EAST SIDE / WEST SIDE: WHO DO YOU KILL? (TV)
Summary
One in this drama series about social worker Neil Brock's wide-ranging cases while working in some of New York City's grittier neighborhoods.
Joe and Ruth Goodwin are a married black couple living in Harlem with their infant child. Joe is dissatisfied with his life, constantly looking after the baby and unable to get anything above a menial job, while Ruth works in a neighborhood bar. Joe is taking a trade school course, but he feels as though it won’t help him get a job, as few will recognize his status due to his race. A protest is being held at their local church against Harlem living conditions, but Joe feels that protests are not effective in getting results. He tells Ruth he has quit his course and starts to go out for the night, but a rat bites their baby and Joe is forced to run to the hospital when he can’t catch a cab.
Neil and Jane are at the hospital on an unrelated matter when they hear about Joe and Ruth; Jane is a friend of Ruth’s and offers her support. Neil notices Joe’s expression, discerning that he wants some form of vengeance but there is no single human culprit to target in this instance. Frieda recommends attending the church protest to voice their grievances while Jane tries to get Ruth to attend as well. The protest in interrupted by an angry Joe, who says that the aims of the protest are not rooted in the “here and now.” He leaves with Ruth, saying only that his baby is dying. Jane follows close behind.
Later, Neil, Jane, and Ruth meet at a diner. Ruth elaborates on Joe’s job situation. Neil calls Frieda, who is trying to contact the employment office to help out Joe. Neil then calls the hospital; the baby has stopped bleeding but her wound has been infected and her prognosis is uncertain. When Neil reports this to Ruth she becomes nervous and goes to find Joe; Jane and Neil accompany her.
They find Joe back in his apartment. Joe is not receptive to Neil’s help; he has a hard time trusting white people because he feels belittled and betrayed by them. The employment office cannot find work for Joe due to discriminatory business practices. Frieda and Jane try to set up Joe with a maintenance job. Finally Joe and Ruth find out about their baby: the infection was too strong and she is dead.
Ruth, sick with grief, lies around her apartment, refusing food. She does not wish to attend her child’s funeral, despite Joe’s efforts. Joe visits Neil, who tries to offer him some words of comfort. The local reverend visits Joe and Ruth, offering wisdom of his own. At first it doesn’t seem to work, but after he leaves Joe and Ruth break down and share a tender moment with each other.
The baby’s funeral is held at a specific time due to health regulations. Mourners shuffle out of the church as the ceremony ends. The episode ends as Ruth arrives at the last minute; embracing Joe. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: November 4, 1963 10:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:50:05
- COLOR/B&W: B&W
- CATALOG ID: 104497
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama; African-American Collection - Drama
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1963-1964
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Arnold Perl … Executive Producer, Writer
- Larry Arrick … Producer
- Don Kranze … Producer
- Willard Levitas … Associate Producer
- Tom Gries … Director
- Kenyon Hopkins … Music by
- George C. Scott … Cast, Neil Brock
- Elizabeth Wilson … Cast, Frieda Hechlinger
- Cicely Tyson … Cast, Jane Foster
- Godfrey Cambridge … Cast, Portly
- George Gaynes … Cast, Mr. Stowe
- John McCurry … Cast, Morgan
- Maxwell Glanville … Cast, Reverend Williams
- Diana Sands … Cast, Ruth Goodwin
- James Earl Jones … Cast, Joe Goodwin
- Dan Morgan … Cast
- Earl Syndor … Cast
- Doris Belack … Cast
- P. Jay Sidney … Cast
- Cynthia Belgrave … Cast
- Stephen Pearlman … Cast
- Carla Pinza … Cast
- Nancy Olivieri … Cast
- Rai Saunders … Cast
- Lenzie Perry … Cast