ENDS]
[MUSIC ENDS]
[CLOCK TICKING]
[CRICKETS CHIRPING]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[TICKING CONTINUES]
[ELEANOR GRUNTS SOFTLY]
[WHISPERING] Bessie. Bess.
Wake up. We overslept.
Oy.
[SPEAKING YIDDISH]
Thanks.
[LAUGHING]
BESSIE: She's been looking
at this Moishe for a long time.
-[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
-I noticed.
Problem is
he doesn't look at her.
-[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
-She looks at him.
ELEANOR: Did you know that
they're renovating the elevator?
BESSIE: You know
what happened?
-Four times I got stuck there.
-[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
-Me. Why me?
-ELEANOR: Wow.
BESSIE: I was yelling.
I was hitting the button.
"Somebody, come help."
No. Nothing.
-Nothing, nothing, nothing.
-Ugh. Oh.
BESSIE: This is the last time
this is happening.
We're going to sue them.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
-Let's see how that feels.
-Oh. [CHUCKLES]
They won't like it,
but it'll be a nice,
new elevator when it's fixed.
-That's true.
-[CHUCKLES]
That is true. [CHUCKLES]
BESSIE: I tell you,
I saw her the other day.
-Blonde.
-ELEANOR: Rebecca?
Yeah. [CHUCKLES]
Suddenly, she became a blondie.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
To think that
she's gonna find somebody,
she's gonna marry...
Well, you can't say
when love might happen.
BESSIE: Oh, no.
Gives me heartburn.
[CHUCKLES] You always say that.
-The kosher place is, um...
-You like... you like that?
-Oh, yes.
-Okay.
-Best chicken in the world.
-Mm.
[CHUCKLES]
Okay. All right.
-We'll go rest for a while.
-Oh, my goodness.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
Oh, you're
in good shape, Bessie.
So are you.
What are we gonna have
for dinner tonight?
-Chicken.
-[CHUCKLES]
[SEAGULLS CALLING]
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING
OVER SPEAKERS]
[STAMMERS] Excuse me.
Where are
the Claussen's Kosher?
They're supposed
to be right here.
I guess we're out.
[STAMMERS] Hello.
Uh, do... do you have
in the back maybe?
Well, we have a bunch
of other pickles right here,
and, honestly, I think
all pickles taste the same.
Excuse me?
Eleanor. No.
Are you listening to this?
"All pickles are the same."
I heard.
Hey...
"Charlie."
Nice name. [CHUCKLES]
How long you been
working here, Charlie?
I don't know, like...
few weeks?
That's cute.
Well, yesterday
was delivery day.
And you know
how I know that?
Because we've been
coming here every Friday
for the last 16 years.
Can you count to 16, Charlie?
-Well, of course I...
-Ah!
[CHUCKLES]
Here's what you're gonna do.
You're gonna go to the back.
Bessie, point to the back
so Charlie doesn't get lost.
You're gonna turn left
at the shampoo.
Go all the way down the aisle.
Now, I know it's complicated,
Charlie, but stay with me,
and you'll find the pickles
that my friend needs, okay?
Okay, go fetch.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
Look at you.
Do either of you ever smile?
-Hitler took my smile.
-Mine, too.
Oh, please.
Do you have something to say?
You're from the Bronx, Eleanor.
Yeah, does that mean
that I can't be sad
about the Holocaust?
Bessie, tell Ivan I can be sad
about the Holocaust.
She can be sad
about the Holocaust.
But it's not the same.
You weren't there.
Well, neither were you.
I never said I was.
-Bessie, is Ivan yelling at me?
-[PAINED GRUNT]
Bessie? Bessie!
-[P.A. BEEPS]
-NURSE: I'm sorry, Mrs. Stern.
Rounds are taking
a little longer than expected,
but the doctor shouldn't be
more than an hour.
You have no idea, have you?
The Stern Wing of Neurology.
Bessie Stern.
Oh.
Oh, my God. I am so sorry.
I'll page
the doctor immediately.
-That's okay. Thank you.
-Uh, she's concussed.
Don't listen to her.
That'll be great.
And some ice pops.
Red ones, two each.
[SCOFFS]
Come on.
It's a common last name.
How's she gonna know?
You have to stop
doing that, El. [CHUCKLES]
You're interesting enough.
You don't have to lie
about who you are.
It's not a real lie.
I mean, I'm not hurting anyone.
Besides, I'm lying
about who you are.
Oh, yeah?
Well, I'm interesting
enough, too.
[GASPS] My God, Bessie.
-Roger's back.
-[GASPS]
ROGER: [OVER PHONE]
Welcome back.
-[BESSIE COOING]
-I'm Roger Davis,
and this is
The Fabric of New York.
In a heartwarming tale
of reconciliation...
[STAMMERS] Why,
he doesn't seem sad?
You know what? He is sad.
He's just brave.
-Ah.
-[VIDEO CONTINUES PLAYING]
Oh, and handsome.
Oy, oy, oy.
A little gaunt.
Mm. Remember how much weight
you lost after Harry died?
-Best I ever looked.
-[BOTH LAUGH]
Oh.
His wife was Jewish, you know?
I heard. From you.
[BOTH LAUGH]
Terrible about what happened
to her, though.
Happens to all of us.
Not everyone
gets to be a hundred.
Stop that.
You're gonna be fine.
[EXHALES]
[GRUNTS]
Taking a trip, Eleanor?
Moving home, actually.
[SCOFFS] To New York? You?
Well, you know,
my daughter's been begging me
to move in with her
for the longest time.
You mean the kid
who's hooked on Adderall
or the one
who doesn't talk to you?
[ELEVATOR BELL DINGS]
Nice knowing you, Clarice.
Oh, say goodbye
to Melvin for me.
Ah.
Oh, we had such a wonderful time
the other night. [CHUCKLES]
He's very strong.
[SIGHS] You're so full
of shit, Eleanor.
Yeah?
MAX: How long's
Bubbe staying?
Uh, I'm... like,
I'm thinking a month or two.
You know, I need to convince her
that she's better off
living in one of those, um...
-One... One of the...
-Uh, stop it.
-She always loves your ideas.
-Max, give me a break.
Oh. Oh, oh, oh. Hey, hey.
-MAX: Hey.
-Hi.
-Hey.
-Hey.
I see you.
[ELEANOR LAUGHS]
-[CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY]
-MAX: I can help you with this.
ELEANOR: No. No, no, it's fine.
Oh, boy. [CHUCKLES]
-Oh, thank you.
-Yeah.
Oh. [SIGHS]
Are you okay?
Yeah. Great.
How was your flight?
Is she feeding you?
What's going on?
Are you cold?
No, we're inside, Ma.
He's not cold.
You cut your hair, I see.
-Yeah. You like it?
-Yeah.
I liked it better
when it was long.
-So, where's the car?
-Uh, we're taking an Uber.
-Oh. So, Dave got the car?
-No, that's not what I said.
So, Maxie, did your dad
-get the car?
-Um, it...
Anyway, hold that thought.
I'm going to the bathroom,
and you can tell me all about it
in the Uber.
[EXHALES SOFTLY]
She's gonna live forever.
I know.
First time here?
God, no.
I lived in the Bronx
for 40 years
before my husband and I
moved to Florida.
Well, in that case,
welcome home.
[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
Never lived
in Manhattan, though.
I'm 94 years old,
and I'm moving to Manhattan
for the first time today.
I live in Staten.
My condolences.
[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE]
Tell me again,
why do you live here?
Oh, this is
a great apartment, Ma.
Thanks.
We're practically eating dinner
smack-dab in the middle
of the FDR.
The fumes can't be good.
It's affordable, Ma.
How inconvenient is that?
I like it.
Is he being sarcastic?
-[MOUTHING]
-ELEANOR: [CHUCKLES] Oh.
Maxie. [SNIFFLES]
You're at SUNY now.
-Is it good? Do you like it?
-Um...
I think I'll make
Shabbat next week.
That is, if everybody is free.
Uh, no, I got plans, Ma.
-A date?
-No.
Have you started dating again?
Ma.
Uh, he knows.
You think he doesn't know?
Maxie, your mother dated up
a storm in high school.
-[CHUCKLES] Oh.
-Uh, always sneaking boys
-in at night.
-I'm good, thanks.
And what was it those kids
used to call you, Lisa?
-Ma!
-Something very rude.
-Funny but rude.
-Ma.
-Ma!
-What?
Please stop!
"The class mattress!"
That's what it was!
[ELEANOR LAUGHS]
Um, I'll come
to Shabbat, Bubbe.
Oh, one good Jew
in the family.
Thank you, Maxie.
And I'll make that braised
gorgel that you like.
How does that sound?
Yeah, great.
You know, my trainer
was telling me about
her mom's building in Bay Ridge.
Sounds... it sounds great
for people your age.
Why? Do they have
a morgue on-site?
Also, I signed you up
for the Broadway
singing squad at the JCC.
I judged the morgue prematurely.
I can see that now.
[STAMMERS]
What is this piece
of equipment?
Who lives like this?
That's an exercise bike, Ma.
I moved it in here
when Max left for college.
And when we find you a place,
I'm gonna use this room
to work out in.
Oh, great.
Hold on.
Where did you get these?
Oh, oh, I found
all of these old photos
in storage with a bunch
of Daddy's old stuff.
-Oh.
-Yeah.
Would you go to Coney Island
with me tomorrow?
Tomorrow is Thursday, Ma.
I got work.
Oh, come on,
how important could it be?
I have a huge restaurant opening
at Lincoln Center.
What am I gonna do here
all day alone?
I signed you up
for a class at the JCC.
[SCOFFS]
Maybe you'll make friends.
Mm-hmm.
[PIANO PLAYING I'M STILL HERE]
Good times
and bum times
I've seen them all
And, my dear,
I'm still here
Plush velvet sometime
Sometimes just pretzels
and beer
But I'm here
I've stuffed the dailies
In my shoes
Strummed ukuleles
Sung the blues
Seen all my dreams
disappear
But I'm here
ELEANOR: Hello.
WOMAN:
I've slept in shanties
Guest of the WPA
And I'm here
Ah. [CHUCKLES] Thank you.
WOMAN:
Danced in my scanties
Three bucks a night
was the pay
And I'm here
I've stood on bread lines
With the best
Watched while the headlines
Did the rest
In the Depression,
was I depressed?
Nowhere near
Good time, bum times
I've seen 'em all
and, my dear
I'm still here
I've run the gamut
A to Z
Three cheers and damn it
C'est la vie
I got through
all of last year
And I'm here
Lord knows at least
I've been there
But I'm here
Guess who's here
I'm
Still
Here
-Yeah!
-[SONG ENDS]
-[APPLAUSE]
-[GROANS] Oh, God.
Oh.
VERA: Come on, you.
Do you need help with that?
I'd pay you a million bucks.
My friend had a sweater
like that.
Farkakte zipper.
You just have to shake it
around a little.
VERA: Would you look at that?
[CHUCKLES]
Thank you. You're very kind.
We all got to look out
for each other.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
You coming?
You're here
for the group, right?
Yes. Yes.
Don't worry.
The first time
is always the hardest.
I'm glad you found us.
Come.
Come on.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Come on.
[BOTH LAUGH]
I'll just sign in now.
[CHUCKLES] Okay.
[SIGHS]
Oh.
[QUIET CHATTER]
Okay.
Hi, everyone.
GROUP: Hi, April.
APRIL: It's great to see you.
Before we check in, I just want
to introduce you all to Nina.
Go ahead and introduce yourself
to the group, hon.
Um, well, first of all, I...
I just want to say
thank you for letting me
join you.
Um, I'm a sophomore at NYU,
and I'm here
'cause I'm writing an article
for my journalism class.
I'm... I'm just here to observe.
April, we also have
a new member.
APRIL: A lot of newbies today.
Why don't you
introduce yourself?
Hi.
I'm Eleanor.
GROUP: Hi, Eleanor.
APRIL: I'll explain a little
of what goes on here
before we jump in, okay?
We're a support group,
first and foremost.
Sometimes we write about
our time in the Holocaust,
but most of the time,
we just share.
What about the Holocaust?
Just about your experience
as a survivor.
How you move
through the world
having been through
what you have.
The purpose of the Holocaust
Survivors Support Group
is just to speak freely.
Uh, oh.
Oh, I'm sorry.
VERA: Eleanor. Eleanor.
Stay. Stay.
APRIL: I understand
it's emotional.
Most people don't understand
how alienating surviving can be,
how alone you can feel,
but you don't have to be alone.
Not anymore.
Why don't you just tell us
where you're from?
Well, I...
I... I'm from Poland,
originally.
Mm.
Do you want to tell us
a little about your family?
Well, my parents
were very kind people.
[BESSIE WHIMPERING]
[WIND WHISTLING]
[GASPS] Oy! Oy.
[SIGHS]
Bess.
BESSIE: Oy.
Oy.
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
I'm still back there.
[SPEAKING YIDDISH]
I see my brother,
and we're running
in the woods and...
I don't know.
What have I done all this time?
Well, more than most.
What have I done, El, huh?
[STAMMERS] No, tell me.
Well, you raised a family,
you worked at the temple...
[STAMMERS]
and you got Clarice to turn
her goddamn television down.
He would have done much more.
My brother.
Such a good boy.
BESSIE: Hmm.
People look at my arm
and ask me,
"What was it like?"
And all I say,
"It... It was bad."
I never tell.
Not even my own children.
Well, you shouldn't have to.
I'm the only person alive
that knew my brother.
And I'm going to go
into my grave
never having told anyone
about him.
I want someone to know.
I should have told someone.
Why am I still here?
APRIL: Good, Eleanor.
That's a really good start.
-[SNIFFLES]
-Sami.
SAMI: Yes?
Want to tell us about your week?
Absolutely, but first of all,
Eleanor, welcome to our group.
Once you will start talking,
you will find out
that that will be
very liberating for you.
That has been
my personal experience.
Welcome.
VERA: That was beautiful,
Eleanor.
See you next week?
Sure, sure.
Oh, Eleanor. Hi.
Hi. I'm Nina.
Yeah, I saw you in there.
Right.
Um, the way that you talked
about your brother
was so moving.
I... I was wonder...
I was wondering if I, um...
if I could feature you
in my article.
-[ELEVATOR DINGS]
-I think not. No.
Oh. Um, well, maybe like a...
a coffee or a phone interview?
I would really love
to talk to you.
Uh, I'm not interested.
[SOBS SOFTLY]
[SIGHS]
Oh. No, no.
Oh, go ahead. I'm done.
Thanks.
Hey, you know
who's in one of my classes?
Hailey Reed.
Remember her?
From sixth grade?
You know, the one
with the weird dad?
[CHUCKLES] Okay.
Yeah, she's, uh,
she's in this new class I'm in.
I think you'd like it.
It's kinda up your alley.
Journalism and society.
Wait, you were interested
in creative writing.
You sure you're ready
to take on the hard news cycle?
I know.
You think poetry
is a waste of time.
[CHUCKLES] No. No, no.
I never said that.
I think it's a great hobby.
It's just, you know,
hard to make a career out of.
[LOCK CLICKS]
[KEYS DROP ON FLOOR]
Shit.
Where were you?
Oh, my... Mom, you scared
the shit out of me.
You were on a date.
I... No, I took...
Just took a walk.
A walk? In that?
Oh!
Guess not.
Oh, God.
DISPATCHER: Ms. Morgenstein,
do you need the paramedics?
-[WHISPERS] Say something.
-No.
DISPATCHER: If you
can hear me, ma'am,
help is on the way.
No, no. Um, thank you so much.
So sorry. No, thank you.
We're, um,
just testing the, uh...
-Thank you so much.
-DISPATCHER: Okay, ma'am,
-not a problem.
-Thank you, sir.
This seems crazy.
Mom, it's for...
Come on, it's for if you fall
and you can't get
to the phone and...
And what?
Mom, I... I got, like...
I have a million things
going on,
and I cannot be here
all the time,
and... and you have
never lived alone.
I'm worried about
something happening to you
when I'm not here.
What would happen?
Mom, I walked by this amazing
independent living place
-on the Upper West Side.
-Oh.
You would basically
be on your own,
except they, you know,
they do the wellness checks
every morning just... just
to make sure you're okay and...
Oh, I got the... Uh, wait.
I, um, I have the brochure.
They do these fun activities,
and I think there are
a lot of other residents
you would have
a lot in common with.
You'd say that
about Guantanamo
if you thought they had
an opening for me.
Here. I... I got you
the brochure.
I... you know,
it really looks amazing.
[PHONE VIBRATING]
Hey, you got, like,
a million texts here.
Who's Nina?
Oh, here. Give me that.
Give me the phone.
She said she got your number
from the sign-in sheet.
Uh, she's from the JCC.
Hey. Hey. [CHUCKLES]
What did I tell you?
You see, you made friends.
She's probably just texting
about a donation.
[SIGHS]
[TRAFFIC PASSING OUTSIDE]
[LIGHT CLICKING]
[SNIFFLES]
[CRYING SOFTLY]
[SNIFFLES]
[CRYING SOFTLY]
[SNIFFLES]
[CRYING SOFTLY]
We have no bananas
We have no bananas today
We have no...
[HUMMING]
[RINGTONE PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
Hello?
MAX: [OVER PHONE]
Hey, Bubbe.
Maxie! [CHUCKLES]
I was just finishing the food.
What's... what's...
What do you want, honey?
Well, I just realized
my friend's band
is playing tonight,
and I need to reschedule
the dinner.
Is that a problem?
Oh. No, no, I understand.
It's okay.
We'll just do it next week.
Are you sure?
'Cause I can cancel.
It's fine. You just go
have a good time.
Okay. Uh, love you.
Love you, too, honey.
Bye-bye.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Shabbat shalom.
I'm surprised you called.
You're a hard person
to get in touch with.
[CHUCKLES]
Okay.
Well... well,
let's make this quick.
-Yes. Quick.
-Mm.
Quick is...
It's great. Great.
Whew.
NINA: Um, and what year
did you come to America?
No. No, 1953.
Wow, you barely have an accent.
Well, I... [CHUCKLES]
I've been here a very long time.
Of... Of course.
Um, all right, I just have
a few more questions.
You're very serious about
this journalism thing, huh?
Don't you want to be
with your friends?
Friday night and all?
[CHUCKLES] Um...
I don't know.
I think going out
is kind of overrated.
And people are just weird.
I mean, when you go
to boarding school
from ninth to twelfth grade,
you sort of lose touch.
Yeah, I'm not really sure
who my friends are anymore.
That makes two of us.
[CLEARS THROAT] Um...
When you spoke about
running through the woods
with your brother,
you were escaping, right?
You know, I don't think
Shabbat is a good time
for a heavy conversation.
You do know
what Shabbat is, right?
Sure. My mom was Jewish.
But we never, like, practiced.
What do you mean
your mom was Jewish?
If you're Jewish,
you're Jewish.
Oh. no, I, um...
I didn't mean...
She passed away recently.
Oh, my dear.
I am so sorry to hear that.
What was her name?
Jeanne.
Um, where's your bathroom?
Oh. Through that room.
Excuse me. [SNIFFLES]
[CRYING SOFTLY]
[HYPERVENTILATING]
Oh, you're fine.
You're fine.
[SNIFFLES]
[BREATHING DEEPLY]
[SIGHS]
Nina?
Nina?
-What are you doing in here?
-Oh.
I'm sorry. I just...
Well, I saw these pictures.
ELEANOR: Oh.
-Is that your husband?
-Yeah, that's Harry.
-[CHUCKLES]
-And that's Bessie.
She was my closest friend.
Did you guys meet in New York?
Yeah, we lived in the same
housing project in the Bronx.
But we might as well have lived
on this boardwalk.
She loved Coney Island
better than anywhere else
on earth.
You've been crying.
What? No, I haven't.
Yes, you have.
You're all blotchy.
-Here. Sit down.
-[SNIFFLES]
Are you okay?
How... [SNIFFLES]
How long
after your brother died
were you able to talk about
him without crying? [SNIFFLES]
How long has it been?
Almost... Almost six months.
Nina...
[SNIFFLES]
...would you like to go
to synagogue with me tomorrow?
Really?
Every Jewish woman should see
what the faith has to offer.
Besides, you can give me
the third degree there, too.
[CHUCKLES]
I'd like that.
[REBECCA SINGING IN HEBREW]
[SINGING CONTINUES]
Hey.
Oh, later.
You said I could give you
the third degree.
You're here to observe. Learn.
[SINGING CONTINUES]
How often do you come here?
Every Saturday.
Oh.
-How do you know her?
-I don't.
You don't know these people?
Are we crashing
a bat mitzvah right now?
For the longest time,
shul was a place only for men.
Women weren't welcome.
We certainly
weren't bat mitzvahed.
Well, when I was young, I...
[CHUCKLES] I...
[SIGHS]
You were just fighting
to stay alive.
[SNIFFLES] Anyway.
I just mean... Well, I never got
the chance to celebrate
my Jewish identity.
How does it make you feel?
What are you, a shrink now?
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
[SINGING CONTINUES]
[APPLAUSE]
SINGER:
Shake it, shake it
Shake it, break it
-Shake it, shake your...
-[GIRLS LAUGHING]
[LIVELY CHATTER]
You see those girls?
Now, I'm the one that should be
having the bat mitzvah.
They don't even care
about what it means.
Mm.
Hello. [CHUCKLES]
It's, uh, so nice
to see two new faces.
Oh, oh, I'd love
to introduce myself.
I am... Rabbi Cohen.
-ELEANOR: Oh.
-I'm new here myself,
so, um, please feel free
to reach out anytime, okay?
I hope to see more of you.
If you... if you'll excuse me.
Well, that was weird.
[LAUGHS] Oh, God.
He seemed nice.
Oh, come on.
[GIRLS CHATTERING]
ROGER: No.
No, no, I... I told you.
I told you,
and now I'm telling you
for, what, the seventh time?
Just cancel the membership
and stop sending me her mail.
-[PHONE BEEPS]
-Shit.
Sorry, I'm just...
-I'm trying to find my laptop.
-Yeah. Sorry, I...
[SIGHS]
How's the, um,
homework going?
I'm in college, Dad.
I don't know if you can
ask me that anymore.
But I... I did pick a subject
for my journalism project.
Oh, yeah?
Yeah. Yeah.
I'm actually profiling
a Holocaust survivor.
She spends Saturdays
at other people's bat mitzvahs
'cause she wasn't able
to have one.
Yeah.
Anyway...
That's a good angle.
You should push that.
The... the bat mitzvah thing.
Do you know if Mom
ever had one?
A bat mitzvah?
Uh, I think she did.
Maybe. I... I can't remember.
Sorry.
ELEANOR: So, tell me
about your mother.
I'll probably cry if I do.
So, cry. What's the big deal?
Uh, hold that thought.
Excuse me.
Uh, the other guy brought
the water but no straws.
Oh, we actually
don't have straws.
It's, like,
an environmental thing.
This diner
has a political agenda?
You know what? Don't tell me.
Just go back
and see if you can find two.
I don't need one.
Two.
Thank you.
Now, what was I saying?
-You want me to cry?
-[CHUCKLES] Right.
If there's one thing
I've learned,
and you can write this down
in your notebook,
you have to talk about
the things
that make you sad.
Jews fled Poland
and never talked about
what they went through.
They just kept it moving.
And there's some good in that,
but it can just eat you alive.
Eighty years later,
and you'll still be there.
Oh. [LAUGHING]
You got me.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
[NINA SIGHS]
She was, uh,
an artist, actually.
A photographer.
Was she successful?
Yeah.
Yeah, she was.
So, continue.
[CHUCKLES] Every year
on my birthday,
she would make
a new portrait of us together.
Like, same... same background
and same position.
Charting, like,
how we aged and how we grew.
She would fill my room
with secret notes. [CHUCKLES]
It would take me weeks
to find 'em all.
ELEANOR: No wonder
my daughter hates me.
NINA: No, come on.
I'm sure you did
a lot of nice things for her.
ELEANOR:
I kept my daughter alive.
That's what my mother
did for me.
NINA: What was your mom like?
ELEANOR: Tired.
NINA: What's it like
being 94?
ELEANOR: I feel the same way
I did when I was 16.
I mean, I'm exactly the same.
NINA: As you were
in those old photos?
ELEANOR: I used to be
so young and cute.
NINA: You're still cute.
ELEANOR: Everyone thinks
older people aren't sexual,
but I think about sex.
That part doesn't just go away.
You know? Sometimes I...
I'm sad about it.
-ELEANOR: What about you?
-I'm gay.
Wow, that's open and honest.
Well, it's just who I am.
Well, I think it's great
that you can be yourself.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
-Where is it?
-In your hair.
It's stuck in my hair.
I'm glad you approve.
You're a cool lady, Eleanor.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
TED ALLEN: [OVER TV]
Ten, nine...
NINA: [OVER PHONE] Hey,
can I ask a favor?
-What is it?
-Would you consider
coming to speak to the kids
in my class this week?
It's part of my grade.
Speak about what?
Just the same things
you spoke about in group.
You know what I realized?
I talked about my mom
for 20 minutes tonight,
and I didn't cry.
You're welcome.
[SIGHS] Fine.
I'll talk to your friends.
[WHISPERS] Ah. Yes.
[IN NORMAL VOICE] Thank you.
-[CHUCKLES]
-Thank you so much.
This is so formal.
Hello. Eleanor.
-[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
-I'm David Thompson.
I'm head of the journalism
department here at NYU.
-We're so lucky to have you.
-Oh, why, thank you.
Now, you have everything
you need?
-Oh, yes. Yes.
-Great.
Uh, if you'll excuse me,
we're just setting up
the camera,
so it shouldn't take too long.
They're filming this?
Oh, yeah.
Um, Professor Thompson's
very into things
being on the record.
It's kinda like
an important part
of the journalistic process.
-I'm going to the bathroom.
-Oh. Are you okay?
One thing you'll learn about me.
I don't like surprises.
[DOOR OPENS]
[SIGHS]
NINA: Oh, hey.
Are you okay?
[HESITATES]
I... I don't think
this was a good idea.
You'll be fine.
You can just talk to them
like you talked to me.
Oh, well, that's the problem.
I shouldn't be...
Well, I just don't want to talk
about that time.
We have to talk
about the things
that make you sad, right?
[CHUCKLES] You shouldn't
listen to me.
Too late.
[STUDENTS CHATTERING]
[CHATTERING STOPS]
Okay, we're good.
Nina, you can start.
Eleanor Morgenstein,
thank you so much
for coming in today
and sharing your story.
I've brought the class
up to speed
with your recent interviews.
Right.
Well, the... the truth is...
I'd like to go back a little,
start again.
BESSIE: I was nine years old.
A Christian family took us in.
My brother, me and our mother.
Our home was... [CHUCKLES]
inside a small closet.
For years, we lived like this.
[CHUCKLES]
I saw the world
through the slats of a door.
Life was on the other side.
Everything for me was always
on the other side of that door.
Well, when I came to New York,
I would look up in the subway
and see the gratings
and people walking above me.
Now, I would think,
all those people...
they are in life.
In life.
But I was outside.
And then one day...
that door in the closet opened.
[VOICE BREAKING]
There were soldiers.
My mother... [CRYING]
She held us
with all her strength.
[BESSIE SOBS]
[CRYING] She would not let go.
[BESSIE SNIFFLES]
Oh.
She did... she did not let go.
[BESSIE CRYING]
I can still feel her hand
in mine.
[APPLAUSE]
-It wasn't great.
-NINA: What?
-I think you were amazing.
-Uh-huh.
You don't give yourself
enough credit.
ELEANOR: Right.
People really love
listening to you.
Oh, do you have time
to come talk to my professor?
Oh, I have to see
another apartment with Lisa.
Well, if you'd rather
hang out with me,
I have a special trip
in mind for us.
-A trip?
-Mm-hmm.
Give me one of those. [CHUCKLES]
I know I said I hate surprises,
but you know what?
I'm intrigued. [LAUGHS]
Uh, I'll see the apartment
another time.
All right, let's go.
Oh, do you mind
if I drop my bag off first?
We're not far from my place.
ELEANOR: If you're taking me
to your dorm room,
so help me God.
Okay.
Not a dorm.
-[CHUCKLES]
-Wow.
NINA: Yeah, my mom's
parents bought it
for nothing back in the day.
Pictures.
Look at these.
Nina, you didn't tell me
you wrote poetry.
Um, that was from eighth grade.
I wouldn't get excited.
Can I borrow it?
Yeah, sure. You can keep it.
Do you still write poems?
Uh, I don't know.
But what I do know
is that book got me
a full ride
to The Putney School.
-[CHUCKLES] Where's that?
-NINA: Vermont.
I needed to get
the hell out of here.
ELEANOR: That bad, huh?
Yeah. My parents were
just fighting constantly.
What a way to grow up.
NINA: Uh, yeah.
It wasn't really
my favorite time.
ELEANOR: Wait.
Did you forget
to tell me something?
Not really.
You ready?
You've been giving me
the third degree
and forgot to mention
you're related to Roger Davis?
I'm related to Roger Davis.
And our Uber's here.
Roger Davis.
If Bessie were alive,
-she'd drop dead.
-[CHUCKLES]
-Is he home? Is he here?
-No.
Um, he's so handsome and smart,
and Bessie mentioned
that he'd married a Jew.
I should have known.
Well, how would I have known?
[ SAVE THE BEST FOR LASBY VANESSA WILLIAMS PLAYING]
Can I please
take this thing off?
-I'm about to hurl.
-[CHUCKLES]
We're not there yet.
You know, I...
I think I'm a bigger fan
of Roger Davis than you are.
[NINA CHUCKLES]
No, no. I... I love my dad.
It's just been weird.
He never talks about my mom.
Like, I'll bring her up,
and he'll just leave the room.
It's like she just...
poof, went away.
Oh, honey.
Oh, just here
on the right is good.
-You okay?
-Oh, I've got it.
Oh.
All right, you may remove
your mask,
-madame.
- [CHUCKLES]
[ELEANOR GASPS]
[SEAGULLS CALLING]
NINA: Oh, God. I... I thought
this would be different.
I just... I wanted you
to have a nice time.
Eleanor?
[CARNIVAL MUSIC PLAYING FAINTLY]
-[LIVELY CHATTER]
-[BELL RINGING]
[PEOPLE SCREAMING
AND LAUGHING PLAYFULLY]
It's just like it was.
-Oh, thank you.
-[NINA CHUCKLES]
Should we look around?
-Yeah. [CHUCKLES]
-Yeah?
[CARNIVAL MUSIC AND SOUNDS
CONTINUE FAINTLY]
[HUMMING BLUE SKIES]
Nothing but blue sky
Do I see
[CHUCKLES]
[SCATTING SOFTLY]
[SCATTING STOPS]
RABBI COHEN: It's...
it's just wonderful,
[STAMMERS] Eleanor.
I can assign you a date
and a Torah portion today.
-Um...
-Oh.
Oh. Four weeks from today.
Wow. That soon?
[CHUCKLES] Okay. Sure.
Perfect.
Um, which means that
your Torah portion will be...
let's see...
Ah, the story of Jacob
and Esau. [CHUCKLES]
Now, uh...
I know that you're familiar
with the teachings
of the Torah, but I do this
with all my students,
so please [CHUCKLES]
bear with me.
[SNIFFS, CLEARS THROAT]
The story of, uh,
Jacob and his brother Esau
is one of intrigue,
it's one of passion.
Rabbi, I'm 200 years old.
Just give me the gist.
Okay, okay.
Well, then you tell me, Eleanor,
why does Jacob
want his father's blessing?
Because Jacob's older brother
is a bad, selfish guy.
Okay, good, good.
And?
And he doesn't deserve
his birthright,
and Jacob deserves it
because he knows
he will follow
the Lord's commandments.
Very good.
But, uh, Isaac refuses
to give it to him,
so Jacob tricks his father
into thinking
that he's his brother Esau
and covers himself
in sheepskin...
Uh, because Esau
was a very hairy man
and his father was blind.
[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
And so, and so Jacob,
mimicking
his brother's voice, said,
"Father, give me your blessing."
So, you know, Isaac,
he, you know, reaches out,
feels the...
feels for the sheepskin,
mistakes Jacob for his brother
and gives Jacob the blessing.
Just like that.
So, Jacob takes on
his brother's identity,
and there were no consequences?
Um...
Ooh. Well, um...
Other than becoming the revered
patriarch of our religion?
[RABBI COHEN SNIFFS]
Well, the heart
of the story, Eleanor,
it's... it's not
about deception.
It's about truth.
But sure, I... I guess,
under some conditions,
deception isn't always bad.
No.
If the intention is pure.
Right.
[CHUCKLES] Oh.
Oh. [CHUCKLES]
Obviously, it's not done yet.
You know, we still have
the bat mitzvah, um...
Yeah, it's good.
Really?
Yeah, it's...
it's thoughtful.
It's, uh...
It's personal.
It's... it's moving.
It's informative.
[CHUCKLES] I mean...
[CHUCKLES]
You know, I'd like to have
dinner with the two of you.
ELEANOR: "The two of you"?
Me? Like the two of us?
-NINA: Yes.
-Oh!
Out of nowhere, he just asked
to read my Eleanor article.
And so he reads it,
and he likes it.
Well, I'm not surprised.
Your poems are very impressive.
I've been reading them.
Oh, really?
How about this
for the ceremony?
I... I don't have
to wear a dress.
Neither do you.
-Wait. What? Me?
-[CHUCKLES]
ELEANOR: Excuse me.
Uh, where are
your dressing rooms?
ELEANOR: One, two, three!
[BOTH LAUGH]
-You look amazing, Eleanor.
-Oh, look at that! [CHUCKLES]
-Look at you...
-Oh. [CHUCKLES]
...like a real
bat mitzvah girl.
Oh. I'm gonna buy both.
It's my treat.
No, no,
I can't let you do that.
Well, it's my bat mitzvah,
and I can do
whatever the hell I want.
-[LAUGHS]
-You look amazing.
-Well, so do you.
-Do you feel good?
I feel wonderful.
I love this suit.
[BOTH LAUGH]
-We both look so good.
-We look like twins.
I know.
No one's gonna be able
-to tell us apart.
-[LAUGHS] I know.
[ELEANOR SINGING IN ARAMAIC]
[SINGING CONTINUES]
Ma. Ma?
-What are you doing in here?
-Oh. What, Lisa?
You can't knock?
It sounded like you were
strangling an animal in here.
Oh, that's nice.
Thank you very much.
What's that?
Nothing. I'm praying.
-For what?
-[STAMMERS]
For Dad. I'm saying kaddish.
It's been 11 years today
since he died, and I thought...
Dad died in August.
It's March.
Is it?
Ma, are you doing okay?
I'm fine.
I'm just a little confused.
I'm worried about you.
I'm not moving into a home.
Ma, I don't even know
where you are half the time.
You don't answer your phone.
Where are you even going?
I'm fine.
Highlights?
Yeah. Oh, yeah, a little.
-Looks nice.
-Oh.
Eyebrows don't match
now, though.
I told her that.
[SIGHS]
Oh, God.
[HORN HONKS]
ELEANOR: Oh. Thank you.
-[LIVELY CHATTER]
-[PIANO PLAYING JAZZ MUSIC]
Oh. Thank you.
HOST: Ah, welcome
to the Knickerbocker.
Roger Davis's table.
-Right this way.
-Thank you.
Oh.
-[CHUCKLES] Oh, hey.
-Hey, how are you?
[CHUCKLES] Fine.
Good to see you. Oh.
Eleanor. I'm Roger.
-I know who you are.
-[ALL CHUCKLING]
Please.
Wow. You look really great.
Okay, I'm just gonna jump
straight into this.
I'm excited, okay?
I... I showed
my producer your story,
and, um, I think it would make
a great on-air segment
for The Fabric of New York.
I mean, it's a... it's a story
of the... the resilience
of the human spirit.
It's inspirational.
It's a human-interest piece
about you.
-Me?
-[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
Oh, no, no, no, no, I...
Well, look, it's not every day
you meet a Holocaust survivor
that feels the need
to reaffirm her faith.
Oh, I... I'm not really
that interesting.
Well, you're more than
interesting, Eleanor.
You're... you're important.
Your story.
Your brother's story.
You know, I think, um...
I think people
should know about you.
This work is...
it's really touching, Neen.
You liked my article that much?
ROGER: I loved it.
-NINA: Wow. [CHUCKLES]
-No, you're good.
You could... you could do this,
if you wanted it enough.
How much of what I told you
did you end up using?
I'll send it to you tonight.
Oh, my God.
Dad, this is so cool.
[CHUCKLES] Wine?
Yes.
All right.
Well, let's have a toast.
-To Eleanor.
-NINA: To Eleanor.
"When you are
a Holocaust survivor
"and you regress,
"what you
are going back to is
"the darkest point
of human history.
"'Eighty years,'
Eleanor Morgenstein starts,
"'and I'm still back there.'"
[GASPS SOFTLY]
Oh, my God.
What have I...
Oh.
[PIGEON COOING]
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
LISA: Mom, bagels.
Oh. What's the occasion?
I have something at the JCC.
In that?
Well, I only have
so many Saturdays left.
Why not look nice?
Well, you do.
Thank you.
And thank you, Maxie,
for letting me steal your bed.
Oh, yeah, it's no problem. Um...
I'm actually gonna go play ball
with some friends if you want
to, um, split a cab.
Oh, no, it's okay.
I'll... I'll walk. [CHUCKLES]
What do you mean, that's okay?
It's freezing out.
You should split the cab.
Yeah, let's go.
Okay.
Mwah. [CHUCKLES]
Bye, Mom.
-MAX: Bye.
-Bye.
LISA: Bye, sweetie.
MAX: Love you.
ROGER: Guys. Come on.
You'll see everything set up
on the left, okay?
-You in touch with Eleanor?
-Yeah, yeah. She's on her way.
-What's the ETA on the guests?
-Let me follow up.
-Whoa. What guests?
-It's a surprise.
No, no, no, Dad.
Eleanor hates surprises.
She'll like this one.
[STAMMERS]
You know, this is ridiculous.
This bus
has been here forever.
[DRIVER SIGHS]
-You're not moving.
-DRIVER: Nothing I can do.
-[HORNS HONKING]
-Oh. [STAMMERS]
Here is good. [CHUCKLES]
Maxie, I... I'll see you
a little later at home, okay?
Okay. Uh, do you need
any help or anything?
No, no, I'm okay.
I'm fine, hon.
-All right. Love you.
-I love you, too, hon.
-Bye.
-Bye-bye.
Uh, yeah, next stop's
103rd and 3rd, please.
Thanks.
[HORN HONKS]
Call Mom.
So, Bubbe
just got out of my cab,
and she's in another cab.
Um, sir, can you follow
that cab for me, please?
Thank you.
NINA: There you are.
-Hey.
-I like your pantsuit.
-Where'd you get it?
-An old friend.
[CHUCKLES]
Are you calling me old?
You want me to take your coat?
No, no, it's okay.
-You okay?
-Yeah.
[SIGHS] My mouth's
a little dry, but...
-[CHUCKLES]
-Other than that... [SIGHS]
-It's okay. We got this.
-[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
[QUIET CHATTER]
RABBI COHEN: Hello, everyone,
and, uh, welcome.
Today, we are here
to celebrate the dedication
and commitment of a woman
who seeks to claim her role
as a teacher
of the Jewish tradition.
And unlike
most of the students I teach,
she is clearly not being forced
into this by her parents.
[LAUGHING]
[LAUGHTER]
Part of the beauty
of days like this
is who we share them with,
and I know
there are many friends,
new and... and old,
who are here
in support of Eleanor.
Uh, and, uh, I see
a few more trickling in now
who know just how important
friendship and faith are
in these most trying of times.
We are so happy
to have you here.
PETER: Hey.
[RABBI COHEN
CONTINUES SPEAKING]
One of the interns
dug up this article
from a local newspaper
in Florida.
ROGER: "Eleanor Morgenstein,
"born and raised
in Des Moines, Iowa"?
RABBI COHEN: Now,
before we begin,
I'd like to welcome
Eleanor's friend, Nina Davis.
[SIGHS]
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
I didn't meet Eleanor like
I meet most of my friends.
We don't go to the same school.
We don't share
the same taste in music.
We don't...
My mom died this past year,
and I'm young enough that
I don't know too many people
that have lost parents,
thankfully.
Um...
But when it happened,
none of my friends could relate,
or they felt sorry for me,
or... or I pushed them away.
They were too nervous
to bring her up, and...
when I did,
they'd sort of just nod
or pretend
like they didn't hear me,
and conversations
seemed to stop.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Uh, then I met you.
And you listened.
And you understood.
And you didn't try
to change the subject.
You just spoke to me like
you would any other person.
[NINA CHUCKLES]
Which is to say
that you yelled a lot.
[CHUCKLES, SNIFFLES]
Um...
And I want
to thank you for that.
You have helped me.
[SNIFFLES]
Really.
[SNIFFLES]
RABBI COHEN: And, uh,
now I'd like to introduce
Vera Mandrella.
VERA: I am honored
to be speaking
at Eleanor's bat mitzvah.
As survivors, we share
something almost unspeakable.
I am very proud of you,
my friend,
for sharing your story
of the Holocaust
with us at the JCC.
LISA: Ma?
What is going on here?
What is this?
-What? Ma... Ma?
-[VERA STAMMERS]
I'm... I'm sorry?
[STAMMERS]
Ma, did you tell these people
that you were
a Holocaust survivor?
Look, I'm... I'm very sorry.
My mother converted
to Judaism in 1953
when she married my father.
She is not a Holocaust survivor.
She is from the Midwest.
Ma, what is this?
[GUESTS MURMURING]
[STAMMERS] Ma?
[LISA STAMMERS]
Oh, Nina.
ELEANOR: Nina.
Nina, please listen to me.
[ELEANOR SIGHS]
-You okay?
-I was there
for the Broadway
singing squad, and...
and I followed Vera.
-I didn't...
-I really don't want to hear it.
Oh, I was so lonely,
and I needed a friend.
And you have been such
a wonderful friend. You have.
-But you weren't.
-ROGER: Nina.
No, I wasn't.
Let's go home. Car's here.
So everything
that you told me about,
everything that you said
was a lie.
Who the hell lies about that?
Are you crazy?
Maybe I am. I don't know.
NINA: I've spent
all of this time with you.
I've had all of these
open conversations.
[VOICE BREAKING]
I poured my heart out to you.
It wasn't a lie.
Eleanor, please.
It wasn't a lie!
It just wasn't my story!
-Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom.
-Nina!
-Let them go.
-Nina!
-Mom, just let them go.
-Hey, hey.
MAX: It's okay, Bubbe.
LISA: Come on. It's okay, Ma.
MAX: It's okay, Bubbe.
We love you. It's okay.
LISA: Come on, Ma,
let's sit down.
You're okay.
Come on.
[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE]
[PHONE DINGS]
[SIGHS]
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
Yeah?
You okay?
I feel like such an idiot.
Well, you know, there's a...
Don't say that
there's a lesson here.
[LAUGHS] Well...
Well, there is.
I mean...
[ROGER GRUNTS SOFTLY]
Uh... [CHUCKLES]
You always see
the best in people.
Um...
You have since you were a kid,
and... [CHUCKLES]
that can be a wonderful thing.
But not everybody's
who they say they are.
You're older now,
and you'll see that...
people will take advantage
of that kind of trust.
I hate to see you
get hurt like this.
[SIGHS] Yeah.
You want something to eat?
I'm ordering food.
No, I'm okay.
Could you
shut my door, please?
Yeah.
[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING]
[SNIFFLES]
[CRYING]
[EXHALES SOFTLY]
THOMPSON: Facts are
the bedrock of truth,
and in this day and age,
we are constantly bombarded
by misinformation.
It is our job as journalists
to educate the reader
on truth versus reality.
[SIGHS]
[GRUNTS SOFTLY]
Thank you.
Hey, you okay?
Who am I?
Who am I anymore?
You're my mother.
And you always will be.
[CLICKS TONGUE]
You know that I...
love you,
no matter what happens.
You're putting me
in a home, aren't you?
It's not a home.
It's a place
I know you'll be safe.
Safe from what?
Safe from what, Lisa?
I don't...
I don't want to fight.
Aren't you tired of fighting?
I love fighting.
I want to fight.
Let me keep on fighting.
Mom, let me help you.
This is good.
Why don't you
go out anymore, Lisa?
No. That's over.
Why over?
You look at a picture
of yourself taken ten years ago,
and how do you look?
Amazing. [CHUCKLES]
[STAMMERS]
And what did you think
when that picture was taken?
That I...
I was just a hot mess.
[CHUCKLES] And awful.
[CHUCKLES]
You wasted all that time
thinking you looked bad
when you looked gorgeous.
Ma, why didn't... why didn't
you tell me that before?
I don't know.
I should've.
ROGER: No, no, no, no.
Then we cut to
the bat mitzvah footage.
Well, either way, we need it
-ready to go at 8:00.
-What are you talking about?
Peter, I'm gonna call you back.
-Okay.
-Dad, what's going on?
-Yeah, I wanted to talk to you.
-Yeah, about what?
Well, there's still a story
here worth exploring.
What? No, no, there's not.
Actually, Nina, yeah, there is.
Dad, what the hell
are you talking about?
Are you serious?
How could you do this?
This is so embarrassing.
For me and for Eleanor!
Would you just calm down?
Let me explain...
No, no, no, no, no.
There's nothing to explain.
There's nothing to explain,
because all you care about
is getting your story,
even if it means
ruining people's lives.
God, you are so heartless.
How could you do this to me?
Can you just take a second
and listen to me, please?
No, no! You have no right
to tell me what to do.
You have no right
to tell me anything.
I've been so alone, so alone,
and you just
don't seem to get that.
The only reason that
I took this journalism class
or did literally any of this is
so that you would speak to me!
Eleanor has left me 14 messages
trying to explain why she lied.
And you know what? She actually
has a pretty good explanation.
Yeah, I'm sure she does.
Dad. [STAMMERS]
Even if she didn't,
even if she didn't,
it wouldn't matter!
Because at least she felt like
she owed me one.
I was alone when Mom's
accident happened.
Where were you?
Where have you been?
Where have you been for months?
[RINGTONE PLAYING]
Dad, don't do this.
-Just give me a sec.
-Oh, my God.
Wait. Nina!
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
[PANTING]
Hey. I'm here to see
Eleanor Morgenstein, 14N.
Mrs. Morgenstein
moved out a few days ago.
What? Where?
-Uh, sorry. I don't know.
-Oh, my God.
Would you like to leave
a message for her daughter?
We hope you'll join us then.
Thanks, everyone.
-[APPLAUSE]
-ANNOUNCER: Promotional
consideration provided
by Consumer Cellular.
Hey, Eleanor.
The usual? Or are we adding
whipped cream this time?
-[LAUGHS] You're spoiling me.
-[CHUCKLES]
I'll have two scoops of vanilla
and the hot fudge.
Thank you, Dante.
NEWS ANNOUNCER:
You're watching Spectrum News,
New York 1.
Coming up, a story about
a very special bat mitzvah.
You won't want to miss
this one.
The Fabric of New York
with Roger Davis
is coming up next.
Eleanor, it's me. Call me.
I need to talk to you.
-Is the final copy in?
-Yeah, we're good.
Okay, great. Thank you.
PETER: And we're back in ten.
PETER: And five, four,
three, two...
Welcome back.
If you're just joining us
at the 8:00 hour,
I'm Roger Davis, and this is
The Fabric of New York.
[NEWS THEME PLAYING]
Eleanor Morgenstein
was your average 94-year-old.
Having recently moved
to New York City from Florida,
she had a loving family
and attended synagogue weekly.
A few months back,
Ms. Morgenstein walked into
a Holocaust survivors
support group
at her local
Jewish community center
and told a story that moved
everyone who heard it.
It was harrowing.
It was visceral.
The only problem,
it wasn't hers.
Eleanor did not survive
the Holocaust.
In fact, she was born
and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.
She later moved
to New York City,
where, in 1953,
she met Bessie Stern
in the stenography pool.
Best friends for 70 years,
Bessie and Eleanor experienced
all of life's
milestones together.
The two were inseparable
until Bessie passed away
this last December.
It was Bessie's
survivor's story
that Eleanor
told that fateful day.
Eleanor's lie came as a shock
to those close to her.
Even her own family
didn't know
the double life
she'd been living.
Which begs the question,
what drove Eleanor to lie?
And while I can't say for sure,
I imagine...
it was grief.
Now, I'm not defending
or condoning
the actions
of Ms. Morgenstein.
I empathize
with someone who's lost
the center of their universe
only to find themselves
suspended in midair.
Almost eight months ago,
my daughter and I lost her mom.
My wife.
Jeanne Davis.
And I can tell you that grief
can make you selfish,
can make you blind...
to the suffering of others.
Some people act out.
Others retreat inward.
In the months
since my wife died,
I've only said her name once.
And that was just now.
Out of fear.
I've been afraid
to admit my heartbreak
for our family.
But why?
So we at the station
are digging deep,
asking questions
and getting to the root of it.
Why do we, as a society,
bury grief in the darkness
when it is
the inevitable outcome
of the love that unites us all?
Why do we isolate
at exactly the moment
that we need
human connection the most?
When we return, we will begin
a weeklong in-depth series
on the taboos of grief.
From disassociation
to discomfort,
our show sheds light
on the psychology of loss.
Stay with us.
PETER: And we're clear.
-[BELL RINGS]
-[APPLAUSE]
PETER: Back in two minutes.
-Really moving.
-[SIGHS] Thank you.
-MAKEUP ARTIST: Can I touch up?
-Yeah, thanks.
[SIGHS]
[PHONE RINGING]
[GROANS SOFTLY]
NINA: Hello?
Uh, no, that's my mom.
She's not here.
She passed away.
Thanks.
[INHALES SHARPLY]
[BREATH TREMBLING]
[SIGHS]
I'm sorry.
[CRYING]
[SIGHS]
I love you.
[GASPS] Oh, hey, Ma.
Shh. We're reading.
Oh. Shh.
-How you doing?
-I'm fine. Everything's great.
-Yeah?
-[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
Well, isn't that nice of you?
Thank you.
I have something else for you.
Hi, Eleanor. [CHUCKLES]
Oh. Oh!
[CHUCKLES]
ELEANOR: [CHUCKLING] Oh. Oh.
Oh, I...
I thought she hated me.
Oh, I thought you hated me.
NINA: No, I could never.
Oh!
This is the granddaughter
I told you about. Oh.
[CHUCKLES]
-I missed you.
-Oh.
Oh, me, too.
-Okay. Okay, lovebirds.
-[ELEANOR CHUCKLES]
-Let's get out of here, huh?
-Where are we going?
Oh. Uh, we could get
some fresh air.
Do you want to have lunch, Ma?
Oh, we eat lunch at 11:00.
Oh. That's early.
There is somewhere
I need to go, though.
But what time is it?
We've got time.
[QUIET CHATTER]
Maybe not.
We got this.
[CHUCKLES]
[GROANS]
Oh, shit.
Her name was Elizabeth Stern.
Bessie.
She was born
December 17th, 1929.
She was married to Sidney Stern
for 50 years,
and they had two children,
Stephen and Rachel.
And four
beautiful grandchildren.
After Sid died,
we lived together
for 11 years.
And sometimes when you live
with someone for that long,
you forget where you end
and they begin.
And I am so sorry,
so sorry that I betrayed
your trust.
I... I tried to fill the hole
that she left.
I told her story
like it was mine because...
I... I miss her.
And now, I... I need to tell it
because she can't, uh...
Go on.
BESSIE: After we
were captured,
we were taken to Auschwitz.
We were separated.
They took my mother.
My brother [CHUCKLES]
tried to run after her,
but I had to hold him back.
I had to.
[BESSIE SIGHS]
We survived
because we could work
in the ammunition factory.
We had small hands.
And that was good
for that kind of work.
Mm.
Then one day,
they moved us...
packed us in trains.
Well, we... we didn't know
where we're going.
How did you ever get away?
On top of the trains,
there were soldiers with guns,
and they would shoot at anyone
who would jump from a window.
My God, did people jump?
I did.
Well... [STAMMERS]
I wouldn't have done it,
but I saw my brother,
he jumped first,
so I did the same thing.
I landed in a ditch of snow,
and I was running.
I was running.
They kept on shooting.
I could hear the bullets.
Oh.
I end... I ended up
in the woods.
It was wet, and there was snow,
and I was so cold,
but I did not move.
I stood still,
and I... I waited.
I just waited.
Then when the...
train was gone
and it was quiet,
that's when I stood up.
I... I still don't understand.
My brother, he...
he jumped, I mean,
[STAMMERS] a few seconds
before me,
and it took me hours
till I found him.
And...
[WHIMPERS]
[CRYING] When...
When I did...
[CRYING]
I could not even recognize him.
[CRYING]
Fourteen times, they shot him.
You counted?
I had to!
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
I had to know.
[CRYING]
I picked him up,
and I took him in my arms...
[SNIFFLES]
and I took him to the forest.
I lay him to rest the way...
[CRYING] Oh, the way my parents
would have wanted.
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
I asked myself so many times,
"Why?
"Why am I alive?
"Why is he dead?
"Why is my brother dead?
What did he do?
"How could God exist?"
It took me years
to go back and pray.
And...
I think I'm beginning
to... understand.
Maybe...
Maybe God saved me...
so I can share my life
with you.
Oh.
I think, oy...
I'm all...
spoken out.
You think
you'll be able to sleep?
[SPEAKING YIDDISH]
Come.
[BESSIE SIGHS]
I think we deserve
to sleep in tomorrow.
What do you think?
Bess?
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
[SIGHS]
WOMAN:
Blue skies
Smiling at me
Nothing but blue skies
Do I see
Bluebirds
Singing their song
Nothing but bluebirds
All day long
Never saw the sun
shining so bright
Never saw things
going so right
Noticing the days
hurrying by
When you're in love,
my, how they fly
Blue days
All of them gone
Nothing but blue skies
From now on
Never saw the sun
shining so bright
Never saw things
going so right
Noticing the days
hurrying by
When you're in love,
my, how they fly
Blue days
All of them gone
Nothing but blue skies
From now on
Nothing but blue skies
From now on
[SONG ENDS]
[MUSIC ENDS]