DIFF'RENT STROKES {DIFFERENT STROKES}: THE TRIP: PARTS 1 AND 2 {CROSSOVER WITH "HELLO, LARRY"} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of comedies about the family life of wealthy white industrialist Philip Drummond and his adopted African-American sons, Arnold and Willis. This two-part episode is a crossover with "Hello, Larry," the comedy series about Larry Alder, a divorced radio talk-show host raising his two daughters in Portland, Oregon.
In this episode, with spring break approaching, Willis ponders attending baseball camp, though Arnold is annoyed to learn that he is too young. Mr. Drummond suggests that the family take a vacation together, and receives a phone call from his old Army buddy Larry in Portland, who says that Mr. Drummond's company has recently purchased his radio station. Mr. Drummond decides to head to Oregon to inspect the station and catch up with his old friend. He invites Kimberly, Edna, and the boys to come along. Edna decides to visit her sister in Seattle, but Mr. Drummond then learns that his company may have to automate the radio station, meaning that Larry will lose his job. Nevertheless, the family prepares for the trip with fishing and scuba gear; everyone is excited until Arnold learns that they will be flying, and he refuses due to a fear of airplanes. They attempt to explain the basic principles of flight to him, and Willis recreates the pleasant experience of air travel, posing as a friendly flight attendant. However, Arnold remains unconvinced. But when he overhears his family members offering to stay behind with him, he reconsiders and agrees to make the trip with them.
In Portland, the Alders nervously wait for the Drummonds, with Larry explaining about his ongoing joke with Mr. Drummond about a four-dollar bet. After some confusion at the gates, daughter Ruthie meets Arnold, who declares that he now loves flying; the two families eventually convene, with Larry expressing mild surprise at his friend's sons' race. Edna heads off to surprise her sister, and Larry insists that the Drummonds stay at his home rather than a hotel. The two friends are glad to see each other, but Mr. Drummond then receives a phone call confirming that he must fire Larry, and he decides to put it off.
Back at the Alders' small apartment, Ruthie offers the boys some snacks and Arnold expresses delight at staying with a "radio celebrity." Ruthie notices the boys' reaction when she mentioned the station, however, and eventually they confess to her about her father's fate, swearing her to secrecy. Larry and Mr. Drummond catch up, and Larry explains that though his divorce was tough, he loves his current job and life with his daughters. Ruthie anxiously admits to her father that she knows a secret, however, and eventually tells him the truth. Larry is stunned to hear from Mr. Drummond that it is true. Mr. Drummond assures him that it is not personal and offers him a position as station manager, but Larry is hurt at the betrayal, saying that an automated system will not offer the same "personal touches," and the two argue.
Later, Larry chats with callers on his radio show and prepares to introduce Ruthie and the boys on air, which makes Arnold nervous when he learns the size of the listening audience. Larry's producer desperately attempts to flatter Mr. Drummond as she gives him a tour of the building, hoping to convince him to save the station. Larry introduces the three kids, and they immediately bring up his disagreement with Mr. Drummond and then read a poem of their own creation about the tenets of friendship. The men seem moved by it, and Mr. Drummond later informs Larry that he can keep his job after all. He says that he was impressed by the "warm and personal" feel of the station and is not acting out of charity. Edna rejoins the group, having accidentally missed her sister, and the two families resume their friendship, sealed with a song and dance from Larry and Mr. Drummond. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: March 30, 1979 8:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:49:03
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:61290
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; African-American Collection - Comedy
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1978-1985; ABC - 1985-1986
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Dick Bensfield … Executive Producer
- Perry Grant … Executive Producer
- Herbert Kenwith … Producer, Director
- George Tibbles … Producer
- Howard Leeds … Producer, Writer
- Martin Cohan … Producer, Writer
- John Maxwell Anderson … Associate Producer
- Rita Dillon … Associate Producer
- Doug Rogers … Director
- Bernie Kukoff … Created by
- Jeff Harris … Created by
- Ben Starr … Writer
- Woody Kling … Writer
- Gloria Loring … Theme Music by
- Alan Thicke … Theme Music by
- Al Burton … Theme Music by
- Gary Coleman … Cast, Arnold Jackson
- Conrad Bain … Cast, Phillip Drummond
- Todd Bridges … Cast, Willis Jackson
- Dana Plato … Cast, Kimberly Drummond
- Charlotte Rae … Cast, Mrs. Edna Garrett
- McLean Stevenson … Cast, Larry Alder
- Kim Richards … Cast, Ruthie Alder
- Donna Wilkes … Cast, Diane Alder
- Joanna Gleason … Cast, Morgan Winslow
- George Memmoli … Cast, Carl