Episode 26, Opening Night.
In Act One, Richard's publisher is preparing an exhibit, a show with Richard's photographs.
The next thing they'll see is this enlargement with the words Family Album USA.
Richard is very nervous.
Nervous about the opening tonight?
Nervous?
Me?
No.
I'm scared to death.
Later, a newspaper critic arrives to review Richard's work.
Mitchell, so nice of you to come.
Richard, this is Mitchell Johnson.
Mitchell is one of the most important syndicated reviewers in the country.
Will he like Richard's work?
A little further to the right, Tom.
Is this okay?
Good.
What do you think, Richard?
I like it there.
It's the first thing people will see when they come in.
It sets the tone for the whole show.
The next thing they'll see is this enlargement with the words Family Album USA.
I can't believe this is really happening.
You've earned it.
Years of work went into these pictures.
I know, but it's still a dream come true.
Well, remember, we're not sure what the critics are going to write about your show yet.
And you never know what the man from the New York Times is going to say about it.
Are you worried?
I always worry.
The reviews of this show are important for the sales of your book.
When did we see the reviews?
Soon.
One of the critics is coming over this morning for a preview.
I hope he's in a good mood.
So do I.
Marilyn and I hope to use money from the sales of this book to buy a new house.
The book will be a success.
And the show will help promote it.
Um, speaking of promoting the book, do I really have to autograph copies for the guests at the opening?
It's common practice.
I feel uncomfortable about it.
A lot of people come to openings just so they can get the autograph of somebody who may be famous someday.
Couldn't we wait until I'm famous?
That might be sooner than you think.
This one over here, Mr. Carlson?
A little further back, Tom.
It's too close to the refreshments.
No, I think this one belongs in the people at work section.
You may be right.
Try it there, Tom.
Right.
Nervous about the opening tonight?
Nervous?
Me?
No.
I'm scared to death.
How about guests?
How many people will you be bringing?
Well, um, my family, I guess.
My wife Marilyn, my father and mother, my brother Robbie, my sister and her husband and their daughter and my grandfather.
Is that too many?
No such thing as too many at an opening.
I hope they like it.
Your family or the public?
Everybody, but especially my family.
They stood by me through all this.
I'm sure they'll like it.
Harvey, how are you?
Mitchell, so nice of you to come.
Richard, this is Mitchell Johnson.
Mitchell is one of the most important syndicated reviewers in the country.
Well, you're the young man who did all this.
I'm afraid so.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, Mr. Johnson.
Mitchell has always encouraged new talent.
Well, do you mind if I look around and see what it says to me?
Be our guest.
Thank you.
What does that mean when he goes, mm-hmm, mm-hmm, mm-hmm?
It probably means he's clearing his throat.
I don't know.
I don't care what the critics say, Mr. Stewart.
Your work is brilliant.
Thank you, Tom.
Tom is studying photography at NYU.
He's working with me during the summer months as an intern.
Oh, really?
I'd like to see your work.
It's not good enough to show.
I'm still learning.
Well, I'd still like to see your work.
You may be the next Ansel Adams and not even know it.
If you really mean it, I'll bring some of my pictures into the gallery.
I do mean it.
Very interesting pictures, Mr. Stewart.
You have a most unusual eye.
Thank you.
I hope that's a compliment.
It is.
Are you going to be reviewing the show, Mitchell?
Oh, yes.
It's definitely worth reviewing.
Favorably?
You know I never answer that question, Harvey.
I'd like an advance copy of the book, though, so I can study it.
I have an autographed one in my office.
Tom.
Would you give Mr. Johnson the copy of Richard's book on my desk?
Just follow me, Mr. Johnson.
Do you think he liked my photographs?
We'll know when tonight's papers come out.
Keep your fingers crossed.
What does that mean?
This is a job for all the sounds make sense.
If you can hear the difference.
Pronunciation Man.
Listen.
He said, hmm.
He meant, I'm thinking.
Thank you, Pronunciation Man.
Now would you like to take a look at a few paintings?
Uh-huh.
Note the interesting use of line.
Hmm.
Can you see the forced perspective in this painting?
Uh-uh.
This is a portrait of the artist's mother.
Huh?
Aha!
Yuck!
This is getting ridiculous.
This is one of my favorites.
Notice the use of black and blue.
Oh, hum.
Here's one you'll like.
Ooh.
This is good.
Thank you, Pronunciation Man.
That's all we have.
Huh?
No more pictures of me?
Aw.
In act two, Richard gets ready to go to the opening of his exhibit.
He is more nervous now.
Richard is worried about what people will think of his work.
What are you afraid of?
Everything.
A critic was there this morning.
He probably hates my work.
Later, Richard and Marilyn arrive at the gallery.
What's wrong?
You like the dress?
Oh, I love it.
I designed it myself.
Yeah, it's beautiful.
Are you ready?
We're supposed to be there before the guests arrive.
I know.
I know.
Help me with this tie, will you?
Honey, I'm scared to death.
But this is what you've been working for all these years.
No, no, I work to put together a book of photographs.
This is show business.
Well, it's all part of the same job.
Just relax and enjoy it.
You're right.
I earned this, and I'm going to enjoy it. as soon as I recover from my nervous breakdown.
What are you afraid of?
Everything.
A critic was there this morning.
He probably hates my work.
I have to sign copies of my book for a lot of people I never met before.
My new shoes hurt my feet.
You're going to be a great success.
Are you ready?
As soon as I get these cufflinks on.
Let me help.
Mom and dad are already on their way down to the gallery.
There.
You look very attractive.
Thank you.
Well, I suppose I've run out of excuses.
Mm-hmm.
Let's go.
One minute.
Before we go to the gallery, I just want to tell you that I never could have done this book without your help and your love.
I appreciate it.
Thanks.
Now, no more stalling.
What is it?
There's nobody here.
Of course not, richard.
Your show doesn't begin until 8 30.
Oh right richard, Welcome.
Good luck tonight.
Oh, thanks.
This is my publisher, Harvey Carlson.
You've met my wife, Marilyn.
Sure.
Hi.
My mother, Ellen Stewart.
Harvey Carlson.
It's good to meet you.
It's nice to meet you.
This is my father, Dr. Philip Stewart.
Nice to meet you, Mr. Carlson.
My brother, Robbie.
Hi.
Hi.
And this is my sister Susan and her husband, Harry Bennett, and his daughter, Michelle.
It's nice to meet you.
And this gentleman is my grandfather, Malcolm Stewart.
Welcome, Mr. Stewart.
Well, make yourselves comfortable.
There are hors d'oeuvres at the table, fruit punch at the bar.
Help yourselves.
Can I get you something, Mr. Stewart?
Oh, thank you.
You can feel very proud of your grandson, Mr. Stewart.
I do.
I'm proud of all my grandchildren, Mr. Carlson.
Of course.
Feel free to look around.
If you need anything, just ask.
Thank you.
Uh, Harvey?
Yes?
Did Mitchell Johnson's review come out yet?
Not yet.
The newspapers don't come out till about 10 o'clock.
When they come out, we'll get it.
Thanks.
Ready?
Uh, yes.
Have the people arrived?
The guests are waiting.
Tom's about to open the doors.
Good luck.
And stop worrying.
They're gonna love it.
Nervous about the opening tonight?
Nervous?
Me?
No.
I'm scared to death.
I'm nervous.
I'm scared to death.
My heart is pounding like a drum and I'm out of breath.
Ooh, I'm nervous.
I can't think straight.
My palms are sweaty.
I can't relax and I just can't concentrate.
I've got butterflies in my stomach.
And look at my hands.
They shake.
I try to get to sleep at night.
But I lie there wide awake because I'm nervous.
Oh, I'm just a mess.
My mouth is dry, I can hardly speak, and I can't even get myself dressed.
I earned this, and I'm going to enjoy it.
As soon as I recover from my nervous breakdown.
I'm nervous.
It's my opening night.
I'm weak in the knees.
I'm fidgety.
And I'm beside myself with fright.
I've got butterflies in my stomach.
And look at my hands.
They shake.
I try to get to sleep at night.
But I lie there wide awake because I'm nervous.
And it's easy to see.
I'm jumpy.
I'm jittery.
I'm anxious and panicky.
Ooh, I'm nervous.
Yeah, I'm nervous.
In act three, Mr. Carlson gives Richard a newspaper.
What's this?
Read it.
But Richard is too nervous to read it.
It's a review of Richard's work.
Richard Stewart's show at the Carlson Gallery is a collection of photographs from his new book entitled Family Album USA.
Later, Mr. Carlson introduces Richard and Marilyn to John O'Neill.
Ah, Richard, Marilyn.
I want you to meet John O'Neill.
Mr. O'Neill is a magazine publisher, and he offers Richard a job.
Will he take the job?
What's this?
Read it.
I can't.
Would you read it, Marilyn?
Richard Stewart's show at the Carlson Gallery is a collection of photographs from his new book entitled Family Album USA.
There is power and beauty in Mr Stewart's work, and his book introduces us to a remarkable new talent.
Oh, Richard, it's wonderful.
Congratulations.
Wow.
I'm overwhelmed.
Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention for a moment, please.
I hope you're all enjoying the exhibition.
I know that I am.
And I would like to introduce the young man who spent the last five years taking these remarkable pictures and writing the background for Family Album USA, Mr Richard Stewart.
Hello.
I want to thank all of you for coming here tonight.
I'd like to thank Harvey Carlson for his faith in my project.
But most of all, I would like to thank my family for their love and support all through this adventure.
Thank you.
Oh, I'm glad that's over.
Would you mind?
Oh, not at all.
Thanks.
Our pleasure.
Hope it wins a Pulitzer Prize.
I'll settle for an A in my photography course.
Ah, Richard, Marilyn.
I want you to meet John O'Neill.
Oh, how do you do?
Nice to meet you.
I've been looking forward to meeting your husband, Mrs. Stewart.
I'm really impressed by your show.
Thank you.
In fact, I'd like your autograph.
Oh, well, really.
On a contract.
What's this about, Harvey?
Mr. O'Neil is the publisher of several magazines.
Oh, of course.
I've seen you on television.
Mr. O'Neil was so impressed with your work that he wants to develop it into a magazine concept.
Well, that sounds very exciting.
But where would I fit into the plan?
I'd like you to be the photo editor of the magazine.
Oh, Richard, how exciting.
It's a wonderful opportunity, Richard.
Um, hold on.
Wait a minute, please.
What's the problem, Richard?
The problem is that I'm a photographer, not an editor.
I like what I do.
In fact, I love what I do, which is going out with a camera and a roll of film and seeing the wonder of humanity.
Now.
I appreciate your offer, but I've worked so hard on Family Album USA and I'm giving some thought to a new book on a different subject.
I'm flattered, but I enjoy taking pictures, and I want to continue doing that.
Thank you, but I'm happy being a photographer.
I understand, Richard.
Richard, I know your next book will be a success.
Congratulations.
Thanks.
You're a real steward.
Thanks.
I can see our love grow.
Grandpa loves his family.
Grandpa loves his family.
There's a lot of love here.
I will always love you and I'll try to make you happy every day.
I'm gonna miss you.
I'm gonna miss you.
You're gonna be fine.
We need some quality time together.
What we need is quality time.
