Quantum Leap s03e11 Episode Script
Runaway - July 4, 1964
Theorising that one could time travel within his own lifetime, Doctor Sam Beckett stepped into the quantum leap accelerator and vanished.
He woke to find himself trapped in the past, facing mirror images that were not his own and driven by an unknown force to change history for the better.
His only guide on this journey is Al, an observer from his own time, who appears in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear.
And so Doctor Beckett finds himself leaping from life to life, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.
(JAUNTY MUSIC PLAYS) You pig! Ow, what are you doing? Shut up back there.
Alex, leave your little brother alone.
I'm a kid.
You're a twerp.
Ow! I said shut up! Oh, oh, Butchie! (LAUGHTER) Oh, boy! PATSY CLINE: Crazy Leaping around in time I've run up against some pretty tough characters.
Violent bikers, mafia hitmen, psychotic killers.
But never anyone quite a menacing as a big sister.
Noogie time, Butchie, noogie time.
Noogie time, noogie time.
Alexandra, must you torment your little brother? Yeah.
Why? Somebody's got to.
We got to toughen him up for Pop Warner, right, Butchie? Yeah, yeah, I guess so.
All this toughening up is going to kill the kid.
Mom, that's a risk we have to take.
Hey, hey, Butchie, think fast! Oh, come on, Butchie.
How do you expect to make first string with cissy reflexes? Frank, stop it.
Listen, think maybe we could stop up here somewhere? I really have to go to the bathroom.
What? You just went back at Stuckey's ten minutes ago.
I did? I mean, I did, but I didn't.
I mean, I really have to go again.
Tough luck, scout, we've got a schedule to keep.
That's a great book.
How did you hear about it? The Feminine Mystique? By Betty Friedan? Started the whole feminist revolution in the '60s.
Yes, but it just came out.
I know, but I think that's what they're predicting is gonna happen.
Hey, hey, hey, state line! OTHERS: Bye-bye, Wyoming, hello, Colorado.
RADIO: President Johnson signed the act into law which will prohibit racial discrimination in employment Civil Rights Bill of '64.
Remember that, kids, everyone deserves a fair chance in this country.
All right, Hank! Hank? RADIO: # What'll I Do? And I am blue, what'll I do? Oh, no, that's our song! Your song? Yes, your father and I danced to that at the graduation prom.
I was going off to North-Western and your father was going to play football at Florida State.
How come you didn't go? Er Your father persuaded me to stay.
(TURNS IT UP) He used to sing this song to me.
Emma, come on! (RADIO OFF) Excuse me, but how long before we gethome? Well, let's see, that'll be just a little bit over 6,000 miles.
Mom, I think Butchie's going to puke again.
Alex, a lady doesn't say puke, she says throw up.
Yeah, well, he looks like he's going to do that, too.
Butchie, are you car sick? Yeah.
Yeah, could we just pull up somewhere, like the next corner, and drop me off? Hank, I think we'd better pull over.
Honey, honey, we got to stick to the schedule, otherwise the whole trip will be snafu'd.
What do you think you're doing? I'm seeing how close we are.
If you were the navigator we'd be in Chihuahua by now.
(LAUGHS) Oh, come on, honey, why don't you just stick to working the radio? Hey, hey, hey, come on, fold it right, will ya? I may not be able to read a stupid map but I know a lot about more important things.
Wild Willy's.
Oh, great (!) Giant vegetables, two-headed snakes and buffalo chimps.
Buffalo chimps? (SCREECHING) OK, Butchie boy, you're next! Hank, if the boy doesn't want to - Emma, he's been bugging me about this the whole trip.
I'm gonna see him pet a chimp if it's the last thing I do.
I'll be at the snack bar.
ErMom, I Just do what your dad tells you, Butchie.
He seems to know what's best for everybody.
Daddy, maybe we should take a before picture.
So we can remember what he looked like.
Look, Dad, I don't really want to go - Get in there, monkey boy.
(SCREECHING) Smile, Butchie! (FAIRGROUND MUSIC AND FIREWORKS) Hey! Argh! Aw! All right, that's it! That's it! Argh! Don't you like my knee? Sam, you've got to be Butchie.
No, I don't.
What are you going to do about it? AL: That's the rule.
I'm going to break it.
I'd like to see you try it, monkey boy.
I don't have to take this.
BOTH: Oh, yes, you do.
Ow! Just remember, when you least expect it .
.
expect it.
She's going to have a big future as a mud wrestler and she's only 14ý.
Did she call me monkey boy? She did.
Yeah.
She called me monkey boy! That's her job.
You're 13, she's your big sister, that's her job.
I'm old enough to be my own father.
That's a first.
Let's see.
Your name is Butchie Rickett and you and your family just left your home in Pahokee, Florida, for a 9,000 mile trip across the country.
Al, I've done this before.
You've done what? I've done this, taken this trip.
I mean, not this trip but when I was my father packed the five of us into our tiny station wagon and we went across the United States on a summer vacation.
Guess I must have blocked it out.
Once was enough.
Tell me what I gotta do so I can get out of here.
Take it easy, you've only got 5,900 miles to go.
Well, let me guess, I'm here to stop the evil big sister from noogie-ing Butchie to death.
It would be nice if it was that simple.
It's July 4th 1964 and when the fireworks go off tonight, your mom - Butchie's mom - runs out on the family.
What, she abandons them? Well, they never see or hear from her again.
I can't believe that.
I can.
Is that the guy she runs off with? Well, Ziggy doesn't have any data on that, but it doesn't take a computer to figure out what's on his mind.
Butchie, I want you to meet someone.
Come here.
Billy, this is Butchie.
Hello, Butchie.
Hi.
Your boy's got quite a grip.
And Alexandra, well, she's running around somewhere.
Billy McCann, I can't believe this.
God, that sounds nice.
Everybody up north calls me William.
You'll always be Billy to me.
Look at you! Has it been 14 years? Um, 15.
You look even prettier than I remember.
That is the oldest line in the manual.
Come over here.
I'm out of here.
Where are you going? I want you to meet someone.
Trust me, Sam, I've seen this scenario before and I don't like it.
Please don't let it happen to Em and her family.
(AL'S DEVICE BEEPS) And Beth, this is Butchie.
Hi, Butchie.
Hi, hi.
You two are almost the same age.
I'm going to high school in September.
What grade are you in? I'm uhking of I'm between grades.
For the summer.
(LAUGHS NERVOUSLY) Er, Mom, we really should be hitting the road, don't you think? Oh, darling, I'd like to spend some time with my old friend here.
I guess you two went to high school together.
Yeah, we were on the same speech team together.
State champs in Dramatic Interp.
'What satisfaction canst thou have tonight? 'The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.
' 'I gave thee mine before thou didst request it, and yet I would it were to give again.
' 'Wouldst thou withdraw it? For what purpose, love?' Barf! What is that from? Romeo And Juliet.
And I thought all you ever read was Mad magazine.
Yeah, well, they did a Shakespeare parody in the last issue.
Oh! I can't believe you remembered that.
Those were the best times ever.
What about North-Western? I heard you got your PhD.
You could have gotten yours if you'd come to.
Yeah, well, other things were more important.
I'm a housewife.
And a mom.
Is your wife here? Laura passed away some time ago.
Oh, Billy! I'm so sorry.
We're OK now.
Thanks.
I'm sorry.
Listen, Mom, Dad's probably looking all over for us.
Hey, hey, Butchie, think fair! Oh, scout, reflexes, reflexes, reflexes.
Thanks, Dad.
Hey, look who's here.
BillyBilly McCann! Hank.
Hey! I'm sorry I didn't recognise you, man.
You've got bigger since I saw you last.
You, too.
Oh, well, you know, prairie dogs and buffalo chips'll do it to you every time.
Well, what brings you up here? Summer vacation.
Beth loves animals, so - Butchie boy here has been yammering about petting a chimp ever since we left Florida, right, scout? I guess so.
So you stayed on after Florida State? Yeah, yeah.
I broke my hip freshman year and college wasn't really for me so I started delivering poultry and, what do you know, I own my own factory now.
So how about yourself? Oh, Billy got his doctorate, he's teaching college.
Oh, hey, well, that's greatDoc! So where are you working? I was at North-Western for seven years and then I was at Yale, Cornell, Berkeley.
Oh, sounds like he can't hold down a job, eh, scout? (LAUGHS) Actually, we've got a couple of offers from back east Beth and I are trying to make up our minds.
That sounds so exciting.
Well, we probably should be hitting the road, huh? Yep, 1400 hours.
OK.
Listen, are you - It was real good seeing you again, Billy.
Are you passing through northern California on your trip? Uh, yeah, what? July 26th, 1700 hours, we're doing Frisco.
Well, we live right across the Bay in Berkeley.
Why don't you all come over for dinner? That would be wonderful.
Oh, God, it's great seeing you again, Billy.
You, too, Emma.
Come on, scout, let's go find your sister.
Take it easy, Butchie.
The good news was, Emma was still with her family.
The bad news You're over, you're over! Mom, Butchie's over! .
.
so was I.
Butchie, you know better.
He's over, he's over! Over what? On my side! His shoes are covered with monkey do.
Have a cow, why don't you? Have a cow.
Have a purple nipple! Ow! Oh, get off, get off! OK, separate! RADIO: # THE FOUR SEASONS: Walk Like A Man It will be fun visiting Billy and Beth.
Well, if we have the time.
Oh, let's make the time, hm? Oh, honey, we've got Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate, Sausalito, Chinatown, Top Of The Mark.
Our schedule's already packed.
Well, then, uh, let's change it.
Mom, I think it would be better if we don't - BOTH: Stay out of this, Butchie.
Oh, no, you can't, Sam.
Al! Yes.
(AL'S DEVICE BEEPS) What are you doing? Reading.
Checking up on you.
You have to see that Emma never sees Bill or calls him again.
How? First Get that card and toss it out the window.
Then string those into things called sentences I can't do that! That's because you're a moron.
Alexandra, I've told you, don't call your brother a moron.
But, Mom, he is.
It's the only way you are going to save this family and re-body.
Hey, Em Er, Mom.
Mm-hm.
Can I take a look at that card? Thanks.
RADIO: # THE SUPREMES: Baby Love Well, go on, toss it out! Sam, toss it out! Go ahead! OK, good, and now don't ever litter again.
It's just a special case this time.
Oh, no! What's wrong? Oh, I was holding the card by the window and it just kind of flew out the window.
I'm sorry.
What?! Hank, stop, turn around.
Honey, we're never going to find it.
Hank! When we get to Frisco, we'll call Information.
Maybe I won't have to.
Damn! Emma leaves after all.
Hank, that was Billy.
You can't stop, Sam.
No, no, it wasn't.
Yes, it was.
I'm sure it wasn't.
Keep on driving, Dad.
Hank, we have to stop and go back and help them.
Mom, even if it was Billy, he can fix it himself.
Honey, there's a gas station a couple of miles back.
What kind of example is that to set for the children? A fine example.
Oh, what's that? It teaches us to be more self-reliant, take care of ourselves.
Go to the head of the class! Hank, stop and turn around.
Dad, we're going to get off our schedule.
He's got a point, honey.
What is helping him for ten minutes going to do? Destroy this family! Sam! Just keep going, Dad, he'll be fine.
Uh, I guess your mom's right.
Sam! I'm out of here.
(WHIZZES OFF) I'm warning you, Butchie, you're on my side.
Butt over! (ENGINE STARTS) Well done.
Well, I guess that PhD doesn't come in handy for auto repair.
Well, I am worthless when it comes to cars.
Ah, well, 'Be prepared'! Right, scout? Oof! Yeah, well, we ought to hit the road, huh? Thanks again.
Lucky we ran into you.
Yeah.
Do it again soon.
OK.
Thanks for doctor what's-his-name back there we are an hour off our schedule.
If it's our schedule, how come you decide when and what we do? Cos I'm the dad.
So that makes you boss? Of course! Maybe if we all just - BOTH: Butchie! Yeah, twerp! I don't know why we can't be a little more spontaneous.
Spontaneous? Well, if that's what you want, why don't you ride with Mr Spontaneous back there? He's so smart he doesn't even bring a screwdriver on a cross-country trip.
Huh! If he had extra room I just might.
Do you want me to turn around? Oh, no, no, no.
I don't want to throw off OUR schedule.
We're already late, what difference does it make? Then stop here.
Fine.
(TYRES SQUEAL) Mom! My little runaway Run-run-run-run runaway Aren't you going to go after her? She'll come back.
Well, what if she doesn't? Mom! Mom! What's going on, Mom? You wouldn't understand.
Come on, I'm thirteen.
Yeah, my little man.
Gosh, how'd you grow up so fast, huh? You and Alex will be off to college before you know it and I don't know, I'm just kind of Afraid to be alone? No.
I mean, I'm already by myself most of the day.
Daddy's at work and you kids are at school.
I've got time to do whatever I want.
It's just .
.
not like I thought it would be.
I know I've got no right to complain.
I mean not with what Grandma went through and other folks, struggling for money and jobs.
And your daddy makes a good living.
Uh-huh.
I know I should be happy.
No, Mom, not if you don't feel fulfilled.
Now, thisthis doesn't mean that I don't love you and Alex and Daddy.
I know.
I know, Mom.
Just that I um .
.
want something more? I want to spend some part of my life as me.
Whoever that is.
Not just as someone's, I don't know, daughter or wife or Or mother.
(SIGHS) I want to I want to stop feeling like A non-person.
Yeah.
A non-person.
I feel like a non-person.
(WEEPS) Then you should do more.
You should do something more.
What? Oh, do something more! That was the theme of my speech at graduation.
You were a valedictorian? Yeah.
I wrote this great speech.
About taking chances and reaching beyond the expected.
I should have listened to myself, huh? Instead of spending my lifewondering.
About the road not taken.
Yeah.
Guess it's too late for that now.
No, it's not.
That's what I'm saying you can do anything you want.
You could go on a whole new direction.
You could go back to school.
Ohhh, I can't do that! Not with all those young kids.
Yeah, but you're young, too.
In the '60s, housewives started will start going back to college.
How do you know? Well, I A lot of my friends moms are starting classes.
Really? Yeah.
And you're smart.
And you owe it to yourself to do the best thing for you.
Well, if Daddy doesn't think it's such a good idea - It's not his decision, it's yours.
You don't know how he'll react yet.
What? No, no way.
I'm talking about a few classes at the JC.
Honey, it's called Junior College cos it's for kids.
Well, actually, a lot of adults go.
Butchie! Besides, we can't afford it.
Then I'll get a part-time job.
Damn it, Emma, there's no reason for you to be working.
Then there's no reason I shouldn't go to college.
Junior Colleges are very inexpensive and you can get - You keep talking, mister, and you'll be educated in the military school.
CHIPMUNK : Hi, there, campers, welcome to Camp Chipmunk! Ha-ha-hah! Hi, there, campers, welcome Finally made it, scout.
Know how long it took to get these reservations? Six months.
You're in luck, we just had a cancellation.
Billy! They must have gotten ahead of us when we pulled over.
This is weird, Al, no matter what we do, we keep running into him.
Maybe she told him where you were going.
Maybe sometimes you can't fight fate.
Well, you have to, Sam.
How? I'm a kid, nobody listens to me.
All I do is, I get teased and ignored.
You've dealt with a lot tougher guys than that bozo over there.
It would be easier if this guy Bill were a jerk but he's not.
He's actually a pretty OK guy.
Well, so's Hank.
Hey, it's 1964, guys were different then but they're gonna change.
I don't know.
You've got to give Hank a chance, cos if you don't Alex gets pregnant in two years and Butchie doesn't even finish high school.
If she leaves, she destroys the whole family.
What happens to her? I don't know, we don't have any data on Emma.
Just that sometime tonight she runs away.
Even if I stop her, who's to say that she's gonna wait for Hank to change? Maybe you're right, maybe any mother that leaves her kids isn't worth saving.
You're taking this personally, aren't you, Al? No! All right, yeah, maybe I am.
My dad wasn't there for my mom.
So sometimes I could understand that she left him.
But she left Trudy and me, too, and I could never understand that.
So uh .
.
just make sure they stay together, Sam.
Al? I promise you I'll do whatever I can to keep Emma here.
OK.
Talking to your imaginary playmate again, huh? I thought you stopped believing in Jeff Bobbin when you were six.
Ah! I can't believe it, you're such a baby.
Hey, stop it, he didn't do anything.
He put his hand on your leg.
Come on, Hank.
Oh! Been a while, hey, Doc? What's wrong? Butchie, go back to the cabin.
Hank, he didn't do anything.
I saw him put his hand on your leg! She made a joke, I patted her on the knee, that's all.
Yeah, and then you left it there.
I think we've all had a little too much to drink.
Let's call it a day.
After we settle this.
Hank! Ohhh! It's not high school, Hank.
You can't solve everything with a fight.
Well, just stay away from my wife.
And you stay away from me.
What do you know about women? You're only 13 years old.
I know about Mom.
You said yesterday that everybody deserves a fair chance.
Yeah, I was talking about minorities.
Women deserve equal rights, too, Dad.
Equal rights! I mean, maybe .
.
one day, they're going to fight for their own sort of Civil Rights Act.
What the hell's gotten into you, scout? Nothing.
Nothing.
I just I just think that if Mom wants to go to college she should get a chance, that's all.
I already give her everything she needs.
The Vista Cruiser, the colour Zenith.
She doesn't know it yet but I just got her a full-carat rock for our 15th this month.
Yeah, those are just This month? Yeah, it's as big - Alex is 14ý.
Oh She's not going to be 15 for - Yeah, III meant I meant, our 16th.
Mom was pregnant.
She didn't go to North-Western because she was pregnant with Alex.
You just keep talking, mister, and I'll put you over my knee.
Afraid she wouldn't come back if she went to college with Bill? Oh, Dad! Butchie, your mom She's the only woman I ever loved.
But don't you see? You'll lose her if you don't start listening to what she needs.
Well I'll make you a deal, son.
I'll talk to your mom.
Great.
If you beat me back to the camp.
Dad Honey, we're finally doing so well.
We got the new house, two cars We're getting a pool in the spring.
I don't want any stuff.
Don't you hear me? I feel like I'm going crazy.
OK.
OK, then, can you just tell me this.
What do you want? I want to stop feeling like a non-person.
A non-person?! Yeah.
I owe it to myself to do what's best for me.
Hell, no.
I want my own life! Your own life? Are you saying you want to split up? No, Hank, no.
I love you, you know that.
It's just that I feel like some part of me is dying.
(SIGHS) I haven't done anything with my life.
Yes, you did, you had two kids! But this isn't about our kids, or our family.
I just I thought that the deal was that I make the money and you make the happy home.
Well, I made a happy home.
I've made a happy home for 15 years and now what? Everybody goes away and I sit home, waiting.
I don't want to wait any more.
I want to I want to do something for me.
You know, Emma, you're not crazy, you're just selfish.
Then I'm not alone.
There are other women like me and we're all sick of Oh, we're sick of shopping and making brownies for our living.
I'm sorry, but I don't have an orgasm waxing the damn kitchen floor.
Is that Is that what that book says? That's what I think of the damn book! (OWL HOOTS) I told you she'd run away.
Go find Alex.
Fireworks start in 20 minutes.
Where'd she go? I don't know, out there somewhere, trying to do what's best for her.
I don't know, I guess she got tired of being a non-person.
Dad, Dad, we got to find her.
Look, your mom has been running away since the ninth grade.
Believe me, she'll be back.
Not this time.
I said she'll be back! Not unless we find her.
(TYRES SQUEAL) What are you doing? I thought that Emma was with you.
So did I.
She was, a few minutes ago.
I'm sorry, Sam.
What happened? She came by the cabin very upset.
We talked, we decided it was best if we stayed at separate camps grounds.
I just assumed she ran off with Bill.
What happened to her? We said our goodbyes.
We didn't research far enough back.
Just tell me where she is.
I dropped her at the fire road, she said she wanted to go for a walk.
In 1993 a woman's skeletal remains were found at the base of Devil's Backbone.
No! It's just down the road.
The dental charts match Emma.
Dad - Get in this car, scout.
Mom's in trouble.
What? She's gonna die.
What the hell - I can't explain it.
We got to get to the Devil's Backbone now! Please! I don't see her.
Stop, stop, stop, stop! Work with me, Al! The remains were found at the base of that ridge.
Dad, I don't see her.
You need rope! Dad, trust me, she's down there.
Got any rope? Yeah.
Bring it.
Gooshie, centre me on Emma! I don't care where she is, just do it.
God! Hurry up, Sam, she's right down here.
Mom! This way! (WHIMPERS) Argh! Hurry! It's steep as anything here, she's slipping.
Mom, hang on.
Emma! Out of the way, scout.
You'll need my help, Dad.
Hang on, honey! Oh, my God! Hold the flashlight.
Give me the rope, give me the rope.
Hang on, Mom! OK, honey, I'm going to throw you a rope.
Hurry, Sam! Mom, don't let go.
Bill, I'm going to need your help here.
I think maybe we should get the Ranger.
OK, go.
Go! OK, honey.
Dad, hurry! Here comes the rope! (FIREWORKS BANG) OK, Emma.
Make her grab the rope, make her grab the rope.
Emma, grab the rope! Mom, grab it! Grab the rope, Mom.
Right next to your hand, honey.
She's frozen, Sam.
Shine the light on the rope.
She's not moving, Dad.
Oh, God.
Dad, do something! We can use the tree.
I'll try the rope round my waist, you can lower me down.
OK, good thinking, scout.
Oh, God, Daddy, what - Honey, get down.
Get down here now.
Point the light right on Mommy.
Hold that light there, don't let it move.
Can you do that? Yes.
OK, let's go.
Hang on, Mom.
OK, are you ready? Butchie, hurry! Let's go get her.
Hang on, Emma, hang on! He's coming.
Are you OK? Let's go.
Careful, Butchie.
Hang on, kid.
(GRUNTS WITH EFFORT) Keep going! You're almost there, Sam.
Watch out, don't knock any rocks.
Easy, Sam.
How are you doing, scout? Almost there.
ALEX: Come on, hurry! Get her, Butchie! Hang on, Emma, just hang on! Mom! Butchie.
I'm right here, Mom.
Grab my hand.
Come on, Mom, grab him! Argh! Mom, hold on! Emma! We need more rope! OK.
Mom, hang on, please.
That's it, scout.
Mom, Mom, grab my hand.
Hurry, Sam.
Reach, reach down a little more, a little more.
Grab my hand, Mom.
Argh! Emma! Mom! How are you doing down there? That's it, grab it, Sam.
Now pull.
Pull up.
OK, scout.
Pull, Dad, pull! Hold on, here we go! Pull up, pull more.
Pull her up, Sam.
Stay there, stay there.
Let it out a little.
That's good.
OK, come on up, Mom.
You've got to get up.
Wrap your hands around my shoulders.
Get on my back.
Can you hold on? Hold on.
Mom, hang on, please.
Pull me up! Come on, Hank, you can do it! Pull, pull.
Hang on.
Come on, Dad.
Pull, Dad, pull! Almost there, Mom.
Come on, there we go.
Come on, Dad.
(SOBS) (GRUNTS WITH EFFORT) Here, give me your hand, honey, give me your hand.
Give me the other one.
Here we go.
Up we come now.
That's it.
Just a little further.
OK, I got you, I got you.
Oh, God.
I thought I'd lose you.
My God, I almost lost you.
Oh, Hank.
I love you so much.
I love you so much.
(KISSES) (SOBS) Ohhh.
How'd you know, scout? How'd you know? Moon River (INSTRUMENTAL) Well, hey, there, scout.
It's a little past your bedtime, isn't it? Yeah, well, I guess so.
Well, I think he's earned an extra hour.
Yeah! 'And this next tune is a special request by Hank for his special little lady Emma.
' When you Are far away And I am blue What'll I do? What'll I do When I SAM: They make a beautiful couple.
I think they're gonna make it, Al.
Yeah, I think so.
The big thing is, Emma goes to college.
They even move to Miami so she can get her doctorate in Speech & Drama.
And they're still together? Mm.
They even switch roles.
Hank retired to play golf and hang around the house, take care of the kids and she's still teaching in the university.
That's great.
So When do I leap? Well, Ziggy has a very interesting hypothesis about that.
Yes, it's called the Big Sister Theory.
Big Sister Theory? What are you - Oh, argh! That's my hair Who is it you're doing now, Superman? Yes.
Butchie, let me go! Not until you promise to never tease or abuse your little brother again.
That means no Charlie Horses, no noogies, no wedgies, no ear flicks and no purple nipples.
OK, OK! You promise? (ECHOES) I promise, I promise! Come on! (SAM CHUCKLES) You know, Butchie.
Huh? You're all right, for a twerp.
Oh, boy!
He woke to find himself trapped in the past, facing mirror images that were not his own and driven by an unknown force to change history for the better.
His only guide on this journey is Al, an observer from his own time, who appears in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear.
And so Doctor Beckett finds himself leaping from life to life, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.
(JAUNTY MUSIC PLAYS) You pig! Ow, what are you doing? Shut up back there.
Alex, leave your little brother alone.
I'm a kid.
You're a twerp.
Ow! I said shut up! Oh, oh, Butchie! (LAUGHTER) Oh, boy! PATSY CLINE: Crazy Leaping around in time I've run up against some pretty tough characters.
Violent bikers, mafia hitmen, psychotic killers.
But never anyone quite a menacing as a big sister.
Noogie time, Butchie, noogie time.
Noogie time, noogie time.
Alexandra, must you torment your little brother? Yeah.
Why? Somebody's got to.
We got to toughen him up for Pop Warner, right, Butchie? Yeah, yeah, I guess so.
All this toughening up is going to kill the kid.
Mom, that's a risk we have to take.
Hey, hey, Butchie, think fast! Oh, come on, Butchie.
How do you expect to make first string with cissy reflexes? Frank, stop it.
Listen, think maybe we could stop up here somewhere? I really have to go to the bathroom.
What? You just went back at Stuckey's ten minutes ago.
I did? I mean, I did, but I didn't.
I mean, I really have to go again.
Tough luck, scout, we've got a schedule to keep.
That's a great book.
How did you hear about it? The Feminine Mystique? By Betty Friedan? Started the whole feminist revolution in the '60s.
Yes, but it just came out.
I know, but I think that's what they're predicting is gonna happen.
Hey, hey, hey, state line! OTHERS: Bye-bye, Wyoming, hello, Colorado.
RADIO: President Johnson signed the act into law which will prohibit racial discrimination in employment Civil Rights Bill of '64.
Remember that, kids, everyone deserves a fair chance in this country.
All right, Hank! Hank? RADIO: # What'll I Do? And I am blue, what'll I do? Oh, no, that's our song! Your song? Yes, your father and I danced to that at the graduation prom.
I was going off to North-Western and your father was going to play football at Florida State.
How come you didn't go? Er Your father persuaded me to stay.
(TURNS IT UP) He used to sing this song to me.
Emma, come on! (RADIO OFF) Excuse me, but how long before we gethome? Well, let's see, that'll be just a little bit over 6,000 miles.
Mom, I think Butchie's going to puke again.
Alex, a lady doesn't say puke, she says throw up.
Yeah, well, he looks like he's going to do that, too.
Butchie, are you car sick? Yeah.
Yeah, could we just pull up somewhere, like the next corner, and drop me off? Hank, I think we'd better pull over.
Honey, honey, we got to stick to the schedule, otherwise the whole trip will be snafu'd.
What do you think you're doing? I'm seeing how close we are.
If you were the navigator we'd be in Chihuahua by now.
(LAUGHS) Oh, come on, honey, why don't you just stick to working the radio? Hey, hey, hey, come on, fold it right, will ya? I may not be able to read a stupid map but I know a lot about more important things.
Wild Willy's.
Oh, great (!) Giant vegetables, two-headed snakes and buffalo chimps.
Buffalo chimps? (SCREECHING) OK, Butchie boy, you're next! Hank, if the boy doesn't want to - Emma, he's been bugging me about this the whole trip.
I'm gonna see him pet a chimp if it's the last thing I do.
I'll be at the snack bar.
ErMom, I Just do what your dad tells you, Butchie.
He seems to know what's best for everybody.
Daddy, maybe we should take a before picture.
So we can remember what he looked like.
Look, Dad, I don't really want to go - Get in there, monkey boy.
(SCREECHING) Smile, Butchie! (FAIRGROUND MUSIC AND FIREWORKS) Hey! Argh! Aw! All right, that's it! That's it! Argh! Don't you like my knee? Sam, you've got to be Butchie.
No, I don't.
What are you going to do about it? AL: That's the rule.
I'm going to break it.
I'd like to see you try it, monkey boy.
I don't have to take this.
BOTH: Oh, yes, you do.
Ow! Just remember, when you least expect it .
.
expect it.
She's going to have a big future as a mud wrestler and she's only 14ý.
Did she call me monkey boy? She did.
Yeah.
She called me monkey boy! That's her job.
You're 13, she's your big sister, that's her job.
I'm old enough to be my own father.
That's a first.
Let's see.
Your name is Butchie Rickett and you and your family just left your home in Pahokee, Florida, for a 9,000 mile trip across the country.
Al, I've done this before.
You've done what? I've done this, taken this trip.
I mean, not this trip but when I was my father packed the five of us into our tiny station wagon and we went across the United States on a summer vacation.
Guess I must have blocked it out.
Once was enough.
Tell me what I gotta do so I can get out of here.
Take it easy, you've only got 5,900 miles to go.
Well, let me guess, I'm here to stop the evil big sister from noogie-ing Butchie to death.
It would be nice if it was that simple.
It's July 4th 1964 and when the fireworks go off tonight, your mom - Butchie's mom - runs out on the family.
What, she abandons them? Well, they never see or hear from her again.
I can't believe that.
I can.
Is that the guy she runs off with? Well, Ziggy doesn't have any data on that, but it doesn't take a computer to figure out what's on his mind.
Butchie, I want you to meet someone.
Come here.
Billy, this is Butchie.
Hello, Butchie.
Hi.
Your boy's got quite a grip.
And Alexandra, well, she's running around somewhere.
Billy McCann, I can't believe this.
God, that sounds nice.
Everybody up north calls me William.
You'll always be Billy to me.
Look at you! Has it been 14 years? Um, 15.
You look even prettier than I remember.
That is the oldest line in the manual.
Come over here.
I'm out of here.
Where are you going? I want you to meet someone.
Trust me, Sam, I've seen this scenario before and I don't like it.
Please don't let it happen to Em and her family.
(AL'S DEVICE BEEPS) And Beth, this is Butchie.
Hi, Butchie.
Hi, hi.
You two are almost the same age.
I'm going to high school in September.
What grade are you in? I'm uhking of I'm between grades.
For the summer.
(LAUGHS NERVOUSLY) Er, Mom, we really should be hitting the road, don't you think? Oh, darling, I'd like to spend some time with my old friend here.
I guess you two went to high school together.
Yeah, we were on the same speech team together.
State champs in Dramatic Interp.
'What satisfaction canst thou have tonight? 'The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.
' 'I gave thee mine before thou didst request it, and yet I would it were to give again.
' 'Wouldst thou withdraw it? For what purpose, love?' Barf! What is that from? Romeo And Juliet.
And I thought all you ever read was Mad magazine.
Yeah, well, they did a Shakespeare parody in the last issue.
Oh! I can't believe you remembered that.
Those were the best times ever.
What about North-Western? I heard you got your PhD.
You could have gotten yours if you'd come to.
Yeah, well, other things were more important.
I'm a housewife.
And a mom.
Is your wife here? Laura passed away some time ago.
Oh, Billy! I'm so sorry.
We're OK now.
Thanks.
I'm sorry.
Listen, Mom, Dad's probably looking all over for us.
Hey, hey, Butchie, think fair! Oh, scout, reflexes, reflexes, reflexes.
Thanks, Dad.
Hey, look who's here.
BillyBilly McCann! Hank.
Hey! I'm sorry I didn't recognise you, man.
You've got bigger since I saw you last.
You, too.
Oh, well, you know, prairie dogs and buffalo chips'll do it to you every time.
Well, what brings you up here? Summer vacation.
Beth loves animals, so - Butchie boy here has been yammering about petting a chimp ever since we left Florida, right, scout? I guess so.
So you stayed on after Florida State? Yeah, yeah.
I broke my hip freshman year and college wasn't really for me so I started delivering poultry and, what do you know, I own my own factory now.
So how about yourself? Oh, Billy got his doctorate, he's teaching college.
Oh, hey, well, that's greatDoc! So where are you working? I was at North-Western for seven years and then I was at Yale, Cornell, Berkeley.
Oh, sounds like he can't hold down a job, eh, scout? (LAUGHS) Actually, we've got a couple of offers from back east Beth and I are trying to make up our minds.
That sounds so exciting.
Well, we probably should be hitting the road, huh? Yep, 1400 hours.
OK.
Listen, are you - It was real good seeing you again, Billy.
Are you passing through northern California on your trip? Uh, yeah, what? July 26th, 1700 hours, we're doing Frisco.
Well, we live right across the Bay in Berkeley.
Why don't you all come over for dinner? That would be wonderful.
Oh, God, it's great seeing you again, Billy.
You, too, Emma.
Come on, scout, let's go find your sister.
Take it easy, Butchie.
The good news was, Emma was still with her family.
The bad news You're over, you're over! Mom, Butchie's over! .
.
so was I.
Butchie, you know better.
He's over, he's over! Over what? On my side! His shoes are covered with monkey do.
Have a cow, why don't you? Have a cow.
Have a purple nipple! Ow! Oh, get off, get off! OK, separate! RADIO: # THE FOUR SEASONS: Walk Like A Man It will be fun visiting Billy and Beth.
Well, if we have the time.
Oh, let's make the time, hm? Oh, honey, we've got Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate, Sausalito, Chinatown, Top Of The Mark.
Our schedule's already packed.
Well, then, uh, let's change it.
Mom, I think it would be better if we don't - BOTH: Stay out of this, Butchie.
Oh, no, you can't, Sam.
Al! Yes.
(AL'S DEVICE BEEPS) What are you doing? Reading.
Checking up on you.
You have to see that Emma never sees Bill or calls him again.
How? First Get that card and toss it out the window.
Then string those into things called sentences I can't do that! That's because you're a moron.
Alexandra, I've told you, don't call your brother a moron.
But, Mom, he is.
It's the only way you are going to save this family and re-body.
Hey, Em Er, Mom.
Mm-hm.
Can I take a look at that card? Thanks.
RADIO: # THE SUPREMES: Baby Love Well, go on, toss it out! Sam, toss it out! Go ahead! OK, good, and now don't ever litter again.
It's just a special case this time.
Oh, no! What's wrong? Oh, I was holding the card by the window and it just kind of flew out the window.
I'm sorry.
What?! Hank, stop, turn around.
Honey, we're never going to find it.
Hank! When we get to Frisco, we'll call Information.
Maybe I won't have to.
Damn! Emma leaves after all.
Hank, that was Billy.
You can't stop, Sam.
No, no, it wasn't.
Yes, it was.
I'm sure it wasn't.
Keep on driving, Dad.
Hank, we have to stop and go back and help them.
Mom, even if it was Billy, he can fix it himself.
Honey, there's a gas station a couple of miles back.
What kind of example is that to set for the children? A fine example.
Oh, what's that? It teaches us to be more self-reliant, take care of ourselves.
Go to the head of the class! Hank, stop and turn around.
Dad, we're going to get off our schedule.
He's got a point, honey.
What is helping him for ten minutes going to do? Destroy this family! Sam! Just keep going, Dad, he'll be fine.
Uh, I guess your mom's right.
Sam! I'm out of here.
(WHIZZES OFF) I'm warning you, Butchie, you're on my side.
Butt over! (ENGINE STARTS) Well done.
Well, I guess that PhD doesn't come in handy for auto repair.
Well, I am worthless when it comes to cars.
Ah, well, 'Be prepared'! Right, scout? Oof! Yeah, well, we ought to hit the road, huh? Thanks again.
Lucky we ran into you.
Yeah.
Do it again soon.
OK.
Thanks for doctor what's-his-name back there we are an hour off our schedule.
If it's our schedule, how come you decide when and what we do? Cos I'm the dad.
So that makes you boss? Of course! Maybe if we all just - BOTH: Butchie! Yeah, twerp! I don't know why we can't be a little more spontaneous.
Spontaneous? Well, if that's what you want, why don't you ride with Mr Spontaneous back there? He's so smart he doesn't even bring a screwdriver on a cross-country trip.
Huh! If he had extra room I just might.
Do you want me to turn around? Oh, no, no, no.
I don't want to throw off OUR schedule.
We're already late, what difference does it make? Then stop here.
Fine.
(TYRES SQUEAL) Mom! My little runaway Run-run-run-run runaway Aren't you going to go after her? She'll come back.
Well, what if she doesn't? Mom! Mom! What's going on, Mom? You wouldn't understand.
Come on, I'm thirteen.
Yeah, my little man.
Gosh, how'd you grow up so fast, huh? You and Alex will be off to college before you know it and I don't know, I'm just kind of Afraid to be alone? No.
I mean, I'm already by myself most of the day.
Daddy's at work and you kids are at school.
I've got time to do whatever I want.
It's just .
.
not like I thought it would be.
I know I've got no right to complain.
I mean not with what Grandma went through and other folks, struggling for money and jobs.
And your daddy makes a good living.
Uh-huh.
I know I should be happy.
No, Mom, not if you don't feel fulfilled.
Now, thisthis doesn't mean that I don't love you and Alex and Daddy.
I know.
I know, Mom.
Just that I um .
.
want something more? I want to spend some part of my life as me.
Whoever that is.
Not just as someone's, I don't know, daughter or wife or Or mother.
(SIGHS) I want to I want to stop feeling like A non-person.
Yeah.
A non-person.
I feel like a non-person.
(WEEPS) Then you should do more.
You should do something more.
What? Oh, do something more! That was the theme of my speech at graduation.
You were a valedictorian? Yeah.
I wrote this great speech.
About taking chances and reaching beyond the expected.
I should have listened to myself, huh? Instead of spending my lifewondering.
About the road not taken.
Yeah.
Guess it's too late for that now.
No, it's not.
That's what I'm saying you can do anything you want.
You could go on a whole new direction.
You could go back to school.
Ohhh, I can't do that! Not with all those young kids.
Yeah, but you're young, too.
In the '60s, housewives started will start going back to college.
How do you know? Well, I A lot of my friends moms are starting classes.
Really? Yeah.
And you're smart.
And you owe it to yourself to do the best thing for you.
Well, if Daddy doesn't think it's such a good idea - It's not his decision, it's yours.
You don't know how he'll react yet.
What? No, no way.
I'm talking about a few classes at the JC.
Honey, it's called Junior College cos it's for kids.
Well, actually, a lot of adults go.
Butchie! Besides, we can't afford it.
Then I'll get a part-time job.
Damn it, Emma, there's no reason for you to be working.
Then there's no reason I shouldn't go to college.
Junior Colleges are very inexpensive and you can get - You keep talking, mister, and you'll be educated in the military school.
CHIPMUNK : Hi, there, campers, welcome to Camp Chipmunk! Ha-ha-hah! Hi, there, campers, welcome Finally made it, scout.
Know how long it took to get these reservations? Six months.
You're in luck, we just had a cancellation.
Billy! They must have gotten ahead of us when we pulled over.
This is weird, Al, no matter what we do, we keep running into him.
Maybe she told him where you were going.
Maybe sometimes you can't fight fate.
Well, you have to, Sam.
How? I'm a kid, nobody listens to me.
All I do is, I get teased and ignored.
You've dealt with a lot tougher guys than that bozo over there.
It would be easier if this guy Bill were a jerk but he's not.
He's actually a pretty OK guy.
Well, so's Hank.
Hey, it's 1964, guys were different then but they're gonna change.
I don't know.
You've got to give Hank a chance, cos if you don't Alex gets pregnant in two years and Butchie doesn't even finish high school.
If she leaves, she destroys the whole family.
What happens to her? I don't know, we don't have any data on Emma.
Just that sometime tonight she runs away.
Even if I stop her, who's to say that she's gonna wait for Hank to change? Maybe you're right, maybe any mother that leaves her kids isn't worth saving.
You're taking this personally, aren't you, Al? No! All right, yeah, maybe I am.
My dad wasn't there for my mom.
So sometimes I could understand that she left him.
But she left Trudy and me, too, and I could never understand that.
So uh .
.
just make sure they stay together, Sam.
Al? I promise you I'll do whatever I can to keep Emma here.
OK.
Talking to your imaginary playmate again, huh? I thought you stopped believing in Jeff Bobbin when you were six.
Ah! I can't believe it, you're such a baby.
Hey, stop it, he didn't do anything.
He put his hand on your leg.
Come on, Hank.
Oh! Been a while, hey, Doc? What's wrong? Butchie, go back to the cabin.
Hank, he didn't do anything.
I saw him put his hand on your leg! She made a joke, I patted her on the knee, that's all.
Yeah, and then you left it there.
I think we've all had a little too much to drink.
Let's call it a day.
After we settle this.
Hank! Ohhh! It's not high school, Hank.
You can't solve everything with a fight.
Well, just stay away from my wife.
And you stay away from me.
What do you know about women? You're only 13 years old.
I know about Mom.
You said yesterday that everybody deserves a fair chance.
Yeah, I was talking about minorities.
Women deserve equal rights, too, Dad.
Equal rights! I mean, maybe .
.
one day, they're going to fight for their own sort of Civil Rights Act.
What the hell's gotten into you, scout? Nothing.
Nothing.
I just I just think that if Mom wants to go to college she should get a chance, that's all.
I already give her everything she needs.
The Vista Cruiser, the colour Zenith.
She doesn't know it yet but I just got her a full-carat rock for our 15th this month.
Yeah, those are just This month? Yeah, it's as big - Alex is 14ý.
Oh She's not going to be 15 for - Yeah, III meant I meant, our 16th.
Mom was pregnant.
She didn't go to North-Western because she was pregnant with Alex.
You just keep talking, mister, and I'll put you over my knee.
Afraid she wouldn't come back if she went to college with Bill? Oh, Dad! Butchie, your mom She's the only woman I ever loved.
But don't you see? You'll lose her if you don't start listening to what she needs.
Well I'll make you a deal, son.
I'll talk to your mom.
Great.
If you beat me back to the camp.
Dad Honey, we're finally doing so well.
We got the new house, two cars We're getting a pool in the spring.
I don't want any stuff.
Don't you hear me? I feel like I'm going crazy.
OK.
OK, then, can you just tell me this.
What do you want? I want to stop feeling like a non-person.
A non-person?! Yeah.
I owe it to myself to do what's best for me.
Hell, no.
I want my own life! Your own life? Are you saying you want to split up? No, Hank, no.
I love you, you know that.
It's just that I feel like some part of me is dying.
(SIGHS) I haven't done anything with my life.
Yes, you did, you had two kids! But this isn't about our kids, or our family.
I just I thought that the deal was that I make the money and you make the happy home.
Well, I made a happy home.
I've made a happy home for 15 years and now what? Everybody goes away and I sit home, waiting.
I don't want to wait any more.
I want to I want to do something for me.
You know, Emma, you're not crazy, you're just selfish.
Then I'm not alone.
There are other women like me and we're all sick of Oh, we're sick of shopping and making brownies for our living.
I'm sorry, but I don't have an orgasm waxing the damn kitchen floor.
Is that Is that what that book says? That's what I think of the damn book! (OWL HOOTS) I told you she'd run away.
Go find Alex.
Fireworks start in 20 minutes.
Where'd she go? I don't know, out there somewhere, trying to do what's best for her.
I don't know, I guess she got tired of being a non-person.
Dad, Dad, we got to find her.
Look, your mom has been running away since the ninth grade.
Believe me, she'll be back.
Not this time.
I said she'll be back! Not unless we find her.
(TYRES SQUEAL) What are you doing? I thought that Emma was with you.
So did I.
She was, a few minutes ago.
I'm sorry, Sam.
What happened? She came by the cabin very upset.
We talked, we decided it was best if we stayed at separate camps grounds.
I just assumed she ran off with Bill.
What happened to her? We said our goodbyes.
We didn't research far enough back.
Just tell me where she is.
I dropped her at the fire road, she said she wanted to go for a walk.
In 1993 a woman's skeletal remains were found at the base of Devil's Backbone.
No! It's just down the road.
The dental charts match Emma.
Dad - Get in this car, scout.
Mom's in trouble.
What? She's gonna die.
What the hell - I can't explain it.
We got to get to the Devil's Backbone now! Please! I don't see her.
Stop, stop, stop, stop! Work with me, Al! The remains were found at the base of that ridge.
Dad, I don't see her.
You need rope! Dad, trust me, she's down there.
Got any rope? Yeah.
Bring it.
Gooshie, centre me on Emma! I don't care where she is, just do it.
God! Hurry up, Sam, she's right down here.
Mom! This way! (WHIMPERS) Argh! Hurry! It's steep as anything here, she's slipping.
Mom, hang on.
Emma! Out of the way, scout.
You'll need my help, Dad.
Hang on, honey! Oh, my God! Hold the flashlight.
Give me the rope, give me the rope.
Hang on, Mom! OK, honey, I'm going to throw you a rope.
Hurry, Sam! Mom, don't let go.
Bill, I'm going to need your help here.
I think maybe we should get the Ranger.
OK, go.
Go! OK, honey.
Dad, hurry! Here comes the rope! (FIREWORKS BANG) OK, Emma.
Make her grab the rope, make her grab the rope.
Emma, grab the rope! Mom, grab it! Grab the rope, Mom.
Right next to your hand, honey.
She's frozen, Sam.
Shine the light on the rope.
She's not moving, Dad.
Oh, God.
Dad, do something! We can use the tree.
I'll try the rope round my waist, you can lower me down.
OK, good thinking, scout.
Oh, God, Daddy, what - Honey, get down.
Get down here now.
Point the light right on Mommy.
Hold that light there, don't let it move.
Can you do that? Yes.
OK, let's go.
Hang on, Mom.
OK, are you ready? Butchie, hurry! Let's go get her.
Hang on, Emma, hang on! He's coming.
Are you OK? Let's go.
Careful, Butchie.
Hang on, kid.
(GRUNTS WITH EFFORT) Keep going! You're almost there, Sam.
Watch out, don't knock any rocks.
Easy, Sam.
How are you doing, scout? Almost there.
ALEX: Come on, hurry! Get her, Butchie! Hang on, Emma, just hang on! Mom! Butchie.
I'm right here, Mom.
Grab my hand.
Come on, Mom, grab him! Argh! Mom, hold on! Emma! We need more rope! OK.
Mom, hang on, please.
That's it, scout.
Mom, Mom, grab my hand.
Hurry, Sam.
Reach, reach down a little more, a little more.
Grab my hand, Mom.
Argh! Emma! Mom! How are you doing down there? That's it, grab it, Sam.
Now pull.
Pull up.
OK, scout.
Pull, Dad, pull! Hold on, here we go! Pull up, pull more.
Pull her up, Sam.
Stay there, stay there.
Let it out a little.
That's good.
OK, come on up, Mom.
You've got to get up.
Wrap your hands around my shoulders.
Get on my back.
Can you hold on? Hold on.
Mom, hang on, please.
Pull me up! Come on, Hank, you can do it! Pull, pull.
Hang on.
Come on, Dad.
Pull, Dad, pull! Almost there, Mom.
Come on, there we go.
Come on, Dad.
(SOBS) (GRUNTS WITH EFFORT) Here, give me your hand, honey, give me your hand.
Give me the other one.
Here we go.
Up we come now.
That's it.
Just a little further.
OK, I got you, I got you.
Oh, God.
I thought I'd lose you.
My God, I almost lost you.
Oh, Hank.
I love you so much.
I love you so much.
(KISSES) (SOBS) Ohhh.
How'd you know, scout? How'd you know? Moon River (INSTRUMENTAL) Well, hey, there, scout.
It's a little past your bedtime, isn't it? Yeah, well, I guess so.
Well, I think he's earned an extra hour.
Yeah! 'And this next tune is a special request by Hank for his special little lady Emma.
' When you Are far away And I am blue What'll I do? What'll I do When I SAM: They make a beautiful couple.
I think they're gonna make it, Al.
Yeah, I think so.
The big thing is, Emma goes to college.
They even move to Miami so she can get her doctorate in Speech & Drama.
And they're still together? Mm.
They even switch roles.
Hank retired to play golf and hang around the house, take care of the kids and she's still teaching in the university.
That's great.
So When do I leap? Well, Ziggy has a very interesting hypothesis about that.
Yes, it's called the Big Sister Theory.
Big Sister Theory? What are you - Oh, argh! That's my hair Who is it you're doing now, Superman? Yes.
Butchie, let me go! Not until you promise to never tease or abuse your little brother again.
That means no Charlie Horses, no noogies, no wedgies, no ear flicks and no purple nipples.
OK, OK! You promise? (ECHOES) I promise, I promise! Come on! (SAM CHUCKLES) You know, Butchie.
Huh? You're all right, for a twerp.
Oh, boy!