Three Birthdays (2023) Movie Script
1
[instrumental music]
[pensive music]
[clattering]
[Bobbie]
No longer a virgin
I'll celebrate with champagne
And sturgeon
And maybe
with a very tall surgeon
When I'm no longer a virgin
I'm emergin'
And splurgin'
I'll... burgeon
Don't need urgin'
Or purgin'...
[sighs]
[mumbles softly]
Or, or coercin'...
To quit
Bein' a virgin
[Rob]
Bobs, come on.
I'm coming.
[man on radio]
You're listening to
Earth Matters on WZKWFM,
Ohio's finest college radio.
This first Earth Day
looks to be a challenge
to the smog-filled skies,
the filthy water,
-the littered countryside
that we call our planet.
-[sighs]
Pollution is killing the Earth.
Pollution from factories...
You know,
Earth Day rhymes with birthday.
[Rob]
Happy birthday to you...
-[Bobbie] Oh.
-Happy birthday to you
[both]
Happy birthday, dear Bobbie
Happy birthday to you
[Rob]
Let me give you a little sugar.
That's my t-shirt.
I had it specially made.
Well, you haven't worn it
for months.
Because it's been winter.
-[Bobbie chuckles]
-And you're not a woman yet.
Yes, I am.
Seventeen definitely counts.
And, anyway, it should be
girls and women unite.
Girls should be included.
Don't you think?
-You're absolutely right.
-[Rob sighs]
So, I'm taking you
to school this morning.
Right, Bobs?
Uh, no, Joyce is picking me up.
You know
she's getting a car soon?
What... [sighs]
You are so critical of her.
She's a really great person.
I mean, she's really smart.
She got into Ohio State
with a scholarship.
I'm not critical of her.
I just think
she's mature for you.
And I don't want
you to get killed
while she's driving you home
-drunk or on drugs.
-Well, I think Joyce
is a great friend for you.
She's smart, she's an activist,
and she's working class.
Fine. I'm the bourgeois one
because I don't want
my only child
to wind up dead in a ditch.
Um, I'll have
some coffee too, please.
-Ooh la la.
-[Bobbie and Kate chuckle]
[Rob]
All right, Bobs,
time for your birthday wishes.
Okay.
Number one, as always,
I hope to become a great writer,
as great as Dorothy Parker.
-Right on.
-Yes, good one.
Anything else?
Obviously, I hope
we get out of Vietnam
and abolish nuclear weapons.
-[Rob] Hear, hear.
-[Kate] Excellent.
I hope, with all of my heart,
that Daddy gets tenure.
Well, he is one of the best
historians in the department.
Uh, there's not
a lot of competition.
Well, they'd have
to be major cretins
not to give it to you, Daddy.
Well, I'll tell the dean
you said so.
Unfortunately, he's a cretin.
[Bobbie and Kate chuckle]
Anything else?
Okay, I have one more.
I wish...
...that Mom
would start wearing a bra again.
-[Kate chuckles] Bobbie!
-[Bobbie chuckles]
-It's symbolic.
-I know, I know.
I was just joking.
I know your
consciousness-raising group
would kick you out
if you showed up in one.
We'd have a ceremonial burning.
You could light the match.
Far out.
No man allowed, I presume.
Sorry, Daddy.
["Today, Tomorrow"
by The Caliphs]
Tomorrow, can you help me
put up flyers for the rally
at Ohio State?
Uh, yeah,
if I can get through today.
You're going to be fine.
Are you sure
you wanna do this?
You seem kind of freaked out.
[Bobbie]
Yes, I want to. Um...
I'm on the pill.
I'm, I'm ready. Uh...
But, anyway, it's not that big
of a thing. Is it?
No, it is.
It's symbolic, as you would say.
It was, even for me.
You can remember that far back?
Ponytail or not?
Not.
-[sighs]
-Hey, wait.
I got you a birthday present.
[Bobbie chuckles softly]
-Oh, shit. Thanks.
-Mm-hm.
Wait. Where'd you get this?
Uh, I stole it from a guy
I kind of screwed last night.
[chuckles]
He's got a BMW, okay?
He can afford to part with it.
Just don't smoke it all at once.
I'm not a cretin.
[vehicles passing]
-[zipper unzips]
-You know the owner
of this place is a socialist?
-[Adam] Really?
-Mm.
My parents campaigned
for McCarthy with him.
[chuckles]
Cool.
[chuckles softly]
Hey, why, why don't you
get that joint?
[chuckles nervously]
[sighs]
[Bobbie]
Mm.
Mm.
[coughs]
[inhales] You know,
it's a really nice bed.
You could come try it. [exhales]
[chuckles]
[man and woman laughing nearby]
[chuckles]
They're, they're right outside.
Uh, I, I just think I need
to smoke some more pot.
[clears throat]
It's not going to be
a very romantic experience
if you're stoned
out of your mind.
I thought you thought
"romantic" [exhales]
was a bourgeois concept.
Yeah, but me putting
my penis in your vagina
is not really a concept.
[both chuckle]
Yeah.
[smooching]
[both breathing heavily]
What?
Okay, let's do it.
[exhales] Okay.
[Adam breathing heavily]
[Bobbie groans]
[both breathing heavily]
So, now
I'm not a virgin anymore?
Please, please,
just a few minutes of silence.
-[Bobbie slaps]
-[both chuckle]
[truck passing in distance]
[Bobbie]
So, how did I do?
I'd say C+.
-[chuckles]
-[slaps]
Did you, um...
...did you have an orgasm?
[Bobbie clicks tongue]
Well, you're not supposed to
the first time.
Well, I read that some girls do.
Must have been Lenin
who said it.
Right.
Vladimir or John?
-[laughs]
-[Bobbie chuckles]
Touch.
-Okay, let's smoke
some more grass.
-Okay, okay.
[both laughing]
[exhales]
[both chuckle]
-[man grunting]
-[woman moaning]
-[Bobbie chuckles]
-[woman] Yeah! Yeah!
-[Bobbie] Oh!
-[man continues grunting]
-[Bobbie mock moans]
-[man chuckles]
-[Adam laughing]
-[woman] Yes!
Oh, yeah.
-Oh, yeah.
-Yeah, yeah, don't stop.
Oh, give it to me.
[both chuckle]
["Love of the Morning"
by Circus]
[Bobbie]
Oh, look.
"Make music, not war."
They're radicals.
That's symbolic.
[both chuckle]
-Are you all right?
-[chuckling] Yeah.
The way it goes
Sunshine's coming
and my eyes are closed
See the love
of the morning, baby
See the love of the morning
See the love
of the morning, baby...
-You're obsessed with sex.
-No. No, no, no.
You're the one
who's always going on
about the sexual revolution.
-Mm-hm. Mm-hm.
-All right?
But what about
the inherent contradictions
of women's lib?
-[Bobbie] Mm. Mm.
-Hm.
I mean, I mean, it's capitalism.
It's completely co-opted
bourgeois feminism.
Well, what about
the inherent contradictions
of little Mr. Radical,
who thinks about sex constantly,
when he could be advancing
the class struggle?
-Right.
-Mm-hm.
Uh-huh. Mm. Touch.
[Bobbie chuckles]
How did you get to be so smart?
-Well, writers have to be smart.
-Mm-mm. No.
There are dumb writers.
-There are dumb waiters.
[chuckles]
-[laughs]
-Yeah. Funny, funny.
-Uh-huh.
[Bobbie chuckles]
So... you think you're, uh,
ever going to write about me?
Um, you mean like a poem?
No. I was thinking,
like, a very long novel.
[chuckles]
You're so conceited. Um...
Well, I'd have to know you
for a long time
to write a novel about you.
So what?
Well, it's just,
you're going off
to college next year.
Yeah. So?
It's just another chapter.
Yeah.
But will I be in it?
Yeah.
I sure hope so.
[snickers]
[indistinct chatter]
Hey, hey, you want to hear
a poem that I wrote today?
It's called
"No Longer a Virgin."
You can just tell me later.
-[chuckles]
-Okay.
Oh, far out.
It's the Chevelle
from the motel.
-[Adam] Hey...
-[Bobbie] What?
...why don't you
recite that poem?
Adam, we practically shared
a bed with these people,
and now we're making out,
-and they pull up
in front of us...
-[snickers]
Oh, look, they're getting out.
[melancholy music]
[Kate chuckles]
[Adam]
It's your mom.
[Bobbie gasps softly]
[music tenses]
[sobs softly]
[indistinct chatter]
Hey, Bobbie.
Are you here
for the Earth Day teach-in?
[sniffles]
Hey, Bobbie.
Coming to the rally
at Ohio State?
The ROTC has got to go.
Hey, Bobbie,
I'm really digging
your mom's class.
[woman laughing]
[Bobbie sniffles]
[sobbing quietly]
-What's happening, Newman?
-[sobs softly]
-Um...
-You all right?
Hi Carl. Um, uh, no,
I'm really not all right.
[Carl]
Hang in there.
-And say hi to your dad.
-[sniffles]
[breathing heavily]
[Rob]
Capitalist society.
These so-called
progressive institutions
are themselves filled
with contradictions.
Take our lovely
left-leaning college.
Uh, it's been committed
to progressive causes
since its inception.
Uh, as we all know,
it was one of the first
colleges in America
to admit Black students
and one of the first
to award BAs to women.
But look at
our history department.
Despite affirmative action,
and our reputation
for radicality,
we have one
female assistant professor
and one Black instructor,
neither of whom has tenure.
Equally egregious,
we offer an intro course
on historical methodology,
but Marxism...
...has been eliminated
from the syllabus.
These, my friends,
are what we Marxists
like to call...
...contradictions.
[Bobbie sobs]
[sniffles]
[rock music playing on stereo]
I can't believe she did this.
You're not even sure it was her.
You didn't actually see her
go into the motel.
Daddy will be so devastated.
Bobbie, maybe it's not
that big a thing, okay?
Maybe it's like
a sexual revolution thing.
They're 40.
The sexual revolution
isn't for them.
-Yeah, it is.
It's for everybody.
-Okay, well,
wait until
your mother starts screwing
every guy in sight.
[chuckles]
It'd do her some good.
-Sorry, I know it's not funny.
-Yeah, agreed.
I heard that.
Going to work now.
-We'll miss you.
-Ha, ha.
You better be home
when I get back.
Bobbie, do me a favor?
-Keep her out of trouble, okay?
-[Joyce sighs]
-I will.
-Okay.
[Joyce]
I thought you didn't
believe in marriage anyway.
It's, [sighs]
it's not about marriage.
It's... the...
They worked so hard
to change their...
Whatever you want to call it.
Their relationship,
which was already great.
And they succeeded.
You know,
he isn't a chauvinist anymore,
and, and she's really fulfilled
now that she has time
to write her book.
And it was all perfect.
[sobs] And she ruined it.
They're awfully different.
Your dad's so nice and normal,
and your mom's kind of a...
...iceberg.
I can't believe she did this.
Bobbie, you gotta cool it.
You want a Coke?
No. [smacks lips]
I'm just... so freaked out.
Um...
Do you have any booze?
-No.
-[sighs]
We can you go
to this party later.
There's going to be
a ton of booze there.
-[sniffles]
-You wanna see a flick?
We could see Women in Love.
There's supposed to be
a lot of symbolism in that.
And male nudity.
So, the next day,
I saw him on Main Street.
He was getting into
this orange BMW, and he looked
so gorgeous and full of himself.
And I was like,
"Where are you going?"
And he said he was going
to this party later in his dorm.
And I said, "Could I come?"
-Bobbie, are you listening?
-Yeah.
And the whole party
was really cool,
and trippy, and weird,
and we tried to screw,
but he couldn't get it up.
And then my mom was up
when I got home at 4:00 a.m.,
and she started screaming
and throwing things, and--
-Bobbie?
-What?
[Joyce]
You're not listening to me.
[indistinct chatter]
I'm going to pee.
[Bobbie]
Oh, um...
Oh, hi, Nina.
Hey, Bobbie.
[Bobbie]
Hm.
You okay?
Can I get two tickets
for Women in Love, please?
Oh, shit. Um...
[smacks lips]
I left, I left
my wallet somewhere. Um...
My friend's going to be
right back, so--
This, this movie
is kind of mature for you.
Do your parents know
that you're here?
Well, it's R-rated, so I don't,
I don't need their permission.
It's more of a movie for adults.
Well, I am an adult.
You're right.
It is none of my business.
On the house.
-Oh, thanks.
-Mm-hm.
[Gudrun]
Perhaps it would be nice
if a man came along.
I mean, I wouldn't go
out of my way to look for him,
but if there
should happen along
a highly attractive individual
with sufficient means, well...
-[sobs, sniffles]
-Glenda Jackson is so cool.
I wanna be just like her.
Do you think she really
got to screw Alan Bates?
Hey, you never told me
how it went with Adam.
Um, it was okay.
I was just happy
to get it over with. Um...
It's just
completely mind-boggling...
...that the whole time
we were there,
my mother was right next door,
having major orgasms
with some radical.
Yeah.
-Yeah, pretty mind-boggling
is right.
-[sniffles]
Did you at least have fun?
Uh, it was okay.
I don't think I had an orgasm.
[unzips bag] You'd know.
Okay. Done.
-[inhales deeply]
-You can't tell anyone
we're in high school.
I'm not a cretin.
["Get Out of the Jungle"
by Fanny]
People comin' at you
Day and night
Hot and cold
Running around...
Yeah.
But if we have, you know...
[indistinct chatter]
Hold no, hold no more
Through all that
Put your hair down
We'll wish on a star
That's what you are
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind...
Chris?
-Bobbie?
-[chuckles] Hey.
Bobbie, what are you, uh...
[chuckles] what are you-
Uh, Joyce, this is Chris.
-Chris, this is Joyce.
-Hey.
How do you two know each other?
-Well, we-- Yeah.
-Chris, Chris was my babysitter.
He'd come over every Friday,
and um, my parents
would go to the movies.
-Dad called it movie night.
-[Chris snickers]
I read your novel.
-You did?
-Yeah.
That's you and five others now.
-[both chuckle]
-Well, I thought
it was really deep.
My mother thought so too.
-Did she?
-Mm-hm.
The critics
didn't agree with that view.
-[chuckles]
-[Bobbie snickers]
Ugh. Then they're stupid.
-Fuck the critics.
-[chuckling] Fuck the critics.
I had such a crush on you.
Ah... I don't know. Well, okay.
I hope your taste
has improved somewhat. [sniffs]
What about writing?
You still want to be a writer?
Ah. Tonight, all I want to be
is very drunk.
[Chris]
Yeah, I can see that.
You had a poem.
A really great poem.
What was it called?
The uh, The Fi...
-No, "The Sardine." "Sardines."
-[mutters]
"Sardine Queen."
Yes, it was very funny.
You're good, Bobbie.
You should,
you should keep, keep writing.
Hey, why don't I take this
and...
Maybe you should go home.
She doesn't need
a babysitter anymore.
Yeah. Yeah.
You're right. Okay.
Hang in there, Bobbie.
Good to see ya.
He is so cool.
Don't even think about it.
[indistinct chatter, laughter]
Ugh.
-["He Made a Woman Out of Me"
by Bettye LaVette]
-When I think
Back to that day
So long ago...
Hey.
Thanks for being
my friend, Joyce.
Thanks for being mine, Bobs.
[vehicle approaching]
[police siren whoops]
-Oh, shit.
-[police siren wails]
[police officer]
Okay, kids, let's see your IDs.
[door closes]
What is wrong with you?
I can't believe
you called the cops.
What was I supposed to do?
I tried Adam.
He didn't know where you were.
No one was home at Joyce's.
And then someone left
your book bag
at the front door.
We thought you'd been abducted.
Where were you?
I, I hung out at Joyce's,
and then I went to a party.
Okay, Chris was there.
You can ask him.
-Chris who?
-Chris Harman.
[Kate]
Chris Harman?
Why were you going to a party
with Chris Harman?
He was just there, okay?
[Bobbie sighs]
-Did he say something
to upset you?
-[Bobbie] No.
Look, we were worried sick
about you, Bobs.
Why didn't you call us?
At least to let us know
you weren't gonna be
coming home.
I'm sorry, Daddy.
I just... [sniffles]
Uh, I kind of
lost track of time.
[Kate]
Kind of lost track of time?
Are you on something?
I mean, besides,
obviously, alcohol.
Look, why don't you
have something to eat?
I'm not hungry.
I just want to go to bed.
[Kate]
Why are you acting like this?
Did we do something?
You are so selfish.
You, you use feminism
to get Daddy to do
everything for you
while you just sit
at your fucking desk
all the time.
You only think
about how oppressed you are.
-Bobbie.
-What about
what he's been through?
What about the fact
that he went from being
this really poor kid
Who went
from selling men's suits
to being a college professor?
-[Kate] Bobbie, what--
-And, and, and-- No.
And he is the nicest,
smartest, most honest person...
[Rob]
Okay. All right. Okay. Okay.
It's going to be okay, baby.
It's all okay.
Bobbie, what's going on?
Did something happen,
sweetheart?
Everything's gonna be
all right.
-Okay?
-[Bobbie sobs]
No, it isn't.
[pensive music]
[pensive music continues]
[car door opens]
[car door closes]
[engine starts]
[car drives away]
[groans softly]
[water running]
[water turns off]
Oh.
The cops arrested 16 kids
at the Ohio State
ROTC occupation yesterday.
Oh, shit.
Wa-- was anyone hurt?
They broke some windows,
but no one was injured.
If they don't get out
of this fucking war soon,
they're gonna have
a revolution on their hands.
You were about to
wish me a happy birthday.
-[plate clatters]
-[gasps softly]
Oh, I'm sorry. Honey.
Happy birthday.
Supposed to be a nice day.
Thanks.
-My tooth still hurts.
-[clicks tongue]
If it doesn't feel better,
you should go up to Chicago.
-Have my father
take a look at it.
-Yeah, no, thanks.
[Kate sighs]
Well, at least it's free.
Uh, I'd rather be in pain
than subject myself
to your father.
And I assure you,
he feels the same way about me.
Oh, come on, Rob.
-He doesn't hate you anymore.
-Untrue.
He still sees me
as the impoverished Jew
who pulled a fast one
on his daughter.
[Kate]
Well, then I'll find
a dentist here.
-We need to save money.
-[chuckles]
It can't cost that much.
Do you know
you say that about everything?
No, I don't.
We have plenty of money.
We're doing fine.
Are we?
[chuckles nervously]
Ah.
[sighs]
You know,
I hated my mother when I was 17.
Well, that lets you
off the hook?
Ha. I'm never off the hook.
Mothers get blamed
for everything.
I just wish
I knew what I'd done.
I think it might have
something to do with Adam.
Maybe she's too young for sex?
-Yes, she is too young for sex.
-Well,
she's probably having sex
with him.
He's her first boyfriend.
She, she hardly knows him.
[Kate]
She is on the pill.
I took her to the gynecologist
at her request.
Why wouldn't you tell me?
She told me not to,
and I thought maybe
you wouldn't want to know.
Yeah, damn right I wouldn't.
Thanks for telling me.
-[leaves rustling]
-[birds chirping]
[shower running]
[Rob]
You almost done?
[Kate]
Why don't you
get in here with me?
I'll wait.
[Kate]
You sure
you don't wanna join me?
I'm sure.
[Kate]
You still having lunch
with Bobbie today?
That's the plan.
-[Kate] Great.
-[shower turns off]
I want you
to have a great birthday.
[Rob inhales deeply]
So, how is Christopher?
He's okay.
Your relationship still casual?
If you're asking
if I'm in love with him,
the answer is still no.
Come on, Rob.
Let's have sex.
I don't feel like it.
[Kate sighs]
You want me to end my thing
with Christopher?
It's up to you.
-If it's upsetting you--
-It's not my choice.
[shower running]
[man 1]
All right, tee up.
Take it, Rob.
[man 2]
Go, go, go!
[Rob]
Ho!
That's 21.
Two out of three.
[Carl]
Whoo!
-[Rob] Great work, man.
-[panting]
We killed 'em.
You killed them, Rob.
Wait till next week.
Looking forward to it.
I won't be around next week.
[Rob]
Come on. You can't desert me.
We're a team.
[Carl]
Sorry, man.
I got to go visit my grandmother
next weekend.
-I start basic in two weeks.
-[Rob] Shit.
Carl, I'm so sorry.
Why didn't you tell me?
I'm telling you now.
Look, I know a guy
up in Toronto.
He can get you set up there.
I can, I can call him.
Thanks, man, but...
...I don't wanna go to Canada.
I have to, I have to,
I have to be in 'Nam.
I'll go to college
under the GI Bill.
Might do something in radio.
[softly] Yeah.
[Rob]
Poor Carl.
Hope they end that fucking war
before he gets shipped out.
-[both urinating]
-[Steve] Yeah.
What's happening with you?
[Rob]
Uh, things are good.
Book's coming along.
Got all this dirt
on Hoover and the HUAC.
What about you?
[Steve]
Just found out
my, uh, book's getting a rave
in the next NYRB.
-[chuckling] Right on, man.
-[chuckles softly]
Right on.
[Rob]
Any word on the tenure front?
[zips fly]
[Steve]
We can talk about that at lunch.
Yeah, I can't do lunch.
Uh, heard you met
with Simmons on Friday, huh?
I did everything I could, Rob.
[turns faucet on]
[sighs]
He wants to hire Cornell Dixon.
The guy studied with Marcuse.
He's a Panther.
Yeah, I read his book.
It's good.
You know, I've, I've published
more than anyone
in the department.
You, you should see
my evaluations.
Those kids love me.
I couldn't do it, man.
He knows you don't respect him.
Well, that's an understatement.
Sorry, man.
[door creaks]
["Can You Picture Yourself"
by Tony Church and the Crusade]
Can you picture yourself...
What's wrong, Daddy?
Uh, nothing.
I got this toothache.
It's driving me crazy.
Oh.
But I'm happy to be with you.
[both snicker]
You want to tell me
what's going on
with you and Mom?
I, I don't really
want to talk about it.
Okay.
Well, I'm here
whenever you're ready.
So, what did you
and Joyce do yesterday?
Um, we went
to the ROTC protest
at Ohio State.
It was majorly inspiring.
I'm gonna write
a poem about it.
It's going to be called "Rot."
Do you get it? It's, like,
the first three letters of ROTC.
-Yeah, I got it.
-Yeah.
-It's clever.
-Mm-hm.
Next time you wanna go
to a protest, you,
you got to ask us first,
especially if it's out of town.
I mean, you're lucky
you weren't hurt or arrested.
Well, I know how to be careful.
I mean,
I grew up going to protests.
Right.
Still, you got to run it by us.
Promise me that you will.
I promise.
Okay.
-I promise.
-Okay. Thank you.
-Good.
-[snickers]
So, how, how's it
with you and Adam?
-It's okay.
-Okay?
Mm-hm.
Well, good.
I really like him.
Yeah, I, I... [clears throat]
I don't know if you are
intimate or anything,
but if you wanted any advice
about VD or--
Ew. Daddy, stop.
Okay.
[sniffs]
[engine turns off]
[Bobbie]
Uh, Daddy, there's...
...there's something
I have to talk to you about.
What is it?
It's about Mom.
I found out something
really major.
[Rob sighs]
I already know.
You know?
Is that, is that why
you've been seeming so sad?
No, no, no.
That's [sighs] because
of my tenure situation.
Listen, honey,
this is no big deal.
I promise.
-Yes, it is.
-No, it's not what you think.
It's just a little experiment
that came out of
your mother's feminism.
Like a, like a
sexual revolution type of thing?
E-- exactly.
[sighs] You know, your mom was
a virgin when we got together.
Most single women
at that time didn't feel free
to explore sexually.
Are you exploring too?
No, I don't need to.
As a single man, I was able to.
Daddy, ugh. Just...
-Do you know who she was with?
-I do.
-But you don't need to know.
-I deserve to know.
This is not information
your mother and I
want you to have.
Okay?
-Look, please.
-[sighs]
Please just try
and forget about this.
Honey, I know all about it,
and I am fine with it.
I swear to you.
Do you know she went
to Nate's motel with that guy?
No, I, I didn't know that.
Look, Bobbie...
we are very lucky.
We're a family
of three thoughtful people
committed to living
by the ideas we believe in.
-[scoffs]
-We have our contradictions.
I'll admit it.
But we all
love each other, right?
Mm. I don't love her anymore.
-Don't say--
-No, I don't. I mean-- No,
she is obviously
not committed to our family.
Or else she wouldn't be acting
like a major whore.
I think we have to leave her.
I'm not leaving your mother.
And you're not
leaving her either.
[door opens]
[Rob]
We're back.
[door closes]
How was your group?
[Kate]
Okay.
It was Marian's turn to lead.
We mostly talked about
sexism in the workplace.
You know, Marian's the only
woman lawyer at her firm,
and they only give her
divorce cases.
Of course, she probably
wouldn't have gotten hired
if they'd known
she was a lesbian.
If she's so feminist,
why doesn't she come out?
And be out of a job?
She could defend radicals.
They need lawyers.
Uh, I think it's time
for my birthday wishes.
Okay. Uh, wish number one.
-I hope
Bobbie gets into Bennington.
-[Kate snickers]
Oh, I might wanna go
to Ohio State now.
It's less elitist.
And Joyce will already be there,
so we could room together.
I mean, Bobbie,
you've been talking
about the writing program
at Bennington for years.
Of course, it's your choice.
To Bobbie's choice.
Uh, okay.
Wish number two.
I hope... Random House
publishes your mom's book.
Actually, your wish
has been granted.
[Rob]
Really?
Yeah.
Why didn't you tell me?
Well, I, I only found out
on Friday,
and, you know,
there hasn't been
a right moment, so...
Uh-huh.
To Feminism
and the Sexual Revolution...
...by the great
Kate Chase Newman.
I thought we were toasting
to you, not to her.
[melancholy music]
[exhales]
[birds chirping]
[Kate]
Oh, that shirt
looks great on you.
I'm glad I got the large.
Is it comfortable?
Yeah. Yeah, it's fine.
How's your tooth?
It's a little better.
I need to ask a big favor.
There's bird shit
on the windshield.
Looks like an entire flock
shat on the car.
I tried to get it with wipers,
but I made it worse,
and now it's hardened.
Can you help me get it off?
-We don't have to do it now.
-Yeah, I wasn't going to.
-Where are you going?
-Just out.
[can hisses]
[guitar music]
[Rob]
To move on with my life
I had to hate you for a while
I didn't want to stay there
so I thought about your smile
In all the days of laughter
that came so easily
Your sense of smell
your stubbornness
it all delighted me
We couldn't stop
the sun from setting
We tried with all our might
We had a year of mornings
But we couldn't
stop the night
One year of endless mornings
but we couldn't
Hold back the night
[opera music]
[sighs]
I'm not getting tenure.
You don't know that.
Yes, I do.
I talked to Steve
after the game today.
He said there's no way.
They're hiring Cornell Dixon.
Honey, I'm so sorry.
[clicks tongue, sighs]
Are you sure?
-Yeah.
-[sighs]
Yeah.
Maybe it's not over yet.
They could keep you
and hire him.
Sociology could share
the appointment.
Forget it.
It's humiliating enough
as it is.
The dean wants me out.
Well, you know what?
Fuck him.
You've written
two important books,
and you are a brilliant teacher.
You'll find a good job
somewhere else.
Well, actually,
there's a position at Princeton
that I'm perfect for.
It's coming up in a year.
The chair loves me.
Of course, we'd have
to get an appointment for you.
Like, I mean...
[chuckles nervously]
Rob, I... [sighs]
Look, Princeton might be
the right place for you,
but it's not necessarily
the best place for me.
I, I like teaching
at a progressive college.
Right. We, we came here for you,
and, and now it's my turn.
Well, it's not that simple.
We came here
because we needed the money,
so that you could keep writing
your dissertation.
I would have stayed
in New York doing adjunct work
if we could have afforded it.
But if we left now,
I mean, I'd,
I'd be giving up
an incredible department
that I spent years
helping to build.
It's good to know
you're on my side, Kate.
Thanks.
I'm sorry. [sighs]
Yeah, I didn't mean
to make you feel worse.
-[Rob sighs]
-We could consider
commuting to Princeton.
Oh, forget it.
I probably won't get
the Princeton position anyway.
Maybe Nate would give me
a job as the night manager
at his motel.
[sighs]
I know
that this is a big blow, Rob,
but you will land on your feet.
You always do.
No.
I won't.
I'm fucked.
Come on, Rob.
[phone ringing]
[Kate]
Hello?
Oh, Marian.
Hang, hang on one sec.
It's Marian.
She's really sick.
I have to...
Rob.
-Wait.
-What?
Look... [sighs]
I'm sorry about your job.
We will figure something out.
Uh, Rob.
I know this is the last thing
you wanna hear,
but could you
help me with the bird shit?
I cannot see
out of the windshield.
Ugh. I told you,
we need something stronger.
-It's not coming off.
-You got to,
you got to apply more pressure.
[scoffs] I am.
-It's stuck on there.
-All right. Come on.
[glass squeaking]
Look at this. Ugh!
Could you try scrubbing?
I can't seem to get it.
[yelling]
Rob! Stop!
Rob!
Rob, you're going crazy!
Stop it! Rob!
[Kate screams]
[door closes]
[pensive music]
[indistinct shouting]
[whistle blowing]
[kids laughing]
[Nina]
I've got to finish
a paper tonight
on "Imitation of Life."
Sirk.
He's brilliant.
You really have
to do it tonight?
Yeah, I do.
I work nights all week,
and I've got two papers
due on Friday.
Thanks.
[exhales, grunts]
I have a toothache.
That's too bad.
You know it's my birthday today?
Are you having a good one?
[chuckles]
No.
You want?
[lighter striking]
[inhales]
[exhales]
So, I got that Kent State job.
-[Rob] You did?
-Mm-hm.
Congratulations.
I knew you'd get it.
I already found a place.
What, you're moving there?
I thought you'd be commuting.
No.
That's a bummer.
We can still
see each other, though.
So, I have news. I'm, uh,
I'm not getting tenure.
They're giving my job
to a Black man.
Cornell Dixon.
Oh, he's very smart.
Thanks.
I'm sure
you'll find another job.
I'm getting divorced. [exhales]
That's big news.
I hate her guts.
Really? Or maybe
you're just jealous.
Of that nonentity
she's screwing?
That wasn't what I meant.
Oh, you think I'm competitive
with my overachieving wife?
Something like that.
[Rob]
Hm.
What are you doing here, Rob?
I wanted to see you.
Obviously.
You haven't seen me in a month.
Yeah, I, I've been
feeling kind of low.
Why can't you
just be straight with me?
Why are you telling me
you're getting a divorce?
Is it because
you wanna be with me?
Or am I just
another piece of ass to you?
[Rob]
Yeah.
-[scoffs]
-It's all my fault.
Yeah, I'm the big,
bad, uh, patriarch.
You're the poor,
objectified woman.
Only, it's worse than that,
'cause I'm white, you're Black.
So, I'm twice as bad
and you're twice as good.
Poor you.
It must be terrible
to be a white man.
If only you could be
a Black woman,
then all of your problems
would be solved.
Or better yet,
you could be
a Black female grad student
who's working at a movie theater
and screwing
her middle-aged ex-professor.
Wouldn't that be fun?
Well, did I mention
that he's married?
Oh, Nina.
Let's start over.
Did you tell Kate about us?
I haven't, but I will.
I, I promise.
I don't believe you.
[Rob sighs]
[Rob]
Look...
...can't we just have
mind-blowing sex
and forget
about everything else?
Hm?
At least that was honest.
[slow piano music]
I'm sorry.
I really am.
I have to work.
Please. Nina, please.
It's my birthday.
You need to go, Rob.
["Forgive This Foolish Man"
by Gene Anderson
& The International Hook-Up]
[breathing heavily]
[grunts]
Mm.
[sighs]
[grunts]
Don't turn
your back on me...
[footsteps]
Kate?
-No, no, baby
-No, no, baby
My eyes are wide open...
It looks like
you're glad to see me.
-[Rob sighs]
-[scoffs]
[Kate]
I got Marian
to the emergency room.
She's going to be okay.
-It's just food poisoning.
-[sighs]
-[grunts]
-She was a one-night stand
She gave...
[Rob grunts]
Oh, I never should've
taken the chance...
[grunting]
[exhales]
[exhales heavily]
Just a foolish man
No, no, no, no...
Fuck.
[pensive music]
[sighs]
[sighs]
[sniffs]
He actually says
we will eradicate the problem.
"Eradicate the problem"?
Like, like these kids
are roaches.
Well, he's got
his justification.
They burned down the ROTC.
Is today's demo still on?
According to the paper.
[Rob sighs]
It's a beautiful day.
How can you talk
about the weather
at a time like this?
I was just...
Protests are always bigger
when the weather's good.
[both sigh]
[Rob sighs]
[Kate]
We always used to have sex
on our birthdays.
Remember?
Afterwards, you'd make
a giant breakfast.
It was a nice tradition.
Yeah.
It was.
Why did we stop?
[Rob sighs]
I don't know.
[both moaning]
[both panting]
Are you close?
Yeah.
Yes.
[both moaning]
[both continue moaning]
-[Kate breathing heavily]
-[gasps]
[Kate chuckles]
[Rob chuckles]
How do you want to come?
[Rob]
Uh...
-The usual.
-[snickers]
[Rob grunts]
[both moaning]
-I love you, Katie.
-Ah.
You always love me
just before you come.
-[both chuckle]
-[Kate moaning]
[Rob moans loudly]
[Rob moans]
[Rob grunts]
[Rob grunts softly]
[Kate]
Hm.
Happy birthday.
[both chuckle]
Rob?
[Rob]
Yeah?
I love you too.
-I think our open relationship
is bad for us.
-[chuckles softly]
No kidding.
You said
you weren't jealous.
-I guess I shouldn't have
believed you.
-Yeah, you shouldn't have.
Why didn't you have
an affair too?
Or did you?
It's just--
If you did, I wanna know.
We're having
such a nice morning.
[Kate]
Meaning, you did?
[Rob sighs]
Well, okay, since we're finally
really talking, I, uh...
...I did have one,
but I ended it.
How long did it last?
I don't know.
Two months.
When did it start?
I don't remember.
After you began
seeing Christopher, I think.
Why didn't you tell me?
That was our deal.
-Please, Kate.
-Who was it?
Stop interrogating me.
Okay? I...
I promise I will tell you
everything one day.
Just not today, okay?
Oh, shit.
[sighs]
[Rob sighs]
There's something else.
How did you know
that Christopher and I
went to Nate's?
-Did someone see me?
-Let's not go there.
-Tell me.
-No.
Who saw me?
I am going to have breakfast.
I, I have a right to know.
[Rob]
It'll just upset you.
-I can take it.
-No, you can't.
It was Bobbie.
Oh, God.
That's why
she's been so horrible.
Oh, this can't be.
[Rob]
She doesn't know
who you were with.
Did you explain
the situation to her?
I, I told her it was part
of your feminist liberation
and that I was fine with it.
But did you tell her
about your affair?
I thought
that would be a bad idea.
So, as far as she knows,
I'm the heartless,
cheating wife
and you're the knight
in shining armor?
-Classic. Blame the mother.
-[scoffs]
I wasn't trying to set you up.
I, I thought Bobbie
would be even more upset
if she knew
I was sleeping with someone.
You mean
she'd also be furious with you.
This whole thing was your idea.
Fuck you.
You're the one
who lied about it.
To her and to me.
And I was feeling guilty
for not wanting to give up
my entire life
and move to Princeton.
[Rob sighs]
Could you do that over the sink?
You're getting your nails
all over the bed.
[scoffs]
[nail clipper clatters]
-I'm going to talk to Bobbie.
-Please don't.
Kate, it'll kill her,
and it'll kill me.
It wasn't my fault that
you were screwing the babysitter
at the same motel
we used to go to.
And thank you for that.
That image is now
permanently embedded in my mind.
Hi. Um...
-We need to talk.
-[Bobbie] Can't.
I'm having breakfast
with Adam and Joyce.
[Kate]
Just give me a minute, Bobbie.
Well, Adam's picking me up
right now.
[Kate]
This is really important.
Daddy told me
why you were so angry with me,
which I totally understand.
-But I have to explain.
-[Bobbie] Well,
I don't wanna hear it.
Do you know
how much you hurt him?
-He's like a completely
different person nowadays.
-[sighs]
You don't know
the whole story, Bobs.
Don't call me Bobs.
[Kate]
Okay.
Roberta.
[Bobbie sighs]
Look... [sighs]
...we talk about
the sexual revolution
all the time, right?
It's changed the ways
that people think about sex.
-Particularly women.
-I read your stupid book, okay?
And those people aren't like us.
You read my book?
Yeah. I took it
from your office.
And I don't care
about your theories.
You betrayed Daddy,
and now you want me
to take your side?
No, I don't.
I just-- I, I, I want you
to know what happened.
-Well, I don't care.
-Come on, Bobbie, honey,
you, you have to listen.
No, I don't!
I wish you would drop dead!
[clicks tongue, sighs]
-[exhales heavily]
-[door opens, closes]
[Kate]
Marian, thank God you're here.
-Hey.
-Hey. I just got off the phone
with Grace.
She's got an interview
with a firm in Columbus.
Oh, it would be incredible
if she got it.
We could actually live together
for, what, the first time
in 13 years.
Oh. What if your firm finds out?
-What, are they going to tell me
I can't have a roommate?
-Okay.
[chuckles] You silly.
I tried to tell her
it had to do with the times.
The sexual revolution
and all that.
Well, you should
put it in your book.
It's perfect.
It can go in the epilogue.
I don't want the entire world
to know about my sex life.
Bobbie would be horrified.
Maybe it's better
if she doesn't know.
And then, at least
she can still look up to Rob.
You are a headcase.
What about all your
consciousness-raising?
You're protecting the man again.
This is exactly like your father
when you found out
about his affairs.
Rob's nothing like my father.
Besides, this is different.
I'm protecting my daughter.
Yeah, and presumably then
you were protecting your mother.
-When is it going to end, Katie?
-[sighs]
I know.
[groans]
Look, it's
a no-win situation for me.
But for Bobbie, I mean,
[chuckles softly]
isn't it better if she has
a good relationship with
at least one of her parents,
even if it is based on a lie?
I don't think so. No.
It's a lot easier to be a purist
when you don't have a kid.
Or a husband.
Exactly. That's why
I'm not living with the enemy.
No, but you defend them
for money.
-[chuckles softly] Good point.
You should be a lawyer.
-[scoffs]
[Marian chuckles]
She's never gonna forgive me.
[emotional piano music]
That's not gonna change.
Even if I tell her
about Rob's affair.
[Marian sighs]
It's true.
You are in a bit of a pickle.
[Kate snickers]
And if you got a divorce,
you would have to be willing
to lose Bobbie.
You cheated,
so he'd get custody.
[whispering]
Even though he cheated,
and he hasn't got a job.
Divorce laws are fucking sexist.
[sighs]
I gotta go.
[music continues]
[indistinct chatter]
Christopher.
[chuckles nervously]
-Happy birthday.
-Oh.
I thought we were seeing
each other tomorrow.
My day is packed.
I have class at 10:00.
Look what I brought.
-[sighs]
-Take a look.
Go on.
-[gasps softly]
-That's the one
you were looking for, right?
-Yes.
-[chuckles]
Wh-- where did you find it?
Well, I, I called
Red Books in London
after I tried
ten other places, and...
Oh. This is a first edition.
That was incredibly thoughtful
of you.
I can't accept this.
Of course you can.
I just...
I couldn't wait until tomorrow
to give it to you.
[sighs]
How's your novel coming along?
-I think about you...
-[chuckles softly]
-...all the time.
-[snickers]
-I have to prepare my class.
-Five minutes.
[sighs]
Come here.
Oh, I can't.
-[softly] You can.
-[chuckles softly]
[Kate moans]
[both moan]
Christopher, I can't
keep sleeping with you.
-What?
-[exhales]
[sighs] You're 15 years younger
than I am.
You know that, that doesn't make
a difference to me.
You know
I don't care about that.
[Kate sighs]
Stop bullshitting me.
Okay.
Something happened.
Bobbie found out about us,
and she totally freaked out.
It's not okay.
But it's the truth.
Maybe it's a good thing.
I don't think so.
I love you, Kate.
I didn't, I didn't plan on it.
It just...
You know, it happened.
And not in a vacuum.
I have to get ready for class.
-Hey--
-It's over, Christopher.
-No. You have to go!
-[trash can clatters]
[scoffs]
[Chris sniffs]
[Chris]
Wow.
I feel really ripped off.
That's how I feel.
You've used me.
Used me for your,
your liberation.
I was just your sex object.
Now you're throwing me out
like a piece of rubbish.
That is not how I felt.
I treasured our time together.
And I always told you
that my family comes first.
So?
Christopher,
I care about you a lot.
We, we're just... [sighs]
We're at very different points
in our lives.
It's bullshit.
[sniffs]
[Kate]
Now, the Kinsey report
found that
50% of married men
had extramarital sex
at some point
during their married lives.
26% of women had it
by their forties.
Fine.
But I wanted to know more
about these people,
not just the details
of their sex lives.
I did extensive interviews
with women
who had open relationships.
And, of course
some of them
experimented reluctantly
while their husbands
used their "sexual freedom"
to seduce every woman in sight.
But I, I also found women
who felt...
[sighs] ...liberated
by their sexual freedom.
I believe that monogamy
is a retrograde institution...
...that stops women
from realizing their potential.
But... [chuckles softly]
...what if sexual freedom means
that you hurt the people
that you love?
Is that inevitable?
Is that the patriarchy
punishing us
for claiming our power?
If it is...
...it's a catch-22 for us.
You know?
No matter which way we play it,
we just... [chuckles, sniffles]
...we just can't win.
[leaves rustling]
[indistinct chatter]
Nina. [chuckles softly]
Come in. Sit down.
Well, it's been ages.
How are you?
-Are you, are you still working
at the movie theater?
-I am.
Um, but I'm leaving
at the end of the semester.
-I got a teaching job
at Kent State.
-Oh.
Unless they burn down the school
before I get there.
Yes, it's
a very volatile situation.
Well, congratulations
on the job.
Rob will be so happy.
You were one of
his favorite students.
Is there something
I can help you with?
Yes. Um...
[sighs]
[Nina sighs]
I...
...I wanted to tell you...
...that I had
a pretty serious affair...
...with Rob.
Wow. [sighs]
I feel shitty about it,
if that helps.
I mean, uh...
...I knew he'd had a fling,
but...
-...I never imagined--
-You know?
He told me this morning,
but he didn't say who it was.
[chuckles softly]
That is so freaky.
I never thought
he would tell you.
And then he does,
and it's the same day
I show up here.
Yes. It's pretty bizarre.
You know, the whole time
he kept promising me
he was gonna tell you.
That it was actually
a part of your arrangement,
and that you wouldn't mind.
The whole time?
How long was it?
Uh, since
just before Thanksgiving.
You were out of town for work.
Or at least that's what he said.
I ended it on his birthday.
[Kate]
You ended it?
He is such a fucking liar.
[sighs]
How serious was it?
Very, I thought.
Which shows what an idiot I am.
So, what do you want from me?
I'm sorry, Kate.
I feel really creepy about this.
I, I thought
that I would do the right thing
and tell you...
...like a gesture
of female solidarity.
If I left him,
you could have him.
You must have thought of that.
I don't want him.
But I'd sure dig it
if we both dumped him.
Well, that...
that is what he deserves.
[Nina snickers]
[sighs]
I'm sorry, Kate.
I hope you can forgive me.
[chuckles softly]
Thanks.
[woman]
The National Guard is shooting
at the Kent State students!
[man on radio]
We don't have
much information yet,
but we do know
that The National Guard
fired on
the demonstrators protesting
the American invasion
of Cambodia.
There appear to be
dozens of casualties.
[pensive music]
[man on radio]
There is no word yet
on fatalities,
but what we do know
is that shots were fired
at approximately 12:24 p.m.
-at Kent State University.
-[Rob sighs]
-What are they saying?
-They don't know anything yet.
-Where's Bobbie?
-I don't know.
School is closed.
I tried Joyce and Adam.
She'll be very upset.
She knows kids at Kent State.
[keys thud]
Oh, my God.
My teaching assistant, Bill,
went up there today.
I hope he's okay.
You're not worried about Bobbie?
She disappears all the time.
She's probably just hanging out.
Are you worried?
Yeah. I am.
You know, she went
to the Ohio State rally
without telling us.
She did?
No, she wouldn't go to Kent.
She knew
they were burning buildings.
I hope you're right.
[sighs] Steve and Cassandra
are coming over with Alexis.
Carl too.
[man on radio]
This just in.
We have received reports
that at approximately
12:30 this afternoon,
three companies
of the Ohio National Guard
fired their weapons
on protesters
at Kent State University.
-Eyewitness accounts are saying
that the National Guard...
-Shit!
-Those pigs.
-[sighs]
Almost makes me want
to go back to England.
Why'd you leave?
I prefer Americans.
They're less complicated.
Just, uh, please call us
if you hear anything.
Thanks.
-What did she say?
-She hasn't heard from them.
Apparently someone with a car
picked up Joyce this morning,
but she didn't see who it was.
[doorbell rings]
Oh. Bill.
I'm so glad you're okay.
Thanks for coming.
[Bill] Now they're trying
to say that we fired first,
but that's bullshit.
Maybe a couple of people
threw some cans of pop,
but that was it.
While I was running,
I was counting the seconds.
I can't remember anything
after that.
Just that there was blood.
Lots of blood and...
...sunshine.
[leaves rustling]
[man on radio]
It appears that at least three
of the protesters have died.
The AP is reporting
that they are all college age.
According to the UPI...
You okay?
Bobbie could pass
for college age.
No, no, no, no, no.
She's going to be fine.
I'm sure.
[man on radio]
...citywide curfew
to start at 5:00 p.m. tonight.
Anyone found on the street
after that time
will be subject to arrest.
We just spoke
to Professor Dodge...
Thank God you weren't there.
You know,
there were six absences
in my homeroom class today.
They could all be dead.
I was supposed to go today too.
-I lost my ride.
-Alexis.
You promised
you wouldn't go to protests
without consulting us.
[emotional music]
[knock on door]
[Denise]
Kate? Kate?
-I have some news.
-Oh, thank God.
Where are they?
Let's sit down, huh?
-No, I don't want to sit.
-Let's sit first. Come.
-Where are they?
-Come and sit.
I don't want to sit.
Tell me where they are.
Joyce just called. I...
-Bobbie's been shot.
-[Rob sighs]
No, no, no.
No, no,
that's, that's impossible.
[Rob]
Where?
Where, where was she shot?
-In her chest.
-[both groan]
Oh, God.
We should have left hours ago.
-She could be dead by now.
-One, one second.
Do you know anything else?
Oh, God.
Only that she's at Robinson
in Ravenna. I'm sorry.
-They won't tell Joyce anything.
-[Kate] How could this happen?
How could this happen?
[man on radio]
Now, investigators
have to determine
whether there was a sniper,
as The Guard claimed.
[man on radio]
We're just learning
that there are reports
that a fourth college student
shot at Kent State has died.
[pensive music]
Two of the students killed
were on their way to class.
[Rob exhales]
[door closes]
-Is that you, Mommy?
-[Kate sighs]
[Kate]
Yeah.
It's me, honey.
I'm here with Daddy.
I can't see Daddy.
[Rob]
I'm here, baby.
I'm here, Bobs.
He shot me.
[Rob]
I know, baby.
But you're okay.
I am?
You're gonna be fine, baby.
You're not hurting, are you?
I can't... [sighs]
No, I can't feel anything.
[melancholy music]
Can we go home tonight?
No, no, honey.
You need to be here
for a little bit.
-Will you both stay with me?
-[Rob] Of course.
-Of course we will.
-[Kate chuckles weakly, gulps]
It was so horrible, Mommy.
They were shooting at us.
Everyone was running
and screaming.
And I kept thinking...
...that I'd never see you again.
[sniffles] And...
...I was going to die
on your birthday.
And I deserved it
for being so mean to you.
[sniffles]
Don't be silly, Bobbie.
Mommy, you're blurry.
It's okay.
That's the drugs.
[knock on door]
I'm Dr. Waring.
I'm afraid we need
to send Roberta down
-for X-rays in a few minutes.
-Could you just...
[chuckles weakly]
Could you tell us
what's happening?
She was lucky. We were able
to remove the bullet
relatively easily,
and her lungs are intact.
Could we, um,
could we stay with her?
At least until they take her?
Of course.
Thank you.
[gunshots echoing]
I hear the guns.
-[gunshots echoing]
-[shudders]
[girl's scream echoing]
-[gunshots echoing]
-I hear the guns.
-[girl screaming]
-[man shouting indistinctly]
-[Bobbie sobs softly]
-[people screaming]
-The guns.
-[gunshots continue]
[people shouting, screaming]
[gunshots continue]
-[gunshot]
-[Joyce] Bobbie!
[PA system beeps]
[woman over PA system]
Dr. Grindley, 2744.
Dr. Grindley, 2744.
How could you bring her there?
She's barely 17 years old.
They brought in
the fucking National Guard.
What were you thinking?
Joyce saved Bobbie's life.
-She, she stopped the bleeding.
She was incredible.
-[Joyce] Sorry.
I'm really sorry.
I didn't know that
they would shoot at us.
[sniffles] Joyce was a hero.
She got Bobbie into
one of the first ambulances.
Look, it all happened
so fast, okay?
It got smokey,
and I was trying
to grab her hand,
and I just...
Is she gonna be okay?
[emotional music]
[Kate]
What if she's scarred for life?
We taught her to protest.
Was that wrong?
I don't think so.
It's my fault.
It's mine too.
Nina came to see me today.
What did uh-- What'd she say?
Not much.
Except that she left you.
And you've been screwing her
since Thanksgiving.
Two months before
our open relationship
even began.
-She was your student.
-She wasn't my student when--
The point is...
...I was totally honest
with you...
...and you cheated on me
for five months.
And then when
you finally told me,
you lied again.
-And now
I have to lie to Bobbie.
-[sighs]
I'm sorry.
You never used to lie to me.
Did you?
Look, there were things
I didn't tell you, but I...
...I never betrayed you.
Until recently.
[smacks lips]
After Bobbie goes to college,
I think we should get separated.
[pensive music]
We could be happy again,
like when we were first married.
Those were the hardest times.
Bobbie was sick all the time.
We didn't have enough money,
you were always working.
Still, we were great together.
It's just [sighs]
these last years, I...
Look, I knew
everything needed to change,
if not for you, then for Bobbie.
But still, I...
Fuck. I felt assaulted
all the time.
-Assaulted?
-Yes.
Rob.
Uh, I saw that
you were down sometimes,
but why didn't you say anything?
You would have accused me
of being sexist.
It would have been okay.
I knew you were trying,
and I knew that you loved me.
Yeah, well,
I was scared to say anything.
I'm sorry, Rob.
I guess I was...
...I was...
caught up in my own stuff.
-I hope you'll find someone
who'll make you happy.
-[scoffs]
[inhales deeply]
I don't want another woman.
I wanna be with you.
-I don't know, Rob. I...
-[sighs]
I think we should just try
to be kind to one another.
[Rob sighs]
Agreed.
[monitor beeping]
[Bobbie breathing weakly]
[Bobbie groaning]
-[Bobbie sobbing softly]
-It's okay, Bobs.
We're here.
We're right here, darling.
Everything's going to be okay.
[continues sobbing softly]
-[Kate shushing softly]
-[melancholy music]
[inhales, mutters]
[breathing heavily]
[Bobbie breathing shakily]
[Bobbie]
Today is May 4th, 1973.
It's been exactly three years
since Kent State.
I'm living in Greenwich Village
with Adam.
I went to Bennington
for a year,
but it wasn't for me.
I work at a bookstore,
and I write
experimental poetry.
Or, at least try to.
In some ways,
I feel stronger than I did
before I was shot.
Definitely, I'm more committed
to changing the world.
And I feel optimistic about it,
especially since we got out
of Vietnam,
and since Roe v. Wade.
Daddy and I came home
for Mom's birthday.
Supposedly, they split up
when Daddy took the job
at Princeton.
But they talk all the time.
And last night,
they slept in the same bed.
It's strange
being in this house again
with both of them.
I'm having weird feelings
towards my mom.
I love her,
but I still can't forget
what she did to Daddy.
Maybe when I'm older,
I'll get over it.
[pensive music]
["Get Out of the Jungle"
by Fanny]
People comin' at you
day and night
Hot and cold
Running around
Passin' you by
Hold no, hold no more
Through all that
Put your hair down
We'll wish on a star
That's what you are
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle...
[instrumental music]
[pensive music]
[clattering]
[Bobbie]
No longer a virgin
I'll celebrate with champagne
And sturgeon
And maybe
with a very tall surgeon
When I'm no longer a virgin
I'm emergin'
And splurgin'
I'll... burgeon
Don't need urgin'
Or purgin'...
[sighs]
[mumbles softly]
Or, or coercin'...
To quit
Bein' a virgin
[Rob]
Bobs, come on.
I'm coming.
[man on radio]
You're listening to
Earth Matters on WZKWFM,
Ohio's finest college radio.
This first Earth Day
looks to be a challenge
to the smog-filled skies,
the filthy water,
-the littered countryside
that we call our planet.
-[sighs]
Pollution is killing the Earth.
Pollution from factories...
You know,
Earth Day rhymes with birthday.
[Rob]
Happy birthday to you...
-[Bobbie] Oh.
-Happy birthday to you
[both]
Happy birthday, dear Bobbie
Happy birthday to you
[Rob]
Let me give you a little sugar.
That's my t-shirt.
I had it specially made.
Well, you haven't worn it
for months.
Because it's been winter.
-[Bobbie chuckles]
-And you're not a woman yet.
Yes, I am.
Seventeen definitely counts.
And, anyway, it should be
girls and women unite.
Girls should be included.
Don't you think?
-You're absolutely right.
-[Rob sighs]
So, I'm taking you
to school this morning.
Right, Bobs?
Uh, no, Joyce is picking me up.
You know
she's getting a car soon?
What... [sighs]
You are so critical of her.
She's a really great person.
I mean, she's really smart.
She got into Ohio State
with a scholarship.
I'm not critical of her.
I just think
she's mature for you.
And I don't want
you to get killed
while she's driving you home
-drunk or on drugs.
-Well, I think Joyce
is a great friend for you.
She's smart, she's an activist,
and she's working class.
Fine. I'm the bourgeois one
because I don't want
my only child
to wind up dead in a ditch.
Um, I'll have
some coffee too, please.
-Ooh la la.
-[Bobbie and Kate chuckle]
[Rob]
All right, Bobs,
time for your birthday wishes.
Okay.
Number one, as always,
I hope to become a great writer,
as great as Dorothy Parker.
-Right on.
-Yes, good one.
Anything else?
Obviously, I hope
we get out of Vietnam
and abolish nuclear weapons.
-[Rob] Hear, hear.
-[Kate] Excellent.
I hope, with all of my heart,
that Daddy gets tenure.
Well, he is one of the best
historians in the department.
Uh, there's not
a lot of competition.
Well, they'd have
to be major cretins
not to give it to you, Daddy.
Well, I'll tell the dean
you said so.
Unfortunately, he's a cretin.
[Bobbie and Kate chuckle]
Anything else?
Okay, I have one more.
I wish...
...that Mom
would start wearing a bra again.
-[Kate chuckles] Bobbie!
-[Bobbie chuckles]
-It's symbolic.
-I know, I know.
I was just joking.
I know your
consciousness-raising group
would kick you out
if you showed up in one.
We'd have a ceremonial burning.
You could light the match.
Far out.
No man allowed, I presume.
Sorry, Daddy.
["Today, Tomorrow"
by The Caliphs]
Tomorrow, can you help me
put up flyers for the rally
at Ohio State?
Uh, yeah,
if I can get through today.
You're going to be fine.
Are you sure
you wanna do this?
You seem kind of freaked out.
[Bobbie]
Yes, I want to. Um...
I'm on the pill.
I'm, I'm ready. Uh...
But, anyway, it's not that big
of a thing. Is it?
No, it is.
It's symbolic, as you would say.
It was, even for me.
You can remember that far back?
Ponytail or not?
Not.
-[sighs]
-Hey, wait.
I got you a birthday present.
[Bobbie chuckles softly]
-Oh, shit. Thanks.
-Mm-hm.
Wait. Where'd you get this?
Uh, I stole it from a guy
I kind of screwed last night.
[chuckles]
He's got a BMW, okay?
He can afford to part with it.
Just don't smoke it all at once.
I'm not a cretin.
[vehicles passing]
-[zipper unzips]
-You know the owner
of this place is a socialist?
-[Adam] Really?
-Mm.
My parents campaigned
for McCarthy with him.
[chuckles]
Cool.
[chuckles softly]
Hey, why, why don't you
get that joint?
[chuckles nervously]
[sighs]
[Bobbie]
Mm.
Mm.
[coughs]
[inhales] You know,
it's a really nice bed.
You could come try it. [exhales]
[chuckles]
[man and woman laughing nearby]
[chuckles]
They're, they're right outside.
Uh, I, I just think I need
to smoke some more pot.
[clears throat]
It's not going to be
a very romantic experience
if you're stoned
out of your mind.
I thought you thought
"romantic" [exhales]
was a bourgeois concept.
Yeah, but me putting
my penis in your vagina
is not really a concept.
[both chuckle]
Yeah.
[smooching]
[both breathing heavily]
What?
Okay, let's do it.
[exhales] Okay.
[Adam breathing heavily]
[Bobbie groans]
[both breathing heavily]
So, now
I'm not a virgin anymore?
Please, please,
just a few minutes of silence.
-[Bobbie slaps]
-[both chuckle]
[truck passing in distance]
[Bobbie]
So, how did I do?
I'd say C+.
-[chuckles]
-[slaps]
Did you, um...
...did you have an orgasm?
[Bobbie clicks tongue]
Well, you're not supposed to
the first time.
Well, I read that some girls do.
Must have been Lenin
who said it.
Right.
Vladimir or John?
-[laughs]
-[Bobbie chuckles]
Touch.
-Okay, let's smoke
some more grass.
-Okay, okay.
[both laughing]
[exhales]
[both chuckle]
-[man grunting]
-[woman moaning]
-[Bobbie chuckles]
-[woman] Yeah! Yeah!
-[Bobbie] Oh!
-[man continues grunting]
-[Bobbie mock moans]
-[man chuckles]
-[Adam laughing]
-[woman] Yes!
Oh, yeah.
-Oh, yeah.
-Yeah, yeah, don't stop.
Oh, give it to me.
[both chuckle]
["Love of the Morning"
by Circus]
[Bobbie]
Oh, look.
"Make music, not war."
They're radicals.
That's symbolic.
[both chuckle]
-Are you all right?
-[chuckling] Yeah.
The way it goes
Sunshine's coming
and my eyes are closed
See the love
of the morning, baby
See the love of the morning
See the love
of the morning, baby...
-You're obsessed with sex.
-No. No, no, no.
You're the one
who's always going on
about the sexual revolution.
-Mm-hm. Mm-hm.
-All right?
But what about
the inherent contradictions
of women's lib?
-[Bobbie] Mm. Mm.
-Hm.
I mean, I mean, it's capitalism.
It's completely co-opted
bourgeois feminism.
Well, what about
the inherent contradictions
of little Mr. Radical,
who thinks about sex constantly,
when he could be advancing
the class struggle?
-Right.
-Mm-hm.
Uh-huh. Mm. Touch.
[Bobbie chuckles]
How did you get to be so smart?
-Well, writers have to be smart.
-Mm-mm. No.
There are dumb writers.
-There are dumb waiters.
[chuckles]
-[laughs]
-Yeah. Funny, funny.
-Uh-huh.
[Bobbie chuckles]
So... you think you're, uh,
ever going to write about me?
Um, you mean like a poem?
No. I was thinking,
like, a very long novel.
[chuckles]
You're so conceited. Um...
Well, I'd have to know you
for a long time
to write a novel about you.
So what?
Well, it's just,
you're going off
to college next year.
Yeah. So?
It's just another chapter.
Yeah.
But will I be in it?
Yeah.
I sure hope so.
[snickers]
[indistinct chatter]
Hey, hey, you want to hear
a poem that I wrote today?
It's called
"No Longer a Virgin."
You can just tell me later.
-[chuckles]
-Okay.
Oh, far out.
It's the Chevelle
from the motel.
-[Adam] Hey...
-[Bobbie] What?
...why don't you
recite that poem?
Adam, we practically shared
a bed with these people,
and now we're making out,
-and they pull up
in front of us...
-[snickers]
Oh, look, they're getting out.
[melancholy music]
[Kate chuckles]
[Adam]
It's your mom.
[Bobbie gasps softly]
[music tenses]
[sobs softly]
[indistinct chatter]
Hey, Bobbie.
Are you here
for the Earth Day teach-in?
[sniffles]
Hey, Bobbie.
Coming to the rally
at Ohio State?
The ROTC has got to go.
Hey, Bobbie,
I'm really digging
your mom's class.
[woman laughing]
[Bobbie sniffles]
[sobbing quietly]
-What's happening, Newman?
-[sobs softly]
-Um...
-You all right?
Hi Carl. Um, uh, no,
I'm really not all right.
[Carl]
Hang in there.
-And say hi to your dad.
-[sniffles]
[breathing heavily]
[Rob]
Capitalist society.
These so-called
progressive institutions
are themselves filled
with contradictions.
Take our lovely
left-leaning college.
Uh, it's been committed
to progressive causes
since its inception.
Uh, as we all know,
it was one of the first
colleges in America
to admit Black students
and one of the first
to award BAs to women.
But look at
our history department.
Despite affirmative action,
and our reputation
for radicality,
we have one
female assistant professor
and one Black instructor,
neither of whom has tenure.
Equally egregious,
we offer an intro course
on historical methodology,
but Marxism...
...has been eliminated
from the syllabus.
These, my friends,
are what we Marxists
like to call...
...contradictions.
[Bobbie sobs]
[sniffles]
[rock music playing on stereo]
I can't believe she did this.
You're not even sure it was her.
You didn't actually see her
go into the motel.
Daddy will be so devastated.
Bobbie, maybe it's not
that big a thing, okay?
Maybe it's like
a sexual revolution thing.
They're 40.
The sexual revolution
isn't for them.
-Yeah, it is.
It's for everybody.
-Okay, well,
wait until
your mother starts screwing
every guy in sight.
[chuckles]
It'd do her some good.
-Sorry, I know it's not funny.
-Yeah, agreed.
I heard that.
Going to work now.
-We'll miss you.
-Ha, ha.
You better be home
when I get back.
Bobbie, do me a favor?
-Keep her out of trouble, okay?
-[Joyce sighs]
-I will.
-Okay.
[Joyce]
I thought you didn't
believe in marriage anyway.
It's, [sighs]
it's not about marriage.
It's... the...
They worked so hard
to change their...
Whatever you want to call it.
Their relationship,
which was already great.
And they succeeded.
You know,
he isn't a chauvinist anymore,
and, and she's really fulfilled
now that she has time
to write her book.
And it was all perfect.
[sobs] And she ruined it.
They're awfully different.
Your dad's so nice and normal,
and your mom's kind of a...
...iceberg.
I can't believe she did this.
Bobbie, you gotta cool it.
You want a Coke?
No. [smacks lips]
I'm just... so freaked out.
Um...
Do you have any booze?
-No.
-[sighs]
We can you go
to this party later.
There's going to be
a ton of booze there.
-[sniffles]
-You wanna see a flick?
We could see Women in Love.
There's supposed to be
a lot of symbolism in that.
And male nudity.
So, the next day,
I saw him on Main Street.
He was getting into
this orange BMW, and he looked
so gorgeous and full of himself.
And I was like,
"Where are you going?"
And he said he was going
to this party later in his dorm.
And I said, "Could I come?"
-Bobbie, are you listening?
-Yeah.
And the whole party
was really cool,
and trippy, and weird,
and we tried to screw,
but he couldn't get it up.
And then my mom was up
when I got home at 4:00 a.m.,
and she started screaming
and throwing things, and--
-Bobbie?
-What?
[Joyce]
You're not listening to me.
[indistinct chatter]
I'm going to pee.
[Bobbie]
Oh, um...
Oh, hi, Nina.
Hey, Bobbie.
[Bobbie]
Hm.
You okay?
Can I get two tickets
for Women in Love, please?
Oh, shit. Um...
[smacks lips]
I left, I left
my wallet somewhere. Um...
My friend's going to be
right back, so--
This, this movie
is kind of mature for you.
Do your parents know
that you're here?
Well, it's R-rated, so I don't,
I don't need their permission.
It's more of a movie for adults.
Well, I am an adult.
You're right.
It is none of my business.
On the house.
-Oh, thanks.
-Mm-hm.
[Gudrun]
Perhaps it would be nice
if a man came along.
I mean, I wouldn't go
out of my way to look for him,
but if there
should happen along
a highly attractive individual
with sufficient means, well...
-[sobs, sniffles]
-Glenda Jackson is so cool.
I wanna be just like her.
Do you think she really
got to screw Alan Bates?
Hey, you never told me
how it went with Adam.
Um, it was okay.
I was just happy
to get it over with. Um...
It's just
completely mind-boggling...
...that the whole time
we were there,
my mother was right next door,
having major orgasms
with some radical.
Yeah.
-Yeah, pretty mind-boggling
is right.
-[sniffles]
Did you at least have fun?
Uh, it was okay.
I don't think I had an orgasm.
[unzips bag] You'd know.
Okay. Done.
-[inhales deeply]
-You can't tell anyone
we're in high school.
I'm not a cretin.
["Get Out of the Jungle"
by Fanny]
People comin' at you
Day and night
Hot and cold
Running around...
Yeah.
But if we have, you know...
[indistinct chatter]
Hold no, hold no more
Through all that
Put your hair down
We'll wish on a star
That's what you are
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind...
Chris?
-Bobbie?
-[chuckles] Hey.
Bobbie, what are you, uh...
[chuckles] what are you-
Uh, Joyce, this is Chris.
-Chris, this is Joyce.
-Hey.
How do you two know each other?
-Well, we-- Yeah.
-Chris, Chris was my babysitter.
He'd come over every Friday,
and um, my parents
would go to the movies.
-Dad called it movie night.
-[Chris snickers]
I read your novel.
-You did?
-Yeah.
That's you and five others now.
-[both chuckle]
-Well, I thought
it was really deep.
My mother thought so too.
-Did she?
-Mm-hm.
The critics
didn't agree with that view.
-[chuckles]
-[Bobbie snickers]
Ugh. Then they're stupid.
-Fuck the critics.
-[chuckling] Fuck the critics.
I had such a crush on you.
Ah... I don't know. Well, okay.
I hope your taste
has improved somewhat. [sniffs]
What about writing?
You still want to be a writer?
Ah. Tonight, all I want to be
is very drunk.
[Chris]
Yeah, I can see that.
You had a poem.
A really great poem.
What was it called?
The uh, The Fi...
-No, "The Sardine." "Sardines."
-[mutters]
"Sardine Queen."
Yes, it was very funny.
You're good, Bobbie.
You should,
you should keep, keep writing.
Hey, why don't I take this
and...
Maybe you should go home.
She doesn't need
a babysitter anymore.
Yeah. Yeah.
You're right. Okay.
Hang in there, Bobbie.
Good to see ya.
He is so cool.
Don't even think about it.
[indistinct chatter, laughter]
Ugh.
-["He Made a Woman Out of Me"
by Bettye LaVette]
-When I think
Back to that day
So long ago...
Hey.
Thanks for being
my friend, Joyce.
Thanks for being mine, Bobs.
[vehicle approaching]
[police siren whoops]
-Oh, shit.
-[police siren wails]
[police officer]
Okay, kids, let's see your IDs.
[door closes]
What is wrong with you?
I can't believe
you called the cops.
What was I supposed to do?
I tried Adam.
He didn't know where you were.
No one was home at Joyce's.
And then someone left
your book bag
at the front door.
We thought you'd been abducted.
Where were you?
I, I hung out at Joyce's,
and then I went to a party.
Okay, Chris was there.
You can ask him.
-Chris who?
-Chris Harman.
[Kate]
Chris Harman?
Why were you going to a party
with Chris Harman?
He was just there, okay?
[Bobbie sighs]
-Did he say something
to upset you?
-[Bobbie] No.
Look, we were worried sick
about you, Bobs.
Why didn't you call us?
At least to let us know
you weren't gonna be
coming home.
I'm sorry, Daddy.
I just... [sniffles]
Uh, I kind of
lost track of time.
[Kate]
Kind of lost track of time?
Are you on something?
I mean, besides,
obviously, alcohol.
Look, why don't you
have something to eat?
I'm not hungry.
I just want to go to bed.
[Kate]
Why are you acting like this?
Did we do something?
You are so selfish.
You, you use feminism
to get Daddy to do
everything for you
while you just sit
at your fucking desk
all the time.
You only think
about how oppressed you are.
-Bobbie.
-What about
what he's been through?
What about the fact
that he went from being
this really poor kid
Who went
from selling men's suits
to being a college professor?
-[Kate] Bobbie, what--
-And, and, and-- No.
And he is the nicest,
smartest, most honest person...
[Rob]
Okay. All right. Okay. Okay.
It's going to be okay, baby.
It's all okay.
Bobbie, what's going on?
Did something happen,
sweetheart?
Everything's gonna be
all right.
-Okay?
-[Bobbie sobs]
No, it isn't.
[pensive music]
[pensive music continues]
[car door opens]
[car door closes]
[engine starts]
[car drives away]
[groans softly]
[water running]
[water turns off]
Oh.
The cops arrested 16 kids
at the Ohio State
ROTC occupation yesterday.
Oh, shit.
Wa-- was anyone hurt?
They broke some windows,
but no one was injured.
If they don't get out
of this fucking war soon,
they're gonna have
a revolution on their hands.
You were about to
wish me a happy birthday.
-[plate clatters]
-[gasps softly]
Oh, I'm sorry. Honey.
Happy birthday.
Supposed to be a nice day.
Thanks.
-My tooth still hurts.
-[clicks tongue]
If it doesn't feel better,
you should go up to Chicago.
-Have my father
take a look at it.
-Yeah, no, thanks.
[Kate sighs]
Well, at least it's free.
Uh, I'd rather be in pain
than subject myself
to your father.
And I assure you,
he feels the same way about me.
Oh, come on, Rob.
-He doesn't hate you anymore.
-Untrue.
He still sees me
as the impoverished Jew
who pulled a fast one
on his daughter.
[Kate]
Well, then I'll find
a dentist here.
-We need to save money.
-[chuckles]
It can't cost that much.
Do you know
you say that about everything?
No, I don't.
We have plenty of money.
We're doing fine.
Are we?
[chuckles nervously]
Ah.
[sighs]
You know,
I hated my mother when I was 17.
Well, that lets you
off the hook?
Ha. I'm never off the hook.
Mothers get blamed
for everything.
I just wish
I knew what I'd done.
I think it might have
something to do with Adam.
Maybe she's too young for sex?
-Yes, she is too young for sex.
-Well,
she's probably having sex
with him.
He's her first boyfriend.
She, she hardly knows him.
[Kate]
She is on the pill.
I took her to the gynecologist
at her request.
Why wouldn't you tell me?
She told me not to,
and I thought maybe
you wouldn't want to know.
Yeah, damn right I wouldn't.
Thanks for telling me.
-[leaves rustling]
-[birds chirping]
[shower running]
[Rob]
You almost done?
[Kate]
Why don't you
get in here with me?
I'll wait.
[Kate]
You sure
you don't wanna join me?
I'm sure.
[Kate]
You still having lunch
with Bobbie today?
That's the plan.
-[Kate] Great.
-[shower turns off]
I want you
to have a great birthday.
[Rob inhales deeply]
So, how is Christopher?
He's okay.
Your relationship still casual?
If you're asking
if I'm in love with him,
the answer is still no.
Come on, Rob.
Let's have sex.
I don't feel like it.
[Kate sighs]
You want me to end my thing
with Christopher?
It's up to you.
-If it's upsetting you--
-It's not my choice.
[shower running]
[man 1]
All right, tee up.
Take it, Rob.
[man 2]
Go, go, go!
[Rob]
Ho!
That's 21.
Two out of three.
[Carl]
Whoo!
-[Rob] Great work, man.
-[panting]
We killed 'em.
You killed them, Rob.
Wait till next week.
Looking forward to it.
I won't be around next week.
[Rob]
Come on. You can't desert me.
We're a team.
[Carl]
Sorry, man.
I got to go visit my grandmother
next weekend.
-I start basic in two weeks.
-[Rob] Shit.
Carl, I'm so sorry.
Why didn't you tell me?
I'm telling you now.
Look, I know a guy
up in Toronto.
He can get you set up there.
I can, I can call him.
Thanks, man, but...
...I don't wanna go to Canada.
I have to, I have to,
I have to be in 'Nam.
I'll go to college
under the GI Bill.
Might do something in radio.
[softly] Yeah.
[Rob]
Poor Carl.
Hope they end that fucking war
before he gets shipped out.
-[both urinating]
-[Steve] Yeah.
What's happening with you?
[Rob]
Uh, things are good.
Book's coming along.
Got all this dirt
on Hoover and the HUAC.
What about you?
[Steve]
Just found out
my, uh, book's getting a rave
in the next NYRB.
-[chuckling] Right on, man.
-[chuckles softly]
Right on.
[Rob]
Any word on the tenure front?
[zips fly]
[Steve]
We can talk about that at lunch.
Yeah, I can't do lunch.
Uh, heard you met
with Simmons on Friday, huh?
I did everything I could, Rob.
[turns faucet on]
[sighs]
He wants to hire Cornell Dixon.
The guy studied with Marcuse.
He's a Panther.
Yeah, I read his book.
It's good.
You know, I've, I've published
more than anyone
in the department.
You, you should see
my evaluations.
Those kids love me.
I couldn't do it, man.
He knows you don't respect him.
Well, that's an understatement.
Sorry, man.
[door creaks]
["Can You Picture Yourself"
by Tony Church and the Crusade]
Can you picture yourself...
What's wrong, Daddy?
Uh, nothing.
I got this toothache.
It's driving me crazy.
Oh.
But I'm happy to be with you.
[both snicker]
You want to tell me
what's going on
with you and Mom?
I, I don't really
want to talk about it.
Okay.
Well, I'm here
whenever you're ready.
So, what did you
and Joyce do yesterday?
Um, we went
to the ROTC protest
at Ohio State.
It was majorly inspiring.
I'm gonna write
a poem about it.
It's going to be called "Rot."
Do you get it? It's, like,
the first three letters of ROTC.
-Yeah, I got it.
-Yeah.
-It's clever.
-Mm-hm.
Next time you wanna go
to a protest, you,
you got to ask us first,
especially if it's out of town.
I mean, you're lucky
you weren't hurt or arrested.
Well, I know how to be careful.
I mean,
I grew up going to protests.
Right.
Still, you got to run it by us.
Promise me that you will.
I promise.
Okay.
-I promise.
-Okay. Thank you.
-Good.
-[snickers]
So, how, how's it
with you and Adam?
-It's okay.
-Okay?
Mm-hm.
Well, good.
I really like him.
Yeah, I, I... [clears throat]
I don't know if you are
intimate or anything,
but if you wanted any advice
about VD or--
Ew. Daddy, stop.
Okay.
[sniffs]
[engine turns off]
[Bobbie]
Uh, Daddy, there's...
...there's something
I have to talk to you about.
What is it?
It's about Mom.
I found out something
really major.
[Rob sighs]
I already know.
You know?
Is that, is that why
you've been seeming so sad?
No, no, no.
That's [sighs] because
of my tenure situation.
Listen, honey,
this is no big deal.
I promise.
-Yes, it is.
-No, it's not what you think.
It's just a little experiment
that came out of
your mother's feminism.
Like a, like a
sexual revolution type of thing?
E-- exactly.
[sighs] You know, your mom was
a virgin when we got together.
Most single women
at that time didn't feel free
to explore sexually.
Are you exploring too?
No, I don't need to.
As a single man, I was able to.
Daddy, ugh. Just...
-Do you know who she was with?
-I do.
-But you don't need to know.
-I deserve to know.
This is not information
your mother and I
want you to have.
Okay?
-Look, please.
-[sighs]
Please just try
and forget about this.
Honey, I know all about it,
and I am fine with it.
I swear to you.
Do you know she went
to Nate's motel with that guy?
No, I, I didn't know that.
Look, Bobbie...
we are very lucky.
We're a family
of three thoughtful people
committed to living
by the ideas we believe in.
-[scoffs]
-We have our contradictions.
I'll admit it.
But we all
love each other, right?
Mm. I don't love her anymore.
-Don't say--
-No, I don't. I mean-- No,
she is obviously
not committed to our family.
Or else she wouldn't be acting
like a major whore.
I think we have to leave her.
I'm not leaving your mother.
And you're not
leaving her either.
[door opens]
[Rob]
We're back.
[door closes]
How was your group?
[Kate]
Okay.
It was Marian's turn to lead.
We mostly talked about
sexism in the workplace.
You know, Marian's the only
woman lawyer at her firm,
and they only give her
divorce cases.
Of course, she probably
wouldn't have gotten hired
if they'd known
she was a lesbian.
If she's so feminist,
why doesn't she come out?
And be out of a job?
She could defend radicals.
They need lawyers.
Uh, I think it's time
for my birthday wishes.
Okay. Uh, wish number one.
-I hope
Bobbie gets into Bennington.
-[Kate snickers]
Oh, I might wanna go
to Ohio State now.
It's less elitist.
And Joyce will already be there,
so we could room together.
I mean, Bobbie,
you've been talking
about the writing program
at Bennington for years.
Of course, it's your choice.
To Bobbie's choice.
Uh, okay.
Wish number two.
I hope... Random House
publishes your mom's book.
Actually, your wish
has been granted.
[Rob]
Really?
Yeah.
Why didn't you tell me?
Well, I, I only found out
on Friday,
and, you know,
there hasn't been
a right moment, so...
Uh-huh.
To Feminism
and the Sexual Revolution...
...by the great
Kate Chase Newman.
I thought we were toasting
to you, not to her.
[melancholy music]
[exhales]
[birds chirping]
[Kate]
Oh, that shirt
looks great on you.
I'm glad I got the large.
Is it comfortable?
Yeah. Yeah, it's fine.
How's your tooth?
It's a little better.
I need to ask a big favor.
There's bird shit
on the windshield.
Looks like an entire flock
shat on the car.
I tried to get it with wipers,
but I made it worse,
and now it's hardened.
Can you help me get it off?
-We don't have to do it now.
-Yeah, I wasn't going to.
-Where are you going?
-Just out.
[can hisses]
[guitar music]
[Rob]
To move on with my life
I had to hate you for a while
I didn't want to stay there
so I thought about your smile
In all the days of laughter
that came so easily
Your sense of smell
your stubbornness
it all delighted me
We couldn't stop
the sun from setting
We tried with all our might
We had a year of mornings
But we couldn't
stop the night
One year of endless mornings
but we couldn't
Hold back the night
[opera music]
[sighs]
I'm not getting tenure.
You don't know that.
Yes, I do.
I talked to Steve
after the game today.
He said there's no way.
They're hiring Cornell Dixon.
Honey, I'm so sorry.
[clicks tongue, sighs]
Are you sure?
-Yeah.
-[sighs]
Yeah.
Maybe it's not over yet.
They could keep you
and hire him.
Sociology could share
the appointment.
Forget it.
It's humiliating enough
as it is.
The dean wants me out.
Well, you know what?
Fuck him.
You've written
two important books,
and you are a brilliant teacher.
You'll find a good job
somewhere else.
Well, actually,
there's a position at Princeton
that I'm perfect for.
It's coming up in a year.
The chair loves me.
Of course, we'd have
to get an appointment for you.
Like, I mean...
[chuckles nervously]
Rob, I... [sighs]
Look, Princeton might be
the right place for you,
but it's not necessarily
the best place for me.
I, I like teaching
at a progressive college.
Right. We, we came here for you,
and, and now it's my turn.
Well, it's not that simple.
We came here
because we needed the money,
so that you could keep writing
your dissertation.
I would have stayed
in New York doing adjunct work
if we could have afforded it.
But if we left now,
I mean, I'd,
I'd be giving up
an incredible department
that I spent years
helping to build.
It's good to know
you're on my side, Kate.
Thanks.
I'm sorry. [sighs]
Yeah, I didn't mean
to make you feel worse.
-[Rob sighs]
-We could consider
commuting to Princeton.
Oh, forget it.
I probably won't get
the Princeton position anyway.
Maybe Nate would give me
a job as the night manager
at his motel.
[sighs]
I know
that this is a big blow, Rob,
but you will land on your feet.
You always do.
No.
I won't.
I'm fucked.
Come on, Rob.
[phone ringing]
[Kate]
Hello?
Oh, Marian.
Hang, hang on one sec.
It's Marian.
She's really sick.
I have to...
Rob.
-Wait.
-What?
Look... [sighs]
I'm sorry about your job.
We will figure something out.
Uh, Rob.
I know this is the last thing
you wanna hear,
but could you
help me with the bird shit?
I cannot see
out of the windshield.
Ugh. I told you,
we need something stronger.
-It's not coming off.
-You got to,
you got to apply more pressure.
[scoffs] I am.
-It's stuck on there.
-All right. Come on.
[glass squeaking]
Look at this. Ugh!
Could you try scrubbing?
I can't seem to get it.
[yelling]
Rob! Stop!
Rob!
Rob, you're going crazy!
Stop it! Rob!
[Kate screams]
[door closes]
[pensive music]
[indistinct shouting]
[whistle blowing]
[kids laughing]
[Nina]
I've got to finish
a paper tonight
on "Imitation of Life."
Sirk.
He's brilliant.
You really have
to do it tonight?
Yeah, I do.
I work nights all week,
and I've got two papers
due on Friday.
Thanks.
[exhales, grunts]
I have a toothache.
That's too bad.
You know it's my birthday today?
Are you having a good one?
[chuckles]
No.
You want?
[lighter striking]
[inhales]
[exhales]
So, I got that Kent State job.
-[Rob] You did?
-Mm-hm.
Congratulations.
I knew you'd get it.
I already found a place.
What, you're moving there?
I thought you'd be commuting.
No.
That's a bummer.
We can still
see each other, though.
So, I have news. I'm, uh,
I'm not getting tenure.
They're giving my job
to a Black man.
Cornell Dixon.
Oh, he's very smart.
Thanks.
I'm sure
you'll find another job.
I'm getting divorced. [exhales]
That's big news.
I hate her guts.
Really? Or maybe
you're just jealous.
Of that nonentity
she's screwing?
That wasn't what I meant.
Oh, you think I'm competitive
with my overachieving wife?
Something like that.
[Rob]
Hm.
What are you doing here, Rob?
I wanted to see you.
Obviously.
You haven't seen me in a month.
Yeah, I, I've been
feeling kind of low.
Why can't you
just be straight with me?
Why are you telling me
you're getting a divorce?
Is it because
you wanna be with me?
Or am I just
another piece of ass to you?
[Rob]
Yeah.
-[scoffs]
-It's all my fault.
Yeah, I'm the big,
bad, uh, patriarch.
You're the poor,
objectified woman.
Only, it's worse than that,
'cause I'm white, you're Black.
So, I'm twice as bad
and you're twice as good.
Poor you.
It must be terrible
to be a white man.
If only you could be
a Black woman,
then all of your problems
would be solved.
Or better yet,
you could be
a Black female grad student
who's working at a movie theater
and screwing
her middle-aged ex-professor.
Wouldn't that be fun?
Well, did I mention
that he's married?
Oh, Nina.
Let's start over.
Did you tell Kate about us?
I haven't, but I will.
I, I promise.
I don't believe you.
[Rob sighs]
[Rob]
Look...
...can't we just have
mind-blowing sex
and forget
about everything else?
Hm?
At least that was honest.
[slow piano music]
I'm sorry.
I really am.
I have to work.
Please. Nina, please.
It's my birthday.
You need to go, Rob.
["Forgive This Foolish Man"
by Gene Anderson
& The International Hook-Up]
[breathing heavily]
[grunts]
Mm.
[sighs]
[grunts]
Don't turn
your back on me...
[footsteps]
Kate?
-No, no, baby
-No, no, baby
My eyes are wide open...
It looks like
you're glad to see me.
-[Rob sighs]
-[scoffs]
[Kate]
I got Marian
to the emergency room.
She's going to be okay.
-It's just food poisoning.
-[sighs]
-[grunts]
-She was a one-night stand
She gave...
[Rob grunts]
Oh, I never should've
taken the chance...
[grunting]
[exhales]
[exhales heavily]
Just a foolish man
No, no, no, no...
Fuck.
[pensive music]
[sighs]
[sighs]
[sniffs]
He actually says
we will eradicate the problem.
"Eradicate the problem"?
Like, like these kids
are roaches.
Well, he's got
his justification.
They burned down the ROTC.
Is today's demo still on?
According to the paper.
[Rob sighs]
It's a beautiful day.
How can you talk
about the weather
at a time like this?
I was just...
Protests are always bigger
when the weather's good.
[both sigh]
[Rob sighs]
[Kate]
We always used to have sex
on our birthdays.
Remember?
Afterwards, you'd make
a giant breakfast.
It was a nice tradition.
Yeah.
It was.
Why did we stop?
[Rob sighs]
I don't know.
[both moaning]
[both panting]
Are you close?
Yeah.
Yes.
[both moaning]
[both continue moaning]
-[Kate breathing heavily]
-[gasps]
[Kate chuckles]
[Rob chuckles]
How do you want to come?
[Rob]
Uh...
-The usual.
-[snickers]
[Rob grunts]
[both moaning]
-I love you, Katie.
-Ah.
You always love me
just before you come.
-[both chuckle]
-[Kate moaning]
[Rob moans loudly]
[Rob moans]
[Rob grunts]
[Rob grunts softly]
[Kate]
Hm.
Happy birthday.
[both chuckle]
Rob?
[Rob]
Yeah?
I love you too.
-I think our open relationship
is bad for us.
-[chuckles softly]
No kidding.
You said
you weren't jealous.
-I guess I shouldn't have
believed you.
-Yeah, you shouldn't have.
Why didn't you have
an affair too?
Or did you?
It's just--
If you did, I wanna know.
We're having
such a nice morning.
[Kate]
Meaning, you did?
[Rob sighs]
Well, okay, since we're finally
really talking, I, uh...
...I did have one,
but I ended it.
How long did it last?
I don't know.
Two months.
When did it start?
I don't remember.
After you began
seeing Christopher, I think.
Why didn't you tell me?
That was our deal.
-Please, Kate.
-Who was it?
Stop interrogating me.
Okay? I...
I promise I will tell you
everything one day.
Just not today, okay?
Oh, shit.
[sighs]
[Rob sighs]
There's something else.
How did you know
that Christopher and I
went to Nate's?
-Did someone see me?
-Let's not go there.
-Tell me.
-No.
Who saw me?
I am going to have breakfast.
I, I have a right to know.
[Rob]
It'll just upset you.
-I can take it.
-No, you can't.
It was Bobbie.
Oh, God.
That's why
she's been so horrible.
Oh, this can't be.
[Rob]
She doesn't know
who you were with.
Did you explain
the situation to her?
I, I told her it was part
of your feminist liberation
and that I was fine with it.
But did you tell her
about your affair?
I thought
that would be a bad idea.
So, as far as she knows,
I'm the heartless,
cheating wife
and you're the knight
in shining armor?
-Classic. Blame the mother.
-[scoffs]
I wasn't trying to set you up.
I, I thought Bobbie
would be even more upset
if she knew
I was sleeping with someone.
You mean
she'd also be furious with you.
This whole thing was your idea.
Fuck you.
You're the one
who lied about it.
To her and to me.
And I was feeling guilty
for not wanting to give up
my entire life
and move to Princeton.
[Rob sighs]
Could you do that over the sink?
You're getting your nails
all over the bed.
[scoffs]
[nail clipper clatters]
-I'm going to talk to Bobbie.
-Please don't.
Kate, it'll kill her,
and it'll kill me.
It wasn't my fault that
you were screwing the babysitter
at the same motel
we used to go to.
And thank you for that.
That image is now
permanently embedded in my mind.
Hi. Um...
-We need to talk.
-[Bobbie] Can't.
I'm having breakfast
with Adam and Joyce.
[Kate]
Just give me a minute, Bobbie.
Well, Adam's picking me up
right now.
[Kate]
This is really important.
Daddy told me
why you were so angry with me,
which I totally understand.
-But I have to explain.
-[Bobbie] Well,
I don't wanna hear it.
Do you know
how much you hurt him?
-He's like a completely
different person nowadays.
-[sighs]
You don't know
the whole story, Bobs.
Don't call me Bobs.
[Kate]
Okay.
Roberta.
[Bobbie sighs]
Look... [sighs]
...we talk about
the sexual revolution
all the time, right?
It's changed the ways
that people think about sex.
-Particularly women.
-I read your stupid book, okay?
And those people aren't like us.
You read my book?
Yeah. I took it
from your office.
And I don't care
about your theories.
You betrayed Daddy,
and now you want me
to take your side?
No, I don't.
I just-- I, I, I want you
to know what happened.
-Well, I don't care.
-Come on, Bobbie, honey,
you, you have to listen.
No, I don't!
I wish you would drop dead!
[clicks tongue, sighs]
-[exhales heavily]
-[door opens, closes]
[Kate]
Marian, thank God you're here.
-Hey.
-Hey. I just got off the phone
with Grace.
She's got an interview
with a firm in Columbus.
Oh, it would be incredible
if she got it.
We could actually live together
for, what, the first time
in 13 years.
Oh. What if your firm finds out?
-What, are they going to tell me
I can't have a roommate?
-Okay.
[chuckles] You silly.
I tried to tell her
it had to do with the times.
The sexual revolution
and all that.
Well, you should
put it in your book.
It's perfect.
It can go in the epilogue.
I don't want the entire world
to know about my sex life.
Bobbie would be horrified.
Maybe it's better
if she doesn't know.
And then, at least
she can still look up to Rob.
You are a headcase.
What about all your
consciousness-raising?
You're protecting the man again.
This is exactly like your father
when you found out
about his affairs.
Rob's nothing like my father.
Besides, this is different.
I'm protecting my daughter.
Yeah, and presumably then
you were protecting your mother.
-When is it going to end, Katie?
-[sighs]
I know.
[groans]
Look, it's
a no-win situation for me.
But for Bobbie, I mean,
[chuckles softly]
isn't it better if she has
a good relationship with
at least one of her parents,
even if it is based on a lie?
I don't think so. No.
It's a lot easier to be a purist
when you don't have a kid.
Or a husband.
Exactly. That's why
I'm not living with the enemy.
No, but you defend them
for money.
-[chuckles softly] Good point.
You should be a lawyer.
-[scoffs]
[Marian chuckles]
She's never gonna forgive me.
[emotional piano music]
That's not gonna change.
Even if I tell her
about Rob's affair.
[Marian sighs]
It's true.
You are in a bit of a pickle.
[Kate snickers]
And if you got a divorce,
you would have to be willing
to lose Bobbie.
You cheated,
so he'd get custody.
[whispering]
Even though he cheated,
and he hasn't got a job.
Divorce laws are fucking sexist.
[sighs]
I gotta go.
[music continues]
[indistinct chatter]
Christopher.
[chuckles nervously]
-Happy birthday.
-Oh.
I thought we were seeing
each other tomorrow.
My day is packed.
I have class at 10:00.
Look what I brought.
-[sighs]
-Take a look.
Go on.
-[gasps softly]
-That's the one
you were looking for, right?
-Yes.
-[chuckles]
Wh-- where did you find it?
Well, I, I called
Red Books in London
after I tried
ten other places, and...
Oh. This is a first edition.
That was incredibly thoughtful
of you.
I can't accept this.
Of course you can.
I just...
I couldn't wait until tomorrow
to give it to you.
[sighs]
How's your novel coming along?
-I think about you...
-[chuckles softly]
-...all the time.
-[snickers]
-I have to prepare my class.
-Five minutes.
[sighs]
Come here.
Oh, I can't.
-[softly] You can.
-[chuckles softly]
[Kate moans]
[both moan]
Christopher, I can't
keep sleeping with you.
-What?
-[exhales]
[sighs] You're 15 years younger
than I am.
You know that, that doesn't make
a difference to me.
You know
I don't care about that.
[Kate sighs]
Stop bullshitting me.
Okay.
Something happened.
Bobbie found out about us,
and she totally freaked out.
It's not okay.
But it's the truth.
Maybe it's a good thing.
I don't think so.
I love you, Kate.
I didn't, I didn't plan on it.
It just...
You know, it happened.
And not in a vacuum.
I have to get ready for class.
-Hey--
-It's over, Christopher.
-No. You have to go!
-[trash can clatters]
[scoffs]
[Chris sniffs]
[Chris]
Wow.
I feel really ripped off.
That's how I feel.
You've used me.
Used me for your,
your liberation.
I was just your sex object.
Now you're throwing me out
like a piece of rubbish.
That is not how I felt.
I treasured our time together.
And I always told you
that my family comes first.
So?
Christopher,
I care about you a lot.
We, we're just... [sighs]
We're at very different points
in our lives.
It's bullshit.
[sniffs]
[Kate]
Now, the Kinsey report
found that
50% of married men
had extramarital sex
at some point
during their married lives.
26% of women had it
by their forties.
Fine.
But I wanted to know more
about these people,
not just the details
of their sex lives.
I did extensive interviews
with women
who had open relationships.
And, of course
some of them
experimented reluctantly
while their husbands
used their "sexual freedom"
to seduce every woman in sight.
But I, I also found women
who felt...
[sighs] ...liberated
by their sexual freedom.
I believe that monogamy
is a retrograde institution...
...that stops women
from realizing their potential.
But... [chuckles softly]
...what if sexual freedom means
that you hurt the people
that you love?
Is that inevitable?
Is that the patriarchy
punishing us
for claiming our power?
If it is...
...it's a catch-22 for us.
You know?
No matter which way we play it,
we just... [chuckles, sniffles]
...we just can't win.
[leaves rustling]
[indistinct chatter]
Nina. [chuckles softly]
Come in. Sit down.
Well, it's been ages.
How are you?
-Are you, are you still working
at the movie theater?
-I am.
Um, but I'm leaving
at the end of the semester.
-I got a teaching job
at Kent State.
-Oh.
Unless they burn down the school
before I get there.
Yes, it's
a very volatile situation.
Well, congratulations
on the job.
Rob will be so happy.
You were one of
his favorite students.
Is there something
I can help you with?
Yes. Um...
[sighs]
[Nina sighs]
I...
...I wanted to tell you...
...that I had
a pretty serious affair...
...with Rob.
Wow. [sighs]
I feel shitty about it,
if that helps.
I mean, uh...
...I knew he'd had a fling,
but...
-...I never imagined--
-You know?
He told me this morning,
but he didn't say who it was.
[chuckles softly]
That is so freaky.
I never thought
he would tell you.
And then he does,
and it's the same day
I show up here.
Yes. It's pretty bizarre.
You know, the whole time
he kept promising me
he was gonna tell you.
That it was actually
a part of your arrangement,
and that you wouldn't mind.
The whole time?
How long was it?
Uh, since
just before Thanksgiving.
You were out of town for work.
Or at least that's what he said.
I ended it on his birthday.
[Kate]
You ended it?
He is such a fucking liar.
[sighs]
How serious was it?
Very, I thought.
Which shows what an idiot I am.
So, what do you want from me?
I'm sorry, Kate.
I feel really creepy about this.
I, I thought
that I would do the right thing
and tell you...
...like a gesture
of female solidarity.
If I left him,
you could have him.
You must have thought of that.
I don't want him.
But I'd sure dig it
if we both dumped him.
Well, that...
that is what he deserves.
[Nina snickers]
[sighs]
I'm sorry, Kate.
I hope you can forgive me.
[chuckles softly]
Thanks.
[woman]
The National Guard is shooting
at the Kent State students!
[man on radio]
We don't have
much information yet,
but we do know
that The National Guard
fired on
the demonstrators protesting
the American invasion
of Cambodia.
There appear to be
dozens of casualties.
[pensive music]
[man on radio]
There is no word yet
on fatalities,
but what we do know
is that shots were fired
at approximately 12:24 p.m.
-at Kent State University.
-[Rob sighs]
-What are they saying?
-They don't know anything yet.
-Where's Bobbie?
-I don't know.
School is closed.
I tried Joyce and Adam.
She'll be very upset.
She knows kids at Kent State.
[keys thud]
Oh, my God.
My teaching assistant, Bill,
went up there today.
I hope he's okay.
You're not worried about Bobbie?
She disappears all the time.
She's probably just hanging out.
Are you worried?
Yeah. I am.
You know, she went
to the Ohio State rally
without telling us.
She did?
No, she wouldn't go to Kent.
She knew
they were burning buildings.
I hope you're right.
[sighs] Steve and Cassandra
are coming over with Alexis.
Carl too.
[man on radio]
This just in.
We have received reports
that at approximately
12:30 this afternoon,
three companies
of the Ohio National Guard
fired their weapons
on protesters
at Kent State University.
-Eyewitness accounts are saying
that the National Guard...
-Shit!
-Those pigs.
-[sighs]
Almost makes me want
to go back to England.
Why'd you leave?
I prefer Americans.
They're less complicated.
Just, uh, please call us
if you hear anything.
Thanks.
-What did she say?
-She hasn't heard from them.
Apparently someone with a car
picked up Joyce this morning,
but she didn't see who it was.
[doorbell rings]
Oh. Bill.
I'm so glad you're okay.
Thanks for coming.
[Bill] Now they're trying
to say that we fired first,
but that's bullshit.
Maybe a couple of people
threw some cans of pop,
but that was it.
While I was running,
I was counting the seconds.
I can't remember anything
after that.
Just that there was blood.
Lots of blood and...
...sunshine.
[leaves rustling]
[man on radio]
It appears that at least three
of the protesters have died.
The AP is reporting
that they are all college age.
According to the UPI...
You okay?
Bobbie could pass
for college age.
No, no, no, no, no.
She's going to be fine.
I'm sure.
[man on radio]
...citywide curfew
to start at 5:00 p.m. tonight.
Anyone found on the street
after that time
will be subject to arrest.
We just spoke
to Professor Dodge...
Thank God you weren't there.
You know,
there were six absences
in my homeroom class today.
They could all be dead.
I was supposed to go today too.
-I lost my ride.
-Alexis.
You promised
you wouldn't go to protests
without consulting us.
[emotional music]
[knock on door]
[Denise]
Kate? Kate?
-I have some news.
-Oh, thank God.
Where are they?
Let's sit down, huh?
-No, I don't want to sit.
-Let's sit first. Come.
-Where are they?
-Come and sit.
I don't want to sit.
Tell me where they are.
Joyce just called. I...
-Bobbie's been shot.
-[Rob sighs]
No, no, no.
No, no,
that's, that's impossible.
[Rob]
Where?
Where, where was she shot?
-In her chest.
-[both groan]
Oh, God.
We should have left hours ago.
-She could be dead by now.
-One, one second.
Do you know anything else?
Oh, God.
Only that she's at Robinson
in Ravenna. I'm sorry.
-They won't tell Joyce anything.
-[Kate] How could this happen?
How could this happen?
[man on radio]
Now, investigators
have to determine
whether there was a sniper,
as The Guard claimed.
[man on radio]
We're just learning
that there are reports
that a fourth college student
shot at Kent State has died.
[pensive music]
Two of the students killed
were on their way to class.
[Rob exhales]
[door closes]
-Is that you, Mommy?
-[Kate sighs]
[Kate]
Yeah.
It's me, honey.
I'm here with Daddy.
I can't see Daddy.
[Rob]
I'm here, baby.
I'm here, Bobs.
He shot me.
[Rob]
I know, baby.
But you're okay.
I am?
You're gonna be fine, baby.
You're not hurting, are you?
I can't... [sighs]
No, I can't feel anything.
[melancholy music]
Can we go home tonight?
No, no, honey.
You need to be here
for a little bit.
-Will you both stay with me?
-[Rob] Of course.
-Of course we will.
-[Kate chuckles weakly, gulps]
It was so horrible, Mommy.
They were shooting at us.
Everyone was running
and screaming.
And I kept thinking...
...that I'd never see you again.
[sniffles] And...
...I was going to die
on your birthday.
And I deserved it
for being so mean to you.
[sniffles]
Don't be silly, Bobbie.
Mommy, you're blurry.
It's okay.
That's the drugs.
[knock on door]
I'm Dr. Waring.
I'm afraid we need
to send Roberta down
-for X-rays in a few minutes.
-Could you just...
[chuckles weakly]
Could you tell us
what's happening?
She was lucky. We were able
to remove the bullet
relatively easily,
and her lungs are intact.
Could we, um,
could we stay with her?
At least until they take her?
Of course.
Thank you.
[gunshots echoing]
I hear the guns.
-[gunshots echoing]
-[shudders]
[girl's scream echoing]
-[gunshots echoing]
-I hear the guns.
-[girl screaming]
-[man shouting indistinctly]
-[Bobbie sobs softly]
-[people screaming]
-The guns.
-[gunshots continue]
[people shouting, screaming]
[gunshots continue]
-[gunshot]
-[Joyce] Bobbie!
[PA system beeps]
[woman over PA system]
Dr. Grindley, 2744.
Dr. Grindley, 2744.
How could you bring her there?
She's barely 17 years old.
They brought in
the fucking National Guard.
What were you thinking?
Joyce saved Bobbie's life.
-She, she stopped the bleeding.
She was incredible.
-[Joyce] Sorry.
I'm really sorry.
I didn't know that
they would shoot at us.
[sniffles] Joyce was a hero.
She got Bobbie into
one of the first ambulances.
Look, it all happened
so fast, okay?
It got smokey,
and I was trying
to grab her hand,
and I just...
Is she gonna be okay?
[emotional music]
[Kate]
What if she's scarred for life?
We taught her to protest.
Was that wrong?
I don't think so.
It's my fault.
It's mine too.
Nina came to see me today.
What did uh-- What'd she say?
Not much.
Except that she left you.
And you've been screwing her
since Thanksgiving.
Two months before
our open relationship
even began.
-She was your student.
-She wasn't my student when--
The point is...
...I was totally honest
with you...
...and you cheated on me
for five months.
And then when
you finally told me,
you lied again.
-And now
I have to lie to Bobbie.
-[sighs]
I'm sorry.
You never used to lie to me.
Did you?
Look, there were things
I didn't tell you, but I...
...I never betrayed you.
Until recently.
[smacks lips]
After Bobbie goes to college,
I think we should get separated.
[pensive music]
We could be happy again,
like when we were first married.
Those were the hardest times.
Bobbie was sick all the time.
We didn't have enough money,
you were always working.
Still, we were great together.
It's just [sighs]
these last years, I...
Look, I knew
everything needed to change,
if not for you, then for Bobbie.
But still, I...
Fuck. I felt assaulted
all the time.
-Assaulted?
-Yes.
Rob.
Uh, I saw that
you were down sometimes,
but why didn't you say anything?
You would have accused me
of being sexist.
It would have been okay.
I knew you were trying,
and I knew that you loved me.
Yeah, well,
I was scared to say anything.
I'm sorry, Rob.
I guess I was...
...I was...
caught up in my own stuff.
-I hope you'll find someone
who'll make you happy.
-[scoffs]
[inhales deeply]
I don't want another woman.
I wanna be with you.
-I don't know, Rob. I...
-[sighs]
I think we should just try
to be kind to one another.
[Rob sighs]
Agreed.
[monitor beeping]
[Bobbie breathing weakly]
[Bobbie groaning]
-[Bobbie sobbing softly]
-It's okay, Bobs.
We're here.
We're right here, darling.
Everything's going to be okay.
[continues sobbing softly]
-[Kate shushing softly]
-[melancholy music]
[inhales, mutters]
[breathing heavily]
[Bobbie breathing shakily]
[Bobbie]
Today is May 4th, 1973.
It's been exactly three years
since Kent State.
I'm living in Greenwich Village
with Adam.
I went to Bennington
for a year,
but it wasn't for me.
I work at a bookstore,
and I write
experimental poetry.
Or, at least try to.
In some ways,
I feel stronger than I did
before I was shot.
Definitely, I'm more committed
to changing the world.
And I feel optimistic about it,
especially since we got out
of Vietnam,
and since Roe v. Wade.
Daddy and I came home
for Mom's birthday.
Supposedly, they split up
when Daddy took the job
at Princeton.
But they talk all the time.
And last night,
they slept in the same bed.
It's strange
being in this house again
with both of them.
I'm having weird feelings
towards my mom.
I love her,
but I still can't forget
what she did to Daddy.
Maybe when I'm older,
I'll get over it.
[pensive music]
["Get Out of the Jungle"
by Fanny]
People comin' at you
day and night
Hot and cold
Running around
Passin' you by
Hold no, hold no more
Through all that
Put your hair down
We'll wish on a star
That's what you are
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle
Get out of my mind
Get out of the jungle...