Kaleidoscope (1990) Movie Script
Your firm comes highly recommended,
and I very much appreciate
your handling this matter
personally.
Now, I don't suppose this will be
of much help, but it is
the last photograph that I have.
These are the daughters
of my dearest friends,
Sam and Solange Walker.
They died
very tragically in 1959.
I was the executor
of their estate,
and was involved
in finding homes
for their girls.
I want you to find them for me.
If you don't mind my asking,
why do you want to do this now?
These women are in their 30s.
They have their own families,
their own lives.
I lost touch
with them years ago.
And now that they've grown,
I want to be reassured
that they are all right.
You see,
I was unable to find
a single family that would
take all three of the children.
I had to separate them.
I found this article
in "Variety"
just a few weeks ago.
I can't tell whether
it is the eldest daughter,
Hilary, or not.
I realize it would be
quite a coincidence.
Sometimes it's just that easy.
This has never been easy.
Sir, my firm has handled a lot
of cases similar to this.
Grown children searching
for their birth parents,
that sort of thing.
It seldom turns out
the way the client
thought it would.
I found out
that things never turn out
the way I thought they would.
I just want you to be aware
that there are real
consequences when you
disrupt people's lives.
The truth does not necessarily
set us free.
Yeah.
I've always felt guilty
about separating
those girls.
In the beginning,
I thought
that as they grew
older, they would
need each other less
and less, but now
I've reached the end
of my own life.
I realize that family becomes
even more important.
I think you're the right person
to find them for me.
What do you want me to tell them
when I find them?
Tell them...
I'm an old friend
of the family,
and that I would very much like
to reunite them
at my home in Connecticut.
This is the address.
Can you give this matter
your full attention?
I want to find them
as quickly as possible.
I'll do the
best I can.
Thanks.
Miss Walker?
Thank you, Jennifer.
Oh, good morning.
Morning. What do we have?
The, uh,
budget report
on the elections
just faxed in.
Great.
Did you catch
our medical special last night?
No.
Were you watching cable again?
I had a date.
Having a real life
in the middle of the week?
Was it fun?
Oh, yeah.
I could get used to it.
I bet.
Sounds like a great idea.
Morning, Lisa.
Good morning,
Mr. Chapman.
Brenda's home with the flu,
so I've been playing secretary
all morning.
I got about 42 messages for you,
not to count the 100 calls
I fielded myself.
So, what do you got?
Oh, did Senator Hays
call back yet?
No.
Oh, I didn't think so.
Steve called
from New Orleans.
Yeah.
He says he needs 500 more
in expenses
in two more days,
but he's very close.
Okay, have Sheila
send him the money.
"Traviata" tickets confirmed.
Yeah?
Oh, and, uh, these
came by messenger.
What's that?
Great seats.
They are? Good.
Who would have figured?
What?
The Yankees
and the opera?
So sue me.
I'm a Renaissance man.
Yeah, right. What's with
the shirts from France?
Now, I know a guy
on 53rd. He could...
Thank you, Debi.
One more thing.
What?
Your ex-wife
called.
How did she seem?
So-so.
Yeah?
She said she
got the check,
and uh, she just
wanted to talk.
Yeah?
I think she
misses you.
Okay, I'll give
her a call.
Look, uh, leave the
rest of that stuff
on the desk
and get a temp
to handle the
phones, will you?
I want you to do
a background check
on Hilary Walker,
CBA News.
What for?
Well, she may be one
of three sisters
I'm trying to locate
for Arthur Patterson.
The big shot entertainment
attorney?
Yeah.
So give me something easy.
I just did.
Excuse me.
I'd like to see
Hilary Walker, please.
Do you have
an appointment?
Yes.
Her assistant's
at the second desk
around the corner.
Thank you very much.
Excuse me.
Hi. I'm John Chapman.
I'd like to see
Hilary Walker.
Sometime in
this century, right?
That would be nice.
Let's see...
I'd like to see her
as soon as possible.
It's personal.
Oh, well, uh, why
don't you have a seat
and I'll see
what I can do.
Paula, it's okay.
I'm expecting him.
Come on in.
You're, uh...
tapes haven't
arrived yet.
I was hoping that you might
have brought some with you.
Uh, I'm afraid that,
that...
Oh, that's okay.
I'll have, uh, Paula call
the affiliate again.
Okay.
We'll take care of it.
Well, uh, sit down.
Thank you.
Let's take
a look at you.
I'm afraid you're
going to be
very disappointed
when you find...
Are you kidding?
You're terrific.
You realize, of course,
our producer is your #1 fan.
He saw you in Atlanta
and said
you had the quality
we're looking for.
Walter Cronkite had it.
People more than believed
in him, they trusted him.
You don't have much of a
Southern accent, do you?
No, no, I don't.
That's because
I'm not from Atlanta.
There's a little bit
of a mix up here.
My name is John Chapman.
I'm from Chapman and Associates
right here in New York.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Oh my God.
I'm so embarrassed.
Obviously I thought
you were...
That's okay.
someone else.
It's all right.
I don't suppose
you're here to audition
for the early morning
anchor job?
No, I'm not.
Actually, I'm
a private investigator.
Oh, well, you know,
I'm, uh, I'm really rushed.
If you want to leave your card
with my assistant,
I'll get back to you.
Well, this will only
take a few moments.
Well, I have eight,
and I need two to walk
down the hall.
Well, I'll only
take four, okay?
Okay.
Okay. I'm working for a client
who's looking for a woman
named Hilary Walker.
He saw your picture in "Variety"
and hoped that you might be
the right one.
He doesn't know for sure,
because he lost contact
with her 30 years ago
when she moved to Boston
with her aunt and uncle,
Larry and Eileen Miller.
No, no.
I'm, I'm sorry.
I'm not the woman
you're looking for.
Uh, I've spent my
whole life here in Manhattan.
Well, I knew it was
a long shot.
I'm sorry to bother you.
That's okay.
Let's just say we're even
on mistaken identities.
Oh, everyone's in
the conference room.
Would you like me to call
and order lunch for you?
Uh, yes, please.
Uh, Chinese or deli?
Um, corned beef
with Russian.
And call and find out
what's holding up the tapes.
Good luck.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Hey.
You hungry?
Always.
I have the background
on Hilary Walker for you.
Oh, I met her.
She's, uh, she's
very interesting,
but she's not the right one.
Are you sure?
There's something
a little strange.
I mean, she's a big
network exec, right?
So you'd think that there'd
be some mention in her bio
about her background,
her family.
But it's like she hatched out
of an egg full-blown at 24
except for one reference
to her having entered Columbia
after graduating from high
school in Boston.
Boston?
Yeah.
Anything else?
I checked her out
at Columbia.
Yeah?
Get this-- her letter
of recommendation
was written by
a social worker,
which is a little weird.
You know what?
When's the next shuttle
to Boston?
I don't know.
Well, find out.
Okay.
Listen, get me
a sandwich, will you?
Yeah, you got it.
Welcome to Boston,
ladies and gentlemen.
We hope you enjoyed your flight.
The temperature at Logan International
is currently 68 degrees.
Did you receive
the judge's orders
to open the files
on Hilary Walker?
Yes, but there wasn't
a lot there.
Now, she was in
four different foster homes.
She spent the last three years
of high school
in juvenile hall
in Boston.
She didn't get
into any trouble.
She was withdrawn,
no real friends.
Hmm.
She was taken
from her uncle's house
a few months after
her aunt died.
The uncle never applied
for custody.
What was his name?
Larry Miller.
Uh, Larry died
about six years ago.
It was a heart attack.
I'm looking for their niece,
uh, Hilary Walker.
Um, you should have come
looking 25 years ago.
Why is that?
What happened?
Would you care
for a seat, Mr. uh...?
Uh, Chapman.
Yeah, thank you.
I appreciate you taking
the time to talk to me.
Time I've got.
So, what can you tell me
about Hilary?
Oh, God.
I hardly recognized her
when, when I saw her.
What happened was,
it was some time not too long
after Eileen died.
Hilary was, hmm, almost 14.
She had been living with them
for about five years, I guess.
I found her here on
the porch one morning.
She had come here in the night
to hide or to get away.
When I saw her,
I thought she was dead.
She was all huddled up
like a frightened animal.
She didn't have
any clothes on.
She was lying in her own blood.
She was so pale, so still.
The police told me later
that her Uncle Larry
had come after her,
and she stopped him
with a knife,
but not before he had
beaten her half to death.
I got her to the hospital
and I never saw her again.
I've always wondered what
happened to that child.
Hi.
Did you find
your news anchor yet?
Still looking.
Yeah?
Did you come
back to apply?
Oh, no, no, no.
You remember the movie
"Broadcast News",
where the, the guy gets
his big break, his big chance,
and he, uh, he reads the news
and he sweats like a pig?
Mm-hmm.
Well, that's me.
Some people are better off
behind the scenes, you know.
Listen, the reason I, uh,
I'm here is 'cause
I figured you might not want
to see me if I called first.
I did a little checking.
You didn't grow up
in New York.
You lived in Boston with your
aunt and uncle, until you...
What do you want?
Are you really
a private investigator?
Yeah, you got it.
Who hired you?
Arthur Patterson.
Let me ask you something.
Do you ever think about
the people you work for?
Do you ever question
their motives?
I try not to make judgments.
Do yourself a favor:
question his.
Why? What do you mean?
He, he seemed very sincere,
very straightforward.
Taxi!
Listen, can we go someplace
and get a cup of coffee,
talk about this, you know?
I don't think so.
Well, just give me
a couple of minutes.
I've told you I'm not the woman
you're looking for,
so just leave me alone.
Mr. Patterson, I think
there's a lot more
to this woman and her story
than you're telling me.
I don't think it adds up.
Can you drive out
to my Connecticut house
tomorrow morning?
We could talk then.
Fine.
Good. I look forward
to seeing you.
Uh, do you need me to do
anything for you
before I go to lunch?
No, I'm fine.
I have a little headache.
I could use a, a break.
Okay. I'll be back
in an hour.
That's fine.
You go ahead.
Is our Hilary Walker
the Hilary Walker?
Yeah, I think so.
Good. One down, two to go.
Look, Brenda won't be
back till Monday.
You want me to order
lunch for you?
Yeah.
The usual?
No, no. I want
corned beef with Russian,
and make it for two.
Get extra pickles,
two root beers.
She can't breathe
with the box closed, Uncle Arthur.
You can't have her!
You can't take her away from me!
Here we go.
Come on, Meagan,
Axi, Hilly.
There we are.
Come on.
Hilary, do you remember
your Aunt Eileen?
It's been a long time
since I've seen you.
Why don't you all
go inside?
Are you sure it's all right
for the girls to stay here?
Don't worry about anything.
I've looked after
children before.
You did say you could help out
with the expenses?
Oh, yeah, of course.
Now, here's a check for you.
If you need anything else,
please call,
and I'll be back
in a week or two.
I know it's not what you're
used to, but you'll be fine.
Are there any sheets,
Aunt Eileen?
They're still hanging
on the back porch.
Help yourself.
How much did
Arthur give you?
A hundred dollars.
I'd like to see him
find somebody
in New York take care
of three brats for that.
Which one are you?
This is Hilary.
She's the oldest.
She looks after the babies
like a little mother.
She does everything.
Everything?
Watch what you say.
She's just a little girl.
I brought you lunch.
Corn beef, with Russian.
What am I going
to do about you?
Every time I turn around,
here you are.
Well, I usually
eat at my desk.
I got the impression the other
day that you eat in a lot, too.
Now, what do you think?
You want a root beer, Hmm?
Okay. Thank you.
You got it.
You know, you seem like
a really nice guy,
and I want to apologize
for last night.
Oh, don't even
think about it.
It's just that I don't like
dredging up the past.
I feel like I've got
that ordeal behind me.
I admire you a lot.
Why?
Because you beat
the odds.
What do you mean?
Well, you lost your parents
when you were very young.
You were separated
from your sisters.
How much do you know anyway?
Well, I know that things got
pretty tough for you
after your Aunt Eileen died
and left you
with Larry.
Yeah, it was a nightmare.
Damn it.
Why is Arthur doing this?
Why does he want to bring
all this up again?
Well, he struck me
as a man
who wants to make amends.
A man who's
seeking absolution.
He wants to reunite you
with your sisters.
22 two years ago,
I asked him for help.
Did he tell you that?
No, I didn't think so.
Why don't you ask him
what he did?
And tell him to go to hell.
Mr. Patterson's waiting
for you in the den.
Thank you.
Mr. Chapman.
You lied to me.
You told me you hadn't
had any contact
with those women since
they were children.
Why didn't you help Hilary
when she came to you?
What did she tell you?
She told me to tell you
to go to hell.
She came to me,
when she was about 18.
She wanted me to help her
find her sisters,
but she was so angry
and out of control
I was afraid of what
she might do.
She had every right to be angry.
Did she tell you
what happened to her,
how she was abused
and brutalized?
No. She never said anything.
How could you leave
a little girl
with people like Larry
and Eileen Miller?
Eileen Miller
was Sam's sister.
She seemed capable.
I tried, God knows I tried
to find Hilary another home,
but no one wanted
an older child.
I thought about keeping
those little girls myself.
I've always been a bachelor.
It was 1959.
I didn't know if I could manage
three little girls
under the age of ten,
even if the courts would
have given me permission.
I have to talk to Hilary.
I want to tell her
how sorry I am.
She said she won't come.
Please, try to convince her
to change her mind.
I need her
forgiveness.
You hired me to find
three women,
not to barter
with their emotions.
I don't know.
Maybe if you, maybe
if you give her a little time
you can contact her yourself.
I'm afraid time is one thing
I don't have.
I'm dying.
The doctors have done everything
they can.
I'm not a particularly
religious man,
but Sam and Solange
were my best friends.
Their memory and the girls
are all that I have left,
and I would like
to make my peace.
Maybe she'll change her mind
when she finds out that we found
the other two, but I doubt it.
Well, I know that you will
do your best.
I'll see myself out.
My God.
Look at her, Sam.
She's beautiful.
(woman speaking French)
(both speaking French)
He's making her leave
because she can only pay
for coffee.
Well, then, tell him
we'll pay for her meal.
(speaking French)
No, no.
(speaking French)
Excusez-moi, Mademoiselle?
We can't let her leave.
Mademoiselle?
Would you...
Ask her if she'll
have dinner with us.
(speaking French)
(speaking French)
Wait, p-please.
Thank you,
but I don't eat
with soldiers.
Not French,
not German,
not American.
When was the last time
you had a good meal?
Please,
let us buy
you dinner.
I can't, no.
I'd love
to see the waiter bring you
anything you want on the menu.
I think you are...
sincere, but...
I'm Sam, and this is Arthur.
And you're...
Solange Betoit.
Solange Betoit.
You're very
quiet today.
I was thinking
about my family.
We spent our Sundays here
when I was younger.
Do you know where
they are now?
Are they safe?
I've lost them all now.
My father was killed
in the Odon Forest.
My mother died
with, um, tuberculosis.
My brother joined
the resistance.
He was turned in,
killed by a collaborator.
I lost my parents
before the war.
Then you understand.
What I've been through
is nothing
compared to what
you've survived.
Maybe.
How does anyone know?
Got it.
So, where's Sam?
I don't know.
He said he'd be working here
with you.
I haven't seen him.
The orders just came in.
We're moving out in three hours.
All right.
If you see Sam, tell him
I'll be back in a little while.
I, uh,
got to say good-bye to a friend.
Solange?
Solange?
I don't know how much longer
this fighting can go on,
but when this is over...
Don't.
Don't make any promises.
This has been the most
wonderful month of my life.
I want to take care of you.
I love you, Solange.
Okay, I'll be gone
a day or two,
depending on when I get
to see Hilary's sister,
Alexandra.
So where did her mother
finally surface?
In Paris, Milan,
Saint Tropez?
South Carolina.
Would you believe it?
I spoke to Margaret
yesterday afternoon.
So, what's
she like?
Uh, Southern.
Oh. Good luck.
Thanks.
This house belonged
to my third husband.
I just love it here.
Here.
Oh, thank you.
Mm-hmm.
Of course, it isn't
like it used to be,
but it is the South.
May I, uh,
give you some more iced tea?
Oh, no thanks.
I'm fine.
Have you told your daughter yet?
No, not yet.
Well, I was hoping
to see her while I'm here.
I was hoping to convince you
to drop the entire thing.
I'm sorry. I-I don't understand.
Let me ask
you something.
Are the other women, uh,
pursuing this reunion?
Well, we haven't located Meagan
yet.
Hilary has ambivalent feelings.
So, all of the fuss
is really for Arthur,
isn't it?
Very high price to pay
to soothe an old man's
conscience.
What do you mean?
I know what men are like
when they get to a certain age,
especially men
like Arthur,
who spend their life pouring all
of their energy into their work.
They get old,
they get reflective,
and God help us all
when they get philosophical.
Please, sit down.
Thank you.
My daughter is 35 years old.
She has two beautiful daughters
of her own.
Her husband is up
for reelection this year.
Did I mention that
on the telephone?
Yes, you did.
Alexandra's
husband is from
a very fine old family
that has a long tradition
of political involvement.
He has an absolutely
pure record.
He's so squeaky clean,
he borders on boring.
I'm sorry, but I...
I don't understand
what telling Alexandra
about her past has to do
with her husband's campaign.
Honey, people in the South
just love a good scandal,
but it doesn't get them elected,
certainly... not now.
Do you have any idea
what will happen
when I tell
my daughter,
who has no memory
of her family,
her sisters, and
certainly not
of the circumstances
surrounding her
parents' death?
What will
happen to her,
to her husband, when
the story comes out?
Whatever the-the consequences,
don't you think
these women have a moral right
to know about each other,
to pursue their relationship,
if that's what they want?
Moral right?
It all depends.
Perhaps.
Perhaps not.
Senator, so glad you could make it.
We had our doubts as to whether
you'd be back from Washington.
And as I recall, you promised me
a billiards game.
No way
I was gonna miss that.
You'll wish
you forgot.
Henry, nice
to see you.
We missed you
at the club last Wednesday.
Emily and
Marie-Louise,
do y'all remember
Miss Templeton?
Very nice to see you girls.
Hello.
Why don't you
come on inside?
Friends,
may I have your attention
for a moment, please?
Alexandra and I would
like to thank you all.
Not only for being
here with us today,
but for being
with us
through the
last 12 years.
As I look across
this room,
I can see the backbone
of my political career.
It's because of you
that I was elected,
and I want to thank you all
for your support.
But I don't want you
to get the wrong impression.
Today is not about politics.
Today is about friends
being together.
Besides, we still have--
what is it Bob,
two, three weeks--
before we start
the next campaign push?
Two or three minutes, maybe.
Excuse me.
Listen, kids, why
don't y'all go get something
to drink, okay?
Okay.
The girls look adorable.
Oh, thank you, Ma.
Dear, do you have
some time tomorrow?
I'd... like to come and
have a talk with you.
Of course, Mother.
Alexandra.
You-You'll excuse me.
I'm being summoned.
Once again, you put your money
on a three-legged horse.
That so?
Whoa!
Everybody gone?
Yeah.
Well, I thought
it went real well.
You did?
Next time,
you might try
to pick a more appropriate
dress for Emily.
You know how careful I am
about the girls' clothes.
I thought she looked beautiful.
So, what did you think
of the caterers?
I thought they were fine.
They were late.
I much prefer the
other caterers.
They were very
responsible.
I wanted to try someone new.
I thought
they did a splendid job.
Well, I was disappointed.
I don't think
we should use them again.
Sometimes I think
nothing I do ever suits you.
Don't I ever do anything right?
Well, of course you do. You were
the prettiest woman
at the party tonight.
This is the hardest thing
that I ever had to do,
but I have no choice,
because if I don't
tell you,
someone else will.
Tell me what?
I want you to know
that I've loved you
from the very first minute
that I laid eyes on you.
And if I did anything wrong,
it was because
I wanted to protect you.
Did what?
Mother, you're not
making any sense.
You remember when
we moved to Atlanta?
Vaguely.
Do you remember living
in New York before that?
No, I couldn't have
been more than five.
You were four.
When your father and I...
adopted you.
What?
We adopted you when you
were four years old.
Why didn't you
tell me this before?
I was afraid to tell
you the truth.
What did you think
I was going to do?
You're my mother.
I love you.
I didn't want our
relationship to change.
I couldn't bear
the idea of being
any less than
your real mother.
So, where
are they now?
Are they living?
No, we adopted you
after their deaths.
Your father was a,
an actor on Broadway.
I saw him
in a play once.
I saw pictures
of your mother.
She was French,
very beautiful.
How did they die?
It was so tragic.
Everyone who knew them were
devastated by what happened.
What?
Evidently there was
a terrible argument.
Nobody knows
what it was about.
Oh, it's so hard
to tell you
these things.
What exactly happened?
Your mother was killed...
by your father.
Oh, my God.
Was he crazy?
No, no.
I was told that
he loved her very much.
They think it
must have been
some kind of
jealous rage.
Nobody knows.
That's all I know.
What happened to him?
He was arrested and...
committed suicide in his cell
several days later,
leaving you and, uh...
Me and...?
You have two sisters.
Where?
What happened to them?
They were adopted
by other families.
Hilary was about eight
when it happened
and the youngest
was just a baby.
Her name is Meagan.
I understand why you didn't
tell me about my parents,
but how could you
keep this from me?
I have a family-- sisters.
Where are they now?
Do they know about me?
I don't know.
The man who arranged
the adoption--
he has hired
a private investigator
to find the three of you.
He wants to bring
you all together.
Did my mother have long hair?
Did she?
Yes.
I used to dream of
a woman with long hair.
I sat in her lap
and she sang to me.
Henry, can I talk
to you a minute?
Sure, honey,
what is it?
Promise you'll listen
with an open mind?
I know
you're upset.
I'm not upset.
I just don't think
you should go to Connecticut
to see these people.
Those people are my sisters.
I've thought about
this all day, Henry.
This is something
I really want to do.
What's going to happen
if word of your little
reunion gets out?
It's a private
thing, Henry.
It's not being covered
by the press.
I'll tell you what's
going to happen.
People are going to laugh
at me, pure and simple.
All these years I've held you up
as Southern royalty.
The distinguished
Judge Gorham's daughter
from Atlanta.
I've flown your credentials
like the Confederate flag.
I have put my life on hold
for you so many times before.
Please don't
do this to me now.
Honey, you're talking
about one weekend.
I'm talking about
my whole life,
my political future.
Please, Henry.
I've already made my decision.
So have I.
I'm going.
Yes?
Hi. How you doing?
I'm okay.
Look, I know you were upset
last time we spoke,
but I thought
you might like to know
that I'm still trying
to locate Meagan,
but I met your
other sister, Alexandra.
Axi?
Yeah. She's a terrific lady.
She wants very much
to see you.
She's coming to Connecticut.
Tell her, tell her that...
that I love her very much,
but that I just can't.
Hilary, what...
Uncle Arthur.
Where's your
Aunt Eileen?
Upstairs with Meagan.
Would you tell her
that I'm here, please?
Hilary,
please stay.
I thought, uh...
I wanted to tell you something.
Is something wrong?
Your sisters
are going to go away
for a little while.
Why?
Because there's no way
to keep them
together any longer.
I tried.
I really tried.
I found
two wonderful homes.
One for Meagan,
one for Axi.
I know,
it's not fair,
but you're the oldest.
You have to be brave
for the others.
Please don't
leave me here.
It won't be for long,
I promise.
Just as soon as I can find
you another family...
I already
have a family.
You can't.
I won't let you.
You can't take
them away from me.
What is it?
What's the matter?
Uncle Arthur is going
to take you and Meagan
on a little trip.
Where are
we going?
Back to New York.
Are you coming?
No, not now.
Then I don't
want to go.
You have to.
If you don't go,
then Meagan will be scared.
But what if
I get scared?
You won't be frightened
because wherever you are,
you will always know
how much I love you.
I want you to always,
always remember that.
I love you, Axi. That's all.
I want to stay
with Hilly.
I... I know you do.
And I want you to as well.
But we have to go now.
I, uh, I'll be back for you.
Soon.
I promise.
Hilly! Hilly!
Hilly!
I thought we had already
found the Walker woman.
Is that supposed
to mean something?
There are a couple
of other cases
that could use a little
of your attention,
but hey, it's none
of my business, right?
Right.
What do you got
on the younger sister?
That's why I came in.
Here's the deal on her.
Meagan's adopted father, John Kincaid,
and his wife Rebecca were very active
in the civil rights movement.
They eventually set up
a full-scale legal office in Biloxi,
Mississippi, which closed in 1974.
He retired, and they moved
to Berkeley, California.
She's practicing in
a San Francisco law firm.
- I have all the phone numbers.
- Good.
Let's make some phone calls.
Hi.
Hi.
Paula tell you where I live?
She likes me.
Must be hell to live
with all that charm.
Hey, can I buy you a hot dog?
Mm, I love these hot dogs.
Mm-hmm.
Can I ask you something personal?
Okay.
Yeah?
Do you like opera?
Not really.
No?
What about baseball.
- Passionately.
- Really? Okay, forget the opera.
Baseball is good.
Baseball's better.
You didn't come here
to talk about baseball.
Have you found
Meagan yet?
Yes, I have.
I'm flying out to see
her next weekend.
Where is she?
She's in San Francisco.
She's a doctor.
Oh, she was
the sweetest baby.
She had this little round face
with big, bright eyes.
Seems strange to think of her
as a grown woman, a doctor.
Meagan? Wait up.
Can you cover me
on rounds this afternoon?
Sorry.
I'll trade you a Saturday.
Any other day I would,
but I can't this afternoon.
I'm on my way out.
Why? What's going on?
I'm getting pregnant.
Anybody I know?
Cute, very cute.
Everything went perfectly.
I want you
to just relax
for a half hour
some more,
and then go home
and take it easy.
It takes a couple of days
after in vitro fertilization
before you can resume
your normal activities.
We know the drill.
Yeah.
We'll check your
HCG levels in a week
to make sure
you're maintaining
your pregnancy.
Good luck.
Thanks, Doc.
Thanks, Doc.
I can remember when I thought
getting pregnant was gonna be fun.
Yeah, so can I.
It'll be fun again,
once we have a baby.
He seems like a very nice man.
That's it. That's all I know
about your parents
and your sisters.
Let me ask you something.
Did you know
that you were adopted?
Mm, always.
Yeah. Did you ever try
to find your birth parents?
Well, once when I was 12,
I asked my mom
if she knew anything
about my quote "real mother."
The way she looked at me.
It was one of those moments
when words are hanging
in the air
and you just want to reel them
back in.
I never asked again.
What do you think?
When can you get away
to meet your sisters?
What about weekend after next?
Honey, are you sure
you don't mind
changing our plans?
I know you were
looking forward
to getting away
for the weekend.
Well, right now
I think what's
more important
is for you to meet
your sisters.
I think you're
the most wonderful man
in the entire world.
Yeah, well, you
always say that
when I'm washing
the dishes.
Yeah, well, there
is something sexy
about a guy standing
over a sink.
Get a towel and dry.
I hope we don't lose
this baby.
Don't worry.
No, Miss Walker has the number.
Just tell her, please,
that John Chapman called
and that I'm at the office
or at home. Thank you.
If you want my opinion,
the lady is not going
to return your call,
here or at home.
You know what?
You're right.
Where are you going?
Right,
a man with a mission.
How did you find me here?
Finding people
is what I do
for a living,
do you remember?
You wouldn't return
my phone calls.
I'm sorry.
We're retooling
the morning show,
and it's been crazy.
Yeah. You know what?
I like you better
when you're abrupt.
It's more honest.
Look, you've done your job.
I got your message.
I know my sisters
are flying in this
next weekend,
but I'm not going, John.
I can't.
Hilary, you know what?
You can make
any excuses you want,
but I know this
is important to you.
You're obsessive.
I'm obsessive?
Yes, you are.
What about you?
I know you want to help,
but I have to make
my peace in my own way.
I can't face
seeing Arthur again.
I won't go to his house.
Okay.
I like your persistence.
It's one of the best
things about you.
But trust me on this one.
I'm trying, believe me.
Why can't you
just let it alone?
My assistant keeps
asking me the same question.
Do yourself a favor
and take her advice.
You know what?
You're right.
You're both right.
Are you busy
this evening?
Are you asking me
on a date?
Yeah, sure, why not?
I don't know.
Let me think about it.
So, you thought about it?
I have a speech to write
for the affiliates,
and three cost reports
to go over.
Come on.
Well, I guess you could come by
my apartment for dinner tonight.
Great, fine.
8:00?
I'll be there.
Do you need
the address, or...
Yeah, you've already got it.
Hi.
Hi.
Come on in.
Thank you.
I'm sorry I didn't
have time to cook.
Oh, uh, okay.
I'll tell you what.
Why don't we go out
and get something then?
Oh, no, there's,
uh, lots of food.
I bought a ton of stuff.
Oh, okay.
I hope you're hungry.
Sure.
Whoa. I'm impressed.
Why?
Well, you didn't
just buy food.
You took the trouble to go
to three different places here.
How did you know?
Well...
Oh, the bags.
You're very good at this,
aren't you?
At what?
At observing things.
Is that why you became
a private investigator?
No, I fell into that
after law school, actually.
It was the only thing I could
think of that would, uh, here.
Thank you.
That would totally
outrage my family.
And I'm good at it,
so, uh... here I am.
Here you are.
Shall we go the living room?
Sure.
Oh, look.
I brought you something.
What?
It's a photograph.
Those are Alexandra's
daughters.
This is, uh, Emily.
This is Mary Louise.
They're so beautiful.
Yeah.
How old are they?
Well, Emily is 12,
and Mary Louise is six.
It's kind of hard to tell
from the picture,
but I think that
the younger one
looks like Meagan.
Arthur gave me this.
Mama bought us those dresses to
wear for Daddy's birthday party.
They were navy and white
and maybe you can
see in the picture.
They had little
red cherries on them
or something
on the collar.
She bought them
at Bergdorf Goodman.
I remember the day
we picked them out.
Did you ever try to find
your sisters on your own?
Once.
But I didn't get very far,
when Arthur refused
to help me.
I guess I should
have hired you.
I guess so.
Yeah.
You know something?
You remind me
of my therapist.
Is that good or bad?
No, no, I liked her, but, uh...
Well, good.
The point is she
couldn't save me,
and you can't either.
What do you mean?
Save you from what?
When exactly did you
decide to rescue me?
Is that what you
think I'm doing?
I think it's
a mistake to try.
I think it's time
you trusted me.
Why?
Because I care about you.
I should go.
I'll call you
in the morning.
Good night.
Will you come
to Connecticut with me?
When did you decide to go?
Just now.
Yes, I will.
- What is it?
- I'm bleeding.
Sure you're strong enough to
make the trip to Connecticut?
Physically, I'm fine.
It's just not fair.
We'll just try again, and we'll
keep trying until it takes.
If that's what you want.
We're on a real
roller coaster.
They've got you
so pumped up
with hormones,
I just don't think
that you can look
at this thing
objectively anymore.
What do you mean by that?
For the past
eight months
we've been poked,
we've been prodded.
Our sex life has become
scheduled and mechanical.
There's damn little to us
that's private anymore.
It's time for us
to just pull back
and look at other
alternatives.
There are lots of ways
you can have kids
in your life.
We've been
through this before.
In-vitro's our only choice.
It's the only
chance we have.
Look, all I'm saying
is that I think it's time
to open ourselves up
to some other possibilities.
We haven't even
talked about adoption.
Why can't I be
like everyone else?
Why can't I have my own baby?
Hi. I'm John Chapman.
Miss Walker is expecting me.
Uh, I don't think so.
She left early
this morning
for the airport.
Happy New Year, John.
Let me buy you a drink.
Come on.
Have you seen any
of this week's rehearsal?
I can't wait
for opening night.
Sam is brilliant.
He's never been better.
It's the best role
he's ever had.
Where did you meet her?
Oh, her father is one
of our firm's clients.
I think she's very nice.
We have to find you a girl.
I found one once,
but I lost her.
Are you happy?
(speaking French)
Yes, I am happy.
Sam, aren't you
a little early for kissing?
It's not midnight yet.
Solange.
Sam, wait.
Solange.
Sam, you've had
too much to drink.
Let me go.
Ye... yeah.
Please, get me a cab.
Yes, ma'am.
Solange.
Solange, here you are.
Is there anything I can do?
Please walk with me.
I am pregnant.
I haven't told Sam yet.
I was going
to tell him tonight.
You have to understand.
Actors-- they are easily
distracted.
They sometimes forget what,
what is real,
what is important.
But, you know, this is
not the first time.
But Sam loves me.
He always comes back to me.
Most women would sue
him for divorce,
take him for
everything he's got.
I don't want things.
I just want him.
- Beautiful house.
- Sure is.
Meagan's waiting for you
out on the porch.
If you'll excuse me,
I have to check on Mr. Patterson.
Certainly. Come on.
Meagan.
- I'm Alexandra.
- It's wonderful to meet you.
Did you just get in?
Uh, just about a half an hour ago.
- Have you seen Mr. Patterson yet?
- No, not yet.
I've been looking forward
to this for several weeks,
but now that I'm here,
I'm not altogether sure
what I'm supposed to do.
There are so many questions
I want to ask you.
Uh, where you went to medical school,
who your husband is, what's he like.
The list just goes on and on.
Well, grill away,
'cause I've got a whole set
of questions for you, too.
I'll get it.
Thanks.
Come on. Sit down.
Hello.
Oh. I didn't expect you
to answer the door.
Well, I didn't expect
you to stand me up.
- I'm sorry.
- That's okay. I understand.
The important thing
is you're here now.
Come on in. There's some people
I want you to meet.
Hilary.
Axi.
Meagan?
I never thought we'd see
each other again.
I can't believe you
married a senator.
You have two
beautiful children.
You live in such
a wonderful house.
Well, my wonderful house
is more like a shrine
to Henry's parents.
He was born there.
In the 14 years
I've lived there,
he hasn't allowed me
to even change a lampshade.
Don't get me started
on all that.
What was it you called me
when you first came in?
Axi.
It was your nickname.
Don't you remember?
Well, Mama started
calling you Axi
when you were just a baby.
She said Alexandra was
too much name for a little girl.
I don't remember
her calling me Axi.
I do remember
something else.
There was an attic room,
and you and I were sitting
on the bed. Where was that?
- Aunt Eileen's.
- You called me Axi,
and you brushed my hair and told me
you would always love me.
The hairbrush was white with...
Pink roses.
That's the first real memory
I've ever had of my childhood.
Well, you were so young.
You know, what I remember is
not so much what happened,
it's more...it's like
the color of things,
not the things themselves...
till now.
Ladies?
Arthur?
This is Meagan...
...Alexandra...
...and Hilary.
I am so very honored.
Thank you all
for coming.
Thank you
for inviting us.
There's so much I want to know
about our parents.
John says
you knew them very well.
I did.
Yes, your father and I
survived not only the war
but a dozen Broadway seasons
together.
He was
a very talented actor.
He had several offers
from Hollywood.
So why didn't he go?
Oh, he would have,
eventually.
But, in the '50s, you know,
theater was everything.
Mm. What about Solange,
did she want to go?
Seems strange to hear you
call her by her first name.
She was our mother.
I'm really sorry.
Alice, I think the girls
would like to see
the picture I have
of their mother.
It's on the piano.
Will you bring it
to me, please?
This evening
is very meaningful to me.
In fact,
I would like to propose a toast
to Meagan,
Alexandra...
...and Hilary.
Although I hope you can find it
in your hearts
to forgive me,
that is not the only reason
I asked you here this weekend.
I wanted you to have
a quiet place.
A place
where you can take time out
from your busy lives and get
to know one another again,
to bridge your past
and your present.
So, to new beginnings.
Mm. Thank you.
Yes, this is the photograph
I wanted you to see.
How old was she in this picture?
She was
in her early 20s.
It was taken in New York.
She was so beautiful.
Yes.
It's one of my very
favorite photographs.
It's not yours.
She didn't belong to you.
She never belonged to you.
I can't do this.
I can't eat at your table
and make nice conversation,
talking about them
like they were some
characters in a play.
They were real,
and they were mine.
And you took it all away.
Hilary,
what are you talking about?
What happened to our parents
was his fault.
- What do you mean?
- You and I know what happened.
What you did killed them both.
Hilary, I honestly don't know
what you're talking about.
I don't understand.
I was there.
I saw what happened.
Why did you bring us
back together?
What were you trying to do?
I felt I owed it to you
to make up for what I'd done.
And you think
one little dinner party
can make up
for everything you did?
Hilary, please, it
doesn't matter anymore.
It does to me.
We've got to put it behind us.
We've got to get on
with our lives.
You have a life to go on with.
I don't, because of what he did.
John thinks you're
looking for absolution.
Well, I'm not gonna
watch them give it to you,
because I was there.
I saw what happened.
I saw everything
from the beginning.
Aren't you going
to ask me how it went?
I can see how it went.
What's the matter with you?
I'm tired of it.
I can't live
like this anymore.
Your extravagances.
Your excesses.
You think this apartment
makes up for it?
I'm leaving you,
and I'm taking the girls.
No, you're not.
I won't let you.
You've cheated
on me for years.
It's not true.
I know who you took
to California.
I know who you
were with last night.
It doesn't matter
because I don't care anymore.
I'm leaving you,
and I want a divorce.
What are you
going to do?
You still think the whole world
revolves around
your entrances and exits?
Well, you're wrong.
I won't give you a divorce,
so don't ask again.
I don't have
to ask you.
No?
I could have
you followed.
I could have had
50 divorces by now.
You got some kind of proof
or what?
I don't need proof.
There is nothing
left between us.
I pity you.
Don't say that.
Did you think I would let you
humiliate me forever?
You think I would
forgive and forgive?
Did it ever occur to you
that finally I would look
elsewhere
for comfort, for love?
I'm leaving you because I'm
in love with someone else.
What do you mean?
Well, who is it?
Arthur.
No.
No, I don't believe you.
It started years ago.
We'd meet in the afternoons
in his apartment.
I was with him at his house
in Connecticut when...
No! Shut up.
I won't let you
take my girls.
I won't let you
take them with you.
They're not all your girls.
She told him that Meagan
wasn't his daughter,
that she was yours.
Damn you!
No!
Daddy...!
No...!
Please don't!
Daddy, no!
Daddy, you're
going to hurt her!
Daddy, don't!
You, you!
Stop! Please stop!
Mommy!
Mommy!
Oh, Mommy!
No...!
Mommy!
Oh!
All those years.
Why didn't you come back for me?
I...
I was afraid of your anger.
How could you have
been afraid of me?
I was just a little girl.
You took my family
away from me.
I'll never forgive you
for that,
never.
Alexandra,
let her go.
Meagan...
I never knew
you were mine.
So, have you seen Arthur
this morning?
Just briefly.
I didn't know
what to do or say.
I hope you don't think
I'm horrible.
For what?
Well, in the last two weeks,
I've gained two sisters,
a mother,
and now two fathers.
I think I'm just taking it all
a little bit too calmly.
I always thought I'd have
such strong emotional ties
to my biological mother
and father.
You know, like I'd see them
and I'd immediately
feel a part of them.
You know, when Emily was
about three months old,
she looked at me.
I mean, really looked at me.
And I realized that even
though she came from my body,
she wasn't a part of me.
I saw her separateness.
There was somebody inside
this tiny little infant.
It completely changed
the way I thought about
raising children.
How so?
From the beginning,
we are who we are.
Hopefully,
we have parents
who can help us
get better at it.
Hmm. I was so lucky,
I did.
Obviously, look at you.
You're a doctor.
Well, you have
two beautiful children.
I... I really envy you.
You'll be
a wonderful mother,
'cause you had
a wonderful mother.
Yeah.
Tell me about your parents.
What's Margaret like?
Unusual.
Complicated, loving.
I could always
depend on that.
You and I were both
very lucky.
I can't even imagine
the kind of life
Hilary must have had.
It reminds me of the kaleidoscope
I gave Mary Louise last
year for her birthday.
You turn it a fraction
and the same pieces
fall into completely
different patterns.
One moment the flowers,
and next the demons
breathing fire.
Seems terribly wrong Hilary
was left to the demons.
Sure does.
I wish she were here.
I miss her.
You know, I miss her, too.
- Promise you'll stay in touch?
- I promise.
Bye, now.
Bye.
And don't say
you're surprised.
I'm not.
Come on in.
Yeah?
Thank you.
How are you?
Fine.
Yeah?
How are you?
Oh, I'm great, great.
Hey, I got a surprise
for you.
What?
Here.
Hmm.
Season tickets
for the Yankees?
Yeah.
But the games don't
even start until...
Well, I plan on
being around.
I'm so glad you stopped by.
I needed to talk to you.
I spent the entire
flight home
trying to make a mental
picture of my life.
And I could see my
two daughters clearly,
but somehow I couldn't
envision my marriage.
I think you depend on Henry.
That's just it, I don't.
You and the girls are the
only constant in my life.
I'm pleased to be counted
among the constant.
I know you were worried
about my meeting my sisters.
"Terrified" would be
more to the point.
I didn't know what meeting
your other family
would do to us,
what, uh...
how it would affect
our relationship.
Oh, Mama.
You are and have been as long as
I can remember my real mother.
No one's ever
gonna change that.
Oh.
Thank you for letting me know.
Good-bye.
Arthur's
in the hospital.
He's dying.
You want to fly back east
and see him?
I don't know
what I want to do.
What is it, you afraid
of taking more time off?
No, that's not it at all.
If I go, what do
I say to him?
Well, you'll know what to say.
He has doctors.
What if what he needs
is a daughter?
Nurse Overland,
please page the operator.
Nurse Overland...
It's good to see you again.
I was so pleased when
I heard you were coming.
I'm happy I could come.
Is there anything
I can do for you?
It's enough
just having you here.
Sure I can't
get you something?
There is one thing.
I haven't spoken to anyone
about my funeral.
I don't want anything
very formal or too sad,
just simple and dignified,
hopefully.
You look tired.
Are you sure you want
to talk about this now?
I sleep too much.
It's the medication.
It's very difficult
to handle the pain now.
I've never been
very brave.
Without Sam, I don't think
I would have survived the war.
He saved my life more than once.
I'll talk to your doctor.
I told him you were my daughter.
I hope you don't mind.
Why would I mind?
I am.
Sometimes when you
tilt your head that way
you look just like her.
Don't feel guilty
about what happened.
I can't imagine my life
any other way than it was.
My parents
are wonderful people.
Wheelchair to Reception
for maternity check-in.
I don't want to be
gone too long.
He's really weak.
Look, I feel like
I've been here a month
instead of three days.
Maybe that's because
this is the first time
in eight years
you've been still.
I keep thinking
about what happened to Hilary
and what you said
about it being time for us
to consider
other alternatives.
How would you feel
about adopting an older child?
I only wish...
that I'd known
you better...
and longer.
Dr. Lee to Admitting.
Dr. Lee to Admitting.
I never expected
to feel this much.
It's okay. It's okay.
I didn't either.
Hello?
Hilary, it's Meagan.
I-I'm at the hospital.
I just wanted you to know...
Arthur died this evening.
Oh. I'm sorry.
The services will be on Saturday
at the small cemetery
near his house in Connecticut.
Oh, I don't think
I can make it.
Is Luke there with you?
Yeah, he's here.
I just wanted you
to know, that's all.
I really wish
there was something more
I could do for you.
I'll be okay.
Bye, Hilary.
Arthur died.
Meagan was with him.
How is she?
I envy her, her feelings.
Honey?
Mm-hmm.
I've decided to go to
the funeral with you.
You have?
I'm surprised.
I had a long talk
with Bob last night.
I think we figured out
a way to put a spin
on this murder-
suicide thing.
You see, we don't wait
for the press to pick it up.
We come out with it ourselves,
and, in fact,
we make it appear
as though I
was instrumental
in bringing your
family together.
He's already arranged
to have a photographer
there at the funeral.
No.
Oh, don't worry, honey.
He's on the payroll.
I will not let you turn
this poor man's funeral
into a circus.
He'll be very discreet.
It's out of the question.
It's been arranged.
I am taking the children
to the funeral.
I don't want you
or your photographer there.
Now, what are you doing?
I'm calling Bob and canceling
the arrangements myself.
You're out of line.
Who do you think you are?
I'm an adult, Henry,
a grown-up.
What is that supposed to mean?
Hopefully you and I
can find that out together,
but you've got
to stop treating me
like a child.
You and I need
to spend
some time
together, Henry,
trying to find out
if this marriage works.
What are you talking about?
There's nothing wrong
with this marriage.
There's nothing wrong
with yours,
but there's plenty
wrong with ours.
I make your
life simpler.
I do jobs for you,
but they're just that-- jobs.
I might as well
be the hired help.
I want a real
marriage, Henry,
one with intimacy, and sharing
and respect.
Life is too short
for anything less.
Hi.
Hi.
Come on, honey.
Come on.
Oh, hi.
This is
Mary Louise.
Hello, nice
to meet you.
And Emily.
Hi, Emily.
How are you?
Hello.
How are you doing?
Girls are unpacking.
Where's Luke?
He'll be out in a minute.
I'm sorry Hilary
couldn't be here for you.
It's okay.
I do love this house.
Being here is like
being very old
and very young all
at the same time.
Arthur left it
to the three of us.
Did he?
He set up a trust to keep and
maintain the house for us.
In his will, he said
that he had hoped
it would become
our summer home.
Guess he wanted us
to have a place
where we could all
come together,
bring our families,
share our lives.
You're okay?
Yeah.
Lord, grant us that we may find
through the love we have
for one another and our God
a measure of that greater peace
that our friend Arthur Patterson
surely has found.
Amen.
Unto Almighty God we commend
the soul
of our brother departed.
We commit his body
to the ground, dust to dust,
in sure and certain hope of the
resurrection unto eternal life
through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Thank you.
and I very much appreciate
your handling this matter
personally.
Now, I don't suppose this will be
of much help, but it is
the last photograph that I have.
These are the daughters
of my dearest friends,
Sam and Solange Walker.
They died
very tragically in 1959.
I was the executor
of their estate,
and was involved
in finding homes
for their girls.
I want you to find them for me.
If you don't mind my asking,
why do you want to do this now?
These women are in their 30s.
They have their own families,
their own lives.
I lost touch
with them years ago.
And now that they've grown,
I want to be reassured
that they are all right.
You see,
I was unable to find
a single family that would
take all three of the children.
I had to separate them.
I found this article
in "Variety"
just a few weeks ago.
I can't tell whether
it is the eldest daughter,
Hilary, or not.
I realize it would be
quite a coincidence.
Sometimes it's just that easy.
This has never been easy.
Sir, my firm has handled a lot
of cases similar to this.
Grown children searching
for their birth parents,
that sort of thing.
It seldom turns out
the way the client
thought it would.
I found out
that things never turn out
the way I thought they would.
I just want you to be aware
that there are real
consequences when you
disrupt people's lives.
The truth does not necessarily
set us free.
Yeah.
I've always felt guilty
about separating
those girls.
In the beginning,
I thought
that as they grew
older, they would
need each other less
and less, but now
I've reached the end
of my own life.
I realize that family becomes
even more important.
I think you're the right person
to find them for me.
What do you want me to tell them
when I find them?
Tell them...
I'm an old friend
of the family,
and that I would very much like
to reunite them
at my home in Connecticut.
This is the address.
Can you give this matter
your full attention?
I want to find them
as quickly as possible.
I'll do the
best I can.
Thanks.
Miss Walker?
Thank you, Jennifer.
Oh, good morning.
Morning. What do we have?
The, uh,
budget report
on the elections
just faxed in.
Great.
Did you catch
our medical special last night?
No.
Were you watching cable again?
I had a date.
Having a real life
in the middle of the week?
Was it fun?
Oh, yeah.
I could get used to it.
I bet.
Sounds like a great idea.
Morning, Lisa.
Good morning,
Mr. Chapman.
Brenda's home with the flu,
so I've been playing secretary
all morning.
I got about 42 messages for you,
not to count the 100 calls
I fielded myself.
So, what do you got?
Oh, did Senator Hays
call back yet?
No.
Oh, I didn't think so.
Steve called
from New Orleans.
Yeah.
He says he needs 500 more
in expenses
in two more days,
but he's very close.
Okay, have Sheila
send him the money.
"Traviata" tickets confirmed.
Yeah?
Oh, and, uh, these
came by messenger.
What's that?
Great seats.
They are? Good.
Who would have figured?
What?
The Yankees
and the opera?
So sue me.
I'm a Renaissance man.
Yeah, right. What's with
the shirts from France?
Now, I know a guy
on 53rd. He could...
Thank you, Debi.
One more thing.
What?
Your ex-wife
called.
How did she seem?
So-so.
Yeah?
She said she
got the check,
and uh, she just
wanted to talk.
Yeah?
I think she
misses you.
Okay, I'll give
her a call.
Look, uh, leave the
rest of that stuff
on the desk
and get a temp
to handle the
phones, will you?
I want you to do
a background check
on Hilary Walker,
CBA News.
What for?
Well, she may be one
of three sisters
I'm trying to locate
for Arthur Patterson.
The big shot entertainment
attorney?
Yeah.
So give me something easy.
I just did.
Excuse me.
I'd like to see
Hilary Walker, please.
Do you have
an appointment?
Yes.
Her assistant's
at the second desk
around the corner.
Thank you very much.
Excuse me.
Hi. I'm John Chapman.
I'd like to see
Hilary Walker.
Sometime in
this century, right?
That would be nice.
Let's see...
I'd like to see her
as soon as possible.
It's personal.
Oh, well, uh, why
don't you have a seat
and I'll see
what I can do.
Paula, it's okay.
I'm expecting him.
Come on in.
You're, uh...
tapes haven't
arrived yet.
I was hoping that you might
have brought some with you.
Uh, I'm afraid that,
that...
Oh, that's okay.
I'll have, uh, Paula call
the affiliate again.
Okay.
We'll take care of it.
Well, uh, sit down.
Thank you.
Let's take
a look at you.
I'm afraid you're
going to be
very disappointed
when you find...
Are you kidding?
You're terrific.
You realize, of course,
our producer is your #1 fan.
He saw you in Atlanta
and said
you had the quality
we're looking for.
Walter Cronkite had it.
People more than believed
in him, they trusted him.
You don't have much of a
Southern accent, do you?
No, no, I don't.
That's because
I'm not from Atlanta.
There's a little bit
of a mix up here.
My name is John Chapman.
I'm from Chapman and Associates
right here in New York.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Oh my God.
I'm so embarrassed.
Obviously I thought
you were...
That's okay.
someone else.
It's all right.
I don't suppose
you're here to audition
for the early morning
anchor job?
No, I'm not.
Actually, I'm
a private investigator.
Oh, well, you know,
I'm, uh, I'm really rushed.
If you want to leave your card
with my assistant,
I'll get back to you.
Well, this will only
take a few moments.
Well, I have eight,
and I need two to walk
down the hall.
Well, I'll only
take four, okay?
Okay.
Okay. I'm working for a client
who's looking for a woman
named Hilary Walker.
He saw your picture in "Variety"
and hoped that you might be
the right one.
He doesn't know for sure,
because he lost contact
with her 30 years ago
when she moved to Boston
with her aunt and uncle,
Larry and Eileen Miller.
No, no.
I'm, I'm sorry.
I'm not the woman
you're looking for.
Uh, I've spent my
whole life here in Manhattan.
Well, I knew it was
a long shot.
I'm sorry to bother you.
That's okay.
Let's just say we're even
on mistaken identities.
Oh, everyone's in
the conference room.
Would you like me to call
and order lunch for you?
Uh, yes, please.
Uh, Chinese or deli?
Um, corned beef
with Russian.
And call and find out
what's holding up the tapes.
Good luck.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Hey.
You hungry?
Always.
I have the background
on Hilary Walker for you.
Oh, I met her.
She's, uh, she's
very interesting,
but she's not the right one.
Are you sure?
There's something
a little strange.
I mean, she's a big
network exec, right?
So you'd think that there'd
be some mention in her bio
about her background,
her family.
But it's like she hatched out
of an egg full-blown at 24
except for one reference
to her having entered Columbia
after graduating from high
school in Boston.
Boston?
Yeah.
Anything else?
I checked her out
at Columbia.
Yeah?
Get this-- her letter
of recommendation
was written by
a social worker,
which is a little weird.
You know what?
When's the next shuttle
to Boston?
I don't know.
Well, find out.
Okay.
Listen, get me
a sandwich, will you?
Yeah, you got it.
Welcome to Boston,
ladies and gentlemen.
We hope you enjoyed your flight.
The temperature at Logan International
is currently 68 degrees.
Did you receive
the judge's orders
to open the files
on Hilary Walker?
Yes, but there wasn't
a lot there.
Now, she was in
four different foster homes.
She spent the last three years
of high school
in juvenile hall
in Boston.
She didn't get
into any trouble.
She was withdrawn,
no real friends.
Hmm.
She was taken
from her uncle's house
a few months after
her aunt died.
The uncle never applied
for custody.
What was his name?
Larry Miller.
Uh, Larry died
about six years ago.
It was a heart attack.
I'm looking for their niece,
uh, Hilary Walker.
Um, you should have come
looking 25 years ago.
Why is that?
What happened?
Would you care
for a seat, Mr. uh...?
Uh, Chapman.
Yeah, thank you.
I appreciate you taking
the time to talk to me.
Time I've got.
So, what can you tell me
about Hilary?
Oh, God.
I hardly recognized her
when, when I saw her.
What happened was,
it was some time not too long
after Eileen died.
Hilary was, hmm, almost 14.
She had been living with them
for about five years, I guess.
I found her here on
the porch one morning.
She had come here in the night
to hide or to get away.
When I saw her,
I thought she was dead.
She was all huddled up
like a frightened animal.
She didn't have
any clothes on.
She was lying in her own blood.
She was so pale, so still.
The police told me later
that her Uncle Larry
had come after her,
and she stopped him
with a knife,
but not before he had
beaten her half to death.
I got her to the hospital
and I never saw her again.
I've always wondered what
happened to that child.
Hi.
Did you find
your news anchor yet?
Still looking.
Yeah?
Did you come
back to apply?
Oh, no, no, no.
You remember the movie
"Broadcast News",
where the, the guy gets
his big break, his big chance,
and he, uh, he reads the news
and he sweats like a pig?
Mm-hmm.
Well, that's me.
Some people are better off
behind the scenes, you know.
Listen, the reason I, uh,
I'm here is 'cause
I figured you might not want
to see me if I called first.
I did a little checking.
You didn't grow up
in New York.
You lived in Boston with your
aunt and uncle, until you...
What do you want?
Are you really
a private investigator?
Yeah, you got it.
Who hired you?
Arthur Patterson.
Let me ask you something.
Do you ever think about
the people you work for?
Do you ever question
their motives?
I try not to make judgments.
Do yourself a favor:
question his.
Why? What do you mean?
He, he seemed very sincere,
very straightforward.
Taxi!
Listen, can we go someplace
and get a cup of coffee,
talk about this, you know?
I don't think so.
Well, just give me
a couple of minutes.
I've told you I'm not the woman
you're looking for,
so just leave me alone.
Mr. Patterson, I think
there's a lot more
to this woman and her story
than you're telling me.
I don't think it adds up.
Can you drive out
to my Connecticut house
tomorrow morning?
We could talk then.
Fine.
Good. I look forward
to seeing you.
Uh, do you need me to do
anything for you
before I go to lunch?
No, I'm fine.
I have a little headache.
I could use a, a break.
Okay. I'll be back
in an hour.
That's fine.
You go ahead.
Is our Hilary Walker
the Hilary Walker?
Yeah, I think so.
Good. One down, two to go.
Look, Brenda won't be
back till Monday.
You want me to order
lunch for you?
Yeah.
The usual?
No, no. I want
corned beef with Russian,
and make it for two.
Get extra pickles,
two root beers.
She can't breathe
with the box closed, Uncle Arthur.
You can't have her!
You can't take her away from me!
Here we go.
Come on, Meagan,
Axi, Hilly.
There we are.
Come on.
Hilary, do you remember
your Aunt Eileen?
It's been a long time
since I've seen you.
Why don't you all
go inside?
Are you sure it's all right
for the girls to stay here?
Don't worry about anything.
I've looked after
children before.
You did say you could help out
with the expenses?
Oh, yeah, of course.
Now, here's a check for you.
If you need anything else,
please call,
and I'll be back
in a week or two.
I know it's not what you're
used to, but you'll be fine.
Are there any sheets,
Aunt Eileen?
They're still hanging
on the back porch.
Help yourself.
How much did
Arthur give you?
A hundred dollars.
I'd like to see him
find somebody
in New York take care
of three brats for that.
Which one are you?
This is Hilary.
She's the oldest.
She looks after the babies
like a little mother.
She does everything.
Everything?
Watch what you say.
She's just a little girl.
I brought you lunch.
Corn beef, with Russian.
What am I going
to do about you?
Every time I turn around,
here you are.
Well, I usually
eat at my desk.
I got the impression the other
day that you eat in a lot, too.
Now, what do you think?
You want a root beer, Hmm?
Okay. Thank you.
You got it.
You know, you seem like
a really nice guy,
and I want to apologize
for last night.
Oh, don't even
think about it.
It's just that I don't like
dredging up the past.
I feel like I've got
that ordeal behind me.
I admire you a lot.
Why?
Because you beat
the odds.
What do you mean?
Well, you lost your parents
when you were very young.
You were separated
from your sisters.
How much do you know anyway?
Well, I know that things got
pretty tough for you
after your Aunt Eileen died
and left you
with Larry.
Yeah, it was a nightmare.
Damn it.
Why is Arthur doing this?
Why does he want to bring
all this up again?
Well, he struck me
as a man
who wants to make amends.
A man who's
seeking absolution.
He wants to reunite you
with your sisters.
22 two years ago,
I asked him for help.
Did he tell you that?
No, I didn't think so.
Why don't you ask him
what he did?
And tell him to go to hell.
Mr. Patterson's waiting
for you in the den.
Thank you.
Mr. Chapman.
You lied to me.
You told me you hadn't
had any contact
with those women since
they were children.
Why didn't you help Hilary
when she came to you?
What did she tell you?
She told me to tell you
to go to hell.
She came to me,
when she was about 18.
She wanted me to help her
find her sisters,
but she was so angry
and out of control
I was afraid of what
she might do.
She had every right to be angry.
Did she tell you
what happened to her,
how she was abused
and brutalized?
No. She never said anything.
How could you leave
a little girl
with people like Larry
and Eileen Miller?
Eileen Miller
was Sam's sister.
She seemed capable.
I tried, God knows I tried
to find Hilary another home,
but no one wanted
an older child.
I thought about keeping
those little girls myself.
I've always been a bachelor.
It was 1959.
I didn't know if I could manage
three little girls
under the age of ten,
even if the courts would
have given me permission.
I have to talk to Hilary.
I want to tell her
how sorry I am.
She said she won't come.
Please, try to convince her
to change her mind.
I need her
forgiveness.
You hired me to find
three women,
not to barter
with their emotions.
I don't know.
Maybe if you, maybe
if you give her a little time
you can contact her yourself.
I'm afraid time is one thing
I don't have.
I'm dying.
The doctors have done everything
they can.
I'm not a particularly
religious man,
but Sam and Solange
were my best friends.
Their memory and the girls
are all that I have left,
and I would like
to make my peace.
Maybe she'll change her mind
when she finds out that we found
the other two, but I doubt it.
Well, I know that you will
do your best.
I'll see myself out.
My God.
Look at her, Sam.
She's beautiful.
(woman speaking French)
(both speaking French)
He's making her leave
because she can only pay
for coffee.
Well, then, tell him
we'll pay for her meal.
(speaking French)
No, no.
(speaking French)
Excusez-moi, Mademoiselle?
We can't let her leave.
Mademoiselle?
Would you...
Ask her if she'll
have dinner with us.
(speaking French)
(speaking French)
Wait, p-please.
Thank you,
but I don't eat
with soldiers.
Not French,
not German,
not American.
When was the last time
you had a good meal?
Please,
let us buy
you dinner.
I can't, no.
I'd love
to see the waiter bring you
anything you want on the menu.
I think you are...
sincere, but...
I'm Sam, and this is Arthur.
And you're...
Solange Betoit.
Solange Betoit.
You're very
quiet today.
I was thinking
about my family.
We spent our Sundays here
when I was younger.
Do you know where
they are now?
Are they safe?
I've lost them all now.
My father was killed
in the Odon Forest.
My mother died
with, um, tuberculosis.
My brother joined
the resistance.
He was turned in,
killed by a collaborator.
I lost my parents
before the war.
Then you understand.
What I've been through
is nothing
compared to what
you've survived.
Maybe.
How does anyone know?
Got it.
So, where's Sam?
I don't know.
He said he'd be working here
with you.
I haven't seen him.
The orders just came in.
We're moving out in three hours.
All right.
If you see Sam, tell him
I'll be back in a little while.
I, uh,
got to say good-bye to a friend.
Solange?
Solange?
I don't know how much longer
this fighting can go on,
but when this is over...
Don't.
Don't make any promises.
This has been the most
wonderful month of my life.
I want to take care of you.
I love you, Solange.
Okay, I'll be gone
a day or two,
depending on when I get
to see Hilary's sister,
Alexandra.
So where did her mother
finally surface?
In Paris, Milan,
Saint Tropez?
South Carolina.
Would you believe it?
I spoke to Margaret
yesterday afternoon.
So, what's
she like?
Uh, Southern.
Oh. Good luck.
Thanks.
This house belonged
to my third husband.
I just love it here.
Here.
Oh, thank you.
Mm-hmm.
Of course, it isn't
like it used to be,
but it is the South.
May I, uh,
give you some more iced tea?
Oh, no thanks.
I'm fine.
Have you told your daughter yet?
No, not yet.
Well, I was hoping
to see her while I'm here.
I was hoping to convince you
to drop the entire thing.
I'm sorry. I-I don't understand.
Let me ask
you something.
Are the other women, uh,
pursuing this reunion?
Well, we haven't located Meagan
yet.
Hilary has ambivalent feelings.
So, all of the fuss
is really for Arthur,
isn't it?
Very high price to pay
to soothe an old man's
conscience.
What do you mean?
I know what men are like
when they get to a certain age,
especially men
like Arthur,
who spend their life pouring all
of their energy into their work.
They get old,
they get reflective,
and God help us all
when they get philosophical.
Please, sit down.
Thank you.
My daughter is 35 years old.
She has two beautiful daughters
of her own.
Her husband is up
for reelection this year.
Did I mention that
on the telephone?
Yes, you did.
Alexandra's
husband is from
a very fine old family
that has a long tradition
of political involvement.
He has an absolutely
pure record.
He's so squeaky clean,
he borders on boring.
I'm sorry, but I...
I don't understand
what telling Alexandra
about her past has to do
with her husband's campaign.
Honey, people in the South
just love a good scandal,
but it doesn't get them elected,
certainly... not now.
Do you have any idea
what will happen
when I tell
my daughter,
who has no memory
of her family,
her sisters, and
certainly not
of the circumstances
surrounding her
parents' death?
What will
happen to her,
to her husband, when
the story comes out?
Whatever the-the consequences,
don't you think
these women have a moral right
to know about each other,
to pursue their relationship,
if that's what they want?
Moral right?
It all depends.
Perhaps.
Perhaps not.
Senator, so glad you could make it.
We had our doubts as to whether
you'd be back from Washington.
And as I recall, you promised me
a billiards game.
No way
I was gonna miss that.
You'll wish
you forgot.
Henry, nice
to see you.
We missed you
at the club last Wednesday.
Emily and
Marie-Louise,
do y'all remember
Miss Templeton?
Very nice to see you girls.
Hello.
Why don't you
come on inside?
Friends,
may I have your attention
for a moment, please?
Alexandra and I would
like to thank you all.
Not only for being
here with us today,
but for being
with us
through the
last 12 years.
As I look across
this room,
I can see the backbone
of my political career.
It's because of you
that I was elected,
and I want to thank you all
for your support.
But I don't want you
to get the wrong impression.
Today is not about politics.
Today is about friends
being together.
Besides, we still have--
what is it Bob,
two, three weeks--
before we start
the next campaign push?
Two or three minutes, maybe.
Excuse me.
Listen, kids, why
don't y'all go get something
to drink, okay?
Okay.
The girls look adorable.
Oh, thank you, Ma.
Dear, do you have
some time tomorrow?
I'd... like to come and
have a talk with you.
Of course, Mother.
Alexandra.
You-You'll excuse me.
I'm being summoned.
Once again, you put your money
on a three-legged horse.
That so?
Whoa!
Everybody gone?
Yeah.
Well, I thought
it went real well.
You did?
Next time,
you might try
to pick a more appropriate
dress for Emily.
You know how careful I am
about the girls' clothes.
I thought she looked beautiful.
So, what did you think
of the caterers?
I thought they were fine.
They were late.
I much prefer the
other caterers.
They were very
responsible.
I wanted to try someone new.
I thought
they did a splendid job.
Well, I was disappointed.
I don't think
we should use them again.
Sometimes I think
nothing I do ever suits you.
Don't I ever do anything right?
Well, of course you do. You were
the prettiest woman
at the party tonight.
This is the hardest thing
that I ever had to do,
but I have no choice,
because if I don't
tell you,
someone else will.
Tell me what?
I want you to know
that I've loved you
from the very first minute
that I laid eyes on you.
And if I did anything wrong,
it was because
I wanted to protect you.
Did what?
Mother, you're not
making any sense.
You remember when
we moved to Atlanta?
Vaguely.
Do you remember living
in New York before that?
No, I couldn't have
been more than five.
You were four.
When your father and I...
adopted you.
What?
We adopted you when you
were four years old.
Why didn't you
tell me this before?
I was afraid to tell
you the truth.
What did you think
I was going to do?
You're my mother.
I love you.
I didn't want our
relationship to change.
I couldn't bear
the idea of being
any less than
your real mother.
So, where
are they now?
Are they living?
No, we adopted you
after their deaths.
Your father was a,
an actor on Broadway.
I saw him
in a play once.
I saw pictures
of your mother.
She was French,
very beautiful.
How did they die?
It was so tragic.
Everyone who knew them were
devastated by what happened.
What?
Evidently there was
a terrible argument.
Nobody knows
what it was about.
Oh, it's so hard
to tell you
these things.
What exactly happened?
Your mother was killed...
by your father.
Oh, my God.
Was he crazy?
No, no.
I was told that
he loved her very much.
They think it
must have been
some kind of
jealous rage.
Nobody knows.
That's all I know.
What happened to him?
He was arrested and...
committed suicide in his cell
several days later,
leaving you and, uh...
Me and...?
You have two sisters.
Where?
What happened to them?
They were adopted
by other families.
Hilary was about eight
when it happened
and the youngest
was just a baby.
Her name is Meagan.
I understand why you didn't
tell me about my parents,
but how could you
keep this from me?
I have a family-- sisters.
Where are they now?
Do they know about me?
I don't know.
The man who arranged
the adoption--
he has hired
a private investigator
to find the three of you.
He wants to bring
you all together.
Did my mother have long hair?
Did she?
Yes.
I used to dream of
a woman with long hair.
I sat in her lap
and she sang to me.
Henry, can I talk
to you a minute?
Sure, honey,
what is it?
Promise you'll listen
with an open mind?
I know
you're upset.
I'm not upset.
I just don't think
you should go to Connecticut
to see these people.
Those people are my sisters.
I've thought about
this all day, Henry.
This is something
I really want to do.
What's going to happen
if word of your little
reunion gets out?
It's a private
thing, Henry.
It's not being covered
by the press.
I'll tell you what's
going to happen.
People are going to laugh
at me, pure and simple.
All these years I've held you up
as Southern royalty.
The distinguished
Judge Gorham's daughter
from Atlanta.
I've flown your credentials
like the Confederate flag.
I have put my life on hold
for you so many times before.
Please don't
do this to me now.
Honey, you're talking
about one weekend.
I'm talking about
my whole life,
my political future.
Please, Henry.
I've already made my decision.
So have I.
I'm going.
Yes?
Hi. How you doing?
I'm okay.
Look, I know you were upset
last time we spoke,
but I thought
you might like to know
that I'm still trying
to locate Meagan,
but I met your
other sister, Alexandra.
Axi?
Yeah. She's a terrific lady.
She wants very much
to see you.
She's coming to Connecticut.
Tell her, tell her that...
that I love her very much,
but that I just can't.
Hilary, what...
Uncle Arthur.
Where's your
Aunt Eileen?
Upstairs with Meagan.
Would you tell her
that I'm here, please?
Hilary,
please stay.
I thought, uh...
I wanted to tell you something.
Is something wrong?
Your sisters
are going to go away
for a little while.
Why?
Because there's no way
to keep them
together any longer.
I tried.
I really tried.
I found
two wonderful homes.
One for Meagan,
one for Axi.
I know,
it's not fair,
but you're the oldest.
You have to be brave
for the others.
Please don't
leave me here.
It won't be for long,
I promise.
Just as soon as I can find
you another family...
I already
have a family.
You can't.
I won't let you.
You can't take
them away from me.
What is it?
What's the matter?
Uncle Arthur is going
to take you and Meagan
on a little trip.
Where are
we going?
Back to New York.
Are you coming?
No, not now.
Then I don't
want to go.
You have to.
If you don't go,
then Meagan will be scared.
But what if
I get scared?
You won't be frightened
because wherever you are,
you will always know
how much I love you.
I want you to always,
always remember that.
I love you, Axi. That's all.
I want to stay
with Hilly.
I... I know you do.
And I want you to as well.
But we have to go now.
I, uh, I'll be back for you.
Soon.
I promise.
Hilly! Hilly!
Hilly!
I thought we had already
found the Walker woman.
Is that supposed
to mean something?
There are a couple
of other cases
that could use a little
of your attention,
but hey, it's none
of my business, right?
Right.
What do you got
on the younger sister?
That's why I came in.
Here's the deal on her.
Meagan's adopted father, John Kincaid,
and his wife Rebecca were very active
in the civil rights movement.
They eventually set up
a full-scale legal office in Biloxi,
Mississippi, which closed in 1974.
He retired, and they moved
to Berkeley, California.
She's practicing in
a San Francisco law firm.
- I have all the phone numbers.
- Good.
Let's make some phone calls.
Hi.
Hi.
Paula tell you where I live?
She likes me.
Must be hell to live
with all that charm.
Hey, can I buy you a hot dog?
Mm, I love these hot dogs.
Mm-hmm.
Can I ask you something personal?
Okay.
Yeah?
Do you like opera?
Not really.
No?
What about baseball.
- Passionately.
- Really? Okay, forget the opera.
Baseball is good.
Baseball's better.
You didn't come here
to talk about baseball.
Have you found
Meagan yet?
Yes, I have.
I'm flying out to see
her next weekend.
Where is she?
She's in San Francisco.
She's a doctor.
Oh, she was
the sweetest baby.
She had this little round face
with big, bright eyes.
Seems strange to think of her
as a grown woman, a doctor.
Meagan? Wait up.
Can you cover me
on rounds this afternoon?
Sorry.
I'll trade you a Saturday.
Any other day I would,
but I can't this afternoon.
I'm on my way out.
Why? What's going on?
I'm getting pregnant.
Anybody I know?
Cute, very cute.
Everything went perfectly.
I want you
to just relax
for a half hour
some more,
and then go home
and take it easy.
It takes a couple of days
after in vitro fertilization
before you can resume
your normal activities.
We know the drill.
Yeah.
We'll check your
HCG levels in a week
to make sure
you're maintaining
your pregnancy.
Good luck.
Thanks, Doc.
Thanks, Doc.
I can remember when I thought
getting pregnant was gonna be fun.
Yeah, so can I.
It'll be fun again,
once we have a baby.
He seems like a very nice man.
That's it. That's all I know
about your parents
and your sisters.
Let me ask you something.
Did you know
that you were adopted?
Mm, always.
Yeah. Did you ever try
to find your birth parents?
Well, once when I was 12,
I asked my mom
if she knew anything
about my quote "real mother."
The way she looked at me.
It was one of those moments
when words are hanging
in the air
and you just want to reel them
back in.
I never asked again.
What do you think?
When can you get away
to meet your sisters?
What about weekend after next?
Honey, are you sure
you don't mind
changing our plans?
I know you were
looking forward
to getting away
for the weekend.
Well, right now
I think what's
more important
is for you to meet
your sisters.
I think you're
the most wonderful man
in the entire world.
Yeah, well, you
always say that
when I'm washing
the dishes.
Yeah, well, there
is something sexy
about a guy standing
over a sink.
Get a towel and dry.
I hope we don't lose
this baby.
Don't worry.
No, Miss Walker has the number.
Just tell her, please,
that John Chapman called
and that I'm at the office
or at home. Thank you.
If you want my opinion,
the lady is not going
to return your call,
here or at home.
You know what?
You're right.
Where are you going?
Right,
a man with a mission.
How did you find me here?
Finding people
is what I do
for a living,
do you remember?
You wouldn't return
my phone calls.
I'm sorry.
We're retooling
the morning show,
and it's been crazy.
Yeah. You know what?
I like you better
when you're abrupt.
It's more honest.
Look, you've done your job.
I got your message.
I know my sisters
are flying in this
next weekend,
but I'm not going, John.
I can't.
Hilary, you know what?
You can make
any excuses you want,
but I know this
is important to you.
You're obsessive.
I'm obsessive?
Yes, you are.
What about you?
I know you want to help,
but I have to make
my peace in my own way.
I can't face
seeing Arthur again.
I won't go to his house.
Okay.
I like your persistence.
It's one of the best
things about you.
But trust me on this one.
I'm trying, believe me.
Why can't you
just let it alone?
My assistant keeps
asking me the same question.
Do yourself a favor
and take her advice.
You know what?
You're right.
You're both right.
Are you busy
this evening?
Are you asking me
on a date?
Yeah, sure, why not?
I don't know.
Let me think about it.
So, you thought about it?
I have a speech to write
for the affiliates,
and three cost reports
to go over.
Come on.
Well, I guess you could come by
my apartment for dinner tonight.
Great, fine.
8:00?
I'll be there.
Do you need
the address, or...
Yeah, you've already got it.
Hi.
Hi.
Come on in.
Thank you.
I'm sorry I didn't
have time to cook.
Oh, uh, okay.
I'll tell you what.
Why don't we go out
and get something then?
Oh, no, there's,
uh, lots of food.
I bought a ton of stuff.
Oh, okay.
I hope you're hungry.
Sure.
Whoa. I'm impressed.
Why?
Well, you didn't
just buy food.
You took the trouble to go
to three different places here.
How did you know?
Well...
Oh, the bags.
You're very good at this,
aren't you?
At what?
At observing things.
Is that why you became
a private investigator?
No, I fell into that
after law school, actually.
It was the only thing I could
think of that would, uh, here.
Thank you.
That would totally
outrage my family.
And I'm good at it,
so, uh... here I am.
Here you are.
Shall we go the living room?
Sure.
Oh, look.
I brought you something.
What?
It's a photograph.
Those are Alexandra's
daughters.
This is, uh, Emily.
This is Mary Louise.
They're so beautiful.
Yeah.
How old are they?
Well, Emily is 12,
and Mary Louise is six.
It's kind of hard to tell
from the picture,
but I think that
the younger one
looks like Meagan.
Arthur gave me this.
Mama bought us those dresses to
wear for Daddy's birthday party.
They were navy and white
and maybe you can
see in the picture.
They had little
red cherries on them
or something
on the collar.
She bought them
at Bergdorf Goodman.
I remember the day
we picked them out.
Did you ever try to find
your sisters on your own?
Once.
But I didn't get very far,
when Arthur refused
to help me.
I guess I should
have hired you.
I guess so.
Yeah.
You know something?
You remind me
of my therapist.
Is that good or bad?
No, no, I liked her, but, uh...
Well, good.
The point is she
couldn't save me,
and you can't either.
What do you mean?
Save you from what?
When exactly did you
decide to rescue me?
Is that what you
think I'm doing?
I think it's
a mistake to try.
I think it's time
you trusted me.
Why?
Because I care about you.
I should go.
I'll call you
in the morning.
Good night.
Will you come
to Connecticut with me?
When did you decide to go?
Just now.
Yes, I will.
- What is it?
- I'm bleeding.
Sure you're strong enough to
make the trip to Connecticut?
Physically, I'm fine.
It's just not fair.
We'll just try again, and we'll
keep trying until it takes.
If that's what you want.
We're on a real
roller coaster.
They've got you
so pumped up
with hormones,
I just don't think
that you can look
at this thing
objectively anymore.
What do you mean by that?
For the past
eight months
we've been poked,
we've been prodded.
Our sex life has become
scheduled and mechanical.
There's damn little to us
that's private anymore.
It's time for us
to just pull back
and look at other
alternatives.
There are lots of ways
you can have kids
in your life.
We've been
through this before.
In-vitro's our only choice.
It's the only
chance we have.
Look, all I'm saying
is that I think it's time
to open ourselves up
to some other possibilities.
We haven't even
talked about adoption.
Why can't I be
like everyone else?
Why can't I have my own baby?
Hi. I'm John Chapman.
Miss Walker is expecting me.
Uh, I don't think so.
She left early
this morning
for the airport.
Happy New Year, John.
Let me buy you a drink.
Come on.
Have you seen any
of this week's rehearsal?
I can't wait
for opening night.
Sam is brilliant.
He's never been better.
It's the best role
he's ever had.
Where did you meet her?
Oh, her father is one
of our firm's clients.
I think she's very nice.
We have to find you a girl.
I found one once,
but I lost her.
Are you happy?
(speaking French)
Yes, I am happy.
Sam, aren't you
a little early for kissing?
It's not midnight yet.
Solange.
Sam, wait.
Solange.
Sam, you've had
too much to drink.
Let me go.
Ye... yeah.
Please, get me a cab.
Yes, ma'am.
Solange.
Solange, here you are.
Is there anything I can do?
Please walk with me.
I am pregnant.
I haven't told Sam yet.
I was going
to tell him tonight.
You have to understand.
Actors-- they are easily
distracted.
They sometimes forget what,
what is real,
what is important.
But, you know, this is
not the first time.
But Sam loves me.
He always comes back to me.
Most women would sue
him for divorce,
take him for
everything he's got.
I don't want things.
I just want him.
- Beautiful house.
- Sure is.
Meagan's waiting for you
out on the porch.
If you'll excuse me,
I have to check on Mr. Patterson.
Certainly. Come on.
Meagan.
- I'm Alexandra.
- It's wonderful to meet you.
Did you just get in?
Uh, just about a half an hour ago.
- Have you seen Mr. Patterson yet?
- No, not yet.
I've been looking forward
to this for several weeks,
but now that I'm here,
I'm not altogether sure
what I'm supposed to do.
There are so many questions
I want to ask you.
Uh, where you went to medical school,
who your husband is, what's he like.
The list just goes on and on.
Well, grill away,
'cause I've got a whole set
of questions for you, too.
I'll get it.
Thanks.
Come on. Sit down.
Hello.
Oh. I didn't expect you
to answer the door.
Well, I didn't expect
you to stand me up.
- I'm sorry.
- That's okay. I understand.
The important thing
is you're here now.
Come on in. There's some people
I want you to meet.
Hilary.
Axi.
Meagan?
I never thought we'd see
each other again.
I can't believe you
married a senator.
You have two
beautiful children.
You live in such
a wonderful house.
Well, my wonderful house
is more like a shrine
to Henry's parents.
He was born there.
In the 14 years
I've lived there,
he hasn't allowed me
to even change a lampshade.
Don't get me started
on all that.
What was it you called me
when you first came in?
Axi.
It was your nickname.
Don't you remember?
Well, Mama started
calling you Axi
when you were just a baby.
She said Alexandra was
too much name for a little girl.
I don't remember
her calling me Axi.
I do remember
something else.
There was an attic room,
and you and I were sitting
on the bed. Where was that?
- Aunt Eileen's.
- You called me Axi,
and you brushed my hair and told me
you would always love me.
The hairbrush was white with...
Pink roses.
That's the first real memory
I've ever had of my childhood.
Well, you were so young.
You know, what I remember is
not so much what happened,
it's more...it's like
the color of things,
not the things themselves...
till now.
Ladies?
Arthur?
This is Meagan...
...Alexandra...
...and Hilary.
I am so very honored.
Thank you all
for coming.
Thank you
for inviting us.
There's so much I want to know
about our parents.
John says
you knew them very well.
I did.
Yes, your father and I
survived not only the war
but a dozen Broadway seasons
together.
He was
a very talented actor.
He had several offers
from Hollywood.
So why didn't he go?
Oh, he would have,
eventually.
But, in the '50s, you know,
theater was everything.
Mm. What about Solange,
did she want to go?
Seems strange to hear you
call her by her first name.
She was our mother.
I'm really sorry.
Alice, I think the girls
would like to see
the picture I have
of their mother.
It's on the piano.
Will you bring it
to me, please?
This evening
is very meaningful to me.
In fact,
I would like to propose a toast
to Meagan,
Alexandra...
...and Hilary.
Although I hope you can find it
in your hearts
to forgive me,
that is not the only reason
I asked you here this weekend.
I wanted you to have
a quiet place.
A place
where you can take time out
from your busy lives and get
to know one another again,
to bridge your past
and your present.
So, to new beginnings.
Mm. Thank you.
Yes, this is the photograph
I wanted you to see.
How old was she in this picture?
She was
in her early 20s.
It was taken in New York.
She was so beautiful.
Yes.
It's one of my very
favorite photographs.
It's not yours.
She didn't belong to you.
She never belonged to you.
I can't do this.
I can't eat at your table
and make nice conversation,
talking about them
like they were some
characters in a play.
They were real,
and they were mine.
And you took it all away.
Hilary,
what are you talking about?
What happened to our parents
was his fault.
- What do you mean?
- You and I know what happened.
What you did killed them both.
Hilary, I honestly don't know
what you're talking about.
I don't understand.
I was there.
I saw what happened.
Why did you bring us
back together?
What were you trying to do?
I felt I owed it to you
to make up for what I'd done.
And you think
one little dinner party
can make up
for everything you did?
Hilary, please, it
doesn't matter anymore.
It does to me.
We've got to put it behind us.
We've got to get on
with our lives.
You have a life to go on with.
I don't, because of what he did.
John thinks you're
looking for absolution.
Well, I'm not gonna
watch them give it to you,
because I was there.
I saw what happened.
I saw everything
from the beginning.
Aren't you going
to ask me how it went?
I can see how it went.
What's the matter with you?
I'm tired of it.
I can't live
like this anymore.
Your extravagances.
Your excesses.
You think this apartment
makes up for it?
I'm leaving you,
and I'm taking the girls.
No, you're not.
I won't let you.
You've cheated
on me for years.
It's not true.
I know who you took
to California.
I know who you
were with last night.
It doesn't matter
because I don't care anymore.
I'm leaving you,
and I want a divorce.
What are you
going to do?
You still think the whole world
revolves around
your entrances and exits?
Well, you're wrong.
I won't give you a divorce,
so don't ask again.
I don't have
to ask you.
No?
I could have
you followed.
I could have had
50 divorces by now.
You got some kind of proof
or what?
I don't need proof.
There is nothing
left between us.
I pity you.
Don't say that.
Did you think I would let you
humiliate me forever?
You think I would
forgive and forgive?
Did it ever occur to you
that finally I would look
elsewhere
for comfort, for love?
I'm leaving you because I'm
in love with someone else.
What do you mean?
Well, who is it?
Arthur.
No.
No, I don't believe you.
It started years ago.
We'd meet in the afternoons
in his apartment.
I was with him at his house
in Connecticut when...
No! Shut up.
I won't let you
take my girls.
I won't let you
take them with you.
They're not all your girls.
She told him that Meagan
wasn't his daughter,
that she was yours.
Damn you!
No!
Daddy...!
No...!
Please don't!
Daddy, no!
Daddy, you're
going to hurt her!
Daddy, don't!
You, you!
Stop! Please stop!
Mommy!
Mommy!
Oh, Mommy!
No...!
Mommy!
Oh!
All those years.
Why didn't you come back for me?
I...
I was afraid of your anger.
How could you have
been afraid of me?
I was just a little girl.
You took my family
away from me.
I'll never forgive you
for that,
never.
Alexandra,
let her go.
Meagan...
I never knew
you were mine.
So, have you seen Arthur
this morning?
Just briefly.
I didn't know
what to do or say.
I hope you don't think
I'm horrible.
For what?
Well, in the last two weeks,
I've gained two sisters,
a mother,
and now two fathers.
I think I'm just taking it all
a little bit too calmly.
I always thought I'd have
such strong emotional ties
to my biological mother
and father.
You know, like I'd see them
and I'd immediately
feel a part of them.
You know, when Emily was
about three months old,
she looked at me.
I mean, really looked at me.
And I realized that even
though she came from my body,
she wasn't a part of me.
I saw her separateness.
There was somebody inside
this tiny little infant.
It completely changed
the way I thought about
raising children.
How so?
From the beginning,
we are who we are.
Hopefully,
we have parents
who can help us
get better at it.
Hmm. I was so lucky,
I did.
Obviously, look at you.
You're a doctor.
Well, you have
two beautiful children.
I... I really envy you.
You'll be
a wonderful mother,
'cause you had
a wonderful mother.
Yeah.
Tell me about your parents.
What's Margaret like?
Unusual.
Complicated, loving.
I could always
depend on that.
You and I were both
very lucky.
I can't even imagine
the kind of life
Hilary must have had.
It reminds me of the kaleidoscope
I gave Mary Louise last
year for her birthday.
You turn it a fraction
and the same pieces
fall into completely
different patterns.
One moment the flowers,
and next the demons
breathing fire.
Seems terribly wrong Hilary
was left to the demons.
Sure does.
I wish she were here.
I miss her.
You know, I miss her, too.
- Promise you'll stay in touch?
- I promise.
Bye, now.
Bye.
And don't say
you're surprised.
I'm not.
Come on in.
Yeah?
Thank you.
How are you?
Fine.
Yeah?
How are you?
Oh, I'm great, great.
Hey, I got a surprise
for you.
What?
Here.
Hmm.
Season tickets
for the Yankees?
Yeah.
But the games don't
even start until...
Well, I plan on
being around.
I'm so glad you stopped by.
I needed to talk to you.
I spent the entire
flight home
trying to make a mental
picture of my life.
And I could see my
two daughters clearly,
but somehow I couldn't
envision my marriage.
I think you depend on Henry.
That's just it, I don't.
You and the girls are the
only constant in my life.
I'm pleased to be counted
among the constant.
I know you were worried
about my meeting my sisters.
"Terrified" would be
more to the point.
I didn't know what meeting
your other family
would do to us,
what, uh...
how it would affect
our relationship.
Oh, Mama.
You are and have been as long as
I can remember my real mother.
No one's ever
gonna change that.
Oh.
Thank you for letting me know.
Good-bye.
Arthur's
in the hospital.
He's dying.
You want to fly back east
and see him?
I don't know
what I want to do.
What is it, you afraid
of taking more time off?
No, that's not it at all.
If I go, what do
I say to him?
Well, you'll know what to say.
He has doctors.
What if what he needs
is a daughter?
Nurse Overland,
please page the operator.
Nurse Overland...
It's good to see you again.
I was so pleased when
I heard you were coming.
I'm happy I could come.
Is there anything
I can do for you?
It's enough
just having you here.
Sure I can't
get you something?
There is one thing.
I haven't spoken to anyone
about my funeral.
I don't want anything
very formal or too sad,
just simple and dignified,
hopefully.
You look tired.
Are you sure you want
to talk about this now?
I sleep too much.
It's the medication.
It's very difficult
to handle the pain now.
I've never been
very brave.
Without Sam, I don't think
I would have survived the war.
He saved my life more than once.
I'll talk to your doctor.
I told him you were my daughter.
I hope you don't mind.
Why would I mind?
I am.
Sometimes when you
tilt your head that way
you look just like her.
Don't feel guilty
about what happened.
I can't imagine my life
any other way than it was.
My parents
are wonderful people.
Wheelchair to Reception
for maternity check-in.
I don't want to be
gone too long.
He's really weak.
Look, I feel like
I've been here a month
instead of three days.
Maybe that's because
this is the first time
in eight years
you've been still.
I keep thinking
about what happened to Hilary
and what you said
about it being time for us
to consider
other alternatives.
How would you feel
about adopting an older child?
I only wish...
that I'd known
you better...
and longer.
Dr. Lee to Admitting.
Dr. Lee to Admitting.
I never expected
to feel this much.
It's okay. It's okay.
I didn't either.
Hello?
Hilary, it's Meagan.
I-I'm at the hospital.
I just wanted you to know...
Arthur died this evening.
Oh. I'm sorry.
The services will be on Saturday
at the small cemetery
near his house in Connecticut.
Oh, I don't think
I can make it.
Is Luke there with you?
Yeah, he's here.
I just wanted you
to know, that's all.
I really wish
there was something more
I could do for you.
I'll be okay.
Bye, Hilary.
Arthur died.
Meagan was with him.
How is she?
I envy her, her feelings.
Honey?
Mm-hmm.
I've decided to go to
the funeral with you.
You have?
I'm surprised.
I had a long talk
with Bob last night.
I think we figured out
a way to put a spin
on this murder-
suicide thing.
You see, we don't wait
for the press to pick it up.
We come out with it ourselves,
and, in fact,
we make it appear
as though I
was instrumental
in bringing your
family together.
He's already arranged
to have a photographer
there at the funeral.
No.
Oh, don't worry, honey.
He's on the payroll.
I will not let you turn
this poor man's funeral
into a circus.
He'll be very discreet.
It's out of the question.
It's been arranged.
I am taking the children
to the funeral.
I don't want you
or your photographer there.
Now, what are you doing?
I'm calling Bob and canceling
the arrangements myself.
You're out of line.
Who do you think you are?
I'm an adult, Henry,
a grown-up.
What is that supposed to mean?
Hopefully you and I
can find that out together,
but you've got
to stop treating me
like a child.
You and I need
to spend
some time
together, Henry,
trying to find out
if this marriage works.
What are you talking about?
There's nothing wrong
with this marriage.
There's nothing wrong
with yours,
but there's plenty
wrong with ours.
I make your
life simpler.
I do jobs for you,
but they're just that-- jobs.
I might as well
be the hired help.
I want a real
marriage, Henry,
one with intimacy, and sharing
and respect.
Life is too short
for anything less.
Hi.
Hi.
Come on, honey.
Come on.
Oh, hi.
This is
Mary Louise.
Hello, nice
to meet you.
And Emily.
Hi, Emily.
How are you?
Hello.
How are you doing?
Girls are unpacking.
Where's Luke?
He'll be out in a minute.
I'm sorry Hilary
couldn't be here for you.
It's okay.
I do love this house.
Being here is like
being very old
and very young all
at the same time.
Arthur left it
to the three of us.
Did he?
He set up a trust to keep and
maintain the house for us.
In his will, he said
that he had hoped
it would become
our summer home.
Guess he wanted us
to have a place
where we could all
come together,
bring our families,
share our lives.
You're okay?
Yeah.
Lord, grant us that we may find
through the love we have
for one another and our God
a measure of that greater peace
that our friend Arthur Patterson
surely has found.
Amen.
Unto Almighty God we commend
the soul
of our brother departed.
We commit his body
to the ground, dust to dust,
in sure and certain hope of the
resurrection unto eternal life
through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Thank you.