Tara Road

WOMAN: Hey, guys! Up here!

ALL CHEER

Have a magic trip.

We're giving up. This is our last day.

Jerry, it's OK. Do that thing.

He's coming, he's coming, he's coming.

-ALL SING:

-# Happy birthday to you

# Happy birthday, dear Dale... #

-Thanks, Mom.

-Happy birthday, darling.

# Happy birthday to you. #

Don't you wanna know what your old dad's got you?

You're not so old, Dad.

A Shetland pony!

A pony, you always wanted to have a pony, right?

ALL EXCLAIM

I can't believe it.

You like it?

Thanks, Dad. Thank you so much.

ENGINE REVS

No going outside that fence, no going outside that fence.

Sure, Dad. No way.

-Let's go! Yeah!

-Careful.

Yeah, let's go!

ALL CHEER

-Alright.

-He's a natural.

They're going too fast.

CRASH!

WOMAN SCREAMS

Somebody help me! Dale!

Mum!

Come and help your mother here.

Did you get everything, Mum?

I hope so. Too late now if I haven't.

-Did you get Twiglets?

-They're for anorexics.

Oh, what would you know? Little squirt!

It's my birthday.

Alright, alright, Brian. I see that Dad's car's not here yet.

Well, we got hats, we got swords, we got streamers...

Happy birthday, little brother.

-Annie! Annie, open the door.

-Come on, Annie, open up.

MAN: Yeah. No, I hear what you're saying.

It's no problem. Well, we've sold the apartments.

Now, there's a penthouse left. It's yours if you want it.

OK.

Well, you deal with me and nobody else, right?

Everyone is either putting it offshore or sticking it in property.

We'll give 'em all the property they want.

As long as the market holds.

The market's holding like a sumo wrestler, Dan.

Best figures ever.

Your wife's coming, Mr McCarthy.

-Oh, great.

-Come on, Polly.

Fancy dinner later?

You, me and Polly.

Sorry, Barney. It's my son's birthday.

I better split. Late as it is.

-Hi, Mona.

-Danny. How are you?

-You're looking, um...powerful.

-Oh, thank you...

Don't listen to that flatterer, darlin'!

He'd charm the birds off the trees.

I know that.

It's Brian's birthday. Ria's waiting for me.

-Here you are. That's for Brian.

-Oh, now, you shouldn't...

-Happy birthday.

-Thanks a million.

-He's a lovely kid.

-I'll see you, Barney.

-Bye.

-What did you give the kid?

More than you did.

Who wants jelly?

-KIDS:

-Me! Me!

-Pack of wild animals.

-One at a time.

Cake arriving.

Oh, Rosemary, you are wonderful. What would I do without you?

What are best friends for?

Annie, I thought you might like this.

Look at that, Brian. What do you think?

Aren't you a spoilt boy?

Do I get paid for wearing this?

Say thanks, Annie.

Thanks.

Don't worry, I used to be like that myself.

-Will I get these candles lit?

-Perfect. Thank you.

Outside, everybody. Outside, everyone.

-Hi, Rosemary.

-Hey, Danny.

Kids, how's it going?

Everybody out now.

My big birthday boy.

Hi, Annie. I can see you're enjoying yourself.

Yeah.

Just in time for the cake.

I'm sorry I'm late.

Oh, Rosemary. You've been so good.

Who wants a game of football?

I'll be off, darling. Goodbye.

-See you, Gran.

-Thanks for your help, Mum.

Bye, sweetheart. Bye-bye.

What?

Well, I've been thinking, Danny.

About us.

Aye, so have I.

Don't get much chance to talk these days.

You're looking so beautiful, Dan.

You've got that look in your eye.

LAUGHS: You're kidding.

I can see these things.

It's time for another baby.

Well, a new baby puts everything into perspective.

Work, Barney, all this rushing around.

How long have you known?

I think I've always known the time would come.

What with Annie and Brian grown up so quickly.

They'll always be special, and nothing's gonna change that.

Of course.

Ria, I can't understand how you're so calm.

You're so bloody calm.

Well, I'm excited, Danny, darlin'.

I've been wanting us to have another baby for a long time now.

Oh, God. Oh, my God. I don't believe this.

What?

You said "us".

You were talking about me and you.

I thought you'd found out.

For a mad moment, I thought you'd accepted it.

Found out what?

I...

I'm having another baby.

Ria?

I've been seeing someone else and we just found out she's pregnant.

GASPS

Ria, I'm sorry. I was gonna tell you.

I didn't mean it to be like this.

I never wanted anything like this to happen.

Dad, what are you doing?

WOMAN SCREAMS Somebody help me!

Can somebody help me?

WOMAN WAILS

WOMAN SCREAMS

SOBS AND WAILS

MAN: Have you put anything at all in that bag, Marilyn?

What do I need in Hawaii? A grass skirt?

LAUGHS: I can't wait to see that.

This is gonna be so good for us, Marilyn.

TUTS

Just a minute.

I'm not going.

Are you kidding? They're expecting us.

They're expecting you.

You can't stay here on your own.

I'm not gonna stay on my own.

What do you mean?

I don't know.

We can't go on like this, Greg.

We're different people now.

Can you honestly look at me

and tell me you have any feelings left for me at all?

Yes, I can, Marilyn.

Well, I don't for you.

Her name's Bernadette and...

The sex is fantastic. Please, Danny, you can spare me the details.

Oh, I beg you, Ria, don't be bitter and accusing.

I had no idea you weren't happy here with us.

-It's not that.

-Well, what is it?

If I knew what it was, maybe I could do something about it.

Bernadette and me...

..it's the real thing, Ria.

I wanna spend the rest of my life with her.

We fell out of love, Ria, you and I.

I didn't.

I love everything about you. I want to feel your arms around me.

I want to hear you telling me this is all a nightmare.

-I just don't wanna upset the kids.

-Well, stay here, then.

My mind's made up.

What'll we tell Brian and Annie about where we'll all live?

Well, I'll be living here, won't I?

Well, sweetheart, eventually we'll have to sell the place.

Sell Tara Road?

But this isn't a house, Danny, this is our home.

This is where we live.

I'm not moving out of my home so you can provide for your girlfriend!

PHONE RINGS Danny, could you get that?

Hello?

Yes, I'm looking for Danny Lynch. He's a property consultant.

My husband met him years ago in Ireland.

I'm Marilyn Vine. I'm from America.

I live in Stoneyfield, Connecticut, New England.

What? Why do you want him - Danny?

Oh, well, my husband said that he was a very helpful man,

and, you see, I've got this big house and a swimming pool

and I'm looking for someone

that would like to exchange homes with me.

I would like... I'd like to be near Dublin.

Is this Mrs Lynch?

I don't know.

I beg your pardon?

Look, it's the middle of the night here.

Oh, God, I'm so sorry! I completely forgot about the time change.

Look, I can call you back in the morning your time.

Oh, no, no, don't.

Um, listen, now's as good a time as any.

Um, well, I've got a big house too.

I'll do it. I'll swap with you.

You will? Oh, that's great.

That's great.

OK, well, I'll send you pictures and information right away.

You see, my husband, he's in Hawaii,

and I'd like to be there for a couple of months,

preferably when the weather's nice.

Oh, the... No, the weather's beautiful now.

THUNDER RUMBLES

I'm Ria, by the way. Ria Lynch.

Hello? Are you there?

Hello?

This whole thing is crazy.

You're letting some mad woman move in here, into my house.

OUR house.

It's not on, Ria. Believe me.

-It's all arranged, Danny.

-Unarrange it, sweetheart.

Call me "sweetheart" one more time

and I swear I will grab the nearest fork and stick it in your eye.

Ria, going to America for two months, what's it gonna do for you?

Running away is never a good idea.

Well, I'm going.

She's arriving the same day.

The kids'll follow out later.

-Have you told 'em?

-Not yet.

Don't. It'll cost me a fortune.

For God's sakes, I've got two homes to keep going now, Ria.

What a mess.

-Stop.

-No.

Oh, no, please don't. Don't go. Don't leave me.

Please don't.

SIGHS: Oh, Ria.

Isn't it beautiful?

It reminds me of my grandmother's house.

Yes, it's lovely.

But, um, you know, what about friends?

Who are you gonna talk to?

In Ireland? The entire population.

The object of the exercise is to be alone.

What does Greg say?

Greg?

Greg doesn't know.

Hey, you can bring us back one of those leprechauns.

You know, little old men with red beards and yellow trousers.

They promise you a pot of gold.

You've been with enough of them already.

You're what? You're letting the house to a total stranger?

Well, she just separated from her husband.

Oh, yeah. Just like you and me.

Marilyn, in your state of mind, it's dangerous to go there on your own.

It's only for a short time, Greg. I just wanted you to know.

Try and...

Try and sort it out in your mind. I understand.

Do you?

Jesus, Marilyn, you're letting some Irish loony tune

take over our house.

She'll probably hang religious pictures everywhere,

wreck the place.

Hey, that special bottle of cognac you gave me on my birthday.

It's in my study. Hide it.

Marilyn, hide it away.

A swimming pool! Wow, look at that, Mum.

And what's that?

A basketball ring.

I'm not going. It'll solve nothing.

Fine. Stay here with Dad, then.

If he was my husband, I'd strangle him!

And you just sit there, Mum, and do nothing.

I'm not doing nothing. I'm going to New England.

You can come with me or you can stay here.

Annie, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

SIGHS: God.

Annie's right. Danny's so stupid, walking out on this lovely home.

I mean, what can he get from that slut that he can't have here?

Oh, another crack at being young.

Well, he needs a crack alright - with a stick.

-What did you do to make him leave?

-I don't know, Mum.

Well, you can look at what you're wearing for a start.

Mind you, might be a clever move, going away, Ria.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Oh, God, I hope I'm doing the right thing.

If you could, Colm, that'd be great.

Oh, I'd love to look after it.

Listen, I can put in lettuces over here.

Oh, right.

Some scallions. It'll be great.

My customers'll love it.

By the time you get back, the whole garden will be blooming.

How are the kids?

Annie's taking it pretty badly.

That's understandable.

She thinks it's my fault.

RIA: Well, this is it.

Annie, you will try and be civil when you meet her?

She better not try and boss me around.

She won't.

I bet this is her and the mother.

It's them alright.

-BRIAN:

-How can you tell?

A woman can tell these things.

But you couldn't tell Dad was seeing her.

Right, it's time.

I love you both so much.

DANNY: Hey, kids!

Wait for me!

Are you excited, Marilyn?

Yes, I am.

Well, let's go.

At least it's all spick-and-span.

You look fantastic, Ria.

I'm so nervous.

Oh, rubbish. You'll have the time of your life.

Come on, now, we really need to make a move.

Oh, goodbye, house. Goodbye, lovely house.

Oh, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on things.

Come on.

Now, you're not to worry about me.

-Ah, Mrs Doyle.

-Good luck, Ria.

I'll call you when I get there.

Taxi, miss?

Yes, thank you.

WOMAN ON RADIO: 483 to base, over. Everything OK on 113.

What brings you to these parts?

My husband left me.

Is that Trinity College?

MAN: That's it, yeah.

Do they call it "Trinity"

because of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost?

No - because St Patrick picked up a shamrock

and it had three leaves, you see.

Then he banished all the snakes out of the country.

They sneaked back in later on and became tax inspectors.

-That's for you.

-Thank you, ma'am.

-Welcome to America.

-Thanks.

-MAN: Hello?

-Yes?

DOOR OPENS

-MAN: Hi.

-Who's there?

Marilyn?

Welcome to Dublin.

I'm Colm McGuire. I'm a friend of Ria's.

Uh, she told you, right?

I'll be digging the garden, but don't worry, I'll use the side gate.

I won't be getting in your way.

You're the guy with the restaurant.

Yep, that's right.

Uh, you'll be needing to get a bit of sleep,

so I'll leave you to it.

Ria's husband must really love this new woman

to leave his family and this lovely home.

People think they're on this earth just to be happy.

Maybe we don't know it when we are, and then it's too late.

Maybe.

Did Ria tell you anything else about me?

No.

Like that I murdered my last two wives?

LAUGHS: Just kidding. I'll see you later.

Hi! You must be Ria Lynch.

-Hi. Carlotta?

-Yeah, hi.

Jet-lagged?

No, I always look like this.

-CHUCKLES:

-If you need anything,

I just live over there, so just come over.

Aren't you gonna come in and show me round?

No, no, no. Listen, you're tired and...so just settle in, OK?

Please come in. Come on.

OK.

Alright, well, you know that this is the den.

Uh-huh.

And this is the living room here.

The house is so beautiful. She must have a very good cleaning lady.

-LAUGHS:

-Yeah!

OK, and bedroom, bedroom, bedroom.

Down here is the kitchen and this is Greg's study.

You know that Greg is Marilyn's husband?

-Teaches English at Conn College.

-Uh-huh.

He's a really, really sweet guy.

My husband left me recently.

Oh. Well, whose hasn't?

I met him when I was 22 years old.

Well, you shoulda dumped him then.

Is this their son?

Yeah, that's Dale.

Do you fancy a nip?

Oh, yeah!

-It's brandy.

-Yeah!

KNOCKS AT WINDOW

Come in.

Hi. I'm Heidi Franks.

Now, Marilyn told me all about you and I'm here to welcome you.

-Hi, Heidi.

-Carlotta.

She insisted I come in.

-Sure.

-Ria Lynch.

-Hi!

-Would you like some brandy?

-Yeah. Thanks.

-Her husband left her recently.

Bastard!

I feel like I've known you for years.

A hundred million years.

It feels like a lifetime at the moment.

What does Marilyn do, anyway?

Oh, Marilyn, she cleans, cleans, cleans...

She does not clean. She teaches - teaches music.

She's a clarinettist.

It's so sad - she won't play anymore.

PHONE RINGS

She's been a bit of a bitch lately.

ANSWERING MACHINE: Hello, this is the Vine residence.

Please leave your message after the beep.

BEEP! MARILYN: Hi, Ria.

This is Marilyn Vine. I'm just checking in on you.

I wanted to let you know that everything is great here in Dublin

and I just love your little house.

It is simply beautiful.

And if my friends Carlotta or Heidi impose too much,

just tell them you're too busy.

Goodnight.

WOMAN: Hello? Hi.

I'm Rosemary Ryan. Ria and I are best friends.

Welcome to Ireland.

Marilyn Vine. I'd ask you in, but I've...

I don't want to come in.

Actually, I just wanted to ask you to dinner on Saturday at Colm's.

He's having a gala evening.

Well, Ria asked me to keep an eye on you,

and I think he'd like it if you'd come.

You don't have to decide right now.

I'll call you later or you can call me - whatever suits.

Thank you.

How are you?

It's a grand day, now, isn't it, Mrs Vine?

Isn't it a grand day?

I was wondering how you were enjoying Ireland.

Oh, it's lovely.

BEEP!

BRIAN ON ANSWERING MACHINE: Hi, Mum. Is it nice there?

Finola's quite nice. Finola's Bernadette's mother.

She's coming out to dinner with us as well...

SOBS

Bye, Mum.

BEEP!

KNOCKING

Hi, I'm Andy Vine, Greg's brother. Is he in?

No, Greg's in Hawaii, Marilyn's in Dublin.

Really? Why?

I can't really explain it now.

Would you mind calling back later,

and I'll just call Greg and check you are who you say you are?

OK. I see.

He'll tell you I always drop by when I come out east.

I'm sorry.

It's just that...it's just that my children just called.

That's why I'm so upset.

My husband... SOBS

Hey, it's OK. I'll be back later.

-I'm sorry. SOBS

-Bye.

Yeah, he's my brother. It's OK.

He works in Los Angeles. Comes east occasionally.

I appreciate your caution.

You'll be pleased to know

your wife's well-installed in my house in Dublin.

Is your family with you there as well in my house?

No, no, my children are coming later. Didn't Marilyn tell you that?

No...yes... Uh, I apologise for my tone.

Marilyn and I didn't quite... Never mind.

Well, I don't know much about you both,

but you certainly have a lovely son.

He must be enjoying it in Hawaii.

I beg your pardon?

Dale, isn't it?

He must be missing his mother.

She's certainly missing him.

Oh, how are youse?

I'm Ria's mother. I was just wondering...

I work for the local old people's home.

They love surprises.

I met a circus clown in Grafton Street once.

Big Red Nose, he was called. I brought him along.

Oh, he worked a treat.

They'd love to meet an American.

I'm sure they would,

but I'm afraid I'd be a let-down after the Big Red Nose.

Do you have children of your own?

Don't worry about the gate. I'll close it.

Hi, Colm.

Hey.

COLM: I needed a lot for the restaurant.

See? Irish bread, cakes.

There's a really nice cheese stall right here.

How you doing? This is Marilyn, from America.

-Hi.

-Hi. How you doing?

You got anything interesting today?

-Have a look.

-Oh, yeah.

Goat's brie, right?

You like goat's cheese?

I don't even like goats.

Try it. It's good for you.

Why is it everything that's good for you tastes horrible?

So as you won't get addicted to it.

Hmm. There's a definite flavour.

-I want a new frog.

-As in hop-hop-horrible?

I'm not buying a new one. I'm swapping it for another.

What's so funny?

-Coffee?

-I don't drink coffee.

I don't think he's asking you, Annie.

-We better go.

-What?

-Bye, Colm.

-See you later, kids.

# When Mary left her highland home

# And wandered forth with me... #

Are you going to travel round the country at all?

Not if I can help it.

You only wanna travel round inside your head. Am I right?

-You could say that.

-I'll accompany you any time.

I like being alone.

Me too, and it's much better being alone together.

Sometimes.

It's so sweet. So unbearably sad.

Not at all. He's alive, he's singing.

Your smile is lovely and sad.

Are you OK?

You wouldn't flirt with someone's emotions,

especially a stranger's, would you?

Did Ria tell you I was an alcoholic?

How do you know when you're an alcoholic?

Well, you get lots of clues.

Like, when you start drinking, you can't stop.

-I'm addicted to something else now.

-What?

Life.

And mashed potatoes.

Do you have any children?

No, thank God.

So, did you leave her or did she leave you?

It's never as simple as that.

Oh, but it is.

I had an affair, she found out and she threw me out.

What if she were the one who'd had the affair?

Marriages survive affairs,

if the marriage is bigger than the affair.

I thought ours was.

But she couldn't cook like you.

Unfortunately, being able to cook does not save a marriage.

So, how does Marilyn get on with Dale,

because he's in Hawaii with Greg, am I right?

Dale... Marilyn didn't tell you about Dale?

No. She didn't even mention she had a son.

Latkes. These potato cakes are latkes, right?

They're not Irish at all.

We didn't invent the potato, we just perfected it, Mr Know-All.

I like you, Maria.

You're...nice.

This is real bees' honey, right?

As opposed to artificial bees?

I see your sting isn't only in your prices.

Oh, touche, darling.

You're that Irish girl, right?

Are you really looking for a cook?

PIANO MUSIC TINKLES

Hey, fantastic.

Thanks, Rosemary, for persuading her.

Oh, she didn't have to break my arm.

We'll break yours, though, if the food's not good.

The food'll be fine. Jennifer? Er, 15.

Hi. Follow me, please.

DANNY: You two ready to order yet?

-Hey, Polly.

-Hi, Rosemary.

Hello, Danny.

That's the American woman in our house, Dad.

Colm fancies her, doesn't he, Annie?

Shut your mouth.

COLM: Martinis on the house... ALL EXCLAIM

..for our American visitor, Marilyn - Marilyn Vine.

-Thank you.

-APPLAUSE

You should come here more often!

Who's he?

That's Barney McCarthy. He's a property tycoon.

He's Danny's boss.

And that must be Danny sitting with him.

And which one is the mistress?

Oh...yes.

Welcome to Dublin, Marilyn.

Danny Lynch. You're staying in my house.

It's Ria's house, isn't it?

Our house.

How's Clemence, our cat?

I'd say he's missing you, Danny.

Maybe you should call round and rub his tummy.

Well, Ria didn't leave any instructions about...

You know, you're very kind to leave your house to Ria.

It's been a bad time for her.

I guess it has.

But, hey, she'll get over it, right?

Ladies, ladies, won't you join us?

The more the merrier. Make room there, kids.

Move up there, lass.

American hospitality in their own country is legendary.

Oh, Barney, not a speech. No, it's too early.

Wait till we're all drunk, Barney.

Will you join us, Marilyn?

Oh, OK. Thank you.

-Come on, Rosemary.

-OK.

Thank you.

-WOMAN:

-I'm Finola.

-Rosemary Ryan.

Rosemary. This is my daughter, Bernadette.

-Hello.

-Bernadette.

Rosemary.

Ta-da!

Normally we use a fork.

If this was ice-skating, you'd score 10. I like!

Mmm!

Sing us the one you sang at your mother's wedding!

At least my mother had a wedding.

ALL EXCLAIM

Rosemary, will you sing the song you sang at the charity do?

-Oh, please.

-Oh, go on, will you?

Come on, give us a tune for our American visitor.

Sing for us.

# As I came in by yon rushy wood

# What spied I

# In my true love's door?

# My heart stood still

# My eyes grew blind

# To see my bonny lad

# Leave me behind

# And I will tell you

# The reason why

# Because she has

# More gold than I

# And I will tell you

# The reason true

# For the sweeter taste

# Of a love that's new... #

I hate this!

Why?

Cos Mum should be here, that's why.

Annie, what are you trying to do - ruin a great evening?

Annie, be a good girl.

Me? You're the one who ran off with my dad.

I mean, you're all eejits! I hate the most of you.

You know something? I'm suddenly not feeling very hungry.

ROSEMARY: Wait, Marilyn.

-DANNY:

-Oh, no.

WOMEN SHRIEK

It's just a frog.

COLM: Marilyn!

Marilyn, wait.

What happened?

I just hated what was going on back there.

Annie was so angry and...

Come on back.

I don't know what I'm doing here.

I think I made a terrible mistake.

Here.

It smells like curry powder.

Come on back. Have a brandy.

Have two. Have the whole bottle. Cheer yourself up.

I can't. I'd feel like a fool in front of those people.

You couldn't make a fool of yourself. Not in my restaurant.

Rows, fisticuffs, walk-outs - all par for the course.

I came here to be alone.

To think.

WOMAN: Colm!

KNOCKING WOMAN: Marilyn?

It's just me. I saw the light and...

Marilyn, are you OK? Do you want to talk?

No, no, I'm fine.

I was just tired.

Sure.

You didn't make a mistake coming here, by the way.

Whatever it is that's bugging you, it will work out.

Just give it a chance.

Yeah, thanks.

Night.

You can call round any time.

Everyone's so nice.

I can't. I mean, what if Marilyn found out?

What, like I'm gonna tell her? Relax!

Oh, I like the green one.

This green dress?

This is the colour of salad! Salad is a side dish.

You are the main course.

Well, what about this one? This is nice.

Yellow? I'm sorry, you wanna go out looking like an omelette? Please!

I love the blue!

Blue is my grandmother.

Oh! Oh, no, this...this is perfect.

This is you - innocent, yet alluring.

-Innocent?

-Ish.

Listen, sweetheart, this is America, and everything is packaging.

And with a guy like Andy Vine, think Christmas.

Christmas?

Look, if he likes the look of the wrapping,

he's gonna really be desperate for the present.

LAUGHS: I don't think we'll pursue that analogy, Carlotta.

And I don't intend to be gift for any man anymore, not even Andy Vine.

Mm-hm. Famous last words, sweetheart.

Mmm. That's good.

You never had Thai food before?

Of course I have.

We're quite modern in Ireland, you know.

I sometimes even manage to feed myself.

I could get used to this.

I could make you an Irish coffee later.

And there I was, standing like an idiot in front of everybody.

LAUGHS

It's good to hear laughter around here again too.

It's been lovely meeting you, Maria.

Me and you, we have no ties.

No-one to betray or hurt.

Wouldn't it be nice if we spent the night together?

I'm really not very experienced at this kind of thing.

I'm not playing games with you, Andy.

I never did, even when I was a young girl, with the fellas.

I'm sorry if I've been giving out the wrong signals.

It doesn't have to end in bed.

It'd be better if it did,

but if it's not going to, let's remember the good bits.

They were all good bits.

Are you making fun of me?

Yeah.

Well, don't!

You didn't just stab Ria in the back, Danny, you did it to me as well!

Well, it has to be different.

We're always gonna care for each other.

Oh, that is just...bullshit!

It's just such bullshit!

Oh, no. It's Mona.

Oh, that's all we need.

Not that it matters anymore.

It does to me.

Oh, come on, Rosemary. I never meant to hurt you.

Or anyone else.

You marry the wrong person at the right time,

or the right person at the wrong time or you...

Oh, I don't know.

No. I don't suppose you do.

Hello. Excuse me, is Ria in?

Ria's in America.

She's in America.

Er, thank you. Thank you very much.

DANNY: My property's all tied up with Barney.

Tara Road - I'm gonna lose the lot.

It's not worth the heart attack, Danny.

If he's gone down, we've gone down. Don't you understand, sweetheart?

-We're sunk!

-Maybe it's just a rumour.

"Tara Holdings crashes"! It couldn't just be talk.

Don't shout, Danny. You upset me.

What do you... Hey, what do you mean "Mr McCarthy's not there"?

I wanna talk to him now.

Brian, will you stop touching that plant? You're not allowed.

It's not a plant, Dad. It's a tree.

Why are we here? Aren't we having a picnic?

That's just what I'd expect from you. Are you selfish or what?

Now, don't push it. You've caused enough trouble as it is.

-FINOLA:

-Fancy bit he goes around with, Barney.

I wonder what his wife would say if she found out.

Ask Mum.

Get out of here! Go on, go home!

For goodness sake, Annie, he doesn't mean it.

Hi, Mona? Hi, it's Danny.

Is it true? The whole thing's collapsed?

I need to speak to Barney. Where is he?

Thanks, Mona.

Ah, it'll be OK, sweetheart.

I'll think of something after I strangle him.

I hate when you call me "sweetheart".

But you're not broke, are you?

For a start, you can sell that big house your wife is hanging onto.

That's our house, if you don't mind.

Isn't that right, Dad?

Don't tell me you haven't got a get-out clause, Barney!

Don't tell me you haven't got a nest egg or two offshore somewhere.

HITS TABLE I want my share! I built this business up.

You sold property for me, Danny. You're a salesman.

You didn't build anything!

My house is my house.

Your house is company collateral.

You weren't forced to sign it over.

You floated us off the rocks at the time - don't you deny it.

My house is not going under with you. I want it back.

We're in a hole. We're not gonna get out by digging deeper, Danny.

Positions change. The banks have closed us, not me.

We shared the good times, now we gotta share the bad.

That's business! We're bust!

It's not gonna happen, Barney. Believe me.

DOOR OPENS

Oh, hi.

I just popped round to get something.

Why do you have a key?

Uh, this is my house.

I used to live here before you, Marilyn.

It's just Ria left strict instructions

that no-one was to have a key except for Colm for the garden.

I just can't have people walking in and out of here, now, can I?

I'm hardly people, am I?

Well, come in and we'll go phone Ria and sort this out, shall we?

OK, if you feel you have to.

Nobody's answering.

She's out somewhere. Forget it.

Well, why isn't the answering machine on?

She's probably having a party. Singing, dancing, drinking.

Ria? Having a party?

Don't be ridiculous.

IRISH REEL MUSIC PLAYS

ALL LAUGH AND WHOOP

Well, look, check with Rosemary. She's Ria's best friend.

She really likes you, by the way.

Really? That's nice.

She feels lonely too sometimes.

You're a beautiful woman.

I'd better be on my way. Leave you in peace.

Is the key in the usual place?

Key? What key?

Ria's car key. That's what I came for.

Look, first of all, I'd feel happier

if you gave me the key to the front door, until I talk to your wife -

assuming she ever answers the phone.

Ria's car. I need it.

For how long?

What's it got to do with you?

I'm paying insurance on her car to use it while I'm here.

She's using my car in Connecticut.

I have to sell it.

My firm's gone bust. Everything.

Give me the car key, please.

I'll discuss it with Ria when I reach her.

Until then, I think the car should stay with me.

OK.

OK, yeah.

Listen, I'm sorry. I'm glad you're happy here.

Who wouldn't be?

FOOTSTEPS FADE

Hello. Is Greg in?

No, he's in Hawaii, and Marilyn's in Dublin.

Shall I say who called?

No. No, it's OK.

Hubie.

What was he doing here?

He was looking for Greg.

But that was Hubie Green.

Who?

You know, he was a friend of Dale's.

So?

So... You don't know?

Know what? That he's on holiday with his dad in Hawaii?

No. Dale is dead.

He's dead?

Oh, God.

Oh, no, I feel awful.

I've been talking to Greg about him as if he was alive.

Why didn't somebody tell me? Why didn't Marilyn say anything?

She won't accept it. That's why she's run away.

She won't even speak to Greg about it anymore.

God, how did he die?

A motorcycle accident,

the day of his birthday, and she blames Greg for it all.

No, Greg got him the bike for his birthday,

and then Dale was driving it,

and Hubie gets on the front and takes over the controls.

And so Dale ended up at the swimming pool, dead.

They'd been drinking. Of course they had.

Oh, poor Marilyn. Poor, poor Marilyn.

GREG: Speed it up a little bit. Give it some gas, son.

They're going too fast.

CRASH!

WOMAN SCREAMS

-MARILYN:

-Dale! Somebody help me!

DANNY: ..if you were in trouble, I'd help you.

-ROSEMARY:

-It's a mistake asking friends for money, Danny.

You know that.

But you're more than a friend. Your business is booming!

We're gonna lose the house and lose Tara Road.

I'm gonna tell Ria.

Well, she won't believe you.

-SCATHINGLY:

-"Oh, Danny, darling, it'll all turn out fine."

What did Ria ever do to make you despise her so much?

She let me have an affair with you right under her nose.

Don't kick me when I'm down, Rosemary.

Like you did to me?

I loved you first, and then you married her.

Rosemary. Lend me the money.

It'll be an investment.

I'll double it for you. I did before, didn't I?

This time it's too complicated, Danny.

There's Bernadette involved and she's pregnant.

I don't understand having to go round to my own house

and grovel to Mrs Jackboots!

You still want me to stay the night, though, don't you?

He was grovelling to her for money.

It didn't work.

She's a hard woman.

I'm glad I left your restaurant that night.

What an absurd species we are.

Do you think someone should tell Ria about Rosemary and her husband?

Would you wanna be the one to tell her?

I was brought up to believe that the truth sets you free.

No. The truth can drive you mad.

-RIA:

-Hello?

-Hello, Ria.

Marilyn? Hi!

How are you? Is everything OK, because...

Listen, Marilyn, I just...

I hope you don't mind me saying, but I heard about your son, Dale,

and I wanted to say how very sad and sorry I am about what happened.

Of course, I understand now why you wanted to get away,

and all the time I'm here in your home

I'm thinking about you and I'm hoping you're alright.

Well, that's all I wanted to say.

Oh, yes, well...I appreciate that.

Well, have you anything you need to say to me,

cos if you need anything, just call Rosemary.

Yes, Rosemary. She...she's very...

I appreciate that. I really do.

OK. Thank you.

-Bye now.

-Bye.

We're not gonna stay for too long, OK?

Fine.

-Hi.

-Hello.

We're going to America, and we wanted to say goodbye to our cat.

Well, sure, sure. Come on in, guys.

Where's your husband? Why isn't he here?

He's in Hawaii.

On his holidays?

Not exactly.

Did he leave you, like Dad left my mum?

No, he didn't leave me.

Did you leave him?

-In a way.

-Why?

At the time, I thought I knew.

Why are people so stupid?

Why did he do it - Dad?

He didn't just walk out on Mum, he walked out on me.

I can see where you're coming from, Annie.

I understand why you're so angry.

Angry?

You wouldn't understand.

I mean, you're OK. Nothing's wrong with you.

I wouldn't mind going to Hawaii.

Is that so?

What about your son? Did you walk out on him as well as your husband?

No, I haven't.

Good. Glad to hear it.

So, where is he?

My son's dead.

He died in a motorbike accident.

Oh, what kind of motorbike?

The dangerous kind.

What was he like?

Oh, he was really cool.

He was gentle too.

And when he smiled, oh!

He loved music. He was really good at it.

I'm sorry.

We came to Ireland when he was a little boy.

I wanted to be somewhere where I remembered him smiling.

He's up in heaven now, looking down on you,

and he's very sorry he caused you all this trouble.

I've been through a few things in my time,

but nothing like what you've had to survive, Marilyn.

Ria's little boy told me my son was watching me from heaven.

I don't know. It made me feel better.

I wouldn't want anything to happen I couldn't tell my husband.

Do you have to tell him?

There they are!

I even got jet-lagged.

-Oh!

-I missed you!

I missed you more.

I missed you so much, Mum.

Oh, darling. Here, give me the bags.

Now, wait until you see this house.

It's great you learned how to drive on the wrong side of the road, Mum.

It just came naturally to you, didn't it?

Can you tell how I've changed?

This is great, Mum.

# I wish I was in Dixie Hooray, hooray

# In Dixieland I'll take my stand to live and die in Dixie

# Hooray, hooray. #

SHRIEKS

Sorry to bother you, Marilyn. There's some documents I need.

Yeah. Documents. They're upstairs.

Can I get 'em, please?

Phone Ria. I told her you'd be calling.

How are you, anyway?

Well, thank you, Danny.

If I talk to Ria, what shall I say you took?

Documents about the ownership of the house,

which we need to discuss.

-She'll be home in four weeks.

-I can't wait that long.

Really?

You know something, Marilyn, you've made a big impression here.

People like you. I like you.

You've helped Ria a lot.

That's nice.

I would hate for anyone to have a low opinion of me.

Oh, no.

Like I was wearing jackboots or something.

So, the phone goes middle of the night

and it's Greg telling me he's arriving tomorrow.

Sounded so depressed I thought I'd throw him a surprise party.

Mmm.

Hope he likes my cooking, but if he doesn't he can take a running jump.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to be a cook.

You gotta be something.

Yeah - hungry.

Is Greg's brother gonna be there?

I believe he is. Why is that?

PURRS

Hi.

Hi!

Mr Vine, I'm sorry for daring to show up,

but I just wanted to apologise for...

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry.

Oh, don't go, Hubie. Stay, have some food.

I have no objections to you being here, young man.

I never had.

The objections were all Marilyn's, which I can understand.

I'm glad to see you here.

I'm glad to see you all.

Come on in and help yourself.

-That took a lot of guts.

-Thanks.

Come on in, Hubie, you're just in time for the speeches,

because I want to say thank you to Greg

for lending us his beautiful home and his friends

and most of all I need to say how sorry I am

that Heidi and Carlotta and me drank your bottle of brandy.

So, I bought a replacement.

He doesn't drink it, Ria. He has it on his desk for show.

ALL LAUGH

Were you Dale's best friend?

TANGO MUSIC PLAYS

No, I got a new computer. Would you like to see it later?

Seen one, seen 'em all.

I'd like to kiss you, Annie.

No hope at all unless she starts talking about it,

acknowledge it happened.

But she is talking about it now.

She is?

She told Annie and Brian all about it.

She told Colm, my friend, all about it.

Believe me, she is talking.

And I used to think she was a frightened little Irish mouse.

That little Irish mouse got herself a big piece of American cheese.

We're very sorry for your troubles.

And we just thought we had to hop over to offer our sympathies

and to give you this mass card.

This what card?

Our local priest Father Glennan will offer up mass

for the repose of your son's soul, Lord have mercy on him.

Amen.

It was a time ago that my son died, but thank you.

Ah, sure. We'll come in and you can tell us all about it.

Oh, I'm so busy. I'm just terribly busy.

Would you look at the time? I've got so much housework to do.

I'm sure you ladies understand, but thank you, thank you anyway.

Dale.

Up to now, I couldn't mention his name.

Otherwise a tidal wave of emotions would just...

Yeah. I'm sure.

The dead are dead. I guess there comes a time we ought to let them go.

Yep, and if we're really lucky, they might just let us go.

KNOCKING

SIGHS: For heaven's sakes!

I told them I was busy, right?

I don't care if it is Ria's mother.

GASPS: Greg.

We're still alive, aren't we?

-Mrs Vine?

-Is that the husband?

Just be a few minutes, Barney. I'll lock up then.

Do that till up as well.

We'll go for a bite to eat later if you want, love.

Yeah, I'm starving.

I want 5,000 and I want it now.

Just like that, huh?

What about Bernadette? Does she not got any money?

Don't be ridiculous.

At least she's got a baby coming. I've got nothing.

Now, you fork up five grand or else!

Or else what?!

Or else he'll tell your wife about us.

Oh, you're blackmailing me, Danny.

I'll do whatever it takes.

You've been screwing Rosemary for years.

What would Ria say if she ever found out, huh?

It'd kill her!

Well, now who's blackmailing who?

"I'll do whatever it takes".

I'm gonna tell Ria myself.

Don't you worry about that.

PLAYS GUITAR

Brian, there's somebody here.

Dad! Dad!

Hi!

Hey! Hi, Brian. How you doing?

OK.

Hi, Annie.

Ria.

What's happened? Isn't Bernadette with you?

No. I came to see you, Ria.

And you, princess.

Dad, this is Zach.

-Hi.

-Hi.

-He's got a raccoon.

-Oh.

He's letting me bring it back to Dublin. I'm gonna breed with it.

You're gonna breed with one raccoon?

A pregnant female, dumbo.

Well, now that you're here, you'd better come in.

Dad, Annie's got a boyfriend.

Has she?

It's been good.

Good. Great. I'm delighted.

I've got a job. New friends.

I've changed, Danny.

You know something? I think you have, sweetheart.

How's Rosemary?

Rosemary?

Let me tell you...

Rosemary's fine.

Fish, batter, into the pan.

Couple of seconds, no more.

Out it comes.

Salt. Pepper.

Couple of lemons. There you go.

-Mmm.

-Oh, my God. Delicious.

Wonderful.

-What kind of fish is it?

-Pike.

It's a coarse fish, bit like meself.

Not true.

You're a sensitive man. That I can tell.

You're lucky you showed up when you did,

I was about to propose to your wife.

What if I'd said yes?

I'd probably have run a mile.

COCK CROWS

Do you want some more coffee?

No, thanks.

-BRIAN:

-There's an email for you.

For me? Great.

No, for Dad.

Me?

It's from Rosemary.

"Bernadette's been rushed to the hospital.

"Baby on its way."

They want you to come home immediately.

God. Oh, I guess I'd better phone her mother.

DOOR CLOSES

Are you going?

I have to, yeah.

Ria, I hate to have come all this way to give you bad news,

but I had to tell you face-to-face.

Give me credit for that at least.

Gonna tell you what it is.

When I first started with Barney, we gave him our house as collateral.

It was my investment in his business.

There's your signature there, and mine.

Tara Holdings has gone down.

The house is gone with it.

I haven't told Bernadette how really broke I am.

Have to do that when I get back.

Thank you so much.

For what?

For not screaming at me.

I've just given you the worst news anyone could give.

No.

You gave me that the day you told me you were leaving.

You know how fond of you I am. Always will be.

Yeah.

We were friends once. Great friends.

We'll work something out, sweetheart.

Maria! You can't afford to pay for this.

You never loved me!

I just realised that.

When he turned up, you thought he was coming back to you, didn't you?

I did.

So did I.

Oh.

Are you gonna tell Marilyn you wrecked her house, Mum?

What IS she doing?

Who are you?

My name is Mrs McCarthy - Mona.

Marilyn Vine.

I know.

I'm very worried about Ria and the children

and where they're going to live and...

Yes, I know.

Do you know Rosemary?

Her best friend, Rosemary?

Would you like to come inside?

Girl, you take care.

You know, Marilyn didn't really like that bust, so you're OK there,

but those vases, they WERE expensive.

ALL: Bye!

My husband never liked the wives meeting.

-ROSEMARY: Ria!

-Oh, there she is!

-Hello!

-So good to see you.

-Hi.

-Hi!

Welcome home.

Oh, hey there.

Hi there, Greg.

-Welcome home.

-Thank you.

I really have to fly, so I'll see you later.

Oh, uh, Rosemary, wait just a minute.

-Ria.

-Marilyn! I can't believe it.

How wonderful to meet you at last, you brave person, you.

Rosemary, Mona - Mrs McCarthy -

is having a meeting here at three o'clock today

and she would like for you to be there.

Me?

You too, of course, Ria. Danny's gonna be there as well.

It's very, very important, she says.

You won't let her down, will you?

-What time is it now?

-Half-past three.

How's the baby, Danny?

Thanks for asking.

Well, there's no need to beat around the bush.

Tara Holdings has gone bust.

This we know, Mona.

Yeah, shut up for a minute, Barney.

Mona thinks she can get you back on your feet, Mr McCarthy.

Yes, I can, because I've saved loads of money.

How've you saved a lot of money. I...

I saved it over the years through pension schemes, insurance policies,

investments, tracker bonds.

I can confirm it's a considerable portfolio.

Thank you.

And my money will be available to you, Barney, to help you start again.

To rise once more from the ashes.

Just a minute now, Mona. Hold on...

No, Barney. You hold on.

I've held on for years.

Now, there are a couple of terms for you to get this money,

and the first one is that we have to sell our house.

Sell the house? Just a minute...

Sell the house, Barney. It's too big for us, anyway.

A more modest home will suffice.

Now, the money left over from the sale

will go to pay off debts of a personal nature.

But today you have to return the personal guarantee on this house,

on 16 Tara Road...to Ria.

Now, Ria and her children are not going to be out in the street

because of your mistakes.

It's going to be tough, Danny, unless you straighten out your life.

-Mona, there is no way!

-That is the deal, Barney.

Ria.

This is...you can't do this to me.

The papers, please.

Pass the papers, Danny.

Now, Polly. Polly!

Hmm?

You have been my husband's mistress for years and I've known for years.

And I have no wish to comment on the morals of this situation,

other than to say it was an underhanded insult

to those of us who gave our word and never broke it.

So, Barney, you will finish this relationship now.

Is this legal, Barney?

Mona's calling the shots.

I'm sorry, Polly.

How much money have you got altogether, Mona?

You'll find out in due course, Barney, don't worry.

Now, Rosemary...

..we will keep you on as our printer.

My husband's firm has been very good to you in the past.

Thank you, Mona.

Have you anything you'd like to say to Ria?

I...

Ria and I are...

Best friends.

Whatever it is, Rosemary...

..you can perhaps save the gory details for later.

You know, this would've killed me one time.

But not now.

I have nothing!

You've still got the boutique.

Save me from all this.

Save YOU, is it?

BARNEY AND POLLY BICKER

PLAYS CLARINET

ALL APPLAUD AND CHEER

Just beautiful.

Mum, why don't you and Colm get married?

Hey, kid, I can fight me own battles.

ALL LAUGH