Home Before Dark

Ahem. Excuse me.

Yes.

My name is Arnold Bronn.

I've come for my wife. She's going home today.

Oh, yes.

If you'll wait in the reception room,

Dr. Collins will be in to see you.

Sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. Bronn.

Mr. Bronn, it's been a year

Since she's seen the outside world.

You can't estimate what that means.

Don't think of her as a patient,

But rather a normal human being

Who's come through a long illness.

She has to learn to deal with people and situations again.

Little by little,

She can begin to resume her normal responsibilities...

At her own speed.

Charlotte told me she'd like to see a psychiatrist

When she feels better.

Did you advise that?

We talked about it.

As you know, we're not equipped here

To extend our therapy into any real analytical work.

A private psychiatrist might help her.

See how she feels about it when she's stronger.

There's one thing. Please sit down, Mr. Bronn.

The last time we talked,

Her stepmother and stepsister were living with you.

Are they still there?

Yes.

That might not be such a good idea.

I'm thinking of the resentment

Your wife showed toward her stepsister

During her violent period.

That was months ago. Now that she's better--

The problem between your wife and her stepsister

Goes very deep,

Back to a strong childhood resentment.

Her stepsister was taking care of her

At the time she was committed.

She was already sick before that.

Mr. Bronn, many patients released from the hospital as cured

Return to us within the year.

All too often, the reason is

That they're returned to the same situation

Which precipitated the breakdown in the first place.

Actually, before Charlotte was sick,

She and Joan got along very well.

Now that she's better,

I don't think it will be a strain.

Besides, I'm relying on Joan and her mother

To take care of Charlotte.

Let's put it this way.

If it puts her under stress,

Then it would be best to make other arrangements.

You understand? Good luck.

Dr. Collins.

Yes?

I've been staying in the downstairs den.

Do you think it would be better if I continued,

If she had our room to herself for a while?

I don't think so, unless she needs to be alone.

I don't think she will.

You work that out between you.

Come on, honey.

Well, Charlotte.

Arnold!

There, there now.

I'm sorry. I--

I didn't know I would cry.

There's papers to sign at the desk, Mr. Bronn.

Come on.

We're going to get out of here.

If you will sign this right here, please, Mr. Bronn.

Oh.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

And good luck, Mrs. Bronn.

Thank you.

Don't forget your suitcase, darling.

Oh.

Goodbye, Mrs. Franklin. And thank you.

Goodbye.

Don't be a stranger.

Come back and see us sometime.

I won't be coming back, Mrs. Franklin.

I'll write you a letter.

Bye-bye.

Goodbye.

No, no. Wait there.

I'll back up the car.

I'll come, too.

That's foolish. You'll catch cold.

But I want to be with you.

Please, Arnold.

All right. Come on.

We've made good time.

We'll be home before dark.

My mother used to say that.

We'll be home before dark.

It always made me feel so safe.

I told Joan to expect us between 5:00 and 6:00.

How good to see Joan again.

You will be happy to see Joan, won't you?

Yes. I've missed her.

Do you remember when she visited you last spring?

Dr. Collins told me.

You attacked her.

How awful I was.

Arnold, I don't remember what I said or did.

Whatever it was, I didn't know what I was doing.

Has she forgiven me?

Oh, I'm sure she's forgotten it.

My only concern was how you feel...

About Joan.

I love Joan.

I told you, didn't i, that we have a boarder?

Yes, you mentioned it last week.

I've forgotten his name.

Jacob Diamond.

He's on temporary assignment to the college,

Assisting me in the department.

He's bright.

I wish there weren't going to be

A stranger in the house.

Why does he have to board with us?

It was my idea...

Until he knows whether or not he's permanent.

He had planned on a hotel,

But Dr. Hoskins decided it looked inhospitable.

We've never had a Jew on the faculty before.

There's been some pretty strong feeling among the members.

Nobody wants an influx.

Is one man considered an influx?

Dr. Hoskins was upset with him about it.

He brought Diamond into the department.

Anyway, he was pleased

When I invited Diamond to stay with us.

As you know, I've always been opposed to anti-Semitism.

There's been no official announcement,

But I'm sure Hoskins will retire at the end of the term.

I think he'll recommend me for the job.

Arnold, we're here.

Well, here's Crockett street.

It looks just the way it always did.

Oh, Joan!

Ohh!

Good to have you home.

Charlotte.

Oh, Charlotte.

Well, you look so tired, and your hair, Charlotte...

Mom, for Pete's sake.

Arnold, I won't look like this for very long.

You'll see. I'll do my hair and wear makeup.

And I'll stay out of sight

Until I look a little more human.

You really don't look so terribly bad, dear.

Now you're home where I can take care of you.

The doctor says it's a matter of recuperation

As it would be after any illness.

Yes, of course.

Charlotte, I know how tired you must be.

Go upstairs and have a nice nap before dinner.

I have to go out-- Sunday night church supper--

And you know me, I've got it all to do myself.

But I've arranged for the others to take over

So I don't have to stay.

I'd have gotten out of it if I'd been able,

But I can't say no.

Mom, you're late, aren't you?

Oh, yes. I'm so confused.

If only I didn't get myself involved in these things.

Joan, have you seen my glasses?

Charlotte, I was so worried

About you driving home in the storm.

The highways are dangerous... Cars skidding.

I need the keys to the car.

Arnold. Arnold!

Do you have the keys to the car? I'm late!

My gloves.

What did I do with my lists?

I think you put them in the den.

Oh, I don't know what I'm doing today.

Charlotte, don't pay any attention to me.

I'm half out of my mi--

Uh, uh... Don't pay any attention to me.

I don't know what I'm saying.

Joan, your jigsaw puzzle.

Joan, I can't find them!

Oh!

On the desk!

They're not on the--

Oh.

They were on the desk.

Now, will you be good?

Will you go right upstairs?

Mom, do you have everything?

My gloves. Oh, yes, I have them.